Eradicate Surface Clutter once and for all!

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  • Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
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Комментарии • 775

  • @TheMinimalMom
    @TheMinimalMom  Год назад +59

    Thanks Helix for sponsoring! Go to helixsleep.com/minimalmom for 20% off your mattress, plus two free pillows! And thank YOU for watching! Have a great day! - Dawn

    • @jenniferbarton4951
      @jenniferbarton4951 Год назад

      😂

    • @brunaarruda4300
      @brunaarruda4300 Год назад +1

      Lol I can relate

    • @ALinn-vr3nl
      @ALinn-vr3nl 10 месяцев назад

      I need to have a regular, contemporary desk with 3+ drawers down one side of it (either the left or right side), and a 2 drawer file cabinet on the other side of it, and a 2-shelf bookshelf on top of it. In the top drawer, i have a selection of little re-used boxes laid out to fill the drawer as organizer dividers, with a little (re-used) box for each of my various office supplies: colored pens, black and blue pens, markers; fasteners (a box for different types of tape, another for push pins, one for paper clips, for glues and adhesives, etc.); another little box for post-its, for ribbon and a tiny bit of wrapping paper, etc.
      The second drawer on my right is for papers, with a drawer paper sorter, to keep types of paper separate: binder paper, graph paper; and for packages of cards from the Dollar Store.
      i used to have a desk with a 3rd drawer, the lowest drawer, and really miss it. I need three drawers, minimum.
      And two trash cans: one large, for paper recycling, and one tiny, for non-recyclable trash. And room under the desk for my knees. I like having a corner desk to have a computer in the corner, do paperwork to the left of the computer, and have a reading slant board (to not have to bend my neck downward) to do reading to the right of the computer.
      My desk is 3' deep, so there's room at the back to put a bookshelf, to keep all my notebooks, finances binder, and project binders at my fingertips.
      Having everything within arms reach, so I don't have to get up to put things away keeps the clutter down.

  • @sarahrichardson7587
    @sarahrichardson7587 Год назад +1009

    My kids have realized the floor is the biggest flat surface in our house.

  • @RadCenter
    @RadCenter Год назад +238

    My secret to preventing buildup of clutter is to never leave a room empty-handed. If I'm going from my office to the kitchen for a cup of tea, I'll take any dirty glasses/plates etc. that have accumulated on my desk to the kitchen with me. If I'm going to my bedroom, I take the shoes I kicked off when I got in the door. And so on.

    • @naomicook5317
      @naomicook5317 Год назад +11

      I love this! I'm gonna have to start to do this and make it a habit.

    • @rdb4996
      @rdb4996 Год назад +18

      Yes! I do the same. It becomes second nature and eliminates the need to go through your house to tidy up at the end of the day.

    • @juliab628
      @juliab628 Год назад +9

      Yep! Instead of long detailed explanations and plans on how to clear surface clutter it really all boils down to one thing: HABITS. Make it a habit to put things away when you are done with them it really. Is. that. simple. If you want your house to be clean make it a habit to clean it having routines etc. Et cetera I finally learned this after years of mess!!

    • @cherylwebb8340
      @cherylwebb8340 Год назад +7

      A woman said her mother always said, "take something up with you " as she approached the stairs. That was from Country Woman magazine. Since then I have put that into practice.

    • @christine55416
      @christine55416 Год назад +11

      I learned this in high school as a waitress to never leave the (dining) room empty handed and honestly it's come in handy so much in real life -my waitressing/college days are long over 🙂

  • @BarbaraButzow
    @BarbaraButzow 10 месяцев назад +13

    Dawn, what I really appreciate about your videos, is that you dive in immediately. I have deleted many people who waste my time with a lot of preliminary blah blah blah.

  • @melodieharder7654
    @melodieharder7654 Год назад +149

    We have a farmhouse that’s a little larger with not the greatest layout. I’ve paid attention to the habits my family has and they usually just dump items rather then go across the house to put them away. It’s much more fun to go on to another activity rather than tidy it up first. I found an idea where you have a shelf area with a basket or bin or box. One for each floor in an easy to access spot. After doing an activity-like a game or craft, where it belongs somewhere far away…just move it to the bin and then once a day it’s someone’s task to grab the bin(s) and return items to where they belong. So simple and yet it keeps things much tidier. Systems and habits that you’ve cultivated to fit your family, lifestyle and stage of life are such a game changer!

    • @rover790
      @rover790 Год назад +5

      That's a great idea.

    • @carolgeorge6409
      @carolgeorge6409 Год назад +1

      Have everyone grab their stuff to put away

  • @linzilou3714
    @linzilou3714 Год назад +222

    You are so motivational! After watching for 5 mins I paused then went and decluttered some drawers and surfaces in the study! A whole bag of rubbish. (And it's 9.45pm here in the UK) . Thank you!

  • @victorriceroni8455
    @victorriceroni8455 Год назад +207

    I have found something that eliminates clutter on countertops and tables. It's called a cat.

    • @ellenshaw5034
      @ellenshaw5034 Год назад +2

      😂

    • @laurar.4484
      @laurar.4484 Год назад +3

      😂 too true!

    • @Nashema1
      @Nashema1 Год назад

      😅

    • @susanlawson5926
      @susanlawson5926 Год назад +5

      Victor!! U hit the nail on the head lol lol Also, I don’t buy things to sit out due to the same reasoning! Saved me $$$ and a beautiful clean surface!!

    • @AChickandaDuck
      @AChickandaDuck Год назад

      Yes! 😂

  • @rebeccajourney3183
    @rebeccajourney3183 10 месяцев назад +13

    Thank you Dawn, I've been struggling with too much stuff. A friend stopped by unexpectedly and I realized I felt embarrassed at the state of my house. My excuse was, I'm pet sitting.
    But the truth is, I just needed to address the clutter!! And I did! I went in my tiny kitchen and put everything away. It looks 100% better now! Thank you for positively motivating me❤❤
    At the change of seasons, I redecorate my house. I live in Tampa Bay and I miss the seasons of TN. So I decorate! I have way too much so I decided what better time to declutter my Fall/ Winter. I packed all my Fall today after church, and won't do Christmas until all the Fall is stored. It's all boxed up except for the outdoor decor. So tomorrow, I'll address that. I'm 68 and a widow 13 years. It's difficult to lose your life partner, but I'm hanging in there!

  • @brandybarnett9953
    @brandybarnett9953 Год назад +37

    I love the idea of separating to do stuff from fantasy future stuff not just in terms of paper, but mentally

  • @bellaluce7088
    @bellaluce7088 Год назад +126

    Putting a BASKET or TRAY where smaller items frequently collect (coffee table, desk...) helps reduce the spread, and keeps things looking tidy until I can get to it.

    • @carolbuchel3011
      @carolbuchel3011 Год назад +5

      Not the best, I have a tray and when that gets full, I pour into a bigger tray and then finally into a tote that can never be handled because it is too overwhelming-do you know how many pieces of paper you can fit in a tote? Do you know how many totes I now have???

    • @robynearl
      @robynearl Год назад +6

      ​@carol buchel you have lived this long without using the stuff in those totes... I would dump all the totes in the trash! Release and relax😊

    • @bellaluce7088
      @bellaluce7088 Год назад +4

      ​@@carolbuchel3011 I can relate! ; - D Shoving things in bags and boxes when company's coming on a short timeline is still my default, and I have boxes like that from literally years ago that I still have to wade through!
      What's working for me about having containers for transitional clutter is the visual peace of not having things spread out as often, and the *chance* to be prompted to practice maintenance tidying skills when the containers start to overflow (even if I ignore it sometimes! ; - ).
      My natural tendency is to drop things everywhere and *never* feel the urge to pick them up, so learning to use external cues to tidy has been a godsend. I'm still extremely imperfect at tidying and clutter-clearing, but now that I've experienced how much better I feel just having a few spaces in my home cleared, it helps motivate me to keep going.
      We all deserve to live in an environment that nurtures and soothes us, and I'm wishing you and all of us good luck on that journey! Godspeed! ❤

    • @normarejuvenatedbudgeter8268
      @normarejuvenatedbudgeter8268 Год назад +3

      My kids are grown adults but when they were younger I had baskets for each of them on the steps to their bedroom and they we’re responsible to take care of their basket, if I found random stuff laying around the living room, dining room kitchen, it went in the basket. If they couldn’t find something I would tell them check your basket they had to carry it upstairs and put it in their room random items personal belongings even shoes, school items went into their backpacks on the coat hooks when you walked in the door from the garage. Wish I would’ve been better Decluttering, other areas of my house and other stuff. I had a mail basket on top of my microwave in the kitchen that would be overflowing and moved gone through partially, and then another week or two more mail added to it and when we moved here, I found an egg crate box full of paperwork that we didn’t need and ended up getting burnt.

    • @bellaluce7088
      @bellaluce7088 Год назад

      @@normarejuvenatedbudgeter8268 One basket per child is brilliant! : - )

  • @christinefoss5767
    @christinefoss5767 Год назад +50

    I hear my mom's voice when I now say to my kids, "Don't put it down. Put it away."

    • @tgayer1
      @tgayer1 Год назад +3

      I hear Cas’ voice!

    • @KlingonPrincess
      @KlingonPrincess Год назад +1

      I tell myself "future self will thank you."

    • @garyesue323
      @garyesue323 Год назад +1

      My slogan exactly!!!❤

  • @amandaapope
    @amandaapope Год назад +33

    When I started living the “don’t put it down put it away” motto I counted how many extra steps it took to just put something away and I was shocked how little effort it took to just put something away the first time!
    Also I never leave a room or my car empty handed.

    • @helenebennie3961
      @helenebennie3961 Год назад +5

      There is also a rule called the 10/30 rule. If it takes 10 steps to put it away or 30 seconds to do, put it away/do it.

    • @thatElene
      @thatElene Год назад +2

      The last point ☝️👍

  • @denissepimentel
    @denissepimentel Год назад +150

    My newest hobby is going around the house throwing away everything that is on the floor😅 nobody misses it 😂

    • @traceygould4555
      @traceygould4555 Год назад +27

      I do that with small toys and nerf gun bullets 😂. Just have to remember to tuck them under other things in the bin so not seen.

    • @0570dev
      @0570dev Год назад +14

      ​@@traceygould4555 LOL, I find that last part is most important: hiding it. Or else....😅

    • @halloweenseason
      @halloweenseason Год назад +1

      😂😂😂

    • @denissepimentel
      @denissepimentel Год назад +2

      @@traceygould4555 true 🫣

    • @melanierust7129
      @melanierust7129 Год назад +20

      Yup! When the kids see me get the vacuum out they start to scramble fast! (I love to vacuum) If it's on the floor it gets sucked away. When it makes a loud noise, wow how they start to worry about what they just lost (of course I do this selectively) But just the following through and repetition does wonders. It's like magic now.

  • @you.tuber98
    @you.tuber98 Месяц назад +1

    The biggest thing your RUclips videos has helped me with is removing shame. I have spent over a decade in a shame spiral, and I can now confirm that working on letting go of my shame has helped me SO much with not procrastinating as much. It's taken me many years to get to this point. It's truly not easy.

  • @darbyh.8255
    @darbyh.8255 Год назад +19

    Love the blue!!! On you! As well as in your house, but so beautiful on you!

  • @Isabel_fit
    @Isabel_fit Год назад +101

    I’d have to declutter my husband to eradicate the surface clutter in my house 🙃

    • @melanierust7129
      @melanierust7129 Год назад +15

      Everywhere my husbans sat something I put a bin. He started asking why there are so many bins with his stuff everywhere. I said, well, that's where you left it and the bin helps me. Yes, he looked at me like I was crazy. Haha. It was quite funny looking though and he got the point because I see the clutter as he saw the baskets cluttering. Now we have a few select bins that have things. Even one for just our sunglasses. Keys and few other one-off things go together in a dough bowl that I love. I jump for joy when he uses it.

    • @gbk1t
      @gbk1t Год назад +4

      😂

    • @cheryllovestoread
      @cheryllovestoread Год назад +1

      Same 😵‍💫

    • @kathyfountain5452
      @kathyfountain5452 Год назад +6

      well i’ve kept my husband,but i claim the spare bedroom. iv made it totally mine and perfectly clean. funny thing is my husband comes in and says wow this is so nice! my reply is get out lol

    • @Isabel_fit
      @Isabel_fit Год назад +2

      @@melanierust7129 I’ve tried something similar! My husband sees the bins and still puts his items next to the bin on the flat surface 😅

  • @Michelle.Carver
    @Michelle.Carver Год назад +39

    Dawn, I appreciate your positive attitude and how you always make me feel like I CAN stay on top of my home and declutter routinely. I love your channel! Thank you

  • @kristapisano8142
    @kristapisano8142 Год назад +55

    My husband said the other day.. "I'm going to put this in the Time Will Tell." I nearly cried. Lol!! It's working...he's being trained!!

    • @IB4theAIB
      @IB4theAIB 10 месяцев назад +1

      And now…everything is the Time Will Tell Zone

  • @lauriesavage3622
    @lauriesavage3622 Год назад +2

    Two things that have helped me with the random items are: First,when I put random items in the box, I put a piece of tape with today's date on it so when the box gets full I can find the stuff that has been there a long time and is still unclaimed. It probably will never find it's home. The second thing is when a new item that requires a detachable cord comes into the house the cord is immediately labeled with a sharpie pen or a piece of tape that has been written on. When the cord is later found someplace where it shouldn't be, it is easy to figure out where it needs to go.

  • @donnapullman1069
    @donnapullman1069 Год назад +9

    Thank you for saying that procrastination is a form of anxiety. 😭 I have been beating myself up for a long time and I think other people don’t understand why there are some things I’m not getting done.

    • @christine55416
      @christine55416 Год назад

      agree, this really resonated with me and makes me see my late mother in a whole new light. I wish I could have shared that quote with her and my sister who constantly shamed and badgered my mother about her house and items 😞

  • @lethastrothers2719
    @lethastrothers2719 Год назад +27

    2 tips for random recipes: 1) institute a moratorium on collecting anymore until you've tried all the others in your collection and 2) find it online and keep a recipe folder in your bookmarks.

    • @asl2mckays
      @asl2mckays Год назад +5

      I do that… but just like my Pinterest account. I save my recipes electronically and never look at them again. 😂

  • @ColleenJones-r8f
    @ColleenJones-r8f Год назад +36

    Dawn, you’ve literally changed my life by giving me permission to have a special place for “random stuff” 😂 I’ve been improving in to do’s and time will tell items, but get stuck at all the tiny things - SO MANY TINY THINGS 🙌🏻😅

    • @shawngirl1959
      @shawngirl1959 Год назад +2

      I started a "random stuff" drawer probably 6 months ago. I keep adding things to it. I should probably go back in there and see if I've actually created a place for any of it by now. Baby steps, right? Flat surfaces are so difficult. It's a constant battle. Thank you for your suggestions, Dawn!

    • @xannaz9226
      @xannaz9226 Год назад +1

      Omg yes, so many tiny decisions. The big categories she mentions helps so much.

    • @naomipatch2582
      @naomipatch2582 Год назад +2

      Unfortunately my random stuff gets out of hand and turns into doom piles/corners/rooms. My new rule is to categorize everything or throw it out lol.

  • @sophiemcneil5280
    @sophiemcneil5280 Год назад +49

    Thank you, Dawn, for another helpful, practical video. I love the idea that the time will tell bins inform us of data. It helps to break the shame cycle in our heads. Like, it’s ok to never try that recipe or complete the mini project that I set out to do. Do you know how many little sewing projects I have tossed?! 😂It’s hard because I know I’m fully capable of fixing things but that doesn’t mean I have the time or bandwidth to do it all.

    • @massages_for_world_peace8909
      @massages_for_world_peace8909 Год назад +3

      Totally, our ideal self vs reality. I think people who are open-minded and curious are attracted to more things, more ideas, so then they collect so many because so many things sound appealing. But then it's too many things to do. Of course you CAN, but that doesn't mean you SHOULD. This week, we are hiring someone in the house to fix something we could spend a day fixing ourselves, but ehh.. why!? Our time is precious, we get to choose what we want to do in it.

  • @hikersteph
    @hikersteph Год назад +12

    Dawn, your videos never fail to spark some decluttering energy in me! It's seriously magical and so helpful! Half of the time I'm just listening to your voice because I'm already up messing with stuff in my closet and drawers 😂

  • @SimplyStacyL
    @SimplyStacyL Год назад +26

    My husband always says we have “flat surfacitits”

  • @lisaham6585
    @lisaham6585 Год назад +18

    I absolutely love the idea of the time will tell bin! You already know that everything in it is optional. The number of times i pick up a random coupon with a fantastic deal that I'm hesitant to throw away, landing it back with my important to-dos, is too many times!

    • @suet9761
      @suet9761 Год назад +4

      Add one more step to that process, put them in order in a calendar. I use an old one from 2019 that just allows me to have sorting by month. At the beginning of every month, throw out the expired coupons and the calendar only stays about 1/4" thick. Plus, you get to see that pretty fall scene of the historic wooden bridge picture every October! :D

    • @massages_for_world_peace8909
      @massages_for_world_peace8909 Год назад +1

      @@suet9761 Oh interesting! I like the idea of monthly sorting. If you wouldn't mind please explaining how you use the calendar? Do you put the loose papers into the calendar then put the calendar flat on a desk? The papers don't fall out?

    • @suet9761
      @suet9761 Год назад +5

      @@massages_for_world_peace8909 My time will tell bin is in a file drawer and a hanging file. I store the calendar in the file. I put the lose papers into the calendar. The papers don't fall out, but I'm pretty ruthless on what gets the privilege of going in there. You could also put the calendar flat on a desk in a bin as Dawn shows in this video.
      I put the coupons, ESPECIALLY coupons for stores, in the month that the coupon expires. So in June I have coupons for Home Depot, pizza and the local sub shop. In July, I have a pizza coupon and the Fourth of July schedule of events for the local park. My bin is the same type of stuff that Dawn shows in the video, but sorted by month, so I can more quickly go through the bin and toss quicker. So, come August, when I go to put something else in the bin, I know that the Forth of July calendar is useless and has no purpose as well as those expired coupons, so into the trash they go. It makes future decisions even easier and knowing that the information is stale. In one of Dawn's earlier videos she put a seed catalog into the time will tell bin. After August, there is no point to planting seeds (if you're in a northern climate), so you know, it's stale information come September. So, the seed catalog would go into the May 'slot' in the paper calendar since that is planting season and if you still want to look at it in June, you can move it forward. Imagine if you will, you are putting a time for when you want to make the FOREVER decision on the information.
      Coupons are easy as they have an expiration date. If a coupon expires on the 3rd of the month, and you think you'll REALLY use it, toss it in the previous month so you don't forget about it.
      Catalogs - give yourself a maximum of 3 months. If you haven't wanted it in 3 months, you've saved yourself that much money!
      Birthday cards FROM a friend. Toss that card 3 months out from your birthday then you can remember them again and then pass it on to the recycle bin.
      Another thing I add are credit card offers, but I have the same concept for those is a separate calendar/file drawer. If I want to apply and it's worth it, I know which ones are most relevant to that month. You can also leave yourself notes for credit card deals. For example, every October - December one of my credit cards does 5% cash back on PayPal, so I leave myself a reminder to make sure to register/look for that deal (in September) on a scrap envelope and then it jogs my memory.
      Enjoy faster future sorting. Give yourself a deadline for that decision.

    • @massages_for_world_peace8909
      @massages_for_world_peace8909 Год назад +3

      @@suet9761 oh wow, this all was so helpful! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your advice. I’m definitely going to implement some things starting now!

  • @lindamcdermott9980
    @lindamcdermott9980 Год назад +14

    I have been using the “time will tell bin” for quite a while. It is really life changing as far as managing paper clutter, and other things. When you said “fantasy clutter “ it struck a chord. I have to look at things with a different mindset. Too many things I keep, are not something that fits my season of life or my interests. Realizing and recognizing this from the onset will lessen what I hold on to. You always have such good ideas. Thank you for sharing.

  • @wifemamateacher
    @wifemamateacher Год назад +13

    I think I may ask my husband if he can strategically place a few $$ bills on our cluttered surfaces to help motivate me to clear them more often 🤣😂! I kid! In all seriousness, your tips have helped transform our home tremendously, Dawn! We are nearly always 5-10 minutes away from being "company ready" at any time since decluttering a great deal of our junk, and we are continuing on as my limited energy allows! Since hearing you say that it is okay to just toss items that we don't have time or energy to donate/find homes for, we have made even more progress! No more wasted mental energy thinking about finding the perfect home for our unwanted items, or having to wait until I am able to make a trip out to our donation center (out of our normal path to town), so I am just tossing it, and I do not miss or regret any of those decisions!!! Thank you so much, Dawn-even if people can't do all of the things, implementing a few of your key strategies can help people start making progress today! The two biggest strategies we've taken from your videos is seeing our items as inventory we have to manage (YIKES!!!-all the time, energy, and mental gymnastics needed to do that well gave me so much motivation to let go of so much!) and as I mentioned above, giving ourselves permission to toss things we no longer need have been the biggest game changers for us! Here's to more progress and more time to enjoy the things that matter most to all of us!

  • @scottpegggoldenberg9736
    @scottpegggoldenberg9736 Год назад +6

    My best tip for clearing clutter with bills is to automate the payments for as many of them as possible. I only have two a month that require mailing now. So thankful for my friend Diane who encouraged me to do that about 5 years ago. What a difference it has made!!

    • @georgewagner7787
      @georgewagner7787 Год назад +1

      I haven't done this yet but I'm single so smaller bills so sometimes I prepay so i can mail a check 6 times a year instead of 12

  • @JudyWeeston
    @JudyWeeston 14 дней назад

    I spent decades doing the paper pile shuffle from kitchen table to dining room table to my bedroom floor if we had guests. You helped me see that “horizontal “ filing was useless. lol I have now spent the summer of 2024 without the paper piles. Thank you, thank you. I shredded tons and recycled bags full. Whew…. Feels great. I found you late Spring 2024 and now we “body double” daily!

  • @kathygoff6942
    @kathygoff6942 Год назад +9

    My maintenance routine is to do a quick pass through living/dining/kitchen spaces after dinner or before bed to make sure everything is put away, counters wiped down, etc. Doing this daily means stuff doesn't pile up, and we have a clean and tidy space when we start the morning. Maybe easier for me than for some, being an empty-nester retired couple. But this was daily pick-up was vital to my sanity when I was working and had a very busy daughter at home.

  • @stowie7733
    @stowie7733 Год назад +6

    I purchased a clear drawer with a built in shelf on top from Target. The shelf holds my to-do items and the drawer holds my time-will-tell items. Both are cleaned out on Sundays (because trash collection is on Monday). I also have a basket inside my desk to hold my “save for taxes” items. Growing up, we always had a square glass bowl that was inside a cupboard and this was where our random stuff lived. I have a similar basket in my home. My grandmother always had a large side table next to the couch. On this table were all the important (to her) stuff. Things like mail, pens & pencils, manicure set, cards & letters, etc. I realized I have a similar set up next to my chair. I’m going to have to rethink this area (it is where my random-stuff basket lives). 🤔🤔🤔 I’ll start with Step 1 and gather stuff that actually has a home somewhere else! Can you tell that I love your videos!?!

  • @debraturner9433
    @debraturner9433 Год назад +11

    I bought the Helix mattress called midnight luxe on the Helix presidents day sale, 25% off and the mattress Protector cover. They said it’s the most they’ve ever offer on the mattresses. One of the questions was, how did I find out about Helix and I said The Minimal Mom. Thanks for letting me know about the mattress. I love it! Only thing I didn’t like it inflated too quickly and I didn’t have time to flip it over so I had to wait three weeks for my son to come over and help me! Lol
    If they hadn’t had a sale I would’ve got your 20% on it.

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  Год назад +4

      I'm so glad to hear this Debra!!! THANK YOU!!!!

    • @lynnbleasdale5824
      @lynnbleasdale5824 Год назад +6

      I also bought a mattress and the various parts and accessories, over the Labor Day weekend. I, too, specified that I was purchasing from Helix because of Minimal Mom, so she’d get the credit!

  • @wannaduckfin
    @wannaduckfin Год назад +4

    Surface clutter steals my peace! When I taught I had to have my desk absolutely neat when I left for the night. Coming in the following morning was a pleasure with a clean and neat desk. I started my days in control. I'm now the same at home. ❤

  • @monicaschroeder650
    @monicaschroeder650 11 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you so much! I started watching you last week and your videos are very helpful. I have to tell you I heard a video the other day where you mentioned when people make rude comments; I had just thought how much joy your smile, your happy personality, and your little frequent laugh resonates with me and makes me smile! Have a blessed day! ❤

  • @tgood9344
    @tgood9344 11 месяцев назад +1

    I think this blue blouse is a beautiful color for you. Thanks again for helping us realize the process for becoming more uncluttered and organized. Every time I start working on this I have your videos on helping to keep me motivated. My husband thinks it’s funny that I do this, he says your my boss for cleaning. 👍🏻🌺

  • @elchewtoy
    @elchewtoy Год назад +2

    “To do things don’t need to live on the counter “ love that statement. Thank you for all that you do and share.

  • @joditripp7003
    @joditripp7003 Год назад +2

    I really resonate with the common sense of your approach to decluttering. You have helped me recognize so many stumbling blocks that were in my way that I was unable to see for myself. Thank you!

  • @allsquaredup9717
    @allsquaredup9717 Год назад +7

    Our table used to be such a magnet for randomness! But once I set a zero tolerance mindset of “Our table is for eating. Period.” it made a huge difference. Now when we do need to use the table as a giant reminder of “Don’t forget to take this item to ______” that item now stands out. I love it that when people drop by there may be dog toys all over the floor, but our table is clean and cleared and ready for serving food on. Because that’s what they are there for, right? 😜

  • @afilipissima
    @afilipissima Год назад +4

    had to subscribe: I've been watching you for a while and while I don't have the energy to have the picture perfect house anymore, I still need a normal person living in a normal home giving me just the right amount of ideas and motivation to get there :)

  • @bellaluce7088
    @bellaluce7088 Год назад +17

    Putting something pretty on flat surfaces motivates me to keep them clear (a plant, flowers, picture...). ❤🪴💐

  • @kimhouchins8653
    @kimhouchins8653 Год назад +4

    Dawn I LOVE the outfit you are wearing in this video!! Sooo cute!!

  • @robinb1979
    @robinb1979 Год назад +1

    Hey Dawn ! Thanks for all your wonderful ideas ! My mom was a nurse and taught me years ago to turn my pillowcase inside out / grab the two corners of your pillow and pull the pillowcase on ! It’s like magic ! Thanks again for all your videos! ❤️Robin

  • @juliemarshall7458
    @juliemarshall7458 Год назад +1

    I love you too, Dawn! Thank you for all you do! ❤

  • @ashjain9687
    @ashjain9687 Год назад +15

    Dawn, I feel you are my best virtual friend! 😂 I am an old subscriber and have watched and rewatched all your videos. Lots of love!

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  Год назад +8

      I love being best virtual friends! THANK YOU for ALL of your support, I'm so grateful!!!!

    • @Rangersmama
      @Rangersmama Год назад +3

      I’ve been loyal for 3plus years!! Love her!!!!

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  Год назад

      @@Rangersmama Thank you so much Girdy!!!

    • @kimhouchins8653
      @kimhouchins8653 Год назад +1

      Me too! Dawn, you are also my Best Virtual Friend

    • @blessildamaedayo712
      @blessildamaedayo712 Год назад

      ​@@TheMinimalMom yes, thank you for being a virtual christian friend.

  • @wendybarrows8422
    @wendybarrows8422 8 месяцев назад

    Oh my goodness, do you have any idea how wonderful you are! In the time it took me to watch this video I cleaned off three services!😂❤ i'm going to flag some of these videos and have my husband watch them. He is always very overwhelmed when it comes to sorting and cleaning. I've only watched a couple of your videos but I'm already in love. I think I need to scroll away way way back and watch the first video and just work my way forward.

  • @emacwakeup
    @emacwakeup Год назад +1

    Omg your explanation of anxiety/procrastination link is so true. Now that you've mentioned it, a lot of time it was hidden anxiety.

  • @mollynaegele2528
    @mollynaegele2528 Год назад +9

    Hi Dawn! Binge watching and learning all your videos, my home is feeling better already! Thank you so much for your relatable and get to the point videos. Also you are such a inspiration to me as a mom of four in a similar place as you where. Thank you!

  • @ritayoungberg3079
    @ritayoungberg3079 Год назад +3

    We call the place for random stuff “purgatory”.

  • @lindag5076
    @lindag5076 Год назад +2

    Hi Dawn, it’s Linda Guy…this is the type video that helps me the most. It makes me really declutter and organize so much better than some of the other challenges. Keep them coming !

  • @darkphoenix6807
    @darkphoenix6807 Год назад

    I have a Homeless Clutter bin in my nightstand and it has helped so much! I also bought a Smead 24 pocket project organizer for my to-dos. It’s a spiral “notebook” that doesn’t have paper, it has clear folders. I’m very visually and I need to see everything. Both of these has helped so much.
    And thank you for the “Would LIKE to do” differentiation from actual to-dos! That’s life changing!

  • @phylliscrowe9891
    @phylliscrowe9891 Год назад +1

    A couple things that have been working for me... 1) Items that fall under "I'm-gonna-get-around-to-it" now live in my recycle bin. If I'm looking for a recipe or a paint color or an article to read, I know where to find it. But if recycle day arrives & I haven't dug it out to look at it, out it goes. After all, there's always more coming behind those ones. 2) I keep a notebook & pen by the phone. To-Do items get tucked with it. On Sundays, when I spend longer savouring my coffee, I do those things, pay the bills, balance the books, and enjoy the fact that sometimes it takes two coffees. Bonus! 3) I had to finally realize that I am a cricket, so if I haven't quite finished with it, I tend to leave it out. Now I just say to myself "C'mon Cricket! You don't need to feed the stereotype!" LOL. It's a new habit but that little voice makes me chuckle, and I put the item away.

  • @tatikloe
    @tatikloe Год назад

    You know what Dawn? I took a break from your videos this summer, and watched Netflix instead because "I get it now"... right?... right... Well summer is almost over, I had 0 motivation today, and was tired, baby woke me up way too early... NONETHELESS, I watched this one video and put baby to nap way too late this afternoon, I enrolled my daughter (10 yo). I had a one hour time frame, I blew right threw it! We worked on tidying and cleaning up the house (and removing baby's crib) in 2 hours! Then she went out to play, baby woke up, and I was finally able to finish the video and I'm about to finish cleaning the kitchen! But hey.. wow! What a difference it makes to listen to your sweet and gentle voice and tone telling me that putting like items with likes is the way to easily get rid of clutter... Then I do it, and I like it... Thank you.

  • @ckee8437
    @ckee8437 Год назад +1

    Getting a roomba has helped me start getting things off the floor and declutter my excess of ottomans, side tables and plant stands. 😂

  • @michellemhughes
    @michellemhughes Год назад +50

    I wish I had cash cluttering up my counter tops. 😂

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  Год назад +11

      Lol...Adeline had bought new guitar music online and had set it there!

    • @sandradowd6732
      @sandradowd6732 Год назад +2

      Then I would be more on top of cleaning , I have found alot of change though.

    • @michellemhughes
      @michellemhughes Год назад

      @@TheMinimalMom 😊

    • @michellemhughes
      @michellemhughes Год назад +1

      @@sandradowd6732 😂

    • @michellemhughes
      @michellemhughes Год назад +1

      @@dena61965 😂

  • @asl2mckays
    @asl2mckays Год назад +2

    I love your idea of keeping your to-do pile separate from your fantasy pile. That was such an ah-ha for me. I’m going to do that. And PS I love your genuineness with those shams! Great segues. 😂❤

  • @GrammyAmanda
    @GrammyAmanda Год назад +1

    The “time will tell bin” is exactly what I need.

  • @MaryBethManus
    @MaryBethManus Год назад

    Help! I realize I fuss about my family's clutter, when it is really me! I have too much stuff! Clutter does attract clutter! Omg I'm getting your book out to help me Dawn! Wish you were here!! Love you, you're so inspirational! ❤

  • @daisybuchanan5378
    @daisybuchanan5378 Год назад +1

    Your table looks adorable ! I love the little house and plant in the middle !

  • @ThemaizeinLA
    @ThemaizeinLA Год назад

    Fantasy clutter!!! Omg brilliant

  • @juliequates9529
    @juliequates9529 Год назад +3

    I keep a cute basket on a kitchen shelf for random things. If i find a toy. Tool, cord, part or anything I'm clueless on (doesnt belong to me) it goes into the basket. I go through it monthly, let everyone have a look and then ditch or put away. Sort of a mix of homeless and the container idea from Dana. It really helps!
    My personal to dos...a basket in laundry room for returns, exchanges, to mail etc. Its mostly working but i need to designate a time to go through.

  • @BarbaraButzow
    @BarbaraButzow 10 месяцев назад

    I used to have a job where I had massive amounts of paperwork to deal with I will spare the details. I developed a “touch it once” philosophy. I picked up a piece of paper and immediately acted upon it. I have carried this touch it once mantra throughout my life. Just think of the time saved. A dirty glass? Why set it on the counter? Put it in the dishwasher. Mail with assorted junk pieces? Don’t pile it on the table. While holding, sort it in your hand and toss it right in the garbage..bills put in your to do pile right on your desk. Pay it right away then file paid receipt in a stand up file folder on my desk. You get the idea.

  • @annahenderson-smith6860
    @annahenderson-smith6860 Год назад +1

    I don't like buying plastic containers for organising a we are trying to reduce our plastic, so I take the size and shape of container I need from the empty box bins at the supermarket! They always have a cardboard box or tray or similar that's exactly right for the job I need! Free and recycling :)

  • @mmcgrath737
    @mmcgrath737 Год назад +3

    I would like to hear you talk more about fantasy clutter, that concept really resonated with me. Also, I keep all unpaid bills in my purse and then they get paid in my next trip. This works for me. Thanks for your work Dawn

    • @christine55416
      @christine55416 Год назад +1

      i think Dawn has videos on fantasy self if you look back

  • @annaflorence-crawford1071
    @annaflorence-crawford1071 Год назад +1

    Dawn, I’m loving the blue and white top! Thank you for sharing these tips about surface clutter. For me this is one I struggle with a lot. Thank you for giving me some easy actionable steps to get this under control.

  • @maryhmedina779
    @maryhmedina779 Год назад +1

    You have no idea of how much you are appreciated. Thank you for all that you do for your family and myself. Again thank you for all the tips and suggestions in helping me keep my house afloat. Much love sent your way.

  • @cherylj755
    @cherylj755 10 месяцев назад

    “Fantasy Clutter.” This channel has changed my life. I’m slowly getting there. 😌🙃😁

  • @lawaincooley6788
    @lawaincooley6788 10 месяцев назад

    Thank you Dawn!!! You explain how we're all feeling so well. You have done so much to help so many.

  • @paulastewart27
    @paulastewart27 8 месяцев назад

    Dawn, thank you for being awesome! I’m in a totally different stage of life than you. Near retirement, no kids. But your strategies work for me too! Thank you! Love you so much!

  • @nikkihobson5632
    @nikkihobson5632 Год назад +1

    Thanks, Dawn! I had a bunch of to-dos to do and I did them while watching this! Most excellent.

  • @AldWitch
    @AldWitch Год назад +1

    Thanks for another great video, Dawn. I used to have a ten minute limit on old magazines. If a magazine was more than a month old, I'd give myself 10 minutes to tear out everything I wanted to keep, then put the recipes in a place I could find them, save any scrapbook or decorative pieces in the right place.

  • @cassandradotson6435
    @cassandradotson6435 Год назад

    Just the video I needed. The flat surfaces are the biggest challenge.

  • @Randomhapiness
    @Randomhapiness Год назад +1

    Thanks for your continued encouragement Dawn!!!

  • @xannaz9226
    @xannaz9226 Год назад

    You are such a comfort and joy to listen to,a beautiful soul. I had a breakthrough on this one, as my can dos and must dos were not separated. Aha!

  • @kristinataddei8138
    @kristinataddei8138 Год назад +1

    I don't buy magazines of any kind anymore.....they make me feel like I need to "keep up with Jones's".....takes away from being able to figure out what you need in your own spaces....great video Dawn!!!...."like with like"......"clutter attracts clutter".....love all your helpful tips!!!....thanks for making this all feel doable!!!....

  • @gailn9502
    @gailn9502 Год назад +2

    “The table is lava” - I love it!

  • @claremiller9979
    @claremiller9979 Год назад

    Selling your house is a great way to keep all your surfaces clutter free but it also just means all your cupboards are full instead 😅
    After we move I am implementing SO many of your ideas, Dawn, along with decluttering as we pack up so we're not tracking a bunch of crap with us across the state. Thanks so much!

  • @tgayer1
    @tgayer1 Год назад +20

    I live alone, but I keep a small decorative box for random stuff in my main living area. I like to have nail clippers and nail file handy, so that goes in there, along with the WiFi password, a little magnifying bookmark, my glasses cleaner and wipe, etc.

    • @debbieschmidt9316
      @debbieschmidt9316 Год назад +1

      Same here, except my box for nail clippers, etc now has ointment’s & lotion, and cough drops and pens… 🥴

  • @bah6199
    @bah6199 Год назад

    I totally agree with all of this, Dawn....such helpful and encouraging information! We have two small children and have found when they are running in opposite directions leaving a trail everywhere they go, it is helpful to have one flat surface in each room where everything goes at the end of the day. Everything they played with that makes its way to the kitchen and hallway goes to the living room coffee table. Same process in the basement. The routine was built in for the kids as part of the bedtime routine to put their things away on those two surfaces. With that and the fact that the inventory has been significantly reduced, the kids do not have any trouble putting away their things and we now go to bed and wake up to a (mostly) clean house. We also keep one small basket in place as a catch all for items that seem to spread from little hands seeking adventure. Love your tips and tricks for a more simplified and organized space. These strategies have given us so much freedom. THANK YOU!

  • @LMG669
    @LMG669 Год назад

    So Dawn, I've been watching your videos for quite a while now. You have helped me so much! Our home is so much more manageable. I am not quite a minimalist yet, but getting there. Many times your videos made me get up right away and deal with the issues that needed to be dealt with. This surface clutter video helped me today and I will introduce the two boxes you talked about. Also the real cause for procrastination... that does make a lot of sense to me...! THANK YOU! :-) With warm greetings from Germany and God bless :-)

  • @janetstraw191
    @janetstraw191 Год назад

    Dawn, the tunic you’re wearing today looks absolutely stunning on you! Love the color and print - SO flattering!! 🙋‍♀️🥰👏💕💕💕🙏‼️

  • @imperfectstillworthit
    @imperfectstillworthit 4 месяца назад

    Ouer Kitchen-Island was always overflowing.
    Now I just have a Tray in the Middle for things that I really want there because I use them frequent- ind if anything else wants to stay there overnight (art supplies for the kids, mostly) it goes in a little box or basket - this way it still looks neat and I can get rid of said box in an instant instead of having to gather all the little bits and pieces.
    Also a huge gamechanger for me was a "up/down" basket - if anything needs to be put away upstairs, I just throw it in there and take it with me when I'm going upstairs - those things would always be stuck on the island because I didn't want to leave the room right then to put them away.

  • @judyzander3681
    @judyzander3681 Год назад +1

    I just watched this 3 times🤦‍♀I have literally spent the past week just trying to clean off my kitchen table and counters!! I like having a process to follow. I'm going to try this right now!😘 Thanks, Dawn!!

  • @sheilaenglish9738
    @sheilaenglish9738 Год назад +2

    Love that top on you; it brings out the blue in your eyes as well as going very nicely with your tablecloth 😄

  • @sherryyost786
    @sherryyost786 Год назад +2

    Thanks Dawn for your reviewing the basics and your tips. You are always so encouraging and it makes my day to sit and listen to one of your videos. BTW, your blue top is so pretty and it makes your eyes pop. 😊

  • @tistheseasonforpoetrybyvan239
    @tistheseasonforpoetrybyvan239 Год назад +1

    Paper clutter: When you taught the 4 burner concept, I cleared out the four drawers in my desk and each drawer is devoted to one of the four burners. So, I have a place for everything and every thing in its place, and I can take it there now. Household includes bills and recipes, Health includes Homeopathy and dentist papers, Homeschool includes drivers ed paper, etc. The drawers match Dana K White's Container Concept and act as a boundary of what INVENTORY I can keep.

  • @amara_666
    @amara_666 Год назад +3

    Regarding the comments about keeping the kitchen table clear: something else I heard (though I can't remember where) was *Don't put it down; put it away*.
    That has really helped me avoid a pile of mismatched clutter on any surface because I tell myself to put it in its home right away rather than on the most convenient place.

  • @nancymelis2824
    @nancymelis2824 Год назад +7

    I discovered something great recently. We stopped throwing our sham pillows on the floor at night and just prop them up against the headboard (or wall) and place our sleeping pillow in front of them. This also makes making the bed easier in the morning. Just an idea.

    • @kimhouchins8653
      @kimhouchins8653 Год назад +1

      That's what I do! Just switch the shams and the sleeping pillows around.. easy... love it!!

    • @tgayer1
      @tgayer1 Год назад +10

      As long as you’re not too tall!

    • @nancymelis2824
      @nancymelis2824 Год назад

      @@tgayer1 pillow sham standing up takes up maybe 2-3 inches of the mattress. 😀

    • @sandyseffrood4384
      @sandyseffrood4384 Год назад +4

      @Nancy…..some of us are tall…..that extra 2-3” would have me feet hanging off the bed! I don’t like my sheets tucked at the bottom either…my feet don’t have enough room.

    • @kimberlybrown5462
      @kimberlybrown5462 Год назад

      I just got rid of them altogether. No shams or throw pillows on the bed.

  • @robinphillips6423
    @robinphillips6423 10 месяцев назад

    I never thought about that definition of procrastination. Super helpful to know that. Thanks!

  • @h3arty
    @h3arty Год назад

    Love the blue shirt you're wearing, it looks so lovely on you

  • @jadesimo9355
    @jadesimo9355 Год назад

    When the kids were little I had a bin called the Hot Box. Everyday after they went to school I went around the house and collected all the kid stuff that was out of place. When the kids got home they took their things and put in lunch boxes and school papers. I stocked signed papers and fresh lunches the next morning and it all started again. Worked like a dream for elementary kids.

  • @nightowl8548
    @nightowl8548 Год назад +5

    I have eliminated many of our flat surfaces. Others I have moved away from the high traffic areas of our home to make it harder to pile

  • @tonyalewis9053
    @tonyalewis9053 Год назад +2

    I’m using “like with like” in my garage currently. I’ve measured and mapped the wall space so I can proceed with organizing. Wall space will ultimately limit what I can keep! Thanks for agreeing with me. 😉

  • @silksatinsilver1
    @silksatinsilver1 Год назад +2

    Yay! A lid! Maybe that will help me keep my “to do” items separate and portable to be more efficient while waiting for sports practices to be over! Thank you! 😅 🙏

    • @elaineevans4467
      @elaineevans4467 Год назад +1

      I like that the lid is also a writing surface! I usually put things in a tote bag to work on while sitting in the car,, and when I pull that card out (or whatever) to sign, write a note, etc, I'm using the steering wheel!😂🤦‍♀️

    • @silksatinsilver1
      @silksatinsilver1 Год назад

      @@elaineevans4467 me too lol 😂

  • @sandraalston7863
    @sandraalston7863 Год назад

    While watching this video I cleared away a few bits that have accumulated on top of my chest of drawers in the bedroom. They have been gathering for months! It took me 10mins tops ❤

  • @GraceKerry-mv6hj
    @GraceKerry-mv6hj Год назад

    Iv got Generalized Anxiety Disorder and that quote is spot on. The fact that you acknowledge that makes this more real for me to conquer and believe I can. Thank you so much ❤ you have helped me so much ❤

  • @MBXGill
    @MBXGill Год назад

    Yes! I group like with like by location it where it belongs so there is a group that “needs to go to the upstairs bathroom” and “all this has to be in the green folder.” It’s really helpful!

  • @annarchydeclutteranddesign413
    @annarchydeclutteranddesign413 Год назад

    My gosh, the blue of your top really brings out the beautiful blue of your eyes!

  • @erin.wilson
    @erin.wilson Год назад +3

    Thank you Dawn for being so inspiring and sharing your experiences and knowledge with us. It's helping me develop realistic organization skills that I've been needing for years.

  • @lindamarsden8024
    @lindamarsden8024 Год назад

    Brilliant as usual. Dawns lessons are life changing.