I'm overdosing on you and Peter Walsh today. My son and Granddaughters who live with me, are away for a week and I feel it's a good opportunity to declutter without someone talking me out of getting rid of things. In NJ, I lived in an 1100 SF home with full basement, so basically 2200 SF of space. It was packed full. Dumpstered almost everything when we moved to SC for retirement. Now, I'm in a 2400 SF home with son and 2 Granddaughters, a dog, no basement, widowed for almost 6 years and this place is also packed 19 years later. It's gotten worse since my husband passed because now it's his stuff, I'm just beginning to part with. I'm hoping to get some traction this week. Wish me luck. At my age, I don't need this stress.
I agree! After our 33-year-old son was killed in an accidental fall, I could not go through pictures until 6 years later. When I finally started, my daughter, my husband and I cried and laughed and talked about memories. We cleared out a lot of photos that were duplicates, bad photos, or just didn't spark a good memory or any memory. It was the best thing for us to do. It was overwhelming but we were all so relieved and happy with the photos we did keep.
That’s actually a really smart way to do it! That way they don’t have to be burdened with your stuff, and as they get older and downsize/pass away that’s less boxes for you to sift through. Plus, you get delivered one box at a time and have the opportunity to sort through them purposely one by one instead of getting overwhelmed with a whole truck full. I have bins in my parents’ crawl space and while I have been digging in them to find stuff to get rid of, I should force myself to take one box out at a time and really hyper focus to deal with it
I've never understood why parents store their adult children's belongings - in some cases for many years. I have friends who have had to clear their own stuff out of their parents' house after their parents died - it had been left there, untouched, for decades! When I left home at 23, I was expected to take everything with me - anything that was left behind got donated. (If your child is a missionary, or homeless or a college student, that's different, but if they are adult enough to have their own home, they're surely adult enough to take charge of their own possessions!)
Before I got rrid of my children's things that I was storing( sentimental stuff) I asked them to come over and choose anything they wanted to keep for them or their children. Then I chose one favourite book and toy from each child, plus one piece of school artwork and one piece of clothing.And put in a memory box. For myself. Neither of my children were interested in any of it nor the grandkids. So I gave myself permission to let go of the rest of these things. I have no regret and it has given me a whole lot of extra space now. ❤
I would like to say that Dawn has had years of decluttering/downsizing experience to understand what works for her. Honestly we cannot reach that level in a couple of weeks or months. Keep peeling that onion!
Taking photos of sentimental items is one of my favorite tips for letting go. One photo of a tabletop or bedspread full of items can be a treasure trove of memories. : - ) ❤
I've been taking individual photos and adding text to it to remind myself why it was sentimental. But maybe taking 1 huge collection picture would be better 😅. Can't help but think I'll have to declutter my images one day too hahah
, yes, yes! I've always loved the idea of taking photos, and then getting rid of the actual stuff. I'm always surprised more people don't suggest this. It's so efficient and helpful😀
I found a way to keep some of my sentimental clothes . I used the material from these clothes to make quilts for my beds. And a few curtains. And some chair covers. I love the patchwork cottage look!! So not only have I saved money on not buying new bedding and curtains etc. but I can still look at my favourite clothes that had lovely patterns. And my wardrobe is now decluttered. ❤😊
Wow, this brought back memories! I moved out of my parents’ house when I was 19: loaded up everything that was mine into my hatchback Mustang and left, 1 trip. About 3 years later, my parents were moving about 350 miles away. My mom called me at work and demanded that I come and get “the rest of (your) stuff”. I told her I already took all of my stuff, but she insisted I come and get it. Just to get her off the work phone, I said OK, but I did go there after work. There was a whole pile of very worn out Barbie dolls and play stuff that had been passed to my 8 years younger sister, without my permission, many years earlier, along with 2 boxes of children’s books, books that had always been on the shelf in the family “library.” I clearly remember taking a deep breathe, resolving not to exchange angry words, and loaded it all into my car. The books went to the public library. Everything else went in the dumpster. I hadn’t thought about any of that in at least 40 years…
I realize that people are at various income levels and may really want to sell clothes but I recommend people give them away. I retired from a job where I had to wear suits and dresses. I decided to donate all those clothes except for a couple of dresses to a church sale. At the sale I was so pleased to see women buying these dresses and suits for only a few dollars. They were so happy to have found them. It made my heart happy!
Agree. My aunt is the person who will come over with the cutest outfit on and she'll be like "Salvation Army! This top still had the tags on it!" So I always about her and the excitement about her amazing finds. If I didn't donate nice stuff, other people can't have that "amazing deal for exactly what I needed" stories. ☺️💙 Same for me - if someone never donated the cute little wall shelf or perfect basket, I wouldn't be able to redo my boys' room simply with "finds"! Helps a lot! 💚
I read somewhere once that woman's shelters could also use office attire. The women staying there often have very little and need clothing for job interviews.
I still had a lot of clothes from when I was working. I saw that the college nearby was looking for professional clothing that students could wear when they went on interviews. It made me happy to know that the clothes I donated would be helpful to someone who was just starting their career.
Many of us have a time in life when we are so glad to have thrift stores to get the things we need, and then our circumstances change and we give nice things to the same thrift stores, knowing what it can mean to someone on a tight budget.
“Grieving a season of our life…”. That is exactly what I’ve been dealing with after retiring from a long legal career. It’s tough and it’s more than just clothes…
Yes, we can get stuck for YEARS trying to get our homes organized if we do not know the role of clutter and how to declutter-how I wish I had found out about minimalism back when we started getting overwhelmed. Overwhelm can happen both over time, and quickly such as a person with all their own stuff moving in with you or a person dying and all their stuff ending up in your home-if you don't know the part about limiting what comes in to your house before it happens. A special nightmare is if you end up with someone else's disorganized business and financial and legal documents that have to be sorted, used in court, and destroyed-all without a guideline (written!)about what even exists or where to find it. The departed person knew it all in their head, it can takes years to unravel if they do not leave written instructions, and thousands in storage fees while you try to locate the important documents in a paper hoard of huge proportion. If you are the paper owner, leave a "cheat sheet"with someone trusted, and if someone asks you to be executor, do not be shy about asking exactly what you would need to know and where things are. If things look complicated, have them meet with you with a lawyer to either assure you that things are under control, or set up a process to get it under control before you agree to be the executor.
Excellent advise. This happened to a friend whose husband passed away suddenly with lots of documents and no instructions on how to close the business. She had to figure all this out while still grieving.
This video came just when I really needed it. Our first child just moved out and I felt like a super hard mum when I said. No you empty your room, leave nothing in there but furniture you don’t want but here is a storage shelf unit in our storage area space you may fill this for anything you would like to leave. Thankyou for the reassurance this video has given me :)
I think that is a blessing, although I am sure that it was REALLY hard to do. They are choosing to move out, and that will help them to feel like they have begun their new life fully.
I just discovered that some pillows turn crunchy when stored too long. They were kept for years 'just in case' and never ever used, just blocked most of the upper storage in a closet and self destructed!
Great timing for going through adult children's stuff. We have adult children whom live far away. I've sent phone pics of the thier items & ask if they want. If so, we mailed the items. If not, I donate, recycle or trash. I did this with other family members items too. Soon, we will get our car into the garage which is our goal & mental clarity. Thanks for your videos. They are so helpful.
Good idea! I have things in my basement that my brother saved from our parents’ house that he never took home with him across the country. I sent a box once, but I should do what you suggest, or maybe his future Christmas presents from me could be me shipping some items to him!
May I please make a suggestion for those women with work attire to find a home for.Please donate them to women’s shelters for abused women who are entering the workforce again.The clothes are greatly needed and will be appreciated. I was abused and left & ended up on disability but I know they have a special thrift store that A woman s place gives u $ to spend at their store so u end up with free clothes for work. I was helped by getting toiletries and household items. It’s away to help other women and get rid of ur stuff. I’m sure you can find a place in ur area.A Woman s place In Doylestown,Pa. I know there’s places all over. Thanks
Great topic both my kids moved to Florida twenty years ago. I decided to join them and when I Cleaned out my home. I made Each of them a bin of all the “goodies” that belonged to them and brought to them and delivered to their homes. It was then their responsibility.
I am struggling with adult children and their stuff! Thanks for covering this topic. We have been storing my daughter’s whole apartment in our house for two years thinking in a couple months she would be moving out. Housing affordability etc. is making it really difficult for young people to afford housing and pay off college etc. I appreciate your insight on this subject Dawn!
This is one of your best podcasts. I've had good friends telling that I'm under no obligation to keep my adult son's stuff. Well, he's married and lives in an apartment with his wonderful wife. We have TONS of storage space. And he's an only child. (Rules are different for them.) I like the idea of establishing limits and storing thing in bins to make it look better.
One day, I was going to visit my son and his wife in another town. I filled up my station wagon with his stuff….so much, it could be seen through the windows! ( I did keep a few items I want him to decide about when more mature.) His face when he saw my car was one of shock! We emptied my car ….he and his wife went through everything…right then and there! It was nice to go through it with him. His stuff is not in my home anymore!
I keep plugging away as I have the bandwidth to do so, and I’ve come a long way. Keep going. It’s worth it. I still have a ways to go, but the letting go so that I can live in peace and not in clutter feels pretty darn good. Thanks to Dawn and others who cheerfully shine their light and walk their talk for encouragement and inspiration along the way! 🕊🌿🌷
The silent to do list. This was a revelation for me. I had no idea how much stuff was taunting me. There are so many categories this invisible troll lives. Dishes for entertaining, crafts, clothes etc. It turns on a light bulb of self awareness and I love the term you used "override". Yes! Stop the troll and embrace the current season. Treasure the past and be excited for the future.
Thank you for the very specific advice on how to sort sentimental items! I've listened to a lot of your videos and podcasts, but for some reason this one really resonated with me and will help me with sorting boxes of old family photos. I'm semi-retired and not quite ready to downsize yet, but I want to make it easier when we do, and make it easier for our kids, should something happen to us. Thank you so much for the good and valuable work that you do, Dawn! ❤
Just thinking how funny it is that we all think that “something might happen”. It will happen to all of us. We only have right now. So let’s get busy. Donna
Well, I've never felt like you've been listening to our conversation until now! 😂 My husband just asked if we could get ride of an old tea set that I've had since I was a little girl and I said "NO!!! IVE HAD THAT SINCE I WAS A KID!!!" But we have boys and they don't have much interest in it...
I think one part is asking yourself, "Do I love this and want it around?" and the question Dawn read from Peter Walsh's book " What kind of feelings does it bring up?" In the TYHB course that Dawn, Dana and Cas do, one take away I always remember is "If it's all special then none of it is special" so keep what you love but don't keep everything.
I am so grateful for the advice and inspiration you and others give. I have been following your advice for years and am so much more at peace with my environment. In reference to the 333 wardrobe method, just today I counted the items for this season, I was surprised that it was exactly 33. I’m retired, an artist, and still volunteer, and actually think I could downsize even more. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. The last thing left to declutter, and I’m embarrassed by my dread and procrastination is photos. My adult children want me to keep everything yet don’t have any interest in helping or storing it. I’ve already made the two older ones three albums each from their childhood. I want to make an album or two for the youngest. But that means facing shelves of boxes! Dread!…..
Wow! *CONGRATULATIONS* on having a 33 piece wardrobe and only *ONE category left to clutter!* That is amazing and inspiring!!! 👏🏆👏 For tasks I dread, some things it helps to remind myself of (that you may/probably already know! : - ) are: 1) Reminding myself how GOOD I will feel when I'm done!😃 2) Diving in for just 5 or 10 minutes with a timer to break the inertia barrier 3) Scheduling time on the calendar with a reminder alarm AND (very important)... 4) Temptation bundling with something I LIKE doing immediately afterwards!📺🍰 5) Making a fast first pass looking for only the easy yeses and nos (the Onion Method) 6) Giving myself permission to create a truly awful first draft because it always feels easier to make it better once I've got something to work with I am so inspired by your success, and am rooting for you to cross that glorious finish line! 🤩Kudos again, and *THANK YOU* for the inspiration!❤
You make a lot of sense Dawn. Thank you. I am here watching this again. This video is one of the very best that I am going to watch it over and over. Thank you Dawn. xxx
Haven’t watched yet but this is so timely. I’m already a minimalist but things have crept in and I am in the process right now decluttering to downsize and my sentimental items are the hardest to tackle.
My “clutter threshold” has changed drastically since I’ve been decluttering. I def feel it going into other peoples homes, but more so in my own! I find myself getting frustrated when I can’t keep things neat, or bring in new stuff. It’s a dichotomy of liking a clear space and stress to keep it that way .. thoughts ? 🤔
Speaking to sentimental things that remind us of difficult or sad times, we lost our son to a drunk driver 37 years ago and when I look through all those things I’ve kept from that time like the accident report, autopsy, newspaper items, obituary, I am so sad and they bring back all those horrible feelings again. But I would feel guilty if I let them go. It would seem like I was trying to forget him. So I’m caught in between. Those are not things I want to remember about him. How do I let them go? Donna
I'm so sorry for your loss. That is so awful. I can tell just by your comment that you could never forget your son. ❤ Sometimes accepting our ambivalence and not forcing things is the most compassionate thing to do. If the documents don't take up much space, you could seal them in an envelope with a joyful picture of your son on the front as a reminder that the way he died isn't his whole story. Making electronic copies using your phone or a scanning service and keeping them on a separate thumb drive is another option for this. To let go of the documents completely, perhaps you could think of it as a way of honoring your son and letting the joy and good he experienced and shared take precedence over the way he died. Of course you will never forget the way he passed, and acknowledging the way trauma can overshadow the good doesn't mean you're abandoning him. It can be a way of reclaiming the fullness of his life. Whether or not you're religious, having a ceremony where you burn the documents and symbolically release your son's suffering and think of him at peace could be healing. If you have people who also grieve him (or simply support you) you could have a celebration of life afterwards, and share stories of your son. Creating a photo album, collage, or written recollection of your son's best experiences and joys to symbolically take the place of the painful documents could also be another way of affirming his life and memory. Hugs to you. I wish you peace. ❤
Thank you so much for the reply. I think I’m ready to let them go. I know my husband is. Our lord and savior Jesus Christ got us through that awful experience and has sustained us through the years. Bless you for your words of encouragement and suggestions. Donna
@@MikeyDonna I am so sorry for your loss, and I can understand how hard it must be to let go of anything connected with your son's life. But you don't need to feel any guilt at letting go of things that raise bad memories. Your son would surely want you to focus on all the good memories of his life, all the happy times and the joy. Since you know Jesus, perhaps ask Him to give you peace about letting go of these documents, so that you don't carry the burden of them any longer.
I feel so sorry for your loss 💚 No words can cover the feelings you must have around this. Mu caught erred leukaemia for 3 years when she was very little (from 1 to 4 years old) and even thought she got well and survived the illness I still have so mixed feelings around things, memories, images etc. from the period. That's around 10 years ago so I feel with you. I think my best piece of advice would be to sit down and have a conversation out loud with your son around the topic 💚Ask him about the different times you consider getting rid of, describe how/why the thought of getting rid of them makes you feel guilty. And ask him specifically what he thinks about each item (or group of items). What he thinks would be your benefit and your challenge if your keep or get rid of them. And what you would suggest for you to do about them. It can be very effective to talk out load ands maybe even swop chairs when you talk as yourself and as your son. It will probably emotionally and then describe this to your son and ask him what he thinks os it. The more questions you can ask him, the more safe you will feel if you decide to get rid of somme of the things. You can imagine him both the age he had when you lost him and the age he would how now. Feel free to mix the two ages in the conversation however it feels most helpful to you. Maybe even make it a warm and comforting conversation between the three of you: Yourself, your son at the age where you lost him and the age he would be now - if you have picture him in your mind 💚 Sending you all the best love and courage 😘 Best from Susanne
I love this so much!! "Wasting" inventory imho would be tossing it in the trash. Donating isn't wasting. It's letting someone else use it, even if your donation center sends it to Haiti or Uganda. If we think we're helping someone else, it's so easy to donate. Sentimental items are hard, but if the clutter bugs you, that's a negative sentiment. I've offered so much stuff to my kids, and if they don't want it, I don't want them to have to go through it when I die. The container method is great, comparing is fabulous. I love you very much. Love takes up zero space!😂
Dawn, thank you so much for all your videos. It's helping me so much in decluttering. We live in only 65 sq meters with 2 children. It's such a mess. And it's getting better thanks to you.
I think this video helped me the most out of all your videos! And they’ve all been super helpful! This one finally helped things click into place, mentally and emotionally for me 🥰🥰Thank you!
Thank you Dawn. Your videos have helped me so much. I already had been trying to keep clutter down, but didn’t have the right tools or mindset. The tips you give and the quotes to help with our thinking has done so much. God bless ❤
I am a subscriber of your main You tube channel and have only come a cross a few of these podcast. Today I realized these podcasts are on a different channel and I need to SUBSCRIBE to this channel also. thanks for all your help and info.
I always appreciate seeing new content by you, Dawn. So, it’s a personal thing, but I really like this format. It seems so highly produced, the way it’s introduced in the beginning. I don’t mean to be critical, I’m just expressing my own personal preference. I know that TH-cam puts pressure on you to continue to put more and more and more content out, so I understand how you’re chopping up live Q&A‘s.
Perfect timing..we have sentimental items ive kept from my childrens childhood...now they are adults they can decide if they want them or not....just need them to get their stuff out of the loft!!!
This was all VERY GOOD, thank you!!! 😊 I am not exactly on that side of Life, however, I was able to glean from A LOT of what you were saying Dawn. SO GOOD!!! 💛
I have been listening to you for a fairly short period of time and I absolutely love your videos! They have been helping me so much! But I have a situation that I don't think is all that unique but I have not found the help that I need. My husband and I have a small homestead and I feel like we have stuff everywhere! We try to be self-sufficient which means that we cook from scratch all meals I sew, he fixes things, we have animals. So to fit this lifestyle I have a lot of sewing materials, he has a lot of tools, we have a ton of gardening supplies, we have a ton of canning supplies, we have five gallon buckets full of flour and rice and all the Staples. We save everything! We have jars for storing, we have supplies for soap making we have I kind of cookware. Help! I am overwhelmed with the amount of stuff and where do we put it all. These are not things that we want to get rid of because they are really really are things that we use. We may not use them on a daily basis, although a lot of times we do, we at least use them on a weekly or monthly basis. I have been going through things like my clothes and I've gotten rid of a ton of that. I am currently going through jewelry and getting rid of a ton of that but as far as homesteading type things I just don't know how to keep it all under control.
This was very helpful to hear for me. I'm older myself, and an only child... I seem to have become the keeper of Mom's things, Dad's things, both grandmas, and my adult kids..... on top of all of that, a friend started using my 2 homes for his storage, ( I did not know he was a hoarder when it started). Just yesterday, with help, I got his things out...but now there is the next level of *keepsakes*. I really want to throw everything away, just for the freedom, and yet I know better than that. Working up slowly to this next...layer. It's not been easy ...praying that it will become easier fast..lol
My decluttering is stuck at kids things...sentimental cards I wont part with (they can one day) papers they got great marks on, essays, etc that were cute and touching. I wish my mom kept more of those things. But I did downsize clothes and shoes and purses well.
GEMS GALORE in this video: Investing time in decluttering pays dividends for YEARS in *FREEDOM* from The Silent To-Do List of I "should" work on the garage or kitchen or... 11:40 *"You have to decide what is your bigger fear: [...] that you might someday need those clothes [...], or [...] I'm going to waste these years ahead trying to still get my house in order and not actually getting to enjoy a peaceful home."*
I do agree with downsizing clothing, but disagree that it's easy to replace. When I was teaching, clothing was a HUGE part of my budget. And I was very minimal in what I purchased. Being professional clothing, it wasn't easy to build that wardrobe. We moved 7 months ago and I was shocked by the amount of children's clothes in the attic. I went from 7 boxes to one for all three kids. Felt good!
I recently went through all my clothes, and even tried stuff on, and let go of a lot..... but I need to do it again, because some of the "keep" decisions I made, are not comfy or "good" today. Just this morning, I let go of a couple of pairs of socks that were full of holes. I have recently been doing much better and my mindset is slowly changing.... so I notice clutter and how it makes me feel, more and more... and when I enter a home that is tidy and clutter free It feels so much "Calmer"... (but in some cases it's also less "Cozy", but I still prefer that "Calm" feeling to the Extreme overwhelm and other negative feelings I have now). Anyway, good podcast.
Both of my parents were hoarders and unsuitable to store things safely, for me. I ended up throwing everything away, mostly from my childhood. As a millennial, I've moved, and lived in 25 houses in 16 years, in 3 countries. If your child doesn't own a house, being the safe place for them to store their things, gives them a chance to gain wealth, so they're not rebuying appliances and furniture every few years. There's no security in the housing market, so by giving your kids a safe place to keep their belongings, builds the relationship. Don't touch the things they've made safe, focus on your own projects, instead of turning your child's security into your project,it will ruin trust and they'll lose their safe place.
I think it's ok to be concerned about being wasteful. It's ok to have a yard sale, or donate to a worthy cause. Like dress for success. But we don't have to get rid of everything just to buy it again. That just seems wasteful to me.
Definitely! But it’s been real about what you really need. I don’t think anyone is suggesting to get rid of items that people use/need, more that if you make wrong decision you would be able to replace it. I’ve decluttered over 70% of my stuff over a year ago and not found anything yet I need to rebuy.
How do i feel about an item is what i always say to myself or what i ask if im helping someone else go thru things. Usually the answer to that question tells us what we need to do with the item.
Pick two or three of the most special items. Get rid of the rest. Stop living in the past. Memories are in your head and heart, not in objects.Will you forget your Mom or Dad or kids if you no longer have their old possessions? Nope.
33 items is a ridiculous concept! It is different for each person depending on eg how often you wash your clothes, do you use dryer or air dryer, do they need ironing and how often do you iron, how often do you wear clothes before putting in the dirty bin etc.. you need to work out % time for each type of clothing eg sport, work, house, garden, nightware, etc and add in the above to the calculation... then you have your perfect number of items needed.
@@beans4853 it is ridiculous. There is NO science or logic thinking behind the 33 items.. it is just an arbitrary number! The personal % calculation method has logic and reasoning.
@@rebeccarendle3706 True, that makes a lot of sense and probably works very well for many. Others need a set number first to work towards and then tweak it as needed. Project 333 has become very popular for a reason. It obviously resonates with a lot of people
@@beans4853 Of course! That is because many people just like "being told what to do and being handed a solution on a silver plate" instead of investing the time and energy at the start to optimise a concept that fits their personal lifestyle ie. from the get-go! There is a larger percentage of the worlds population who think efficiently and like to work logically. But I do agree that for the American society that has only recently (since Con Marie) discovered the concept of "living within your means, with less and debt free" and are starting to move away from the "American Dream" of excessive hyper-consumerism, maybe the 333 is a good starting point.
@@rebeccarendle3706 I hear your point and there's some truth to it, of course. However, not everyone utilizes this method, only those to whom it resonates and fits their personal lifestyle. Many also take the general concept and choose a different number that works for them. There are many decluttering methods going around and people are putting a lot of energy into researching and finding one that works for them. Besides the fact that actually achieving the goal is hard work! I don't really see how that is 'being told what to do and handed a solution on a silver platter'
@@ellenwiley9692 Both her current books can be purchased through the Products page of her website at www.theminimalmom.com/all-products. This includes her spiral-bound decluttering workbook that I purchased but haven't read yet because I love her videos so much! D'oh! ; - )
A long time fan of Peter Walsh, he has helped me declutter years ago. Nice you showed his book. Enjoyed this video so much you are so good and teaching, explaining, inspiring, thank you!
Great podcast! I sometimes think of things I decluttered that were sentimental and become sad I no longer see them, then I realize they have a much better home now than being tucked away in a closet! Thanks Dawn!
I remember when i moved into my first home after being away from my hometown for 6 years, every time that i went to visit my parents, my mom had me go through a couple of boxes of my childhood stuff. I looked at it all, reminisced and proceeded to get ride of it all.
I always find something helpful in these videos. *Thank you!* : - ) *SENTIMENTAL ITEM TIPS:* - Pick a container of a size that's easy to maintain and doesn't feel like a burden - Choose items you'll cherish that evoke the happiest and most vivid memories - Put favorites in first to help decide what can go. Having a comparison and a parameter helps.
Hi Dawn. I have been following you for at least 4 years + and I've learned so much from you but my clutter has been through life "crap" for a better word. And to think, I used to be obsessive with organizing and cleaning even when I was a little girl of 8 years old. I liked things to be just so ! I have donated so many clothes and household stuff - I wish I had counted how much left my house but there is so much more to go ! It seems like I move 2 steps forward and 1 step back. I get motivated and make progress and then I get into a slump again. I can only do so much and then I almost panic and then I have to leave the room and have a hard time getting back to it. I don't know what to do to move on to fully declutter my home - so if you have a magical tip that you have up your sleeve please share it. I'm not attached to stuff - I just need the motivation to keep going. You hit the nail on the head when you said, "I'm afraid I'm going to waste my years just trying to get my house in order instead of enjoying a peaceful home".
I go through slumps too. < : - ) The following have really helped me. Some I figured out by chance and haven't seen elsewhere. Wishing you well! *1) REVERSE Clutter Clearing by picking out what you know for sure you'll need in the coming weeks/couple of months, and pack the rest in boxes to sort in less overwhelming chunks.* I discovered this trick by chance when a friend and her kids were coming for an extended stay in my small apartment and I had to quickly clear a large amount of space for them. I used cardboard banker boxes (cheaper than plastic bins) and actually built industrial metal shelving to the ceiling to store them! (And it still wasn't enough!) A "perk" of my laziness is that having the boxes sit unsorted for literally years (d'oh!) proved that I really didn't need or miss most of the items! *2) Imagining if you could bring only one suitcase and one box for a permanent move overseas including everything you'll need, from clothes to dishes. What essentials and favorites would you pack (or terribly miss)?* This helps reveal the things that aren't essential. *3) Temptation Bundling by doing a little clutter clearing before something I ALREADY do regularly and enjoy.* Just 5 or 10 minutes with a timer before watching a TH-cam video or TV works well for me. Also combining a Goodwill run with breakfast out at my favorite place, or... *4) Inviting people over.* If clutter is in the common areas (vs. easily hidden), inviting someone over on a specific date helps create some urgency and a deadline. A friend's mom did this regularly to keep herself on track. *5) Taking Before and After photos repeatedly so you REMEMBER how much progress you're making.* *6) Searching your photos of the clutter instead of the actual room for items that can go.* Somehow this clicks my brain into a more objective mode and helps so much! *7) Taking photos of gifts or sentimental items to make them easier to part with.* It really is the thought that counts, and a single photo of a bunch of items on a bedspread or table can spark a treasure trove of memories. : - ) This also works for groupings of hard copy photos, cards, kid drawings, etc...(confirm you can zoom in on the master photo for detail, then release with confidence : - ). *8) Prioritizing clearing and maintaining areas you SEE/use most often.* Even maintaining things like a single shelf across from the couch or one half of a bathroom counter has provided soothing oases that inspired me to *want* to do more. *9) Using the Onion Method to remove just the easy stuff to make the volume less overwhelming (obvious no's, recycling, trash, things that triggers bad emotions...).* Bonus for LARGE items : - ) *10) Trading turns with a friend (or paying someone) to "body double" in person or by FaceTime or Zoom, etc. to help stay on track.* *11) Investing in a professional organizer* Can create motivating quick gains, and put in place systems that keep cleared areas from reverting to clutter. I also loved the self-test on the Clutterbug website for figuring out my organizing style. *12) Remembering the personal "Clutter Threshold" phenomenon --- the point after which clutter is finally reduced enough that things becomes easier to maintain.* Hearing that for Dawn and others it was 80% of their stuff helps me persist because I want a peaceful, easy-to-maintain home so badly. Good luck to you! 😃🌈🍀
@laurabotts4064 Oh my gosh, I just remembered seeing what looked like multiple versions of someone's edited comment in my feed, and I'm mortified! *Apologies* if my additions/edits to my list created multiple notifications! 🤪🙃
I’ve become fairly good at decluttering thanks to your channel. 😊 However, I have a few sentimental items from my childhood that I can’t seem to part with. They are toys made by my father. When I downsized to a condo, I thought I would display them, but they don’t really blend with the decor, so they are stored in my closet. I’ve also chosen to keep them “Justin Case” my young adult daughter has children one day. These toys would be charming for young kids to play with. We just had a conversation about me getting rid of items she won’t want and I no longer need, but she agreed to keep these 3 toys. They are handmade mouse houses (City mouse and Country mouse) and a wooden doll sized cradle. My daughter has no attachment to her Boyd’s Bears or American Girl dolls, so those are going to donation. Good for her for being clear!
Could you display these favorite toys that your dad made on a shelf in a closet? You would get a little spark of joy whenever you open the closet! Marie Kondo mentioned that she hung some favorite posters in a closet that she loved but that she didn’t want to have out for everyone to see.
@@tgayer1 oh my gosh! I LOVE that idea so much it made me tear up. 🥹❤️. I definitely have space on a shelf to open the mouse houses to display the interiors. Brilliant idea. Thank you! ❤️
Where I am at now...Adult children storage and a friend storage...What is neat and organized, and useful or worth while, I don't mind, I have space. What gets me down tho, is what will no longer be used, what was abandoned for me to take care of. I am having a difficult time trying to get them to pay attention to what I want gone, what is just wasting away. We talk about it, but they put it off.......Next time.....
They need a deadline. Someone else commented that they text photos of the items to the owners and get a keep or not keep response. Then she mails them the things they want and donates the rest. Shipping can be expensive, so maybe don’t go that route...unless the owner is willing to pay for it!
@@tgayer1 The son who most of the sports stuff will go to to be sold or given away lives about two hours from me. He works long hours and when he comes, he's too tired and doesn't feel like dealing with it except to say it can be gone...So, I wind up still keeping it. it's mostly motorcycle gear and we no longer have motorcycles. Some things have gone on our local marketplace, but, not enough!
My brother was a level 5 hoarder.....he had items stored all over in his friends houses and a large quantity in my parents’ home....their attic and basement were packed and he even built an extra shed in their yard to shove stuff in. (He was an “odd jobs” kind of guy so he never had a consistent income or a consistent place to live). Well, after my Dad died my mom decided to sell the house and it forced my brother to clear all that stuff out (my sister was crazy enough to let him move in with her and he proceeded to fill her garage, basement, attic and yard!). After he died it took us 3 years to clear all that stuff! Not sure my point of this story other than some people really have a disease and have difficulty getting rid of things and my discovery in this experience is that he was never able to use any of the stuff and much of it was destroyed by being piled up and stored improperly. It is really a sad thing when you are frozen like that. TYFS this is truly a healing and supportive channel! ❤️🦋💜
I'm overdosing on you and Peter Walsh today. My son and Granddaughters who live with me, are away for a week and I feel it's a good opportunity to declutter without someone talking me out of getting rid of things. In NJ, I lived in an 1100 SF home with full basement, so basically 2200 SF of space. It was packed full. Dumpstered almost everything when we moved to SC for retirement. Now, I'm in a 2400 SF home with son and 2 Granddaughters, a dog, no basement, widowed for almost 6 years and this place is also packed 19 years later. It's gotten worse since my husband passed because now it's his stuff, I'm just beginning to part with. I'm hoping to get some traction this week. Wish me luck. At my age, I don't need this stress.
I agree! After our 33-year-old son was killed in an accidental fall, I could not go through pictures until 6 years later. When I finally started, my daughter, my husband and I cried and laughed and talked about memories. We cleared out a lot of photos that were duplicates, bad photos, or just didn't spark a good memory or any memory. It was the best thing for us to do. It was overwhelming but we were all so relieved and happy with the photos we did keep.
I'm so sorry
So sorry.
When I moved out of home, every time my parents visited my new house they brought a box or two of my things. Until everything was out of their house 😂
That’s actually a really smart way to do it! That way they don’t have to be burdened with your stuff, and as they get older and downsize/pass away that’s less boxes for you to sift through. Plus, you get delivered one box at a time and have the opportunity to sort through them purposely one by one instead of getting overwhelmed with a whole truck full.
I have bins in my parents’ crawl space and while I have been digging in them to find stuff to get rid of, I should force myself to take one box out at a time and really hyper focus to deal with it
My parents kept my room almost exactly the same for years after I moved out. I took the initiative myself to pare down the stuff they had there.
I've never understood why parents store their adult children's belongings - in some cases for many years. I have friends who have had to clear their own stuff out of their parents' house after their parents died - it had been left there, untouched, for decades! When I left home at 23, I was expected to take everything with me - anything that was left behind got donated. (If your child is a missionary, or homeless or a college student, that's different, but if they are adult enough to have their own home, they're surely adult enough to take charge of their own possessions!)
Before I got rrid of my children's things that I was storing( sentimental stuff) I asked them to come over and choose anything they wanted to keep for them or their children. Then I chose one favourite book and toy from each child, plus one piece of school artwork and one piece of clothing.And put in a memory box. For myself.
Neither of my children were interested in any of it nor the grandkids.
So I gave myself permission to let go of the rest of these things. I have no regret and it has given me a whole lot of extra space now. ❤
I would like to say that Dawn has had years of decluttering/downsizing experience to understand what works for her. Honestly we cannot reach that level in a couple of weeks or months. Keep peeling that onion!
You are right. I have been doing this almost two years….😮
Taking photos of sentimental items is one of my favorite tips for letting go. One photo of a tabletop or bedspread full of items can be a treasure trove of memories. : - ) ❤
I've been taking individual photos and adding text to it to remind myself why it was sentimental. But maybe taking 1 huge collection picture would be better 😅. Can't help but think I'll have to declutter my images one day too hahah
, yes, yes! I've always loved the idea of taking photos, and then getting rid of the actual stuff. I'm always surprised more people don't suggest this. It's so efficient and helpful😀
I found a way to keep some of my sentimental clothes . I used the material from these clothes to make quilts for my beds. And a few curtains. And some chair covers. I love the patchwork cottage look!! So not only have I saved money on not buying new bedding and curtains etc. but I can still look at my favourite clothes that had lovely patterns. And my wardrobe is now decluttered. ❤😊
BRAVO!! 👏👏👏Even if I knew how to sew this is the kind of project that would probably sit in a bin unstarted for decades. Kudos to you! : - )
Wow, this brought back memories! I moved out of my parents’ house when I was 19: loaded up everything that was mine into my hatchback Mustang and left, 1 trip. About 3 years later, my parents were moving about 350 miles away. My mom called me at work and demanded that I come and get “the rest of (your) stuff”. I told her I already took all of my stuff, but she insisted I come and get it. Just to get her off the work phone, I said OK, but I did go there after work. There was a whole pile of very worn out Barbie dolls and play stuff that had been passed to my 8 years younger sister, without my permission, many years earlier, along with 2 boxes of children’s books, books that had always been on the shelf in the family “library.” I clearly remember taking a deep breathe, resolving not to exchange angry words, and loaded it all into my car. The books went to the public library. Everything else went in the dumpster. I hadn’t thought about any of that in at least 40 years…
I realize that people are at various income levels and may really want to sell clothes but I recommend people give them away. I retired from a job where I had to wear suits and dresses. I decided to donate all those clothes except for a couple of dresses to a church sale. At the sale I was so pleased to see women buying these dresses and suits for only a few dollars. They were so happy to have found them. It made my heart happy!
Agree. My aunt is the person who will come over with the cutest outfit on and she'll be like "Salvation Army! This top still had the tags on it!" So I always about her and the excitement about her amazing finds. If I didn't donate nice stuff, other people can't have that "amazing deal for exactly what I needed" stories. ☺️💙 Same for me - if someone never donated the cute little wall shelf or perfect basket, I wouldn't be able to redo my boys' room simply with "finds"! Helps a lot! 💚
I read somewhere once that woman's shelters could also use office attire. The women staying there often have very little and need clothing for job interviews.
I still had a lot of clothes from when I was working. I saw that the college nearby was looking for professional clothing that students could wear when they went on interviews. It made me happy to know that the clothes I donated would be helpful to someone who was just starting their career.
That's great!❤
Many of us have a time in life when we are so glad to have thrift stores to get the things we need, and then our circumstances change and we give nice things to the same thrift stores, knowing what it can mean to someone on a tight budget.
I really appreciate you having us compare what matters most--I would MUCH rather NOT spend my time managing "stuff".
“Grieving a season of our life…”. That is exactly what I’ve been dealing with after retiring from a long legal career. It’s tough and it’s more than just clothes…
Yes, we can get stuck for YEARS trying to get our homes organized if we do not know the role of clutter and how to declutter-how I wish I had found out about minimalism back when we started getting overwhelmed. Overwhelm can happen both over time, and quickly such as a person with all their own stuff moving in with you or a person dying and all their stuff ending up in your home-if you don't know the part about limiting what comes in to your house before it happens. A special nightmare is if you end up with someone else's disorganized business and financial and legal documents that have to be sorted, used in court, and destroyed-all without a guideline (written!)about what even exists or where to find it. The departed person knew it all in their head, it can takes years to unravel if they do not leave written instructions, and thousands in storage fees while you try to locate the important documents in a paper hoard of huge proportion. If you are the paper owner, leave a "cheat sheet"with someone trusted, and if someone asks you to be executor, do not be shy about asking exactly what you would need to know and where things are. If things look complicated, have them meet with you with a lawyer to either assure you that things are under control, or set up a process to get it under control before you agree to be the executor.
Excellent advise. This happened to a friend whose husband passed away suddenly with lots of documents and no instructions on how to close the business. She had to figure all this out while still grieving.
This video came just when I really needed it. Our first child just moved out and I felt like a super hard mum when I said. No you empty your room, leave nothing in there but furniture you don’t want but here is a storage shelf unit in our storage area space you may fill this for anything you would like to leave. Thankyou for the reassurance this video has given me :)
I think that is a blessing, although I am sure that it was REALLY hard to do. They are choosing to move out, and that will help them to feel like they have begun their new life fully.
Honestly, you did your kid a service ❤
I just discovered that some pillows turn crunchy when stored too long. They were kept for years 'just in case' and never ever used, just blocked most of the upper storage in a closet and self destructed!
Great timing for going through adult children's stuff. We have adult children whom live far away. I've sent phone pics of the thier items & ask if they want. If so, we mailed the items. If not, I donate, recycle or trash. I did this with other family members items too. Soon, we will get our car into the garage which is our goal & mental clarity. Thanks for your videos. They are so helpful.
Good idea! I have things in my basement that my brother saved from our parents’ house that he never took home with him across the country. I sent a box once, but I should do what you suggest, or maybe his future Christmas presents from me could be me shipping some items to him!
"Grief demands a witness." Interesting...thanks Dawn 😘
May I please make a suggestion for those women with work attire to find a home for.Please donate them to women’s shelters for abused women who are entering the workforce again.The clothes are greatly needed and will be appreciated. I was abused and left & ended up on disability but I know they have a special thrift store that A woman s place gives u $ to spend at their store so u end up with free clothes for work. I was helped by getting toiletries and household items. It’s away to help other women and get rid of ur stuff. I’m sure you can find a place in ur area.A Woman s place In Doylestown,Pa. I know there’s places all over. Thanks
Dawn, you answered these questions with such kindness and consideration. Bless you.
Great topic both my kids moved to Florida twenty years ago. I decided to join them and when I
Cleaned out my home. I made
Each of them a bin
of all the “goodies” that belonged to them and brought to them and delivered to their homes. It was then their responsibility.
I'm doing the same for my two young adults...they can then decide for themselves.
I am struggling with adult children and their stuff! Thanks for covering this topic. We have been storing my daughter’s whole apartment in our house for two years thinking in a couple months she would be moving out. Housing affordability etc. is making it really difficult for young people to afford housing and pay off college etc. I appreciate your insight on this subject Dawn!
This is one of your best podcasts. I've had good friends telling that I'm under no obligation to keep my adult son's stuff. Well, he's married and lives in an apartment with his wonderful wife. We have TONS of storage space. And he's an only child. (Rules are different for them.) I like the idea of establishing limits and storing thing in bins to make it look better.
One day, I was going to visit my son and his wife in another town.
I filled up my station wagon with his stuff….so much, it could be seen through the windows!
( I did keep a few items I want him to decide about when more mature.)
His face when he saw my car was one of shock!
We emptied my car ….he and his wife went through everything…right then and there! It was nice to go through it with him.
His stuff is not in my home anymore!
I keep plugging away as I have the bandwidth to do so, and I’ve come a long way. Keep going. It’s worth it. I still have a ways to go, but the letting go so that I can live in peace and not in clutter feels pretty darn good. Thanks to Dawn and others who cheerfully shine their light and walk their talk for encouragement and inspiration along the way! 🕊🌿🌷
One of the most helpful podcasts I’ve ever listened to!!!!! Thank you, Dawn!!
Oh, I needed Pam's accent today!!!❤❤❤ Thanks for referencing Peter Walsh! You and Cas this week, 🏆🏆
I loved her accent too! ❤
The silent to do list. This was a revelation for me. I had no idea how much stuff was taunting me. There are so many categories this invisible troll lives. Dishes for entertaining, crafts, clothes etc. It turns on a light bulb of self awareness and I love the term you used "override". Yes! Stop the troll and embrace the current season. Treasure the past and be excited for the future.
The concept of silent to do list has been such a game changer for me! It made me understand why I felt so restless in my own home.
Truth!
Thank you for the very specific advice on how to sort sentimental items! I've listened to a lot of your videos and podcasts, but for some reason this one really resonated with me and will help me with sorting boxes of old family photos. I'm semi-retired and not quite ready to downsize yet, but I want to make it easier when we do, and make it easier for our kids, should something happen to us. Thank you so much for the good and valuable work that you do, Dawn! ❤
Just thinking how funny it is that we all think that “something might happen”. It will happen to all of us. We only have right now. So let’s get busy. Donna
Well, I've never felt like you've been listening to our conversation until now! 😂 My husband just asked if we could get ride of an old tea set that I've had since I was a little girl and I said "NO!!! IVE HAD THAT SINCE I WAS A KID!!!" But we have boys and they don't have much interest in it...
I'm sure a little girl somewhere will have a great time with the set. Just as you had as a little girl ❤
Save it to have tea with your future granddaughters 🥰
I think one part is asking yourself, "Do I love this and want it around?" and the question Dawn read from Peter Walsh's book " What kind of feelings does it bring up?" In the TYHB course that Dawn, Dana and Cas do, one take away I always remember is "If it's all special then none of it is special" so keep what you love but don't keep everything.
Oh my…God’s timing! This is what I worked on this morning and I now have several totes for my adult children to go through!!
I am so grateful for the advice and inspiration you and others give. I have been following your advice for years and am so much more at peace with my environment. In reference to the 333 wardrobe method, just today I counted the items for this season, I was surprised that it was exactly 33. I’m retired, an artist, and still volunteer, and actually think I could downsize even more. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
The last thing left to declutter, and I’m embarrassed by my dread and procrastination is photos. My adult children want me to keep everything yet don’t have any interest in helping or storing it. I’ve already made the two older ones three albums each from their childhood. I want to make an album or two for the youngest. But that means facing shelves of boxes! Dread!…..
One bite at a time!
Wow! *CONGRATULATIONS* on having a 33 piece wardrobe and only *ONE category left to clutter!* That is amazing and inspiring!!! 👏🏆👏 For tasks I dread, some things it helps to remind myself of (that you may/probably already know! : - ) are:
1) Reminding myself how GOOD I will feel when I'm done!😃
2) Diving in for just 5 or 10 minutes with a timer to break the inertia barrier
3) Scheduling time on the calendar with a reminder alarm AND (very important)...
4) Temptation bundling with something I LIKE doing immediately afterwards!📺🍰
5) Making a fast first pass looking for only the easy yeses and nos (the Onion Method)
6) Giving myself permission to create a truly awful first draft because it always feels easier to make it better once I've got something to work with
I am so inspired by your success, and am rooting for you to cross that glorious finish line! 🤩Kudos again, and *THANK YOU* for the inspiration!❤
You make a lot of sense Dawn. Thank you. I am here watching this again. This video is one of the very best that I am going to watch it over and over. Thank you Dawn. xxx
Haven’t watched yet but this is so timely. I’m already a minimalist but things have crept in and I am in the process right now decluttering to downsize and my sentimental items are the hardest to tackle.
With love and hugs to you and your family from us. Really so sorry to read that you lost your son and that you could look at his photos again. Xxx
My “clutter threshold” has changed drastically since I’ve been decluttering. I def feel it going into other peoples homes, but more so in my own! I find myself getting frustrated when I can’t keep things neat, or bring in new stuff. It’s a dichotomy of liking a clear space and stress to keep it that way .. thoughts ? 🤔
Speaking to sentimental things that remind us of difficult or sad times, we lost our son to a drunk driver 37 years ago and when I look through all those things I’ve kept from that time like the accident report, autopsy, newspaper items, obituary, I am so sad and they bring back all those horrible feelings again. But I would feel guilty if I let them go. It would seem like I was trying to forget him. So I’m caught in between. Those are not things I want to remember about him. How do I let them go? Donna
I'm so sorry for your loss. That is so awful. I can tell just by your comment that you could never forget your son. ❤
Sometimes accepting our ambivalence and not forcing things is the most compassionate thing to do. If the documents don't take up much space, you could seal them in an envelope with a joyful picture of your son on the front as a reminder that the way he died isn't his whole story. Making electronic copies using your phone or a scanning service and keeping them on a separate thumb drive is another option for this.
To let go of the documents completely, perhaps you could think of it as a way of honoring your son and letting the joy and good he experienced and shared take precedence over the way he died.
Of course you will never forget the way he passed, and acknowledging the way trauma can overshadow the good doesn't mean you're abandoning him. It can be a way of reclaiming the fullness of his life.
Whether or not you're religious, having a ceremony where you burn the documents and symbolically release your son's suffering and think of him at peace could be healing. If you have people who also grieve him (or simply support you) you could have a celebration of life afterwards, and share stories of your son.
Creating a photo album, collage, or written recollection of your son's best experiences and joys to symbolically take the place of the painful documents could also be another way of affirming his life and memory.
Hugs to you. I wish you peace. ❤
Thank you so much for the reply. I think I’m ready to let them go. I know my husband is. Our lord and savior Jesus Christ got us through that awful experience and has sustained us through the years. Bless you for your words of encouragement and suggestions. Donna
@@MikeyDonna I am so sorry for your loss, and I can understand how hard it must be to let go of anything connected with your son's life. But you don't need to feel any guilt at letting go of things that raise bad memories. Your son would surely want you to focus on all the good memories of his life, all the happy times and the joy. Since you know Jesus, perhaps ask Him to give you peace about letting go of these documents, so that you don't carry the burden of them any longer.
I feel so sorry for your loss 💚 No words can cover the feelings you must have around this. Mu caught erred leukaemia for 3 years when she was very little (from 1 to 4 years old) and even thought she got well and survived the illness I still have so mixed feelings around things, memories, images etc. from the period. That's around 10 years ago so I feel with you.
I think my best piece of advice would be to sit down and have a conversation out loud with your son around the topic 💚Ask him about the different times you consider getting rid of, describe how/why the thought of getting rid of them makes you feel guilty. And ask him specifically what he thinks about each item (or group of items). What he thinks would be your benefit and your challenge if your keep or get rid of them. And what you would suggest for you to do about them.
It can be very effective to talk out load ands maybe even swop chairs when you talk as yourself and as your son. It will probably emotionally and then describe this to your son and ask him what he thinks os it. The more questions you can ask him, the more safe you will feel if you decide to get rid of somme of the things. You can imagine him both the age he had when you lost him and the age he would how now. Feel free to mix the two ages in the conversation however it feels most helpful to you. Maybe even make it a warm and comforting conversation between the three of you: Yourself, your son at the age where you lost him and the age he would be now - if you have picture him in your mind 💚
Sending you all the best love and courage 😘 Best from Susanne
@@MikeyDonna I'm so glad you feel ready to let the documents go. Wishing you peace and many joyful memories of your son. Blessings to you. ❤
I love this so much!!
"Wasting" inventory imho would be tossing it in the trash. Donating isn't wasting. It's letting someone else use it, even if your donation center sends it to Haiti or Uganda. If we think we're helping someone else, it's so easy to donate.
Sentimental items are hard, but if the clutter bugs you, that's a negative sentiment. I've offered so much stuff to my kids, and if they don't want it, I don't want them to have to go through it when I die. The container method is great, comparing is fabulous.
I love you very much. Love takes up zero space!😂
Dawn, thank you so much for all your videos. It's helping me so much in decluttering. We live in only 65 sq meters with 2 children. It's such a mess. And it's getting better thanks to you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you 😊😊😊
Love your talks❤❤
I think this video helped me the most out of all your videos! And they’ve all been super helpful! This one finally helped things click into place, mentally and emotionally for me 🥰🥰Thank you!
This is a great podcast Dawn. It addresses all of my recent issues. 😇
Dawn, you are absolutely the best person ❤. I have to stop procrastinating.
This is really good advice. Very timely for me.
I so appreciate the theme of this podcast ❤❤❤❤
Thank you for sharing.💞
Thank you Dawn. Your videos have helped me so much. I already had been trying to keep clutter down, but didn’t have the right tools or mindset. The tips you give and the quotes to help with our thinking has done so much. God bless ❤
I am a subscriber of your main You tube channel and have only come a cross a few of these podcast. Today I realized these podcasts are on a different channel and I need to SUBSCRIBE to this channel also. thanks for all your help and info.
I always appreciate seeing new content by you, Dawn. So, it’s a personal thing, but I really like this format. It seems so highly produced, the way it’s introduced in the beginning. I don’t mean to be critical, I’m just expressing my own personal preference. I know that TH-cam puts pressure on you to continue to put more and more and more content out, so I understand how you’re chopping up live Q&A‘s.
Perfect timing..we have sentimental items ive kept from my childrens childhood...now they are adults they can decide if they want them or not....just need them to get their stuff out of the loft!!!
This was all VERY GOOD, thank you!!! 😊 I am not exactly on that side of Life, however, I was able to glean from A LOT of what you were saying Dawn. SO GOOD!!! 💛
Well said, thank you. Blessings from Ontario Canada.
I have been listening to you for a fairly short period of time and I absolutely love your videos! They have been helping me so much! But I have a situation that I don't think is all that unique but I have not found the help that I need. My husband and I have a small homestead and I feel like we have stuff everywhere! We try to be self-sufficient which means that we cook from scratch all meals I sew, he fixes things, we have animals. So to fit this lifestyle I have a lot of sewing materials, he has a lot of tools, we have a ton of gardening supplies, we have a ton of canning supplies, we have five gallon buckets full of flour and rice and all the Staples. We save everything! We have jars for storing, we have supplies for soap making we have I kind of cookware. Help! I am overwhelmed with the amount of stuff and where do we put it all. These are not things that we want to get rid of because they are really really are things that we use. We may not use them on a daily basis, although a lot of times we do, we at least use them on a weekly or monthly basis. I have been going through things like my clothes and I've gotten rid of a ton of that. I am currently going through jewelry and getting rid of a ton of that but as far as homesteading type things I just don't know how to keep it all under control.
It sounds like maybe you need to build a shed for the items that would be safe stored outside. That way you wouldn't have to see them every day.
It always feels good to check off everything on the list. Your nail look cute!!❤
This was very helpful to hear for me. I'm older myself, and an only child... I seem to have become the keeper of Mom's things, Dad's things, both grandmas, and my adult kids..... on top of all of that, a friend started using my 2 homes for his storage, ( I did not know he was a hoarder when it started). Just yesterday, with help, I got his things out...but now there is the next level of *keepsakes*. I really want to throw everything away, just for the freedom, and yet I know better than that. Working up slowly to this next...layer. It's not been easy ...praying that it will become easier fast..lol
My decluttering is stuck at kids things...sentimental cards I wont part with (they can one day) papers they got great marks on, essays, etc that were cute and touching. I wish my mom kept more of those things. But I did downsize clothes and shoes and purses well.
GEMS GALORE in this video: Investing time in decluttering pays dividends for YEARS in *FREEDOM* from The Silent To-Do List of I "should" work on the garage or kitchen or... 11:40 *"You have to decide what is your bigger fear: [...] that you might someday need those clothes [...], or [...] I'm going to waste these years ahead trying to still get my house in order and not actually getting to enjoy a peaceful home."*
I do agree with downsizing clothing, but disagree that it's easy to replace. When I was teaching, clothing was a HUGE part of my budget. And I was very minimal in what I purchased. Being professional clothing, it wasn't easy to build that wardrobe. We moved 7 months ago and I was shocked by the amount of children's clothes in the attic. I went from 7 boxes to one for all three kids. Felt good!
I recently went through all my clothes, and even tried stuff on, and let go of a lot..... but I need to do it again, because some of the "keep" decisions I made, are not comfy or "good" today. Just this morning, I let go of a couple of pairs of socks that were full of holes. I have recently been doing much better and my mindset is slowly changing.... so I notice clutter and how it makes me feel, more and more... and when I enter a home that is tidy and clutter free It feels so much "Calmer"... (but in some cases it's also less "Cozy", but I still prefer that "Calm" feeling to the Extreme overwhelm and other negative feelings I have now).
Anyway, good podcast.
Hi, it's mom-
Now that you have moved out you have 45 days to get your stuff and I am happy to donate whatever is left behind for you. 😊
Thank You.
Great video, such Helpful Tips!
timely & appreciated... mahalo nui
Every time I hear the male voice introducing your podcast, I think it sounds exactly like Kurt Wallace!
Good for you for expanding your streams of income! Did you use a voice-changing program for the intro or did you get someone to do that for you?
It sounds like her husband to me. : - )
Both of my parents were hoarders and unsuitable to store things safely, for me. I ended up throwing everything away, mostly from my childhood. As a millennial, I've moved, and lived in 25 houses in 16 years, in 3 countries. If your child doesn't own a house, being the safe place for them to store their things, gives them a chance to gain wealth, so they're not rebuying appliances and furniture every few years. There's no security in the housing market, so by giving your kids a safe place to keep their belongings, builds the relationship. Don't touch the things they've made safe, focus on your own projects, instead of turning your child's security into your project,it will ruin trust and they'll lose their safe place.
If a parent has the privilege of owning a house, but can't lend a cupboard to help their family, they deserve to spend their holidays alone.
I was just thinking about the 33 peice wardrobe the other day, and I was wondering if undergarments are included in the # .. haha are they?
No it isn’t
I think it's ok to be concerned about being wasteful. It's ok to have a yard sale, or donate to a worthy cause. Like dress for success. But we don't have to get rid of everything just to buy it again. That just seems wasteful to me.
Definitely! But it’s been real about what you really need. I don’t think anyone is suggesting to get rid of items that people use/need, more that if you make wrong decision you would be able to replace it. I’ve decluttered over 70% of my stuff over a year ago and not found anything yet I need to rebuy.
How do i feel about an item is what i always say to myself or what i ask if im helping someone else go thru things. Usually the answer to that question tells us what we need to do with the item.
Pick two or three of the most special items. Get rid of the rest. Stop living in the past. Memories are in your head and heart, not in objects.Will you forget your Mom or Dad or kids if you no longer have their old possessions? Nope.
33 items is a ridiculous concept! It is different for each person depending on eg how often you wash your clothes, do you use dryer or air dryer, do they need ironing and how often do you iron, how often do you wear clothes before putting in the dirty bin etc.. you need to work out % time for each type of clothing eg sport, work, house, garden, nightware, etc and add in the above to the calculation... then you have your perfect number of items needed.
It's not ridiculous, it jus might not work for you (it doesn't for me! Still think it's a great concept)
@@beans4853 it is ridiculous. There is NO science or logic thinking behind the 33 items.. it is just an arbitrary number! The personal % calculation method has logic and reasoning.
@@rebeccarendle3706 True, that makes a lot of sense and probably works very well for many. Others need a set number first to work towards and then tweak it as needed. Project 333 has become very popular for a reason. It obviously resonates with a lot of people
@@beans4853 Of course! That is because many people just like "being told what to do and being handed a solution on a silver plate" instead of investing the time and energy at the start to optimise a concept that fits their personal lifestyle ie. from the get-go!
There is a larger percentage of the worlds population who think efficiently and like to work logically.
But I do agree that for the American society that has only recently (since Con Marie) discovered the concept of "living within your means, with less and debt free" and are starting to move away from the "American Dream" of excessive hyper-consumerism, maybe the 333 is a good starting point.
@@rebeccarendle3706 I hear your point and there's some truth to it, of course. However, not everyone utilizes this method, only those to whom it resonates and fits their personal lifestyle. Many also take the general concept and choose a different number that works for them. There are many decluttering methods going around and people are putting a lot of energy into researching and finding one that works for them. Besides the fact that actually achieving the goal is hard work! I don't really see how that is 'being told what to do and handed a solution on a silver platter'
Her professional clothes are part of her identity. Tossing that part of her identity would be difficult.
A
i am trying to fine you book where can i get it ?
It’s called Let it Go by Peter Walsh, you can find it on Amazon!
@@MinimalMomPodcast no the book you made i like to get your,s the one you wrote this one and was selling it just a little bit a go !
@@ellenwiley9692the one she and Diana worked on together?
That one is Decluttering by Faith
@@ellenwiley9692 Both her current books can be purchased through the Products page of her website at www.theminimalmom.com/all-products. This includes her spiral-bound decluttering workbook that I purchased but haven't read yet because I love her videos so much! D'oh! ; - )
*Promo sm* 👍
That intro/narration guy is a bit condescending.
Thanks, Dawn!
A long time fan of Peter Walsh, he has helped me declutter years ago. Nice you showed his book. Enjoyed this video so much you are so good and teaching, explaining, inspiring, thank you!
Great podcast! I sometimes think of things I decluttered that were sentimental and become sad I no longer see them, then I realize they have a much better home now than being tucked away in a closet! Thanks Dawn!
I remember when i moved into my first home after being away from my hometown for 6 years, every time that i went to visit my parents, my mom had me go through a couple of boxes of my childhood stuff. I looked at it all, reminisced and proceeded to get ride of it all.
I always find something helpful in these videos. *Thank you!* : - ) *SENTIMENTAL ITEM TIPS:*
- Pick a container of a size that's easy to maintain and doesn't feel like a burden
- Choose items you'll cherish that evoke the happiest and most vivid memories
- Put favorites in first to help decide what can go. Having a comparison and a parameter helps.
Hi Dawn. I have been following you for at least 4 years + and I've learned so much from you but my clutter has been through life "crap" for a better word. And to think, I used to be obsessive with organizing and cleaning even when I was a little girl of 8 years old. I liked things to be just so ! I have donated so many clothes and household stuff - I wish I had counted how much left my house but there is so much more to go ! It seems like I move 2 steps forward and 1 step back. I get motivated and make progress and then I get into a slump again. I can only do so much and then I almost panic and then I have to leave the room and have a hard time getting back to it. I don't know what to do to move on to fully declutter my home - so if you have a magical tip that you have up your sleeve please share it. I'm not attached to stuff - I just need the motivation to keep going. You hit the nail on the head when you said, "I'm afraid I'm going to waste my years just trying to get my house in order instead of enjoying a peaceful home".
I go through slumps too. < : - ) The following have really helped me. Some I figured out by chance and haven't seen elsewhere. Wishing you well!
*1) REVERSE Clutter Clearing by picking out what you know for sure you'll need in the coming weeks/couple of months, and pack the rest in boxes to sort in less overwhelming chunks.*
I discovered this trick by chance when a friend and her kids were coming for an extended stay in my small apartment and I had to quickly clear a large amount of space for them.
I used cardboard banker boxes (cheaper than plastic bins) and actually built industrial metal shelving to the ceiling to store them! (And it still wasn't enough!)
A "perk" of my laziness is that having the boxes sit unsorted for literally years (d'oh!) proved that I really didn't need or miss most of the items!
*2) Imagining if you could bring only one suitcase and one box for a permanent move overseas including everything you'll need, from clothes to dishes. What essentials and favorites would you pack (or terribly miss)?*
This helps reveal the things that aren't essential.
*3) Temptation Bundling by doing a little clutter clearing before something I ALREADY do regularly and enjoy.*
Just 5 or 10 minutes with a timer before watching a TH-cam video or TV works well for me. Also combining a Goodwill run with breakfast out at my favorite place, or...
*4) Inviting people over.*
If clutter is in the common areas (vs. easily hidden), inviting someone over on a specific date helps create some urgency and a deadline.
A friend's mom did this regularly to keep herself on track.
*5) Taking Before and After photos repeatedly so you REMEMBER how much progress you're making.*
*6) Searching your photos of the clutter instead of the actual room for items that can go.*
Somehow this clicks my brain into a more objective mode and helps so much!
*7) Taking photos of gifts or sentimental items to make them easier to part with.*
It really is the thought that counts, and a single photo of a bunch of items on a bedspread or table can spark a treasure trove of memories. : - )
This also works for groupings of hard copy photos, cards, kid drawings, etc...(confirm you can zoom in on the master photo for detail, then release with confidence : - ).
*8) Prioritizing clearing and maintaining areas you SEE/use most often.*
Even maintaining things like a single shelf across from the couch or one half of a bathroom counter has provided soothing oases that inspired me to *want* to do more.
*9) Using the Onion Method to remove just the easy stuff to make the volume less overwhelming (obvious no's, recycling, trash, things that triggers bad emotions...).*
Bonus for LARGE items : - )
*10) Trading turns with a friend (or paying someone) to "body double" in person or by FaceTime or Zoom, etc. to help stay on track.*
*11) Investing in a professional organizer*
Can create motivating quick gains, and put in place systems that keep cleared areas from reverting to clutter.
I also loved the self-test on the Clutterbug website for figuring out my organizing style.
*12) Remembering the personal "Clutter Threshold" phenomenon --- the point after which clutter is finally reduced enough that things becomes easier to maintain.*
Hearing that for Dawn and others it was 80% of their stuff helps me persist because I want a peaceful, easy-to-maintain home so badly.
Good luck to you! 😃🌈🍀
@laurabotts4064 Oh my gosh, I just remembered seeing what looked like multiple versions of someone's edited comment in my feed, and I'm mortified! *Apologies* if my additions/edits to my list created multiple notifications! 🤪🙃
This is wonderful! Thx! And thx to Dawn!!!
I dread getting to the sentimental stuff, but this podcast will help. 😊
I’ve become fairly good at decluttering thanks to your channel. 😊 However, I have a few sentimental items from my childhood that I can’t seem to part with. They are toys made by my father. When I downsized to a condo, I thought I would display them, but they don’t really blend with the decor, so they are stored in my closet. I’ve also chosen to keep them “Justin Case” my young adult daughter has children one day. These toys would be charming for young kids to play with. We just had a conversation about me getting rid of items she won’t want and I no longer need, but she agreed to keep these 3 toys. They are handmade mouse houses (City mouse and Country mouse) and a wooden doll sized cradle. My daughter has no attachment to her Boyd’s Bears or American Girl dolls, so those are going to donation. Good for her for being clear!
Could you display these favorite toys that your dad made on a shelf in a closet? You would get a little spark of joy whenever you open the closet! Marie Kondo mentioned that she hung some favorite posters in a closet that she loved but that she didn’t want to have out for everyone to see.
@@tgayer1 oh my gosh! I LOVE that idea so much it made me tear up. 🥹❤️. I definitely have space on a shelf to open the mouse houses to display the interiors. Brilliant idea. Thank you! ❤️
You talk so fast it makes me nervous. Can't listen. Sure you have good info, but I just can't.
On you tube, go to settings and change the speed to fit your needs. she has great information. I hope this helps you enjoy hers and other videos. 🙏🙂
I had stuff at my parents home.
My experience was: My Dad called and said “Come get your stuff.”
End of story.
Where I am at now...Adult children storage and a friend storage...What is neat and organized, and useful or worth while, I don't mind, I have space. What gets me down tho, is what will no longer be used, what was abandoned for me to take care of. I am having a difficult time trying to get them to pay attention to what I want gone, what is just wasting away. We talk about it, but they put it off.......Next time.....
Sounds like your space has the function of the time will tell bin. And according to Dawn, the time will tell bin needs an ultimatum 😉
Good luck!
They need a deadline. Someone else commented that they text photos of the items to the owners and get a keep or not keep response. Then she mails them the things they want and donates the rest. Shipping can be expensive, so maybe don’t go that route...unless the owner is willing to pay for it!
@@rdb4996 Yes, good way to put it!
@@tgayer1 The son who most of the sports stuff will go to to be sold or given away lives about two hours from me. He works long hours and when he comes, he's too tired and doesn't feel like dealing with it except to say it can be gone...So, I wind up still keeping it. it's mostly motorcycle gear and we no longer have motorcycles. Some things have gone on our local marketplace, but, not enough!
My brother was a level 5 hoarder.....he had items stored all over in his friends houses and a large quantity in my parents’ home....their attic and basement were packed and he even built an extra shed in their yard to shove stuff in. (He was an “odd jobs” kind of guy so he never had a consistent income or a consistent place to live). Well, after my Dad died my mom decided to sell the house and it forced my brother to clear all that stuff out (my sister was crazy enough to let him move in with her and he proceeded to fill her garage, basement, attic and yard!). After he died it took us 3 years to clear all that stuff! Not sure my point of this story other than some people really have a disease and have difficulty getting rid of things and my discovery in this experience is that he was never able to use any of the stuff and much of it was destroyed by being piled up and stored improperly. It is really a sad thing when you are frozen like that. TYFS this is truly a healing and supportive channel! ❤️🦋💜
WOW!!!
SO much great advice!!
You have SO many great videos and podcasts!!
Thanks for all that you share!!
❤