Thank you SO much for watching! I'm so grateful for your support! Here are a few links to my ABSOLUTE favorite make-up products, they aren't super boujie but I've used them each for 5 years +! Maybelline Mineral Foundation (I use the shade "creamy natural"): rstyle.me/+YW4OBnveQB0YZEZJRjwhbQ Covergirl Concealer (I use "light" in the winter, "medium" in the summer): rstyle.me/+UEClKBFZg6a7a7NvIkP9VQ Physicians Formula Eyeliner: rstyle.me/+oM81rb2J7Wux8FZYJtK4nw ...more links in the description! Have a great day! Dawn
I agree in minimalist! It is so much more peaceful home. I love the beige sandals you showed. Can you provide link? I too can’t wear anything cheap as it flairs plantar fasciitis.
I made bread from scratch by hand for 6 months to make sure I was committed to it before buying a Bosch mixer. I am still making bread with it 22 years later.
Don’t waste your money on a mixer. Make no knead bread. It takes 5 minutes and no special equipment. I’ve been making it several times week for about 5 years.
One of my favorite kid gifts to give is a gift card to a book store along with a gift card to a local coffee shop. So they can have a date with a parent to get a smoothie/hot chocolate and a muffin and then go book shopping. ❤ Its not clutter and it still gives them an experience.
When my daughter was young we loved to go to our local book store as it had big comfy chairs and a small cafe. We spent many Friday nights on a girls date - reading books and drinking hot chocolate at that store sharing a big overstuffed chair - one of my fondest memories!!! Your gift idea is excellent!
I decluttered 39 garbage bags full of household goods!!!! Felt so wonderful handing off to the donation center this past weekend. Would never have believed I had so much! I still have a few rooms to go! Thank you for your videos!
I absolutely love magazines. I decluttered probably close to 300 before I moved 5 years ago. I’ve discovered that all my favorites are on my local library’s app. They are free and no clutter. Win win!
I've been obsessed with magazines since I was a teen. I even wanted to be a magazine editor. For Christmas one year I asked for the book (new at that time) Basic Black by Cathy Black (the magazine editor). I still have a collection of magazines from years ago. I think it's partly the fact that tangible magazines are on their way out so it's like no one day I won't be able to buy them! Lol I know but there's just those certain things you can't part ways with! I also have a collection of DVDs. 🥴🤷🏻♀️
@@kaylariggs5188 I miss the old magazines that were made on thick, shiny paper too. I canceled my subscription to Country Living Magazine because it’s now basically newsprint. The photographs are not clear even. I had years of Martha Stewart Living magazines and I wish I had kept them. My one decluttering mistake!
I consider myself a maintenance declutterer. I guess that's what it's called. But every once in a while I peel another layer off that onion and take a hard look at what's left in our home that not being used. As I type this, I have four boxes of stuff that is going to the donation center tomorrow. Every little bit that gone, I feel a little more weight off my shoulders. And I love walking around my home now and seeing how peaceful it is without too much stuff.
This is the stage I’m in as well! Rearranging rooms in our home this weekend and some large furniture items and boxes of smaller things will be leaving our home.
Dawn, I couldn’t wait to tell you this. Last Sunday at church they announced that our missionary team was making their twice yearly trip to Baja, Mexico to serve at Dorothy’s House. I almost said out loud “Oh, I have a friend who has gone there with her family!” I knew they had gone to Mexico many times but didn’t know it was to Dorothy’s House. We live in Yuma, Arizona so it’s closer to us than Minnesota. Small world. Donna
Regarding bedding, we keep one spare set of sweets. My kids have this tendency to become ill in the night. I need a clean set of sheets to put on their bed at 2 am while the vomit-covered ones are in the wash. We initially thought we could just do one spare set to share, then a stomach bug tore through our house. Everyone has a spare set of sheets now. No, they dont get used lile that constantly, but when we need them we NEED them.
Uggh, that’s a stage of life I _definitely_ don’t miss-the age when kids bring stomach bugs home like stray pets! It was bad enough _always_ being the one who had to clean up the puke (especially when I’m a borderline emetophobic), but within two days I’d be flat on my back from the same bug Every. Single. Time! All it would take would be a kid puking for the first time, and you might as well start the clock!
I am 71 and keep an extra set if sheets because I have fatigue and don't always have energy to wait until sheets come out of dryer before I need to lay down.
@@joycej9415 Right on Joyce! At 82 I can't always rush to the washer when I take the sheets off. I my youth, all sheets were flat sheets. You toss the bottom sheet in the laundry basket, and put last week's top sheet on the bottom. ONE clean flat sheet to wash and fold. No folded sheets to wrestle folding - (or worse, toss because the elastic broke). Less wash, only one sheet per bed. It's efficient and less expensive (since flat sheets are still cheaper).
After watching you for years, I am always surprised that I still come away with "nuggets" to apply to my household! Thanks for continuing to find ways to inspire me!
"When you declutter, you're confronted with every wrong buying decision you've ever made." So true. I'm also getting better about applying this to gifts recieved that have gone unused or someone else could better appreciate by donating.
Yes, it can be uncomfortable to declutter gifts. It makes me feel guilty. It can feel wasteful, but it makes me realize someone else could use the item, instead of it just collecting dust.
Gifts for kids: My 10 year daughter told all her guests to give her either giftcards for books or "experiences". Now she is looking forward to camping with one family, a trip to the forest with another and bouldering with the third. Honestly, finding a date for all this stresses me out, too, but it strengthens our social network, makes her really happy and when the stressing part for me is over, it's over and doesn't clutter our tiny space.
I do this with all the neighbors kids. Give a small gift card that fits the theme of the event. The kids and the adults appreciate the memories far more than a gift that clutters up the house.
Over 800 videos? Omg Dawn, I remember watching your first videos as if it was yesterday. And you are still my favourite RUclipsr after all these years. So grateful for your important work!!❤
I’ve been decluttering and minimizing for over eight years. I agree that life is so much better, stress free, and enjoyable. I no longer go shopping as an activity, I no longer even have a desire to buy anything, even groceries are minimized to just what I need right now, not what I might make someday. The best part is that I save money. For the first time I am totally debt free. And it feels good! I have a tidy, organized home, and am able to build my savings account. There are so many benefits to being minimal. I follow several channels and am grateful for each one. Dawn, you have changed my life for the better. Thank you.
Right?! My 4yo got a Target gift card for her birthday and taking her to shop with her own money was fun AND I learned a lot about what she would choose for herself.
I never understood gift cards, you take money that is good everywhere and turn it into money only usable in 1 place (store gift cards) I get gift cards from work about every 6 months, have about 9 of them and rarely go where they are accepted
I LOVE what you said about the products. I’m carrying that over to food as well lately. My new mantra is “buy what you know.” I’m over “trying new things” at this point. It’s more of a waste than a discovery of something fabulous. Seriously.
One thing that can help make the "trying new things" work better is not to buy the thing unless you know how you're going to use it and that you're going to use it in the next week. So if it's a "I'm going to use that at dinner tonight" give it a go. If it's a " I could use that sometime for something", put it back on the shelf
Upgrading my storage containers to glass felt so luxurious!😂 I keep a very small number of plastic containers on hand to send home leftovers with my kids.
I know a family that all bring their own leftover containers from home to split up any extras after holiday or birthday gatherings with the extended family. No extra tupperware needed then!
I find glass containers to be heavy when there is food in them and lids on them. I am an elderly lady and don’t have the strength to lift them especially when on an upper shelf of fridge. So I prefer plastic containers.
Storing containers with the lids on has been such a game changer! We know if we are running low on containers, that means we have food that needs eaten up!
Thank you so much! Since joining your mentorship group 16 months ago, I have purged 80+% of our belongings!! Over 220,000 items gone! It’s bloody FANTASTICALLY FREEING! The challenges and contests have been key for me as I reach The Fine Tuning phase of the Success Path: 1) The Beginning. 2) The Messy Middle. 3)Tipping Point- we see our stuff what IT REALLY IS. 4) Fast Progress. 5) Fine Tuning. 6) Maintenance. I don’t know how I would have gotten through The Messy Middle w/o YOU! Tytytyty!!
if you pay monthly, it is $15.00 per month. If you pay yearly with that payment plan, it is $11.25 per month. I love the daily short videos (5 min or so), also the kind community support helps so much.
I love that you make it all not about some big moral values but about feeling good. For me it was revolutionary to buy only clothes that really fit me right now. I was so bad at that. I always bought stuff for "phantasy" me. Me 10 kg lighter, sportier, going to more fancy events......And this stuff made me feel so bad.
I love your idea of one plate and bowl for each person in the house, which you featured in other videos. My son lives in a small house with 2 roommates and no dishwasher. There were constantly dishes in the sink and it was hard to wash your own dish without needing to wash some of theirs in order to use the sink. He was so frustrated. I took all of the extra plates back to my house (they were ours in the first place) and left a plate and bowl for each person. Now he's able to wash his stuff immediately after eating so he has it for the next meal. It's been SO HELPFUL! So many of your ideas are truly life changing! I always recommend you to friends. Sending love and appreciation from Ohio ❤
For birthdays, we have asked Grandparents for money, gift cards or an experience. We also make our own birthday cakes together. We usually have family birthday parties. But on "big" numbers like 5, 10, or 15 we do a friend party. We ask for no gifts but if friends want to bring something, we usually ask for gifts for charity. One year we collected Hotwheels for Operation Christmas Child. Another year we asked the kids to bring a can of their favorite soup for the local food pantry. When our kiddos were younger, we celebrated Christmas in July with my husband's side of the family as that is the time we usually get together. We put up a small Christmas tree, drank hot cocoa and had snowball fights with fabric snowballs. So fun and then half of the presents were during summer rather than being overwhelmed at Christmas time. We also did a shared Santa gift like a large Lego set. Friends thought I was crazy but my kids loved it! I also had a friend who thrifted gifts when her kids were younger. No packaging or waste. So many toys out there that are like brand-new. You could even watch the Rudolph movie and ask Santa for gifts from the Island of Misfit Toys!
Must admit im afraid to not have a small bath rug to step out of the shower onto . It is a small one like you find in a hotel so very easily laundered but im afraid of slipping . Of course im in my 70 so perhaps that's why . I have gotten rid of every other rug in the house and vacumning and moping is just a breeze now !
I keep my bath mats too but once you are a lot older the rugs will go bc they actually will cause you to fall. My mom can't do any bath rugs now. She's on a walker.
I put items in my cart & let them sit there for a while. I have 200s of "save for later" items in my Amazon cart that I never went back and purchased. This has saved me thousands of dollars!
I used to subscribe to so many magazines. As I got older it was harder to read them. I haven't bought any in years. I do buy my grandson a Nat Geo Kids subscription because he enjoys it so much. I am also trying to use up all duplicate cleaners so I can just get the ones I really like. Same with personal care products. I try to give my grandson practical gifts like a suitcase for Hanukkah, his summer wardrobe each year (his mom picks them out), and a kids size chair which he absolutely uses. I also include a few toys at this age. Bottom line is I wish you had been around when my kids were little.
Thanks Dawn. I really appreciate what you share. I have found the more I declutter, the less I want to bring in, the less I want to buy, the less I want to shop. Thank you for all the good information.
Making the switch to glass was easy for me. Granted, I live alone now but a lot of times I grab a soup bowl from my everyday dinnerware for leftovers etc and flip a salad plate over it to use as a cover. Saves plastic wrap and I found it keeps odors from things like hard boiled eggs contained better.
I am cooking for one person, so I use small containers that usually hold a sandwich. I stack the containers and put the lids in a large container by type. I use a lot of these because each recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings. By dividing the recipe and putting some in the freezer, this allows for variety in my meals and I don't have to eat meatloaf every night for a week. I also am not a big shopper. My daughter still has her wedding registry online and I use it to choose gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries. I have priorities about things I use. I only use pens that do not have caps. I gather up the ones with caps, check them, and donate the good ones to the church or other organizations. I also don't wear slacks unless they have pockets. Others are donated.
We just moved this year and decluttered so much and am committed to having a home for all items, extra space, and will make sure to unpack every box. Thank you for all the reminders to stay on track!!!
Impulse purchases: particularly online, e.g. from Amazon. I used to be terrible for this but now I put these impulse buys into my basket and choose "Save for later". This gives me a "cooling off" period; a week or so later, I can review these items and find that I no longer want half of them.
I understand about gift cards being taboo. Before I retired, giving gifts at work was the norm. I gave gift cards and felt the scorn, like you didn't take the time to pick out a very special gift just perfect for that person. Thats what I would have wanted--a gift card so i can pick it out myself.
And we do keep bottled water.. After the freeze in 2021 here in texas taking out the water treatment plants and now hurricane season, its definitely on our preparedness lists...
I really enjoyed yesterday that my husband and i took a couple bags to donate and we bought a doughnut on the way home. We bought 1 small consumable item and didn't bring any clutter back into the house!
Dawn, Great video! The only thing I would continue to buy is bottled water. Our city water tastes awful. We gave up rugs when I started to trip over them due to my foot being numb. We throw a towel down before our shower & then throw it in the washer afterward. I haven't been in a big store like Walmart in 8 years & I haven't missed it. 😊
Our city water is awful too. We use a Brita water pitcher with replaceable filters and fill it up using tap water. I prefer its taste over any of the bottled waters. Any water in a plastic bottle tastes plasticky to me. The Brita water doesn't.
The internet is my "magazine ", but I do subscribe to my local weekly newspaper. It keeps me advised of local events and provides my parrot with fresh cage floor liner!😊
Just found your channel as we are packing to move our family of 8! I have taken LOADS of unnecessary stuff to Goodwill and it's such a win-win. The stuff is not causing stress anymore AND we don't have to box it and load it and move it to another state and then unload it and unpack it! Thanks for the inspiration 😁
I need at least 2 sets of linens for each bed--one for summer & one for winter, or at least some sort of a backup in case one gets wet or messy and I don't have time to do laundry right away.
Jes Marcy has a video on why we thrift shop, and has a cool idea called the 'catch and release' principle, where the biggest thrill is getting it in your basket. So you carry it round in the basket while you look, you get the thrill of possessing it for a bit, them release it, since you probably didn't really need the item realistically anyway.
Regarding kid gifts, I always ask the parents if there is anything that the child has requested or if there is an accessory for something they have or are getting that we could purchase for them. If not, we do cash or gift cards. Makes it so much easier. Our own kids started having experiences with friends around 8 with a small party. Time is short; make those memories!
Its a great day when Dawn has a new video! I can only imagine how many hours each video takes. I super appreciate your desire to give us great content.
Thank you for such great content. I am learning that Clutter has been such a trigger to my anxiety. I am slowly learning that my house has been yelling at me and I wasn't listening.
Thank you for your channel. My house was filled with junk. When the pandemic hit, I couldn't stand being home with all my junk. In 2020 I started watching your videos and decluttering. It took years. I had so many shoes. Now I own only 1 pair of shoes. I bought them in 2022 and I just replaced them.
One pair? OMGosh, that's extreme! Sorry, that sounded very judgemental, and I don't mean it like that, honestly. I too have too many shoes, and am in the process of weeding them out, but one pair world be hard. I wear my Hokas probably 90% of the time, but in summer I do need a couple of pairs (maybe not the 10 in my closet) of sandals. :)
@@deniseharwood9521 Yes 1. It Feels so good not to be surrounded by items I don't use. I feel happy and lighter. In my bedroom I have nothing but a bed and a TV mounted to the wall. I sleep easy. I used to have insomnia because for years because I slept in a room filled with junk. Decluttering has been life changing for me.
If you live in a city I would advise to have at least 2 weeks of clothing & extra bedding/towels. Living in a city that had a feeder main break with no water outside & volunteer water restriction inside. Short showers, limiting laundry, dish washing & toilet flushing for the past 2 weeks looking at least another 4 weeks.
For me the hardest is kitchen and household gadgets because some of them may really make my life easier but you dont know before you really try. So I think about every purchase for a longer period but if the wish is still on my mind after weeks and i can afford it i'll give it a try.
I still have my 40 year old Osterizer blender! It works perfectly. I did buy a smaller blender for small jobs, but I have never bought new cookware. I purchased my stainless steel cookware 30 years ago and have been very happy with it as well.
If I see big yellow Clearance signs now I just don't even look - I agree, the products are nearly always rubbish the store has purchased specifically to 'mark down'. LOVE your channel - you light up my day often
I no longer buy these items either.I have a Great Grandson arriving soon and I am not buying anything. The Baby shower took care of it. I will have to buy a car seat and that will be it. So excited to see him!!! I look forward to every video!!!!
As grandparents we do event gift cards for birthdays and Christmas (food places, zoo, skating, movies, trampoline place etc) I have been on this journey to clean out for a year now. Things are more comfortable in our home. I spend less time managing things and enjoying life. Love your channel. PU is for sure the way to go.
As a first time viewer, I was so impressed by your message. It is indeed true about clutter causing stress. Years ago I read 'Living the Simple Life' by Elaine St. James and it was a life saver. Thank you for sharing and helping people declutter their life.😊
Thank you so much for your straight forward common sense advice which has helped me tremendously to get started on decluttering my home. The biggest advice in the past month was “permission” to break up sets. Brilliant! My kitchen counter is clearer than it has been for a long time and I am encouraged to keep going! Thanks!
Moving is the best motivation for decluttering imo. We moved in late March and spent Jan - March getting rid of stuff as we packed. We were simultaneously downsizing and minimizing. Now we both know and use everything we own. And we have continued to get rid of things as we settle in, realizing that they no longer serve us in this new stage of life (retirement, empty nesters). The local college got all of my business wear for their "new graduates" pantry.
I’ve cleaned out my closet about 85% or more! Wow feel lighter, gave it to ladies in need. Working on my kitchen,living room! Some people think i’m crazy for the amount of things I’ve let go. I just say I am minimalistic. I have a long way to go. People think I’ve gone too far but there’s still areas in the kitchen and I think I need to go further. Like appliances it is hard when your husband thinks we need to keep them because they cost so much, but I do not use ! I guess I have more work to do on him. Lol 14:48 them
My son just turned 8. He got 6 gift cards at his birthday party. Now it’s work for me to either take him to stores or browse online where he wants everything he sees. I’d much rather a physical gift (of which he got 3 and was much more excited for). Maybe when he’s older the gift cards would work better.
I agree with you about not buying magazines anymore. Probably 75% of the magazines are ads now. If you’re an Amazon prime member there are lots of magazines that are included with prime. You just have to read them digitally which is better than bringing in paper magazines.
Thank you, Dawn! Finding your channel was the start of my minimalism journey. My hubby and I recently decided to move approx 1400km (900 miles), and instead of paying >$4000 to transport our stuff, we sold it all (for more than that). It has been so liberating to let go of all of the stuff, to not be ''possessed' by our possessions. Plus, we have the fun of buying only what we need for our new home.
EXCEPT for notebooks snd journals, I completely agree with this for me personally. For most others, I agree with this 100%. I use the calendar and notepad app on my phone for remembering things and for making lists, however my notebooks is where I let all of my emotions, thoughts and feelings fly. It’s the one way that I can express myself in a healthy way, use my voice, collect and understand my thoughts, feelings and emotions. For a long time (decades), I would say that “my $20 journals are cheaper than therapy!” Now that I’m in therapy, the continue to be an essential part of my life.
I needed this today! Were in the middle of trying to get an autism diagnosis for one of my sons. I’m in the middle of going through items that we could replace like food items, cleaning products, personal care and home products that we could use cleaner versions of to see if it may help his environment and I’m getting overwhelmed. I need to slow down, do my research and just make what I can at home. And use what we have first! I don’t want to crate a bunch of garbage in the mean time!
"Clean My Space" channel are awesome for cleaning tips and saying what items work best on things. Melissa also goes over homemade cleaner recipes using things like bicarbonate of soda, lemons, vinegar, dish soap, alcohol etc. if you wanna get away from stronger chemical cleaners.
I have to laugh at the part about noisy toys. My uncle had his kids before my dad had his own. When my cousins were young, my dad gave them as many noise making toys as he could. When my dad’s kids came along, my uncle returned the favor, but it was magnified by the technology changes over time. My mom was less than thrilled. I have been told this story numerous times over the years and don’t give noisy toys to anyone unless it is a specific request with parental approval. As for gifts, we usually do gift cards or experiences unless there is a specific request. We also are in the process of giving a particular book series to my two nephews to share. It is a series that we have had for years, and their mom wanted them to read. When my mom mentioned we have it, we decided to send it to them a book or two at a time for each birthday and Christmas. They look forward to it and enjoy it immensely.
Yes, it helps using your declutter video in background while actually doing the declutter. Even with small homes, I have found the need to declutter at least monthly.. was even more in the beginning, a year or so ago.
I like cash over gift cards. That way recipients can buy themselves an experience rather that a thing or buy from a local small business rather than a huge corporation.
I really love your videos. I have to sneak and throw things away at my parents. My dad saves junk! He saves boxes, cups from Burger King etc and even milk jugs. I don’t know what they’re for. Mom isn’t in good health so she doesn’t notice things tricking in. She does not like clutter. I sneak over while they’re out & fill a couple garbage bags up & load them in my Jeep and he never knows!
I think two sets of sheets per bed is fine. If people are sick or you have people who still wet the bed, the fact is life won't always allow getting those clean right away. Bonus if you live somewhere with both extreme cold and extreme heat. One set can be a cooler set of sheets and the other can be a more flannel type.
Finally just went through the storage container cabinet again. So much better when you put the lid on and forces me to have only what I absolutely need. And yes to the toys. My kids have very absent grandparents but they buy them a ridiculous amount of stuff for birthdays and Christmas. It's so stressful and we live in a small house. We've been focusing on clothes and books for presents and it's helping some. I always buy clothes for birthdays we go to
I practice these. I still to this day have to work on it but I am never regretting not purchasing something that the world 🌍 tells me I need. I love being more mindful and minimal. Peace ✌🏻 to me always wins. ❤
I love that you are teaching people that clutter and guilt thoughts can cause a huge amount of stress in people’s lives! Great tips on this video, plus you have such a pretty face with those big beautiful blue eyes of your are mesmerizing! Bravo! 😉
Thank you!! I've been trying to be more minimal. I like your idea of one set of sheets. We have several for the kids, from a flannel to summer cotton. You inspired me to clean out our sheets... I think having an extra pair of sheets is helpful is someone is sick in the middle of the night. Thank you again!
You are so right about all the extra in the house with stress and depression. Always thinking is my house clean oh I have to clean or buy more or next new thing. You are absolutely right! I have been driving myself insane with the over load. Now I have been going room by room declutterring and feeling good. Thank you!
Dawn, I have learned so much from you. Over the last year I have cleared out things we don’t need, or don’t use. I’m not done, but our home is in great shape. Thank you for all of the wonderful advice you offer, it’s changed the way I look at so many aspects of my life now.
In my entry way, I put long vinyl kitchen mats,easy to mop or wipe. in winter months, the water and mud get the fabric mats dirty. I was washing every other day.
Great list! I still buy bottled water but only when it’s on clearance! We store it in our laundry room for hurricane season because when one comes you won’t be able to get it anymore!
The only thing I disagree with is the giving gift cards- but that’s because my family is notorious for forgetting about them when we receive them. Very rare they get used. Would love other gift ideas. Love all the other tips!
I agree. My kids never used them, but my solution was to buy them back from them (for cash) and use the cards to buy Christmas gifts - I WILL make sure they're used! Even at 17 and 20 they don't use them unless they find an item online.
As part of decluttering we have recently been using up all our old gift cards - we're talking 10-15-20 years old. 😅 We've discovered that they may not work at point of purchase any more, but they still have value, so don't throw them away. You may have to call the vendor and they will send a replacement.
@@Ciao_Bella This is what I'm trying to do. I have a small box for our gift cards, and I've been calling different places to find a balance on them. I found a grocery store card that we got as part of a wedding gift 15 years ago!
I am a quilter and I also make tons of smaller quilted bags and zipper pouches. For most gift occasions, I make a small bag in a fabric I know the recipient will like. And I tuck in a favorite treat. It could be a favorite candy, a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, a book, home made cookies, hand made scruncies or headbands, handpicked flowers, or something they've mentioned wanting. Most recipients will appreciate a small bag or zipper pouch and can easily find a use for it. So it doesnt become clutter. Those that truly don't want it, can treat it as a wrapping for whats inside, and toss it. Since I make them myself, and a have a large of stash of fabrics on hand, they rarely cost me more than buying a nice gift bag, and are a personal touch for a mostly consumable gift.
We downsized 5 years ago. Like others, we thought we did a great job…until we moved in. So every summer, I go through my entire home and get rid of anything I haven’t used in a year. This fall we are going through our loft in the garage and getting rid of decorations we have not used. We no longer host family gatherings so do not feel the need to decorate for every season. Our grandchildren are teens. We are keeping a few toys for when children, like younger nieces and nephews, visit.
I have just recently started watching. I like the simplicity of your home. I do have one question. As a family of six how do you do with 4 chairs at your dinning table? I like how minimal it looks, just wondering.
I share a lot of your videos with family members. Im certainly not a minimalist...yet, but I'm seeing all of the benefits the last few years if continuing to get rid of stuff and not purchase items I dont need!
I am 58. . . Your words are 100% spot on. I had a nerve growth between my 3rd and 4th toe at age 24. After surgery I gave up on any other type of shoe except well made tennis shoes. I pay big bucks ($100) for a pair and wear them till they die😂.
Not doing crafts because they are messy makes me sad. Computers, screens, digital things aren't messy but "doing things" is often quite messy. I know that minimalists are often against craft messes, but I've seen men minimalists invest in the latest and greatest computers/sound systems, cameras, etc. Sigh.
Absolutely love your channel as my husband and I continue our journey towards a more simple lifestyle. We have seen such progress mentally and financially! Thanks for being a main channel we look forward to watching for support and ideas.
Minimalism has really changed my perspective on the things we gift our kids. For example, in the past, I always thought things like buying Robux for the Roblox game was silly and a waste of money. (It costs real money to add fake money to the video game, are you serious?) But now I'm much more willing to give them a small Robux gift card for their birthday because it's a fun thing they really enjoy that adds zero extra clutter to my house. Or gifting teens with fast food gift cards we wouldn't normally have bought, but is a fun thing for them to do with their friends that adds no clutter to my life.
![DDG & G Herbo - Nosey [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I9Ra0Zc2NlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you SO much for watching! I'm so grateful for your support! Here are a few links to my ABSOLUTE favorite make-up products, they aren't super boujie but I've used them each for 5 years +!
Maybelline Mineral Foundation (I use the shade "creamy natural"): rstyle.me/+YW4OBnveQB0YZEZJRjwhbQ
Covergirl Concealer (I use "light" in the winter, "medium" in the summer): rstyle.me/+UEClKBFZg6a7a7NvIkP9VQ
Physicians Formula Eyeliner: rstyle.me/+oM81rb2J7Wux8FZYJtK4nw
...more links in the description! Have a great day! Dawn
I don't think Maybelline carries that mineral powder anymore. 😕
I agree in minimalist! It is so much more peaceful home. I love the beige sandals you showed. Can you provide link? I too can’t wear anything cheap as it flairs plantar fasciitis.
@@laurie3085 YES I want these as well.
What tan wedge sandals did you show in this video? They looked cute and comfy!
@@trubyboo40721:19 1:24 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
Love the way you just _started_ the video without a bunch of needless intro, explanation, etc.
100% agree.
Yes, thank you for great content.
Without the verbal “clutter” 😉
Yes! 🎉🎉
ABSOLUTELY agree
I would listen & watch no matter how U start your videos, I love them.
Yes!
I made bread from scratch by hand for 6 months to make sure I was committed to it before buying a Bosch mixer. I am still making bread with it 22 years later.
This is amazing 😅💖 I wish I did the same, but really working on it !
Love that!
I need a great recipe to get me started!
I want to do that!
Don’t waste your money on a mixer. Make no knead bread. It takes 5 minutes and no special equipment. I’ve been making it several times week for about 5 years.
One of my favorite kid gifts to give is a gift card to a book store along with a gift card to a local coffee shop. So they can have a date with a parent to get a smoothie/hot chocolate and a muffin and then go book shopping. ❤ Its not clutter and it still gives them an experience.
This is a fantastic idea! Using this, for sure.
So cute!
When my daughter was young we loved to go to our local book store as it had big comfy chairs and a small cafe. We spent many Friday nights on a girls date - reading books and drinking hot chocolate at that store sharing a big overstuffed chair - one of my fondest memories!!! Your gift idea is excellent!
That is LOVELY. As a kid or as an adult, that sounds like a day in paradise!
Love this
I decluttered 39 garbage bags full of household goods!!!! Felt so wonderful handing off to the donation center this past weekend. Would never have believed I had so much! I still have a few rooms to go! Thank you for your videos!
Wow.
That's amazing! Good for you!
That is amazing! 😊
I absolutely love magazines. I decluttered probably close to 300 before I moved 5 years ago. I’ve discovered that all my favorites are on my local library’s app. They are free and no clutter. Win win!
I've been obsessed with magazines since I was a teen. I even wanted to be a magazine editor. For Christmas one year I asked for the book (new at that time) Basic Black by Cathy Black (the magazine editor). I still have a collection of magazines from years ago. I think it's partly the fact that tangible magazines are on their way out so it's like no one day I won't be able to buy them! Lol I know but there's just those certain things you can't part ways with! I also have a collection of DVDs. 🥴🤷🏻♀️
@@kaylariggs5188 I miss the old magazines that were made on thick, shiny paper too. I canceled my subscription to Country Living Magazine because it’s now basically newsprint. The photographs are not clear even. I had years of Martha Stewart Living magazines and I wish I had kept them. My one decluttering mistake!
I consider myself a maintenance declutterer. I guess that's what it's called. But every once in a while I peel another layer off that onion and take a hard look at what's left in our home that not being used. As I type this, I have four boxes of stuff that is going to the donation center tomorrow. Every little bit that gone, I feel a little more weight off my shoulders. And I love walking around my home now and seeing how peaceful it is without too much stuff.
Same! It feels so amazing to have a minimal home that’s easy to manage!
Me too
Yep it’s amazing how good you feel seeing this stuff go and there is only a few things I miss but it’s definitely not the end of the world.
YES! I do this as well. So liberating!
This is the stage I’m in as well! Rearranging rooms in our home this weekend and some large furniture items and boxes of smaller things will be leaving our home.
Dawn, I couldn’t wait to tell you this. Last Sunday at church they announced that our missionary team was making their twice yearly trip to Baja, Mexico to serve at Dorothy’s House. I almost said out loud “Oh, I have a friend who has gone there with her family!” I knew they had gone to Mexico many times but didn’t know it was to Dorothy’s House. We live in Yuma, Arizona so it’s closer to us than Minnesota. Small world. Donna
Regarding bedding, we keep one spare set of sweets. My kids have this tendency to become ill in the night. I need a clean set of sheets to put on their bed at 2 am while the vomit-covered ones are in the wash. We initially thought we could just do one spare set to share, then a stomach bug tore through our house. Everyone has a spare set of sheets now. No, they dont get used lile that constantly, but when we need them we NEED them.
Uggh, that’s a stage of life I _definitely_ don’t miss-the age when kids bring stomach bugs home like stray pets! It was bad enough _always_ being the one who had to clean up the puke (especially when I’m a borderline emetophobic), but within two days I’d be flat on my back from the same bug Every. Single. Time! All it would take would be a kid puking for the first time, and you might as well start the clock!
This happens so frequently in our house I MUST have TWO extra sheet sets for every bed. I’ve needed those extras SO many times.
I am 71 and keep an extra set if sheets because I have fatigue and don't always have energy to wait until sheets come out of dryer before I need to lay down.
@@joycej9415 Right on Joyce! At 82 I can't always rush to the washer when I take the sheets off. I my youth, all sheets were flat sheets. You toss the bottom sheet in the laundry basket, and put last week's top sheet on the bottom. ONE clean flat sheet to wash and fold. No folded sheets to wrestle folding - (or worse, toss because the elastic broke). Less wash, only one sheet per bed. It's efficient and less expensive (since flat sheets are still cheaper).
I've stopped watching haul videos and it help immensely. Less wasted time and less waste in my house.
I did not what those are till I went to check and oh myyyy. I was shocked
After watching you for years, I am always surprised that I still come away with "nuggets" to apply to my household! Thanks for continuing to find ways to inspire me!
I know 😮
"When you declutter, you're confronted with every wrong buying decision you've ever made." So true. I'm also getting better about applying this to gifts recieved that have gone unused or someone else could better appreciate by donating.
Yes, it can be uncomfortable to declutter gifts. It makes me feel guilty. It can feel wasteful, but it makes me realize someone else could use the item, instead of it just collecting dust.
Yeah i laughed uncomfortably when she said that
Gifts for kids: My 10 year daughter told all her guests to give her either giftcards for books or "experiences". Now she is looking forward to camping with one family, a trip to the forest with another and bouldering with the third.
Honestly, finding a date for all this stresses me out, too, but it strengthens our social network, makes her really happy and when the stressing part for me is over, it's over and doesn't clutter our tiny space.
Your doughter? Your daughter, duh!
@@sonyafox3271oops. Have corrected it.
I do this with all the neighbors kids. Give a small gift card that fits the theme of the event. The kids and the adults appreciate the memories far more than a gift that clutters up the house.
Over 800 videos? Omg Dawn, I remember watching your first videos as if it was yesterday. And you are still my favourite RUclipsr after all these years. So grateful for your important work!!❤
Same! You've helped me so much!
I’ve been decluttering and minimizing for over eight years. I agree that life is so much better, stress free, and enjoyable. I no longer go shopping as an activity, I no longer even have a desire to buy anything, even groceries are minimized to just what I need right now, not what I might make someday. The best part is that I save money. For the first time I am totally debt free. And it feels good! I have a tidy, organized home, and am able to build my savings account. There are so many benefits to being minimal. I follow several channels and am grateful for each one. Dawn, you have changed my life for the better. Thank you.
PREACH IT Dawn! ❤❤❤❤❤ You’re the voice of reason in a world gone nuts
I never understood gift cards being taboo. Especially if you get them for a place you know has things the kid will love. I love gift cards!
Right?! My 4yo got a Target gift card for her birthday and taking her to shop with her own money was fun AND I learned a lot about what she would choose for herself.
I never understood gift cards, you take money that is good everywhere and turn it into money only usable in 1 place (store gift cards) I get gift cards from work about every 6 months, have about 9 of them and rarely go where they are accepted
I LOVE what you said about the products. I’m carrying that over to food as well lately. My new mantra is “buy what you know.” I’m over “trying new things” at this point. It’s more of a waste than a discovery of something fabulous. Seriously.
One thing that can help make the "trying new things" work better is not to buy the thing unless you know how you're going to use it and that you're going to use it in the next week. So if it's a "I'm going to use that at dinner tonight" give it a go. If it's a " I could use that sometime for something", put it back on the shelf
Upgrading my storage containers to glass felt so luxurious!😂 I keep a very small number of plastic containers on hand to send home leftovers with my kids.
I know a family that all bring their own leftover containers from home to split up any extras after holiday or birthday gatherings with the extended family. No extra tupperware needed then!
I find glass containers to be heavy when there is food in them and lids on them. I am an elderly lady and don’t have the strength to lift them especially when on an upper shelf of fridge. So I prefer plastic containers.
Storing containers with the lids on has been such a game changer! We know if we are running low on containers, that means we have food that needs eaten up!
Thank you so much! Since joining your mentorship group 16 months ago, I have purged 80+% of our belongings!! Over 220,000 items gone! It’s bloody FANTASTICALLY FREEING! The challenges and contests have been key for me as I reach The Fine Tuning phase of the Success Path: 1) The Beginning. 2) The Messy Middle. 3)Tipping Point- we see our stuff what IT REALLY IS. 4) Fast Progress. 5) Fine Tuning. 6) Maintenance. I don’t know how I would have gotten through The Messy Middle w/o YOU! Tytytyty!!
How much does that group cost??
if you pay monthly, it is $15.00 per month. If you pay yearly with that payment plan, it is $11.25 per month. I love the daily short videos (5 min or so), also the kind community support helps so much.
Impressive! And what’s more impressive is that you kept track of how many items you got rid of?! 💪🌟💕
I'm in the group too and I love it! Hi Madonna!!! ❤❤❤
@@dianasimplifies hope your Summer Reset is going well.
I love that you make it all not about some big moral values but about feeling good. For me it was revolutionary to buy only clothes that really fit me right now. I was so bad at that. I always bought stuff for "phantasy" me. Me 10 kg lighter, sportier, going to more fancy events......And this stuff made me feel so bad.
Working on being a minimalist... Right now I'm an intentionalist. Love watching your videos to keep me motivated.
I love how this video did not have an intro! I agree with so many of these. thank you
Kid gift idea “date out with friend”. The kids love it. Going out to ice cream with their friend, roller skating, a movie whatever you want.
I love your idea of one plate and bowl for each person in the house, which you featured in other videos. My son lives in a small house with 2 roommates and no dishwasher. There were constantly dishes in the sink and it was hard to wash your own dish without needing to wash some of theirs in order to use the sink. He was so frustrated. I took all of the extra plates back to my house (they were ours in the first place) and left a plate and bowl for each person. Now he's able to wash his stuff immediately after eating so he has it for the next meal. It's been SO HELPFUL! So many of your ideas are truly life changing! I always recommend you to friends. Sending love and appreciation from Ohio ❤
Kind of hinders having company though, doen't it?
@@beckypetersen2680 they do have an extra "guest plate" lol!
For birthdays, we have asked Grandparents for money, gift cards or an experience. We also make our own birthday cakes together. We usually have family birthday parties. But on "big" numbers like 5, 10, or 15 we do a friend party. We ask for no gifts but if friends want to bring something, we usually ask for gifts for charity. One year we collected Hotwheels for Operation Christmas Child. Another year we asked the kids to bring a can of their favorite soup for the local food pantry. When our kiddos were younger, we celebrated Christmas in July with my husband's side of the family as that is the time we usually get together. We put up a small Christmas tree, drank hot cocoa and had snowball fights with fabric snowballs. So fun and then half of the presents were during summer rather than being overwhelmed at Christmas time. We also did a shared Santa gift like a large Lego set. Friends thought I was crazy but my kids loved it! I also had a friend who thrifted gifts when her kids were younger. No packaging or waste. So many toys out there that are like brand-new. You could even watch the Rudolph movie and ask Santa for gifts from the Island of Misfit Toys!
Must admit im afraid to not have a small bath rug to step out of the shower onto . It is a small one like you find in a hotel so very easily laundered but im afraid of slipping . Of course im in my 70 so perhaps that's why . I have gotten rid of every other rug in the house and vacumning and moping is just a breeze now !
I'm 40yo and feel the same way!
I would consider a bath mat as a normal essential for safety and to soak up water and protect the longevity of your floors
I also have a bath mat and it saves me laundry because I don't have to use a towel to mop up the floor every time! Everyone is different!
I keep my bath mats too but once you are a lot older the rugs will go bc they actually will cause you to fall. My mom can't do any bath rugs now. She's on a walker.
We don’t do bath mats but instead just use a towel on the floor hang it up and wash whenever I was our towels
The last section of your video is the most impactful to me. Clutter’s impact on mental well-being is the biggest reason to tackle it. Thank you!
I put items in my cart & let them sit there for a while. I have 200s of "save for later" items in my Amazon cart that I never went back and purchased. This has saved me thousands of dollars!
I barely get on Amazon at all. If I need something I asked hubby to get it... usually pet food or supplements ❤
I used to subscribe to so many magazines. As I got older it was harder to read them. I haven't bought any in years. I do buy my grandson a Nat Geo Kids subscription because he enjoys it so much. I am also trying to use up all duplicate cleaners so I can just get the ones I really like. Same with personal care products. I try to give my grandson practical gifts like a suitcase for Hanukkah, his summer wardrobe each year (his mom picks them out), and a kids size chair which he absolutely uses. I also include a few toys at this age. Bottom line is I wish you had been around when my kids were little.
Thanks Dawn. I really appreciate what you share. I have found the more I declutter, the less I want to bring in, the less I want to buy, the less I want to shop. Thank you for all the good information.
Making the switch to glass was easy for me. Granted, I live alone now but a lot of times I grab a soup bowl from my everyday dinnerware for leftovers etc and flip a salad plate over it to use as a cover. Saves plastic wrap and I found it keeps odors from things like hard boiled eggs contained better.
I am cooking for one person, so I use small containers that usually hold a sandwich. I stack the containers and put the lids in a large container by type. I use a lot of these because each recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings. By dividing the recipe and putting some in the freezer, this allows for variety in my meals and I don't have to eat meatloaf every night for a week. I also am not a big shopper. My daughter still has her wedding registry online and I use it to choose gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries. I have priorities about things I use. I only use pens that do not have caps. I gather up the ones with caps, check them, and donate the good ones to the church or other organizations. I also don't wear slacks unless they have pockets. Others are donated.
We just moved this year and decluttered so much and am committed to having a home for all items, extra space, and will make sure to unpack every box. Thank you for all the reminders to stay on track!!!
Impulse purchases: particularly online, e.g. from Amazon. I used to be terrible for this but now I put these impulse buys into my basket and choose "Save for later". This gives me a "cooling off" period; a week or so later, I can review these items and find that I no longer want half of them.
I do this too!
Me too!! Save for later, saves us SO MUCH money!!!
I understand about gift cards being taboo. Before I retired, giving gifts at work was the norm. I gave gift cards and felt the scorn, like you didn't take the time to pick out a very special gift just perfect for that person. Thats what I would have wanted--a gift card so i can pick it out myself.
Only magazine I subscribe to is highlights for my special needs daughter.. She loves getting mail and loves the content of this one...
And we do keep bottled water.. After the freeze in 2021 here in texas taking out the water treatment plants and now hurricane season, its definitely on our preparedness lists...
Yep that's the only bottled water I buy, occasionally for trips and for preparedness.
I really enjoyed yesterday that my husband and i took a couple bags to donate and we bought a doughnut on the way home. We bought 1 small consumable item and didn't bring any clutter back into the house!
Time and money can only be spent once, you are encouraging us to spend both wisely 👍
Dawn, Great video! The only thing I would continue to buy is bottled water. Our city water tastes awful. We gave up rugs when I started to trip over them due to my foot being numb. We throw a towel down before our shower & then throw it in the washer afterward. I haven't been in a big store like Walmart in 8 years & I haven't missed it. 😊
Consider a water filter. All that plastic is bad for your health and the environment. ❤
@@SHWF-411I drink tap water as I have a filter under my sink. Bottled water is mostly filtered tap water anyway.
Look into getting a. Berkey water filter. 👍🏼
We've always used water filters. Our water here in town tastes bad too. Tastes great filtered. I don't buy bottled. Wastes a lot of $$.
Our city water is awful too. We use a Brita water pitcher with replaceable filters and fill it up using tap water. I prefer its taste over any of the bottled waters. Any water in a plastic bottle tastes plasticky to me. The Brita water doesn't.
The internet is my "magazine ", but I do subscribe to my local weekly newspaper. It keeps me advised of local events and provides my parrot with fresh cage floor liner!😊
I do the same thing!!!!😊
Just found your channel as we are packing to move our family of 8! I have taken LOADS of unnecessary stuff to Goodwill and it's such a win-win. The stuff is not causing stress anymore AND we don't have to box it and load it and move it to another state and then unload it and unpack it! Thanks for the inspiration 😁
I need at least 2 sets of linens for each bed--one for summer & one for winter, or at least some sort of a backup in case one gets wet or messy and I don't have time to do laundry right away.
Jes Marcy has a video on why we thrift shop, and has a cool idea called the 'catch and release' principle, where the biggest thrill is getting it in your basket. So you carry it round in the basket while you look, you get the thrill of possessing it for a bit, them release it, since you probably didn't really need the item realistically anyway.
Two years of watching you and life with a 2 and 3 year old is so enjoyable!! Thanks Dawn! 😃❤️
Could we get a video about things you actually DO still buy? ❤
Regarding kid gifts, I always ask the parents if there is anything that the child has requested or if there is an accessory for something they have or are getting that we could purchase for them. If not, we do cash or gift cards. Makes it so much easier. Our own kids started having experiences with friends around 8 with a small party. Time is short; make those memories!
Its a great day when Dawn has a new video! I can only imagine how many hours each video takes. I super appreciate your desire to give us great content.
WE have non-skid mats in each bathroom, but throw rugs are GONE as part of making the house safer for us senior residents.
Where do you find water absorbent ones?
Thank you for such great content. I am learning that Clutter has been such a trigger to my anxiety. I am slowly learning that my house has been yelling at me and I wasn't listening.
Thank you for your channel. My house was filled with junk. When the pandemic hit, I couldn't stand being home with all my junk. In 2020 I started watching your videos and decluttering. It took years. I had so many shoes. Now I own only 1 pair of shoes. I bought them in 2022 and I just replaced them.
One pair? OMGosh, that's extreme! Sorry, that sounded very judgemental, and I don't mean it like that, honestly. I too have too many shoes, and am in the process of weeding them out, but one pair world be hard. I wear my Hokas probably 90% of the time, but in summer I do need a couple of pairs (maybe not the 10 in my closet) of sandals. :)
@@deniseharwood9521 Yes 1. It Feels so good not to be surrounded by items I don't use. I feel happy and lighter.
In my bedroom I have nothing but a bed and a TV mounted to the wall. I sleep easy. I used to have insomnia because for years because I slept in a room filled with junk. Decluttering has been life changing for me.
If you live in a city I would advise to have at least 2 weeks of clothing & extra bedding/towels. Living in a city that had a feeder main break with no water outside & volunteer water restriction inside. Short showers, limiting laundry, dish washing & toilet flushing for the past 2 weeks looking at least another 4 weeks.
Many people need 2 sets of bedding. We don't have a dryer 🤷🏻♀️ sometimes bedding takes 2 days to dry
Thank you for not doing a long drawn out introduction - that was a minimalist action right there
Gift cards to stores/restaurants are THE BEST gifts! Love giving and getting them.
For me the hardest is kitchen and household gadgets because some of them may really make my life easier but you dont know before you really try. So I think about every purchase for a longer period but if the wish is still on my mind after weeks and i can afford it i'll give it a try.
I still have my 40 year old Osterizer blender! It works perfectly. I did buy a smaller blender for small jobs, but I have never bought new cookware. I purchased my stainless steel cookware 30 years ago and have been very happy with it as well.
If I see big yellow Clearance signs now I just don't even look - I agree, the products are nearly always rubbish the store has purchased specifically to 'mark down'. LOVE your channel - you light up my day often
I no longer buy these items either.I have a Great Grandson arriving soon and I am not buying anything. The Baby shower took care of it. I will have to buy a car seat and that will be it. So excited to see him!!! I look forward to every video!!!!
As grandparents we do event gift cards for birthdays and Christmas (food places, zoo, skating, movies, trampoline place etc) I have been on this journey to clean out for a year now. Things are more comfortable in our home. I spend less time managing things and enjoying life. Love your channel. PU is for sure the way to go.
As a first time viewer, I was so impressed by your message. It is indeed true about clutter causing stress. Years ago I read 'Living the Simple Life' by Elaine St. James and it was a life saver. Thank you for sharing and helping people declutter their life.😊
Thank you so much for your straight forward common sense advice which has helped me tremendously to get started on decluttering my home. The biggest advice in the past month was “permission” to break up sets. Brilliant! My kitchen counter is clearer than it has been for a long time and I am encouraged to keep going!
Thanks!
Moving is the best motivation for decluttering imo. We moved in late March and spent Jan - March getting rid of stuff as we packed. We were simultaneously downsizing and minimizing. Now we both know and use everything we own. And we have continued to get rid of things as we settle in, realizing that they no longer serve us in this new stage of life (retirement, empty nesters). The local college got all of my business wear for their "new graduates" pantry.
I’ve cleaned out my closet about 85% or more! Wow feel lighter, gave it to ladies in need. Working on my kitchen,living room! Some people think i’m crazy for the amount of things I’ve let go. I just say I am minimalistic. I have a long way to go. People think I’ve gone too far but there’s still areas in the kitchen and I think I need to go further. Like appliances it is hard when your husband thinks we need to keep them because they cost so much, but I do not use ! I guess I have more work to do on him. Lol 14:48 them
My son just turned 8. He got 6 gift cards at his birthday party. Now it’s work for me to either take him to stores or browse online where he wants everything he sees. I’d much rather a physical gift (of which he got 3 and was much more excited for). Maybe when he’s older the gift cards would work better.
Yes! The person giving the gift card needs to do the work.
Yes this can be a problem especially when gift card isn't worth enough for anything that is wanted
I get HGTV magazine, read it, and then donate it to the art room at my high school, they cut the pictures out for projects. 😊
I agree with you about not buying magazines anymore. Probably 75% of the magazines are ads now. If you’re an Amazon prime member there are lots of magazines that are included with prime. You just have to read them digitally which is better than bringing in paper magazines.
Thank you, Dawn! Finding your channel was the start of my minimalism journey. My hubby and I recently decided to move approx 1400km (900 miles), and instead of paying >$4000 to transport our stuff, we sold it all (for more than that). It has been so liberating to let go of all of the stuff, to not be ''possessed' by our possessions. Plus, we have the fun of buying only what we need for our new home.
EXCEPT for notebooks snd journals, I completely agree with this for me personally. For most others, I agree with this 100%.
I use the calendar and notepad app on my phone for remembering things and for making lists, however my notebooks is where I let all of my emotions, thoughts and feelings fly. It’s the one way that I can express myself in a healthy way, use my voice, collect and understand my thoughts, feelings and emotions. For a long time (decades), I would say that “my $20 journals are cheaper than therapy!” Now that I’m in therapy, the continue to be an essential part of my life.
I still get newspapers, but Im old (73)
I get a newspaper only on Friday and Saturday. This entitles me to read the news online 6 days a week. Only 1 family member reads the paper copy.
I needed this today! Were in the middle of trying to get an autism diagnosis for one of my sons. I’m in the middle of going through items that we could replace like food items, cleaning products, personal care and home products that we could use cleaner versions of to see if it may help his environment and I’m getting overwhelmed. I need to slow down, do my research and just make what I can at home. And use what we have first! I don’t want to crate a bunch of garbage in the mean time!
I'm almost done switching things over. It's so nice once you've found what you love!
"Clean My Space" channel are awesome for cleaning tips and saying what items work best on things. Melissa also goes over homemade cleaner recipes using things like bicarbonate of soda, lemons, vinegar, dish soap, alcohol etc. if you wanna get away from stronger chemical cleaners.
I have to laugh at the part about noisy toys.
My uncle had his kids before my dad had his own. When my cousins were young, my dad gave them as many noise making toys as he could. When my dad’s kids came along, my uncle returned the favor, but it was magnified by the technology changes over time. My mom was less than thrilled. I have been told this story numerous times over the years and don’t give noisy toys to anyone unless it is a specific request with parental approval.
As for gifts, we usually do gift cards or experiences unless there is a specific request. We also are in the process of giving a particular book series to my two nephews to share. It is a series that we have had for years, and their mom wanted them to read. When my mom mentioned we have it, we decided to send it to them a book or two at a time for each birthday and Christmas. They look forward to it and enjoy it immensely.
Yes, it helps using your declutter video in background while actually doing the declutter. Even with small homes, I have found the need to declutter at least monthly.. was even more in the beginning, a year or so ago.
I like cash over gift cards. That way recipients can buy themselves an experience rather that a thing or buy from a local small business rather than a huge corporation.
If not dated, I buy tickets to local fun venues. Experience over things. Photos taken cement the memories.
I really love your videos. I have to sneak and throw things away at my parents. My dad saves junk! He saves boxes, cups from Burger King etc and even milk jugs. I don’t know what they’re for. Mom isn’t in good health so she doesn’t notice things tricking in. She does not like clutter. I sneak over while they’re out & fill a couple garbage bags up & load them in my Jeep and he never knows!
I think two sets of sheets per bed is fine. If people are sick or you have people who still wet the bed, the fact is life won't always allow getting those clean right away. Bonus if you live somewhere with both extreme cold and extreme heat. One set can be a cooler set of sheets and the other can be a more flannel type.
Finally just went through the storage container cabinet again. So much better when you put the lid on and forces me to have only what I absolutely need.
And yes to the toys. My kids have very absent grandparents but they buy them a ridiculous amount of stuff for birthdays and Christmas. It's so stressful and we live in a small house. We've been focusing on clothes and books for presents and it's helping some. I always buy clothes for birthdays we go to
I practice these. I still to this day have to work on it but I am never regretting not purchasing something that the world 🌍 tells me I need. I love being more mindful and minimal. Peace ✌🏻 to me always wins. ❤
I love that you are teaching people that clutter and guilt thoughts can cause a huge amount of stress in people’s lives! Great tips on this video, plus you have such a pretty face with those big beautiful blue eyes of your are mesmerizing! Bravo! 😉
Thank you!! I've been trying to be more minimal. I like your idea of one set of sheets. We have several for the kids, from a flannel to summer cotton. You inspired me to clean out our sheets... I think having an extra pair of sheets is helpful is someone is sick in the middle of the night. Thank you again!
You are so right about all the extra in the house with stress and depression. Always thinking is my house clean oh I have to clean or buy more or next new thing. You are absolutely right! I have been driving myself insane with the over load. Now I have been going room by room declutterring and feeling good. Thank you!
Dawn, I have learned so much from you. Over the last year I have cleared out things we don’t need, or don’t use. I’m not done, but our home is in great shape. Thank you for all of the wonderful advice you offer, it’s changed the way I look at so many aspects of my life now.
In my entry way, I put long vinyl kitchen mats,easy to mop or wipe. in winter months, the water and mud get the fabric mats dirty. I was washing every other day.
Great list! I still buy bottled water but only when it’s on clearance! We store it in our laundry room for hurricane season because when one comes you won’t be able to get it anymore!
The only thing I disagree with is the giving gift cards- but that’s because my family is notorious for forgetting about them when we receive them. Very rare they get used. Would love other gift ideas. Love all the other tips!
I give cash 💵 - probably won’t get lost.
I agree. My kids never used them, but my solution was to buy them back from them (for cash) and use the cards to buy Christmas gifts - I WILL make sure they're used! Even at 17 and 20 they don't use them unless they find an item online.
As part of decluttering we have recently been using up all our old gift cards - we're talking 10-15-20 years old. 😅 We've discovered that they may not work at point of purchase any more, but they still have value, so don't throw them away. You may have to call the vendor and they will send a replacement.
@@Ciao_Bella This is what I'm trying to do. I have a small box for our gift cards, and I've been calling different places to find a balance on them. I found a grocery store card that we got as part of a wedding gift 15 years ago!
I am a quilter and I also make tons of smaller quilted bags and zipper pouches. For most gift occasions, I make a small bag in a fabric I know the recipient will like. And I tuck in a favorite treat. It could be a favorite candy, a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, a book, home made cookies, hand made scruncies or headbands, handpicked flowers, or something they've mentioned wanting. Most recipients will appreciate a small bag or zipper pouch and can easily find a use for it. So it doesnt become clutter. Those that truly don't want it, can treat it as a wrapping for whats inside, and toss it. Since I make them myself, and a have a large of stash of fabrics on hand, they rarely cost me more than buying a nice gift bag, and are a personal touch for a mostly consumable gift.
Not everyone has their own washer dryer.. I have to pay for mine it cost me like $6 for one load. I think 2.50 was 1.75 to dry
We downsized 5 years ago. Like others, we thought we did a great job…until we moved in. So every summer, I go through my entire home and get rid of anything I haven’t used in a year. This fall we are going through our loft in the garage and getting rid of decorations we have not used. We no longer host family gatherings so do not feel the need to decorate for every season. Our grandchildren are teens. We are keeping a few toys for when children, like younger nieces and nephews, visit.
To draw on past experiences indeed helps a lot. Thank you for sharing your insights. ❤
I found myself nodding quite a few times during this broadcast. Your words carry such truth. Definitely food for thought.
So good! I was probably guilty of all of these in the past and now it has become so easy to pass on these “invitations” of marketing and influencers.
I have just recently started watching. I like the simplicity of your home. I do have one question. As a family of six how do you do with 4 chairs at your dinning table? I like how minimal it looks, just wondering.
I share a lot of your videos with family members. Im certainly not a minimalist...yet, but I'm seeing all of the benefits the last few years if continuing to get rid of stuff and not purchase items I dont need!
You have made a huge difference in my home with your videos. I recommend you in facebook groups all the time. Thanks for these tips!
Preach about the sheets, Dawn! I totally agree. I just pulled the mats out of my kitchen and don't miss them either. Great video.
I am 58. . . Your words are 100% spot on. I had a nerve growth between my 3rd and 4th toe at age 24. After surgery I gave up on any other type of shoe except well made tennis shoes. I pay big bucks ($100) for a pair and wear them till they die😂.
Not doing crafts because they are messy makes me sad. Computers, screens, digital things aren't messy but "doing things" is often quite messy. I know that minimalists are often against craft messes, but I've seen men minimalists invest in the latest and greatest computers/sound systems, cameras, etc. Sigh.
I admire your energy to do all that small repair jobs. Love your video’s. So encouraging to try to do those things too.
Absolutely love your channel as my husband and I continue our journey towards a more simple lifestyle. We have seen such progress mentally and financially! Thanks for being a main channel we look forward to watching for support and ideas.
Minimalism has really changed my perspective on the things we gift our kids. For example, in the past, I always thought things like buying Robux for the Roblox game was silly and a waste of money. (It costs real money to add fake money to the video game, are you serious?) But now I'm much more willing to give them a small Robux gift card for their birthday because it's a fun thing they really enjoy that adds zero extra clutter to my house. Or gifting teens with fast food gift cards we wouldn't normally have bought, but is a fun thing for them to do with their friends that adds no clutter to my life.
00:58 I had to PAUSE bc this looks EXACTLY like our kitchen table. I’m standing right next to it. Who else is tired of paper mail?!