I hope I didn't get too mushy at the end on this one (allergies do that to me ;)-- But I truly can't express my gratitude enough for you and your support-- THANK YOU (thank you, thank you!) Tons of love! - Dawn (Oh, and here is the 5 minute video that I keep going on and on about ;) th-cam.com/video/fU329ksKxrE/w-d-xo.html
DAWNNNNN! I think you have officially made it !🥳🥳 ..... lol let me explain why I think this. 😂 I live in California, for reference , I live about 45 minutes from the main LA area ( 2 hrs if there is traffic 😅lol). Anyway, I was picking up my son from school and was making small talk with my son's teacher regarding my minimalism journey. I was telling her how I now have 4 forks, 4 spoons etc and she stops me, grins, does a side eye thing then points at me and says, " the minimal mom ?" . Im always going on and on about you to my family and how they don't need 5,000 towels etc and throw your name out as if I know you . However, when the teacher mentioned you , I was dumbfounded . Lol SOMEONE IS EQUALLY OBSESSED WITH YOUR GUIDANCE just as I am. 🤣 Soooooooooo i say you've made it , because this has only happened to me on the Dave Ramsey level . I'll tell people I'm on my debt free journey, and they'll do that same grin and say "Dave Ramsey? " . Pretty soon we will need to create a minimal mom jar and put a dollar in it everytime we mention you. WHOLE HEARTEDLY, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! P.S your 4 burner theory video has 122k views. I'd like to take credit for about 20,000 of those views 😂😅. In all seriousness though, with that video you helped me make the decision to turn the burner down on my career as an administrative nurse and turn the burner up on the family and health side. I have a 7 year old son and I just couldn't manage doing well with the cooking, cleaning, being a great mom, being fit , being the best at work, and juggling mental health in a pandemic. That video helped make things clear for me. I now only work 30 hrs a week, make almost the same amt of money and no longer feel like I'm always looking at the clock and moving onto the next task. God is to be thanked for this blessing but you're part of it because I strongly feel you were meant to bring out that video and have a strong impact on me. Thank you 😊
You are AWESOME!!!! Talk fast or slow... moving hands or no moving hands... blonde hair or brown hair (straight or curled)... black or colored blouses... As long as it's DAWN, I am happy 😊 You are simply FANTASTIC!!!! 🧡🥰💞
I agree. I read a quote that said: Forgive yourself for the survival patterns and traits you picked up while enduring trauma. I bought a lot of wasteful items when dealing with a sudden death in the family, I’m learning to not beat myself up over poor spending decisions when my mind was in a fog. We can learn from our past mistakes 😊
I don't mind whatever speed she talks. There is a way to adjust the speed slower or faster on TH-cam videos, anyway. I get the impression a lot of people don't know about that. 😊
When ever you get a new device, take a "Silver" Sharpie and write the brand and model number on the power supply. Makes it quick and easy to find the right one and help avoid burning out equipment by plugging the wrong power supply in!
@@marym346 Yep, also super helpful. Take some tape - can be Washi tape or painter’s tape - loop it around so both sides stick to each other around the cord and label it. This is somewhat unrelated, but in case someone is interested, I’ve also recently learned a tip for keeping track of house paint that is similar. Take off your electric outlets and write on the inside with a sharpie the names of the paint shades you’ve used in your house. And if by chance you forgot and you’re trying to have it color-matched, scrape some of the paint that is usually on the wall behind the outlet cover, and bring that to your paint store/local Home Depot. I love hacks like this. :)
EVERTHING you say is so true!! This morning, we had a photographer here to take photos of our home for when we list it next weekend. I've decluttered, purged, pitched for the last 2 months. Oh.My.Word. I feel so much calmer looking around at my totally uncluttered house...and that includes closets and my sewing room and its closet!! When the photographer asked if we had any walk in closets he could photograph...I told him he could take pics of EVERY closet. Now THAT was a huge statement for me!!! My house was never bad, or I've never been ashamed of people seeing it...I just had too much 'stuff'. I just love how my house now looks!!
Your post is perfect timing for me. My husband and I are going to sell our home. I have a realtor set up for us And I just need to get the home sorted out before photos are taken to list the home. I have just started going through my stuff. I have so much and it is overwhelming. Your post is my goal. I know I will get there. Thank you so much.
Extra question. What do you do about clothes closet and other cupboards etc. Do you still have things in there But just a handful and plenty of bare space. I have a walk in closet. How much should be empty? We are still living here so can't be fully empty. I just want an idea. I have so far sorted three large bags of clothes and items from my bedroom closet. Crazy how much stuff I have.
I find that the few things I’ve regretted have been because I’ve remembered them more fondly than I should. I always regretted getting rid of a pair of silver dress shoes and a pair of black shorts. I would even think of them often. A year later I came upon a storage box and there they were. I had put them in there by mistake instead of the donation box. They were both hideous. I don’t know what I was thinking. I remembered them as being timeless and classy and they were neither. Whenever I start to second guess something I’ve let go off I think about whether I’m truly remembering the item correctly or just the fond memories associated with the item.
My witchy-poo shoes bought in London in the 80's ...black point toes & everyone thought they were the coolest shoes! But do I really need sloppy leather shoes 35 years later? Nope
I can't afford therapy right now. But with every item I declutter I feel my anxiety go with it. Thank you so much! I love your sister's channel too. You're both such kind ladies!
I so do agree with you The "um" and "Ehm"and "like" is driving me crazy And not saying anything like this ,to me is a sign of intelligence 😊 I love listening to her
I agree, I feel you are great as you are. If family is critiquing you, I usually, thank them for their input and move on. Lol. I also saw family bugging you about hand movements some time back. Again, thank you dears, and move on. You are the best and I think it's clear your fan base just can't get enough of Dawn the Minimal Mom. Wouldn't change a thing. ❤
Dawn, you truly may have saved my life. I found your channel after I had my twins, I was suffering from heart failure as a complication from my pregnancy. I was home alone with my twins while my husband worked 10-14 hour shifts every day. I honestly think I would have worked myself to death if I hadn't come across your channel and discovered minimalism. Simplifying my home gave me the physical and mental space to heal and recover.
Oh, my. I hope you are well enough to enjoy your twins. My friend had twins 'after' a toddler aged 2. Both sides of the family contributed time so that every 3 months or 4 months, mom and dad were able to go away for a weekend just to chill and be together. Even if from Frid evening to Sunday afternoon. Not too far away. This continued all their children's lives. They themselves are now married and 1 twin had a baby last week. This mega fit young mom developed complications as well but not as serious a you did. Take care. 💞💞💕
@@manichairdo9265 lucky friend. My mother decided that her to be daughter-in-law and her baby was more important than my premi, 3 year-old and me with a C-section. Knowing that my mother-in-law is in a different country told me that her daughter-in-law was going to expand her last name and because I was a female my children wouldn't. All four of my children have my last name and their fathers; "it doesn't belong to them she told them." My stomach turned. 😫 I asked if she was going to have a DNA test to make sure. Then she said how can you insult me and her precious grandson. 😤since then she has often had that harshness that I could clearly see. This year just because my youngest child to physically divorce her. Can't do it on paper because of the expense. My older children are not as aware because of a language barrier but my younger ones are bilingual and are aware. She always claimed she was not close to them because of the language; I now know that it was for the lack of language what kept them unaware of the harshness of my " mother" thorough them. Sadly I really didn't have grandparents so, I personally put up with alot from her, so they would have grandparents. My husband and my children are my family that, was my biggest mother's day present to myself. 😄😏🙃 She did become her daughter-in-law. I don't have anything against my sister-in-law, I get along fine with her and she has her own mother nearby. My sister-in-law is not going to give her any more grandchildren. Don't worry about my "mother " she has gotten more grandchildren; she just excludes my children and myself.
I found you by accident about 6 months ago when my hubby and I talked of moving. I started decluttering as I was packing. Fast forward to new house: we were moved in, completely unpacked and entertaining guest in a week thanks to adopting minimalism! Everyone was shocked! I tell them all about you and I get so excited that I talk as fast as you do! So passionate. Thank you.
I do not regret any of it. I am so very lucky that I have a husband, who...for years has said, "hey!, let's have an everything must go sale"...so he is super happy on my decluttering. He could live with a toothbrush and bar of soap and 2 sets of clothes. He wants nothing, needs very very little but has never made me feel bad about anything I've acquired. Patience of Job. My best friend forever.
One thing that really helped me was finding a charity that does weekly pick ups in our area. I don't even have to take things to donate, I sign up and leave it in my driveway and they take it away. Such a time saver and it gave me a deadline to have everything put together and ready to go!
I agree wholeheartedly, talk slow, talk fast it doesn't matter- Be who God made you to be! I mean this with all the helpfulness & love I have: it is a video so if I miss something, I can watch it over again. :-)
Decluttering means knowing what you have in your home, which saves money in the long run. You may lose $32 replacing a few items but you save even more not buying duplicates of things you didn't know you already had!
Totally!! That's what drove me first to follow Marie Kondo's advice about putting like with like...otherwise my husband especially would buy countless toothpastes, soaps, or stain removers 😆
Dawn, the light came on for me when you said "I would have had to keep it all". I don't know why, but that freed me up completely and I know it is going to be much easier for me to declutter now and I can't wait to start again!! Thank you. 💙
I remember the phrase from the Minimalists: "Most of the items we might regret getting rid of can be replaced for under 20 dollars (euro) in under 20 minutes". That really calms the stress for me! G Ire
@@SF-ru3lp oh that's so helpful. Thank you for sharing that. I'm in the Middle of decluttering and worrying about having regret over letting go of something causes me anxiety. Knowing it can be replaced relatively cheaply does help settle the anxiety. I do have anxiety over letting go of items that have sentimentality to me. I understand that I can take Photos and I've done that. I still feel it though.
@@Iloveflowers2024 Hi! Thank you for positive comment. I understand re the regrets. I am walking with the Lord. I deal with regrets etc by admitting them to the Lord and any other negative emotion that tags along (shame, blame, guilt etc.). If I can't name the emotion I just describe it how I can. I ask the Lord to disentangle me, sort me, lift off me, help me.... using whatever short words I can. I say Father, You Know how I was at the time etc.... You know... please help me... and I let the tears flow. And He is faithful. He will give you an insight, lift the burden, change a key thing... If you give Him an inch He will bring you a mile. I hope some of this helps. Very best regards. Georgina (the SF is from the registration of joint email with my husband or some techie reason)!x
The only thing really regret is, that I didn't take before-pictures. I decluttered so much stuff and now it feels so normal how it is, as it has always been like this.
Hopefully I won't regret it, but I have only taken before pictures a few times. Usually, I'm already in the midst of decluttering before it occurs to me to take a picture. Part of me doesn't want to remember before, so maybe that's why I don't think to take pictures. Sometimes I take pictures of the piles of items I'm decluttering, but not usually. I don't want anything dragging me back or slowing me down. The pictures aren't what motivates me, anyway. It's the cleared out spaces. I did take before pictures in my kitchen, and I happened across them recently. Like you said, my brain had forgotten what it was like before. It's like my cabinets and drawers have always been as they are now. The before pictures were a great reminder, and I definitely prefer the after. 😄 Even if I don't take pictures in other rooms, I figure I can use the kitchen pictures as my example if I need a reminder of the value of decluttering.
I love how you speak naturally! Your enthusiasm comes through and motivates me! People can rewind if they miss something. Keep packing the info in your videos!
I just realized when you mentioned talking fast that I speed up a lot of TH-cam videos because they are talking so slowly but I never speed yours up, lol! Obviously, I think your speed is perfect Dawn ☺️
I fast forward other people’s videos because I hate long introductions telling viewers minutia of the person’s life. I don’t want to know all that; I just want them to get to their presentation.
@@altereddogma ... I just click and drag the little red dot at the bottom/time line. Then I can go forward or back to re hear something I may have missed and no distortion.
Thank you! I have regreted a few things, this helped put things into perspective. I have heard people say they don't miss/regret things, so I thought I was making mistakes and stopped decluttering.
Having started over from practically nothing four times, I can assure everyone that you don’t ever have to worry about getting rid of too much. It all comes back faster than you can imagine. That’s your work: to make sure you don’t let it ALL back in.
@@soniac2640 ... We came home one evening and in the dark was a yard full of furniture and a beautiful upright piano. Put it out in the universe through prayer. It works, whether you believe it or not.
Today you were in my head 🧠 as I was clearing out a storage closet. I almost thought I should have a garage sale. Yes, I would have made some cash, but my time and energy now is worth more. So I’m donating really good kids’s educational toys, (I was a teacher and a Discovery Toy rep for a short time), my Ethan Allan canopy bed, kids summer clothes, and some of my fancy dishes from my dining room I never use. Salvation Army will be blessed. ♥️
You, your sister, and your whole family are such a blessing to all who follow your channel. Your genuine selves, without any artifice, seems to be a natural encouragement to try again.
I’m fairly new to your channel and I’m 66yrs old and have found myself having to start over in life on my own. I’ve recently bought a small condo and your videos have helped me so much as I move into this new season. You are a breath of fresh air, lovely lady. Thank you for being beautiful you. ❤️
Good to hear this Tracey. I am 62 and focusing on the end goal at 65 as well, buying a condo and taking next to nothing with me. I have a couple years to get this in action but I have started a lot already. I am glad all is well for you in your new chapter, enjoy your new home ❤️
So five minutes a day, everyday, is 30 hours a year. And we all know what a solid 24 hour deep dive could do to our homes. I think doing the math and looking at it from that perspective makes me feel a lot better about "just five minutes."
When we get something that has a removable charging cable I try to label it as soon as I unpack it so if they get separated and I get rid of the item I know it's ok to get rid of the cable too
This part confused me... Each electronic device has the name printed onto the charger. Eg) I found an Olympus charger and knew my camera is Olympus. When Dawn said 'keep it all', I thought 'just sort them' ...
@@alrightyru More "generic" brands use OEM chargers that are not identified. I am talking about low end stuff - I have plenty of those. Their chargers are not branded.
I cleaned my kitchen while I was listening to you in this video! You are so encouraging and I am grateful that I have run across the channel! Thank you!
About a year and a half ago I committed to setting the timer for 10 minutes after dinner every day to declutter and made my way through my whole house and it has made SO much difference!! It was so do-able! The thing I still haven’t done is memorabilia and photos...I’ve kinda put that off because it’s daunting to me, but I’m determined to do that this summer. Thx for all your encouragement, Dawn!! It really helps. ♥️
Last week I opened a drawer, that I’ve been intending to clean out, to look for something and I ended up taking about 5 minutes and did it right then. Something I thought was going to take an hour was actually really quick because I have a different mindset now. I don’t want extra inventory that I’m not using and have no intention of using like old eyeglasses! The 5 minute method has helped me to maintain a tidy space for the past month!
100%! My medical issues and wanting desperately to give what little bit of energy I have to my FAMILY instead of my STUFF - are what finally pushed me toward this minimalist journey...and, yes, maybe it takes a little longer...but man...the freedom! And the simplicity...Dawn. You have 100% been a KEY support ingredient during this process for me, as most people really don't understand what I'm doing. My husband is noticing the difference, and helping as much as possible. My children are stepping up...and the guilt of the clutter and mess that I CAN NO LONGER maintain...is GONE!!!! THANK YOU for this encouraging video!
The more I learn about minimalism, the more I see that my mom was a Minimalist before it was on trend. And let me tell you, my childhood home environment was very relaxing.
The pace of your videos is perfect for me! I'm able to fit them in when so many other videos drag slowly through their topic. I don't have time for that! Love your usual pace!
Dawn, I often wonder how much we spend replacing things we can’t find because we have too much. I’m sure it’s more that $24! I like your definition of tidying. I was in my 50’s and my craft was so messy I didn’t know where to start, so I called my Mom and she sad exactly that. Start by grouping like things with like things, and it worked! Thank you for all the encouragement and joy you share!
I don't think you talk too fast, you're just enthusiastic and passionate about what you're talking about! And you always get me excited and motivated to declutter something in my own house.
I've been watching your videos non-stop for a month now. This was a really, really good one. I love the encouragement at the end. I have been so frustrated by my physical limitations that I would often end up doing nothing at all. These past few weeks I've been doing 5 min here, 5 min there and the house is looking really good. I can see that keeping this up for a year would do wonders. Thank you for your gentle, positive encouragement. It's such a blessing to me and my family. 💖🙏
Dawn, you have helped evolve my life and build my decluttering muscles over these years on TH-cam. Thank you. 🙏 "If you haven't heard it today, I love you and I hope you have a great day"!💛
Absolutely love you, Dawn. Thank you so much for your humility, kindness, sincerity, care... you are a person people would want to be best friends with. You are so darling!!!
My only regret is throwing out letters I wrote when I was in the Navy, to my then boyfriend, later husband. We used to do art on the envelopes to each other, and I wish I had saved those. I was in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and he was on an aircraft carrier and letters were our only form of communication for over a year. We got to know each other on a deeper level through writing.
On the other hand, every day together is a new love letter to each other. As sweet as the letters were, they were just physical reminders of what is already in your hearts. 😊
Dawn, thank you for being my cheerleader over the last year! My journey into minimalism over the last year has been greatly influenced by your channel and I am so grateful! I’m finally getting my peace of mind and life back. Keep up the awesome work!❤️
After accidentally purging the wall charger for the portable dvd player, I now label important cords, chargers, and keys, w a label maker. Mine has a setting to advance with out cutting. So I make the label long on one side and fold it over the cord or keyring. And if the cord is one of those ones that has 2parts, I label both parts so I can match them up if they come apart.
@@sunshine3914 I originally got the label maker to organize my quilt projects. And then have also found uses for it all over the house. But if not for my quilting, I wouldn't have purchased one either. Silver sharpies are awesome for writing on electronic accessories :)
I also use a labelmaker for cords. Once they get detached from their item, it's anybody's guess what it goes to. And if someone doesn't have a labelmaker, a roll of masking tape and pen works just as well. All you need is a quick reminder to save from accidentally throwing it out. And whenever I can remember, the cord lives with or near its 'item.'
You don’t talk fast-even when you are pleading and showing us how passionate you are on the topic! Thank you for all your videos! I’ve been with you since your townhouse blog and the kids’ clothes video. Still taking off the layers in our house but never giving up! Love the motivation to do a little everyday!
This year has been crazy in our house. I hit a point on "I'm a bad mom" because I couldn't get the house clean, work, and raise a "new" baby. I love watching your video's to help me feel like I can do small things. I'm now watching you tube for cleaning and decluttering ideas all the time. Thank you for being a link to "the real world mom life".
I finally started decluttering our small house a couple of months ago. Got rid of so much stuff, still have a lot to get rid of. I told my husband we should get rid of everything we wouldn't grab if a forest fire was coming. (we live out in the middle of the forest) Haven't quite gone that far yet, but it is so freeing to have room to move around and not have so much stuff! Thank you for motivating me Dawn!
I have had some of those thoughts also. When I started decluttering, I found (all but one), important documents and put them in a fireproof bag that I can grab and go... Same with jewelery and other small valuables. The last set are photos and letters/cards that I need to finish. It is peace of mind for sure.....
I live in a wildfire area and I've had the same thought, what would I grab? Probably my photos and then practical items that would be in my go bag. That really puts things in perspective. The rest really is just "stuff". 😉
I am not a minimalist, but I have done major downsizing, twice. I don’t miss anything I have passed on. It is just stuff. My major motivation is I do not want to leave a mess for my only child to have to deal with when I die. She has come and helped me declutter. I have a great thrift shop that I donate to and I love that they can use my stuff to help people.
I have an aversion to any paper clutter since my father-in-law passed away 6 years ago. He had SO MUCH PAPER! Like, a small size bedroom full of receipts and records of utilities paid dating back to the 80s. Oh, and nothing was organized or in any sort of order. We didn't know if he had life insurance, so I had to look at EVERY SINGLE PAPER. He didn't have life insurance. At least not as far as I could find after looking at thousands and thousands of papers. I now throw things in the trash immediately if I don't need them. And I file those that I think I really may need. But I also go through my files like twice yearly and toss things I no longer feel that we need. All this because I do not want to do that to my son. I want him to be able to know what is there without having to go through it all.
@judy Grantham As an only child who had to go through an overwhelming amount of stuff after both my parents passed within 8 months, I want to say thank you on your daughter's behalf. I wish my parents had done that for me. It was emotionally very difficult and I didn't know the significance of many of their things. Kudos to you!!
We all need that constant encouragement that things are possible. We need to see real people doing real projects and succeeding. Thank you for your videos.
Take up a hobby or do something you enjoy. I find that I have more time to do other things I enjoy more often since I’ve decluttered most of my house. Enjoy your house space and your mental space. 😊
It's actually quite lovely... I now got to ponder my next project and cleaning is a breeze!! 5 kiddos left at home and school just got out so the summer is literally wide open! I still watch the videos to stay motivated. Must say the sentimental things were the hardest but the most freeing!! Boxes and boxes were towed cross country and from house to hose for many years. No more!! I kept the heart fluttering pieces and donated the rest to bless others. Thanks y'all!!
I’ve never thought you talk fast! I personally appreciate being given information as quickly and efficiently as possible. I also listen to podcasts and audiobooks on 1.5 or 2x speed. Time is a precious resource 😊
I’ve been decluttering my two bedroom apartment for about 2 months now-onion method! I have removed hundred of items and do not regret any. I don’t even remember what they were. Highly recommend everyone to get started and keep going. 🎉 It honors God when we are thoughtful and thankful for all the things He has given us. We can bless others with the stuff we are no longer using or happy with.
Dawn, I just wanted to thank you. You are so motivating, sincere, loving - authentic. ❤️ We are on our journey towards minimalism. I really appreciate your encouragement. You share realistic, doable methods towards accomplishing this. So, thank you for everything.
I think you talk perfectly! You're really the only minimalist TH-camr I can listen to while decluttering myself. You know what you're saying and you say it clear and concise without any pauses. When you talk fast I declutter faster! 😅
We just moved internationally and are dealing with two family deaths in the last year-sister and father. Your perspective is a gift to me in this season of sorting possessions and creating our life in a new space. Thank you. Permission to release what we don’t need is no small thing. It’s beautiful freedom. Also, can I just say how fun it is to “hang out” this way? Really enjoy your whole family and send our love back to you.
It’s very impressive that you only regret those 2 things, truly amazing. There is always the possibility that when you went to sell the camera you would not have been able to put your hands on the power cord and would have had to purchase one anyway. You are my mentor for finally having a place for everything in my house. I will never be a minimalist but I have a house that is full of things that don’t have a home. I loved the video where you labeled every container in your kitchen junk drawer. I did that today and I am so happy to have rid my kitchen drawers of things that don’t belong there. You helped me give myself permission to get rid of things that I spent money on. What a game changer! You are a wonderful inspiration.
Dawn, since I've been watching your channel I have started decluttering over 30 years of stuff! One thing you said that has stayed with me is the term for my stuff (crap!!).... inventory! That has helped me so much! I'm slow, but I feel more accomplished every day and I'm filling boxes to go to Goodwill. THANK YOU!
I am thankful for every one of your videos. I have been watching and working on decluttering for 4 months. It felt better immediately, but the more I do, the better it gets. Now, instead of listening to tv reruns while I 'clean', I will put on a Minimal Mom playlist and just listen as I work. I have heard them all before, but those words, and ideas just get into my head and make it easier. And I honestly feel like even though you don't know *me*, really, you do care about me and are proud of my progress.
So much wisdom coming from such an insightful young woman!! Thank you! At the end of every video you tell us, your viewers, that you love us. Sadly, we don’t really know each other, but please know that you are also loved, and very much appreciated.❤️
I am a teacher and am using your helpful tips and encouragement to declutter my home AND my classroom. I have noticed a change already in how I feel. I had no idea how much energy was zapped by managing so much stuff. (And I would not have considered myself a hoarder at all). THANK YOU!
I've just let go of some jewelry that belonged to my grandmother which I've not worn for 30+ years... I won't miss it. I've moved it from one continent to another and never worn it. I can't thank you (and your family) enough. I am so grateful for you
Excellent video once again! One thing I often hear minimalist say on their videos is “You do you”. So you do you when it comes to how fast or slow you wish to talk...your passion for this topic shows when you speak to us and it resonates with me every time!
You speak at the perfect pace. Please don't change. That is one of the main reasons I love you. You're clear, concise, informative, interesting and hold my attention at your perfect pace.
Wow, I remember when you said your kids are aged 3 through 8! I gradually decluttered and finally made an international move which would have been so much harder if I still had the mindset that I need to keep everything! We moved with so little that we are having to rebuy items, mostly secondhand, but it is turning out to be cheaper than shipping. Thank you Dawn!
I don’t miss it and I’m still Decluttering and I feel great and I just feel bad for spending so much but it’s a listen learned and I’m not spending for extra stuff and my bank account is growing ty
My only regret is not finding your videos until this January! I started decluttering right away, but quickly realized I already kinda lived similarly I just needed the mindset shift towards all of my stuff that your videos have given me!
I feel that decluttering into a boxes and storing in the garage, put a date, and in 12 months if you haven't used it by then I donate it all, no regrets. And if you have to rebuy anything its not a regret, treat it as a reward.
A third of the way through the video I was screaming at my phone NO! Don't regret it! It's worth the peace you and your family have!! .. And then I realized that I was so pumped up about it because I'm feeling that peace for myself? Getting rid of stuff used to worry me, now it excites me. It's like a new an improved house has given me new and improved family time 😭🙏💖
I have been following you for about 2 months. I have started the process of becoming a minimalistic family. Thank you for teaching me that I don’t use more than half the stuff in my house. I have more time to spend with my family. I regret not finding your channel earlier. Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom. I’m much happier and my family is happier.
Your cadence is fluid, perfect. I follow other TH-camrs who said that people were saying the same thing about them. I think it's meant to psyche you out, make you self conscious. Trying to change what's natural and comfortable to you only results in your speech patterns being halting, awkward. You are successful! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!! Tell whomever to start listening faster!
Dawn, I've been watching you for a couple weeks and it's changing my life! I discovered you through Cas Aarsen. I love the power of five minutes. This morning while waiting for my toast I pulled out some stuff I didn't want from a cupboard and discovered I can fit the baking sheets that were in my oven, IN THE CUPBOARD!!!! No more baking pans all over the kitchen when I'm baking! Also the idea of just putting a bunch of my daughter's toys in a box instead of trying to decide if we can get rid of them is GENIUS. It really is like developing a muscle, learning to let go of things you don't want/need and avoiding bringing more in. Thank you for all these videos, you are so encouraging and it really helps me think about what kind of life I really want and work towards prioritizing those things. Less stuff means more time to play music, play with my daughter, be creative, etc.
I love listening to classic rock while cleaning! Especially The Beatles!! Thank you for your videos. They inspired me to become a minimalist. It's a long and tiring journey,but it's very rewarding! God bless!
@@dbartz5510 my friend, you changed a somewhat rough day for me to a much better one!!!! Lol. Now I gotta go listen to the song!! Haha. Thank you for the much needed laugh!
Big things: purse collection. Seriously, it's not a ton of handbags, but it's enough that I can't possibly use them all. That has to be a last thing for me. In decluttering since December, I'm still not up to that level--purses and the sentimental things. Thank you for all the help for 6 months. Dying to declutter the dining set now. Soon!
I’m with you on the purse collection! Finally, after many decades of guilt, I have learned to curate and shop mindfully. I only keep purses that I REALLY love - and only if I REALLY have a use for them. I’m at peace with the fact that my collection is still bigger than it “should” be (around 20). If this is the worst I’m capable of, I’m not so bad.
@@melissac.5948 'bout the same for me, except that I have a small collection of train case style from the old Spiegel catalog, and they are made anymore, and I love the look of them. Unique. I'm making a plan to use them once we're all face-to-face.
@@alrightyru I know. Right now, all we need is the crossbody that keep hands free and have easy access to a card in the grocery store. I've used only two purses through the whole last year.
THANK YOU! Every time I hear a minimalist say, 'You won't regret getting rid of anything' or 'I've never gotten rid of something and then regretted it', I'm like That's not true!!! Thank you for being honest about this!
It's funny, of all the stuff I "regret" getting rid of, I can only think of things that were sentimental. And....it's NOT that I'm upset they are gone, not at all. It's that I didn't take pictures of them first. I've started a journal for sentimental items that are stuck in boxes, never seeing the light of day. I take pictures, I journal about them and the memories they bring up, and then I get rid of the items.. Any time I want to go down "memory lane" I open that journal, rather than searching for boxes of stuff to go through. Less dust, less to store, and ALL of the memories are within one little book on my shelf. (PS, I speak fluent fast-talk, I've never thought that you speak too fast - ha!)
I have also done this...taken pictures instead of keeping the items. 😀 Dawn, talk at the speed you’ve always talked, please. I love your videos!!!! Thank you.
My mom has helped 2 friends empty their storage units this way. She helped them "let go" of things like old newspaper clippings and made scrapbook/photo books of what was in the storage unit (and rarely touched!!)
Journalling about the items i am letting go.... Brilliant! I am getting close to tackling the last things on my list.... Sentimental items and photos.... I can't thank you enough for this tip.
After a 1000 or so items decluttered I have maybe under five regrets and I think that’s a pretty good success rate. They were just some cables and computer parts so only about $50 worth of replacements
Your videos have been a huge part of us decluttering our home. A few days ago our son was trying to play a nerf battle through our home with a friend. In the past I have have shooed them out of my messy room so the friend wouldn't see it. This time they went everywhere and- although not perfect- it was good enough. I loved that they could play anywhere and there is space for them and not just our stuff.
I hope I didn't get too mushy at the end on this one (allergies do that to me ;)-- But I truly can't express my gratitude enough for you and your support-- THANK YOU (thank you, thank you!) Tons of love! - Dawn (Oh, and here is the 5 minute video that I keep going on and on about ;) th-cam.com/video/fU329ksKxrE/w-d-xo.html
No thank YOU Dawn and your lovely family .Your an inspiration always .
No. Not too mushy and no one cares anyway. Mush on babydoll.
I love how you say you love us and want to encourage us I did not feel it was too mushy at all!
We love you Dawn! Thank you for always being real and honest, practical and fun!! Always look forward to your videos, you are such a gift 😊😘💖
DAWNNNNN! I think you have officially made it !🥳🥳 ..... lol let me explain why I think this. 😂
I live in California, for reference , I live about 45 minutes from the main LA area ( 2 hrs if there is traffic 😅lol).
Anyway, I was picking up my son from school and was making small talk with my son's teacher regarding my minimalism journey. I was telling her how I now have 4 forks, 4 spoons etc and she stops me, grins, does a side eye thing then points at me and says,
" the minimal mom ?" . Im always going on and on about you to my family and how they don't need 5,000 towels etc and throw your name out as if I know you . However, when the teacher mentioned you , I was dumbfounded . Lol SOMEONE IS EQUALLY OBSESSED WITH YOUR GUIDANCE just as I am. 🤣
Soooooooooo i say you've made it , because this has only happened to me on the Dave Ramsey level . I'll tell people I'm on my debt free journey, and they'll do that same grin and say "Dave Ramsey? " . Pretty soon we will need to create a minimal mom jar and put a dollar in it everytime we mention you. WHOLE HEARTEDLY, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
P.S your 4 burner theory video has 122k views. I'd like to take credit for about 20,000 of those views 😂😅. In all seriousness though, with that video you helped me make the decision to turn the burner down on my career as an administrative nurse and turn the burner up on the family and health side. I have a 7 year old son and I just couldn't manage doing well with the cooking, cleaning, being a great mom, being fit , being the best at work, and juggling mental health in a pandemic. That video helped make things clear for me. I now only work 30 hrs a week, make almost the same amt of money and no longer feel like I'm always looking at the clock and moving onto the next task. God is to be thanked for this blessing but you're part of it because I strongly feel you were meant to bring out that video and have a strong impact on me. Thank you 😊
You are AWESOME!!!! Talk fast or slow... moving hands or no moving hands... blonde hair or brown hair (straight or curled)... black or colored blouses... As long as it's DAWN, I am happy 😊 You are simply FANTASTIC!!!! 🧡🥰💞
You are so sweet, THANK YOU!!! 🥰
@@TheMinimalMom I absolutely ADORE you. Thank YOUUU!!!! 💝
Exactly! 😃
Amen!! We love you, Dawn!
Yes!
I regret spending so much on unnecessary items.. wish I could have that money back!
I agree. I read a quote that said: Forgive yourself for the survival patterns and traits you picked up while enduring trauma. I bought a lot of wasteful items when dealing with a sudden death in the family, I’m learning to not beat myself up over poor spending decisions when my mind was in a fog. We can learn from our past mistakes 😊
Thank you for sharing that.
I actually like the fact you talk fast. I get impatient when people talk slow lol
I don't mind whatever speed she talks. There is a way to adjust the speed slower or faster on TH-cam videos, anyway. I get the impression a lot of people don't know about that. 😊
I appreciate that you talk fast Dawn. Most people talk too slow so I have to adjust the speed, and then sometimes it sounds a little weird.
I always put everybody on a faster speed on TH-cam 😁
same, I usually adjust speed to 1.5x
I watch on 2x speed!
When ever you get a new device, take a "Silver" Sharpie and write the brand and model number on the power supply. Makes it quick and easy to find the right one and help avoid burning out equipment by plugging the wrong power supply in!
Great idea! Thank you!
This is so smart
Yup. Label your plugs. Great tip
Or put a label around the cord that leaves a little tag for the product info.
@@marym346 Yep, also super helpful. Take some tape - can be Washi tape or painter’s tape - loop it around so both sides stick to each other around the cord and label it.
This is somewhat unrelated, but in case someone is interested, I’ve also recently learned a tip for keeping track of house paint that is similar. Take off your electric outlets and write on the inside with a sharpie the names of the paint shades you’ve used in your house. And if by chance you forgot and you’re trying to have it color-matched, scrape some of the paint that is usually on the wall behind the outlet cover, and bring that to your paint store/local Home Depot. I love hacks like this. :)
EVERTHING you say is so true!! This morning, we had a photographer here to take photos of our home for when we list it next weekend. I've decluttered, purged, pitched for the last 2 months. Oh.My.Word. I feel so much calmer looking around at my totally uncluttered house...and that includes closets and my sewing room and its closet!! When the photographer asked if we had any walk in closets he could photograph...I told him he could take pics of EVERY closet. Now THAT was a huge statement for me!!! My house was never bad, or I've never been ashamed of people seeing it...I just had too much 'stuff'. I just love how my house now looks!!
That is so cool!!!!!! Way. To. go!!!!!! 💪🏻❤️👍
Your post is perfect timing for me.
My husband and I are going to sell our home. I have a realtor set up for us And I just need to get the home sorted out before photos are taken to list the home.
I have just started going through my stuff. I have so much and it is overwhelming.
Your post is my goal. I know I will get there. Thank you so much.
Extra question.
What do you do about clothes closet and other cupboards etc. Do you still have things in there But just a handful and plenty of bare space. I have a walk in closet. How much should be empty?
We are still living here so can't be fully empty. I just want an idea.
I have so far sorted three large bags of clothes and items from my bedroom closet. Crazy how much stuff I have.
@@Iloveflowers2024 l
I find that the few things I’ve regretted have been because I’ve remembered them more fondly than I should. I always regretted getting rid of a pair of silver dress shoes and a pair of black shorts. I would even think of them often. A year later I came upon a storage box and there they were. I had put them in there by mistake instead of the donation box. They were both hideous. I don’t know what I was thinking. I remembered them as being timeless and classy and they were neither. Whenever I start to second guess something I’ve let go off I think about whether I’m truly remembering the item correctly or just the fond memories associated with the item.
This is the best story!
My witchy-poo shoes bought in London in the 80's ...black point toes & everyone thought they were the coolest shoes! But do I really need sloppy leather shoes 35 years later? Nope
True of past boyfriends as well 😊
This is SO true; what a perfect share!
Helpful!
I can't afford therapy right now. But with every item I declutter I feel my anxiety go with it. Thank you so much! I love your sister's channel too. You're both such kind ladies!
Same here
I never thought you spoke too fast. I did notice you rarely say “um” or “uh” which is very impressive!
I so do agree with you
The "um" and "Ehm"and "like" is driving me crazy
And not saying anything like this ,to me is a sign of intelligence 😊
I love listening to her
Actually I play all your videos on 1.25, definitely not too fast!
That’s true actually- just noticed that too!
I also noticed this! She is very clear and concise when she speaks. It’s refreshing and something I’d like to mindfully practice.
I agree, I feel you are great as you are. If family is critiquing you, I usually, thank them for their input and move on. Lol. I also saw family bugging you about hand movements some time back. Again, thank you dears, and move on. You are the best and I think it's clear your fan base just can't get enough of Dawn the Minimal Mom. Wouldn't change a thing. ❤
I have been decluttering for a few years now. Each pass gets easier and easier.
Dawn, you truly may have saved my life. I found your channel after I had my twins, I was suffering from heart failure as a complication from my pregnancy. I was home alone with my twins while my husband worked 10-14 hour shifts every day. I honestly think I would have worked myself to death if I hadn't come across your channel and discovered minimalism. Simplifying my home gave me the physical and mental space to heal and recover.
AMEN!!! So glad you found her.
Oh, my. I hope you are well enough to enjoy your twins. My friend had twins 'after' a toddler aged 2. Both sides of the family contributed time so that every 3 months or 4 months, mom and dad were able to go away for a weekend just to chill and be together. Even if from Frid evening to Sunday afternoon. Not too far away. This continued all their children's lives. They themselves are now married and 1 twin had a baby last week. This mega fit young mom developed complications as well but not as serious a you did. Take care. 💞💞💕
Wow what a beautiful testament to Dawn's work! I hope she reads this
That is so amazing! I’m so glad you’ve healed ❤️
@@manichairdo9265 lucky friend. My mother decided that her to be daughter-in-law and her baby was more important than my premi, 3 year-old and me with a C-section. Knowing that my mother-in-law is in a different country told me that her daughter-in-law was going to expand her last name and because I was a female my children wouldn't. All four of my children have my last name and their fathers; "it doesn't belong to them she told them." My stomach turned. 😫 I asked if she was going to have a DNA test to make sure. Then she said how can you insult me and her precious grandson. 😤since then she has often had that harshness that I could clearly see. This year just because my youngest child to physically divorce her. Can't do it on paper because of the expense. My older children are not as aware because of a language barrier but my younger ones are bilingual and are aware. She always claimed she was not close to them because of the language; I now know that it was for the lack of language what kept them unaware of the harshness of my " mother" thorough them. Sadly I really didn't have grandparents so, I personally put up with alot from her, so they would have grandparents. My husband and my children are my family that, was my biggest mother's day present to myself. 😄😏🙃
She did become her daughter-in-law. I don't have anything against my sister-in-law, I get along fine with her and she has her own mother nearby. My sister-in-law is not going to give her any more grandchildren. Don't worry about my "mother " she has gotten more grandchildren; she just excludes my children and myself.
I found you by accident about 6 months ago when my hubby and I talked of moving. I started decluttering as I was packing. Fast forward to new house: we were moved in, completely unpacked and entertaining guest in a week thanks to adopting minimalism! Everyone was shocked! I tell them all about you and I get so excited that I talk as fast as you do! So passionate. Thank you.
I do not regret any of it. I am so very lucky that I have a husband, who...for years has said, "hey!, let's have an everything must go sale"...so he is super happy on my decluttering. He could live with a toothbrush and bar of soap and 2 sets of clothes. He wants nothing, needs very very little but has never made me feel bad about anything I've acquired. Patience of Job. My best friend forever.
I bet he’s hard to buy for!
@@loracorwyn3713 almost impossible, but loves every sweater I give him...lol
Your husband is very fortunate to be at peace with very little! Oh how I aspire lol.
@@loracorwyn3713 he seems like an experience guy lol
Lucky you! I want to be like him!
One thing that really helped me was finding a charity that does weekly pick ups in our area. I don't even have to take things to donate, I sign up and leave it in my driveway and they take it away. Such a time saver and it gave me a deadline to have everything put together and ready to go!
Dawn, you do not talk too fast. Just be your wonderful self.
I agree wholeheartedly, talk slow, talk fast it doesn't matter- Be who God made you to be! I mean this with all the helpfulness & love I have: it is a video so if I miss something, I can watch it over again. :-)
My dad says, "Have the courage to be imperfect."
Love this
Decluttering means knowing what you have in your home, which saves money in the long run. You may lose $32 replacing a few items but you save even more not buying duplicates of things you didn't know you already had!
I love this 👏🏻👏🏻
This!
Totally!! That's what drove me first to follow Marie Kondo's advice about putting like with like...otherwise my husband especially would buy countless toothpastes, soaps, or stain removers 😆
ooooh good point!
Do you mean one is not supposed to buy new screwdrivers and wrenches every time they do a project????? Hmmmmm.....
LOVE the point that even the regrets are minor compared to the major advantages of minimalism. Thank you for spreading the message!
Dawn, the light came on for me when you said "I would have had to keep it all". I don't know why, but that freed me up completely and I know it is going to be much easier for me to declutter now and I can't wait to start again!! Thank you. 💙
Me too, such a profound statement. And no, I really DON'T want to keep all this stuff...LOL
Me too…
I remember the phrase from the Minimalists: "Most of the items we might regret getting rid of can be replaced for under 20 dollars (euro) in under 20 minutes". That really calms the stress for me! G Ire
@@SF-ru3lp oh that's so helpful.
Thank you for sharing that.
I'm in the Middle of decluttering and worrying about having regret over letting go of something causes me anxiety. Knowing it can be replaced relatively cheaply does help settle the anxiety.
I do have anxiety over letting go of items that have sentimentality to me.
I understand that I can take Photos and I've done that. I still feel it though.
@@Iloveflowers2024 Hi! Thank you for positive comment. I understand re the regrets. I am walking with the Lord. I deal with regrets etc by admitting them to the Lord and any other negative emotion that tags along (shame, blame, guilt etc.). If I can't name the emotion I just describe it how I can. I ask the Lord to disentangle me, sort me, lift off me, help me.... using whatever short words I can. I say Father, You Know how I was at the time etc.... You know... please help me... and I let the tears flow. And He is faithful. He will give you an insight, lift the burden, change a key thing... If you give Him an inch He will bring you a mile. I hope some of this helps. Very best regards. Georgina (the SF is from the registration of joint email with my husband or some techie reason)!x
So glad my daughters showed you to me. We are all celebrating our progress in decluttering our home spaces.
The only thing really regret is, that I didn't take before-pictures. I decluttered so much stuff and now it feels so normal how it is, as it has always been like this.
That is a GREAT idea!
Same!
Hopefully I won't regret it, but I have only taken before pictures a few times. Usually, I'm already in the midst of decluttering before it occurs to me to take a picture. Part of me doesn't want to remember before, so maybe that's why I don't think to take pictures. Sometimes I take pictures of the piles of items I'm decluttering, but not usually. I don't want anything dragging me back or slowing me down. The pictures aren't what motivates me, anyway. It's the cleared out spaces.
I did take before pictures in my kitchen, and I happened across them recently. Like you said, my brain had forgotten what it was like before. It's like my cabinets and drawers have always been as they are now. The before pictures were a great reminder, and I definitely prefer the after. 😄 Even if I don't take pictures in other rooms, I figure I can use the kitchen pictures as my example if I need a reminder of the value of decluttering.
Totally agree!!
I always manage to forget the pictures 😂
I love how you speak naturally! Your enthusiasm comes through and motivates me! People can rewind if they miss something. Keep packing the info in your videos!
I just realized when you mentioned talking fast that I speed up a lot of TH-cam videos because they are talking so slowly but I never speed yours up, lol! Obviously, I think your speed is perfect Dawn ☺️
I fast forward other people’s videos because I hate long introductions telling viewers minutia of the person’s life. I don’t want to know all that; I just want them to get to their presentation.
@@altereddogma ... I just click and drag the little red dot at the bottom/time line. Then I can go forward or back to re hear something I may have missed and no distortion.
Thank you! I have regreted a few things, this helped put things into perspective. I have heard people say they don't miss/regret things, so I thought I was making mistakes and stopped decluttering.
Having started over from practically nothing four times, I can assure everyone that you don’t ever have to worry about getting rid of too much. It all comes back faster than you can imagine. That’s your work: to make sure you don’t let it ALL back in.
This is sooo true!
Yep, our house burnt down and it all came back ( minus my piano)😅
@@soniac2640 ... We came home one evening and in the dark was a yard full of furniture and a beautiful upright piano. Put it out in the universe through prayer. It works, whether you believe it or not.
Today you were in my head 🧠 as I was clearing out a storage closet. I almost thought I should have a garage sale. Yes, I would have made some cash, but my time and energy now is worth more. So I’m donating really good kids’s educational toys, (I was a teacher and a Discovery Toy rep for a short time), my Ethan Allan canopy bed, kids summer clothes, and some of my fancy dishes from my dining room I never use.
Salvation Army will be blessed. ♥️
My stress goes down with every bit I get out of my home.
Same here! I don’t believe humans were really meant to hold unto so much of this material stuff.
You, your sister, and your whole family are such a blessing to all who follow your channel. Your genuine selves, without any artifice, seems to be a natural encouragement to try again.
I’m fairly new to your channel and I’m 66yrs old and have found myself having to start over in life on my own. I’ve recently bought a small condo and your videos have helped me so much as I move into this new season. You are a breath of fresh air, lovely lady. Thank you for being beautiful you. ❤️
Tracey Gail • Dawn's a LOVELY LADY indeed! 💝
Good to hear this Tracey. I am 62 and focusing on the end goal at 65 as well, buying a condo and taking next to nothing with me. I have a couple years to get this in action but I have started a lot already. I am glad all is well for you in your new chapter, enjoy your new home ❤️
@@dianaryan1485 thank you and best wishes for you as you prepare for your future.❤️
🌹
So five minutes a day, everyday, is 30 hours a year. And we all know what a solid 24 hour deep dive could do to our homes. I think doing the math and looking at it from that perspective makes me feel a lot better about "just five minutes."
When we get something that has a removable charging cable I try to label it as soon as I unpack it so if they get separated and I get rid of the item I know it's ok to get rid of the cable too
Thanks for this great tip.
Me too. Making tape and sharpie. Fast, cheap and effective.
This part confused me... Each electronic device has the name printed onto the charger. Eg) I found an Olympus charger and knew my camera is Olympus. When Dawn said 'keep it all', I thought 'just sort them' ...
I've done that too and it is SO helpful!!
@@alrightyru More "generic" brands use OEM chargers that are not identified. I am talking about low end stuff - I have plenty of those. Their chargers are not branded.
I cleaned my kitchen while I was listening to you in this video! You are so encouraging and I am grateful that I have run across the channel! Thank you!
About a year and a half ago I committed to setting the timer for 10 minutes after dinner every day to declutter and made my way through my whole house and it has made SO much difference!! It was so do-able! The thing I still haven’t done is memorabilia and photos...I’ve kinda put that off because it’s daunting to me, but I’m determined to do that this summer. Thx for all your encouragement, Dawn!! It really helps. ♥️
I've gotten in the habit of decluttering something while you talk on this topic
Jo-Anne Murphy • Congratulations!!! 🧡 It's the BEST time to do it. Dawn is suuuuuper encouraging! 💞
Last week I opened a drawer, that I’ve been intending to clean out, to look for something and I ended up taking about 5 minutes and did it right then. Something I thought was going to take an hour was actually really quick because I have a different mindset now. I don’t want extra inventory that I’m not using and have no intention of using like old eyeglasses! The 5 minute method has helped me to maintain a tidy space for the past month!
100%! My medical issues and wanting desperately to give what little bit of energy I have to my FAMILY instead of my STUFF - are what finally pushed me toward this minimalist journey...and, yes, maybe it takes a little longer...but man...the freedom! And the simplicity...Dawn. You have 100% been a KEY support ingredient during this process for me, as most people really don't understand what I'm doing. My husband is noticing the difference, and helping as much as possible. My children are stepping up...and the guilt of the clutter and mess that I CAN NO LONGER maintain...is GONE!!!! THANK YOU for this encouraging video!
The more I learn about minimalism, the more I see that my mom was a Minimalist before it was on trend. And let me tell you, my childhood home environment was very relaxing.
The pace of your videos is perfect for me! I'm able to fit them in when so many other videos drag slowly through their topic. I don't have time for that! Love your usual pace!
Dawn, I often wonder how much we spend replacing things we can’t find because we have too much. I’m sure it’s more that $24!
I like your definition of tidying. I was in my 50’s and my craft was so messy I didn’t know where to start, so I called my Mom and she sad exactly that. Start by grouping like things with like things, and it worked! Thank you for all the encouragement and joy you share!
I have been decluttering slowly for about 5 years. Clothes, furniture, papers, decor and I don’t miss ONE thing!
Same!
Same!!
I don't think you talk too fast, you're just enthusiastic and passionate about what you're talking about! And you always get me excited and motivated to declutter something in my own house.
I honestly don't even remember half the stuff I have got rid of, therefor I can't have missed it! I wish I had started sooner.
Relatable!
Yes, exactly!
Animal shelters, vets offices, etc love old towels or blankets.
My
@@lynnzeller6429 exactly what we do! I love it , everything i give away they use
I've been watching your videos non-stop for a month now. This was a really, really good one. I love the encouragement at the end. I have been so frustrated by my physical limitations that I would often end up doing nothing at all. These past few weeks I've been doing 5 min here, 5 min there and the house is looking really good. I can see that keeping this up for a year would do wonders. Thank you for your gentle, positive encouragement. It's such a blessing to me and my family. 💖🙏
Dawn, you have helped evolve my life and build my decluttering muscles over these years on TH-cam. Thank you. 🙏 "If you haven't heard it today, I love you and I hope you have a great day"!💛
Absolutely love you, Dawn. Thank you so much for your humility, kindness, sincerity, care... you are a person people would want to be best friends with. You are so darling!!!
My only regret is throwing out letters I wrote when I was in the Navy, to my then boyfriend, later husband. We used to do art on the envelopes to each other, and I wish I had saved those. I was in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and he was on an aircraft carrier and letters were our only form of communication for over a year. We got to know each other on a deeper level through writing.
Sorry....those were forever keepers. To me they would be in the old family photos category.
On the other hand, every day together is a new love letter to each other. As sweet as the letters were, they were just physical reminders of what is already in your hearts. 😊
Awwwww😭❤️
Yes, I can't bring myself to get rid of parents friends and lovers letters.
@@karenc9535 💕 How beautifully you express truth! THIS moment is Life 🌿
Dawn, thank you for being my cheerleader over the last year! My journey into minimalism over the last year has been greatly influenced by your channel and I am so grateful! I’m finally getting my peace of mind and life back. Keep up the awesome work!❤️
I label my cords, I've gotten rid of some necessary cords too, labeling works.
After accidentally purging the wall charger for the portable dvd player, I now label important cords, chargers, and keys, w a label maker. Mine has a setting to advance with out cutting. So I make the label long on one side and fold it over the cord or keyring. And if the cord is one of those ones that has 2parts, I label both parts so I can match them up if they come apart.
I don’t have enough stuff to justify purchasing a label maker, so I use a silver marker to write the brand & item on the adapter.
@@sunshine3914 I originally got the label maker to organize my quilt projects. And then have also found uses for it all over the house. But if not for my quilting, I wouldn't have purchased one either. Silver sharpies are awesome for writing on electronic accessories :)
I'll be stealing your idea!
I also use a labelmaker for cords. Once they get detached from their item, it's anybody's guess what it goes to. And if someone doesn't have a labelmaker, a roll of masking tape and pen works just as well. All you need is a quick reminder to save from accidentally throwing it out. And whenever I can remember, the cord lives with or near its 'item.'
You don’t talk too fast. You have great energy and it all comes out in the way you speak. I enjoy listening to you.
Keep talking as you always do, it's you, we love it. We love your enthusiasm and spark of joy ❤
I definitely have hit a wall with decluttering now that the really easy stuff is gone.
I love how fast you talk. It feels like a real conversation!
Kelley Brownlee • Right?!!!
Oh my gosh you're right! She's so conversational!
You don’t talk fast-even when you are pleading and showing us how passionate you are on the topic! Thank you for all your videos! I’ve been with you since your townhouse blog and the kids’ clothes video. Still taking off the layers in our house but never giving up! Love the motivation to do a little everyday!
I want to reinforce so much of what you are saying here. Having less makes life so much easier, less stressful and more enjoyable. So worth it!
This year has been crazy in our house. I hit a point on "I'm a bad mom" because I couldn't get the house clean, work, and raise a "new" baby. I love watching your video's to help me feel like I can do small things. I'm now watching you tube for cleaning and decluttering ideas all the time. Thank you for being a link to "the real world mom life".
I finally started decluttering our small house a couple of months ago. Got rid of so much stuff, still have a lot to get rid of. I told my husband we should get rid of everything we wouldn't grab if a forest fire was coming. (we live out in the middle of the forest) Haven't quite gone that far yet, but it is so freeing to have room to move around and not have so much stuff! Thank you for motivating me Dawn!
Love the fire idea!!!!
I have had some of those thoughts also. When I started decluttering, I found (all but one), important documents and put them in a fireproof bag that I can grab and go... Same with jewelery and other small valuables. The last set are photos and letters/cards that I need to finish. It is peace of mind for sure.....
I live in a wildfire area and I've had the same thought, what would I grab? Probably my photos and then practical items that would be in my go bag. That really puts things in perspective. The rest really is just "stuff". 😉
Tip: I had a label maker and identified my cables that way so I used to be able to see what they were for.
I am not a minimalist, but I have done major downsizing, twice. I don’t miss anything I have passed on. It is just stuff. My major motivation is I do not want to leave a mess for my only child to have to deal with when I die. She has come and helped me declutter. I have a great thrift shop that I donate to and I love that they can use my stuff to help people.
This is my story also. I still have my hardest room to do, though, the unused bedroom-turned-storage, mostly sentimental. 😱😱😱
I have an aversion to any paper clutter since my father-in-law passed away 6 years ago. He had SO MUCH PAPER! Like, a small size bedroom full of receipts and records of utilities paid dating back to the 80s. Oh, and nothing was organized or in any sort of order. We didn't know if he had life insurance, so I had to look at EVERY SINGLE PAPER. He didn't have life insurance. At least not as far as I could find after looking at thousands and thousands of papers.
I now throw things in the trash immediately if I don't need them. And I file those that I think I really may need. But I also go through my files like twice yearly and toss things I no longer feel that we need. All this because I do not want to do that to my son. I want him to be able to know what is there without having to go through it all.
@@ChelleStamps We had the same situation with my father-in-law. He had bills back to the 1960’s. It took us several years to go through everything.
@judy Grantham As an only child who had to go through an overwhelming amount of stuff after both my parents passed within 8 months, I want to say thank you on your daughter's behalf. I wish my parents had done that for me. It was emotionally very difficult and I didn't know the significance of many of their things. Kudos to you!!
We all need that constant encouragement that things are possible. We need to see real people doing real projects and succeeding. Thank you for your videos.
Just moved and binged watched you as we were packing. Now I'm super bored in my cleaned out, easy to clean new house...😂
Hahaha, I bet there are others that would love your help 😉❤️
Take up a hobby or do something you enjoy. I find that I have more time to do other things I enjoy more often since I’ve decluttered most of my house. Enjoy your house space and your mental space. 😊
Yeaaaaaaaah!!!!! Welcome to the club!!!
This made me giggle! What a great problem to have. 😃👍🏼.
It's actually quite lovely... I now got to ponder my next project and cleaning is a breeze!! 5 kiddos left at home and school just got out so the summer is literally wide open!
I still watch the videos to stay motivated. Must say the sentimental things were the hardest but the most freeing!! Boxes and boxes were towed cross country and from house to hose for many years. No more!! I kept the heart fluttering pieces and donated the rest to bless others. Thanks y'all!!
I’ve never thought you talk fast! I personally appreciate being given information as quickly and efficiently as possible. I also listen to podcasts and audiobooks on 1.5 or 2x speed. Time is a precious resource 😊
I’ve been decluttering my two bedroom apartment for about 2 months now-onion method! I have removed hundred of items and do not regret any. I don’t even remember what they were. Highly recommend everyone to get started and keep going. 🎉 It honors God when we are thoughtful and thankful for all the things He has given us. We can bless others with the stuff we are no longer using or happy with.
Dawn, I just wanted to thank you. You are so motivating, sincere, loving - authentic. ❤️ We are on our journey towards minimalism. I really appreciate your encouragement. You share realistic, doable methods towards accomplishing this. So, thank you for everything.
I think you talk perfectly! You're really the only minimalist TH-camr I can listen to while decluttering myself. You know what you're saying and you say it clear and concise without any pauses. When you talk fast I declutter faster! 😅
We just moved internationally and are dealing with two family deaths in the last year-sister and father. Your perspective is a gift to me in this season of sorting possessions and creating our life in a new space. Thank you. Permission to release what we don’t need is no small thing. It’s beautiful freedom.
Also, can I just say how fun it is to “hang out” this way? Really enjoy your whole family and send our love back to you.
Thanks for the encouraging words ! I have s teachr friend whose motto is “ always make new mistakes”
It’s very impressive that you only regret those 2 things, truly amazing. There is always the possibility that when you went to sell the camera you would not have been able to put your hands on the power cord and would have had to purchase one anyway. You are my mentor for finally having a place for everything in my house. I will never be a minimalist but I have a house that is full of things that don’t have a home. I loved the video where you labeled every container in your kitchen junk drawer. I did that today and I am so happy to have rid my kitchen drawers of things that don’t belong there. You helped me give myself permission to get rid of things that I spent money on. What a game changer! You are a wonderful inspiration.
I love how fast you talk. You get me motivated abs give me energy! Just cleaned off the counters and table!
We love you too Dawn! Your smile, enthusiasm and sound advice are always helpful. Thanks :)
Dawn, since I've been watching your channel I have started decluttering over 30 years of stuff! One thing you said that has stayed with me is the term for my stuff (crap!!).... inventory! That has helped me so much! I'm slow, but I feel more accomplished every day and I'm filling boxes to go to Goodwill. THANK YOU!
I am thankful for every one of your videos. I have been watching and working on decluttering for 4 months. It felt better immediately, but the more I do, the better it gets. Now, instead of listening to tv reruns while I 'clean', I will put on a Minimal Mom playlist and just listen as I work. I have heard them all before, but those words, and ideas just get into my head and make it easier. And I honestly feel like even though you don't know *me*, really, you do care about me and are proud of my progress.
So much wisdom coming from such an insightful young woman!! Thank you! At the end of every video you tell us, your viewers, that you love us. Sadly, we don’t really know each other, but please know that you are also loved, and very much appreciated.❤️
I am a teacher and am using your helpful tips and encouragement to declutter my home AND my classroom. I have noticed a change already in how I feel. I had no idea how much energy was zapped by managing so much stuff. (And I would not have considered myself a hoarder at all). THANK YOU!
I've just let go of some jewelry that belonged to my grandmother which I've not worn for 30+ years... I won't miss it. I've moved it from one continent to another and never worn it. I can't thank you (and your family) enough. I am so grateful for you
I love how you speak, Dawn ! It’s not too fast. YOU are a unique treasure.
Excellent video once again! One thing I often hear minimalist say on their videos is “You do you”. So you do you when it comes to how fast or slow you wish to talk...your passion for this topic shows when you speak to us and it resonates with me every time!
You speak at the perfect pace. Please don't change. That is one of the main reasons I love you. You're clear, concise, informative, interesting and hold my attention at your perfect pace.
You are amazing! I’ve decluttered so much in the past few days, and it feels great! Thank you for your wonderful videos. ❤️
Wow, I remember when you said your kids are aged 3 through 8! I gradually decluttered and finally made an international move which would have been so much harder if I still had the mindset that I need to keep everything! We moved with so little that we are having to rebuy items, mostly secondhand, but it is turning out to be cheaper than shipping. Thank you Dawn!
I don’t miss it and I’m still Decluttering and I feel great and I just feel bad for spending so much but it’s a listen learned and I’m not spending for extra stuff and my bank account is growing ty
I find people who speak fast are people who are excited and really enjoy what they are trying to share. I love your speed! 🥰
My only regret is not finding your videos until this January! I started decluttering right away, but quickly realized I already kinda lived similarly I just needed the mindset shift towards all of my stuff that your videos have given me!
I feel that decluttering into a boxes and storing in the garage, put a date, and in 12 months if you haven't used it by then I donate it all, no regrets. And if you have to rebuy anything its not a regret, treat it as a reward.
America is the only country that can't fit their vehicles in the garage.
A third of the way through the video I was screaming at my phone NO! Don't regret it! It's worth the peace you and your family have!! .. And then I realized that I was so pumped up about it because I'm feeling that peace for myself? Getting rid of stuff used to worry me, now it excites me. It's like a new an improved house has given me new and improved family time 😭🙏💖
I have been following you for about 2 months. I have started the process of becoming a minimalistic family. Thank you for teaching me that I don’t use more than half the stuff in my house. I have more time to spend with my family.
I regret not finding your channel earlier. Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom. I’m much happier and my family is happier.
Your cadence is fluid, perfect. I follow other TH-camrs who said that people were saying the same thing about them. I think it's meant to psyche you out, make you self conscious. Trying to change what's natural and comfortable to you only results in your speech patterns being halting, awkward. You are successful! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!! Tell whomever to start listening faster!
I agree!
Don't change yourself! Your high energy and fast talking is one of the reasons I enjoy listening to your videos!
Dawn, your videos have been life changing. Thank you!!!
Dawn, I've been watching you for a couple weeks and it's changing my life! I discovered you through Cas Aarsen. I love the power of five minutes. This morning while waiting for my toast I pulled out some stuff I didn't want from a cupboard and discovered I can fit the baking sheets that were in my oven, IN THE CUPBOARD!!!! No more baking pans all over the kitchen when I'm baking! Also the idea of just putting a bunch of my daughter's toys in a box instead of trying to decide if we can get rid of them is GENIUS. It really is like developing a muscle, learning to let go of things you don't want/need and avoiding bringing more in. Thank you for all these videos, you are so encouraging and it really helps me think about what kind of life I really want and work towards prioritizing those things. Less stuff means more time to play music, play with my daughter, be creative, etc.
I love listening to classic rock while cleaning! Especially The Beatles!! Thank you for your videos. They inspired me to become a minimalist. It's a long and tiring journey,but it's very rewarding! God bless!
Did you mean, "A long and Winding Road " 🤣😂🤣Love the Beatles!💕 love this channel too!
@@dbartz5510 my friend, you changed a somewhat rough day for me to a much better one!!!! Lol. Now I gotta go listen to the song!! Haha. Thank you for the much needed laugh!
I appreciate your effort to slow down. It helps those of us who are hard of hearing to understand everything you say. Thank you.
I love your high energy videos!! 😄 Can't please everybody 🤷♀️ ❤️
I love the fast talking! It’s quick, concise, doesn’t waste time.. there’s 0 trouble understanding you
Big things: purse collection. Seriously, it's not a ton of handbags, but it's enough that I can't possibly use them all. That has to be a last thing for me. In decluttering since December, I'm still not up to that level--purses and the sentimental things. Thank you for all the help for 6 months. Dying to declutter the dining set now. Soon!
I’m with you on the purse collection! Finally, after many decades of guilt, I have learned to curate and shop mindfully. I only keep purses that I REALLY love - and only if I REALLY have a use for them. I’m at peace with the fact that my collection is still bigger than it “should” be (around 20). If this is the worst I’m capable of, I’m not so bad.
@@melissac.5948 'bout the same for me, except that I have a small collection of train case style from the old Spiegel catalog, and they are made anymore, and I love the look of them. Unique. I'm making a plan to use them once we're all face-to-face.
My purse collection was vast and I got down to 10 or so... but then, pandemic! So purses have become passé. I'm down to 4 now :)
Good luck!!
@@alrightyru I know. Right now, all we need is the crossbody that keep hands free and have easy access to a card in the grocery store. I've used only two purses through the whole last year.
THANK YOU! Every time I hear a minimalist say, 'You won't regret getting rid of anything' or 'I've never gotten rid of something and then regretted it', I'm like That's not true!!! Thank you for being honest about this!
It's funny, of all the stuff I "regret" getting rid of, I can only think of things that were sentimental. And....it's NOT that I'm upset they are gone, not at all. It's that I didn't take pictures of them first. I've started a journal for sentimental items that are stuck in boxes, never seeing the light of day. I take pictures, I journal about them and the memories they bring up, and then I get rid of the items.. Any time I want to go down "memory lane" I open that journal, rather than searching for boxes of stuff to go through. Less dust, less to store, and ALL of the memories are within one little book on my shelf. (PS, I speak fluent fast-talk, I've never thought that you speak too fast - ha!)
I have also done this...taken pictures instead of keeping the items. 😀 Dawn, talk at the speed you’ve always talked, please. I love your videos!!!! Thank you.
My mom has helped 2 friends empty their storage units this way. She helped them "let go" of things like old newspaper clippings and made scrapbook/photo books of what was in the storage unit (and rarely touched!!)
Journalling about the items i am letting go.... Brilliant! I am getting close to tackling the last things on my list.... Sentimental items and photos.... I can't thank you enough for this tip.
@@thatswhatisaid8908 It also feeds my love of journals, fountain pens, and inks. LOL!!!
@@Lickyknee Truly! It's honoring the reason we keep the things in the first place - the memories associated the items, not the items themselves.
I love and adore you Dawn ! Thank you for being here for us !
After a 1000 or so items decluttered I have maybe under five regrets and I think that’s a pretty good success rate. They were just some cables and computer parts so only about $50 worth of replacements
You don’t talk too fast at all! I appreciate all you do to help us live our best lives! Thank you :)
Your videos have been a huge part of us decluttering our home. A few days ago our son was trying to play a nerf battle through our home with a friend. In the past I have have shooed them out of my messy room so the friend wouldn't see it. This time they went everywhere and- although not perfect- it was good enough. I loved that they could play anywhere and there is space for them and not just our stuff.
Wow! Congratulations!!!
Go you!! Great job! 🥳