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). 😁
My house is now fully functional, 2 years after my move. It took that long due to 2 reasons. (1) I am disabled and had to have help, and I could only afford help about 2ce a week. So only a few hours per month. and (2) I can only gradually emotionally let go of stuff. Most areas got sorted through 3 or 4 times. My home is now 100% functional. HURRAH! I believe everything needs to be sorted 1 more time, but I can now do that gradually, as I have the time the interest. It is such a relief to have my entire home available to me again!
You are so awesome! I moved last November and still have not unpacked most of it! I don’t know what made me think I could do it on my own. I am 73 with back issues and arthritis. How did you find someone to help you??
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!
We all love you too! Selfishly, I am grateful you were an overwhelmed, messy mother and wife and I'm so very thankful that you have taken us along on your journey. Your ability to teach and connect with your audience is an incredible gift. Every day you make a difference in my life and for so many others. God bless you and your family. '💖
The core of the onion is where it sprouts! So when you get there there is new growth. New growth is symbolic to the new life you achieve by gaining FREEDOM!!!
Dawn I had no idea how much decluttering and living a minimal lifestyle could change my life! I’m two months in of hardcore decluttering. Ive gotten rid of 25 trash bags of stuff, many boxes and big items too! And so much to still go through!! I’m able to keep a routine better, we can find the stuff we actually need I have seen more counter space that I have in the past seven years! Your channel is so inspiring a truly you are a blessing from God to our family! I felt I needed to comment and share with you the impact you’ve made on our families life!
I think being honest with "what season are you in" is very impacting--It gives me more to ponder.. Because of you and Dana and Cass, I actually get excited when I find something to toss or give away. I will continue peeling that onion! Thanks for the encouragement.
I know how you feel about being excited to get rid of things! I’m at the point where if something breaks, I think, “Oh good, I get to throw that out!”😂
Yes! “This/what is the season you’re in” is something I hear inside my head - in the voice of Dawn! - whenever I need to make sensible choices nowadays and feel a bit stuck or unsure. It’s incredibly impactful wether it’s about decluttering, or something else entirely. Right now I’m in the season where I have a newborn and a seven year old and that’s my priority in life, that’s my season, and being remembered of that gives me the freedom to embrace it and and be in it without too much thought of the distant future. It’s a blessing. I love the season I’m in and I love being allowed to completely be in it.
After a little over a year, we are getting through someday items and down into occasionally use. I just went thru a wooden chest of old blankets that I told myself last year, if we hadn't used them in a year, they would need to go. These blankets also freed up a spot for a down winter comforter that we do use and now it has a better, more functional storage home until winter.
Through several difficult, overwhelming moves, somehow I have hung onto some old towels. The animal shelter’s thrift store and the shelter, itself are where they need to go. 🐕 🐈
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 love what you said about sewing. I have the same thing with projects. And I always have this thing where I look at a project and think, "If I just get the rest of this room decluttered maybe I'll have time to do the project," when the project really is the biggest clutter item hanging over my head and causing me guilt.
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. I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I already regret a few decluttering mistakes I made because everybody gets rid of XY.
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.
This onion method idea rings very true for me! I set out to declutter my whole home about 3 months ago, working up to the deadline of my 2nd baby's due date in just under a month! I made a ton of progress while I was in the second trimester and got through so much. I made it through kind of the main categories - craft and hobby supplies, clothes, toys, kitchen, bathroom. And now I'm finding that as I keep going through some of the more nuanced categories I'm going back over areas I've already covered and getting rid of even more as I've gotten better at discerning what I like having, what we actually use and what I can manage. And I've actually gotten some unfinished projects done too, thanks to simplifying my life!! It's so uplifting and your videos have been really inspiring ❤ thank you
I love the idea of viewing life in seasons. This perspective has been helping me so much with not only decluttering but also in deciding what to bring into my home or commit to adding to my calendar. It’s a total game changer!
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.
I found you a month ago and I've completely changed ALL of the 'hidden spots' in my home that were cluttered! We've now started on the garage! Thank you for your motivation, Dawn! You always, always, ALWAYS say exactly what I need to hear. ❤😊
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
I'm glad I kept some of my sewing stuff and fabric, because when the pandemic hit, I had all the supplies I needed to make masks except elastic. Since elastic was scarce, I bought ponytail holders at the grocery store. They worked even better than flat elastic. I still have some unfinished projects, but only the ones that have a sentimental meaning and that I hope to finish someday. I'm getting closer and closer to full retirement, when I hope to be able to finish them.
Me too! A lot of my sewing supplies got used up making masks and scrub caps and scrub bags. Then yarn and buttons were used up making ear savers. Then ... guess what happened? I could let a whole lot go. Use it or lose it! If the sewing brings delight, I use it. If not, it goes out!
@@judyscholfield820 Exactly! We don't have to get rid of all of it in order to declutter. It's not all or nothing. When we moved, I kept only my favorite fabrics. I still need to pare down other sewing stuff. I'm making a shadow box of the sewing tools I had when I was a teenager. Other duplicates are going to go.
@@IRISHLASS273 I am all for human rights and I appreciate your comment. However, I didn't just toss the fabric. I donated it so someone else could use it. I had room for only one bin, and that's what I kept.
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.
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)
This morning I took five bags of donations to our local humane society thrift store. It felt really good to donate knowing others will benefit. But my bad habit is filtering through and thinking that a niece or a friend might make better use of this or that and keeping it set aside for them. I hadn't thought of the quarantine bin for that use at all, and now I will. Because if I never end up giving it to them in three months, it's donation again. :) Thank you, Dawn, you are so good at what you share and it's helpful to so many of us who have the mindset of "someday maybe".
I went through a big declutter around my various creative pursuits, and finally realized I just didn't want to sew with a machine (too fast-paced, too structured, too anxiety-making). So I down-sized to a small hand-sewing kit, then focused on making sure the tools I put into that kit were super-comfortable and things I loved to use--and then I started finding time to sew, stopped putting off projects so they were always half-finished, and have something that I can pick up and do in odd segments of time, or when I need something that will help me relax. So it might not always be the big broad category of the hobby that's the problem; it might how you're trying to make that hobby fit into your life at this particular stretch of time. Especially if it's a hobby in which a lot of other people stress how to do it "right". (My hand-sewing kit is only slightly larger than what I'd have to have on-hand to mend things, so it's not even really taking up "extra" space, because it's useful for both the hobby and the chore.)
Such a great adaptation. I think we get stuck in our ways and end up in an all or nothing scenario. This way you get the best of both worlds. You realize scaled down projects are good enough to scratch that creative itch and it becomes enjoyable, not a demand we put upon ourselves at the expense of "life".
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.
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!
In the middle of an onion you often find a little sprout. I love that metaphor that once you get to the middle of the onion you are ready for new life 😊❤
When cleaning a closet, I call it stages. Example, 1st stage: get out everything that is obviously not working. Then just walk away. Come back and do the second stage and so on just like the layers of an onion. It helped me to accomplish something because my closet was just too overwhelming to do all at one time. The "stages" made me calm enough to actually get it done over a period of days.
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! 😃
Yes! The onion method. So brilliant! That is so me. Every year around this time I peel back another layer. My clutter tolerance level becomes more and more sensitive the more layers we remove. The stench of the chaos if you will. But once we get the center we discover the sweet spot of comfortability and calm.
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 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.
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.
This was just what I needed. I got the online shopping urge. And then I was like “what am I thinking?” And your videos save me from impulse buying things that I don’t need. Life is so much more functional when you have a minimal lifestyle.
Well I come to your channel to get motivated and it works every time! I'm currently decluttering my socks drawer while I listen to you. Thanks so much for your awesome content!
Me too! I got rid of 46 pair of socks,one pair of thigh high, bilious green that I had kept from Jr. High, and I am 69. Seriously! This is my first comment I have ever made anywhere ,but am so thankful for finding Dawn. I have little bursts if motivation after watching her videos and go get something done. Plus, my whole mindset has changed so at least I can peel my fingers off the potentially useful JUNK I have laying around. I homeschooled my boys K - 12,with co-ops and teaching science classes, which means I had inventory for 12. My sons are now 35 and 38! Getting rid of It was always put off because I so much other " important" stuff to deal with, plus I "might use it someday". I could write another 5 pages, but you get the picture. Thank you ,Dawn, and Diana too. Loved those prayers at the end,with the stream running over the rocks.
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 😊
My parents are senior and live two hours away. I visit once a month and help them declutter. I put a laundry basket in the guest room I use when I visit, and they treat it like a quarantine bin so when I visit, I take the basket off to charity. It's out of the way for them but super handy!
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!
Hi Dawn! I think I'm down to the 3rd layer in my house at this point. It's taken me a while, but every day it feels easier and easier to manage my home, and that feeling keeps me motivated to go even further! ❤
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!
Hello Dawn, I want to thank you for providing so much support and positivity as you explain the benefits of simple living. I have benefitted from the helpful coaching and questions that you present when it comes to the exercise of decluttering a home. I have now decluttered each living area of my house, including closets and drawers. I feel great! My home feels more spacious too. I live in New Zealand and have been in and out of Lockdowns. About a month ago my husband and I did a spring clean through our home during one day of lockdown. I searched decluttering RUclips videos and found your channel. Your advice and lists of questions was really helpful. The week after our spring clean, I easily decluttered our bathroom and enjoyed using my tidy space for about a week. The following weekend I decluttered the kitchen and enjoyed the simplicity of an efficient space. The third weekend, I filled the car and delivered everything from 3 weekends of decluttering to a local Op-Shop (Lockdown had lifted and shops were open and taking deliveries). Last week another Lockdown came (which has currently been extended for another week) and I was suddenly stuck at home again and needed something positive to do. However, this time, I had developed my 'decluttering muscles' and had a bit of momentum. I continued to watch your videos and then gave myself daily challenges! I would set up my laptop with specific decluttering lessons (paper decluttering, linen closet and then a clothes decluttering) and I would watch, hear a great idea, pause, work, press play and continue. THANK YOU!!! I was incredibly productive! At one point, my 15 year old son passed me in the hall way with your videos playing and he questioned what I was up to. I told him that having your videos playing while I decluttered was like having a friend with me while I was taking on a challenging task. It made me laugh to hear myself say that. However, watching your videos while I was decluttering prevented me from feeling lonely even though I was literally stuck at home and away from my friends. THANK YOU AGAIN!!! You've kept my spirits high during an isolating time of life.
Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. I got divorced from a 35-year marriage and now I'm living in a smaller space. I'm using the onion method to declutter and reorganize this house.
I love the onion method for decluttering! I've tried and failed with the more aggressive methods. Mostly because I don't have the time (kids/homeschooling) or brain energy to hyper declutter a room, let alone an entire house. Peeling away the layers of clutter works well with the kids too! They might be reluctant to get rid of a garbage full of "stuff", but a small bag or even one or two items at a time is doable. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thinking of life as seasons is so helpful. The empty nest means I finally have time to read and knit again! And someday I'll happily set that aside to bake again with grandkids-- so until then, I can let some of the baking tools go.
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
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! :)
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.
Love the Onion metaphor. you said your children are back to school, are you still home schooling? Now I'm going to declutter and organize my closet, prep for Fall.
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!
QUARANTINE BIN! what a great idea to use as I get the majority decluttered here and I'm ready for my 2nd, 3rd pass and so on. I love this idea. Confidence. Yeah, I think it will bring me some of that too. Thanks for yet another great idea that I can use too.
This is so helpful because I was unknowingly attempting to do an onion method but then getting discouraged because I thought a layer was not enough and it was taking too long. So I would stop and then never get it done. I'm glad you said getting it done in 2 weeks is not always realistic. It's given me pause to breathe and I find now that I can go back to it, tackling a different area each week and setting a timer for myself. There is satisfaction in improvement while working toward completion. I didn't get that before.
Ok Dawn, you convinced me. I am currently going through my home in preparation for a garage sale. I have a box of cross stitch supplies, books and patterns that I have not touched in years. I have made many beautiful things but it is unlikely that I will pick it up again. I am off to add it to the garage sale pile!
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!
Uggg all of the sewing stuff!! I have so much and one of my goals is to have the time to sew more. I may have to quarantine most of it and come back to it when I get things in order.
I love the way you edit, leaving in so much of your personality. You ate such a joy to watch and learn from! You have showed me that I can have the confidence that you talk about!
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. 🌼
I used your link to Blinkist a couple months ago. I love it! I listen to blinks while walking, driving, cleaning. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
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!
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!
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
When you were describing what the blinkist app does in how they summarize books, it reminded me that I have read a lot of books in my life, but I haven't really read them. My dad owned the Great American bathroom book 1 and 2. The books take most of the greatest books of (probably) Western literature: fiction, non-fiction, self-help, anyting... and summarizes it into a 1-2-page basic summary. Blinkist has about 10 to 15 minutes listens per book. And that's about what the Great American bathroom book has if you were to read each summary aloud. Probably shorter... This memory reminds me that I need to buy that book and stick it in my bathroom for my kids too.
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!
This is Katrina on my husband's tablet he prefers my iPad. I thought the surprise was Tom's revaluation that he had too many projects and it was time to minimize them . 🤣🤣🤣. Yes the ONION METHOD has worked for me too. I'm a yr in and mainly digital clutter and outside to go. Keeping onto of inside and not purchasing anything we don't actually need. Stopping and thinking is a want or a need helps. Thank you and the other ladies channels for inspiration and motivation. I'm my husband's care and there is more to life than stuff.
I love your ideas so much! I didn’t realize the large-scale impact too much inventory has had on my life until just recently. I love tidy, but for years have blamed busyness, large sized family, school, money, myself, etc., when the main issue is simply too much stuff! Getting inventory lower will help avoid the repeatable frustration of cleaning one room to perfection while the other rooms pile up. Again-too much inventory! It’s not personal, it’s not failure, it’s eye opening, and I know your channel will help so many! Thank you! ❤️
I really love the little visuals and the point form note options/separation between concepts you've added to your videos! It's easy to go back to a concept to relisten or if I've been distracted with the children. Visual learners like me really benefit from it and the onion will stay in my head and help me remember the key concepts from the whole video - so thank you :)
I was just talking to my husband of how we've been using the onion method and it's time to peel a new layer. We're ready, our house is definitely not where we want it to be yet but we've made a thousand percent improvement by decluttering that top layer over 2 years ago. We've been able to do things that we wanted to but never could. Like spending more QUALITY TIME and time with the girls (our two beautiful daughters 10 and 12 now), homeschooling, taking better care of our health. We couldn't do these things when the house was burdening us with crap (for lack of better term and because it really was just crap). So yes, it's time to peel some more layers. Thank you Dawn, you've been my number one motivator. Your encouragement really, really reaches all of us.
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.
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!
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!
I feel you on the sewing stuff. That’s one hobby I’ve dabbled in for years but only competed a few projects. I bought stuff to make my son a baby quilt… he’s turning 3 in December. I think it’s time to pass that material along lol. I’m hoping this fall I will have more free time to devote to my storage spaces bc you are right, they are put away until my kids decide to drag it all out and I’m reminded of my failed attempts.
I don’t know if this makes sense but after listening to you I feel I can breath while I tackle the first layer. You hit the nail on the head of some trouble spots I can’t seem to get past. Actually I can’t even get started on. I’m feeling more comfortable with you insight and tips. Thanks so much.
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!
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!!!
My house is now fully functional, 2 years after my move. It took that long due to 2 reasons. (1) I am disabled and had to have help, and I could only afford help about 2ce a week. So only a few hours per month. and (2) I can only gradually emotionally let go of stuff. Most areas got sorted through 3 or 4 times. My home is now 100% functional. HURRAH! I believe everything needs to be sorted 1 more time, but I can now do that gradually, as I have the time the interest. It is such a relief to have my entire home available to me again!
So glad for YOU now enjoy!!!!!
Great job!
You are so awesome! I moved last November and still have not unpacked most of it! I don’t know what made me think I could do it on my own. I am 73 with back issues and arthritis. How did you find someone to help you??
I WANT to be where you are!
Good for you!!! Way to go!!! That’s so great. I know you feel so much better. 🥰
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!
I watched several of your videos this morning and decluttered more stuff. That makes me so happy.
We all love you too! Selfishly, I am grateful you were an overwhelmed, messy mother and wife and I'm so very thankful that you have taken us along on your journey. Your ability to teach and connect with your audience is an incredible gift. Every day you make a difference in my life and for so many others. God bless you and your family. '💖
The core of the onion is where it sprouts! So when you get there there is new growth. New growth is symbolic to the new life you achieve by gaining FREEDOM!!!
This was so awesome to hear! You are spot-on!
I was thinking the same thing too!
Oh I love that!
Love that insight!!!
Dawn I had no idea how much decluttering and living a minimal lifestyle could change my life! I’m two months in of hardcore decluttering. Ive gotten rid of 25 trash bags of stuff, many boxes and big items too! And so much to still go through!! I’m able to keep a routine better, we can find the stuff we actually need I have seen more counter space that I have in the past seven years!
Your channel is so inspiring a truly you are a blessing from God to our family!
I felt I needed to comment and share with you the impact you’ve made on our families life!
I think being honest with "what season are you in" is very impacting--It gives me more to ponder.. Because of you and Dana and Cass, I actually get excited when I find something to toss or give away. I will continue peeling that onion! Thanks for the encouragement.
I know how you feel about being excited to get rid of things! I’m at the point where if something breaks, I think, “Oh good, I get to throw that out!”😂
I've always been a 'saver', but I get that same 'thrill' when I 'use things up' now--as well as give away!
Yes! “This/what is the season you’re in” is something I hear inside my head - in the voice of Dawn! - whenever I need to make sensible choices nowadays and feel a bit stuck or unsure. It’s incredibly impactful wether it’s about decluttering, or something else entirely. Right now I’m in the season where I have a newborn and a seven year old and that’s my priority in life, that’s my season, and being remembered of that gives me the freedom to embrace it and and be in it without too much thought of the distant future. It’s a blessing. I love the season I’m in and I love being allowed to completely be in it.
After a little over a year, we are getting through someday items and down into occasionally use. I just went thru a wooden chest of old blankets that I told myself last year, if we hadn't used them in a year, they would need to go. These blankets also freed up a spot for a down winter comforter that we do use and now it has a better, more functional storage home until winter.
That’s awesome when you make space for something more essential. I did that with towels and donated a bunch of them to the animal shelter.
Through several difficult, overwhelming moves, somehow I have hung onto some old towels.
The animal shelter’s thrift store and the shelter, itself are where they need to go. 🐕 🐈
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.
I love what you said about sewing. I have the same thing with projects. And I always have this thing where I look at a project and think, "If I just get the rest of this room decluttered maybe I'll have time to do the project," when the project really is the biggest clutter item hanging over my head and causing me guilt.
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. I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I already regret a few decluttering mistakes I made because everybody gets rid of XY.
I have found some groups fb or irl, that have fabric trading! Old fabric you thought you might use, may be that out of print some one else may need!
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.
This onion method idea rings very true for me! I set out to declutter my whole home about 3 months ago, working up to the deadline of my 2nd baby's due date in just under a month! I made a ton of progress while I was in the second trimester and got through so much. I made it through kind of the main categories - craft and hobby supplies, clothes, toys, kitchen, bathroom. And now I'm finding that as I keep going through some of the more nuanced categories I'm going back over areas I've already covered and getting rid of even more as I've gotten better at discerning what I like having, what we actually use and what I can manage. And I've actually gotten some unfinished projects done too, thanks to simplifying my life!! It's so uplifting and your videos have been really inspiring ❤ thank you
Same thing here. Being pregnant was also always my motivation for the next layer and finishing projects.
I love the idea of viewing life in seasons. This perspective has been helping me so much with not only decluttering but also in deciding what to bring into my home or commit to adding to my calendar. It’s a total game changer!
Agree!
This is garden harvest and preservation season, so no decluttering is taking place in the house!
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.
I found you a month ago and I've completely changed ALL of the 'hidden spots' in my home that were cluttered! We've now started on the garage! Thank you for your motivation, Dawn! You always, always, ALWAYS say exactly what I need to hear. ❤😊
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! ❤️
The onion method is my favorite decluttering method. It's symbolic for me to! It brings me to tears - but of joy.
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
I'm glad I kept some of my sewing stuff and fabric, because when the pandemic hit, I had all the supplies I needed to make masks except elastic. Since elastic was scarce, I bought ponytail holders at the grocery store. They worked even better than flat elastic.
I still have some unfinished projects, but only the ones that have a sentimental meaning and that I hope to finish someday. I'm getting closer and closer to full retirement, when I hope to be able to finish them.
Me too! A lot of my sewing supplies got used up making masks and scrub caps and scrub bags. Then yarn and buttons were used up making ear savers. Then ... guess what happened? I could let a whole lot go. Use it or lose it! If the sewing brings delight, I use it. If not, it goes out!
@@judyscholfield820 Exactly! We don't have to get rid of all of it in order to declutter. It's not all or nothing. When we moved, I kept only my favorite fabrics. I still need to pare down other sewing stuff. I'm making a shadow box of the sewing tools I had when I was a teenager. Other duplicates are going to go.
@@IRISHLASS273 I am all for human rights and I appreciate your comment. However, I didn't just toss the fabric. I donated it so someone else could use it. I had room for only one bin, and that's what I kept.
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.
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! 😊
This morning I took five bags of donations to our local humane society thrift store. It felt really good to donate knowing others will benefit. But my bad habit is filtering through and thinking that a niece or a friend might make better use of this or that and keeping it set aside for them. I hadn't thought of the quarantine bin for that use at all, and now I will. Because if I never end up giving it to them in three months, it's donation again. :) Thank you, Dawn, you are so good at what you share and it's helpful to so many of us who have the mindset of "someday maybe".
I went through a big declutter around my various creative pursuits, and finally realized I just didn't want to sew with a machine (too fast-paced, too structured, too anxiety-making). So I down-sized to a small hand-sewing kit, then focused on making sure the tools I put into that kit were super-comfortable and things I loved to use--and then I started finding time to sew, stopped putting off projects so they were always half-finished, and have something that I can pick up and do in odd segments of time, or when I need something that will help me relax.
So it might not always be the big broad category of the hobby that's the problem; it might how you're trying to make that hobby fit into your life at this particular stretch of time. Especially if it's a hobby in which a lot of other people stress how to do it "right".
(My hand-sewing kit is only slightly larger than what I'd have to have on-hand to mend things, so it's not even really taking up "extra" space, because it's useful for both the hobby and the chore.)
Such a great adaptation. I think we get stuck in our ways and end up in an all or nothing scenario. This way you get the best of both worlds. You realize scaled down projects are good enough to scratch that creative itch and it becomes enjoyable, not a demand we put upon ourselves at the expense of "life".
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.
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!
In the middle of an onion you often find a little sprout. I love that metaphor that once you get to the middle of the onion you are ready for new life 😊❤
When cleaning a closet, I call it stages. Example, 1st stage: get out everything that is obviously not working. Then just walk away. Come back and do the second stage and so on just like the layers of an onion. It helped me to accomplish something because my closet was just too overwhelming to do all at one time. The "stages" made me calm enough to actually get it done over a period of days.
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! 😃
Yes! The onion method. So brilliant! That is so me. Every year around this time I peel back another layer. My clutter tolerance level becomes more and more sensitive the more layers we remove. The stench of the chaos if you will. But once we get the center we discover the sweet spot of comfortability and calm.
You make more sense than any video on decluttering I've ran across . so very true Thank you! The onion method was on superb.
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 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.
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.
This was just what I needed. I got the online shopping urge. And then I was like “what am I thinking?” And your videos save me from impulse buying things that I don’t need. Life is so much more functional when you have a minimal lifestyle.
I like how you are reworking through the basics of minimalism, it can be very helpful to get down to the basics when times get stressful
Well I come to your channel to get motivated and it works every time! I'm currently decluttering my socks drawer while I listen to you. Thanks so much for your awesome content!
Me too! I got rid of 46 pair of socks,one pair of thigh high, bilious green that I had kept from Jr. High, and I am 69. Seriously! This is my first comment I have ever made anywhere ,but am so thankful for finding Dawn. I have little bursts if motivation after watching her videos and go get something done. Plus, my whole mindset has changed so at least I can peel my fingers off the potentially useful JUNK I have laying around. I homeschooled my boys K - 12,with co-ops and teaching science classes, which means I had inventory for 12. My sons are now 35 and 38! Getting rid of It was always put off because I so much other " important" stuff to deal with, plus I "might use it someday". I could write another 5 pages, but you get the picture. Thank you ,Dawn, and Diana too. Loved those prayers at the end,with the stream running over the rocks.
This is perfect timing, I'm working family gifted Christmas decorations that we've had for 20+ year's and I so tired of it all!
My aunt had so much also! A few years ago at Thanksgiving she had it all out and let us pick what we would love to keep.
Ooh, good reminder. Need to go through mine again so I can donate before the holidays.
It's really helpful to look at each thing and say DO I WANT TO KEEP THIS? Rather than "do i want to get rid of it."
@@thatswhatisaid8908 I put my fall decor out for the last time Sept 1st and I'm already wanting to give it away! LOL
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 😊
My parents are senior and live two hours away. I visit once a month and help them declutter. I put a laundry basket in the guest room I use when I visit, and they treat it like a quarantine bin so when I visit, I take the basket off to charity. It's out of the way for them but super handy!
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!
Hi Dawn! I think I'm down to the 3rd layer in my house at this point. It's taken me a while, but every day it feels easier and easier to manage my home, and that feeling keeps me motivated to go even further! ❤
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!
I am so excited we will be done with our storage unit by the end of the month. Plus our garage is so much better! 9 months in progress Thanks Dawn
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!
Honestly, you have in my opinion the best decluttering videos xxx
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.
I am already feeling more confident as I complete more and more layers of decluttering. 😊
That self confidence thing is so true
Hello Dawn, I want to thank you for providing so much support and positivity as you explain the benefits of simple living. I have benefitted from the helpful coaching and questions that you present when it comes to the exercise of decluttering a home. I have now decluttered each living area of my house, including closets and drawers. I feel great! My home feels more spacious too.
I live in New Zealand and have been in and out of Lockdowns. About a month ago my husband and I did a spring clean through our home during one day of lockdown. I searched decluttering RUclips videos and found your channel. Your advice and lists of questions was really helpful. The week after our spring clean, I easily decluttered our bathroom and enjoyed using my tidy space for about a week. The following weekend I decluttered the kitchen and enjoyed the simplicity of an efficient space. The third weekend, I filled the car and delivered everything from 3 weekends of decluttering to a local Op-Shop (Lockdown had lifted and shops were open and taking deliveries).
Last week another Lockdown came (which has currently been extended for another week) and I was suddenly stuck at home again and needed something positive to do. However, this time, I had developed my 'decluttering muscles' and had a bit of momentum. I continued to watch your videos and then gave myself daily challenges! I would set up my laptop with specific decluttering lessons (paper decluttering, linen closet and then a clothes decluttering) and I would watch, hear a great idea, pause, work, press play and continue. THANK YOU!!! I was incredibly productive!
At one point, my 15 year old son passed me in the hall way with your videos playing and he questioned what I was up to. I told him that having your videos playing while I decluttered was like having a friend with me while I was taking on a challenging task. It made me laugh to hear myself say that. However, watching your videos while I was decluttering prevented me from feeling lonely even though I was literally stuck at home and away from my friends. THANK YOU AGAIN!!! You've kept my spirits high during an isolating time of life.
Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. I got divorced from a 35-year marriage and now I'm living in a smaller space. I'm using the onion method to declutter and reorganize this house.
An excellent use of "the onion" analogy aka progress by layers.
One of my 'go tos' for getting motivated is to listen to a Minimal Mom video 😉.
Thanks Dawn 😊
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 love the onion method for decluttering! I've tried and failed with the more aggressive methods. Mostly because I don't have the time (kids/homeschooling) or brain energy to hyper declutter a room, let alone an entire house. Peeling away the layers of clutter works well with the kids too! They might be reluctant to get rid of a garbage full of "stuff", but a small bag or even one or two items at a time is doable. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thinking of life as seasons is so helpful. The empty nest means I finally have time to read and knit again! And someday I'll happily set that aside to bake again with grandkids-- so until then, I can let some of the baking tools go.
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
If I need to Get motivated I listen to you Dawn. Thank you for your videos and encouragement
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! :)
Dawn, I love your videos!!! Everyone needs to be watching these!!!
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!
Love the Onion metaphor. you said your children are back to school, are you still home schooling? Now I'm going to declutter and organize my closet, prep for Fall.
Was wondering this too?
Ha!! I thought that, too!
Me too!
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!
QUARANTINE BIN! what a great idea to use as I get the majority decluttered here and I'm ready for my 2nd, 3rd pass and so on. I love this idea. Confidence. Yeah, I think it will bring me some of that too. Thanks for yet another great idea that I can use too.
This is so helpful because I was
unknowingly attempting to do an onion method but then getting discouraged because I thought a layer was not enough and it was taking too long. So I would stop and then never get it done. I'm glad you said getting it done in 2 weeks is not always realistic. It's given me pause to breathe and I find now that I can go back to it, tackling a different area each week and setting a timer for myself. There is satisfaction in improvement while working toward completion. I didn't get that before.
You are the best, Dawn! Keep doing what you’re doing.
Ok Dawn, you convinced me. I am currently going through my home in preparation for a garage sale. I have a box of cross stitch supplies, books and patterns that I have not touched in years. I have made many beautiful things but it is unlikely that I will pick it up again. I am off to add it to the garage sale pile!
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!
Uggg all of the sewing stuff!! I have so much and one of my goals is to have the time to sew more. I may have to quarantine most of it and come back to it when I get things in order.
I’ve made it through a lot of layers and was literally just thinking how it’s time to face the sewing stuff and I’m in the same place as you!
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!!
I love the way you edit, leaving in so much of your personality. You ate such a joy to watch and learn from! You have showed me that I can have the confidence that you talk about!
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. 🌼
I used your link to Blinkist a couple months ago. I love it! I listen to blinks while walking, driving, cleaning. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
I love your happy positive attitude.
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!
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!
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'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
When you were describing what the blinkist app does in how they summarize books, it reminded me that I have read a lot of books in my life, but I haven't really read them. My dad owned the Great American bathroom book 1 and 2. The books take most of the greatest books of (probably) Western literature: fiction, non-fiction, self-help, anyting... and summarizes it into a 1-2-page basic summary. Blinkist has about 10 to 15 minutes listens per book. And that's about what the Great American bathroom book has if you were to read each summary aloud. Probably shorter... This memory reminds me that I need to buy that book and stick it in my bathroom for my kids too.
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!
This is Katrina on my husband's tablet he prefers my iPad.
I thought the surprise was Tom's revaluation that he had too many projects and it was time to minimize them . 🤣🤣🤣.
Yes the ONION METHOD has worked for me too.
I'm a yr in and mainly digital clutter and outside to go.
Keeping onto of inside and not purchasing anything we don't actually need.
Stopping and thinking is a want or a need helps.
Thank you and the other ladies channels for inspiration and motivation.
I'm my husband's care and there is more to life than stuff.
I love your ideas so much! I didn’t realize the large-scale impact too much inventory has had on my life until just recently. I love tidy, but for years have blamed busyness, large sized family, school, money, myself, etc., when the main issue is simply too much stuff! Getting inventory lower will help avoid the repeatable frustration of cleaning one room to perfection while the other rooms pile up. Again-too much inventory! It’s not personal, it’s not failure, it’s eye opening, and I know your channel will help so many! Thank you! ❤️
You, Cass and Dawn are my motivation "Blinkist"!
I have so many "sewing baskets" in the form of unfinished projects or past hobbies. This was so freeing for me!!
This is the best video on RUclips.
I really love the little visuals and the point form note options/separation between concepts you've added to your videos! It's easy to go back to a concept to relisten or if I've been distracted with the children. Visual learners like me really benefit from it and the onion will stay in my head and help me remember the key concepts from the whole video - so thank you :)
I was just talking to my husband of how we've been using the onion method and it's time to peel a new layer. We're ready, our house is definitely not where we want it to be yet but we've made a thousand percent improvement by decluttering that top layer over 2 years ago. We've been able to do things that we wanted to but never could. Like spending more QUALITY TIME and time with the girls (our two beautiful daughters 10 and 12 now), homeschooling, taking better care of our health. We couldn't do these things when the house was burdening us with crap (for lack of better term and because it really was just crap). So yes, it's time to peel some more layers. Thank you Dawn, you've been my number one motivator. Your encouragement really, really reaches all of us.
Your advice is always so helpful! Thank you for being you! 💚 from Tampa, FL
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.
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!
Never thought of a quarantine bin. That is going to help me a lot. Thankyou.
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!
I feel you on the sewing stuff. That’s one hobby I’ve dabbled in for years but only competed a few projects. I bought stuff to make my son a baby quilt… he’s turning 3 in December. I think it’s time to pass that material along lol. I’m hoping this fall I will have more free time to devote to my storage spaces bc you are right, they are put away until my kids decide to drag it all out and I’m reminded of my failed attempts.
Keep up the good work Dawn! It’s so helpful and encouraging.
I'm late to the decluttering game, so I had never heard of the onion. "Inventory I have to manage" is a phrase that is really helping me.
I don’t know if this makes sense but after listening to you I feel I can breath while I tackle the first layer. You hit the nail on the head of some trouble spots I can’t seem to get past. Actually I can’t even get started on. I’m feeling more comfortable with you insight and tips. Thanks so much.
Thank you for permission to get rid of my sewing inventory. Inventory is a powerful word for me!
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!
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