THANK YOU for watching, we are so grateful for you!!! Find links for the Pumpkin Bundt Cake, Pumpkin Dump Cake & Spinach, Sausage & Tortellini soup in the description! Some of may ABSOLUTE favorite recipes (and they're all SUPER EASY-- that's my style!!!! ;) Dawn ... see the time stamps below! Decluttering random food in the Kitchen 0:51 Dining Room & Living Room Non-Declutter 6:31 Bathroom Declutter 7:01 Decluttering Tom's Clothes 10:43 Decluttering the Laundry Room 17:13 Organizing the Baking Drawer 22:02
Dawn! You can make DELICIOUS vegan Pumpkin milkshakes! Frozen bananas, pumpkin, and maple syrup or sugar with pumpkin pie spice and it is AMAZING! A good "It's September 1st but still hot as heck" recipe!
I had kept too small clothes for YEARS in shrink bags, hoping to wear them again. 1 - It made me sooooo sad when I saw the bags and KNEW that I still couldn't wear them and then 2 - After my bariatric surgery, when I could fit into them, they were way out of style, not my style anymore, or I just wanted to celebrate by buying me something fresh and new. ITS NOT WORTH HANGING ON TO EXTRA CLOTHES FOR "JUST IN CASE."
@@michelleprice5945 I'm right with you Michelle. I needed to hear this too! I was keeping so many of my size 6 clothes in a bin in my closet hoping I'd lose the weight! I'm a size 10 too and just want to embrace that and move forward!!
When I lost weight I was super glad I kept the (lesser worn favorites) of my smaller clothes. I had no money to purchase new clothes so if I hadn't kept them I would have had to wear the larger clothes with a belt and felt horrible. None were out of style as I wear the same classics all the time, not trends.
Tom Jones same goes for me. All these clothes I purchased when I had way more money, so they are all very high quality. I couldn’t afford anything like that now with family and all. And all timeless, classy things. So I guess it works only if you can easily replace your things.
My husband came in as I started to watch this, and it was an answered prayer that he watched it with me!!!! I am thrilled that he saw this!!! Perfect one for him to see!! 🙏🏻❤️Jennifer
Decluttering for me is the chance to deep clean my house. It’s also a reflective moment too. It’s a privilege for those of us who are able to get rid of extra items we have, as so many people don’t have that option. For me minimalism and cleanliness go hand in hand, I can’t have one without the other. It’s kinda like purging and cleansing my soul, making way for new thoughts and feelings, while appreciating the things we’ve enjoyed and are now able to give away for the benefit of others!
So true, Val! I find that it feels really good to wipe down a counter or a shelf after you've cleared it of the clutter!! It's like the icing on the cake for you eyes! 😃
I "decluttered" my garden today. I just bought a reciprocating saw so was able to scoot around the fence line and cut the terribly overgrown volunteer trees. I pulled out phlox and unidentified plants that migrated from my neighbor's fence garden and unearthed a few plants I hadn't seen in years! Now I have a mess on my lawn, but I will have fun raking the debris for composting and cutting the trees to manageable lengths. My neighbors will wonder what came over me. 😁
Could this video BE any more motivating to get your family/significant others on board?!?! Tom, you're a simplifying champ! What a wonderful way to honor your lovely bride! 🤵❤👰
This is so funny! I had the same jar of chickpeas for 4 years, thinking I would eventually use them! After we moved three times, I finally thought, "What am I doing!?" And threw them out!
I had stocked up on chick peas (because I DID have a good hummus recipe) and lost track of the number already in my pantry. Beans, too. Then I went on the keto lifestyle. I didn't think food shelves were taking donations earlier this year (cash, sure) so I gave a health coach friend three grocery bags worth of foods no longer in my diet. She posted photos on FB of some of the dishes she made with them and gave me credit. (I didn't know the liquid can be whipped. She made something sweet with it.)
Tom’s humble honesty is so REAL and refreshing. Inspires us to face our reality and find the same joy and freedoms that come. Not being afraid to face our weaknesses that weigh us down as we live in denial... God is using you to help others like us take this wonderful yet hard step!
Watching you two go through more organizing and decluttering lifts my spirits. My previous bad mental programming condemned me for making mistakes, for not using up, wearing out, or making do with things that didn't really suit me anymore. In times of lack, that was survival. In this time, it has overwhelmed me and led to so much guilt and self-loathing. It's ridiculous that it took me until my 60's to realize that I was a normal human, that there were lots of us, and that God wasn't going to strike me dead for "poor stewardship." And that my standards were unrealistic.
Clothes was the hardest for me to downsize and let go of. It took about 3 years of slowing letting go until i have everything that fits into my closet or drawers for all seasons. I came to realize i never wear a dress, heels, or anything fancy. So i no longer own a dress, skirt, heels or dressy clothing or purses. My "dress up" would be black jeans and a nice top. My church is very relaxed and i realize rather be at church than dress for church... Thanks for sharing this inspires me to let go of more.
I have gradually given away dresses, skirts and occasion shoes too, Sometimes I see someone looking great in something like that, but I want to always be in footwear I can walk in for a distance, I have 2 dresses, one for weddings and one I have for sentimental reasons, the latter was expensive, and is small for me now, but it is a beautiful liberty tana lawn long dress from the 70s. It has been used by friends and colleagues often for parties,. I also have a real kimono with all the accessories, which I will pass on to my great niece. That has also been loaned out many times. It is great to see a video like this where things are under control
I like how cooperative your husband is about going through his clothes. When my husband was alive I could not get him to do that. The results were a nightmare for me after he passed. The resale shops were happy.
I always giggle when you say you have clutter because I cannot wait to Declutter your “Amount of Clutter!!” Lol It shows that you can always declutter a little more even if you are a minimalist!! Thank you for always keeping us inspired!!!
My mother-in-law always says to me how can you possibly have anything else to get rid of but like Dawn said there is ALWAYS stuff coming in and as time goes by things you once decided to keep is no longer important
@@ashleyngrim My 88-year-old aunt is extremely organized and has a cleaning routine that begins on New Year's Day, her garage gets a thorough scrubbing twice a year. But her basement is like a library. She has so many books. I feel for my cousins who will have to empty her house someday.
@Katie Hillenbrand my in-laws recently rented a dumpster to go through the attic during quarantine and just from the attic we filled the entire dumpster to overfill! My in-laws have 1.5 rooms dedicated to books its going to take a good while when we have to go through that home one day
When library open back up many will take them as donation to put into circulation, or if not they will be placed in a sale section and that money will go towards new books for circulation!!!
I don't know if this helps anyone else, but a friend of mine told me a long time ago "if someone else will use this more than i will, it's time to pass it along.". it helped immensely for those things that are still very nice, but just not loved or favored. plus i love the "giving" nature of the thought itself. it always feels good to give. love your videos!
Ashley Grim But... when that “once a month” rolls around, and you need that less frequented (but still used) item, what do you do? I mean, when you need something, you need it handy! Seems to me that just because some items are not used often as others, that does not mean they are not needed.
Gigi S. It depends on what it is but typically items I am referring to are something that I could still get the job done without it but maybe something else that I own could get it done just maybe not as quickly... like a hand mixer... yes they are convient but a utensil and some extra time will get the job done as well!
Your comment about keeping the cheap things is so true! Just before your video I was thinking that! I just did a major purge in my kitchen and got rid of some really nice things. An example is nice casserole dishes etc- but the truth is I only use my glass baking dishes. Then I got rid of my blue willow items 😭😱because the reality is.... I really like them but I never use them. I have gotten rid of a lot over the years esp when we moved from the USA to Australia. But wow! I forgot that sometimes it is very hard to get rid of things that are nice and you like but you don't use. It was very difficult to drop the items off but now I am equally as thankful to have the mental space and the reality that what I have is what we like and use. Thank you for your videos Dawn! I honestly think your methods and thoughts far(!) surpass any other "leading minimalist". I am VERY thankful for your videos. My daughter also loves to sit with me and watch them. Writing all of this in a comment doesn't fully convey how thankful I am. Take Care, Katie
You guys seriously just make me so happy! I’ve been on this journey for about 7 months and my clothing has gotten to the point that we are getting rid of TWO dressers and putting folded items in our nightstands and we fill up only about a quarter of our walk-in closet now! We have been moving furniture into our garage as we realize that we just don’t need/use it anymore. We are military, so I am super curious how much easier our next move will be since we have gotten rid of over half of our belongings! Keep that motivation coming.
I just went on a rage in my kitchen last two days and finished tonight. I have one tiny skinny cabinet with 3 shelves for food and 2 shelves in a small upper cabinet above the counters. AND I have all this extra food for covid sitting everwhere. I kept thinking where can I store this stuff. So I rage cleaned a sm microwave cabinet that I inherited from my mom’s house with a bunch of her stuff still in there untouched. (Like all her dish towels and potholders, her silverware and gadget drawer stuff and a bunch of who knows what.) Haven’t touched any if it in two years since her passing. Out it all came, cleaned, and new shelf liner. ALL of the food is now in a new home complete with inventory list on inside of door. I have a completely clear countertop now. I smiled when I finished it earlier and thought Dawn would be so proud! Plus look at those bags of stuff to donate! 🌸🌸🌸. Hugs from Ohio!
I love the fact that you are so honest on how life really is and don't sugar coat things. Decluttering is not just a one time job cause things always creep back into the house.
Getting over that fact that I've paid good money for things has helped me donate so many things I've held onto for YEARS. Thanks for constantly repeating that. It has been life changing.
That’s me and my husband🤣 so my family is big on that they’re ‘best by’ or ‘sell by’ dates, not “they’re going to instantly turn into poison after this arbitrary date!” We use our judgement. Sniff, smell, texture, etc. Dry and canned goods always last longer. Of course perishable and fresh foods will not. We also live in a northern rural farming state where you can have blizzards the majority of the year and we stock up our pantry for emergency purposes. My husband is from a 3rd world country where their power went out daily, so they always cooked how much they needed for the day and never stored or froze leftovers or had a huge pantry stock. If something is just 2 days old, or has passed it’s best-by date he immediately wants to throw it, and I’m like “noooo! It’s still good for at least a few more months!”😂
Thank you Tom! It's so great how you are a fun, kind and helpful husband! It is nice to see you tag team with your wife. You BOTH keep motivating me.~R
I love watching your videos. It makes my day when I see one. You all are the best thing happening on TH-cam. I like it that you don’t exploit your children.
Its funny to me that decluttering has become so addicting and my question to myself when I hold up something has changed from "Do I need/use this?" to "Can I make do without this?" I LOVE having so little to manage! I have declutteted atleast 50% of my stuff but I was kinda minimal before I became a Minimalist... now I am just way more intentional!!
Ashley I agree. Now I ask "can I make do without this?" and ALSO "If I didn't have this item, would I go to the store and buy it today?" That helped me get through (and donate) many many sentimental items. Decluttering and "minimizing" is actually really fun now. Our house just feels so much better.
Ohh Tom, we’ve all been there. My hubby is a “one” belt man as well. Just literally sent two more off to goodwill. Those were the “old body” ones. Good for you to be the one to initiate the clothes downsize. I feel like I need to do it again. Did the pantry yesterday because of another TH-cam channel pantry reveal. I started decluttering because of you two. It always feels super revitalizing!! Thanks for the little push to get more out of the house.
Somehow it’s helpful watching someone else get rid of stuff and hearing why they should or shouldn’t keep things haha. Thank you guys! You do a great job of being interesting and entertaining while helping us let go of stuff and understand the psychology behind it.
I've been binge watching your videos this week since I found you. Love you, love you and Tom together, and just grateful you found your niche to share with us! You are giving me the confidence to start minimizing all the "stuff" in our house.
Just such a great video and making me feel like I can do it too! It is so helpful to see and hear the thought process too! I realize I rely on your videos everyday for a great tip or inspiration, just to keep hanging in there. Not with life, but getting better and enjoying life! Thanks.
My home has woods in front and back of it. When I purge my pantry I leave nuts, old stale cereal etc out for the birds, squirrels etc. even the raccoons partake. I hope no one is throwing out food, the animals eat too. 😁💕
Started watching this then suddenly I felt the need to declutter the kitchen. Finished and took a deep breath seeing a beautiful decluttered kitchen, and realised I hadn’t finished watching the video. Thank you so much for helping me transform my home and life.
Tom is such a sweetheart. When they're going through his clothing and he says, "some things just make me sad", I get teary-eyed no matter how many times I watch this video 😥 It's okay, Tom! You deserve to feel good about yourself, so it's okay to get rid of that old clothing! 🤗🤗🤗
These are my favorite kinds of videos from you, Dawn! So much of the time, I have blinders when it comes to my own stuff but I WANT to simplify! It is so helpful to see you declutter and then think "oh wait, I have some things like that I can get rid of!"
I like your bathroom shelves so much better. Much neater. I love that Tom got rid of a bunch of clothes, belts, etc. He is really on board with your minimalism. I know I’m thankful that my husband keeps things thinned down and isn’t a slob or hoarder. He is an excellent organizer. It sure helps. .
It’s very helpful to see a man’s progress in minimizing. My hubby likes to save things too. I like how you give him the space that he needs yet he seems to want to let go of things more readily each time. It def does get easier the more you do it. Thanks for your sweet channel.🥰
I LOVE these decluttering videos! Please keep them coming.! I need to re-declutter before things get out of hand again. SO inspiring! Thank you both!👏👏👏
I just have to say one thing about your medicine cabinet: I am so impressed at how you handled it being messy. I have a (bad) habit of yelling at my family for how stuff is put back. You were just very matter of fact, instead of scolding and letting it bug you.
Dawn you are blessed to have people in your life that ride along with your minimal life choices. That makes things easy and fun. I have no one to have to make this easy and fun for me.
Loved the video, I love your honesty about how stuff creeps in and how despite your best efforts stuff gets messy. My husband has 3 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of shorts and it seems to serve him fine, he needs to replace one pair of shorts, he will do the one in one out rule for sure. I just need to get him to sort out his box of random cables/technology stuff and some of his office paperwork needs to be properly organized. I agree with the comment about not having storage in rooms, if you have it you just end up filling it up with random stuff. I can't wait to see the porch.
I did notice something Tom said about wearing cheap clothing more regularly than other items. I’ve noticed with myself that I tend to wear my really crappy clothes way more often than my nicer clothes just because I don’t want to ruin them, isn’t that crazy. I have perfectly nice lounge/casual clothes but I wear my worn out beat up clothes more frequently. Does anyone else do this?
All the time! Holey, baggy pants and t shirts. I feel comfy but it's a look I wouldn't wear outside. I'm on the lookout now for comfy clothes that also look good so I don't feel like a complete scruff when I'm at home.
Thanks for sharing your family with us! It helps to see the way y'all manage your "household inventory". It's especially important during these more isolated times.
We just moved to a rental to sell our house. My husband had like 10 truck loads of stuff that I begged him to get rid of for years. When he was close to the end he said he never wants to hoard again and he had a look of defeat. He said it stressed him out thinking of going through everything so that’s why he never did. We will move again in six months and I’m glad!
Yes, please. Also, I loved that Tom wanted to keep the sweater/jacket because he liked it. Yes! But the reality that it shrunk up?? Very frustrating, but sometimes a reality. Thank you for keeping it for a time though, and then ultimately realizing we will never shrink to match it. Thank you!!
I’m a newer viewer and I love all your videos. I must say, this was such a fun episode with your husband being involved in the decluttering. It’s great to see both your perspectives.
I'm not sure if someone noted it before (there are over 900 comments. Yay!) Tom's comment of, "I don't even see these things as options, they are just something I have to 'dig' through." That comment was profound for me. ((*Thank you. Sincerely, for inviting us into your home. You have been so inspirational and I want to say life saving(?); Diana too! Her prayers and Words of encouragement always give me a double heaping of Blessings. Gifts that keep on giving.*)) Keep up the good works!
Omg. Best video I've seen, hands-down, in a long time! I really enjoyed listening to Tom's comments as he went through his clothes. He's exactly right about the "scent" of wearing Dry-Fit clothing too! Thank you both for making this video!
You guys are saving my sanity these days. First military deployment with 2 kids at home (7 years and 10 months). And I didn’t realize just how much crap I have until I didn’t have an extra set helping hands around. I’ve been purging ALL week and I already feel 1 million times better. I told my husband he won’t recognize our home when he gets back, lol. Keep up the awesome videos. Binge watching your channel I love seeing how you’ve changed and grown over the years.
Such a motivating video!!! I'm going through a serious decluttering phase right now and I'm watching your videos DAILY to stay motivated and keep going! :)
Aww, Tom... I feel your sadness myself for the same reasons. I am in a similar season of life & all I can say is continue to give yourself grace. You & Dawn are both amazing people who do SO much, glad to see you giving yourself permission to let the “small Tom” clothes go. Maybe I’ll let go of my “small Kristina” clothes soon... 🤔 Thanks for the inspo, you two! The minimizing videos & tours are my FAV!! 🥰
Thank you for sharing! I love how you remind us that it’s about managing inventory ( an on going process). Sometimes I feel like, wow, I just cleaned that out. I really enjoy watching y’all do your projects. ❤️
I am really enjoying your videos and they are making me realize how weighed down I am by "stuff". I'm going to try the 5 - 15 mins a day trick and start cleaning out. We have lived in our house for nearly 30 years and it actually has a lot of storage. There are drawers that have not been opened for years. I really like the philosophy of passing it on to someone who might need it and to double that benefit by giving it to our local humane society to help out the animals. Thank you for the inspiration, Dawn. And for sharing your darling husband!
I have a F16yo, M7yo, and M5yo, and I FEEL you on the "I'm just so grateful for the help". But sometimes, finding that can of XYZ that I KNOW I bought in a weird or crazy place just makes want to cry! Like...HELP ME, don't "help" me.
I feel like I need to intervene so poor Tom doesn't wear cotton to work out anymore, because that's a human rights violation. Keep the dry fit and its ilk! Yes, it smells like death if you don't wash it properly, but here's a trick: don't wear it twice in a row, and put a scoop of Oxyclean in each workout wear cycle. Only wash it with other workout clothes, and then dry on a very light cycle. Once you get this mastered, you'll never go back. *I do ultras and marathons, go to the gym AND have hyperhidrosis, so I know of what I speak in the sweat/laundry department. You're welcome. 😆
One thing I love about your videos is seeing that your spouse is totally all on with you! It’s so nice when you’re both on the same page! I’m still in the stage of “take care of my stuff first, and hopefully he will be inspired and follow” stage.
I just went through all my smaller size clothes and I had some really nice ones in there because I am a retired teacher. So anyway, I gave most away to my niece and great niece, then sold a few and donated the rest, because I don’t feel as If I will ever get to that size again. They didn’t motivate me, they just depressed me and took up a lot of room. I feel much freedom in letting them go. Thank you so much for all your encouraging videos. I wish I could watch you every day!!! Thanks again!!
He can wear the dri fit shirts around the house and around town, doesn't have to be a workout shirt. If he likes how they look, wear em just not when sweaty and stinky 👍
YES! Thinking the same thing. He's a good looking guy, how on earth is he possibly feeling down about it? And THANK YOU Tom for speaking the truth about Dri-fit tops. Seriously, they stink before I even break a sweat 😆. I'll work out in cotton any day. (If I were to, you know, actually work out that is...😉)
Just keeps getting better, the pair of them. Their interaction, just like w/the children are always so kind and loving. That is sooo the kind of wife I want to be!
I found ur channel when preparing my house to be put on the market. I was up to my eyeballs in stuff, and after a LOT of work, 50% of my stuff was sold donated or packed/move into the garage. The house was under contract 2 weeks later. I am still living in the house until closing, I have realized that, in general, I don't miss the stuff that is currently packed. Your channel has made me realize that my "season" is changing and some items are simply not going to be used. You've helped me with some big decisions. I'm currently going back through already packed boxes and purging. It feels horrible and wonderful! Thank you for your insight and inspiration.
THANK YOU for watching, we are so grateful for you!!! Find links for the Pumpkin Bundt Cake, Pumpkin Dump Cake & Spinach, Sausage & Tortellini soup in the description! Some of may ABSOLUTE favorite recipes (and they're all SUPER EASY-- that's my style!!!! ;) Dawn ... see the time stamps below!
Decluttering random food in the Kitchen 0:51
Dining Room & Living Room Non-Declutter 6:31
Bathroom Declutter 7:01
Decluttering Tom's Clothes 10:43
Decluttering the Laundry Room 17:13
Organizing the Baking Drawer 22:02
⁰000⁰0000)o[
Dawn! You can make DELICIOUS vegan Pumpkin milkshakes! Frozen bananas, pumpkin, and maple syrup or sugar with pumpkin pie spice and it is AMAZING! A good "It's September 1st but still hot as heck" recipe!
I thoroughly wet a garment that has shortened and hang it on the line - it can end up a little longer than it’s original length
You would faint if you saw our pantry - I do 😳 - I enjoyed watching 😃
@@Tweeza57 😂
I had kept too small clothes for YEARS in shrink bags, hoping to wear them again. 1 - It made me sooooo sad when I saw the bags and KNEW that I still couldn't wear them and then 2 - After my bariatric surgery, when I could fit into them, they were way out of style, not my style anymore, or I just wanted to celebrate by buying me something fresh and new. ITS NOT WORTH HANGING ON TO EXTRA CLOTHES FOR "JUST IN CASE."
Right on!!! 👍 Let's keep what looks fabulous right now!!!!
I think I needed that extra boost to finally get rid of the tote that's in the basement of size 6 clothes and I'm a size 10 now.
@@michelleprice5945 I'm right with you Michelle. I needed to hear this too! I was keeping so many of my size 6 clothes in a bin in my closet hoping I'd lose the weight! I'm a size 10 too and just want to embrace that and move forward!!
When I lost weight I was super glad I kept the (lesser worn favorites) of my smaller clothes. I had no money to purchase new clothes so if I hadn't kept them I would have had to wear the larger clothes with a belt and felt horrible. None were out of style as I wear the same classics all the time, not trends.
Tom Jones same goes for me. All these clothes I purchased when I had way more money, so they are all very high quality. I couldn’t afford anything like that now with family and all. And all timeless, classy things. So I guess it works only if you can easily replace your things.
My husband came in as I started to watch this, and it was an answered prayer that he watched it with me!!!! I am thrilled that he saw this!!! Perfect one for him to see!! 🙏🏻❤️Jennifer
Tom seems like a lovely person. So calm and easy going.
Ah, sweet Tom. He needs a boost! You are such a supportive wife.
Agree 💯
Decluttering for me is the chance to deep clean my house. It’s also a reflective moment too.
It’s a privilege for those of us who are able to get rid of extra items we have, as so many people don’t have that option. For me minimalism and cleanliness go hand in hand, I can’t have one without the other. It’s kinda like purging and cleansing my soul, making way for new thoughts and feelings, while appreciating the things we’ve enjoyed and are now able to give away for the benefit of others!
So true, Val! I find that it feels really good to wipe down a counter or a shelf after you've cleared it of the clutter!! It's like the icing on the cake for you eyes! 😃
I "decluttered" my garden today. I just bought a reciprocating saw so was able to scoot around the fence line and cut the terribly overgrown volunteer trees. I pulled out phlox and unidentified plants that migrated from my neighbor's fence garden and unearthed a few plants I hadn't seen in years! Now I have a mess on my lawn, but I will have fun raking the debris for composting and cutting the trees to manageable lengths.
My neighbors will wonder what came over me. 😁
You're so right. What a privilege to have the problem of too much stuff! So much more relaxing to free oneself of it.
Could this video BE any more motivating to get your family/significant others on board?!?! Tom, you're a simplifying champ! What a wonderful way to honor your lovely bride! 🤵❤👰
Haha... my husband and I call my fantasy self “Chickpea Rachel” because I buy chickpeas and never eat them 😂😂😂
You just need a good recipe for hummus! Chickpeas are great on a salad too.
This is so funny! I had the same jar of chickpeas for 4 years, thinking I would eventually use them! After we moved three times, I finally thought, "What am I doing!?" And threw them out!
That makes me quinoa Kristina. 🤣😂
Haha! And I'm definitely couscous Kelsey! 😂
I had stocked up on chick peas (because I DID have a good hummus recipe) and lost track of the number already in my pantry. Beans, too. Then I went on the keto lifestyle. I didn't think food shelves were taking donations earlier this year (cash, sure) so I gave a health coach friend three grocery bags worth of foods no longer in my diet. She posted photos on FB of some of the dishes she made with them and gave me credit. (I didn't know the liquid can be whipped. She made something sweet with it.)
Tom’s humble honesty is so REAL and refreshing. Inspires us to face our reality and find the same joy and freedoms that come. Not being afraid to face our weaknesses that weigh us down as we live in denial... God is using you to help others like us take this wonderful yet hard step!
awww your husband is so cute, honest and real. He admits being bummed about old clothes not fitting. I think that is so refreshing!
Watching you two go through more organizing and decluttering lifts my spirits. My previous bad mental programming condemned me for making mistakes, for not using up, wearing out, or making do with things that didn't really suit me anymore. In times of lack, that was survival. In this time, it has overwhelmed me and led to so much guilt and self-loathing. It's ridiculous that it took me until my 60's to realize that I was a normal human, that there were lots of us, and that God wasn't going to strike me dead for "poor stewardship." And that my standards were unrealistic.
Clothes was the hardest for me to downsize and let go of. It took about 3 years of slowing letting go until i have everything that fits into my closet or drawers for all seasons. I came to realize i never wear a dress, heels, or anything fancy. So i no longer own a dress, skirt, heels or dressy clothing or purses. My "dress up" would be black jeans and a nice top. My church is very relaxed and i realize rather be at church than dress for church... Thanks for sharing this inspires me to let go of more.
I have gradually given away dresses, skirts and occasion shoes too, Sometimes I see someone looking great in something like that, but I want to always be in footwear I can walk in for a distance, I have 2 dresses, one for weddings and one I have for sentimental reasons, the latter was expensive, and is small for me now, but it is a beautiful liberty tana lawn long dress from the 70s. It has been used by friends and colleagues often for parties,. I also have a real kimono with all the accessories, which I will pass on to my great niece. That has also been loaned out many times. It is great to see a video like this where things are under control
I like how cooperative your husband is about going through his clothes. When my husband was alive I could not get him to do that. The results were a nightmare for me after he passed. The resale shops were happy.
Tom: "My fantasy self was a cool dude." 🤣🤣🤣 Love this video! Adaline is amazing too!
Yep! Same here! Totally #teamTom I get overwhelmed; then rage purge... never had a regretful decluttering session.
Love you 2!!!! Tom did a great job with his clothes!!! Way to go Tom!!!!!!👍.
Tom was funny and his comments made me laugh out loud 😁
"My fantasy self is a cool guy!" ... same, Tom... same.
I always giggle when you say you have clutter because I cannot wait to Declutter your “Amount of Clutter!!” Lol It shows that you can always declutter a little more even if you are a minimalist!! Thank you for always keeping us inspired!!!
My mother-in-law always says to me how can you possibly have anything else to get rid of but like Dawn said there is ALWAYS stuff coming in and as time goes by things you once decided to keep is no longer important
Loved this video...nice to see how you maintain the stuff and get to do it together...so great.
@@ashleyngrim
My 88-year-old aunt is extremely organized and has a cleaning routine that begins on New Year's Day, her garage gets a thorough scrubbing twice a year. But her basement is like a library. She has so many books. I feel for my cousins who will have to empty her house someday.
@Katie Hillenbrand my in-laws recently rented a dumpster to go through the attic during quarantine and just from the attic we filled the entire dumpster to overfill! My in-laws have 1.5 rooms dedicated to books its going to take a good while when we have to go through that home one day
When library open back up many will take them as donation to put into circulation, or if not they will be placed in a sale section and that money will go towards new books for circulation!!!
I don't know if this helps anyone else, but a friend of mine told me a long time ago "if someone else will use this more than i will, it's time to pass it along.". it helped immensely for those things that are still very nice, but just not loved or favored. plus i love the "giving" nature of the thought itself. it always feels good to give. love your videos!
So very true... if i use it only once a month or less and someone else would use it more regularly i donate it
Ashley Grim But... when that “once a month” rolls around, and you need that less frequented (but still used) item, what do you do? I mean, when you need something, you need it handy! Seems to me that just because some items are not used often as others, that does not mean they are not needed.
Gigi S. It depends on what it is but typically items I am referring to are something that I could still get the job done without it but maybe something else that I own could get it done just maybe not as quickly... like a hand mixer... yes they are convient but a utensil and some extra time will get the job done as well!
Loved this one! Tom is SO adorable! I laughed when he muttered he thought you were going to hang some things in the closet!
Your comment about keeping the cheap things is so true! Just before your video I was thinking that! I just did a major purge in my kitchen and got rid of some really nice things. An example is nice casserole dishes etc- but the truth is I only use my glass baking dishes. Then I got rid of my blue willow items 😭😱because the reality is.... I really like them but I never use them.
I have gotten rid of a lot over the years esp when we moved from the USA to Australia. But wow! I forgot that sometimes it is very hard to get rid of things that are nice and you like but you don't use. It was very difficult to drop the items off but now I am equally as thankful to have the mental space and the reality that what I have is what we like and use.
Thank you for your videos Dawn! I honestly think your methods and thoughts far(!) surpass any other "leading minimalist". I am VERY thankful for your videos. My daughter also loves to sit with me and watch them.
Writing all of this in a comment doesn't fully convey how thankful I am.
Take Care,
Katie
I say this all the time but you two are too darn cute together. Tom cracks me up! We all need you Dawn in our lives to help throw our junk away. 😊
It finally hit me in the shot of you holding the silicon baking cups, KATIE COURIC is who you remind me of!!! Been killing me for almost a year.
She also reminds me of Emma Stone, but I can definitely see Katie Couric now that you mention her.
You're so right, Jennifer! They do have very similar eyes! Can't believe I never realized it before!
Tom's honesty is sooooo refreshing.
You guys seriously just make me so happy! I’ve been on this journey for about 7 months and my clothing has gotten to the point that we are getting rid of TWO dressers and putting folded items in our nightstands and we fill up only about a quarter of our walk-in closet now! We have been moving furniture into our garage as we realize that we just don’t need/use it anymore. We are military, so I am super curious how much easier our next move will be since we have gotten rid of over half of our belongings! Keep that motivation coming.
God bless you for serving your country and being prepared to be moved around. Cheryl. (London, England.)
I just went on a rage in my kitchen last two days and finished tonight. I have one tiny skinny cabinet with 3 shelves for food and 2 shelves in a small upper cabinet above the counters. AND I have all this extra food for covid sitting everwhere. I kept thinking where can I store this stuff. So I rage cleaned a sm microwave cabinet that I inherited from my mom’s house with a bunch of her stuff still in there untouched. (Like all her dish towels and potholders, her silverware and gadget drawer stuff and a bunch of who knows what.) Haven’t touched any if it in two years since her passing. Out it all came, cleaned, and new shelf liner. ALL of the food is now in a new home complete with inventory list on inside of door. I have a completely clear countertop now. I smiled when I finished it earlier and thought Dawn would be so proud! Plus look at those bags of stuff to donate! 🌸🌸🌸. Hugs from Ohio!
I love the fact that you are so honest on how life really is and don't sugar coat things. Decluttering is not just a one time job cause things always creep back into the house.
Yes! both Dawn and Dana are so transparent and lovely and real. They've been a Godsend to this house and this tired lady. :-)
Getting over that fact that I've paid good money for things has helped me donate so many things I've held onto for YEARS. Thanks for constantly repeating that. It has been life changing.
"Do we not serve the Lord anymore?" 🤣
We DO and always will!
Dawn: This food has expired, but it's still good. The taste just starts to change.
Tom: Yeah, it starts to taste moldy. (Dawn doesn't hear/react) 😄
I know! Haha I laughed at that too 🤣
🤣
That’s me and my husband🤣 so my family is big on that they’re ‘best by’ or ‘sell by’ dates, not “they’re going to instantly turn into poison after this arbitrary date!” We use our judgement. Sniff, smell, texture, etc. Dry and canned goods always last longer. Of course perishable and fresh foods will not. We also live in a northern rural farming state where you can have blizzards the majority of the year and we stock up our pantry for emergency purposes. My husband is from a 3rd world country where their power went out daily, so they always cooked how much they needed for the day and never stored or froze leftovers or had a huge pantry stock. If something is just 2 days old, or has passed it’s best-by date he immediately wants to throw it, and I’m like “noooo! It’s still good for at least a few more months!”😂
Thank you Tom! It's so great how you are a fun, kind and helpful husband! It is nice to see you tag team with your wife. You BOTH keep motivating me.~R
I love the way you're husband is on board. Bless you all xx
Your laughter helps stressful give aways go soooo much easier. 😃
I love watching your videos. It makes my day when I see one. You all are the best thing happening on TH-cam. I like it that you don’t exploit your children.
Its funny to me that decluttering has become so addicting and my question to myself when I hold up something has changed from "Do I need/use this?" to "Can I make do without this?" I LOVE having so little to manage! I have declutteted atleast 50% of my stuff but I was kinda minimal before I became a Minimalist... now I am just way more intentional!!
Ooooh .... great question to ask !! Thank you ! “Can I make do without this ?” .... as opposed to .... “Do I need / use this ?” Very helpful idea !
Ashley I agree. Now I ask "can I make do without this?" and ALSO "If I didn't have this item, would I go to the store and buy it today?" That helped me get through (and donate) many many sentimental items. Decluttering and "minimizing" is actually really fun now. Our house just feels so much better.
My favorite of your videos are the ones that include hubby! You two are fun to watch together!
Ohh Tom, we’ve all been there. My hubby is a “one” belt man as well. Just literally sent two more off to goodwill. Those were the “old body” ones. Good for you to be the one to initiate the clothes downsize. I feel like I need to do it again. Did the pantry yesterday because of another TH-cam channel pantry reveal. I started decluttering because of you two. It always feels super revitalizing!! Thanks for the little push to get more out of the house.
Somehow it’s helpful watching someone else get rid of stuff and hearing why they should or shouldn’t keep things haha. Thank you guys! You do a great job of being interesting and entertaining while helping us let go of stuff and understand the psychology behind it.
I've been binge watching your videos this week since I found you. Love you, love you and Tom together, and just grateful you found your niche to share with us! You are giving me the confidence to start minimizing all the "stuff" in our house.
Thank you for showing the emotions we feel when we purge. Watching Tom made me see that we all go through those feelings.
Just such a great video and making me feel like I can do it too! It is so helpful to see and hear the thought process too! I realize I rely on your videos everyday for a great tip or inspiration, just to keep hanging in there. Not with life, but getting better and enjoying life! Thanks.
How nice that you and Tom can share this.
My home has woods in front and back of it. When I purge my pantry I leave nuts, old stale cereal etc out for the birds, squirrels etc. even the raccoons partake. I hope no one is throwing out food, the animals eat too. 😁💕
Started watching this then suddenly I felt the need to declutter the kitchen. Finished and took a deep breath seeing a beautiful decluttered kitchen, and realised I hadn’t finished watching the video. Thank you so much for helping me transform my home and life.
When you click "LIKE" before you play the video... cuz you already know!!! 💗
LOL, me too!!
THANK YOU!!! We greatly appreciate it!!
Absolutely true🥰
Lol me too!!!
That’s me too. Before I even watch I know I’ll like it.
Tom is such a sweetheart. When they're going through his clothing and he says, "some things just make me sad", I get teary-eyed no matter how many times I watch this video 😥 It's okay, Tom! You deserve to feel good about yourself, so it's okay to get rid of that old clothing! 🤗🤗🤗
These are my favorite kinds of videos from you, Dawn! So much of the time, I have blinders when it comes to my own stuff but I WANT to simplify! It is so helpful to see you declutter and then think "oh wait, I have some things like that I can get rid of!"
I like your bathroom shelves so much better. Much neater. I love that Tom got rid of a bunch of clothes, belts, etc. He is really on board with your minimalism. I know I’m thankful that my husband keeps things thinned down and isn’t a slob or hoarder. He is an excellent organizer. It sure helps. .
This was probably my favorite video you’ve done! So real!! Watching Tom was like watching my husband and his decision making and decision fatigue
I love these videos. I don't know why it is so fun to watch someone else tidying up. It is sweet that you and husband work together. Awesome!
I LOVE the support you both show each other and talked through what was causing wanting to keep the items. 💗 so inspired to do this with my hubby!
It’s very helpful to see a man’s progress in minimizing. My hubby likes to save things too. I like how you give him the space that he needs yet he seems to want to let go of things more readily each time. It def does get easier the more you do it. Thanks for your sweet channel.🥰
I LOVE these decluttering videos! Please keep them coming.! I need to re-declutter before things get out of hand again. SO inspiring! Thank you both!👏👏👏
Thanks for being so real.
Great video! Loved seeing you both work on those areas together and just getting to see how you talk to each other.
I love how Dawn laughs! : ) Thank you for this motivating video!
I just have to say one thing about your medicine cabinet: I am so impressed at how you handled it being messy. I have a (bad) habit of yelling at my family for how stuff is put back. You were just very matter of fact, instead of scolding and letting it bug you.
Dawn you are blessed to have people in your life that ride along with your minimal life choices. That makes things easy and fun. I have no one to have to make this easy and fun for me.
I love it when you two do projects together. 🙏🏻
Loved the video, I love your honesty about how stuff creeps in and how despite your best efforts stuff gets messy. My husband has 3 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of shorts and it seems to serve him fine, he needs to replace one pair of shorts, he will do the one in one out rule for sure. I just need to get him to sort out his box of random cables/technology stuff and some of his office paperwork needs to be properly organized. I agree with the comment about not having storage in rooms, if you have it you just end up filling it up with random stuff. I can't wait to see the porch.
I did notice something Tom said about wearing cheap clothing more regularly than other items. I’ve noticed with myself that I tend to wear my really crappy clothes way more often than my nicer clothes just because I don’t want to ruin them, isn’t that crazy. I have perfectly nice lounge/casual clothes but I wear my worn out beat up clothes more frequently. Does anyone else do this?
Yes!!
Oh, so true! Need to be comfy!
Of course!
I'm currently using a couple oversized, lightweight, holey nightgowns because I'm cheap.
I'll replace them when the material gets too thin.
All the time! Holey, baggy pants and t shirts. I feel comfy but it's a look I wouldn't wear outside. I'm on the lookout now for comfy clothes that also look good so I don't feel like a complete scruff when I'm at home.
YES! Its mind-boggling!
Thanks for sharing your family with us! It helps to see the way y'all manage your "household inventory". It's especially important during these more isolated times.
Would Tom consider doing a video on how to get a man to come along with a minimal journey without offending them? I'm struggling with my hubby :)
Deborah L yes!!! Please do this!!
We just moved to a rental to sell our house. My husband had like 10 truck loads of stuff that I begged him to get rid of for years. When he was close to the end he said he never wants to hoard again and he had a look of defeat. He said it stressed him out thinking of going through everything so that’s why he never did. We will move again in six months and I’m glad!
Good idea! Can we have the masculine version of this?
Yes, please. Also, I loved that Tom wanted to keep the sweater/jacket because he liked it. Yes! But the reality that it shrunk up?? Very frustrating, but sometimes a reality. Thank you for keeping it for a time though, and then ultimately realizing we will never shrink to match it. Thank you!!
Yes, that would be amazing. We need Tom to talk to the husbands.
I’m a newer viewer and I love all your videos. I must say, this was such a fun episode with your husband being involved in the decluttering. It’s great to see both your perspectives.
Such a good reminder we aren’t just done after the initial declutter!
I'm not sure if someone noted it before (there are over 900 comments. Yay!)
Tom's comment of, "I don't even see these things as options, they are just something I have to 'dig' through." That comment was profound for me.
((*Thank you. Sincerely, for inviting us into your home. You have been so inspirational and I want to say life saving(?); Diana too! Her prayers and Words of encouragement always give me a double heaping of Blessings. Gifts that keep on giving.*))
Keep up the good works!
Tom’s comments were cracking me up! I was feeling the overwhelm tonight with stuff, so thank you for this video!
hubs is so cute!
Omg. Best video I've seen, hands-down, in a long time! I really enjoyed listening to Tom's comments as he went through his clothes. He's exactly right about the "scent" of wearing Dry-Fit clothing too! Thank you both for making this video!
You have a vase of fresh flowers on your island! 💝 them! Looks so nice & homie not stark & sterile. 💝🎉
I just love watching your videos. Not only do you give awesome advice but you two are also such an adorably loving couple! Love your relationship!
You guys are saving my sanity these days. First military deployment with 2 kids at home (7 years and 10 months). And I didn’t realize just how much crap I have until I didn’t have an extra set helping hands around. I’ve been purging ALL week and I already feel 1 million times better. I told my husband he won’t recognize our home when he gets back, lol.
Keep up the awesome videos. Binge watching your channel I love seeing how you’ve changed and grown over the years.
Such a motivating video!!! I'm going through a serious decluttering phase right now and I'm watching your videos DAILY to stay motivated and keep going! :)
Watching you both is a blessings. Thanks for all the joy you add to my life!
Especially when some of us are isolating alone....these family videos make us not feel so alone! Thanks for all the tips!
You two are the cutest couple! Hope I can find a “Tom” someday ! ☺️
The two of you are so inspiring and fun to watch!
Thanks for giving me the motivation to keep decluttering, simplifying and tidying!! ❤️
Love the show, agree about getting rid of stuff that just does not fit any more. And organizing the kitchen keeps things so much nicer!
Aww, Tom... I feel your sadness myself for the same reasons. I am in a similar season of life & all I can say is continue to give yourself grace. You & Dawn are both amazing people who do SO much, glad to see you giving yourself permission to let the “small Tom” clothes go. Maybe I’ll let go of my “small Kristina” clothes soon... 🤔 Thanks for the inspo, you two! The minimizing videos & tours are my FAV!! 🥰
I was saying that this morning. I just want a fresh start in this closet.
Thank you for sharing! I love how you remind us that it’s about managing inventory ( an on going process). Sometimes I feel like, wow, I just cleaned that out. I really enjoy watching y’all do your projects. ❤️
When the lovely Tom says....so here’s the thing 😁 you two are so fun together!
I am really enjoying your videos and they are making me realize how weighed down I am by "stuff". I'm going to try the 5 - 15 mins a day trick and start cleaning out. We have lived in our house for nearly 30 years and it actually has a lot of storage. There are drawers that have not been opened for years. I really like the philosophy of passing it on to someone who might need it and to double that benefit by giving it to our local humane society to help out the animals. Thank you for the inspiration, Dawn. And for sharing your darling husband!
So needed a video by you today lol
Thank you! You and your husband are just so nice and adorable together. Your daughter, also. I'll keep watching, this is one of my first. Denise
Isn’t it amazing how things just “creep back in”?
You are such a cute couple! : ) : ) I love that Tom is on board with keeping your home uncluttered. It takes a village!
“Comes puking out”....LOL!
Man! That was satisfying watching your hubby getting rid of soooo much clothing!
I have a F16yo, M7yo, and M5yo, and I FEEL you on the "I'm just so grateful for the help". But sometimes, finding that can of XYZ that I KNOW I bought in a weird or crazy place just makes want to cry! Like...HELP ME, don't "help" me.
I love that y'all help each other declutter.
Laughed out loud at Tom's comment "wait, do we not serve the Lord anymore?" 😂😂😂
I feel like I need to intervene so poor Tom doesn't wear cotton to work out anymore, because that's a human rights violation. Keep the dry fit and its ilk! Yes, it smells like death if you don't wash it properly, but here's a trick: don't wear it twice in a row, and put a scoop of Oxyclean in each workout wear cycle. Only wash it with other workout clothes, and then dry on a very light cycle. Once you get this mastered, you'll never go back. *I do ultras and marathons, go to the gym AND have hyperhidrosis, so I know of what I speak in the sweat/laundry department. You're welcome. 😆
One thing I love about your videos is seeing that your spouse is totally all on with you! It’s so nice when you’re both on the same page! I’m still in the stage of “take care of my stuff first, and hopefully he will be inspired and follow” stage.
Love how real you guys are! Can totally imagine my husband and I having some of those conversations ❤
I just went through all my smaller size clothes and I had some really nice ones in there because I am a retired teacher. So anyway, I gave most away to my niece and great niece, then sold a few and donated the rest, because I don’t feel as If I will ever get to that size again. They didn’t motivate me, they just depressed me and took up a lot of room. I feel much freedom in letting them go. Thank you so much for all your encouraging videos. I wish I could watch you every day!!! Thanks again!!
He can wear the dri fit shirts around the house and around town, doesn't have to be a workout shirt. If he likes how they look, wear em just not when sweaty and stinky 👍
K J. Yeah my husband likes to wear them regardless of whether he’s working out or not
I agree! My husband wears dry fit hats regularly as well, not just for workouts.
Oh my gosh. You and your hubby are so cute together. And I always find your videos so motivating.
Who else thinks Tom looks good just as he is 😁
YES! Thinking the same thing. He's a good looking guy, how on earth is he possibly feeling down about it? And THANK YOU Tom for speaking the truth about Dri-fit tops. Seriously, they stink before I even break a sweat 😆. I'll work out in cotton any day. (If I were to, you know, actually work out that is...😉)
Coffee Addict - not that he doesn't look good but for his heath, he needs to lost a few pounds.
About the same build as my millennial husband. Idk how small Tom used to be, but my husband was underweight when we met.
He is perfect just the way he is.
Just keeps getting better, the pair of them. Their interaction, just like w/the children are always so kind and loving. That is sooo the kind of wife I want to be!
What a great video to watch as I begin decluttering and simplifying our bathrooms this week! Thanks!
I still use food that expired several years ago.. still good... if it is not bulged, the seal is still good, smells ok, looks ok... its still okay...
I found ur channel when preparing my house to be put on the market. I was up to my eyeballs in stuff, and after a LOT of work, 50% of my stuff was sold donated or packed/move into the garage. The house was under contract 2 weeks later. I am still living in the house until closing, I have realized that, in general, I don't miss the stuff that is currently packed. Your channel has made me realize that my "season" is changing and some items are simply not going to be used. You've helped me with some big decisions. I'm currently going back through already packed boxes and purging. It feels horrible and wonderful! Thank you for your insight and inspiration.