DAWN...My favorite words that triggered my brain and actually made the most sense to me was INVENTORY...how much do I want to manage and the Silent To Do List?! Simplify too...ah ha haaa...honestly everything you have said on here...they all click....like the perfect list to go in order...I just adore you and your family
I love how much you and Tom were laughing while you were demonstrating the Helix bed. :) thanks for having fun with each other it invites us into your world. :)
Dawn! I just want to let you know that I thank our Lord for creating you; giving you this passion in your heart to help us out of the these cluttered houses some of us are drowning in mentally. So thank you for each video you share with us! God is good to us!❤🥰🙌❤🤗
I was hanging onto some homeware that belonged to my Nana. I meant to (eventually!) donate them, but when I finally pulled them out, I found that 20 years of storage had spoiled all but a few. So the trash can it is, and the feeling of relief is amazing! My grandmother is not in those plates and glasses, I can honour her memory better by living free(er) from piles of stuff.
You know...this is weird, but for SOME of the stuff I've decluttered, it made a difference WHERE I donated it. I was taking things to our local Good Will, and they just honestly seem like they don't care. There's one big bin to throw everything in, if something gets squished at the bottom, so be it. The idea of someone else getting enjoyment out of an item I decided to pass on was dying in that giant bin. Then I found a local Catholic thrift store. I'm not Catholic, but the ladies at the donation place are SO FRIENDLY AND CHEERFUL! They are genuinely thankful and say "thank you" out loud when you bring a donation by. They sometimes even say out loud "oh this will go with the kids items" or "wonderful, we can put this with dishware." And the shop itself is so neat, clean and organized. I feel like the things I donate are appreciated, loved and will be loved. Makes it so much easier for me with certain items!
I completely agree! My favorite place to donate (the staff were so sweet and helpful) was receiving so many donations they had to start storing things in a Pod. I stopped taking my things there because I no longer was confident they needed or could process more stuff before it was “storage worn”
I had trouble donating because I know how the industry works. Unfortunately, most of what is donated into those bins in parking lots, enters a for profit system. Even if there is a charities name, often the charity only gets a small fee to use their name. I give my things to retired friend who takes craft items to local nursing homes and clothing to a community center which donates it directly to people who wear them. I take my housewares to a local thrift store where the ladies put the things right on the shelves. Old formal dresses I donate to a charity which distributes them to high school girls who need prom dresses. And, when I had business suits I donated them to a women's organization who gave them to women who were interviewing or just starting out. You can also donate things to a women's shelter.
I agree. I donate all I can to the local women's domestic shelter. These ladies and their children are starting out new, with nothing. So everything I have that they can use I love to give to them.
I think your sentence “this stuff isn’t supporting my goals” hit me hard. Just to see how “stuff” gets in the way of having a better life was a wake up call for me! Thank you both for all the love and laughter your videos bring to my house. You are an authentic person and that is what I love about you. 🙏🏼
What clicked with me was when you talked about why it feels so good and peaceful when you go on vacation and stay in a hotel. Because you don't have ALL THE STUFF.
My guest room is so beautiful… it makes me want every room in the house to be that simplified too! It’s very much like the hotel/spa idea, but just with my guest room.
@@amandah2935 I agree. I don't like hotels. I never have. For a few reasons, actually. I get claustrophobic when I'm 'stuck' in a hotel, as I prefer outside nature type activities and hotels are smack dab in the middle of town. What do I do in there?? I don't like TV or shopping. I also have absolutely no sense of direction so to go for a walk, all buildings look the same, I'll be lost in no time. BUT... Get me in a sparsely stocked cabin where you walk out the door to a firepit, lake, BBQ, mountains, or other outdoorsy place, and AHH!! Minimalism rocks in that setting!!
I have another 80/20 rule: Dawn wears black 80% of the time and other colours 20% ! Also great fun with the sleeping arrangements ! Have a great day Dawn !
I feel like the elephant in the room is depression (something like half of all women suffer from it). And, Dawn, I know you're not a therapist but I do think you could address it via decluttering. A lot of your words - procrastination, overwhelmed and unmotivated feelings, inability to focus - are the same words therapists use to diagnose depression. Just a thought. I think you could do it really well!
@@francesrevetria8914 I will! I don't actually suffer from it... but I struggle with friends who do and employ my help to get rid of stuff. It's HARD. Dawn's channel is SO midwestern and positive... but I always wonder why she never addresses The Issue.
I feel that without putting a label on “it” (depression)….. Dawn does address depression! Dawn has many ways in which she encourages us to think differently from the negative voices in our head about our lack of motivation, the weights of clutter/chaos, fooling ourselves about our body image in hanging onto clothes, our insecurities that can feed our chaos and “hanging” onto items, etc. I was just telling my husband about Dawn and how she has learned, researched, encouraged us, shared her own faith story….etc. I could go on about this for awhile😃. Thanks to Dawn and the teaching of the Holy Spirit within her and in Tom!!
As a recovering pack rat, what really helped me finally let go of stuff was finding like-minded people who had already blazed a trail and were willing to share their decluttering wisdom. I tried various methods in the past, but really mentally clicked with Dana K. White and her container method. From there I discovered Dawn's channel, and was inspired to get rid of more. I'll never fit into the minimalist category, but I've now decluttered my house thoroughly, and l approach acquiring new things in a completely different way. Finding that match was my recipe for success!
I'm in transition and recently had to pack my life into 4 medium size suitcases and a couple of carry-ons by a certain date. Talk about laser focused. And the things I saved had to be really important to me to make the cut. When I get transitioned and start building my inventory back up, I will be very selective about what I add.
Now that’s impressive! That took guts and excellent decision making skills. Elon Musk or Donald Trump should offer you a job. Good luck and God bless you to the max.😇❣️🙏🏻
I like the principle of “is it making my life better”. This is so genius because I’m just starting this journey and finding letting go of some things harder. Also, your hubs is a riot, “I’m just talking to my people “.
"I chose people over things" this is my mantra lately. I repeat it often. It resonates with my husband as well. We are focused on our family and personal connections. Things do not help us achieve this goal.
I've always been complimented on how clean and organized I am, but I often still felt so overwhelmed with managing everything. That's when I came across your videos, and I realized it was a matter of inventory. I immediately started decluttering our house a few months before we were set to move. Now that we're unpacking in our new house, I already have boxes and boxes of items for the giveaway pile. Every item I choose to get rid of is a weight off my shoulders. I love this opportunity to "start fresh" in our new house, and I'm so glad to have your strategies to work from.
I think that is a good point. We associate clutter with being untidy, but we can have way too much weighing us down, and still keep it tidy, but it is just so much more work to do that :)
I had the same feeling when I did my first major declutter over a couple of months. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I enjoy going through areas of my home every few months and donating items we no longer use. I have noticed that since we are more choosy about what we buy we tend to use those items much more so we declutter less often but we also buy a lot less than we used too.
Thank you minimal mom, I am also a minimalist but watching your videos is giving me more tips. Just went and tossed clothes that don't fit and Rubbermaid that has no lids. Love the idea of having less to manage.
Thing that stuck out most was ....stop keeping stuff for the imaginary you! except now.... I'm beginning to see I have time for imaginary me...and guess what???I do it without all the stuff I thought she needed! haha
I found myself and my dreams by decluttering. The things that supported the me I kept and then I actually had time to spend on becoming who I wanted to be. I found out who I wanted to be by clearing out the clutter that had me confused on my passions and distracting me.
You and Josh becker were my inspiration towards minimalism. I've been working on my closet, got it paired down to 15 items yesterday. I did a happy dance
I literally pause my favorite Minimalism and Decluttering RU-vidrs' videos so I can TEXT myself their really fanstastic quotes that hit me like a ton of bricks!!! "Minimalism isn't camping; it's more like staying at a really nice vacation house!" -Dawn!!! "We don't use them 24/7, so we need a place for them to go when they're not in use!" -Rachel Jones from Nourishing Minimalism "Only the items you use in that room should be stored there. Store personal items in personal spaces." -Rachel "Clutter is a delayed decision." -Hilary from Old World Home "A tidy house happens when putting things away is just as easy as leaving them out." -Cass from Clutterbug "Organizing does not make more space. Decluttering makes more space." -Cass
I liked it in a previous video when you said to leave the extras at the store. That is hard for me because I live out in the country and I can't just run down the street to Walmart anymore when I need something. However, I agree with "leaving the extras at the store" so that I can be more intentional with purchases. I'm still struggling with when I try to get rid of something that someone else has given us particularly grandparents giving things to grandchildren they get very offended if I don't save every single thing that they get us. I have had to stand my ground in some of these situations. I feel like they cause strife by telling me that I have to choose whether minimalism is it more important to me than their relationship. But I need to remember that putting things over relationships is not God's way. And I need to remember that I am not responsible for them choosing to put the things over our relationship. I feel like they do it in order to control what I do with my house in my things. I know this comment is a bit deeper than what you called for but I think it's important to note that when some people are trying to get rid of things it's not as simple as just tossing the things because they've developed a relationship with the things instead of prioritizing relationships with people.
I have a friend who kept giving things to even knowing I don’t need or want them. If she asked about something I would say I gave to someone who loved it, wanted it, or needed it so much. When she gives me something now I say, straight away, “Oh how lovely , I now someone this would be perfect for”.
My kids love to give me stuff to set around or hang on walls, and it's always so meaningful to what's going on in my life. But I have things NOT on my walls or set out that I WANT because I have no room!!! I finally told them all in no uncertain terms that the only thing they can get that I'll love is a plant. My plants make me happy. I am slowly decluttering, wish I had done it way before I got older and it's so much harder now.
If someone is giving gifts that you don't want, and you have told them to stop, they should stop. It is called respect and boundaries. Would they like it if you junked up their house?
What clicked with me on one of the videos was when you said this stuff is always talking to us, sending positive or negative messages to us. So to go along with today's video when you tell yourself that I will use this someday, every time you look at that item it will ask you is it someday yet? Is it someday yet?
Yes! You said you lie awake at night wondering if what you say is sinking in... well it does! In your last video (on Sunday), you said that it should be considered already in quarantine if something is in storage! That was one of those profound statements I needed to hear. We decluttered things into our garage and are waiting for the next generation (kids setting up homes) to decide if they want our various things. No more waiting! I'm going to contact my Buy Nothing group this weekend and shift it all! :-)
I find that helps me... and when I go thru my stuff... 90% will go... 10% stays or goes back to quarentine... we move every three years(military) and the packers shove things... I actually found 200 in gift cards and a diamond ring in those "quarentined" storage boxes and bags... therefore I "have" to go thru them...but I am getting MUCH better at being ruthless going thru those bags!!! Speaking of which... tonight is trash day... I am committing to a bag in the attic tonight when the kis go to bed...
I love how passionate you are about this subject and how it can help others tremendously! It’s definitely a mission and purpose God has set for your life and I want to say you’re doing it beautifully sister! Blessings to you and your family! 🙏🏻😘
I used to try to declutter everything all at once. What's worked for me, now, is to concentrate on one small space at a time. I had a kitchen drawer & container on the counter filled with utensils & I never could find what I needed right away. I took out only 1 of each of what I needed & put the rest in a quarantine box. I only went in it once, I forgot my potato masher. It all fits in the drawer, don't need the container cluttering up my counter anymore & I can find what I need at a glance. The rest, after a month of sitting there, got donated. Next I moved on to the pots & again donated most. I used the same principle with my clothes & so on. It's working great. Thank you Dawn for all your inspiration.
This was a kick in the pants to watch the Helix commercial part. I bet even Diana never got a personal “show” but we did on RU-vid. Truly to be person that really helps to teach others on RU-vid you have to be willing to share things that we wouldn’t normally. Thank you for your transparency Dawn…and the chuckles.
I was a minimalist before I even found you, but you feel like a dear friend with the same passions as me! I don’t think I’m like most of your fans though because I actually declutter for fun, all the time! When you say the hardest part is getting started, for me the hard part is stopping! One question I’ve asked myself for the last 10 years is “Will I care to own this when I’m 75?” (I’m 35). If the answer is no, then I let it go. I picture my grandma who’s in her 80’s and has a huge house full of stuff and it overwhelms me. I always wonder who will eventually have to deal with all her stuff?! I don’t want to burden my family in that way, so I let it go.
One step at a time! One drawer at a time! That's me and I love where it has taken me. I'm so much happier and healthier. Stress causes many health issues. We can do this!
Ms.Dawn, your journey of becoming a minimalist by yourself then your family joining in seeing the peace & value that it brought to you, Is AWESOME ! I have a prayer request if you would for me as I began to do swedish death cleaning that I have been procrastinating for years. It can't be put off any longer...so if you and all who read this comment can join in with prayers as I do every day and night. That I can get this done . I have a lot to go thru . Most is in my garage, carport and covered back porch.. I keep inside my home clean from clutter
I love your videos. This is my first time commenting. You have helped me alot, I have anxiety and depression. All the stuff I felt was making it worse. ❤ I loved ya'll sleep examples. 😂
I’m going to add on here too. I struggle with anxiety and depression too. Keep decluttering in perspective. When you have energy, take care of the clutter; but be gentle with yourself and remember YOU come first. 💕
A decluttered home made our life easier and simpler and our journey started with you! We are now at a 10-15mins quick decluttering scan twice a week (one period per floor of our house) and about 1.5hour decluttering during period of change (back to school, season, holidays, etc.). Making declutering a priority had many benefits with time management and energy/family dynamic. My kids don’t even ask for gifts from us for their birthdays and all they want is a special activity. They function so much better with less clutter/toys. Thank you for all your great tips.
I finally organized the homeschool books for our daughter’s first year of high school. I put on a video and slowly organized with what I had, checked my list, tried to use only one shelf. Yes, I get one small step or task done while watching videos. It’s a good timer and encouragement.
Yes, just one drawer at a time. Today I have six pairs of jeans and a pair of shorts to donate. Two of the six pairs of jeans were on the bedroom floor and I feel so much better now that I can see what's in the drawer and I know that it fits!
Thank you for teaching me the concept of having too much inventory. It has changed my life. I'm not finished decluttering yet but I make more and more progress every week.
These are my top 3 for what's gotten my foot in the door to having a better home that serves me. I'm so motivated and I keep watching/listening to keep up the momentum. 1. Inventory. 2. Kids thrive in a simplied environment. 3. Permission to let go. Mom of 5 kids (6, 5, 4, 2, & 0)❤
Okay... I have spent the last 2 months REALLY decluttering. We have probably gotten rid of 70% of our stuff. Yes, I got rid of things that I still liked, I got rid of things that kinda sparked Joy. But what I have found is I have so much Joy in having a clean uncluttered house. I found I don't HATE to empty the dishwasher anymore, bc I don't have to shove things into spaces. So now I run the dishwasher more which makes my kitchen cleaner which makes me happier. It's A Vicious Circle... in the best way!! And the 5 minute clean up daily is amazing along with the " If it takes less than a minute, Do It NOW." That has changed the way my house feels and bc I have a place to put items that aren't overcrowded, I'm more willing to just take care of it. It has been great, I find I have much better self talk about myself. Thank You for sharing your wisdom!
Thank you, Dawn! I watched this video a month ago for the first time. I’m a college professor, so I have summers off, and it’s always a season when I make the attempt to declutter and organize. I have tried in the past, but I tend to get stuck and revert to my old mindset, but this 80/20 rule video really clicked with me. I have transformed my thinking and I see my stuff differently now. It’s like I was blind before, and now my eyes are opened. 👀 You and Cas from the Clutterbug channel are making a big difference in my life! Thanks so much!! ❤❤
9:30 TRUE! The feeling you get when getting rid of things burdening you is so encouraging as well to help you tackle other goals. Even laser focusing on non-declutter goals can help with decluttering too because then you can get rid of the stuff you kept to achieve that goal! 🙌
I just discovered you on RU-vid so I’m watching one after another of your videos… inspired and loving each one while I’m doing dishes etc. I decluttered a kitchen drawer and a vanity drawer today while you were talking in my earbud and it was so helpful just to hear your voice. I sit and stare at toys and books for our one beautiful child- who we adopted and he is our one magical miracle baby. So letting go of ANY of the things I have made memories while with him- I am finding SO hard to even begin… from 3-6 month clothing, infant toys, books we read a million times, under water sea creatures and dinosaurs… I tend to just rotate stuff and keep most of it. Anyone else have a sentimental attachment to so much stuff related to your kid? I want to donate to a cousin or a close friend but most people already have so much crap they are burdened by hand me downs (most of my friends had kids before us so I don’t know lots of people who can truly use the stuff). Goodwill or Purple Heart are my typical donation places, but I would love to know a Mom got my stuff for free and really needed it.
Every video of yours has been so motivating and inspiring for me! I love telling people now that we are minimalist and how far we have come. I would say one big thing that stuck out for me was when you talked about your stuff being able to breathe and how by having less stuff it’s easier to put things back without it feeling a struggle and once I felt that in my kitchen I was hooked! 🥰
We downsized from 4k sq ft to 1600sq ft, I listened to your videos while decluttering and donating. I thought I would miss “all my stuff that I thought I needed or one day would use and couldn’t part with” and guess what, you were right. I don’t miss it, I don’t remember it. I donated some decor to my church and I can still see it and enjoy it there. I donated truck loads to our local Christian thrift store. There is someone walking into that thrift store praying for what you have in your home that you haven’t used and don’t need. Your are someone’s answered prayer.😉. So much less to clean and organize. Thank you so much for your channel, it’s been a blessing.
You are inspiring by your honest and lovely videos. I have been watching you for 2 weeks, and I can't tell you what a difference you have made to our whole house. I have decluttered a communal office area in our home, my side of our marital bedroom, my dining room and my kitchen (still a work in progress). Love it when you say you love us! Wish you lived in our suburb, I feel like you are a true friend and sister in Christ. 10 bags send to donation and 3 bags of garbage I didn't know was just lying around
The thing that clicked with me is the silent to do list! It explained why my stuff was so stressful to me. I'm at the very beginning of cleaning out our stuff but I love watching your videos and they have really motivated me to do a little bit here and there. I'm starting to see some progress and it's so satisfying! Thank you!
Hi Dawn, I don't know if you hear this enough, so I want to tell you that you are a beautiful lady! You shine in the videos and your positivity and energy are contagious. Thanks for making this daunting task of decluttering seem doable. I'm making headway with my house and am excited about the changes I am making. I want to only have things in my home that I use and love. For example, I've been lugging around my deceased mother's fancy dishes that I have never used for over 30 years; I have finally decided to let them go. I am replacing the curio cabinet that held her china with a bookcase to put my beloved books and plants on. I'm so excited! Blessings and love!
I had my 'ah-ha' moment at the beginning of July when my mom sent me the link to one of your videos explaining how everything in your house is talking to you. 🙂 That really resonated with me and I've declared a war on stuff and am loving the results. But I'm having a hard time getting rid of empty organizing containers!!! Thank you for telling me that I can let it go if I no longer needed and I know I can replace it for under $20. That has helped so much too. So I keep watching your videos and I keep finding more things to inspire me and keep me going, so thank you!
I am currently on a decluttering journey. Your videos help me a lot! The inventory thing is what really has gotten through to me. I don't want to manage so much stuff anymore! Thanks for all of your motivating content!
You have been my inspiration for a couple months now! I have decluttered at least 70%. However we are starting our first year of homeschool tomorrow with our 4 kids so I am watching you all day whike i work, for a refresh declutter, to start with a clean slate! Thank you for motivating me!
The minimalists' Ryan Nicodemus, went hard and fast looking for his 20%. He had what he calls a packing party. He packed up all of his possessions and what he didn't use after 30 days, he got rid of. You're so great at helping us cut through the mental blocks with compassion and real solutions
My kitchen always made me feel overwhelmed. Now that we only have 6 plates, bowls, mugs etc and items we use all the time I’m finding I’m not as irritated at family as it’s so much easier to clean and reset not just for me but the kids as well. Thank you Dawn!
I find if I get into a stalled pattern and can't get back into decluttering, watching a few of your videos really inspires me to get back at it. Your "you can do it" attitude that you share in every video is very encouraging and inspiring. Thanks Dawn for all your inspiration. Room by room I'm getting it done.
Hi 👋🏼 I just want to thank you and your family for bringing inspiration, motivation encouragement and knowledge all the way to Sweden. I’m binge watching all your video and it feels like I know you ☺️ I’m just started my journey to a more simplified home and everyday life. I’m a single mom of five, three adults and the two oldest already moved, both I and almost all of my children has adhd and/or autism diagnosis’s. I have been taking care of them and myself for many years unable to work but now I’m studying software development and loving it 😍 I’m convinced that with a more minimalist apartment I’m going to have the energy to work with my passion and still have the strength to care for my family.💪🏼😅 (I hope my English is understandable)
I agree with the genflute. It's not just donating, it's WHERE I donate that makes a difference. I have started donating to a Local thrift store in a small town and it ALL stays in the community to families that really can use these items. ❤
I watch at least one minimalism video a day. Minimal Mom, A Slob Comes Clean, Nourishing Minimalism, Joshua Becker, Tracy McCubbin, there are lots more I am finding. Their different perspectives motivate me.
I discovered you around midnight, two days ago, the “over thinkers” video- you sparked something in me and I’ve been decluttering my kitchen and bath like crazy- Thank You! Bless you!! You’re such a dear❤️
Over in the UK here! 🇬🇧 i find clutter and decluttering physically and mentally paralysing, but you have helped me soooo much and also introduced me to Dana K White who has also helped me a tonne. Thank you so much ❤
Your videos and decluttering my home has helped in so many ways including making me brave enough to start looking at my finances which I have neglected for quite sometime. It’s so true how decluttering affects everything else. I just feel like I can be in control of my life again now that I’m getting all the extra nonsense out.
I've recently been binging your videos so I'm "late" but just touching on that you didn't start out tidy and that you have gained so much time and less stress has really brought me in. I did my first solo decent sized declutter of my bedroom thanks to your videos! I'm gonna need to go through it after i make a loop around the house but that's ok. 3 black trash bags left my room this weekend and that's a good start :)
Dawn, I’ve wanted to minimize for many months now and nothing had been working for me. Two weeks ago I decided that every day I would get rid of 13 items. In addition to the 13, if I should bring a new item into the house, I have to get rid of something. This has actually been working for me. You spoke about doing 15 minutes a day. For somebody like me that can backfire because I can be arguing with myself for 15 minutes and not actually get rid anything (!) I’m going to keep doing this until things are a lot more streamlined around here. Thanks for the ideas, inspiration and encouragement 🙂
One of your vids really spoke to me. It was about shoes... You said, "Would I pay $5/ month to store these?" THAT QUESTION was my "AHA!" for not keeping boots I had stored and not worn (not comfortable!) For at least 5 years. UGH! Why had I avoided that? I guess I was keeping them just in case. ALSO - Another "AHA!" If I don't like it today, I'm not going to suddenly like it tomorrow. YES!!! Both of those. Nice winter traction boots. Expensive and sturdy. Never worn. Not comfortable. Now in the donate pile. Making room for the perfect-for-me boots!
I just lost my precious husband of 52 years 3 months ago and am still trying to sort through pictures for the memorials (2). So I'm doing sentimental out of necessity plus am 100 miles from my home for most of the summer house sitting. Any suggestions how to set goals for 80/20?
Ugh, im sorry for your loss, you must be devastated. Ive heard others talk about challenging yourself to filling 1 box & 1 bag per day. Or pick a number that will work, you've also got the emotions to go through as you grieve so give yourself grace too. I truly hope you have family or a friend who can help. Best of luck to you. 💞💞
I hope you look for support in your grief and do decluttering in conjunction with honouring your grieving process. Lots of patience with yourself. Decluttering itself has an emotional component. Yours has an additional dimension because of your loss. Love to you
When I first started listening to Dawn, I knew somethings were going to be hard to declutter, for example, my craft room half of which was card making supplies, but recently I sold my entire inventory to a local middle school for their student council committee and I can't believe how freeing it all feels not to have that inventory to maintain and knowing it is going to be used year after year and helping out the local students. Mind you, I sold everything for pennies on the dollar, but it is priceless to have it all gone. I have learned from Dawn that seasons come and go and I was done with that one. Each day I try to do a corner, a shelf, a drawer and it is totally making such a difference, I feel that difference in my soul and that is a gift, a gift I thank Dawn for. I will continue to listen, absorb and learn knowing the freedom that lies ahead of me. Thank you Dawn Love ya
I want to thank you for inspiring me to get rid of " stuff". I am a young 75 year old retired lady, who needs to declutter. I have throw away many black plastic bags. As I am decluttering, I have you playing , thank you so much.🥰
So....I once told you I'm not a minimalist. I was (clearing throat) wrong. Our bedroom is now done! Every day as I'm doing life I am paying attention to what we are using, do we need it, what can be done to stream line...and it's working! Thank you for what you do.!!!
Dawn, this video is awesome! The principles in your many videos are really starting to make sense to me. I played this one 4 times and took notes about how decluttering paves the way to success with our goals.. For weeks, I have been decluttering a bit each day, and occasionally more on days off from work, peeling back the layers of the onion. I am finally seeing measurable results. I just got to the place where I donated 5 now-empty pieces of furniture consisting of a big bookcase, 2 bureaus from clothes and misc items, an uncomfortable desk, and an unnecessary sewing machine cabinet! I can't thank you enough and can't explain how good it feels. Now I have more room to tackle the rest of decluttering. It is so worth it! THANK YOU, and I'll keep you posted.
You have! I started slow the past few years with removing 5 things a day and then I would just start grabbing things throughout the day…. Then fill my trunk and when full take it to donation site…..but Every week now a trunkful or 2 leaves my house for donation…. And now it’s super motivating as it’s really starting to show…. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation now and over the past couple years…. Start small, start big but just keep thinking about what you really need and love…
Yes I am working out on things as I’m listening!! One of the things I love is I don’t always have to watch your videos I love your commentary I know exactly what’s going on without having to have my eyes on the phone. 👍🏻thank you for inspiring me!
Please keep telling us... Not us... me ;) I am a mama with a 5, 3, and 1 year old and we live in a 800sq ft apartment and we are starting to homeschool. I have simplified our house so much but think we can go further! I don't want to be the grouchy mama who is overwhelmed with stuff. God has given me these three beautiful gifts and a very loving husband but this mom job is tough. Please keep telling me over and over and over again every week!! I consider you my cheerleader and friend. Thanks for how you are changing the direction of our family.
Dawn, I was always an extremely organized and tidy person and kept with house on a daily basis. There was a point I lost complete control and my life became more and more difficult. Watching your videos motivated me to take my house back. It is back in control, I still have a ton to declutter. It going well. Thank you for motivating me.
The biggest concepts/thoughts that have helped me are 'how much inventory do I really want to manage?' and 'achieving that vacation rental feel' . I realized, when I first began watching your videos, why I've always loved hotel rooms - they're uncluttered and simple. I also love the quarantine bin idea. I use it regularly. Your videos are so motivating to me. When I need a push, I put them on. Afterward, (when I've scrounged together a pile to take to the thrift store) I feel like I've conquered the world 💪 Thank you!!
Dawn, you are so appreciated, your spirit is truly inspirational. I'm a beginner, I tell my friends I am still in the thinking process of declutering. Often non stop, so its time for me to get started. Inventory is a great trigger word for me and the connection of christ like living. I want to say how much you and your family are appreciated and admired. Thank you for your time and concern. Your enthusiasm is catching!!
Ahh Dawn! I can’t watch your videos at night because you motivate me to do all the things when I should go to bed! 😂😂😂 Thanks for the advice and support
It is Very useful to me that we should ask, “ if this is supporting my decluttering goal”, and you hold up a pillow. I’m staging my home to sell n I got rid of a sofa but kept 5 pillows with hopes of reupholstering then myself for meditation pillows. Husband asked why do you want keep 5 of them if the new place is smaller?! Your both right and their going to thrift. I’m decluttering a home I’ve lived in for 25 years for last 3 months. Getting rid of 45% of stuff n finally listing it! Sometimes I think I should stop watching your videos and start doing! Lol 😂 I love your words and faith and you have made an impact on my outlook with getting rid of stuff! 😊
For me, what has resonated most has simply been YOU. Everything you say makes sense, but it’s also your tone, joyful demeanor, and confident encouragement that has cheered me on this lifestyle change.You’ve made simplifying attainable, enjoyable, and worthwhile. My life and my home are a testimony of the immeasurable impact YOU personally have made on my life. I am forever grateful for you, Dawn, and I’m humbled that you would choose to use your time, energy, and sleepless moments to reach someone like me who is far beyond your little corner of Minnesota. ❤️
Decluttering did help my parenting a lot. It also stopped my recurring dream of finding new space in my house. I am not all the way there, but I am in a much better place than before finding your channel.
Love the interaction between you and your husband.... as I'm relatively new to the channel, it's my first time seeing him talk in any of the videos I've watched. Get some sleep ! You're doing a great job of giving us everything that we need to succeed on this de-cluttering journey. You hit the nail on the head with committing the time and effort to be laser-beam focused on it for a time in order to pursue the more important and desirable things in life ! I now realize that I have to prioritize ridding myself of too much stuff to manage first, then organize what's left, and then it really makes a way to seeing everything in life more clearly. THANK YOU SO MUCH DAWN !
Oh one thing that helps me is that really big jobs may come in waves…wave one might be macro decluttering…opening boxes and just seeing what’s inside, getting rid of trash, donating unneeded items, and placing other items with like items or in their place. Then once everything is in place, wave two might be where you reassess all the like items, and further Simplify as necessary. But sometimes you cannot see what you don’t need when all the like items are not together.
When you talked about the 4 burner theory. It helps manage my anxiety. How much can I comfortably manage and inventory. Being more intentional with what I am buying. Sunday morning chit chats.
I've gotten so many wonderful new ways of thinking out of your videos, I can't possibly remember them all. However, the one that keeps me going right now is the one about time. I simply don't have time to use all the stuff in my house. At the moment I have to take it easy due to health reasons, and I read a lot. This is the exact situation all those books in our house are for. And I can't read them all. I don't even want to read them all. So if I don't feel like reading a book right now, it's going. Now I'm so conscious of which books are my favourites, and why. It makes it easier and easier to get rid of the surplus.
Haha ! You guys are SO cute ! “I’m talking to my people!” Wow that mattress does look great. I’ve seen your other videos that mention it but yes ... I’d love to get 1 sometime! Um .... my mattress is 25 years old ! It’s “perfectly good”! ( lol as my dear Mom used to say with her faded English accent). But yeah ... a new mattress ? 2022 Goals ! I’ll def chk out the Helix ! Images of your house are SO inspiring Dawn ! So is the concept of inventory. And how you have mentioned : “would I rather have this item, or the free space?” Free space often wins ! So more stuff GOES ! I’d never heard of this 80/20 concept ! Thank you, Dawn ! I LOVE how you research & share these fascinating and mind shifting Ideas with us ! Increasing our awareness for living more intentionally is huge ! Oh ! There’s another helpful concept : living intentionally. Buying intentionally. Being intentional about items we use & keep ( & part with). One more huge idea 4 me : Swedish Death Cleaning. I’m 61 & while I plan to be around for a good long time, none of us know ! I do not want to burden my kids with my stuff when I’m gone ! That is so important to me ! And that Idea has fueled my decluttering journey even before I heard of the phrase or read the book ( on kindle ! Didn’t buy a hard copy ! I have too many books already that I still stubbornly keep!) . Okay : last 2 motivators : an imminent move ! Since 1996 I’ve move six times ! Major purges each time! I now live in a smallish but cozy & airy 1 bedroom apt. I love it! My big tip that I got from Marie Kondo ? Start with clothes if you’re stuck ! Dana White’s Container Concept is great, too ! Motivates me to further purge from my closets ! Love it ! Thx 4 sharing that with us, Dawn ! I have certainly experienced the benefits of less stuff ! More bandwidth, more focus, less stress ! It really does make room for more success in life! I still have more decluttering to do ! Oh ! And you often using the word, SIMPLIFYING ! That is powerful ! So is the stellar example you set, and your contagious enthusiasm ! I love you guys & wish you a lovely day ! Liz
One drawer at a time. That is what I’m doing. I have my mother in laws stuff, my daughters stuff and my stuff. I give my daughter a bag every time she comes back which is only once a year. I have been taking items to a thrift store once a week. A bag or a box. It is hard to let things go but when all I do is move it to clean and not enjoying what it is. I’m donating it. Thank you you guys are a cute couple and family. Plus love your faith. God bless you and your family.
Losing weight forced me to go through my clothes. I made four piles as I went through the dresser drawers one at a time. The piles represented 1) clothes I love that still fit, 2) clothes I like and can still wear, 3) not in love/like with any of it, and 4) so baggie I can't stand it! When I was done, I packed up the last two piles. That was the easiest and fastest way I have found to do it. Now, I go shopping with those piles in mind, asking myself what pile would I put this item in. Sweet!!
You are wonderful at motivating me. Timed segments have helped me declutter and say goodbye to my home of 45 years .1800 sq feet lake living to a RV life (600ft) for a year as we build our mountain home. Thank you and your minimal buddies for inspiring me to put one foot in front of the other and get the job done! “I may secretly be a minimalist “ said the granny who is sentimentally attached to ALL the things ‼️😂
Hi Dawn, The "vacation home" concept really spoke to me! I worked on my pantry and my kitchen first because I felt like it just didn't feel like a place I wanted to be when I got home from work. After decluttering just a little, I feel better when I am cooking dinner after work!!! I really felt like a weight came off my shoulders!! I didn't realize that "stuff" was weighing me down. Now I am working on other parts of my house, section at a time. I did my linen closet and love when I open that door!!! When I don't feel motivated or feel overwhelmed, I go look at the spaces that I have decluttered and it reminds me of that great feeling (reward) I get after I have decluttered. Thanks for your videos!!
I love you and Tom and how you set up a situation and then run with it. I get excited every time you are both on the video and where you are headed with it.
