For me, meal prep has been life-changing. I have nice, neat stacks of prepared foods. Since implementing meal prep I have lost weight, saved time and saved money. Your tips are always great, Melody. And you have a cute sense of humor too. The other thing I would like to comment on is that your editing, using clips of your apartment, or of you doing a task, makes the videos more engaging. I think we have all seen vlogs of people who sit and talk to the camera for 10 minutes. Your way of editing keeps me engaged throughout (although I would be anyway since I really think you have great insight.....but I think you get what I am saying) Good job! I value your words and always look forward to each upload.
Here is another idea! Stop eating meat! I improved my health significantly and reduced a chronic pain issue I had by going vegan. And no more greasy drippy meat trays or pans!
Jody B Would you please recommend a good source to learn how to go about this? I know there are youtube videos, but perhaps you can share a favorite one of yours?
Your apartment is amazing. The serene view, the neutral palette, the ease of flow between rooms, and it seems to be just the perfect amount of space. #jealous
I like your idea of sampling minimalism. Instead of trying to minimize my whole house I can minimize the products and space in my bathroom. Light Bulb! Another goal I have to is to meal plan, shop, and prep snacks, and double one dinner a week. Your ideals of elevating and using clear mats are genius! Thanks, Melody!
I recently started using post it notes to keep track of what our family of 5 has going on. Between full time work and health issues with 2 kiddos and an upcoming move I was overwhelmed. Now when I think of something it goes on a post it and into the manilla folder. If it needs to be done that day it goes in the cover. Each note has enough space to add to and can be moved around as needed daily without rewriting thus actually sabing paler and everything is getting done on time:) Thank you for all your positive attitude and info!
I always do cleaning and organising in the house. My house is too big and old. But I try my best to keep it clean and organised. Anyone visiting my house can find things at proper place if they want to do something in my absence too. You have a clear idea what to keep, where to keep and how to keep things in your house because of your college experience. That’s great! I also loved your necklace. Love you.
Love that you mentioned people living with others they love it aren’t ready to work on this. Yes, accept people where they are and work with it. Amen! I just said , “goodbye “to a hot pink fluffy jacket I had for ten years. I thanked it for all the warmth and fun times I had in it. I am away from my beloved mountains and was keeping it to remember. I know I don’t need to keep the jacket to keep my memories and hope that I will return, is not in the jacket. You are so lovely, I appreciate all the gifts you are sharing! Thank you, sweet lady! 😇
More Melody thank you for all the tips Melody. I love your videos. Do you have any videos on how to say slim effortlessly? Also, I have heard a lot about how FASTING its scientifically proven to enhance brain focus, do you practice fasting?
Curious, where you buy the clear container that's in your medicine cabinet, holding the Q-tips, as well as the clear container in the drawer for your purse. Can you share a link for those?
More Melody need your advice on weighted blankets. What brand and sizes would you recommend? Don’t have one, but saw it on one of your videos. I have trouble sleeping; thinking this might help. Thank you!
Hey Melody, do you still have the Chloe Faye bag? I am thinking to get the same one (but in black!). Obviously a very special item, doing my research before purchase - would you recommend it?? would love to see a review video! ^^ (might be a bit short...maybe you can just let us know in the comments here??) Love your videos. Kisses to Pat! x - Bek
you are very wise and observant ... love the reminder that everyone has pros and cons and somehow women always think we can change men to be more tidy and organized ... some absolutely are not, yet they can find things ... its hard to accept but true ... also I love the reminder of having a special spot for everything and that it needs breathing room ... living in a tiny house has been frustrating to me because i pull something out of the closet and other things come out with it ... i had to change from my ambiance of artsy clutter after downsizing to a tiny house ... its such a joy when you find the right balance of stuff, and to be able to shop freely and then go around putting things back saying No, I don't really need this, I can just admire it in the store and leave it there. Same with too many dishes, too many spices, too many shoes. When I buy compulsively, I am annoyed when I get it home, and often make myself return it. It's literally a lifeswork to curb accumulating, and you are right about the breathing space. Thanx so much, I love your style. you are beautiful and charming and very helpful!
This was actually very helpful and inspiring. I've just come to the realization that I'm a (very neat) pack rat. I collect vintage suitcases and they usually get filled with papers, articles, and "things" that I can't bring myself to...or just refuse to...throw away! I'm not even sure where this started. Maybe 10 yrs ago, when we bought our home which I loved because of our his and hers closets. My closet is the 11x12, and I have 2 desks, 2 small bookcases, and still have room for all my clothes, so I don't have to be neat, and I can just close the door. The mess and clutter are localized and hidden, but I have realized it's taking up mental space too! I think maybe thats when/where it all began. I'm trying very hard to reverse this, and these tips really helped me wrap my mind around taking the small steps to get started. Thanks! Really...Thank you!
Instrad of using post it notes, for me it has work very well bullet journaling and a white board that I have in my room. Everytime I finish a task I erase it from the whiteboard or mark it in my bullet joarnal. It's kind of the same thing, writing in a paper the things that has to be done. It keeps me organized, I already know what I have to do and I feel I'm more productive that way. :)
I’ve donated about 3 loads of stuff over the last couple weeks. Clothing, toys, and just random stuff that needed to go. I still have A LOT of stuff but it’s a process. Working on it!
Ive been wanting to meal prep but havent gotten motivated bc it seemed like a lot of work. But what you just said about saving on cleaning throughout the week was like a💡Not more work, less work.Now THAT is a reason to meal prep!
loved this video! I just took five minutes before bedtime to empty the dishwasher and wipe down the sink and counter. Also, a quick sweep of the kitchen floor. poof! it's all done and when I wake up in the morning, I can make that fresh cup of coffee and enjoy it! Also, I am carrying in a few items from the couch to my bedroom and then straighten out the towels in the bathroom. I spray a little cleaner inside the toilet and let it sit there until I need to use it in the morning. Plug in my cell phone by my bed and get my meds that I'm on in a cup by the sink with a bottle of water. This is my routine before bedtime, and it always works for me!!!
very helpful......I have health issues and cannot do all these in a day. I decided to take one habit and devote one day to it. Taking Saturday and Sundays "off", I should try all your suggestions in 2 weeks (that is the best I can do). And after the two weeks, I start all over again. This is a lot slower but, in time, it will work..Thank you
Just when I thought I learned all I could from you.... You offer a whole new batch of gems. Side note- your hair and makeup look absolutely. Lovely. Tres chic.
Thank you for your wonderful insight. I really needed your help. I've been overworked. A home with three lazy men. Unbelievable that I have to repeat the same things. Couldn't catch up till your inside helping ways. A husband who bought about 12 bottles of pain realiver. At different times of course, then brings in and put thing on kitchen counter. Walks away without putting it away. I've been getting rid of unnecessary things now. Don't feel like pulling out my hair. Lol. Thanks .
This has been great advice....especially about not putting sentimental attachments on things. Loved it when you picked up the cat !!! Lol. Happy Valentine's day everyone !!! 😄
This video is one of my favorites of yours! Love the tips and explanations and examples and visual. And your hair looks awesome & I love your sense of humor, picking up Pat lol
My tidy tip is if I'm cooking dinner, I wash whatever is used immediately. I don't let dishes pile up. I always sweep the floors. I scrub the refrigerator and freezer daily. I scrub the stovetop and oven daily. I scrub the toaster crumb tray daily. I scrub out my coffee maker every time I use it.I empty the cabinets and scrub out.I dust constantly. Wipe down the mirrors.
Jennifer Ann Fox ,it honestly don't take as long as you'd think. I find that if I clean as I go,just suck it up and do it,it's done and over with.. If you just clean up your home, a little each day,it's not going to be overwhelming and you're not going to quit before you start
lol grab the cat... and thanks for motivating words. getting started is hard thats why youtube has videos like this for people who need to see and hear examples of how to conquer the mess. so thanks for your time and attention to details!
Great tips! If I have a job that I hate doing like cleaning the bathroom or the oven. I'll cut the job down, and do twenty mins each day, until the job is completed. Then the thought of doing a twenty min job rather than an hour plus doesn't seem as bad and you're more inclined to do it. Love your 🐈 cat
i agree Melody it takes a lot to start cleaning but once i get started i dont want to stop until im finish. Also i find that i hate to clean my shower curtain because its hard to remove and replace because of the hooks that came with it. I saw you with some simply hooks that are easy to handle and i bought a pack and now its not hard for me again to take down the shower curtain/liner to clean. Thanks alot.
I used to be the master of procrastination. I would even use planning as a way to stall a little longer. Now I know I just need to rise to it. It's all in my mind :)
I am going thru my house this week and just getting rid of everything I can. I even got my husband involved. Today we went thru the cabinets in the garage and realized we had a bunch of junk we don't use anymore. My grown kids are getting ALL the stuff they have left behind. I am giving a lot to charity and trashing and recycling. Life changes and your wants and needs change. I will never be a minimalist because I am interested in so many things. But I like the freeing feeling of getting rid of things, doing less housework, and having more space. It is like an onion. The top peel goes. Then you go thru the house and peel it again, digging deeper and making more decisions. More and more stuff goes as you get the courage to let things go! Here is a tip: put a box in an out of the way place, for me it is a laundry room counter, and put "Not Sure" stuff in it. That gives you time to retrieve it if you have to. Usually, you find you just don't need that item anymore. And it gets the stuff out of your cabinets, drawers, and closets.
I totally subscribe to everything you had to say in this video! Owning fewer possessions, and making sure that everything you do own has a purpose is the key to maintaining a more simplified and productive life! If I had resorted to excessive consumerism even just two years ago, I would not be where I am today, thriving in a lively city where I have my own place (300 square feet of space), and am pursuing full-time graduate studies. It really pays to have fewer material possessions; owning less enables you to do more.
Hi Katherine! In one of Melody's videos she talks about making "command centers" for similar items, which might help you out. Starting around 3:45 of this video: th-cam.com/video/wgbVvHKZHZI/w-d-xo.html
Do you have a video on going paperless or scanning paperwork? This is on my to do list and I'm struggling with where to start and what to get rid of. My papers are already highly organized and I don't keep a ton of paper, but I would like to get as paperless as possible.
Sorry, commenting while watching....love your "the less you buy, the less you have to put away". This is so, so, true! I use this on my 11 year old all of the time and it keeps her from wanting as much because she doesn't like visual clutter and likes to have a place for everything. This is a great tip!
Love your videos! I would love to see an updated video of your dresser drawers or an apartment tour. It looks like you've minimized even more! Keep up the the great work! 💙 Love from MN! ❄️
Thanks Melody! I have been looking for that type of notebook too!! I have alot of papers and notes I write daily but I really was looking to put them in a notebook and couldn't find one that was exactly what I wanted! This is quite helpful! Always learn from you !! even though I am a retired woman ,minimizing is big for me! Thanks!! for sharing!
Gah I spent 2.5 hours at Walmart yesterday, but the result is maximum yield! So glad I pushed through it, I kind of hate Walmart, but it's super cheap and efficient. Got glasses ordered too. Culmination of 4 months of eye Dr. Visits! Done....free space and made Valentine's cards Tonite :) inspired creativity.
Putting my purse in a drawer each time would kill my back; I just hang it on a hook rack by the door along with keys & umbrella, etc. The remote stays (alone) on the TV table where it’s handy. Additional less used remotes go in a wicker basket on the TV table next to a Kleenex dispenser. All of hubbie’s things he needs to get ready for work are on 1 big desk. Under that desk is a wicker basket for ballcaps. Hubbie installed a white shelf overhead in the bathroom from wall to wall for folded towels. All our bath sheets, towels, washcloths, sheets, pillowcases and socks are plain white. There is a wicker picnic basket on top of the fridge for Ziploc baggies: sandwich, quart and gallon are all tossed in there loosely (taken out of their boxes). I buy used wicker baskets whenever we go to a thrift store and put them in a 33 gallon sized big wicker basket: my basket of baskets. It has a flat top, so it serves as my bedside table. Whenever I need a wicker basket to organize something, I go digging thru that. We installed 3 vanity cabinets (glass & stainless, like the kind that go over a bathroom sink) INSIDE our shower enclosure for storing shampoo, conditioner, loofas, razors, facial scrub, etc. We have 5 vintage picnic baskets stacked up in the livingroom. We fill the top one with junk mail and papers to be shredded. We shuffle the baskets when the top one gets full. When they r all full, we drive them to a local free recycling/shredding event. I have a little wooden cabinet with little drawers where Ikeep things next to my recliner I use frequently, but they are out of sight: various scissors, emery board, pens, highlighters, tweezers, floss, compact mirror (10x mag & normal sides), perfume oils, extra reading glasses/wipes, daily jewelry, etc. I transferred hand lotion into a pretty dispenser and keep a growler of ice water next to me, along with discreet drawers under a side table for vits/meds/supplements.
........this helped me immensely in my wkly cleaning day........turned on my favorite classic movie channel.......(TCM).........enjoying movie..........everytime commercials came on..........race to first area i addressed in my friday house-cleaning day.........(developed spritz bottle cleaning systems)..........first commercial break, would 'hit' bathroom........spritz counters/sink/mirrors/commode..........quickly wipe down........add soaking cleaner to commode.........okay, commercials are over..........enjoy more movie.........next commercial break, spritz shower, scrub tub, wiipe down shower/scrub commode.........(or whatever your speed allows you to accomplish...........this develops over time)..........next commercial break.........spritz/mop floor.........bathroom done!.........my adult daughter and i turned this into a game....... it really was fun..........we would each choose a different location during each commercial break........before the movie was over, we were done!!.......(it helped that we were both wanted a clean/organized/beautiful home environment).......then, we would find next movie and enjoy pizza in our completely cleaned home.........YAY!!!!
Thank you for reminding me to hide out some of the stuff and see if I don’t need it. Lately I’ve been trying out so many different style of make up, it’s becoming a pile of unused things. Saying that I need to know how much I can handle, is really liberating to me because now I know that I’m actually only love seeing people doing make up yet my ownself is not that passionate to do make up. Fuwah. I feel more relaxed now. I guess now it’s time to declutter and donate all the unnecessary make up. Again, thank you.
can you tell me please what are you using to stack your cans of food in your pantry in the "utilize reusable storage containers" section of this video? i didn't quite catch what it was in that quick video shot.. THANKS
very good ideas. I would like to have my house organized but I frequently lack the energy to tackle tasks. I am fatigued at times due to my illness. How would you suggest I utilize my limited energy?
Live with a hoarder! He is so bonded with his possessions which are never used... We no longer have a dining room, living room or a basement and extra bedroom! The kitchen and family room are cluttered with heavy bulky items. Help!
Melody do you have a cutting board for cutting veggies or something for protection? Also my front entrance of door is carpet and I wish I had a way to change that unfortunately I live in an apt so I can not pull carpet up and I put a floor matt there but have problems closing door then. Any ideas so as to keep front entrance clean?
I need to listen to this everyday! The less you buy the less you have to put away! Love it!
For me, meal prep has been life-changing. I have nice, neat stacks of prepared foods. Since implementing meal prep I have lost weight, saved time and saved money. Your tips are always great, Melody. And you have a cute sense of humor too. The other thing I would like to comment on is that your editing, using clips of your apartment, or of you doing a task, makes the videos more engaging. I think we have all seen vlogs of people who sit and talk to the camera for 10 minutes. Your way of editing keeps me engaged throughout (although I would be anyway since I really think you have great insight.....but I think you get what I am saying) Good job! I value your words and always look forward to each upload.
Here is another idea! Stop eating meat! I improved my health significantly and reduced a chronic pain issue I had by going vegan. And no more greasy drippy meat trays or pans!
Jody B Would you please recommend a good source to learn how to go about this? I know there are youtube videos, but perhaps you can share a favorite one of yours?
Your apartment is amazing. The serene view, the neutral palette, the ease of flow between rooms, and it seems to be just the perfect amount of space. #jealous
I like your idea of sampling minimalism. Instead of trying to minimize my whole house I can minimize the products and space in my bathroom. Light Bulb! Another goal I have to is to meal plan, shop, and prep snacks, and double one dinner a week. Your ideals of elevating and using clear mats are genius! Thanks, Melody!
I recently started using post it notes to keep track of what our family of 5 has going on. Between full time work and health issues with 2 kiddos and an upcoming move I was overwhelmed. Now when I think of something it goes on a post it and into the manilla folder. If it needs to be done that day it goes in the cover. Each note has enough space to add to and can be moved around as needed daily without rewriting thus actually sabing paler and everything is getting done on time:) Thank you for all your positive attitude and info!
I always do cleaning and organising in the house. My house is too big and old. But I try my best to keep it clean and organised. Anyone visiting my house can find things at proper place if they want to do something in my absence too. You have a clear idea what to keep, where to keep and how to keep things in your house because of your college experience. That’s great! I also loved your necklace. Love you.
Love that you mentioned people living with others they love it aren’t ready to work on this. Yes, accept people where they are and work with it. Amen!
I just said , “goodbye “to a hot pink fluffy jacket I had for ten years. I thanked it for all the warmth and fun times I had in it. I am away from my beloved mountains and was keeping it to remember. I know I don’t need to keep the jacket to keep my memories and hope that I will return, is not in the jacket.
You are so lovely, I appreciate all the gifts you are sharing! Thank you, sweet lady! 😇
Hey guys, hope you like the 10 Tidy Habits tag! I saved the best tip for last :) Have a great week.
More Melody thank you for all the tips Melody. I love your videos. Do you have any videos on how to say slim effortlessly? Also, I have heard a lot about how FASTING its scientifically proven to enhance brain focus, do you practice fasting?
Curious, where you buy the clear container that's in your medicine cabinet, holding the Q-tips, as well as the clear container in the drawer for your purse. Can you share a link for those?
More Melody need your advice on weighted blankets. What brand and sizes would you recommend? Don’t have one, but saw it on one of your videos. I have trouble sleeping; thinking this might help. Thank you!
It was very helpful - thank you!
Hey Melody, do you still have the Chloe Faye bag? I am thinking to get the same one (but in black!). Obviously a very special item, doing my research before purchase - would you recommend it?? would love to see a review video! ^^ (might be a bit short...maybe you can just let us know in the comments here??) Love your videos. Kisses to Pat! x - Bek
you are very wise and observant ... love the reminder that everyone has pros and cons and somehow women always think we can change men to be more tidy and organized ... some absolutely are not, yet they can find things ... its hard to accept but true ... also I love the reminder of having a special spot for everything and that it needs breathing room ... living in a tiny house has been frustrating to me because i pull something out of the closet and other things come out with it ... i had to change from my ambiance of artsy clutter after downsizing to a tiny house ... its such a joy when you find the right balance of stuff, and to be able to shop freely and then go around putting things back saying No, I don't really need this, I can just admire it in the store and leave it there. Same with too many dishes, too many spices, too many shoes. When I buy compulsively, I am annoyed when I get it home, and often make myself return it. It's literally a lifeswork to curb accumulating, and you are right about the breathing space. Thanx so much, I love your style. you are beautiful and charming and very helpful!
This was actually very helpful and inspiring. I've just come to the realization that I'm a (very neat) pack rat. I collect vintage suitcases and they usually get filled with papers, articles, and "things" that I can't bring myself to...or just refuse to...throw away! I'm not even sure where this started. Maybe 10 yrs ago, when we bought our home which I loved because of our his and hers closets. My closet is the 11x12, and I have 2 desks, 2 small bookcases, and still have room for all my clothes, so I don't have to be neat, and I can just close the door. The mess and clutter are localized and hidden, but I have realized it's taking up mental space too! I think maybe thats when/where it all began. I'm trying very hard to reverse this, and these tips really helped me wrap my mind around taking the small steps to get started. Thanks! Really...Thank you!
Instrad of using post it notes, for me it has work very well bullet journaling and a white board that I have in my room. Everytime I finish a task I erase it from the whiteboard or mark it in my bullet joarnal. It's kind of the same thing, writing in a paper the things that has to be done. It keeps me organized, I already know what I have to do and I feel I'm more productive that way. :)
I'm an avid cook and really have to try the meal prep idea. It's true. I spend a lot of energy cooking and cleaning in the kitchen.
“Work with what you have and where you’re at”. 🤯
E Ogg (
Wonderful words, right!?
I’ve donated about 3 loads of stuff over the last couple weeks. Clothing, toys, and just random stuff that needed to go. I still have A LOT of stuff but it’s a process. Working on it!
Ive been wanting to meal prep but havent gotten motivated bc it seemed like a lot of work. But what you just said about saving on cleaning throughout the week was like a💡Not more work, less work.Now THAT is a reason to meal prep!
loved this video! I just took five minutes before bedtime to empty the dishwasher and wipe down the sink and counter. Also, a quick sweep of the kitchen floor.
poof! it's all done and when I wake up in the morning, I can make that fresh cup of coffee and enjoy it! Also, I am carrying in a few items from the couch to my bedroom and then straighten out the towels in the bathroom. I spray a little cleaner inside the toilet and let it sit there until I need to use it in the morning. Plug in my cell phone by my bed and get my meds that I'm on in a cup by the sink with a bottle of water. This is my routine before bedtime, and it always works for me!!!
Grabing the cat was hillarious! 😂
Sophie K, .I love that comment, "Grab the cat." HAHAHA
Hahahahaha right!! Agreeee
😂
This was like tidying boot camp I'm saving this for when I need motivation. Love this video
very helpful......I have health issues and cannot do all these in a day. I decided to take one habit and devote one day to it. Taking Saturday and Sundays "off", I should try all your suggestions in 2 weeks (that is the best I can do). And after the two weeks, I start all over again. This is a lot slower but, in time, it will work..Thank you
i jumped up during the timer part and cleaned my dining and kitchen. i just felt inspired.
Thanks.
Just when I thought I learned all I could from you.... You offer a whole new batch of gems. Side note- your hair and makeup look absolutely. Lovely. Tres chic.
Thank you for your wonderful insight. I really needed your help. I've been overworked. A home with three lazy men. Unbelievable that I have to repeat the same things. Couldn't catch up till your inside helping ways. A husband who bought about 12 bottles of pain realiver. At different times of course, then brings in and put thing on kitchen counter. Walks away without putting it away. I've been getting rid of unnecessary things now. Don't feel like pulling out my hair. Lol. Thanks .
I love that you grabbed the cat! Getting started is hard for me. Thanks for the inspiration to get going!
Thank you Melody! BEST TIPS EVER!
I like the timer approach!
This has been great advice....especially about not putting sentimental attachments on things. Loved it when you picked up the cat !!! Lol. Happy Valentine's day everyone !!! 😄
This video is one of my favorites of yours! Love the tips and explanations and examples and visual. And your hair looks awesome & I love your sense of humor, picking up Pat lol
Mad G I agree
OMG get a room
I ALWAYS set my phone timer.....I found this truly helpful. I always clean SOMETHING when I'm in the bathroom!!!
Like the multiuse container idea. Thought I did that but I think I have a few specialty refrigerator containers.
I've done this in the middle of the night after just waking up. Then I woke up the next day amazed at how clean things are.
Great video! I use the timer and it keeps me focused. Less clutter makes cleaning easier.
My tidy tip is if I'm cooking dinner, I wash whatever is used immediately. I don't let dishes pile up. I always sweep the floors. I scrub the refrigerator and freezer daily. I scrub the stovetop and oven daily. I scrub the toaster crumb tray daily. I scrub out my coffee maker every time I use it.I empty the cabinets and scrub out.I dust constantly. Wipe down the mirrors.
oh how I wish I had that energy again.
Jennifer Ann Fox ,it honestly don't take as long as you'd think. I find that if I clean as I go,just suck it up and do it,it's done and over with.. If you just clean up your home, a little each day,it's not going to be overwhelming and you're not going to quit before you start
OCD
At 8:48, what are you pot lids hanging on, on the inside of the cabinet door? I can't quite make out what they are on. Thanks!
I can't believe I never thought of using a basket myself! Great idea. My tidying is so much more efficient now.
lol grab the cat... and thanks for motivating words. getting started is hard thats why youtube has videos like this for people who need to see and hear examples of how to conquer the mess. so thanks for your time and attention to details!
Great tips! If I have a job that I hate doing like cleaning the bathroom or the oven. I'll cut the job down, and do twenty mins each day, until the job is completed. Then the thought of doing a twenty min job rather than an hour plus doesn't seem as bad and you're more inclined to do it. Love your 🐈 cat
i agree Melody it takes a lot to start cleaning but once i get started i dont want to stop until im finish. Also i find that i hate to clean my shower curtain because its hard to remove and replace because of the hooks that came with it. I saw you with some simply hooks that are easy to handle and i bought a pack and now its not hard for me again to take down the shower curtain/liner to clean. Thanks alot.
I used to be the master of procrastination. I would even use planning as a way to stall a little longer. Now I know I just need to rise to it. It's all in my mind :)
which video shows the hooks?
Queen Anne Top Amazon Items is the name of the video
I am going thru my house this week and just getting rid of everything I can. I even got my husband involved. Today we went thru the cabinets in the garage and realized we had a bunch of junk we don't use anymore. My grown kids are getting ALL the stuff they have left behind. I am giving a lot to charity and trashing and recycling. Life changes and your wants and needs change. I will never be a minimalist because I am interested in so many things. But I like the freeing feeling of getting rid of things, doing less housework, and having more space. It is like an onion. The top peel goes. Then you go thru the house and peel it again, digging deeper and making more decisions. More and more stuff goes as you get the courage to let things go! Here is a tip: put a box in an out of the way place, for me it is a laundry room counter, and put "Not Sure" stuff in it. That gives you time to retrieve it if you have to. Usually, you find you just don't need that item anymore. And it gets the stuff out of your cabinets, drawers, and closets.
Thanks for sharing and I do the very same....I put my cooking timer on when I do the kitchen but for cleaning 🎉
Great tips! Saving your energy for what's important is so simple, but good.
I totally subscribe to everything you had to say in this video! Owning fewer possessions, and making sure that everything you do own has a purpose is the key to maintaining a more simplified and productive life! If I had resorted to excessive consumerism even just two years ago, I would not be where I am today, thriving in a lively city where I have my own place (300 square feet of space), and am pursuing full-time graduate studies. It really pays to have fewer material possessions; owning less enables you to do more.
It enables you to do more, and also think more. It gives back space and time. It also lowers stress. It's my favorite :)
forgive me if you've already done this, can you do a video on the designated spaces you put alll your items?! ADORE your videos!!! very inspiring!!!
Hi Katherine! In one of Melody's videos she talks about making "command centers" for similar items, which might help you out. Starting around 3:45 of this video: th-cam.com/video/wgbVvHKZHZI/w-d-xo.html
Ariel Chadwick you are awesome!!! Thanks so much!
This is a true statement to remember, Once begun, half done!
Thank you More Melody.
Nice job. Some great tips! Thanks.
I literally lol’d when you said never leave a room empty handed and you grabbed the cat!! Lol!!
You are so right about the getting started thing
Do you have a video on going paperless or scanning paperwork? This is on my to do list and I'm struggling with where to start and what to get rid of. My papers are already highly organized and I don't keep a ton of paper, but I would like to get as paperless as possible.
I need to watch this once a week for the next month, so many excellent tips, thank you
Can you talk about being a minimalist while working, tips and tricks?!
Hi Melody, nice to discover your channel. Thankfully my husband is a minimalist.
She even grabbed Pat walking out of room, lol. Watch out little kitty :) Useful tips. I tend to grab things leaving rooms too. Thx.
Had to clear the surface! Nothing missed haha
The FlyLady routine is very helpful
I never could get into that for some reason. LOL
momof2 There is also Side Tracked Home Executives, and Clean Mama.
Great tips. Loved it. I have been downsizing for a while and need to keep doing it. Love your ideas...Thanks and have a Wonderful Weekend.
What was the basket under the sink in the kitchen? Is that for dishwasher tabs??
Truly you are so thoughtfull and resourceful, very smart and highly intelligent!!!
Sorry, commenting while watching....love your "the less you buy, the less you have to put away". This is so, so, true! I use this on my 11 year old all of the time and it keeps her from wanting as much because she doesn't like visual clutter and likes to have a place for everything. This is a great tip!
Love your videos! I would love to see an updated video of your dresser drawers or an apartment tour. It looks like you've minimized even more! Keep up the the great work! 💙 Love from MN! ❄️
Where did you get the 3 large food storage containers in your fridge?
Thanks Melody! I have been looking for that type of notebook too!! I have alot of papers and notes I write daily but I really was looking to put them in a notebook and couldn't find one that was exactly what I wanted! This is quite helpful! Always learn from you !! even though I am a retired woman ,minimizing is big for me! Thanks!! for sharing!
I just found your channel and I adore it. You’ve already given so many unique and realistic tips.. on top of all that, I love seeing your cat! :)
👍I am grateful to you beyond words...thank you
thanks
Great idea on the post-it notes. Will implement tonight!
Omg! Thank you so much! This is very ideal for someone like myself as I easily get distracted. You are golden!
I think you make very solid arguments for efficiency. I though I'd already heard it all, but I like your thinking. Thank you.
Gah I spent 2.5 hours at Walmart yesterday, but the result is maximum yield! So glad I pushed through it, I kind of hate Walmart, but it's super cheap and efficient. Got glasses ordered too. Culmination of 4 months of eye Dr. Visits! Done....free space and made Valentine's cards Tonite :) inspired creativity.
Can you put an link to the post it notes please on your next video. Thank you
Oh my gosh! This is so true!
Well done.
my problem area is definitely the attachment...gotta work on it
*Picks up cat* -PUTS IT IN THE BASKET- 😸😸
Excellent Top Class tips, you are so sweet and gentle in passing your message across
GREAT doable helpful suggestions!!! Thanks...
I know this shouldn’t be the main point of this video but your clothes look lovely! Especially the navy lemon tee
Putting my purse in a drawer each time would kill my back; I just hang it on a hook rack by the door along with keys & umbrella, etc. The remote stays (alone) on the TV table where it’s handy. Additional less used remotes go in a wicker basket on the TV table next to a Kleenex dispenser. All of hubbie’s things he needs to get ready for work are on 1 big desk. Under that desk is a wicker basket for ballcaps. Hubbie installed a white shelf overhead in the bathroom from wall to wall for folded towels. All our bath sheets, towels, washcloths, sheets, pillowcases and socks are plain white. There is a wicker picnic basket on top of the fridge for Ziploc baggies: sandwich, quart and gallon are all tossed in there loosely (taken out of their boxes). I buy used wicker baskets whenever we go to a thrift store and put them in a 33 gallon sized big wicker basket: my basket of baskets. It has a flat top, so it serves as my bedside table. Whenever I need a wicker basket to organize something, I go digging thru that. We installed 3 vanity cabinets (glass & stainless, like the kind that go over a bathroom sink) INSIDE our shower enclosure for storing shampoo, conditioner, loofas, razors, facial scrub, etc. We have 5 vintage picnic baskets stacked up in the livingroom. We fill the top one with junk mail and papers to be shredded. We shuffle the baskets when the top one gets full. When they r all full, we drive them to a local free recycling/shredding event. I have a little wooden cabinet with little drawers where Ikeep things next to my recliner I use frequently, but they are out of sight: various scissors, emery board, pens, highlighters, tweezers, floss, compact mirror (10x mag & normal sides), perfume oils, extra reading glasses/wipes, daily jewelry, etc. I transferred hand lotion into a pretty dispenser and keep a growler of ice water next to me, along with discreet drawers under a side table for vits/meds/supplements.
wow. you have so much energy i started cleaning while watching the video. thanks!!
Fantastic advice.
Great tips, really effective! Thank you Melody , look forward to seeing more from you xx
........this helped me immensely in my wkly cleaning day........turned on my favorite classic movie channel.......(TCM).........enjoying movie..........everytime commercials came on..........race to first area i addressed in my friday house-cleaning day.........(developed spritz bottle cleaning systems)..........first commercial break, would 'hit' bathroom........spritz counters/sink/mirrors/commode..........quickly wipe down........add soaking cleaner to commode.........okay, commercials are over..........enjoy more movie.........next commercial break, spritz shower, scrub tub, wiipe down shower/scrub commode.........(or whatever your speed allows you to accomplish...........this develops over time)..........next commercial break.........spritz/mop floor.........bathroom done!.........my adult daughter and i turned this into a game....... it really was fun..........we would each choose a different location during each commercial break........before the movie was over, we were done!!.......(it helped that we were both wanted a clean/organized/beautiful home environment).......then, we would find next movie and enjoy pizza in our completely cleaned home.........YAY!!!!
This is an excellent video and you give great advice! Thanks for taking the time!
Thank you for reminding me to hide out some of the stuff and see if I don’t need it. Lately I’ve been trying out so many different style of make up, it’s becoming a pile of unused things. Saying that I need to know how much I can handle, is really liberating to me because now I know that I’m actually only love seeing people doing make up yet my ownself is not that passionate to do make up.
Fuwah. I feel more relaxed now. I guess now it’s time to declutter and donate all the unnecessary make up.
Again, thank you.
Very definitely, one thing at a time, the Zen way :)
This video is simple and brilliant!
Love this and you!
My kitchen takes about 10-15 mins a day...rest of apt....usually 5-10. Friday, I do spot wiping.....5 min. Also, bathroom....10 min, once a week.
Thank you so much
Thanks Melody. I love all the tips. They are very helpful and practical.
I love the post it note idea! That is genius! Thank you!
Can you explain the post it? I didn't understand putting them on the area 1-2-3...
Thank you for your Content! Your tricks are very helpful!
I like how you have a drawer for your purse & keys. That looks very organized & efficient. I need a new large dresser!
I love having a space to put everything as soon as I come in the door. It encourages me to get it done! :)
can you tell me please what are you using to stack your cans of food in your pantry in the "utilize reusable storage containers" section of this video? i didn't quite catch what it was in that quick video shot.. THANKS
I love the mat under the toaster idea!! Mine leaves crumbs in my cabinet and it drives me crazy!
How do you limit and organize your art supplies?
very good ideas. I would like to have my house organized but I frequently lack the energy to tackle tasks. I am fatigued at times due to my illness. How would you suggest I utilize my limited energy?
Live with a hoarder! He is so bonded with his possessions which are never used... We no longer have a dining room, living room or a basement and extra bedroom! The kitchen and family room are cluttered with heavy bulky items. Help!
I miss your videos.. though your at instagram, your vids are very inspiring..
Melody do you have a cutting board for cutting veggies or something for protection? Also my front entrance of door is carpet and I wish I had a way to change that unfortunately I live in an apt so I can not pull carpet up and I put a floor matt there but have problems closing door then. Any ideas so as to keep front entrance clean?
Also, thanks for the tips!