At first I was just thinking of the onion method and working on containers, such as laundry hampers, drawers, book shelves, cabinets, and file totes, but today I just had an 'aha' moment today regarding the most important container. Time is a container all its own! I realized I have a 'time container' called sleep, one for work, one for meals, and several 'time containers' spread out among friends, family, volunteer work, writing, and artwork. Seeing those clearly as containers is helping me focus what can fit in them, reasonably, and more importantly, what's truly essential. And not filling every container to the brim is important too. ;)
Thank you 😊 for this perspective. For health reasons, I have limited energy so was previously taught to imagine a jar full of marbles to visualize my energy so I can decide whether to sparse it out over the day or week or blow it all on one project and live with consequences. But I'm liking this idea better. I think it might just fit better (especially since we're talking containers). 😁
Yes! This helps me so much too! Another thing that's really helped me is taking photos of sentimental items and gifts I don't use (sometimes a whole table top full in one pic) so I still have the cue to remember the time in my life or thoughtfulness of the person without the actual object.
After minimizing I actually made sewing a priority. Everytime I have some extra time ( and bad weather) I sew, mostly clothing for my kids. I finally finished my wedding book. And I started skateboarding again (yes, as a adult woman of 30). I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative and doing sports before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I regret a few decluttering decisions I made because everybody gets rid of XY or wants the shelves to look a specific way. But even in comparison to you I am very minimal in clothing and bathroom utensils. For me the most important was to have finally the time and energy again to be political active and at the same time doing my hobbies. Mostly it works.
I'm with you!! P.S. "Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. " We can do this!
Yep. Decluttering or housework or anything like that definately makes me think of onions because it always involves me crying. I have found some great hints and techniques to make it less hard. But it is still always just something I soldier on through for however long I can manage as often as I can manage. I admire people who enjoy this decluttering or even feel better after it is done. I don't really. But watching people like The Minimal Mom and A Slob Comes Clean and ClutterBug has helped me not feel like I need to be "perfect" at this stuff.
I've noticed when I declutter, if I happen to reach for an item I already got rid of I usually just find something else to use to get the job done. There are times I wish I didn't get rid of something but I've never gone out and replaced it so I guess I couldn't have missed it that bad 😂. Dawn your channel has helped me in so many ways. I actually love to organize but it took me a looonngg time to let go of things. I now have empty drawers, cabinets and closets that aren't filled to the brim anymore. We have been wanting to put an extra bedroom in the basement for years. We couldn't because there was too much stuff. I'm happy to say we can finally do that now! The basement was my trouble zone and I've finally got it to a place I'm at peace with. So grateful for you and this community.
That’s so funny. I just decided this week to let go of my sewing stuff for this child raising season I’m now in. I have three ages six and under. I thought if I want to rebuy it all when they are grown I can then again. But I need the lightness of simple living right now to go along with the core of my onion lol!
With your help Dawn I am finally at the middle of the onion!! I didn’t think there were any more benefits to be had or any further to go but I’ve just really tapped into my “savage mode.” For anyone reading this who feels like it’s too hard or they can’t keep going… Keep listening to these videos and keep at it, the peace of mind is priceless! Few things are as transformative as simplifying your life down to what truly matters.
Great video Dawn! I look at my stuff & think I want it gone but when I start to drclutter & actually touch the stuff, that's when I have the emotional attachment & want to keep it even though I know I'll not use it. I was proud of myself the other day...We've have a Ninja blender with all the attachments that we pd good money for & I've been holding on to it because I couldn't stand the thought of just donating it...I saw a friend post on FB that her blender broke so I am giving it to her. It made me feel so much better knowing it was going to someone I know. Plus, now I'll have space in my cabinet to get something up off of my counter top. Win, win for me! Thank you for all your encouragement! ;0)
I've been watching your videos over the past few days especially and it's been so incredibly helpful! I've organized the front door (kids shoes; 1 box for spring- fall & 1 box for winter- spring), organized and put everyone's winter gear hanging up.. In the Midwest we never really know how early we're gonna get snow 🤷♀️😝. I found all of the baby and kids in between sizes and labeled and put them into diaper or wipes boxes to store until needed. I've been putting these things off and all it's been doing is stressing me out more. MY husband and I aren't decided quite yet on if we want to stop at 3 or have 1 more. So it's better to just label and pack away stuff now. With all boys 5m, 2yrs & 4yrs, I want to spend the time with them instead of frustrated with the clutter or wasting time because I can't find stuff. You being so encouraging and positive has really helped give me my own push to get rid of stuff and put things away. I have a ways to go, but I'm feeling so much better just getting started on it 😊
You’re always so encouraging! I’ve followed you for a couple years and am far along on my decluttering journey. I’ve decluttered many layers and it’s so true that each layer gives you more confidence and stronger “muscles.” Each video still helps fire me up to keep working toward the “prize” in the middle. Peace of mind is worth it! ❤️
Yup - I started with one of your simplest suggestions a awhile back - JUST start by clearing your kitchen surfaces. That's all it took for me to catch the declutter bug. I was able to simplify the kitchen....then the living room....and now it's just a habit to choose small projects to declutter every week, layer by layer. PEACE is definitely the best result. Thanks! /S
The part around the “surprise” should be sentimental / guilt items. We need to build the decluttering muscle. I may be guilty of pushing too far with your graphic but the shape around the surprise is more complicated in shape….just the way sentimental items are more complex to figure out. Good job as always Dawn.
So putting Dawn's onion method together with a couple of the comments you'll get that decluttering is best done in layers, and cutting onions make you cry - so does decluttering. But eventually you'll get to the core, which is where an onion's growth comes from.
Same here. I have a cross stitch project sitting that I started as a gift to my great-aunt for throwing me my wedding shower. I've been married 14 years now. Do you think I'll finish it before she passes away? I don't think so. Maybe I should give that up. If I ever want to take it back up then I'm sure I'll buy a new package of something in interested in then. It's so hard! 😅
I’m 54 and still have cross-stitch supplies from college - I don’t think I’ve done any cross-stitch since then. I did a while back donate some of the projects I knew I’d never do. I’m trying to retire at 55 (next June) so I will hold onto then and if a year or so into retirement I don’t use them, they will go. It’s a fairly small amount of supplies.
Thank you for all of your videos. Thanks to you I am finished decluttering our main living spaces. I plan to work on my basement during the all day declutter. Everything down there is organized and in bins, but most of it hasn't been used in way more than a year. As far as crafts, from now on I just want to buy what I need for ONE project at a time. I used to scrapbook all the time, but now I resent the bins of scrapbook supplies -even though they're organized. Part of the fun is going out and picking the perfect paper and stickers that go with the event. I don't want to search through papers to find something that "will work". And when I'm done, the extra supplies can go...no more saving little corners of paper. I think I can get my supplies down to tools and a few basics. I'm excited and inspired thanks to you!
Thank you for this message! I’ve been doubting my abilities to declutter thinking, “I guess I didn’t do a very good job the first time around” because I’m finding more to declutter when I just did it last year! 😜 You validate the fact that it’s a layer by layer process. It’s also a bit by bit learning process for me. I’m coming to the realization that I need less and less. It’s kinda like decluttering the ideas in my head that I think I need certain things “just in case.” It is liberating to let go of stuff. I’m actually excited to do another round. More freedom! 😃
I also love that you give examples and show us! I have unloaded three car loads of clothes and household stuff from kitchen. My house is beautiful -thank you!
Thank you! Your videos have become my go to for motivation. I found you about a year ago and I have gotten rid of over 50 garbage bags of inventory from my home the past 4 months. I did a whole house sweep the other day after watching one of your videos and I got one bag. ONE! That’s the first time ever I’ve only gotten one bag. I went through every cabinet closet and drawer in my house and I literally was down to the minimum for our family. It felt so so good. I feel like I can clean my entire house in one hour. I used to be cleaning up CONSTANTLY. Thank you for my time my peace at mind back! Seriously thinking of it as inventory is a game changer. We have so much more space for the things that really matter!
I'm 63 and my daughter has let me know I'm a pack rat of everything. I love your help and I'm starting in the office and going to keep growing...thank you
Boy that quote on growing/learning is what I live by. If I am not happy, I look at what I'm learning and always end up adding something new to learn, do, make, listen to, read etc.
Your channel is one of my favorites and I spend last weekend binge watching your videos while cleaning and decluttering. You’ve given me some guilt-free permission to donate items that I don’t like but have been keeping out if obligation, making peace with my own preferences, and building better habits to break cycles of scarcity and fear. This is SO good. I thought I had purged my closet, but… yeah there are some things I don’t love that can go!
I love you dawn!! Your channel has been a blessing to stumble upon and I have been following along ever since! This video just inspired me to finally accept that the season for painting has passed and that's totally okay. I have carried the guilt of seeing untouched art supplies for years!! Lots of imposter syndrome and sunk cost guilt involved with every reminder. Now I'm ready to let it go and keep an open heart for the future where I'm sure the opportunity to paint will return. Bless you!
Been doing the onion method for about four years now. Definitely down to the last layers and it's sooo awesome!!! You have helped me stay motivated along the way! Thank you, Dawn! :)
That is so true that you build confidence in decluttering! I have loved decluttering since I was 18 and now I’m 38 but I’m constantly still finding things to reduce
Hi Dawn, I’ve been watching your videos in the past year and have learned so much. I may not be a minimalist but I’ve let go of things that have even surprised me. This onion concept is so good. I’ve realized in my decluttering that I have many layers but I’m hitting those layers and learning so much about myself. Thank you for sharing your wealth of information, your faith and your life. 🌼
so i’m currently living with my Mom as an adult (covid bummer) but my version of a quarantine bin has been things I’ll take to my new home when I move out. Like the 2 crockpots I know my mom doesn’t need… I’ll happily put one in the basement until I leave and take it with me :-)
I use this method and didn’t realize it had a name. I’m a crafty person but I refuse to spend A LOT of money on supplies, so if I’ve ended up with to much it makes it easier to just donate. Just keeping the basics or the things I absolutely love works for me, with craft stuff.
I found your videos about 2 months ago. It’s encouraging to know that I’m not the only one with stress from clutter. Your inspirational words have allowed me to evaluate stuff and create a mind shift and realize that I don’t need so much stuff. My spaces are becoming more organized and functional. You have changed my life in such a positive way. Thank you!
Thanks for another great video, Dawn. The onion method is so much better than those "Declutter your house in 2 weeks" methods. I would get so quickly overwhelmed and not do any decluttering for weeks. Thanks to you, Cas and Dana I'm on the right track to get our house and garages decluttered!
Such a useful concept! And a great antidote to countering the perfectionism that comes when we try to get tidying done one time thoroughly as Marie Kongo advocates if you declutter thoroughly you only need to do it once. But I stopped halfway through her categories and never picked up again, now I feel more inspiration to resume. And when I look at before photos from 2 years ago I have made progress even though it doesn’t feel like it!
I just started and am doing the closets :) and already it feels so good to get rid of stuff, esp for my youngest now he knows EVERYTHING in his closet he likes and can wear! its great!
Thank you for that thought about if an area isn't functioning well it likely has too much inventory. In my decluttering journey I am always looking for simple insightful sentences to repeat in my head as I survey my spaces. I like this one. :) thanks!
This has so been our case!! We sized down from a house to an apartment with the same amount of rooms. I started packing one month before we moved. I put things together rather than everything being spread out in the house. Now that we’ve been in our new apartment for one month, we feel so free and have not slept this well in a while!!!! Thank you for everything you share with us!
Okay, you’ve got me at last… I have been denying myself the Quarantine Box - being hard on myself and expecting clear, instant decisions. I am now down to the fantasy-self items and unfinished sewing (!) project (that was probably a mistake and cost a lot of money) and am going to allow myself the Quarantine Box 🧡 I also appreciate hearing about you letting go of your sewing stuff - EVEN THOUGH you love sewing. Thank you! After many years of the onion method I feel I’m on the cusp to something BIG now… I haven’t quite followed it through to the end, the prize in the middle yet. I hardly ever made the „tough“ decisions just went through the first layers several times….
This is brilliant, thank you❤ I have done the 'de-clutter in 30 days' type of method but, suddenly seeing all this space around me, was very stressful - and I soon filled it all again. Doing it slowly, and gradually seeing space opening up, is far less threatening xx
I totally agree on the self confidence surprice in the core of the minimalist onion! Peace, time and easy living I had om my motivation list so I kind of counted on gaining thoose - but the inner peace and the self confidence - wow. Like you I didn't se the connection between them before, but - yes. A nice surprice,
Great video with a great analogy. So funny at the beginning when you were just starting to refer to the onion, I was saying to myself: “I’ll thank her not to speculate what might be at the center of my onion!” Glad you giggled!
Dawn, I have never commented on a single RUclips video. Ever. And yet, you are my mentor on this journey and I'm SO grateful our paths crossed. Thank you many times over. Today, I just have your videos playing while I worked on my kitchen. (Body doubling) and I've STAYED with it longer than I can without your awesome soundtrack being the one that replaces my fear, despair, and lies about ever getting to the core of our onion: peace. We talk about you around here like a dear friend...so much so that whenever anyone mentions Dawn, nobody asks "Dawn-who?" anymore. : )
I love to sew too. I never knew that about you. We have a whole closet waiting for me to "get back to someday" or "teach my daughters eventually". It makes me feel bad every time I see it because it is a piece of me I miss. It reminds me of something I have had to give up and even sometimes makes me resent my family :(
Kim Jay- I picked up sewing a few years ago to do simple charity projects. I had to put it on hold after the birth of my fourth and last child 3.5 years ago. Now that my 3 older kids are in school, I plan to take my youngest to Grandma and sew there while she plays with Gma. There’s a season for everything. One day, you can pick it up again and even teach your daughters.
I’m a sewer and decluttering my sewing room might be the hardest. So I’ll leave that for another day. But Last week I started with the kitchen where I think that’s easier to make those decluttering judgment calls. Easy layer first.
Thank you so much! I watch a lot of your videos & I didn't realize but I have been doing an "onion method" approach to decluttering my house; first easy stuff etc. and after I thought I did so well I would be discontent with the space again and I'd need to get rid of even more. Also, I had to stop the flow coming in that was a big one. It has taken what feels like months, even years but I can't imagine had I not started at all what a mess I'd be leaving in. I keep a screenshot of your kitchen on my ipad as my screen saver for motivation :D What I really wanted to say is that after all the methods: "Does this spark joy?" or "how long has it been since I've used this" etc. what you said recently has reallly helped me at this mid-later stage with harder items. What has helped is picturing how I want to live/ how I want my house to look and hearing your words when running into clutter; "do I really want to manage this inventory in my home?" Thanks Dawn!
This is exactly how I am doing it. It is amazing how much better it is making me feel. Some things I wasn't willing/able to part with before I'm ready to now. This is a great metaphor.
Layer by layer sounds right. I'm incorpating the tip that you and Cas/Clutterbug both share and keeping a basket or tote with me to put things into that belong in other areas of tge house. One of my biggest mistakes us I will go to put an item where I think it belongs mid project and suddenly I'm taking that other room or space apart as well. My spouse and I both have adhd so we are both committed to helping each other stay on task this weekend. We know we want to do this throughout our house but we committed to working on just the living room this weekend. We've assigned one room to each weekend this month. This way we can do a deep cleaning of each space as well as declutter.
After viewing your post about the "Onion Method," my first thought about de-cluttering is "there's gonna be a lot of cryin' going on." Of course, it was a great way to look at how and why one can de-clutter so it is not so overwhelming. Thanks for sharing.
We recently moved (downsized) and are very minimalist now. I am in LOVE with the ease of cleaning and how everything has its place. HOWEVER, as a "clean freak" I think cleaning and decluttering was my hobby! Now that my home stays clean I feel bored. Normally I'd shop when I was bored, but I don't do that much anymore either because I don't want clutter. I know this sounds insane, but wondering if anyone else feels the same? I'm not crafty (I tried a lot), and I'm not good at just sitting idly. Looking for advice on what to do when you don't spend all of your time cleaning and shuffling the mess any more!
Offer to clean or declutter for others. There are many people who are elderly or disabled or overwhelmed and would love some help. Ask a charity you support to get the word out or a seniors organization or help group. Also think about volunteering. There are many opportunities for you to use your cleaning and decluttering expertise. I love books so I volunteer for our Friends of the Library group and I deal with donations. I love going through boxes of books and putting them on shelves with some going on our free cart. I love organizing and now they are shelved by genre with labels on the shelves. I also give to our local SPCA - towels, laundry detergent, pet supplies. I am sure they would love some cleaning help too. Volunteer and you will never be bored again.
The second pass through my house I felt like I had done it wrong the first time because there was more to declutter. Then one day it hit me, life changes, needs and wants change all the time. Now when I make a pass through an area, it's so much easier to decide to let things go or to carefully purchase something that I truly will use and will work better.
Love this video. Just what I needed to hear to keep going. I'm so close to the middle of the onion!! Not quite there so I'll keep peeling 😊 Thanks Dawn, once again an encouraging, helpful video 💜
I won't say on here how many boxes I have packed in the past few years my home is like a warehouse...I do get rid of odds and ends but end up replacing again...It does impact on health and take up so much time...I get motivated for a while and then so overwhelmed that I stop again...Since seeing your videos it has made me realise that to take tiny steps and not to expect to be finished right away...The boxes of clutter has ended up being the clutter now and they need to be sorted and the items to charity shops,recycling centre,online selling sites and given away etc...Tried car boot sales but the packing and sorting of unsold items was time consuming and not worth while...Best Wishes...
I've decluttered the first layer of the onion in our basement by getting rid of a ton of giant cardboard boxes. Now I'm working on the second layer and getting rid of junk I forgot we had and forgotten toys that nobody likes. Same for my sewing area. I had so much fabric that I actually didn't like and would never use, that I was able to get rid of at least half of it! Just doing the first couple layers can make a huge difference!
I don’t have any layers left lol. My home is so empty, but I LOVE it this way!! I greatly enjoy reading and taking long walks but always had in the back of my head all of the to do’s. Now there are none!
Thank you for this encouragement! I appreciate having this method explained with this image. It works for me and for my approach to minimizing my house and my life. Many thanks for another great video!
Hi Dawn, I'm so sad I never had the opportunity to meet you yrs ago in your earlier RUclips yrs because now you're so famous lol that it's probably much harder to meet you. Also I'm far far away from you all the way in NY, but ONE DAY hopefully ONE DAY I'll be able to tell you "Dawn I did it !!!"
The thought of giving up sewing, fabrics in particular, does that mean you got rid of the sewing machine, too? Before my parents moved away from Minneapolis (not the one in NC), Mom sold her Singer treadle machine. While it was well-used by her to make dresses for 3 little girls, each of us learned how to sew on it, too. After each of us graduated grade 12, we were each given a portable machine to take to college. (We already had a suitcase after grade 8.) A trip down memory lane, but it's been years since I've thought about it all. Just want to find a good home for such "stuff" and be happy for the next owner.
So, I am in the middle of a big dilemma for my family’s home. I live with my parents and my dad is a hoarder. He has bought multiple storage units and went to so many auctions thinking he would turn around and sell these things, and now our home is no longer functional. I want to be able to help them, especially because I live there too, but I can never get my father to help or to listen. My room and bathroom are the most de cluttered places in the home and I could really use some advice. I have boxes that I have packed for him to take to his store so he can get them sold, but he continues to buy and only sells things he recently has gotten a hold of. I don’t know what to do at this point, and neither does my mother.
Hoarding is a mental illness and you will not be able to help him. You can only help your self. Find a mental health professional and ask about any experts on hoarding in your area. They may help you understand your dad and give you advice on how to help him recognize his problem. But it sounds like he doesn’t think he has a problem, in which case talk to your mom and come up with a plan to reclaim some areas of the house that you two use. Or look into moving out. Hoarding has a high relapse rate even when someone admits they have a problem and gets help.
Hi I am getting older and I want to leave a few things to dispose when I leave this world. The prize is not only for me, having a wonderful peaceful home, but for my family, when I am not here anymore. Thanks for all your lessons. Blessings from Costa Rica
At first I was just thinking of the onion method and working on containers, such as laundry hampers, drawers, book shelves, cabinets, and file totes, but today I just had an 'aha' moment today regarding the most important container. Time is a container all its own! I realized I have a 'time container' called sleep, one for work, one for meals, and several 'time containers' spread out among friends, family, volunteer work, writing, and artwork. Seeing those clearly as containers is helping me focus what can fit in them, reasonably, and more importantly, what's truly essential. And not filling every container to the brim is important too. ;)
Love this!!!
Brilliant!👏 I'm so grateful for your comment!💗
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing, this is so helpful!!
Thank you 😊 for this perspective. For health reasons, I have limited energy so was previously taught to imagine a jar full of marbles to visualize my energy so I can decide whether to sparse it out over the day or week or blow it all on one project and live with consequences. But I'm liking this idea better. I think it might just fit better (especially since we're talking containers). 😁
That's awesome!!!
I've started looking at my decluttering as gifts I'm giving people so they can use them. It makes me feel so good ❤️
I decided to declutter my basically new dehydrator. My sister-in-law was so happy to receive it and called it her Christmas present. Win-win!
Yes! This helps me so much too! Another thing that's really helped me is taking photos of sentimental items and gifts I don't use (sometimes a whole table top full in one pic) so I still have the cue to remember the time in my life or thoughtfulness of the person without the actual object.
After minimizing I actually made sewing a priority. Everytime I have some extra time ( and bad weather) I sew, mostly clothing for my kids. I finally finished my wedding book. And I started skateboarding again (yes, as a adult woman of 30). I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative and doing sports before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I regret a few decluttering decisions I made because everybody gets rid of XY or wants the shelves to look a specific way. But even in comparison to you I am very minimal in clothing and bathroom utensils. For me the most important was to have finally the time and energy again to be political active and at the same time doing my hobbies. Mostly it works.
Hi, wondering what you regretted getting rid of, as Dawn only regretted 2 things.
Onions make me cry. Decluttering… also makes me cry.
Ain’t that the truth… 😂/🥺😭
Ha-ha, but don't you love an onion? Can't live without them!
Decluttering is hard work with no shortcuts... decisions take effort. But it can be satisfying, if we can see progress.
I'm with you!!
P.S. "Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. "
We can do this!
Hahaha!
Yep. Decluttering or housework or anything like that definately makes me think of onions because it always involves me crying. I have found some great hints and techniques to make it less hard. But it is still always just something I soldier on through for however long I can manage as often as I can manage. I admire people who enjoy this decluttering or even feel better after it is done. I don't really. But watching people like The Minimal Mom and A Slob Comes Clean and ClutterBug has helped me not feel like I need to be "perfect" at this stuff.
I've noticed when I declutter, if I happen to reach for an item I already got rid of I usually just find something else to use to get the job done. There are times I wish I didn't get rid of something but I've never gone out and replaced it so I guess I couldn't have missed it that bad 😂.
Dawn your channel has helped me in so many ways. I actually love to organize but it took me a looonngg time to let go of things. I now have empty drawers, cabinets and closets that aren't filled to the brim anymore. We have been wanting to put an extra bedroom in the basement for years. We couldn't because there was too much stuff. I'm happy to say we can finally do that now! The basement was my trouble zone and I've finally got it to a place I'm at peace with. So grateful for you and this community.
That’s so funny. I just decided this week to let go of my sewing stuff for this child raising season I’m now in. I have three ages six and under. I thought if I want to rebuy it all when they are grown I can then again. But I need the lightness of simple living right now to go along with the core of my onion lol!
With your help Dawn I am finally at the middle of the onion!! I didn’t think there were any more benefits to be had or any further to go but I’ve just really tapped into my “savage mode.”
For anyone reading this who feels like it’s too hard or they can’t keep going… Keep listening to these videos and keep at it, the peace of mind is priceless! Few things are as transformative as simplifying your life down to what truly matters.
The onion method is my favorite decluttering method. It's symbolic for me to! It brings me to tears - but of joy.
Great video Dawn! I look at my stuff & think I want it gone but when I start to drclutter & actually touch the stuff, that's when I have the emotional attachment & want to keep it even though I know I'll not use it. I was proud of myself the other day...We've have a Ninja blender with all the attachments that we pd good money for & I've been holding on to it because I couldn't stand the thought of just donating it...I saw a friend post on FB that her blender broke so I am giving it to her. It made me feel so much better knowing it was going to someone I know. Plus, now I'll have space in my cabinet to get something up off of my counter top. Win, win for me! Thank you for all your encouragement! ;0)
Great win-win! 😊
I've been watching your videos over the past few days especially and it's been so incredibly helpful! I've organized the front door (kids shoes; 1 box for spring- fall & 1 box for winter- spring), organized and put everyone's winter gear hanging up.. In the Midwest we never really know how early we're gonna get snow 🤷♀️😝. I found all of the baby and kids in between sizes and labeled and put them into diaper or wipes boxes to store until needed. I've been putting these things off and all it's been doing is stressing me out more. MY husband and I aren't decided quite yet on if we want to stop at 3 or have 1 more. So it's better to just label and pack away stuff now.
With all boys 5m, 2yrs & 4yrs, I want to spend the time with them instead of frustrated with the clutter or wasting time because I can't find stuff.
You being so encouraging and positive has really helped give me my own push to get rid of stuff and put things away. I have a ways to go, but I'm feeling so much better just getting started on it 😊
You’re always so encouraging! I’ve followed you for a couple years and am far along on my decluttering journey. I’ve decluttered many layers and it’s so true that each layer gives you more confidence and stronger “muscles.” Each video still helps fire me up to keep working toward the “prize” in the middle. Peace of mind is worth it! ❤️
Yup - I started with one of your simplest suggestions a awhile back - JUST start by clearing your kitchen surfaces. That's all it took for me to catch the declutter bug. I was able to simplify the kitchen....then the living room....and now it's just a habit to choose small projects to declutter every week, layer by layer. PEACE is definitely the best result. Thanks! /S
The part around the “surprise” should be sentimental / guilt items. We need to build the decluttering muscle. I may be guilty of pushing too far with your graphic but the shape around the surprise is more complicated in shape….just the way sentimental items are more complex to figure out. Good job as always Dawn.
So putting Dawn's onion method together with a couple of the comments you'll get that decluttering is best done in layers, and cutting onions make you cry - so does decluttering. But eventually you'll get to the core, which is where an onion's growth comes from.
Exactly this!
You had sewing - I have cross-stitch supplies galore. It's time to pass it all on to someone for whom it will be a huge blessing.
I passed on all my knitting stuff to a young mom who wanted to start knitting with her daughter!
Same here. I have a cross stitch project sitting that I started as a gift to my great-aunt for throwing me my wedding shower. I've been married 14 years now. Do you think I'll finish it before she passes away? I don't think so. Maybe I should give that up. If I ever want to take it back up then I'm sure I'll buy a new package of something in interested in then. It's so hard! 😅
That's great.
I’m 54 and still have cross-stitch supplies from college - I don’t think I’ve done any cross-stitch since then. I did a while back donate some of the projects I knew I’d never do. I’m trying to retire at 55 (next June) so I will hold onto then and if a year or so into retirement I don’t use them, they will go. It’s a fairly small amount of supplies.
Thank you for all of your videos.
Thanks to you I am finished decluttering our main living spaces. I plan to work on my basement during the all day declutter. Everything down there is organized and in bins, but most of it hasn't been used in way more than a year. As far as crafts, from now on I just want to buy what I need for ONE project at a time. I used to scrapbook all the time, but now I resent the bins of scrapbook supplies -even though they're organized. Part of the fun is going out and picking the perfect paper and stickers that go with the event. I don't want to search through papers to find something that "will work". And when I'm done, the extra supplies can go...no more saving little corners of paper. I think I can get my supplies down to tools and a few basics. I'm excited and inspired thanks to you!
Thank you for this message! I’ve been doubting my abilities to declutter thinking, “I guess I didn’t do a very good job the first time around” because I’m finding more to declutter when I just did it last year! 😜 You validate the fact that it’s a layer by layer process. It’s also a bit by bit learning process for me. I’m coming to the realization that I need less and less. It’s kinda like decluttering the ideas in my head that I think I need certain things “just in case.” It is liberating to let go of stuff. I’m actually excited to do another round. More freedom! 😃
I also love that you give examples and show us! I have unloaded three car loads of clothes and household stuff from kitchen. My house is beautiful -thank you!
Oh Dawn...we are in the season of life where stuff has to go...finding the energy within myself to do it is the challenge.
Thank you! Your videos have become my go to for motivation. I found you about a year ago and I have gotten rid of over 50 garbage bags of inventory from my home the past 4 months. I did a whole house sweep the other day after watching one of your videos and I got one bag. ONE! That’s the first time ever I’ve only gotten one bag. I went through every cabinet closet and drawer in my house and I literally was down to the minimum for our family. It felt so so good. I feel like I can clean my entire house in one hour. I used to be cleaning up CONSTANTLY. Thank you for my time my peace at mind back! Seriously thinking of it as inventory is a game changer. We have so much more space for the things that really matter!
So true. This process has made it easier for us to part with stuff. It is ongoing, and has to be revisited regularly, just like all goals.
I'm 63 and my daughter has let me know I'm a pack rat of everything. I love your help and I'm starting in the office and going to keep growing...thank you
Boy that quote on growing/learning is what I live by. If I am not happy, I look at what I'm learning and always end up adding something new to learn, do, make, listen to, read etc.
Opportunity cost, you've figured it out. You find more value in having freedom rather than stuff.
Dawn, I love your videos!!! Everyone needs to be watching these!!!
Your channel is one of my favorites and I spend last weekend binge watching your videos while cleaning and decluttering.
You’ve given me some guilt-free permission to donate items that I don’t like but have been keeping out if obligation, making peace with my own preferences, and building better habits to break cycles of scarcity and fear.
This is SO good. I thought I had purged my closet, but… yeah there are some things I don’t love that can go!
I love you dawn!! Your channel has been a blessing to stumble upon and I have been following along ever since! This video just inspired me to finally accept that the season for painting has passed and that's totally okay. I have carried the guilt of seeing untouched art supplies for years!! Lots of imposter syndrome and sunk cost guilt involved with every reminder. Now I'm ready to let it go and keep an open heart for the future where I'm sure the opportunity to paint will return. Bless you!
Been doing the onion method for about four years now. Definitely down to the last layers and it's sooo awesome!!! You have helped me stay motivated along the way! Thank you, Dawn! :)
That is so true that you build confidence in decluttering! I have loved decluttering since I was 18 and now I’m 38 but I’m constantly still finding things to reduce
That self confidence thing is so true
Hi Dawn,
I’ve been watching your videos in the past year and have learned so much.
I may not be a minimalist but I’ve let go of things that have even surprised me.
This onion concept is so good. I’ve realized in my decluttering that I have many layers
but I’m hitting those layers and learning so much about myself.
Thank you for sharing your wealth of information, your faith and your life. 🌼
so i’m currently living with my Mom as an adult (covid bummer) but my version of a quarantine bin has been things I’ll take to my new home when I move out. Like the 2 crockpots I know my mom doesn’t need… I’ll happily put one in the basement until I leave and take it with me :-)
I use this method and didn’t realize it had a name. I’m a crafty person but I refuse to spend A LOT of money on supplies, so if I’ve ended up with to much it makes it easier to just donate. Just keeping the basics or the things I absolutely love works for me, with craft stuff.
I found your videos about 2 months ago. It’s encouraging to know that I’m not the only one with stress from clutter. Your inspirational words have allowed me to evaluate stuff and create a mind shift and realize that I don’t need so much stuff. My spaces are becoming more organized and functional. You have changed my life in such a positive way. Thank you!
Thanks for another great video, Dawn. The onion method is so much better than those "Declutter your house in 2 weeks" methods. I would get so quickly overwhelmed and not do any decluttering for weeks. Thanks to you, Cas and Dana I'm on the right track to get our house and garages decluttered!
If I need to Get motivated I listen to you Dawn. Thank you for your videos and encouragement
One of my 'go tos' for getting motivated is to listen to a Minimal Mom video 😉.
Thanks Dawn 😊
Such a useful concept! And a great antidote to countering the perfectionism that comes when we try to get tidying done one time thoroughly as Marie Kongo advocates if you declutter thoroughly you only need to do it once. But I stopped halfway through her categories and never picked up again, now I feel more inspiration to resume. And when I look at before photos from 2 years ago I have made progress even though it doesn’t feel like it!
I just started and am doing the closets :) and already it feels so good to get rid of stuff, esp for my youngest now he knows EVERYTHING in his closet he likes and can wear! its great!
The thing that really resonated with me is that somethings are not the in the season right now. I think this will help me decluttering!
Thank you for that thought about if an area isn't functioning well it likely has too much inventory. In my decluttering journey I am always looking for simple insightful sentences to repeat in my head as I survey my spaces. I like this one. :) thanks!
A. I'm glad you kept in the cute/weird stuff, we like you even more!!
B. You're kids all look like total sweethearts!! What a great familyl!!
This has so been our case!! We sized down from a house to an apartment with the same amount of rooms. I started packing one month before we moved. I put things together rather than everything being spread out in the house. Now that we’ve been in our new apartment for one month, we feel so free and have not slept this well in a while!!!! Thank you for everything you share with us!
Okay, you’ve got me at last… I have been denying myself the Quarantine Box - being hard on myself and expecting clear, instant decisions. I am now down to the fantasy-self items and unfinished sewing (!) project (that was probably a mistake and cost a lot of money) and am going to allow myself the Quarantine Box 🧡
I also appreciate hearing about you letting go of your sewing stuff - EVEN THOUGH you love sewing. Thank you! After many years of the onion method I feel I’m on the cusp to something BIG now… I haven’t quite followed it through to the end, the prize in the middle yet. I hardly ever made the „tough“ decisions just went through the first layers several times….
This is brilliant, thank you❤ I have done the 'de-clutter in 30 days' type of method but, suddenly seeing all this space around me, was very stressful - and I soon filled it all again. Doing it slowly, and gradually seeing space opening up, is far less threatening xx
I totally agree on the self confidence surprice in the core of the minimalist onion! Peace, time and easy living I had om my motivation list so I kind of counted on gaining thoose - but the inner peace and the self confidence - wow. Like you I didn't se the connection between them before, but - yes. A nice surprice,
Great video with a great analogy.
So funny at the beginning when you were just starting to refer to the onion, I was saying to myself: “I’ll thank her not to speculate what might be at the center of my onion!”
Glad you giggled!
Dawn, I have never commented on a single RUclips video. Ever. And yet, you are my mentor on this journey and I'm SO grateful our paths crossed. Thank you many times over. Today, I just have your videos playing while I worked on my kitchen. (Body doubling) and I've STAYED with it longer than I can without your awesome soundtrack being the one that replaces my fear, despair, and lies about ever getting to the core of our onion: peace. We talk about you around here like a dear friend...so much so that whenever anyone mentions Dawn, nobody asks "Dawn-who?" anymore. : )
It is so much of a kinder approach! I am ready to let go of things far more willingly without the anxiety of throwing it all out at once.
I can't believe you mentioned the 5-second rule! I would LOVE Mel to get you on her podcast.
The basement is the quarantine bin. Put it all down there “just in case”. (Midwestern lifestyle)
Love the idea of a onion, makes it a lot clearer! Have just deep cleaned new home so want become more minimalism so less to clean
I love to sew too. I never knew that about you. We have a whole closet waiting for me to "get back to someday" or "teach my daughters eventually". It makes me feel bad every time I see it because it is a piece of me I miss. It reminds me of something I have had to give up and even sometimes makes me resent my family :(
Kim Jay- I picked up sewing a few years ago to do simple charity projects. I had to put it on hold after the birth of my fourth and last child 3.5 years ago. Now that my 3 older kids are in school, I plan to take my youngest to Grandma and sew there while she plays with Gma. There’s a season for everything. One day, you can pick it up again and even teach your daughters.
Keep the machine and get rid of the rest. When you’re ready to teach them go out and buy a yard of discount fabric. I just had to do this myself.
I’m a sewer and decluttering my sewing room might be the hardest. So I’ll leave that for another day. But Last week I started with the kitchen where I think that’s easier to make those decluttering judgment calls. Easy layer first.
Thank you so much! I watch a lot of your videos & I didn't realize but I have been doing an "onion method" approach to decluttering my house; first easy stuff etc. and after I thought I did so well I would be discontent with the space again and I'd need to get rid of even more. Also, I had to stop the flow coming in that was a big one. It has taken what feels like months, even years but I can't imagine had I not started at all what a mess I'd be leaving in. I keep a screenshot of your kitchen on my ipad as my screen saver for motivation :D What I really wanted to say is that after all the methods: "Does this spark joy?" or "how long has it been since I've used this" etc. what you said recently has reallly helped me at this mid-later stage with harder items. What has helped is picturing how I want to live/ how I want my house to look and hearing your words when running into clutter; "do I really want to manage this inventory in my home?" Thanks Dawn!
I love your happy positive attitude.
I am already feeling more confident as I complete more and more layers of decluttering. 😊
This is exactly how I am doing it. It is amazing how much better it is making me feel. Some things I wasn't willing/able to part with before I'm ready to now. This is a great metaphor.
Layer by layer sounds right. I'm incorpating the tip that you and Cas/Clutterbug both share and keeping a basket or tote with me to put things into that belong in other areas of tge house. One of my biggest mistakes us I will go to put an item where I think it belongs mid project and suddenly I'm taking that other room or space apart as well. My spouse and I both have adhd so we are both committed to helping each other stay on task this weekend. We know we want to do this throughout our house but we committed to working on just the living room this weekend. We've assigned one room to each weekend this month. This way we can do a deep cleaning of each space as well as declutter.
I agree. Working on my layers now.
After viewing your post about the "Onion Method," my first thought about de-cluttering is "there's gonna be a lot of cryin' going on." Of course, it was a great way to look at how and why one can de-clutter so it is not so overwhelming. Thanks for sharing.
We recently moved (downsized) and are very minimalist now. I am in LOVE with the ease of cleaning and how everything has its place. HOWEVER, as a "clean freak" I think cleaning and decluttering was my hobby! Now that my home stays clean I feel bored. Normally I'd shop when I was bored, but I don't do that much anymore either because I don't want clutter. I know this sounds insane, but wondering if anyone else feels the same? I'm not crafty (I tried a lot), and I'm not good at just sitting idly. Looking for advice on what to do when you don't spend all of your time cleaning and shuffling the mess any more!
Offer to clean or declutter for others. There are many people who are elderly or disabled or overwhelmed and would love some help. Ask a charity you support to get the word out or a seniors organization or help group. Also think about volunteering. There are many opportunities for you to use your cleaning and decluttering expertise. I love books so I volunteer for our Friends of the Library group and I deal with donations. I love going through boxes of books and putting them on shelves with some going on our free cart. I love organizing and now they are shelved by genre with labels on the shelves. I also give to our local SPCA - towels, laundry detergent, pet supplies. I am sure they would love some cleaning help too. Volunteer and you will never be bored again.
This is the best video on RUclips.
The second pass through my house I felt like I had done it wrong the first time because there was more to declutter. Then one day it hit me, life changes, needs and wants change all the time. Now when I make a pass through an area, it's so much easier to decide to let things go or to carefully purchase something that I truly will use and will work better.
This is AWESOME! That surprise of satisfaction and confidence is my motivation to keep going
I definitely have pulled things out of the quarantine bin. Usually kids' clothes.
Love this video. Just what I needed to hear to keep going. I'm so close to the middle of the onion!! Not quite there so I'll keep peeling 😊 Thanks Dawn, once again an encouraging, helpful video 💜
I won't say on here how many boxes I have packed in the past few years my home is like a warehouse...I do get rid of odds and ends but end up replacing again...It does impact on health and take up so much time...I get motivated for a while and then so overwhelmed that I stop again...Since seeing your videos it has made me realise that to take tiny steps and not to expect to be finished right away...The boxes of clutter has ended up being the clutter now and they need to be sorted and the items to charity shops,recycling centre,online selling sites and given away etc...Tried car boot sales but the packing and sorting of unsold items was time consuming and not worth while...Best Wishes...
I've decluttered the first layer of the onion in our basement by getting rid of a ton of giant cardboard boxes. Now I'm working on the second layer and getting rid of junk I forgot we had and forgotten toys that nobody likes. Same for my sewing area. I had so much fabric that I actually didn't like and would never use, that I was able to get rid of at least half of it! Just doing the first couple layers can make a huge difference!
I like the someday..That make realize that there is a lot of *stuffs* that I have never use and will not use it....♥️
I love how positive you are.
Thank you for this one - just what I needed as my motivation has started to wane a bit...
I don’t have any layers left lol. My home is so empty, but I LOVE it this way!! I greatly enjoy reading and taking long walks but always had in the back of my head all of the to do’s. Now there are none!
Thank you for this encouragement! I appreciate having this method explained with this image. It works for me and for my approach to minimizing my house and my life. Many thanks for another great video!
Love the onion method.
You are a wonderful encourager and motivator!!! Thank you Dawn👍🏻
I watch your videos to get me motivated🥰
Your earring game is so strong 👏🏽
Always so inspiring and uplifting...love this!
Love your channel and the Take Your House Back Course.
Such an amazing video. Thank you!
Hi Dawn, I'm so sad I never had the opportunity to meet you yrs ago in your earlier RUclips yrs because now you're so famous lol that it's probably much harder to meet you. Also I'm far far away from you all the way in NY, but ONE DAY hopefully ONE DAY I'll be able to tell you "Dawn I did it !!!"
The thought of giving up sewing, fabrics in particular, does that mean you got rid of the sewing machine, too?
Before my parents moved away from Minneapolis (not the one in NC), Mom sold her Singer treadle machine. While it was well-used by her to make dresses for 3 little girls, each of us learned how to sew on it, too. After each of us graduated grade 12, we were each given a portable machine to take to college. (We already had a suitcase after grade 8.)
A trip down memory lane, but it's been years since I've thought about it all. Just want to find a good home for such "stuff" and be happy for the next owner.
I get stuck with “someday” stuff. Getting better each go round.
I like the idea of if it can be replaced for 20 dollars or less, then get rid of it.
Unrelated but loving the blue all over your home!
I’m going to use this method to jumpstart my decluttering in the basement.
So, I am in the middle of a big dilemma for my family’s home. I live with my parents and my dad is a hoarder. He has bought multiple storage units and went to so many auctions thinking he would turn around and sell these things, and now our home is no longer functional. I want to be able to help them, especially because I live there too, but I can never get my father to help or to listen. My room and bathroom are the most de cluttered places in the home and I could really use some advice. I have boxes that I have packed for him to take to his store so he can get them sold, but he continues to buy and only sells things he recently has gotten a hold of. I don’t know what to do at this point, and neither does my mother.
Hoarding is a mental illness and you will not be able to help him. You can only help your self. Find a mental health professional and ask about any experts on hoarding in your area. They may help you understand your dad and give you advice on how to help him recognize his problem. But it sounds like he doesn’t think he has a problem, in which case talk to your mom and come up with a plan to reclaim some areas of the house that you two use. Or look into moving out. Hoarding has a high relapse rate even when someone admits they have a problem and gets help.
Hi I am getting older and I want to leave a few things to dispose when I leave this world. The prize is not only for me, having a wonderful peaceful home, but for my family, when I am not here anymore.
Thanks for all your lessons. Blessings from Costa Rica
This makes sense. I've been working on this for ages. Rome wasn't built in a day.
I have been decluttering for over 3 years and have more to do.
Thank you Dawn and Tom! I love your videos!
Always a lovely wealth of information and cheer!
Haha! My first thought was I won't like the onion method because it'll make me cry!
Excellent video Dawn!! This makes so much sense. Thanks!
I found myself thinking “oh Laaaayers” like the donkey from Shrek…
Parfaits have layers 💁♀️ everybody likes parfaits. 😄
Thanks for sharing your videos. They have helped me so much. Really appreciate your advice. ❤️
Thanks Dawn. Your earrings looked lovely on you.
Craft stuff is the worrssst or extra bakign stuff....i used to bake Lot...but i havent made a tart in 6 years...time to go! Less to move next year :p
So good!