Hi Dawn! I just found your channel a few weeks ago.... I’ve binged every single video in those short two weeks and have made a half a dozen trips to goodwill, sold items, given things to family/friends and I have you to thank for the lightbulb moments of “inventory”, “managing” and “silent to do list”!! I’ve been aware of clutter and seem to always be “getting rid of things”, but still end up doing a lot of “shuffling” and feeling so overwhelmed with the excess in our home. 5 kids, cats, dog, farm animals, two businesses to run, lots of LIFE happens in our home and thanks to you I feel like I’m getting my LIFE back!! Thank you for changing my family’s life and my perspective as a wife/mom. Hugs from the PNW! ❤️
WOO HOO Kellie! That's awesome, sounds like you've got alot going on and are a go getter to make things happen! So nice hearing success stories and positive news! 😊
The "inventory" is what made it for me. now when I am going through things and I think oh I may want this, I say do I want to have to make this decision again in 6 months? And the answer is usually no, and I get rid of it. we really don't need as many things as we think we do.
Doesnt it just feel like a weight being lifted off your shoulders? Just makes our homes much nicer peaceful havens to be in 😍 SO encouraged by this!! Wishing you the best of luck as we contnue our decluttering journeys to make room for what matters most!!
I think her ring was sparkling in the sunshine, sending reflections around her. Even her clutter looks dust free to me...I wish my "clean" house looked as good as her "cluttered" house. LOL.
I heard you say in one of your videos, "Don't put something down, put it up." Now this is simple & logical and I know this. For some reason, it clicked with me. Lately I've been doing that. Example, when I put my coat down on the couch, I'll pick it up, & hang it in the closet. It takes just as much time to put it in the right place as it does to put it down in the wrong place. So Thank You!😊🤗
Yes its life changing. I've always struggled with housework and cleaning but decluttering is so much fun. It feels great and changes the energy in a room. Then wow not much to clean haha
I think it works as well. I have back issues & yday I got a chair, sat in the kitchen & worked on things I could reach. Later, my Hubby got off work & we worked in the kitchen in 15 min spurts & rewarded ourselves to watch bits of shows in between my resting. We got rid of over 200 items & we're only 1/3 of the way through. It already feels so much better. Looking forward to it being done. Thank you for the motivation. You're awesome! 🙂
Great advice. I actually PAIR the act of Decluttering, folding laundry, doing the dishes, etc. with listening to a favorite podcast, book, or a Take your House Back Live or Module! I’m reinforcing positive behavior and creating a self-perpetuating cycle. 🤗
I do that too by listening to an audio book or a show or movie that I already know. I even draw myself into my hobbies that feel like work at first by having that pairing
Definitely works, I have a hot spot by the kitchen door where everything is dumped, I now make sure it s cleared off and wiped down before I reward myself with you tube. Great content as always.
Agree: A favorite radio personality passed away. ok i enjoyed listening to him 2 or 3 times a week. After his passing i realized something. All of my freezer cooking (double batches of stews and casseroles) had been done when i listened as i worked in kitchen. Deep cleaning of one or two rooms a week had been another day. Not a suzy homemaker but these things need to be done. Something pleasant to keep focus was useful. A task done adequately at end was another little emotional plus.
I know exactly what you mean. I work a job where employees are able to listen to radio or podcasts all day. I get a lot done and don't get pulled into the office drama this way. While the recent death of your beloved radio personality is very difficult, I hope you can find another with which to replace their shows. Happy listening.💚
I’m not a phone person but Ido this with books; read a chapter/do the dishes, read a chapter/ vacuum downstairs, read a chapter/ get out the ingredients for dinner. Boy can you get a lot done that way.
I hardly never use my phone anymore if I’m not cleaning, cooking or decluttering. That’s my reward. 😁❤️ I love listening to RUclips videos like yours! It’s very motivating and I get a lot of stuff done at the same time. 💪
Dawn, you’re so adorable! I love your heart and your enthusiasm for helping others. Watching your videos is my reward to myself for doing housework! Lol
This isn’t on your topic although it is great information but I have been wanting you to know that I appreciate that you say “I love you”, I am blessed to hear it several times a day but just a simple “ I love you” to someone that doesn’t hear it very often means so much. That plus your great content is the reason I watch and listen and take your suggestions to heart.
Love the facts you listed about phones and the dopamine hit it gives us as well as the amazing feeling we get from decluttering! I was noticing a few weeks ago how addicting it is getting rid of stuff!! I love it!
I started doing this recently and it works! I used to spend so much time trying to get motivated by watching others declutter and clean! Now I just tell myself to get up and do something so I can watch more tv. 😊
Such a great tactic. For many years , I have made myself do a home task, then office task, then I can read a book chapter (my dopamine fix). And I keep repeating the sequence in whatever time I have. Always feels great 😊. Dawn, thank you for all your guidance and positive spirits. You have helped my home and my life to become SO much simpler and better ❤️
Perfect. I’m a list writer. But lately, I’ve not done anything all day long & my tasks that day get moved to another day & so on, until my to do list gets overwhelming. NOW... I pick a podcast I watch, see how long it is, match a task I know I can complete in that time frame. I put it on my Bluetooth speaker & make myself complete it before that podcast ends. I do this several times a day until my list is completed. It works great for me. Thanks for being you. ❤️
I had to stop making lists for decluttering projects. i spent too much time worrying about doing tasks perfectly. I just set the timer and start moving now.
I took 4 bags of clothing, old costume jewelry and toiletries to a women’s shelter today. It gave m such a high! Working on capsule wardrobe! So happy excited!
Well done Mary! I never turned back after I got a capsule wardrobe set up, with a little one in my life, i had to washing EVERY DAY ugh, but with both of us with capsules i can do it once a week if i want to :D yay!
@@intherockies A basic wardrobe with interchangeable parts. Basic, leggings, jeans pants with tops that work with each to change the look. Adding scarf, necklace. Fewer choices, streamlined.
This is so darn timely for me! I finally started a paper for my masters course and decided to reward myself with some RUclips after I finished the first section, only to find a brand new video from my friend, Dawn 🥰 I think that I'll use this tactic to trick my brain into liking a lot of other things, as well- yay!
I use my phone while doing house work, decluttering, etc I either listen to RUclips especially decluttering ones like yours dawn, Cass, Dianna, so much more. Otherwise I listen to a podcast, music or just listen to my Bible app too while I'm doing the cleaning, decluttering, etc because there is also spiritual relief by doing all the decluttering too. Thanks Dawn you're amazing at what you do by encouraging everyone who watches you.
I often use my cell phone (or laptop) while I'm decluttering. I watch RUclips or Netflix and am entertained while I work. Watching decluttering videos like yours often motivates me (or gives me ideas) to work on decluttering another area of my house. So motivating! Thanks for the videos!
Thanks! I'm very early in my decluttering/minimalism journey, and I tend to just get impatient! In the first few days, I've already had days when I'm just super motivated, other days when I'm super overwhelmed and don't know where to begin, but most days I just want it all gone and get it over with! But I'm not alone in here, my spouse and kids are putting on the brakes ;-) . I can't wait to have a home that is calmer and easy to clean.
SO helpful. Another “reward” for me, and it goes along with decluttering; I love just finding new “homes” for stuff and getting things out the door. That often seems to be motivation enough for me. ☺️ 💟
Below zero and blowing like crazy today in eastern South Dakota so I’m home cleaning and decluttering while i listen to RUclips . Phone in my pocket so i only listen and can keep moving, ha. Thanks, Dawn!
I've been trying to streamline my attic, so I've started a new habit: If I take something upstairs (such as holiday decorations or winter coats), I can't come down empty-handed. I must bring something with me to trash or donate or sell. I do the same thing when I make a trip to my car. I never go there without bringing something that's going to leave permanently. I keep a box on my back seat to put books I'm trading in at the used book store. Also on my back seat I put boxes and bags to donate to my local historical society. When I reach critical mass, I make drop-offs. Little by little, it adds up.
This is the same technique used by smart waiters and waitresses. They never go from one spot to another empty handed. That way they're able to get big jobs done one step at a time and it adds up quickly. Really wise on your part!
The best advice I got from you is put things away as you organize or manage papers. This has been a huge help to me in many ways with house keeping. Thank you. I love your you tube videos.
This is SO true!! I don’t have a dishwasher so there are many times the dishes pile up and I don’t feel “motivated” to clean them. However, knowing that I can watch a fun video WHILE I awash the dishes motivates me to do them! Thanks for all your content. It’s always encouraging and helpful❣️
How did you know that I was really struggling this week with being on my phone? This week, I've been using it as a way to avoid other tasks. Thank you for doing this video. I don't feel so alone anymore. I finally decluttered yesterday and I need to reward myself for that win! I usually like a daily challenge with my sister, like 5 min. of decluttering for 31-days to refocus my brain. Thank you for brightening my day.
Me too! It's good to know that we are not alone. I feel so much guilt for being on my phone. I hope this will alleviate some of it and help me to continue to get stuff done!
I use my phone to listen to one of your videos, which motivates me to continue the task I need to do, but don’t “feel” like doing! It really helps a LOT!!❤️
Hi Dawn I watch videos as clean and or declutter it makes times go by so much easier! My reward to RUclips it's keeping on top on my to do things and it has been working for me!!
Thanks for this reminder that my cell phone is an important source of entertainment for my enjoyment while I'm cleaning. I always have RUclips going while I wash dishes (by hand, no dishwasher), listening to music, comedians, product reviews, all kinds of videos. Before I realize it, the dishes are done. Decluttering seems to take more concentration, though, so the reward system might work for me.
I believe you really do love us. Thank you so much for your efforts. You are very encouraging and helped me out of a gloomy spot just now. 🙂❤️ -- Patty
I do NOT have to trick my brain into loving it. I started, and was hooked. I am by no means a minimilast, but decluttering, and decluttering again and again and again has given me SO much freedom!!!
Going back to the space that has recently been decluttered and organized makes me one motivated woman. When my husband walked into the laundry room and said it seemed bigger I told him it was because I got the cleaning supplies up off of the floor.
I used to HATE doing the dishes. But then I started only watching RUclips videos when I was washing the dishes, or doing the laundry. And I started to crave time that I could just go do chores and watch the videos like yours!
This a great idea. I can be up and around 10 min before I collapse onto the couch with very painful lower back pain. But I will love doing this each day. ☺
My motivation comes from watching your videos Dawn. I have MS and everything is so difficult for me. I listen to your comments about spending a few minutes doing some Decluttering and I go and do some. It's ok to only spend a few minutes on it at a time.😃 Dawn says so. Thankyou 🥰
Great video, thank you. I'm using my time watching my devices as a treat to use while I go thru my old paperwork. Time flies and it no longer feels like punishment going thru old paperwork, literally over 20 years worth.,,my outdoor storage room has never looked better, I can now walk into it cuz of the decluttering we've done this month!
I found pairing tasks with listening to audiobooks, podcasts, videos, even tv shows better than reward after. I'm the kind of person who'll decide "x will be my reward for doing y" and then just get x without doing y, because well... I can. Doing the task while listening to stuff takes my mind off of it, I keep getting dopamine continuously while working and don't have to restrain myself from not getting the reward without doing the task.
(didn't see this until after I posted my second comment) YES!!!! THANK YOU!!!! That is EXACTLY how an ADHD brain works, too - it's why I can get things like laundry done a ton faster when I'm listening to/watching something.
@@SnowySpiritRuby It's definitely an ADHD thing. While NTs can be motivated by the vision of getting reward (dopamine) in the future, our brains have so little dopamine that we often literally cannot get started doing anything unless we get some dopamine first.
Didn’t go and declutter anything. But I did make myself get up and go walk after watching this video. Trying to get 10,000 steps in a day. So thanks for the motivation!
BEST ADVICE EVER! I need to hear this weekly!🤣 I have my whole House waiting and I’m ready to tackle it now! Reward system always works! Thanks for the encouragement! ~From Springfield, Missouri
Yeah Dawn! What a super useful Idea. We all need more encouragement we all respond to rewards. I am going to apply this principle to all my self-improvement goals. Thank you and God bless.
I have always used “motivators”for my kids whether devices, outside time, sleepover, play dates or whatever! I like to listen to podcasts while I am decluttering, especially something relating to what I am doing.
I watch RUclips videos while I fold the clothes and now I really look forward to fold clothes because I get to see the videos I want with no regrets, that has been a great Idea from you and Diana in a past video and I loved it and I love it still, thanks Dawn for all your help and inspiration, blessings
This is what I do. I listen to a podcast or watch a youtube video while i’m cleaning/decluttering. It helps keep me focused and it created momentum, which then creates motivation.
I have gotten so much out of decluttering. It is satisfying that I am doing something that is good for me and the family. I tell myself I am giving myself more time for important
We've been sick and had a lot of extra TV, tablet, phone time in the process. I've been thinking of fasting from the internet but maybe I can do this instead or in addition to. It's not healthy for me to be on a lot but maybe as a reward it will work. Thank you Dawn, great timing!🙌🎉
Love this. I used this method for yrs, rewarding myself with reading a book. But with electronic devices I've been stymied by the guilt. Thnx for helping me put in in perspective, reduce the guilt & hopefully stop the procrastination 😘
I watch a decluttering video each morning and it motivates me to declutter. Seriously. One morning I woke up early (4:30am) and couldn’t go back to sleep. I put on a decluttering video in the bed to watch and within 5 minutes I had all my spices pulled out of my cabinet. My husband came into the kitchen getting ready to leave for work at 5:30 and wondered what in the world I was doing up so early decluttering. 😂 so, yeah, decluttering videos motivate me to declutter. It’s 6:46 am on Wednesday and I just finished your video…guess what? I’m about to go declutter under my back bathroom sink. Thx for the morning motivation, Dawn 💖
Love the kids with cell phones story. I work in an elementary school and one of our principals would discipline kids at school by asking them what their favorite toy at home is. Then he would sit with the child as they called their parent and told them that they had to bring their toy to school to keep in Mr Blair's office for two weeks because of their misbehavior. Then they had to tell their parent what they did. Mr Blair had some very cool toys in his office but very few repeat customers.
I’ve been putting off making the guest bed since we don’t have guests that often- but at the same time I like to think we could accommodate friends and family if they landed on our doorstep in an emergency! My reward for doing the bed was listening to your video- the topic was a coincidence! I did something I enjoy whilst doing something I’ve been putting off. Win win.
Watching you Dawn gives me motivation :) and right now I'm washing the dishes and listening to you, even boring tasks are fun when I listen to you :)))). Thank you!!!!!
I remember once watching your video about decluttering the kitchen and I paused the video to finally let go of the extra mixing bowls I was holding onto. I came back to continue watching. An item or area comes to mind and that is when I would take care of that item or area. Less pressure to tackle an entire house or even a full room. I feel like I aced Minimalism- my tablet use and exercise plan? no way! I will think about using these ideas for those things. To continue this amazing process I keep watching videos that might not apply fully for me, since i love to declutter. Watching though keeps me on the the right track before adding more to the house and continuing to support.
My brain doesn't need tricking, it LOVES decluttering!! After watching your videos during the first lockdown my whole house got decluttered and I've loved it ever since. Thank you Dawn x
You Flippin rock !! What a fantastic idea. I will definitely be using this strategy. Having a special needs child that is also fighting PTSD along with me, has made house organizing nearly impossible. My brain can not stay focused. 😩 I so thank you for this idea.
I found your channel almost 2 years ago and massively decluttered our house and simplified how we do everything and right now it is saving us. We are foster parents and have a little in the hospital so im not home as much but because of how simple everything is its easy to keep everything clean. Thank you.
I'm sharing this with my son to help motivate him for his studies! Saving podcasts or audio books for menial tasks like laundry is a regular practice that works for me . I actually look forward to taking time for those tasks because I get to listen to something I want to hear! Thank you, as always, for sharing your wisdom and encouragement with us. God bless your efforts!
I don't delay listening to my podcasts as a reward . Cleaning comes naturally to me. Even so, like everyone else,. I may not be particularly motivated to complete a task. I tend to use listening to my favorite RUclipsrs, music, or podcasts on my phone, as a way to make the task feel less boring.
This video made me smile so much. I don't watch RUclips video unless I am cleaning/decluttering/organising. I match videos to the rooms based on the video length - this room will be clean before the video finishes (like a timer). I also reward myself with a coffee and brownie afterwards.
I LOVE your channel, you've inspired me to do to a bit each day! I've tackled most of my office and started on my bedroom amd clothes. So excited to do more!
I started listening as I vacuumed! Ha! As we pack and declutter on preparation for a big move this spring, I have been listening to books and RUclips shows as a positive distraction because this is a very emotional and brain-draining process. A little Minimalist Mom helps perk me up for sure! Thank you Dawn!
My current hobby is decluttering while listening to you on RUclips! I find it very encouraging and relaxing. Love order and peace which comes with it. Blessings from Ireland 🙏❤️💐
I'm late here but I usually use my phone as motivation - RUclips & TikTok. I love putting on RUclips "clean with me" type videos while I work. On TikTok I watch cleaning and decluttering videos - since they're so short I can watch a few, see how much things have transformed, and it instantly makes me want to improve my home :)
I love audio books, so I always put something on when I’m doing housework, decluttering, cooking , whatever it is that’s boring and mundane and turn it into a book session. Makes the time fly so quickly and much more enjoyable. As a reward when I rest (I have chronic conditions so have to rest regularly) I might go on a game for 5 mins AND have the audiobook on. Then I get back to the jobs. And I feel like I’ve conquered the world!! 😂
I do this too- chapter by chapter I can get a big and seemingly unmanageable job done. Although, when it's getting close to the end of a great story, I'll usually finish with a two chapter work spree 🙂
Oh Dawn, you hit the nail on the head. Thank you so much for the motivation. I have some of my mom's thing to go through. It's so hard. I needed this advice. Thank you! 😊❤️
Your video made me feel like a great parent! My kids only get t.v time when we watch movies as a family (weekends) only.On weekends they play on thier phones but week days is all about homework. If they are done with homework early they can play outside or draw. They love drawing or playing board games 💗
Way to go, Josie! I did that with my kids as they were growing up. They thanked me years later for all the time they got to spend reading a book or playing outside rather than sitting in front of a tv! I heard it from each one at separate times in their lives. Stick to it, you'll be so glad you did! ☺💕
@@monicasolomon7757 Thank you! Especially because when my husband's kids are at thier bio mom house they are on the video games and phones 24/7. We actually care about education.
I want to listen and watch you and other minimalist so I turn on the videos when I do chores. Super motivating. While watching this I completely cleaned my kitchen after dinner!
Dawn I agree with everything you said! My love language is decluttering, organizing and cleaning our home! I work outside the home but when I have a day off and get to organize and decluttering a space I feel the dopamine and it is good! I ordered your workbook and love it too! Thank you for all you do to help us! Your Tennessee friend and fan
When I was younger and watching my soaps or favorite tv shows. When commercials came on I would use that time as my tidy time. When commericals was over I would stop and watch or sometimes work thru and listen to the show. Boy do I miss my soaps. My other reward was to read a few pages or a chapter in a book and then get busy again. Thanks for the reminder, time to start these habits again.
It really is amazing how addicted we are to our phones. Reaching for it becomes almost an instinct the second our brain gets a micro-second of boredom. It really makes it important to be intentional with the time you spend on it to make sure you maximize your time in the real world! 😊 📱
A micro-second of boredom... wow. Ouch, that hurt and I totally needed it. Boredom begets inspiration and I need to hang out in that state more often for sure. Thanks for this nugget!!
Have not watched video yet, but just wanted to jump here and tell you that I have learned so much by watching your videos, before I treated myself to RUclips today I'm happy to say that I filled 6 bags of junk stuff that was just using my space and didn't have a purpose in my life, I used to just reorganize and reorganize my stuff but not anymore, now I I declutter and let me tell you that it feels amazing ending up with empty cabinets, empty shelves in the hall way closet and now I don't have to move 100 things to get the things I need. Little by little I'm starting to feel stress free with all the cluttered in every corner of my house, now it looks nice and clean, less things to worry about every time I clean. Now off to watch your video and learn new things. 💜
Hi Dawn! I just found your channel a few weeks ago.... I’ve binged every single video in those short two weeks and have made a half a dozen trips to goodwill, sold items, given things to family/friends and I have you to thank for the lightbulb moments of “inventory”, “managing” and “silent to do list”!! I’ve been aware of clutter and seem to always be “getting rid of things”, but still end up doing a lot of “shuffling” and feeling so overwhelmed with the excess in our home. 5 kids, cats, dog, farm animals, two businesses to run, lots of LIFE happens in our home and thanks to you I feel like I’m getting my LIFE back!! Thank you for changing my family’s life and my perspective as a wife/mom. Hugs from the PNW! ❤️
WOO HOO Kellie! That's awesome, sounds like you've got alot going on and are a go getter to make things happen! So nice hearing success stories and positive news! 😊
Yay!!!!
The "inventory" is what made it for me. now when I am going through things and I think oh I may want this, I say do I want to have to make this decision again in 6 months? And the answer is usually no, and I get rid of it. we really don't need as many things as we think we do.
Doesnt it just feel like a weight being lifted off your shoulders? Just makes our homes much nicer peaceful havens to be in 😍 SO encouraged by this!! Wishing you the best of luck as we contnue our decluttering journeys to make room for what matters most!!
This is me! A few weeks ago I binged all her episodes too and have been doing the same thing. You said it all perfectly. I’m so grateful !
Dawn, you were sitting in the light in just the way for the dust motes to be floating and shimmering around you-The Magic Declutter Fairy 🧚♀️
Dawn's dust motes are more shimmery and magical than mine! Maybe she'll share her secret.
What's a dust mote?
I think her ring was sparkling in the sunshine, sending reflections around her. Even her clutter looks dust free to me...I wish my "clean" house looked as good as her "cluttered" house. LOL.
I heard you say in one of your videos, "Don't put something down, put it up." Now this is simple & logical and I know this. For some reason, it clicked with me. Lately I've been doing that. Example, when I put my coat down on the couch, I'll pick it up, & hang it in the closet. It takes just as much time to put it in the right place as it does to put it down in the wrong place. So Thank You!😊🤗
Am I the only one who just enjoys decluttering? Getting the items out of my house is enough of a dopamine hit for me. 😄
I love decluttering and organizing. Now if I could just get myself to love dusting and vacuuming, I’d be all set.
@@flynn1a haha I love vacuuming too. 🤣 hate dusting and dishes though.
Gives me a massive dopamine release too! I'm not sure what I'll do when I'm done decluttering😆
Yes its life changing. I've always struggled with housework and cleaning but decluttering is so much fun. It feels great and changes the energy in a room. Then wow not much to clean haha
I love it too!
I think it works as well. I have back issues & yday I got a chair, sat in the kitchen & worked on things I could reach. Later, my Hubby got off work & we worked in the kitchen in 15 min spurts & rewarded ourselves to watch bits of shows in between my resting. We got rid of over 200 items & we're only 1/3 of the way through. It already feels so much better. Looking forward to it being done. Thank you for the motivation. You're awesome! 🙂
Good job !
Oh I really understand the feeling you get when a space or room is clear of clutter. It’s a wonderful feeling. 🥰
I love using my cell phone while I declutter, paint, clean or excercise! This keeps me company and motivates me!
Great advice. I actually PAIR the act of Decluttering, folding laundry, doing the dishes, etc. with listening to a favorite podcast, book, or a Take your House Back Live or Module! I’m reinforcing positive behavior and creating a self-perpetuating cycle. 🤗
I do that too by listening to an audio book or a show or movie that I already know. I even draw myself into my hobbies that feel like work at first by having that pairing
Me too! I get so much more done just by listening to something while I'm doing it.
Me too! I'm super productive listening to an audiobook or to a favorite you tube channel! ;) Thanks, Dawn!
Me too, I actually enjoy some tasks now thanks to it!
I do the same.. Putting on a youtube video and listening to it as I work at some mundane task helos so much and makes it much more enjoyable to do.
Definitely works, I have a hot spot by the kitchen door where everything is dumped, I now make sure it s cleared off and wiped down before I reward myself with you tube. Great content as always.
Agree:
A favorite radio personality passed away. ok i enjoyed listening to him 2 or 3 times a week. After his passing i realized something. All of my freezer cooking (double batches of stews and casseroles) had been done when i listened as i worked in kitchen. Deep cleaning of one or two rooms a week had been another day.
Not a suzy homemaker but these things need to be done. Something pleasant to keep focus was useful. A task done adequately at end was another little emotional plus.
I know exactly what you mean. I work a job where employees are able to listen to radio or podcasts all day. I get a lot done and don't get pulled into the office drama this way.
While the recent death of your beloved radio personality is very difficult, I hope you can find another with which to replace their shows.
Happy listening.💚
I’m not a phone person but Ido this with books; read a chapter/do the dishes, read a chapter/ vacuum downstairs, read a chapter/ get out the ingredients for dinner. Boy can you get a lot done that way.
I hardly never use my phone anymore if I’m not cleaning, cooking or decluttering. That’s my reward. 😁❤️ I love listening to RUclips videos like yours! It’s very motivating and I get a lot of stuff done at the same time. 💪
Dawn, you’re so adorable! I love your heart and your enthusiasm for helping others. Watching your videos is my reward to myself for doing housework! Lol
You and Dana have made me aware of the power of five minutes of decluttering. You can really get a lot done in that time
LOVED watching a speeded-up you de-cluttering while you were talking! Very clever and motivating 👏
Folding laundry has become my favourite household task because thats when I allow myself to watch youtube videos.
This isn’t on your topic although it is great information but I have been wanting you to know that I appreciate that you say “I love you”, I am blessed to hear it several times a day but just a simple “ I love you” to someone that doesn’t hear it very often means so much. That plus your great content is the reason I watch and listen and take your suggestions to heart.
Love the facts you listed about phones and the dopamine hit it gives us as well as the amazing feeling we get from decluttering! I was noticing a few weeks ago how addicting it is getting rid of stuff!! I love it!
I started doing this recently and it works! I used to spend so much time trying to get motivated by watching others declutter and clean! Now I just tell myself to get up and do something so I can watch more tv. 😊
Such a great tactic. For many years , I have made myself do a home task, then office task, then I can read a book chapter (my dopamine fix). And I keep repeating the sequence in whatever time I have. Always feels great 😊. Dawn, thank you for all your guidance and positive spirits. You have helped my home and my life to become SO much simpler and better ❤️
I love to read and my reading has fallen off. I need to start doing this! Thanks for mentioning it. 🥰
Good idea. I borrow lots of audiobooks from the library. I could use listening to a chapter at a time as a reward for a decluttering task
Perfect. I’m a list writer. But lately, I’ve not done anything all day long & my tasks that day get moved to another day & so on, until my to do list gets overwhelming. NOW... I pick a podcast I watch, see how long it is, match a task I know I can complete in that time frame. I put it on my Bluetooth speaker & make myself complete it before that podcast ends. I do this several times a day until my list is completed. It works great for me. Thanks for being you. ❤️
I had to stop making lists for decluttering projects. i spent too much time worrying about doing tasks perfectly. I just set the timer and start moving now.
I took 4 bags of clothing, old costume jewelry and toiletries to a women’s shelter today. It gave m such a high! Working on capsule wardrobe! So happy excited!
Well done Mary! I never turned back after I got a capsule wardrobe set up, with a little one in my life, i had to washing EVERY DAY ugh, but with both of us with capsules i can do it once a week if i want to :D yay!
What's a capsule wardrobe?
@@intherockies A basic wardrobe with interchangeable parts. Basic, leggings, jeans pants with tops that work with each to change the look. Adding scarf, necklace. Fewer choices, streamlined.
This is so darn timely for me! I finally started a paper for my masters course and decided to reward myself with some RUclips after I finished the first section, only to find a brand new video from my friend, Dawn 🥰 I think that I'll use this tactic to trick my brain into liking a lot of other things, as well- yay!
This is the reason I still watch RUclips!
I use my phone while doing house work, decluttering, etc I either listen to RUclips especially decluttering ones like yours dawn, Cass, Dianna, so much more. Otherwise I listen to a podcast, music or just listen to my Bible app too while I'm doing the cleaning, decluttering, etc because there is also spiritual relief by doing all the decluttering too. Thanks Dawn you're amazing at what you do by encouraging everyone who watches you.
I often use my cell phone (or laptop) while I'm decluttering. I watch RUclips or Netflix and am entertained while I work. Watching decluttering videos like yours often motivates me (or gives me ideas) to work on decluttering another area of my house. So motivating! Thanks for the videos!
Now I know why I love looking back to see what I accomplished. Dopamine! I didn’t realize that. Thank you. Inspired to try this.
Thanks! I'm very early in my decluttering/minimalism journey, and I tend to just get impatient! In the first few days, I've already had days when I'm just super motivated, other days when I'm super overwhelmed and don't know where to begin, but most days I just want it all gone and get it over with! But I'm not alone in here, my spouse and kids are putting on the brakes ;-) . I can't wait to have a home that is calmer and easy to clean.
SO helpful. Another “reward” for me, and it goes along with decluttering; I love just finding new “homes” for stuff and getting things out the door. That often seems to be motivation enough for me. ☺️ 💟
Hello Kelly
Below zero and blowing like crazy today in eastern South Dakota so I’m home cleaning and decluttering while i listen to RUclips . Phone in my pocket so i only listen and can keep moving, ha. Thanks, Dawn!
I've been trying to streamline my attic, so I've started a new habit: If I take something upstairs (such as holiday decorations or winter coats), I can't come down empty-handed. I must bring something with me to trash or donate or sell. I do the same thing when I make a trip to my car. I never go there without bringing something that's going to leave permanently. I keep a box on my back seat to put books I'm trading in at the used book store. Also on my back seat I put boxes and bags to donate to my local historical society. When I reach critical mass, I make drop-offs. Little by little, it adds up.
Love this! I am going to try it. :D
This is the same technique used by smart waiters and waitresses. They never go from one spot to another empty handed. That way they're able to get big jobs done one step at a time and it adds up quickly. Really wise on your part!
The best advice I got from you is put things away as you organize or manage papers. This has been a huge help to me in many ways with house keeping. Thank you. I love your you tube videos.
This is SO true!! I don’t have a dishwasher so there are many times the dishes pile up and I don’t feel “motivated” to clean them. However, knowing that I can watch a fun video WHILE I awash the dishes motivates me to do them! Thanks for all your content. It’s always encouraging and helpful❣️
How did you know that I was really struggling this week with being on my phone? This week, I've been using it as a way to avoid other tasks. Thank you for doing this video. I don't feel so alone anymore. I finally decluttered yesterday and I need to reward myself for that win! I usually like a daily challenge with my sister, like 5 min. of decluttering for 31-days to refocus my brain. Thank you for brightening my day.
Well, found my long lost twin...lol. I've developed a horrid habit and need to break it.
Me too! It's good to know that we are not alone. I feel so much guilt for being on my phone. I hope this will alleviate some of it and help me to continue to get stuff done!
I use my phone to listen to one of your videos, which motivates me to continue the task I need to do, but don’t “feel” like doing! It really helps a LOT!!❤️
Hi Dawn I watch videos as clean and or declutter it makes times go by so much easier! My reward to RUclips it's keeping on top on my to do things and it has been working for me!!
Thanks for this reminder that my cell phone is an important source of entertainment for my enjoyment while I'm cleaning. I always have RUclips going while I wash dishes (by hand, no dishwasher), listening to music, comedians, product reviews, all kinds of videos. Before I realize it, the dishes are done. Decluttering seems to take more concentration, though, so the reward system might work for me.
I believe you really do love us. Thank you so much for your efforts. You are very encouraging and helped me out of a gloomy spot just now. 🙂❤️ -- Patty
Back in the day before phones a friend of mine rewarded herself with m&ms lol I say “whatever works”🙌
Totally what I do... I watch your videos while doing dishes, it’s my relaxation & inspiration time.
I used to only allow myself to watch RUclips on the peloton! It really works!!
I do NOT have to trick my brain into loving it. I started, and was hooked. I am by no means a minimilast, but decluttering, and decluttering again and again and again has given me SO much freedom!!!
Going back to the space that has recently been decluttered and organized makes me one motivated woman. When my husband walked into the laundry room and said it seemed bigger I told him it was because I got the cleaning supplies up off of the floor.
I’ve been at it for a few months and love doing it! I donate a tub full several times a week or multiples in one week. It’s therapy for me!
I used to HATE doing the dishes. But then I started only watching RUclips videos when I was washing the dishes, or doing the laundry. And I started to crave time that I could just go do chores and watch the videos like yours!
Motivation is soooo fleeting, you are absolutely right. My reward system is to listen to one of your videos as I declutter.
This a great idea. I can be up and around 10 min before I collapse onto the couch with very painful lower back pain. But I will love doing this each day. ☺
My motivation comes from watching your videos Dawn. I have MS and everything is so difficult for me. I listen to your comments about spending a few minutes doing some Decluttering and I go and do some. It's ok to only spend a few minutes on it at a time.😃 Dawn says so. Thankyou 🥰
Great video, thank you. I'm using my time watching my devices as a treat to use while I go thru my old paperwork. Time flies and it no longer feels like punishment going thru old paperwork, literally over 20 years worth.,,my outdoor storage room has never looked better, I can now walk into it cuz of the decluttering we've done this month!
I found pairing tasks with listening to audiobooks, podcasts, videos, even tv shows better than reward after. I'm the kind of person who'll decide "x will be my reward for doing y" and then just get x without doing y, because well... I can. Doing the task while listening to stuff takes my mind off of it, I keep getting dopamine continuously while working and don't have to restrain myself from not getting the reward without doing the task.
(didn't see this until after I posted my second comment) YES!!!! THANK YOU!!!! That is EXACTLY how an ADHD brain works, too - it's why I can get things like laundry done a ton faster when I'm listening to/watching something.
@@SnowySpiritRuby It's definitely an ADHD thing. While NTs can be motivated by the vision of getting reward (dopamine) in the future, our brains have so little dopamine that we often literally cannot get started doing anything unless we get some dopamine first.
I just did this..... I rewarded myself for walking on my lunch break by watching your RUclips channel. So funny that I happened to see this video.
Which is why playing your videos on my phone helped me start ☺️
My cell phone helped me to declutter my whole home. Listening to you and others podcasts, Listening to audio books ❤
Didn’t go and declutter anything. But I did make myself get up and go walk after watching this video. Trying to get 10,000 steps in a day. So thanks for the motivation!
Think of every step as a gift to yourself!
BEST ADVICE EVER! I need to hear this weekly!🤣 I have my whole House waiting and I’m ready to tackle it now! Reward system always works! Thanks for the encouragement! ~From Springfield, Missouri
Yeah Dawn! What a super useful Idea. We all need more encouragement we all respond to rewards. I am going to apply this principle to all my self-improvement goals. Thank you and God bless.
I have always used “motivators”for my kids whether devices, outside time, sleepover, play dates or whatever! I like to listen to podcasts while I am decluttering, especially something relating to what I am doing.
I watch RUclips videos while I fold the clothes and now I really look forward to fold clothes because I get to see the videos I want with no regrets, that has been a great Idea from you and Diana in a past video and I loved it and I love it still, thanks Dawn for all your help and inspiration, blessings
The sunshine was awesome.
The dopamine advice was so helpful.
This is what I do. I listen to a podcast or watch a youtube video while i’m cleaning/decluttering. It helps keep me focused and it created momentum, which then creates motivation.
I have gotten so much out of decluttering. It is satisfying that I am doing something that is good for me and the family. I tell myself I am giving myself more time for important
We've been sick and had a lot of extra TV, tablet, phone time in the process. I've been thinking of fasting from the internet but maybe I can do this instead or in addition to. It's not healthy for me to be on a lot but maybe as a reward it will work. Thank you Dawn, great timing!🙌🎉
Love this. I used this method for yrs, rewarding myself with reading a book. But with electronic devices I've been stymied by the guilt. Thnx for helping me put in in perspective, reduce the guilt & hopefully stop the procrastination 😘
I know that this works. I clean my kitchen nightly listening to you or Dana or Cas. You keep me company.
Absolutely. I have found that I can’t motivate myself to clean, so I set myself tasks with rewards after.
I watch a decluttering video each morning and it motivates me to declutter. Seriously. One morning I woke up early (4:30am) and couldn’t go back to sleep. I put on a decluttering video in the bed to watch and within 5 minutes I had all my spices pulled out of my cabinet. My husband came into the kitchen getting ready to leave for work at 5:30 and wondered what in the world I was doing up so early decluttering. 😂 so, yeah, decluttering videos motivate me to declutter. It’s 6:46 am on Wednesday and I just finished your video…guess what? I’m about to go declutter under my back bathroom sink. Thx for the morning motivation, Dawn 💖
I listen to you while I declutter and/or clean. Your voice and thoughts motivate me 💜
Hello Jamie
Love the kids with cell phones story. I work in an elementary school and one of our principals would discipline kids at school by asking them what their favorite toy at home is. Then he would sit with the child as they called their parent and told them that they had to bring their toy to school to keep in Mr Blair's office for two weeks because of their misbehavior. Then they had to tell their parent what they did. Mr Blair had some very cool toys in his office but very few repeat customers.
I’ve been putting off making the guest bed since we don’t have guests that often- but at the same time I like to think we could accommodate friends and family if they landed on our doorstep in an emergency!
My reward for doing the bed was listening to your video- the topic was a coincidence! I did something I enjoy whilst doing something I’ve been putting off. Win win.
Watching you Dawn gives me motivation :) and right now I'm washing the dishes and listening to you, even boring tasks are fun when I listen to you :)))). Thank you!!!!!
I remember once watching your video about decluttering the kitchen and I paused the video to finally let go of the extra mixing bowls I was holding onto. I came back to continue watching. An item or area comes to mind and that is when I would take care of that item or area. Less pressure to tackle an entire house or even a full room. I feel like I aced Minimalism- my tablet use and exercise plan? no way! I will think about using these ideas for those things. To continue this amazing process I keep watching videos that might not apply fully for me, since i love to declutter. Watching though keeps me on the the right track before adding more to the house and continuing to support.
I use the reward system too. I am working on this by being rewarded by just the feel of the space. Of course maybe chocolate would work too!!
My brain doesn't need tricking, it LOVES decluttering!! After watching your videos during the first lockdown my whole house got decluttered and I've loved it ever since. Thank you Dawn x
I'm motivating myself to fold the laundry by watching this video! It really does work!!!
You Flippin rock !! What a fantastic idea. I will definitely be using this strategy. Having a special needs child that is also fighting PTSD along with me, has made house organizing nearly impossible. My brain can not stay focused. 😩 I so thank you for this idea.
I like to listen to YOU, DANA AND CASS when I’m decluttering, tidying and cleaning… YOU Guys get me SO MOTIVATED!
I found your channel almost 2 years ago and massively decluttered our house and simplified how we do everything and right now it is saving us. We are foster parents and have a little in the hospital so im not home as much but because of how simple everything is its easy to keep everything clean. Thank you.
I'm sharing this with my son to help motivate him for his studies! Saving podcasts or audio books for menial tasks like laundry is a regular practice that works for me . I actually look forward to taking time for those tasks because I get to listen to something I want to hear! Thank you, as always, for sharing your wisdom and encouragement with us. God bless your efforts!
I don't delay listening to my podcasts as a reward .
Cleaning comes naturally to me. Even so, like everyone else,. I may not be particularly motivated to complete a task.
I tend to use listening to my favorite RUclipsrs, music, or podcasts on my phone, as a way to make the task feel less boring.
Me too! Exact same routine!
Thanks for your encouragement Don It has helped me to be nicer to myself and keep my house more organized
I enjoy using my phone WHILE I’m tidying and or decluttering. I listen to a RUclips video or music.
Have to say YOU motivate me! I’ve been ‘collecting’ for 50 years and ever since I discovered you and Diana ’.
This video made me smile so much. I don't watch RUclips video unless I am cleaning/decluttering/organising. I match videos to the rooms based on the video length - this room will be clean before the video finishes (like a timer). I also reward myself with a coffee and brownie afterwards.
I LOVE your channel, you've inspired me to do to a bit each day! I've tackled most of my office and started on my bedroom amd clothes. So excited to do more!
I started listening as I vacuumed! Ha! As we pack and declutter on preparation for a big move this spring, I have been listening to books and RUclips shows as a positive distraction because this is a very emotional and brain-draining process. A little Minimalist Mom helps perk me up for sure! Thank you Dawn!
My current hobby is decluttering while listening to you on RUclips!
I find it very encouraging and relaxing. Love order and peace which comes with it. Blessings from Ireland 🙏❤️💐
I’m all about your black wardrobe staples, but I love the simple green sweatshirt on you. 💚
I'm late here but I usually use my phone as motivation - RUclips & TikTok. I love putting on RUclips "clean with me" type videos while I work. On TikTok I watch cleaning and decluttering videos - since they're so short I can watch a few, see how much things have transformed, and it instantly makes me want to improve my home :)
I love audio books, so I always put something on when I’m doing housework, decluttering, cooking , whatever it is that’s boring and mundane and turn it into a book session. Makes the time fly so quickly and much more enjoyable. As a reward when I rest (I have chronic conditions so have to rest regularly) I might go on a game for 5 mins AND have the audiobook on. Then I get back to the jobs. And I feel like I’ve conquered the world!! 😂
I do this too- chapter by chapter I can get a big and seemingly unmanageable job done. Although, when it's getting close to the end of a great story, I'll usually finish with a two chapter work spree 🙂
My high is actually getting things out of the house! Addicting! Feels so good! 🥳
Oh Dawn, you hit the nail on the head. Thank you so much for the motivation. I have some of my mom's thing to go through. It's so hard. I needed this advice. Thank you! 😊❤️
Your video made me feel like a great parent! My kids only get t.v time when we watch movies as a family (weekends) only.On weekends they play on thier phones but week days is all about homework. If they are done with homework early they can play outside or draw. They love drawing or playing board games 💗
Way to go, Josie! I did that with my kids as they were growing up. They thanked me years later for all the time they got to spend reading a book or playing outside rather than sitting in front of a tv! I heard it from each one at separate times in their lives. Stick to it, you'll be so glad you did! ☺💕
@@monicasolomon7757 Thank you! Especially because when my husband's kids are at thier bio mom house they are on the video games and phones 24/7. We actually care about education.
Dawn, your videos motivate me! Thanks for another great one.
I watch you and I find this the best motivation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!
I want to listen and watch you and other minimalist so I turn on the videos when I do chores. Super motivating. While watching this I completely cleaned my kitchen after dinner!
Dawn I agree with everything you said! My love language is decluttering, organizing and cleaning our home! I work outside the home but when I have a day off and get to organize and decluttering a space I feel the dopamine and it is good! I ordered your workbook and love it too! Thank you for all you do to help us! Your Tennessee friend and fan
When I was younger and watching my soaps or favorite tv shows. When commercials came on I would use that time as my tidy time. When commericals was over I would stop and watch or sometimes work thru and listen to the show. Boy do I miss my soaps. My other reward was to read a few pages or a chapter in a book and then get busy again. Thanks for the reminder, time to start these habits again.
It really is amazing how addicted we are to our phones. Reaching for it becomes almost an instinct the second our brain gets a micro-second of boredom. It really makes it important to be intentional with the time you spend on it to make sure you maximize your time in the real world! 😊 📱
That is so true. I get angry with myself for so easily grabbing and distracting myself on my phone. But I don’t seem to learn enough to change.
A micro-second of boredom... wow. Ouch, that hurt and I totally needed it. Boredom begets inspiration and I need to hang out in that state more often for sure. Thanks for this nugget!!
moneybee .. well said!
You are great motivator Down! Thank you so much!🤗💖
Have not watched video yet, but just wanted to jump here and tell you that I have learned so much by watching your videos, before I treated myself to RUclips today I'm happy to say that I filled 6 bags of junk stuff that was just using my space and didn't have a purpose in my life, I used to just reorganize and reorganize my stuff but not anymore, now I I declutter and let me tell you that it feels amazing ending up with empty cabinets, empty shelves in the hall way closet and now I don't have to move 100 things to get the things I need. Little by little I'm starting to feel stress free with all the cluttered in every corner of my house, now it looks nice and clean, less things to worry about every time I clean.
Now off to watch your video and learn new things. 💜