Learn more about our membership group here (and your free Capture + Complete Planner when you sign up now!): www.theminimalmom.com/mentorship-group *planners available while supplies last! I love you and am excited for the year to come! We've got this! - Dawn
Thanks for sharing! Looking for advice: My wallet on OKX has some USDT, and I thave the seed phrase. (clean party soccer advance audit clean evil finish tonight involve whip action)..What’s the best way can I sharing transferring them to moving them?
My husband was not on board with decluttering, but then I got him to agree to let me do the kitchen and the living room spaces. I let him have the garage and the office to keep whatever he wanted to. Once he saw how much less stress we had in the decluttered spaces, he started minimizing all of his items. Now he has less clothing than me and is constantly telling me things I can take to donate.
This is the way. Lead by example, become inspiring. I’m helping my mother with this because she seems really overwhelmed by all the stuff my parents own. I told her to start with HER clothes, HER spaces. Hoping my father follows suit once he sees how much better she feels from decluttering her own spaces within the home.
I was at my mom’s yesterday and she had 3 trash bags of donation ready to go out the door. I asked her about it and she said being at my house makes her want to declutter. It made me feel go good!
I grew up in a farm family but my folks were married in the early thirties and received sterling tableware and Johnson’s English Blue willow ware china as wedding gifts. Every day of my childhood the table was set with those nice things! Mom said her family was always more important than saving the good china for some special occasion!
I found your TH-cam a couple of months ago and my husband and I have decluttered 85% of the house and we are loving life ❤ it’s really improved our life’s and mindset oh and the money we’re not spending x
I love the "I hired this to do a job" mentality. But sometimes I love the item so much, even though it's worn out, out of style, doesn't fit, etc. So I added the mindset of, "It did its job well. It deserves to retire." midnset. It helps me not feeling like I"m insulting the item if I "retire" it. I'm laughing because I've always thought the concept of "thank it for it's service" was dumb, but realize this is similar. But it helps me. It's either not doing it's job or it's not doing its job any longer.
Dawn, thank you for doing a video when you are obviously sick! I want to thank you so much. I joined you tyhb course, but started watching every one of your videos about 5 years ago. There are others, but you, more than anyone else have transformed my home! Over a 3 year period i had about 5 bulk trash pickups and i have almost everything organized and labelled. Having trouble keeping house nice because still have too much stuff. I am doing a no buy, except for toiletries, groceries and gifts. Ive set up an entire plan in a bullet journal and i have to get rid of 500 more things and use up all of my duplicates. Thank you for inspiring me every day. You have literally changed my home. ❤️
Hi Dawn, I just wanna say that this Christmas I didn’t need one more Christmas item. I have probably 15 boxes of Christmas stuff. But I went shopping with my friend and I can’t blame it on her but when she’s telling me this is a good buy you won’t get this again it’s a great price it’s half off at 75% off and of course I love the item. I bought probably $300 worth of stuff that I am so mad at myself about for buying. I didn’t need one more thing. But I went in and I purchase things based on the idea of it so cheap. I won’t find it at this price again. But I didn’t need it. I just liked it. The compulsive buying is a major problem for me. I think when I go out with my friend, I’m going to leave my purse in the car and lock it. That way I can’t go and buy things I don’t need. I’m really going to start praying about it too because I am living on a fixed income plus raising my granddaughter I can’t afford to go out and buy things I just don’t need. I have bought multiple Christmas tea towels to decorate my bathrooms with all the stuff I know more needed that and then I needed to fly to the moon and they’re still wrapped up with price tags on. So I’m going to humble myself and go and return them most likely get less for them than what I paid for them but at least I’m getting some money back. I have to tell you the shame and frustration with myself is really high. But it’s time to go on a budget. I love all your ideas you have been incredibly helpful. I am not a minimalist. I do like to decorate, but I have multiples of things like plates and cups and silverware and towels, sheets clothes. 2025 is my year to downsize. Thank you Dawn for being there for us. May God bless you and your family this new year.❤
Hi Dawn, I just wanna say that this Christmas I didn’t need one more Christmas item. I have probably 15 boxes of Christmas stuff. But I went shopping with my friend and I can’t blame it on her but when she’s telling me this is a good buy you won’t get this again it’s a great price it’s half off at 75% off and of course I love the item. I bought probably $300 worth of stuff that I am so mad at myself about for buying. I didn’t need one more thing. But I went in and I purchase things based on the idea of it so cheap. I won’t find it at this price again. But I didn’t need it. I just liked it. The compulsive buying is a major problem for me. I think when I go out with my friend, I’m going to leave my purse in the car and lock it. That way I can’t go and buy things I don’t need. I’m really going to start praying about it too because I am living on a fixed income plus raising my granddaughter I can’t afford to go out and buy things I just don’t need. I have bought multiple Christmas tea towels to decorate my bathrooms with all the stuff I know more needed that and then I needed to fly to the moon and they’re still wrapped up with price tags on. So I’m going to humble myself and go and return them most likely get less for them than what I paid for them but at least I’m getting some money back. I have to tell you the shame and frustration with myself is really high. But it’s time to go on a budget. I love all your ideas you have been incredibly helpful. I am not a minimalist. I do like to decorate, but I have multiples of things like plates and cups and silverware and towels, sheets clothes. 2025 is my year to downsize. Thank you Dawn for being there for us. May God bless you and your family this new year.❤
@snuggleb100 I saw a post of someone who did this exact same thing and decided her frustration was enough to tell her she didn't need to keep it, so she took it back. There's no shame in making better choices even if it's after you made a wrong one. Best of luck to you and happy new year
Amen! Today is a special occasion. My mama rarely used her China and special silver. It was for special occasions. When she passed away, it became mine. It sat in a plastic tote for many years. After listening to you, I had an epiphany. Just use it and enjoy it!!! No regrets.
My mom had such pretty dishes in our corner cabinet growing up. I thought they were fancy and special because we almost never used them. When I was getting married she said I could have the set if I wanted since she knew I admired it. Turns out, she got each piece for free every time she spent X amount on groceries through a promotion. Worth nothing, but I use them everyday and love them!
I had China but had no connection to it it was pretty but it belonged to our homes previous owners and it ended up finding a home with my husband’s aunt and she uses them she loves them
I've been a minimalist for many years and have read/listened to loads of thought on the subject, but I come back to your feed again and again, for YEARS now, for continued inspiration. I think you have a unique delivery and authenticity that speaks to me and thousands of others. True believer.
You have helped me so much. Minimalism is a mind shift. I’m a counselor, but I still come to you for home advice. You are incredible at explaining the value of space and freedom in a home. Whenever I have a question about an item, I hear your voice saying “you have permission to let it go.” Thank you! God bless you and your family. ❤ Sending you all my love from Southern California ❤
I often come to find your most recent videos when I’m feeling overwhelmed at home. You’re so calming, not judgemental, you have room for everyone, you’re gentle and gracious, so kind and I wish I had some of your traits! 😊 Also love how much you smile and laugh! You don’t seem so uptight the way I am 😜 I’m still learning to relax and let go. Thanks for all your videos! You deserve every success!
I totally agree. I once emailed you, Dawn, when I was in the midst of mourning my father's death, and you took the time to video a reply. I was overwhelmed by your spirit, your thoughtfulness and generosity. I cannot say how much I appreciate it.
Children love the idea of taking care of other people. Have them collect clothes and toys that can help another family out. This is really easy to get them on board with. Also, this is a great opportunity to get them talking about events in the community. Fires, tornadoes, even homelessness are all great conversation starters for beginning a family tradition for care packages.
I Really didn't Understand the Less FEELS Better... Until I cleared my kitchen Counters. OMG I KNEW I wanted Cleared counter tops but it was SOOO Refreshing & my Mind Lighten Soooo Much... 👍👏😁 Unfortunately I had to place 5-7 items back but I was able to Appreciate it being cleared. So Yes, the Dopamine Lift IS REAL...
In my continued decluttering journey I was going through a drawer I hadn't gone through in quite awhile. I came across two unopened boxes of my favorite perfume I'd been gifted from my now mother in law when her son and I were dating. I have also had a partly used bottle of the same perfume sitting in my bathroom for ten years 🤦 I loved this perfume so much I was so sparing about using it cuz I wanted to save it and ten years later I still have all this perfume just sitting here in a drawer taking up space. I threw out my half opened bottle opened a new one made sure it still smelled good, thankfully it did, and I now use it on the regular and am enjoying it so much. I have come across many other similar items through out my house through this decluttering journey and it has definitely helped push me to just enjoy my special things and use them whether they could potentially get wrecked or broken or used up. Today is worth making special no doubt 😊 Thank you Dawn for helping me get rid of the stuff that didn't make my day special so I could better enjoy the things that do. Happy new year 🎉
Happy New Year, y'all!!!🎉🧨🎉 For the past 2 days, I've changed the way I start my day. This means I didn't sit on the couch, turn on the TV, and drink my coffee for the first hour while waiting for my morning pain meds to kick in. I always said I like to ease into the day, but.....Inertia begets inertia. When I would do this, I didn't get a good start on whatever I needed/wanted to get done that day until about 2 or 3pm. This meant I didn't make much progress on any given day. Yesterday, I never turned on the TV, not even in the evening when I was finished working. I binged listening to a lot of your videos and podcasts as well as Cas' and Dana's. I focused on catching up on laundry, ran a couple of errands, and continued purging and reorganizing my pantry area. Today, still no TV, for the past 4 hours, the last 2 loads of laundry are in progress, yesterday's laundry has been folded and put away, I've started another donate bag of items, and I'm breaking down cardboard boxes for recycling ♻️ . I need to reset a couple areas in the living room, but I really need to focus on putting together family gifts for our belated Christmas gathering tomorrow and I want to do this before I run out of steam and end up stressing about it. I wish you all the very best in the coming year!! ❤
I have a cup of tea in the kitchen while waiting for my medication to work. This means I can tidy the kitchen or do meal prep before I have to sit down. This makes me feel better as I've at least done something
I started cooking and cleaning around the house around 10 years of age. My mom and I would take turns doing the laundry, cleaning house, making dinner or cleaning up afterwards. It worked out great. I preferred cleaning the house over laundry. 😂. I still had plenty of time to play. We only had 5 TV channels and watched shows as a family. No computers or cell phones. Playing outside was the best.
I was just talking about this with my family a few days ago. People had so much more in common back then- such as catch phrases from tv shows we watched. Everyone usually watch the same shows because that’s all the channels there were. We played outside because there were no computer games - or computers. We spoke in person instead of texting, so we didn’t hide our personality behind words. Yes, life was different and in many ways better. Technology is a double edged sword. It’s both good and bad. People are losing real communication skills that make us interact with other people. It’s sad. ❤
That’s awesome! I’m a recently retired school counselor. I cannot believe how most of my students have no chores and are being taught nothing about taking care of their home, their own laundry, etc.😢😢 Such a waste of valuable life lessons.
I love waking up to a clean bedroom, even more to coming home to a clean kitchen and dining table. Not an always but a more often than not. Thank you dawn
I cleaned my daughter room today and got rid of 9 garbage bags of stuff. It’s so refreshing! I’ve been following you for months and months. I’ve bought things you advertise and take alot of your advice. It feels amazing to throw stuff away!! You are amazing!!!❤
Stocking up needs real thought and maintenance just like minimalism. I have done it for decades, saves me tons of money. But I'm calculated in buying decisions, and super organized.
For caregivers: Seek out your hospital social worker. They may be able to recommend respite care, in home nurse visits, etc. You seriously need all the helpers and support you can get.
I am new to the decluttering mindset and it has made a world of difference in just a few short weeks! I will say, I have a family of 10 (7 kids, my husband and my father in law) and holding on to some things has been such a life saver. I've held on to all of the clothes my older kids have outgrown for my younger children. It can be a source of stress, but as long as I keep it organized, it is quite the boon! I've saved a lot of money not having to buy a new wardrobe every season. And my kids get to see favorite or loved items be loved again. I also stockpile as much food as I can, but I cook from scratch and that is a huge benefit as well. The fine China, maybe might find a new home.
De-cluttering Tips I learned recently: 1. It is wise and it’s ok to say, “I made a mistake when I let this ….. enter my home or closet. It is time for it to leave my care.” 2. Take away any emotional attachment to items!
I agree about getting rid of mistake purchases. We feel that if we get rid of them we are wasting money ,but the money has already been wasted.Every time you see the item you feel negative feelings, and it is just taking up valuable space.
Ive learned a lot from watching your vids for several years. I go back to them to be reinspired when i hit a snag. Like now. I packed away all the christmas stuff and realized i didnt actually use it all. Some remained in the totes. Now im even rethinking what goodies i packed away, and maybe its time to retire a bunch of things. Ill still keep what i want, but there are plenty of decorations i dont really want to manage any longer. Heading towards 74, and i know, besides my real favorites, i dont need all these things, and my son really wouldn't want them. Why not retire more thoughtfully? You and your community with their questions and comments have inspired me to really lighten the load. Thank you Dawn and thanks to this wonderful community. 💕 😊
I’m not sure if I can totally be a minimalist, but my goodness, you inspire me soooooo much, lovely lady! I’m going to make some changes in working toward it!
Tip 2 reminded me of a book, "Red Sails to Capri", that my siblings dramatized several years ago. One of the characters, when asked why he is celebrating, answers:"...the days of the year pass by..until a big day comes and says 'NOW you may celebrate!' But what if I don't feel like celebrating? What if I feel like making faces at everybody and hiding under the bed? But today, I feel wonderful!..."
This was one of those classic videos I will refer to again and again. The little dial diagram is perfect to explain the idea of how we become overwhelmed with out belongings. Wonderful!! Thank you for all the thought you put into communicating your message.
I was decluttering some photos that are over 20 years old. I didn't want them, but some were of people I'm still friends with on Facebook. Before I got rid of them, I made sure to send photos to the people in them. I made someone's New Year!
❤ Dawn, you have helped us SO much, we had such fun here, decluttered estimated 75% and are so happy now. Watched so many of your videos and you are the only one, who really reached us!
Dawn, I just love listening to you so much! I've been in such a funk and you are just what I needed to hear. Thank you. I pray that you have a year full of blessings. 💕
You have helped our family so much. It took about a year to go through my stuff then our house then our son's stuff, once my husband saw how nice the house looked, he was on board! It's been about 7 years now but it helped me when my mom died and i needed to go through her stuff, now my dad is home alone with a decluttered house and he always says how easy the house is to keep clean. My regret is not helping my mom sooner, i think she would have kept everything but i have so many questions for her about items. All is all, no regrets, my house is so easy to clean!!
I did buy my first piece of clutter last week, but in my defence, it's been in my store for 6 months and I swore I would only buy it if it went on clearance. I figured after a 6 month cooling off period, it was worth the purchase.
I LOVE the Today is a Special Occasion. In my early 20’s ( in the 70s), I splurged on a pair of Faded Glory jeans with rainbow embroidery. They cost so much and were SO special to me that I hardly wore them. I saved them for special occasions until they went out of style 😢
I only stocked up on general school supplies that my kids would often need to replenish during the school year. They were kept in a small plastic tote under my bed. Buying new (and needed) things was part of the fun of back to school shopping.
Thank you, Dawn for all your inspiring and encouraging work! I have been listening to you, Cass, and Dana for a while. In November it finally clicked for me after almost 15 years of trying to declutter. And Cass was right, it takes much more decluttering than you expect to enjoy the real benefits! This Christmas was peaceful, I kept up with the housework much more than ever (despite being busier than ever), no Christmas debt, and actually enjoyed doing puzzles, playing games, reading books with the children instead of spinning wheels and missing out! God bless you! Happy New Year!!
You have just inspired me to toss my resin epoxy craft items. Thank you! They piss me off every time i look at them and now it hit me time to toss. They are fired.
Our home was hit by a tornado 02/28 of this year. We had to store the contents of our home that was spared and take about a tote of belongings per person to our temporary location. Although there are photos and a few sentimental items I look forward to seeing again, I realize we don’t need the majority of our things. Should be an interesting process when we move home in a month or so.
I’m sorry that you went through losing your home and continue to go through it. We also lost our home in a flood in 2011, and it was devastating at the time. We were able to get many of our possessions out, but our life was in totes of many colors for years. I am so sick of the excess baggage from the past. Any ways saying prayers for your new home and your family prosper in 2025!
Dawn, I found you a few years ago and you have helped me so much. My dad had just died and we had just finished cleaning out his house. He was a horder ( my opinion). He still had cancelled checks from the 70s and so much other stuff. I have 2 kids a 27 year old son and a 19 year old daughter who has Down syndrome. After having to go thru all my dads things taken care of I decided I couldn’t leave anything close to that for someone to have to go thru one day. Likely my son due to my daughters limitations. I got rid of so much stuff and it felt so good, especially my mental health which I’ve struggled with for many years. 2024 was very rough for me, lots of medical challenges , multiple surgeries and not much energy so things have crept in and more inventory than I’d like to have, so I’ve been at it again as much as I can and hoping 2025 will be a lil more gentle and I’ll be able to keep things up better because it’s a huge load taken off of me. I’m not a huge “cleaner” but I like things in their place and things straightened up. We live in a single wide moble home so when you walk in, you see multiple rooms. Thank you so much for your videos and you guidance. Lots of love from far Southwest Virginia
You are so wise! And you sound like you have a cold, so get some rest and feel better! No one would describe me a minimalist, and I don’t have a desire to go as far as you. One of the reasons is that I love to cook and entertain. Having said that, I have learned so much from you and have decluttered a lot with your inspiration. I do want to go further and hopefully will continue my journey towards an organized simplifies life.
Ok, so kind of off topic, but it occurred to me today that I could pack away the one Christmas shirt I have with our Christmas decorations and save space in my dresser. For a few seconds I let myself think I was a genius!
I did this with my Christmas aprons! Half of my apron drawer is Christmas ones and packing them away will make a difference during the rest of the year. Can’t believe I never thought of it before. (I do wear aprons every day and so it makes sense for me to have several)
I've been following your channel for 3 years now! So much great information and encouragement has prepared me to do a huge cut of 80% of our belongings for mold remediation. I'm half way though and already feel so much lighter! Thank you for doing the hard work and encouraging us to do it too!
Thank you for saying it’s ok to throw things away. The few times I’ve heard you say it, I knew God wanted me to hear it. I needed to hear it!! Again, thank you so much!!
Thank you so much for giving of yourself. At 75, I’m here to say that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Now if you could come up with something that would get rid of my back pain so I can work for longer than 15 minutes at a time followed by 30 minutes of ice or heat that would be amazing! I know that five minutes matter, but when there is soooooooo much to declutter, five minutes feels like nothing (at least to me)! I need to go reset the washing machine. I put a load in at midnight on Saturday when I couldn’t sleep. . .
I would say enlist a few close friends or family members. You can ask them to be there for one hour or 30 minutes helping you sort things out and it will help a lot. Or if possible hire a cleaning person for a day and just give them instructions. In my country you can hire someone to come one hour a day 3 times a week or even every other week. They don't charge much and its a big help.
It's been 6 months since I've found minimalism and got rid of 70% or more of our things. Still working on shopping or being non-content but proud of my progress. This month I'm selling my giant sectional I have hated for years and minimizing to a small couch for our family and alot of relief and more comfort has entered. Sometimes some items don't work for us and that's ok
I love your videos Dawn. Thank you for what you do. I have been working on decluttering and minimizing for almost 3 years and it is very like an onion. I keep going through room to room and it is getting so much better. Yesterday I cleared out my dresser and closet (again) and blame fluctuating sizes for the accumulation. I have learned that If something doesn’t work for you it’s not going to start working by keeping it. Thank you for your help. We are nearly empty nesters and I feel like we are ahead of the game.
Dawn, thank you so much for connecting me to finding meaning. It is immensely helpful. Love all your content. Slowly and surely I’m getting there with the decluttering and announced myself as a minimalist recently in a gifting conversation- not something I’d ever have thought I’d be saying - I surprised even myself!! Take care x
I started my decluttering probably last year. It’s been a battle but I’m making progress for sure. I live with two others, husband and son, and both have hoarder tendencies. I confess, I was a keeper of too much but I knew when to let it go. I’ve got that into high gear now. I do declutters several times a month and have let go of things that I couldn’t previously. Learned to only buy what I need so that has helped so much!! I started watching your channel and Josh Becker last year and have learned so much!!
Ok, I’m putting this on to attack a kitchen counter that always seems to be a clutter magnet! I’m sure it will be better after I’ve worked and listen to this 😊 the maintaining is my challenge 💪
One box containing 3 pairs of stunning boots I can't wear, jeans and tops I don't feel amazing in, about a ⅓ of my Christmas decor that I haven't used, I gifted to my Christmas crazy friend. Started looking tru my presses in the kitchen listening to you and found so many other random things to go 🙌👏🎆 TY so much for the awesome 🎁 of your time and insight 💝
I got rid of probably half our Christmas stuff last year and my husband accidentally left one of our four bins in the attic and I hardly missed that stuff. My girls just missed their Santa mugs so I’ll make sure we use those next year. But otherwise we don’t need as many decorations as I thought.
Yes! I love the idea of before and after pics! Another thing I do is when I'm done with a declutteriing session (even if it's that 5 minutes that matter!) I go back later to look at the improvement I managed to make. That really spurs me on for the next round. I find myself saying "5 minutes matters" and "don't put it down, put it away" all the time. Thanks for those handy mantras, Dawn! And 5 minutes really does matter!
Stocking up does 10000% work! We have a bin for each child of too big clothes so anything the next size up is there, we look there before buying something else. We stock up on foods we eat regularly, and it saves us so much money on groceries. We do have a stock of school supplies and they are all in one drawer so if someone needs something, I go there.
Same; it works as long as we are actively managing it vs people who forget and let stuff rot. The key is knowing which of these 2 types of people you are, and buying according to that.
Definitely. I would also add that it works if there is room for extra. Sometimes there is just no room. Some of us live in small old homes. @@HannahRainbow88
İ agree with you about stocking up. We may have one or two extras of specific items but it's not worth the stress of managing/stewarding a bunch of extra items (for me... everyone should do what works for them!). Happy new year ❤🎉
God Blessed us with you! You are helping me more than you know. I woke up & decided to put all my Christmas decor away & reset my home for the year. You know, taking a bag from area to area & gather the items I'm not using. I too have been living a minimal-ish life for several years, but I still need good reminders & words of wisdom to carry on with this journey. You are that to me Dawn. You always have something to say that is helpful to me. Thanks for your dedication to this channel. Happy New Year.
I am so confident with my clothes and how I look and feel when I go anywhere! I actually do a lot more and go places and am not nervous or unsure. I simplified my wardrobe, shoes, jewelry, coats , bags, pjs , sockets etc clothes to under 100 items. There’s not enough to fret and choose what to wear . I love not having to make meaningless choices staring in the mirror choosing between very similar items. It was exhausting me. I really feel like I sail out of the door now full of energy I didn’t know I had.
I've been following you every week for years, even although I've been a minimalist most of my life.. This is probably the most powerful and deeply penetrating set of tips I've ever heard from you. They are put in a way that resonates more than most other videos ( apart form probably the one about "the silent to-do list" - although you cover that here too.)
I feel like the year 2020 was the year I began hoarding more things than eve before. This year, it’s going to change! Your channel has propelled me to do so and I thank you 🙏🏼
As we are getting close to retirement, I've found myself thinking about maybe not affording things, but the stress of looking at too much stuff around the house (mainly the basement) bugs me! We have started purging with Christmas decor as we put away what we actually like to use. Mentally thinking where to go next. Thanks for the encouragement and things to think about!
My mom always had a purse full of everything you could ever need when you’re away from home. She was like those people on let’s make a deal that could open their purse and have 10 of whatever they asked for. She wanted so much to be ready for any occasion. She was a great mom, but I feel like what I remember the most was time with her and not the stuff.
It's January 2nd and my local Dollar Tree just got in a bunch of new storage solutions - large bins with lids, containers with lids. It's worth checking out!
We live at in N Canada way out in the country and have to drive 1.5 hrs 2 times a month for groceries so live by bulk and stocking up. I like to do both organization and decluttering, but also am able to have an organized system for storage and stocking up. I think both are important skills to manage.
I don’t view you as a minimalist, I think you’re normal!! I view houses drowning in stuff as the unusual ones. I think back to my childhood in the seventies and your way of life is how we lived. We had what we needed and not much more. Consumerism is addictive and I feel like you’re coaching addicts that can’t say no to stuff 😂 Which includes me too! (Greedy glutton, that’s what I say to myself when I want to buy something that I don’t really need).
I missed the live stream, but still enjoyed this video immensely. Thank you for all that you do Dawn. 2025 is already shaping up to be a peaceful, decluttered year for our home. Happy New Year! 🥰
Great video Dawn. I love minimalism and you are so motivating. Thank you for 2024 and I’m excited for accomplishing more next year. Happy New Year to you and yours❣️
I did a big declutter and tidy up of my apartment the week between xmas and new years. I only live in a small apartment and already pretty minimal, but ended up with a huge pile of stuff to get rid of. This new year I want to try to buy less because I have all I need and want to save more money for more important things than more useless junk!
As an artist, I have to admit that we constantly Aquire objects which we can use in our occupation. Speaking for myself, I am always very busily using all my treasures, and lately, I deliberately look at different area and materials, to see what I can do with them. If I find something that I haven’t been using for a long while, I am now able to send that material on its way to a better home! But it needs to be a daily practice!
I'm not a minimalist because I have hired a lot of stuff to be eye candy. But you have inspired me to let go of things that no longer do the job, or hide other things I like to look at.
I'm a stuff it until later person. Always avoiding the decisions of what to do with things. I had to face cleaning out an entire bedroom to turn it into a guest room right before Thanksgiving. Come to find out practically non of it was needed and unloaded the entire room so it could be cleaned and set up as a bedroom again. Such freedom and peace. Still have a long way to go, but progress has been made. Hope to keep working on other "stuffed up"areas as the weeks move on.
I’m so glad I came across this video today., I can’t wait to get really serious about minimalism! You are so inspiring. I love your content. Thank you!
In November, I got rid of a tote full of extra flannel sheets and towels that were worn and kept for emergencies. I went away for 5 weeks and returned to a flood in my car from a leaking sunroof. I was like, dang, I could have used those sheets and towels!😅
I always go back to a video you did about allowing the big stores and their warehouses to manage the inventory. I don't have to house and manage everything that we might possibly use one day. Thank you.
Happy New Year 2025. I wanted to check in and see what you have planned for this coming year. I became a minimalist 5 years ago and I love it. My daughter is also following suit. We are from a family of hoarders. We love this new found freedom.
I completely agree! The toys especially, they play so much better and longer when they have less options. I do toy rotate from a one shelf stock since they are only 3 and 19 months old.
Learn more about our membership group here (and your free Capture + Complete Planner when you sign up now!): www.theminimalmom.com/mentorship-group
*planners available while supplies last! I love you and am excited for the year to come! We've got this! - Dawn
Thanks for sharing! Looking for advice: My wallet on OKX has some USDT, and I thave the seed phrase. (clean party soccer advance audit clean evil finish tonight involve whip action)..What’s the best way can I sharing transferring them to moving them?
Is it possible to buy the planner by itself?
B
I hhhhhaa as Peggy❤p
My husband was not on board with decluttering, but then I got him to agree to let me do the kitchen and the living room spaces. I let him have the garage and the office to keep whatever he wanted to. Once he saw how much less stress we had in the decluttered spaces, he started minimizing all of his items. Now he has less clothing than me and is constantly telling me things I can take to donate.
This is the way. Lead by example, become inspiring. I’m helping my mother with this because she seems really overwhelmed by all the stuff my parents own. I told her to start with HER clothes, HER spaces. Hoping my father follows suit once he sees how much better she feels from decluttering her own spaces within the home.
I was at my mom’s yesterday and she had 3 trash bags of donation ready to go out the door. I asked her about it and she said being at my house makes her want to declutter. It made me feel go good!
I love this
You said in a video years ago to let the store be the storage place for your stuff and not your home. That advice has helped me so much.
I heard something like “the thrift store is my storage unit” - same here - so helpful!
I grew up in a farm family but my folks were married in the early thirties and received sterling tableware and Johnson’s English Blue willow ware china as wedding gifts. Every day of my childhood the table was set with those nice things! Mom said her family was always more important than saving the good china for some special occasion!
That’s lovely. Wise woman. ❤
I found your TH-cam a couple of months ago and my husband and I have decluttered 85% of the house and we are loving life ❤ it’s really improved our life’s and mindset oh and the money we’re not spending x
I wish I could get my husband on board. He’s a collector bordering on hoarder. I am just going to try to lead by example.
I love the "I hired this to do a job" mentality. But sometimes I love the item so much, even though it's worn out, out of style, doesn't fit, etc. So I added the mindset of, "It did its job well. It deserves to retire." midnset. It helps me not feeling like I"m insulting the item if I "retire" it. I'm laughing because I've always thought the concept of "thank it for it's service" was dumb, but realize this is similar. But it helps me. It's either not doing it's job or it's not doing its job any longer.
I love this! Retiring items makes a lot of sense- especially if you are going to or have already gotten an update or replacement
Dawn, thank you for doing a video when you are obviously sick! I want to thank you so much. I joined you tyhb course, but started watching every one of your videos about 5 years ago. There are others, but you, more than anyone else have transformed my home! Over a 3 year period i had about 5 bulk trash pickups and i have almost everything organized and labelled. Having trouble keeping house nice because still have too much stuff. I am doing a no buy, except for toiletries, groceries and gifts. Ive set up an entire plan in a bullet journal and i have to get rid of 500 more things and use up all of my duplicates. Thank you for inspiring me every day. You have literally changed my home. ❤️
Dawn is the best, for sure! She’s 100% genuine, she is a true Giver!❤❤
Hi Dawn, I just wanna say that this Christmas I didn’t need one more Christmas item. I have probably 15 boxes of Christmas stuff. But I went shopping with my friend and I can’t blame it on her but when she’s telling me this is a good buy you won’t get this again it’s a great price it’s half off at 75% off and of course I love the item. I bought probably $300 worth of stuff that I am so mad at myself about for buying. I didn’t need one more thing. But I went in and I purchase things based on the idea of it so cheap. I won’t find it at this price again. But I didn’t need it. I just liked it. The compulsive buying is a major problem for me. I think when I go out with my friend, I’m going to leave my purse in the car and lock it. That way I can’t go and buy things I don’t need. I’m really going to start praying about it too because I am living on a fixed income plus raising my granddaughter I can’t afford to go out and buy things I just don’t need. I have bought multiple Christmas tea towels to decorate my bathrooms with all the stuff I know more needed that and then I needed to fly to the moon and they’re still wrapped up with price tags on. So I’m going to humble myself and go and return them most likely get less for them than what I paid for them but at least I’m getting some money back. I have to tell you the shame and frustration with myself is really high. But it’s time to go on a budget. I love all your ideas you have been incredibly helpful. I am not a minimalist. I do like to decorate, but I have multiples of things like plates and cups and silverware and towels, sheets clothes. 2025 is my year to downsize. Thank you Dawn for being there for us. May God bless you and your family this new year.❤
Hi Dawn, I just wanna say that this Christmas I didn’t need one more Christmas item. I have probably 15 boxes of Christmas stuff. But I went shopping with my friend and I can’t blame it on her but when she’s telling me this is a good buy you won’t get this again it’s a great price it’s half off at 75% off and of course I love the item. I bought probably $300 worth of stuff that I am so mad at myself about for buying. I didn’t need one more thing. But I went in and I purchase things based on the idea of it so cheap. I won’t find it at this price again. But I didn’t need it. I just liked it. The compulsive buying is a major problem for me. I think when I go out with my friend, I’m going to leave my purse in the car and lock it. That way I can’t go and buy things I don’t need. I’m really going to start praying about it too because I am living on a fixed income plus raising my granddaughter I can’t afford to go out and buy things I just don’t need. I have bought multiple Christmas tea towels to decorate my bathrooms with all the stuff I know more needed that and then I needed to fly to the moon and they’re still wrapped up with price tags on. So I’m going to humble myself and go and return them most likely get less for them than what I paid for them but at least I’m getting some money back. I have to tell you the shame and frustration with myself is really high. But it’s time to go on a budget. I love all your ideas you have been incredibly helpful. I am not a minimalist. I do like to decorate, but I have multiples of things like plates and cups and silverware and towels, sheets clothes. 2025 is my year to downsize. Thank you Dawn for being there for us. May God bless you and your family this new year.❤
This!! My thought exactly!
@snuggleb100 I saw a post of someone who did this exact same thing and decided her frustration was enough to tell her she didn't need to keep it, so she took it back. There's no shame in making better choices even if it's after you made a wrong one. Best of luck to you and happy new year
Amen! Today is a special occasion. My mama rarely used her China and special silver. It was for special occasions.
When she passed away, it became mine. It sat in a plastic tote for many years. After listening to you, I had an epiphany. Just use it and enjoy it!!! No regrets.
My kids do not want my china, so I use as my china as everyday dishes.
My mom had such pretty dishes in our corner cabinet growing up. I thought they were fancy and special because we almost never used them. When I was getting married she said I could have the set if I wanted since she knew I admired it. Turns out, she got each piece for free every time she spent X amount on groceries through a promotion. Worth nothing, but I use them everyday and love them!
I had China but had no connection to it it was pretty but it belonged to our homes previous owners and it ended up finding a home with my husband’s aunt and she uses them she loves them
@@jijiianthat's crazy I never heard of that
&&&&&& put your silver in the dishwasher to clean JUST keep it away from all the other stuff
Oh my goodness, "the foor is not storage"..... that is going to be my mantra as I help my 5 and 7 year olds learn this habit!
My husband needs this phrase
I've been a minimalist for many years and have read/listened to loads of thought on the subject, but I come back to your feed again and again, for YEARS now, for continued inspiration. I think you have a unique delivery and authenticity that speaks to me and thousands of others. True believer.
You have helped me so much. Minimalism is a mind shift. I’m a counselor, but I still come to you for home advice. You are incredible at explaining the value of space and freedom in a home. Whenever I have a question about an item, I hear your voice saying “you have permission to let it go.” Thank you! God bless you and your family. ❤ Sending you all my love from Southern California ❤
Love your friends picture frame ❤
You have helped me simplify my closet. My rule is that if I bring something in, I must take something out.
I often come to find your most recent videos when I’m feeling overwhelmed at home. You’re so calming, not judgemental, you have room for everyone, you’re gentle and gracious, so kind and I wish I had some of your traits! 😊 Also love how much you smile and laugh! You don’t seem so uptight the way I am 😜 I’m still learning to relax and let go. Thanks for all your videos! You deserve every success!
You speak so eloquently. So thoughtful and respectful of everyone's questions. These videos are so calming to me. So glad you're here sharing🙌
Wow, thank you, this means more than you know!
I totally agree. I once emailed you, Dawn, when I was in the midst of mourning my father's death, and you took the time to video a reply. I was overwhelmed by your spirit, your thoughtfulness and generosity. I cannot say how much I appreciate it.
Children love the idea of taking care of other people. Have them collect clothes and toys that can help another family out. This is really easy to get them on board with. Also, this is a great opportunity to get them talking about events in the community. Fires, tornadoes, even homelessness are all great conversation starters for beginning a family tradition for care packages.
I hope your cold goes away soon! Thank you for filming when you’re under the weather.
I Really didn't Understand the Less FEELS Better... Until I cleared my kitchen Counters. OMG I KNEW I wanted Cleared counter tops but it was SOOO Refreshing & my Mind Lighten Soooo Much... 👍👏😁 Unfortunately I had to place 5-7 items back but I was able to Appreciate it being cleared. So Yes, the Dopamine Lift IS REAL...
In my continued decluttering journey I was going through a drawer I hadn't gone through in quite awhile. I came across two unopened boxes of my favorite perfume I'd been gifted from my now mother in law when her son and I were dating. I have also had a partly used bottle of the same perfume sitting in my bathroom for ten years 🤦 I loved this perfume so much I was so sparing about using it cuz I wanted to save it and ten years later I still have all this perfume just sitting here in a drawer taking up space. I threw out my half opened bottle opened a new one made sure it still smelled good, thankfully it did, and I now use it on the regular and am enjoying it so much. I have come across many other similar items through out my house through this decluttering journey and it has definitely helped push me to just enjoy my special things and use them whether they could potentially get wrecked or broken or used up. Today is worth making special no doubt 😊 Thank you Dawn for helping me get rid of the stuff that didn't make my day special so I could better enjoy the things that do. Happy new year 🎉
Your understanding, compassion, and empathy makes me feel so heard and understood. It's a remarkable skill
Learn to LOVE walking out of a mall/store empty-handed; it’s awesome!! 😅
Learn to love NOT walking into a mall/store in the first place! It's great! 👍
Happy New Year, y'all!!!🎉🧨🎉
For the past 2 days, I've changed the way I start my day. This means I didn't sit on the couch, turn on the TV, and drink my coffee for the first hour while waiting for my morning pain meds to kick in. I always said I like to ease into the day, but.....Inertia begets inertia. When I would do this, I didn't get a good start on whatever I needed/wanted to get done that day until about 2 or 3pm. This meant I didn't make much progress on any given day. Yesterday, I never turned on the TV, not even in the evening when I was finished working. I binged listening to a lot of your videos and podcasts as well as Cas' and Dana's. I focused on catching up on laundry, ran a couple of errands, and continued purging and reorganizing my pantry area. Today, still no TV, for the past 4 hours, the last 2 loads of laundry are in progress, yesterday's laundry has been folded and put away, I've started another donate bag of items, and I'm breaking down cardboard boxes for recycling ♻️ . I need to reset a couple areas in the living room, but I really need to focus on putting together family gifts for our belated Christmas gathering tomorrow and I want to do this before I run out of steam and end up stressing about it.
I wish you all the very best in the coming year!! ❤
You are amazing Lisa!!!! Good for you! :) Such a great feeling to be productive!!!
I have a cup of tea in the kitchen while waiting for my medication to work. This means I can tidy the kitchen or do meal prep before I have to sit down. This makes me feel better as I've at least done something
Good for you!! 👏 Keep up the great work!🎉
Your comment is so helpful! I never have been a morning person, I never will be, but I could get my day started a little earlier than I do.😊
I started cooking and cleaning around the house around 10 years of age. My mom and I would take turns doing the laundry, cleaning house, making dinner or cleaning up afterwards. It worked out great. I preferred cleaning the house over laundry. 😂. I still had plenty of time to play. We only had 5 TV channels and watched shows as a family. No computers or cell phones. Playing outside was the best.
I was just talking about this with my family a few days ago. People had so much more in common back then- such as catch phrases from tv shows we watched. Everyone usually watch the same shows because that’s all the channels there were. We played outside because there were no computer games - or computers. We spoke in person instead of texting, so we didn’t hide our personality behind words. Yes, life was different and in many ways better. Technology is a double edged sword. It’s both good and bad. People are losing real communication skills that make us interact with other people. It’s sad. ❤
That’s awesome! I’m a recently retired school counselor. I cannot believe how most of my students have no chores and are being taught nothing about taking care of their home, their own laundry, etc.😢😢 Such a waste of valuable life lessons.
I love waking up to a clean bedroom, even more to coming home to a clean kitchen and dining table. Not an always but a more often than not. Thank you dawn
I know right? I got up this morning and thanked myself for cleaning the kitchen the night before, I had forgotten. It was a very nice surprise.
I cleaned my daughter room today and got rid of 9 garbage bags of stuff. It’s so refreshing! I’ve been following you for months and months. I’ve bought things you advertise and take alot of your advice. It feels amazing to throw stuff away!! You are amazing!!!❤
Stocking up needs real thought and maintenance just like minimalism. I have done it for decades, saves me tons of money. But I'm calculated in buying decisions, and super organized.
For caregivers: Seek out your hospital social worker. They may be able to recommend respite care, in home nurse visits, etc. You seriously need all the helpers and support you can get.
I am new to the decluttering mindset and it has made a world of difference in just a few short weeks! I will say, I have a family of 10 (7 kids, my husband and my father in law) and holding on to some things has been such a life saver. I've held on to all of the clothes my older kids have outgrown for my younger children. It can be a source of stress, but as long as I keep it organized, it is quite the boon! I've saved a lot of money not having to buy a new wardrobe every season. And my kids get to see favorite or loved items be loved again. I also stockpile as much food as I can, but I cook from scratch and that is a huge benefit as well. The fine China, maybe might find a new home.
There are truly good points to your mindset!!!
Great points! Things are different for a larger family. We can still minimize but at a different level. Family of 10 here too!
De-cluttering Tips I learned recently:
1. It is wise and it’s ok to say, “I made a mistake when I let this ….. enter my home or closet. It is time for it to leave my care.”
2. Take away any emotional attachment to items!
I agree about getting rid of mistake purchases. We feel that if we get rid of them we are wasting money ,but the money has already been wasted.Every time you see the item you feel negative feelings, and it is just taking up valuable space.
@ Great thoughts! So true.
I listened to this while decluttering clothes and accessories! I feel like I accomplished a lot in a short time!
Ive learned a lot from watching your vids for several years. I go back to them to be reinspired when i hit a snag. Like now. I packed away all the christmas stuff and realized i didnt actually use it all. Some remained in the totes. Now im even rethinking what goodies i packed away, and maybe its time to retire a bunch of things. Ill still keep what i want, but there are plenty of decorations i dont really want to manage any longer. Heading towards 74, and i know, besides my real favorites, i dont need all these things, and my son really wouldn't want them. Why not retire more thoughtfully? You and your community with their questions and comments have inspired me to really lighten the load. Thank you Dawn and thanks to this wonderful community. 💕 😊
I’m not sure if I can totally be a minimalist, but my goodness, you inspire me soooooo much, lovely lady! I’m going to make some changes in working toward it!
Tip 2 reminded me of a book, "Red Sails to Capri", that my siblings dramatized several years ago. One of the characters, when asked why he is celebrating, answers:"...the days of the year pass by..until a big day comes and says 'NOW you may celebrate!' But what if I don't feel like celebrating? What if I feel like making faces at everybody and hiding under the bed? But today, I feel wonderful!..."
OMG. I have listened to you for a while and doing it slowly. But, never heard this before. It has a different connotation. I love it.
This was one of those classic videos I will refer to again and again. The little dial diagram is perfect to explain the idea of how we become overwhelmed with out belongings. Wonderful!! Thank you for all the thought you put into communicating your message.
I was decluttering some photos that are over 20 years old. I didn't want them, but some were of people I'm still friends with on Facebook. Before I got rid of them, I made sure to send photos to the people in them. I made someone's New Year!
❤ Dawn, you have helped us SO much, we had such fun here, decluttered estimated 75% and are so happy now. Watched so many of your videos and you are the only one, who really reached us!
I went through 2 bookshelves watching this, half of the books are going! Thanks so much from Germany 💙
Dawn, I just love listening to you so much! I've been in such a funk and you are just what I needed to hear. Thank you. I pray that you have a year full of blessings. 💕
You have helped our family so much. It took about a year to go through my stuff then our house then our son's stuff, once my husband saw how nice the house looked, he was on board! It's been about 7 years now but it helped me when my mom died and i needed to go through her stuff, now my dad is home alone with a decluttered house and he always says how easy the house is to keep clean. My regret is not helping my mom sooner, i think she would have kept everything but i have so many questions for her about items. All is all, no regrets, my house is so easy to clean!!
I did buy my first piece of clutter last week, but in my defence, it's been in my store for 6 months and I swore I would only buy it if it went on clearance. I figured after a 6 month cooling off period, it was worth the purchase.
I LOVE the Today is a Special Occasion. In my early 20’s ( in the 70s), I splurged on a pair of Faded Glory jeans with rainbow embroidery. They cost so much and were SO special to me that I hardly wore them. I saved them for special occasions until they went out of style 😢
I only stocked up on general school supplies that my kids would often need to replenish during the school year. They were kept in a small plastic tote under my bed. Buying new (and needed) things was part of the fun of back to school shopping.
Thank you, Dawn for all your inspiring and encouraging work! I have been listening to you, Cass, and Dana for a while. In November it finally clicked for me after almost 15 years of trying to declutter. And Cass was right, it takes much more decluttering than you expect to enjoy the real benefits! This Christmas was peaceful, I kept up with the housework much more than ever (despite being busier than ever), no Christmas debt, and actually enjoyed doing puzzles, playing games, reading books with the children instead of spinning wheels and missing out! God bless you! Happy New Year!!
You have just inspired me to toss my resin epoxy craft items. Thank you! They piss me off every time i look at them and now it hit me time to toss. They are fired.
Our home was hit by a tornado 02/28 of this year. We had to store the contents of our home that was spared and take about a tote of belongings per person to our temporary location. Although there are photos and a few sentimental items I look forward to seeing again, I realize we don’t need the majority of our things. Should be an interesting process when we move home in a month or so.
I’m sorry that you went through losing your home and continue to go through it. We also lost our home in a flood in 2011, and it was devastating at the time. We were able to get many of our possessions out, but our life was in totes of many colors for years. I am so sick of the excess baggage from the past. Any ways saying prayers for your new home and your family prosper in 2025!
Dawn, I found you a few years ago and you have helped me so much. My dad had just died and we had just finished cleaning out his house. He was a horder ( my opinion). He still had cancelled checks from the 70s and so much other stuff.
I have 2 kids a 27 year old son and a 19 year old daughter who has Down syndrome. After having to go thru all my dads things taken care of I decided I couldn’t leave anything close to that for someone to have to go thru one day. Likely my son due to my daughters limitations. I got rid of so much stuff and it felt so good, especially my mental health which I’ve struggled with for many years.
2024 was very rough for me, lots of medical challenges , multiple surgeries and not much energy so things have crept in and more inventory than I’d like to have, so I’ve been at it again as much as I can and hoping 2025 will be a lil more gentle and I’ll be able to keep things up better because it’s a huge load taken off of me. I’m not a huge “cleaner” but I like things in their place and things straightened up. We live in a single wide moble home so when you walk in, you see multiple rooms.
Thank you so much for your videos and you guidance. Lots of love from far Southwest Virginia
You are so wise! And you sound like you have a cold, so get some rest and feel better! No one would describe me a minimalist, and I don’t have a desire to go as far as you. One of the reasons is that I love to cook and entertain. Having said that, I have learned so much from you and have decluttered a lot with your inspiration. I do want to go further and hopefully will continue my journey towards an organized simplifies life.
Ok, so kind of off topic, but it occurred to me today that I could pack away the one Christmas shirt I have with our Christmas decorations and save space in my dresser. For a few seconds I let myself think I was a genius!
That's awesome! I have a lot of Christmas clothes and I have a whole tote but yes it stays packed away and not with all my other clothes. ❤
Yes! I put Christmas clothes, towels, socks, tablecloths, and throws in a tub marked "December 1st" and at the front of the storage area.
You ARE a genius! I'm going to do that
I use mine to wrap my fragile decoration!
I did this with my Christmas aprons! Half of my apron drawer is Christmas ones and packing them away will make a difference during the rest of the year. Can’t believe I never thought of it before. (I do wear aprons every day and so it makes sense for me to have several)
I've been following your channel for 3 years now! So much great information and encouragement has prepared me to do a huge cut of 80% of our belongings for mold remediation. I'm half way though and already feel so much lighter! Thank you for doing the hard work and encouraging us to do it too!
Thank you for saying it’s ok to throw things away. The few times I’ve heard you say it, I knew God wanted me to hear it. I needed to hear it!! Again, thank you so much!!
Special things aren’t for special days, they are for special people!!
Thank you so much for giving of yourself. At 75, I’m here to say that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Now if you could come up with something that would get rid of my back pain so I can work for longer than 15 minutes at a time followed by 30 minutes of ice or heat that would be amazing! I know that five minutes matter, but when there is soooooooo much to declutter, five minutes feels like nothing (at least to me)! I need to go reset the washing machine. I put a load in at midnight on Saturday when I couldn’t sleep. . .
5 minutes 3 times a day does add up. Then, I started picking an item to sell every day. So much is gone in 2024. Mind blown.
I would say enlist a few close friends or family members. You can ask them to be there for one hour or 30 minutes helping you sort things out and it will help a lot. Or if possible hire a cleaning person for a day and just give them instructions. In my country you can hire someone to come one hour a day 3 times a week or even every other week. They don't charge much and its a big help.
Check out @officialdannyshapiro on Instagram. I of course don’t know what your pain comes from but he has helped a lot of people
I have learned the most interesting and useful tidbits from you. #1 you hire things, what a concept. Thank you
It's been 6 months since I've found minimalism and got rid of 70% or more of our things. Still working on shopping or being non-content but proud of my progress. This month I'm selling my giant sectional I have hated for years and minimizing to a small couch for our family and alot of relief and more comfort has entered. Sometimes some items don't work for us and that's ok
Been listening to you for years now. You have helped me so much. I ❤u. All the advice is invaluable. Happy new year!
I love your videos Dawn. Thank you for what you do. I have been working on decluttering and minimizing for almost 3 years and it is very like an onion. I keep going through room to room and it is getting so much better. Yesterday I cleared out my dresser and closet (again) and blame fluctuating sizes for the accumulation. I have learned that If something doesn’t work for you it’s not going to start working by keeping it. Thank you for your help. We are nearly empty nesters and I feel like we are ahead of the game.
You have the most useful, realistic videos
Thank you, that means more than you know!
Dawn, thank you so much for connecting me to finding meaning. It is immensely helpful.
Love all your content. Slowly and surely I’m getting there with the decluttering and announced myself as a minimalist recently in a gifting conversation- not something I’d ever have thought I’d be saying - I surprised even myself!! Take care x
I started my decluttering probably last year. It’s been a battle but I’m making progress for sure. I live with two others, husband and son, and both have hoarder tendencies. I confess, I was a keeper of too much but I knew when to let it go. I’ve got that into high gear now. I do declutters several times a month and have let go of things that I couldn’t previously. Learned to only buy what I need so that has helped so much!! I started watching your channel and Josh Becker last year and have learned so much!!
Ok, I’m putting this on to attack a kitchen counter that always seems to be a clutter magnet! I’m sure it will be better after I’ve worked and listen to this 😊 the maintaining is my challenge 💪
One box containing 3 pairs of stunning boots I can't wear, jeans and tops I don't feel amazing in, about a ⅓ of my Christmas decor that I haven't used, I gifted to my Christmas crazy friend. Started looking tru my presses in the kitchen listening to you and found so many other random things to go 🙌👏🎆 TY so much for the awesome 🎁 of your time and insight 💝
I got rid of probably half our Christmas stuff last year and my husband accidentally left one of our four bins in the attic and I hardly missed that stuff. My girls just missed their Santa mugs so I’ll make sure we use those next year. But otherwise we don’t need as many decorations as I thought.
I can’t tell how much you are helping me!!!!
Yes! I love the idea of before and after pics! Another thing I do is when I'm done with a declutteriing session (even if it's that 5 minutes that matter!) I go back later to look at the improvement I managed to make. That really spurs me on for the next round. I find myself saying "5 minutes matters" and "don't put it down, put it away" all the time. Thanks for those handy mantras, Dawn! And 5 minutes really does matter!
Stocking up does 10000% work! We have a bin for each child of too big clothes so anything the next size up is there, we look there before buying something else. We stock up on foods we eat regularly, and it saves us so much money on groceries. We do have a stock of school supplies and they are all in one drawer so if someone needs something, I go there.
Same; it works as long as we are actively managing it vs people who forget and let stuff rot.
The key is knowing which of these 2 types of people you are, and buying according to that.
Definitely. I would also add that it works if there is room for extra. Sometimes there is just no room. Some of us live in small old homes. @@HannahRainbow88
İ agree with you about stocking up. We may have one or two extras of specific items but it's not worth the stress of managing/stewarding a bunch of extra items (for me... everyone should do what works for them!). Happy new year ❤🎉
I recently discovered your videos and love, love, love your content. It has motivated me to downsize several areas of my home. Thank you!!
Happy new year from
Melbourne! Thank you for everything you do and all the wisdom you so generously share with us!
God Blessed us with you! You are helping me more than you know. I woke up & decided to put all my Christmas decor away & reset my home for the year. You know, taking a bag from area to area & gather the items I'm not using. I too have been living a minimal-ish life for several years, but I still need good reminders & words of wisdom to carry on with this journey. You are that to me Dawn. You always have something to say that is helpful to me. Thanks for your dedication to this channel. Happy New Year.
I am so confident with my clothes and how I look and feel when I go anywhere! I actually do a lot more and go places and am not nervous or unsure. I simplified my wardrobe, shoes, jewelry, coats , bags, pjs , sockets etc clothes to under 100 items. There’s not enough to fret and choose what to wear . I love not having to make meaningless choices staring in the mirror choosing between very similar items. It was exhausting me. I really feel like I sail out of the door now full of energy I didn’t know I had.
I've been following you every week for years, even although I've been a minimalist most of my life.. This is probably the most powerful and deeply penetrating set of tips I've ever heard from you. They are put in a way that resonates more than most other videos ( apart form probably the one about "the silent to-do list" - although you cover that here too.)
I feel like the year 2020 was the year I began hoarding more things than eve before. This year, it’s going to change!
Your channel has propelled me to do so and I thank you 🙏🏼
As we are getting close to retirement, I've found myself thinking about maybe not affording things, but the stress of looking at too much stuff around the house (mainly the basement) bugs me! We have started purging with Christmas decor as we put away what we actually like to use. Mentally thinking where to go next. Thanks for the encouragement and things to think about!
I stayed away from after Christmas clearance this year.🎉
Congrats on 10 years🎉. I'm also celebrating 10 years. Everything you said resonated with me, facts.
My mom always had a purse full of everything you could ever need when you’re away from home. She was like those people on let’s make a deal that could open their purse and have 10 of whatever they asked for. She wanted so much to be ready for any occasion. She was a great mom, but I feel like what I remember the most was time with her and not the stuff.
You're so inspiring! Thank you so much for giving us all you do to help make our lives better. Hugs!!
It's January 2nd and my local Dollar Tree just got in a bunch of new storage solutions - large bins with lids, containers with lids. It's worth checking out!
You may want to consider the quality if the items
5:30 OMG you just cured my anxiety about me or my kids messing things up... THANK YOU!
We live at in N Canada way out in the country and have to drive 1.5 hrs 2 times a month for groceries so live by bulk and stocking up. I like to do both organization and decluttering, but also am able to have an organized system for storage and stocking up. I think both are important skills to manage.
So you are capable of handling that inventory! That sounds awesome!
Same here and don't drive the roads in the winter. We literally store food everywhere. (And can because we have less of everything else)
I don’t view you as a minimalist, I think you’re normal!! I view houses drowning in stuff as the unusual ones. I think back to my childhood in the seventies and your way of life is how we lived. We had what we needed and not much more. Consumerism is addictive and I feel like you’re coaching addicts that can’t say no to stuff 😂 Which includes me too! (Greedy glutton, that’s what I say to myself when I want to buy something that I don’t really need).
I missed the live stream, but still enjoyed this video immensely. Thank you for all that you do Dawn. 2025 is already shaping up to be a peaceful, decluttered year for our home. Happy New Year! 🥰
Great video Dawn. I love minimalism and you are so motivating. Thank you for 2024 and I’m excited for accomplishing more next year. Happy New Year to you and yours❣️
You have always been the most authentic person on utube
I did a big declutter and tidy up of my apartment the week between xmas and new years. I only live in a small apartment and already pretty minimal, but ended up with a huge pile of stuff to get rid of. This new year I want to try to buy less because I have all I need and want to save more money for more important things than more useless junk!
This video is excellent! Such good information shared. I am beginning this year with a decluttering mindset change. Thanks, Dawn!
You are such a bleesing and such a gifted communicator! Love you help !!!
As an artist, I have to admit that we constantly Aquire objects which we can use in our occupation. Speaking for myself, I am always very busily using all my treasures, and lately, I deliberately look at different area and materials, to see what I can do with them. If I find something that I haven’t been using for a long while, I am now able to send that material on its way to a better home! But it needs to be a daily practice!
The take your house back course is worth EVERY penny.
I had already decluttered but hit a wall. The course helped SOO much to get me moving again.
I'm not a minimalist because I have hired a lot of stuff to be eye candy. But you have inspired me to let go of things that no longer do the job, or hide other things I like to look at.
I'm a stuff it until later person. Always avoiding the decisions of what to do with things. I had to face cleaning out an entire bedroom to turn it into a guest room right before Thanksgiving. Come to find out practically non of it was needed and unloaded the entire room so it could be cleaned and set up as a bedroom again. Such freedom and peace. Still have a long way to go, but progress has been made. Hope to keep working on other "stuffed up"areas as the weeks move on.
This is one of my favorite videos that you have done. Great information and advice.
I’m so glad I came across this video today., I can’t wait to get really serious about minimalism! You are so inspiring. I love your content. Thank you!
This is great... Yeah my anxiety is down now that I have cut the 'dream' projects... Thank YOU
In November, I got rid of a tote full of extra flannel sheets and towels that were worn and kept for emergencies. I went away for 5 weeks and returned to a flood in my car from a leaking sunroof. I was like, dang, I could have used those sheets and towels!😅
Thank you for this livestream, I appreciate your help in decluttering. God bless you!
I love you too Dawn!!!!
I always go back to a video you did about allowing the big stores and their warehouses to manage the inventory. I don't have to house and manage everything that we might possibly use one day. Thank you.
Happy New Year 2025. I wanted to check in and see what you have planned for this coming year.
I became a minimalist 5 years ago and I love it. My daughter is also following suit.
We are from a family of hoarders. We love this new found freedom.
You look refreshed 🎉!
I completely agree! The toys especially, they play so much better and longer when they have less options. I do toy rotate from a one shelf stock since they are only 3 and 19 months old.