Thank you so much for watching!! You can see Last year's whole house declutter (lots of decor & kids stuff) here: th-cam.com/video/_wFMmRh6kec/w-d-xo.html and the laundry room makeover here: th-cam.com/video/xS2lSYXISTg/w-d-xo.html I hope you have a great day!!! - Dawn
I watched the latest video of The Secret Slob she pointed out 3 reasons why her house is always a hot mess 1. Too much stuff 2. Homeless ítems 3. Not putting stuff away
Thanks Dawn! My husband has the 20-20-20 rule for decluttering. If you decide you need an item again after decluttering…and it would cost less than $20 and less that 20 min (or 20 miles) to go buy and replace, then get rid of it! We’ve actually never had to replace things we’ve decluttering! :)
The day I truly understood the difference between price and value was the day I was able to stop shopping sales & therefore brought significantly less stuff into the home. Price is a relationship between the store and the item. Value is the relationship between the customer and the item’s usefulness. Those pants I paid full price for and wore 3x/week for 3 years were way more valuable than that shirt I got on sale and wore once. Multiply the “deal” stuff by the amount of deals people score and you can see the overall cost is significantly higher while the value is significantly lower. And if you’re not chasing deals/sales, all of a sudden you become way more deliberate about your purchases (and therefore bring way less stuff into the home) bc the prices are higher at the point of sale. I’m not saying one should not look for deals or ever buy things on sale, but shopping when stuff is “needed” as opposed to just trying to score a deal helps tremendously.
For home schooling, i created grade level binders of a 1 year worth of all curriculum. And just kept all grades on a shelf. Kept contained and never more than 12 binders. Give set to another mom once you will no longer need that year for any of your kids
I just think of it as giving a gift. I may not know the recipient, but I see the item as a gift. Something that will bless them and bring them joy. It makes my heart happy. I give most things through my Driveway Giveaways.
Dawn, you changed my life in 2020 when you introduced me to the concept of "reduce the inventory in your home, to an amount you can easily manage". Our home is so peaceful now and easy to clean. The best part is now I have more time for the People and Activities that I love! Thank you!!!
To help with my mental block of getting rid of nice items I don't need is I look at the items as gifts I'm giving to others in need. ❤️ This is also what I tell my kids when we go through their toys.
Yes, so true! I hear Dawn's voice 'in my head' now: "Donate what you're not using so someone else can enjoy and get use out of it." Thank you, Dawn, and my fellow TH-cam listeners, for encouraging this life giving mindset! It has helped me so much.
On the topic of giving way nice stuff. I was once that person who had to buy everything at thrift shops. The thrill of finding something truly nice was amazing. When I have something really nice to give away, I alway remind myself how I would have felt 20 years ago had I found it. Makes it so easy to put into the donation box!
We don’t have trash service here in North Carolina. We have to take everything to the local dump. They have a metal building that is called the swap shop. You can donate just about anything in decent condition. That has helped me because it isn’t an extra trip to the thrift store or a pile of stuff that is sitting around. Plus it is helping someone else that lives near us! It helps me keep our inventory down
Well goodness, where do you live? In Raleigh, they have curbside pickup for recyclables plus they even pick up food scraps. For apartments we just recently got a dumpster for recyclables. Love that you have the swap shop. I drive 30 minutes to drop things off at a church for their yard sale.
I helped a health impaired, disabled friend declutter and blitz clean. She’d been unable to clean or even pick up stuff for a while, but we didn’t have time for a deep clean, except in the kitchen. We had worked really hard and decided to reward ourselves with a dinner out. I insisted before we left that we go on a tour of inspection and praise ourselves and each other, so instead of leaving (and returning) feeling exhausted and overwhelmed she felt tired and proud. I didn’t go back to her place after dinner, so it was important for me too to have a final viewing that let me feel I’d really accomplished things. >>> *This* *is* *my* ( *long* *winded* *point* >>> Both of us slept really well, and she told me that felt “lighter” next morning, happier to get up, and get moving. She was even able to follow ‘mantras’-don’t put it down put it away, don’t leave a room empty handed, etc etc. Previously it had all seemed useless, too difficult, and even ridiculous. As she said, it made no difference, so why bother. Now, *it* *made* *a* *difference* !! One empty coffee cup or misplaced magazine looked messy, so there was motivation to follow all the hints.
THANK YOU…THANK YOU…THANK YOU!! I found you in February 2020 while my husband was out of town on a Church Leadership trip. He was away for 2 weeks & I began my decluttering journey within a few days of learning about Minimalism. At the end of the 2 weeks, just before he came home, I took 7 trips to Goodwill with my Explorer completely full (all of the seats were stowed & cargo area full)! I have managed to continue to declutter as times go on. We are empty nesters with 4 grown daughters, who have all married Godly men & have blessed us with 9 awesome Grandchildren! God has been SO good to us & you are another blessing from Him! Keep up the good work blessing others with a passion to be content with less carnal things, allowing us to focus on more spiritual blessings🙏🏼! “Well, I Love You” & hope you have a good day, Lisa F. from Texas
Dawn... I have decluttered almost 80% of everything myself and daughter own since following you! Opposite of most, I hung onto clothes too BIG for me thinking I'd be able to wear them again. I had TONS of inventory from my business that closed in 2020 and just STUFF.. including sentimental items. I used to be in debt (years ago now) I'm totally debt free but found myself still shopping out of boredom being stuck indoors for 2 years. 🤦♀️ I did many, MANY "rage purges/Swedish death purges" whatever you wanna call them... but, they work for me! I've donated 50% to a local charity for children who are terminally ill, donated a TON to local non profits, salvation Army, etc... and now I'm in the final stages of finishing up the rest of the "things". I now have a "uniform wardrobe " of my favorite colors and what I actually wear, and still have a goal of at least 1 or 2 more 40 gallon black bags to be donated each week. I'm looking for my first house and I want to move as LITTLE as possible.
@@mariahwilson6505 Thank you! Being a disabled Veteran and Single Mom of a differently abled young adult - it was an impossible task for years until I found Dawn and her methods. It feels SO much better to GIVE away stuff that I would constantly trip over, pile all over and be depressed about that I was a failure Mom. Now I have NO attachment to possessions and enjoy dropping bags off at church and other places for those who really need them. I did sell ALLOT online and that helped me become debt free to reach my goal of having a home for my daughter and I.
My tried and true method is this: if I come across something that I want to declutter but then get caught up in all of the "what if's", someday, its useful, blah blah blah, etc, and I'm hesitating, I say to myself, "Leslie, you know you want to let this go. If you don't let it go now, you will only have to deal with it again. My time is WAY TO VALUABLE to go through this thinking process again, so I just let it go right then and there and NEVER LOOK BACK!! Works every time!
When looking for ways to not feel guilty, I ask…WWDD…what would Dawn do?!?…or Cas or Dana. You have all given me inspiration to let things go that I have held on for decades…yes, DECADES!! Moving it from one house to the next. My dad reminded me recently that I still have stuff at their house!!! Now I can’t wait to help him and my mom declutter my stuff from their house as well as all their years of collecting “treasures”. Thank you for the help and inspiration that I needed♥️♥️♥️
I am a Marine Corps wife and have am working on my 8th move in ten years. Thank you, Dawn for giving me permission to stop keeping things in case they work “in the next house.” I think I had at least 150 lbs in linens that didn’t work where we were living. Now in my second year of decluttering I feel so much lighter! I even have my pack rat little girl on board with her own donate box in her room. I can keep a tidy house now! Mind blown.
You should check out Erica Lucas on TH-cam.....she is a Navy wife who started decluttering in 2019. She too had years of stuff from many moves and Navy storage.
To keep my side of the bed clear and free of clutter, I have been using an LL Bean tote bag to carry my Bible study books, journals etc that i am using during this Lent. I love this idea bc I love being able to take the bag to the car or to other parts of the house, without adding visual clutter and losing things. It's a very visually minimal bag and has been a great answer to the piles. I am a reader and I want my books, but I don't qant thr clutter accumulation.
I like thinking about "blessing someone else with something really nice". I think of donating items more along the lines of wanting to bless others. This helps me let things go that I really enjoy but we just don't "need" anymore...like a "love offering" at church all most.~Texas Mom
I'm getting rid of perfectly good things for sure. Hard to let go of things that were wedding gifts (even thirty years later) or belonged to my parents, but I love how much better our cabinets, closets and drawers are working. Even our college age son loves it too!
I love that you’re involving the kids in the decluttering process. It’s such a huge and valuable life lesson. Maybe they won’t get caught in the clutter trap so easily in their adult lives! I also wanted to thank you for telling us about the items in our homes being “inventory” to manage. Thinking about it in that way is so very helpful. ❤️
I HAVE JUST COME OUT OF HOSPITAL!!!! One bonus I felt all the love of my family what a blessing. What was also good was that I am a tidy person and I could tell people where stuff is so they could keep the place going. They actually found stuff to.I could even tell my son where the glue and some paint brushes were kept. There really is value in keeping down the stuff and being organized.
I was watching while sitting drinking coffee. Then I decided to go clear a small area of my basement mess. I just 15 minutes I got rid of garbage and recycling and put a few items where they belong. Now is a clear path to walk to the rest of the mess. Thanks for the motivation. Tomorrow another small area.
Our homeschool co-op has a "free table" where we can bring anything we might donate and also take anything we can use. Someone takes everything to donate at the end of the day. It's fantastic!
When I am getting in to the "hard" stuff to declutter I do the following (which you basically taught me!): - picture my dream, perfect "vacation" home. Build up that longing and desire for having *just* what I love and need. - force one of my sisters to come over and sit with me while I sort through the stuff. - keep repeating "if it's not an immediate yes it's a no." - ask whichever sister is helping to take the donate pile with her when she leaves so I'm not tempted to go through it and it doesn't sit for 3 months on the floor.
The hardest for me was a few pieces of my Grandmother's jewelry. One day I just let it go and it still bothers me a little bit but I am happy I let go. I never wore it over 40 years. I am 66 and just moved into 365sqft. I bought your book to make sure I have removed all I can. As I find a home for things in the new place I will let go of the last few items not needed. Yahoo
When you talked about "guilty clutter" that literally made something in my head click. Majorly! Hearing that has made it so much easier to get rid of things I feel "guilty" about. A gift given to me or something I spent money on. I am able to let it go so easily now because keeping it is just a weight of guilt that follows me.... One of may favorite things I have learned from you!!
I'm a mom to 8 and we homeschool , I find that I get very overwhelmed by my environment so keeping it tidy and clutter free is so important for my emotional and mental health. I have found myself , on many occasion when I'm overwhelmed starting to move around furniture or even moving it out to the barn. So I can relate when you said our environment needs to be organized or we feel chaotic. Ty for your encouragement.
I love your videos. Thank you. I’m on the decluttering journey… When I met and married my husband, he had a home in storage, from where he and his terminally I’ll wife had moved to be near her family… and then the house he lived in, well, you accumulate more, because you don’t want to dig in the storage units to find things you know you have … And I when we married, I had a two bedroom house of my own! We have since moved back ti my hometown, and merged all three homes into one. Decluttering three homes is a journey … but I’m in it for the long haul… because I want a peaceful home too! Clutter sets everyone’s teeth on edge… and I don’t think they even realize it! Thank you for paving the way for those of us who are finally seeing the light!
Dawn, I just love your bedroom! We've been doing baby steps since I've found your channel... keep up posting videos! They are super motivating for me!! I'm going to declutter my dryer top... you are so relatable 😁
I agree totally with your idea of letting things go being worth the mental space they leave . I really like to imagine someone finding my new or good stuff in a thrift store and being thrilled with it. Most importantly I am always looking for ways to show my self and my children how to be generous with all I have not just things I don’t think have value.
I keep a Target bag ready in my car at all times to drop off at the bin outside Target in their parking lot so that after I get my Target pick up, I can just drive by the donation bin and pop those items in! I never go inside Target anymore so that way, I avoid impulse buys😉 Returns are done by mail with the free shipping label always so we never lose $$$ by failing to return things in store. Our house is also 1500 square feet and we just have a laundry closet in the hallway which I was initially sad about when we bought the 🏠house but now, I love bc no clutter collects there. Our dryer broke 2 yrs ago so we hang dry everything in there now which means, no more flat surface of the dryer to become a hot spot things collect on!
I’m just consciously now, at sixty, realising and admitting that a good habit is as easy to form as a bad one. Even though it’s viewed as laziness or carelessness, there really were points in the past when I cared enough to form those bad habits. Whether consciously or not, at some stage I decided saving myself an extra ten steps or ten seconds was important. Decided it was easier to keep a door closed, always, than de-trash or de-clutter a room. Rationalised piles of crap on tables weren’t messy or disorganised- after all, the papers were stacked (in no particular order); the discarded notes, envelopes and receipts were crumpled and in one pile, or even in or near to the rubbish basket. After all “it’s more efficient to wait and do it all at once” , just as some… Not me, but others I know decide it’s easier to wait until there are no clean plates before washing up-or even finding them all. There was actually a peculiar sort of pride in being unable to remember to put a cup in the sink! After all I am (my brain is) too active, too busy, too impatient!! And at some time, I really did believe it was more efficient and time saving to wait and clean up all at once. Or that if I waited until papers were in piles, it was easier then to file. Or that if they were in a drawer out of sight the papers were organised and sorted..ha!! Talk about self deception!!
We have these buy nothing groups here in Texas. So wonderful! I don’t have guilt about getting rid of stuff because I know that I can gift it to someone else that will use it. Best thing ever!
Well done! I am old and my parents lived during the Great Depression. I was raised with "this needs to be saved- we may never be able to afford it again". I find it is best to limit shopping (not easy because let's face it it's fun). When I get the urge or bored and end up in a store (other than groceries) I say to myself (you can only buy one thing- and fight the "I need" or "It's such a deal"). I find it is best to not let things sit in bags when you bring it into the house, and place it in it's home. BTW I raised 5 kids and worked full time, we would do a purge prior to Christmas to make room for our new stash. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
I love what you said about not bringing more stuff home! We are doing a no buy year this year where we only spend money on essentials like groceries, gas, and bills (No clothing, restaurant food, home decor, random appliances, etc). We do have a couple exceptions like budgeting for gifts and experiences. It's definitely kept the inventory down!
On Jan. 1, 2020, I began my year of not buying any new clothes for myself ( with the exception of undergarments). I thought it would be fairly easy, as I don’t buy tons of new clothes anyway. But then the pandemic hit in mid-March and BOOM--- easiest New Years Resolution to keep, EVER!😊
Just discovered your video and you're ideas really inspired me to get on with decluttering quicker. The idea of putting up signs to remind us of priorities and keeping in mind how , whether you have for containers is amazing. Breath of fresh air.
I'm pretty much done decluttering the inside of my home (we won't talk about my husband's garage LOL). A couple of Saturdays ago, I had 4 friends over for a day of scrapbooking, and I went through the house quickly to pick up anything not in it's home. It took me a few minutes and I realized that a few of the items I picked up didn't have a home - I hadn't made a decision about them. After my friends left, I dealt with those items so I wouldn't have to later. I have one pile of printed recipes that I need to make a quick pass through and will probably recycle 98% of them. The few remaining ones will go in a binder of recipes I have and use. Your decluttering course has been life changing - I've always been a de-clutterer, but I've learned to ask the right questions and that has been so helpful. I love that I can now clean my house quickly and I always have it picked up enough that I am never embarrassed to have people come over un announced. This was never the case before. Now if I could just learn to love mopping...
Donating should always be “perfectly good” stuff…no need to donate garbage. Sure something might not be perfect, but anything donated should be usable. And think of how excited you are as a shopper when you find just the thing you needed at a thrift store for much cheaper (especially now when things are so expensive!) Also I think it makes sense that in previous generations the cost of something was the determinant of it’s value. Back then, (even like 30 yrs ago when I was a kid) buying things was not so easy. Things were expensive relative to income and we didnt have the wide selection, discount options, etc. Now, we have to look at things differently because things are so cheap and easy to obtain. I try looking more at it from an environmental perspective and remember that I don’t want to keep adding to the unnecessary stuff in the world. My question now when deciding to buy something is: “will it solve a problem I currently have?”
I’ve always donated things and clothing in excellent condition to the local Goodwill. But here in CT, their prices have become exorbitant: I give them items for free and they turn around and overcharge my neighbors. Luckily, I found a local woman who collects,curates, and displays used clothing and household items in her beautiful garage and gives everything away for free. Families make an appointment with her and get to “shop” alone for everything and anything they need. I donate to her and it makes my heart sing:) I love decluttering and donating for her now.
@@ramonasurprenant2122 , I never donate to Goodwill. Less than 1/8 of the profits are used for their charity work. I donate to other thrift stores that I know have a good reputation for their work.
Goodwill told me they "textile recycle" by bundling stained and ripped clothing, towels and bedding and sell it to make rags. I give them my washed, worn textiles, clearly marked for that purpose.
I found a thirft store that the profits go to a women/family shelter, I like to donate there. They also sell crafts and candles made by some of the ladies, which I always love to purchase when I'm dropping off our donations 😊
I always feel good when I give away old bed sheets and rugs to animal shelter that's in need has help me to let go...and now all my old good quality clothes are going to homeless shelters and my children clothes...just knowing it helping someone who will appreciate the donations is a good feeling and always beats the overwhelming feeling.
So true. I give clothes to a shop that supports a battered women’s shelter and allows them to shop there free. I love thinking maybe one of those women will find my nicer things. Makes it so much easier to envision who might need it.
I so appreciate to see and hear that as a minimalist you still have to declutter or take inventory!! Thank you! As a teacher who has taken a step back while having kids, I have realized that I had obtained so much stuff. It was mostly good and usable teaching material. I have tried to use your rule of taking inventory...things I did use every year to keep. That said, I would love to see you help a teacher declutter a classroom🥰
Thanks so much for this video! This morning I’ve actually been journaling to get myself through why I struggle with releasing clutter and this video was very timely for me to get some extra help with letting go of items that are “perfectly good or new”. Thanks to your video I’m going to approach my extra “inventory” items as charitable contributions that I can feel great about blessing others with because I don’t have the need for them now.
We are 72 and just now decided to declutter and finish our basement.1700 sq. ft. We have been married 52 yrs. and we maintain and keep everything for someday. We have donated a lot of stuff. We have trunks of decor for every season..... We hired our grandchildren to tote it allllllll up stairs to one of our garages. I am fugal and creative so many of my things are old. We decided to update our downstairs area and a lot less stuff. I will still have a lot of sorting to do. Love you videos.
I've watched all your vids Dawn and have decluttered some things throughout the house. But this is what I needed to hear to get rid of more. Thanks so much Dawn! 🙏
Yes!! So much easier to clean when not as much clutter!!! And I like my house so much more when i can declutter. Love your channel. I have a lot of decluttering to do!
Love your inventory concept! Very helpful and so right. It’s a huge cost in having the things. Good stuff and sentimental items passed down in the family are the hardest. Even when the grownup kids don’t want them.
No flat surfaces!!!! That is BRILLIANT! I’m definitely going to try that! Also calling things/stuff “inventory”. It allows one to let go mentally so much easier! Thanks for sharing that.
I started mine two weeks ago. What a joy! The house minimized, easy to clean and looking so welcoming! Thank you for this last year of training! We have buildings 👷♀️ ; it is time to turn our attentions to these spaces. 🤩
Thank you so much for your videos! I always look forward to yours, Diana’s, Cass’ and Dana’s videos. All of you are doing God’s work just by encouraging so many people.
I am so bad about returning catalog things that don’t fit or I don’t like as much as I thought I would. I donate these with the mind set that “ I am blessing someone with this “ Makes it non guilty 😄
You are my ultimate very favorite of anyone on TH-cam. You are so relatable. I love that your home has color and the perfect amount of decor. I always recommend you to friends and family. Love everything about your videos and your precious family. Your friend in the heart of Texas.❤
I can relate to donating items to maintain one's peace of mind. I have never regretted it, and the items are greatly appreciated. Thank you for these important reminders.
I think a lot of us would love to hear about your journey to minimalism by really buying less in the first place. It makes so much sense, but somehow it’s so hard for us all to understand. I’ve decluttered so much (thanks to you!) that I really can’t/don’t want to!) remember how cluttered my house must’ve been.
If I may, I would suggest getting a basket to put next to your arm chair and make it a container for the books you are reading. It will look neat and tidy and the books will stay contained!
Yes! When I clean my house it takes me a solid 4.5 hours because I tidy and declutter at the same time. We’ve hired a cleaner and she does the whole house in less than 2 hours. My husband thinks that she isn’t doing as much cleaning as I am but he doesn’t get that all she’s doing is cleaning, she’s not sorting piles, putting clothes away, rearranging drawers, etc. Of course she’s quicker! I’ve been trying to declutter lately though (thanks to Dawn and Cas and Kallie over at But First, Coffee) and I’m finally to then point in most rooms that I don’t need to declutter and tidy before our cleaner comes. Which means I don’t have stuff overflowing. There are no piles! Hallelujah! Still working on my bedroom though. 🙈
Thank you for your motivational videos. We live in a small space with 4 kids as well and things can get out of control so fast. I have also found several no buy groups local to me that have been so helpful to use when I just have a few items to decanter and can't make a donation trip. Our local community is awesome and will often find ways to turn my " trash" into their treasures.
Good for you for being proud of your new laundry room!! When we put effort into making changes, it feels awesome!!! Reducing the inventory is totally the key!! It really makes a huge difference in systems working for us and setting us up for success!!! So inspiring and encouraging!!! It is pretty amazing how just a little time can make a big and peaceful change!!! Its really about being honest with ourselves but showing grace too!! Finding the balance for sure!! I totally agree with you on avoiding the stores...lol!! I have wanted to go look thru a few shops that I enjoy but I know myself with having a hard time resisting buying stuff!! Better safe than sorry....hahaha!!!!! For me I've been putting it in a spare room and not looking at it for a few days or longer! Then when I know I haven't gone back to those items, I give myself permission to get rid of them, regardless of the price. Thank you so much for all your amazing and very practical tips Dawn!!! I am loving learning!!!! I think looking back to the last 10 years or so I've actually been living as a minimalist or living simply and I didn't even realize it!! But it makes sense to me now!!!! Learning to steward what God has given us is so life giving!!!!! :)
Interestingly enough, I’ve always loved decluttering! But I grew up in a home that was always cluttered and overwhelming to keep up with. Once I found your channel, Dawn, you gave me permission to get rid of the stuff I had learned to keep my whole life. Stuff for “just in case” and guilty clutter disappeared from my home as soon as I watched your first video! Within a week of finding your channel, I had already filled my Prius with a load for goodwill! Thank you so much, Dawn!!!
You are so right - it IS much more enjoyable to maintain a home when the clutter has already been addressed. I have developed the habit of putting things away after using them, so stuff doesn’t accumulate. I no longer spend 10-15 minutes picking up a room before I can start cleaning.
Giving away things are passing a blessing to someone else to enjoy If it’s someone in need, college students, newly divorced etc etc . Think of it as then doing you a favor as your home is clutter free and clean
Dawn as you changed and expanded your definition and understanding of the true “cost” of an item I can see you taking that journey with what you see as a “good deal”.
I totally get it about becoming someone who enjoys cleaning. I always thought my work hours or schedule were the reason (excuse) that I could not keep up with keeping a clean house or that my house was a little too big to be able to clean all in one day. Not true! Once I decreased my inventory I can now clean the whole house at once and I look forward to it because it feels amazing to have a clean house!
I have OCD, and it makes it pretty hard to get through each day when the house is always feeling like a mess. Watching your videos and seeing how organized your house is makes me feel more calm and confident that I'll be able to have something similar when I get my own place :)
Thanks, that was a good one. I have a hard time of letting go of things that I paid money for too. I have been staying out of stores lately, so that has helped me not bring things in.
Like many others, my life has been changed by you. I joined your Facebook declutter a few years back, but only for a season as I gave up Facebook. I've been a subscriber for awhile. I want to go on record here and say your were right! Decluttering has become easier! You were also right in that when I head to the store, I no longer impulse buy. I use the thought of what will I remove to replace this item coming in? I let containers control my storage. After 4 years I am STILL a work in progress. But I love my home now, and the peace and joy it brings. May God continue to bless you and your sweet family Dawn. ❤ Debbie Carter
I have found a couple of principles really helpful when decluttering - one is to think of an item as an experience - like I’d spend £20 on a meal out as an experience, I also spend £20 on a puzzle that provides a few hours of entertainment but then I have enjoyed it as experience and it’s time to let it go and pass it on for someone else to enjoy. The other thing that has really helped me reduce craft supplies is letting go of anything I know is really for my fantasy self - the relief of passing it on and not feeling like I need to use it is immense! Love all your videos - thanks for sharing x
Donating is blessing others. If I keep that in my thoughts I’m less bothered by what I may perceive as having wasted money. Just another mistake to learn from. 😀 You always motivate me to do better! 🤗
I have no problem giving actual money to good causes or to help people and yet I get stuck on an item that I spent $20 on 2 uears ago but never used so its been under my bed. Thankfully, yall have helped me change that thinking and let go of much stuff. Stuff that caused me stress because my house was so cluttered. Now i focus on the joy someone else will have when they find this item at a thrift store and get to have it in their home. And I love having nothing under my bed and my closets have room to breath. I can open cupboards and see everything in them.
I agree with those posters about giving items to people in need! Easier to deal with it..... Now that we'll be getting refugees from Ukraine in Israel, I hope to implement this idea!
You should feel proud of yourself and your house. You've done such good with all of it. Thinking about the "cost" of keeping things is a great point, one I need to consider more than I have been. Thank you.
So pleased you got the book All About Heaven - hope Diana got her copy too. We love your videos and inspiration and you keep us going! We are on the decluttering journey together with Diane in Denmark using fly lady helping with the routines. Love the videos with Tom too. Thank you so much
The first time I watched your videos was December 2021. Let me tell you that the Lord has really used you and your advice to jumpstart this new journey of taking control of the order/priorities of STUFF. So much more I could share of the positive life changing transformation taking place inwardly and outwardly. Thank you Dawn and your sweet family
Helped a friend who was struggling desperately years and years ago. We did her study where she had to work from. 13 black bags of rubbish and donate from a small study. Her husband messaged me that night to say she’s sitting at her desk eating her dinner because she’s so happy she won’t leave the room!😂. He said she just kept going in there because it made her happy and calm. We did her kitchen. Bedroom and the living rooms. She now keeps on top of it herself. She just didn’t know how to start and couldn’t do it alone. I thought I was doing okay but it’s only recently I’ve realised I needed to do more. I’m now at a place where I think I’m done. Very small ongoing projects but nothing major anymore.😊 I feel happy and calm finally and like my house.😊
I’ve also had times when I bought things and didn’t get around to returning them, especially recently when stores were often closed and not accepting returns. I like to give them away on my Buy Nothing group. I love the idea that someone gets a brand new item for free and if it was me I’d be so excited! Makes me feel less bad about “wasting” the money on them.
Hi Dawn! I love all of your videos, but this one truly spoke to my soul! I want to make my home a clean, tidy and cozy retreat for our family. Life gets very stressful sometimes, so our home environment needs to be peaceful! This video seemed to really resonate with me tonight! I feel renewed energy for taking back my home. Your houseplants are gorgeous by the way, and I think your hat is super cute. I wear a hat to go kayaking, and I need a new one. Thank you for everything you do ❤️
Very enjoyable and helpful video. Your house is beautiful and your laundry room is so special. I love it when you ‘show a clip of it’. Lovely to see how good the children are at decluttering and tidying up. They are privileged to have parents like you and Tom.
I think it’s amazing you teach your kids this valuable life lesson. They’ll definitely appreciate that! My mom always did this 3-4x year and til this day I’m always drawn to keep my space good for me and I love it! Thank you 😊
So true about clutter attracting clutter. I put my sewing machine and serger on the dining table because of a project I was working on…then I got the flu and it sat on the table longer because it took longer to complete. Thankfully it is now cleaned off and the projects will be done later at my friends house!
No matter how many times I have watched your videos these are always my favorite. I am always inspired to declutter by the end. On to my homeschool shelves...
I use to really like cleaning when I lived on my own in a small apartment. But we that time I have way less inventory, and I could make all the decisions on items. U find "cleaning" A LOT more mental harder now as a married mom! Just was having this exact mental battle in my mind this morning, and this vidoe confirms exactly what I was feeling and thinking.
Oh my! Did you all watch Gage?!! Too cute! He was watching the trash bag and pulling stuff out. This Grandma just wanted to squeeze him. Just a darling little boy. And A great reason to have that container concept!
Thank you, this is the type of video that inspires me. I used to have trouble getting rid of stuff that was worth money. Not anymore Dawn is in my head giving me permission (that honestly has been the biggest help). I keep a box on a bench ( I don't care it doesn't look good right now). When I find something it immediately goes in that box, box gets full, immediately goes in my van for donation. I don't wait for a HAUL to donate. Absolutely agree re: dollar store, dollar general, Aldi I bring home to many items (oddly storage items -not sure where I'm even using).
The way I often get through a mental block or hesitation about donating stuff I spent money on is to remind myself that the item has served a purpose. Then I ask myself if that item still serves that same purpose. If not then I let it go. An example is a picture I bought. At the time I absolutely loved the picture and alway smiled when I looked at it. When I took the picture down to painted i realized I didn't miss it at all, I knew it was time to regift it to someone who would also get joy from it.
Just in case anyone struggles with their kids getting rid of things just know that won't last forever. I have been decluttering with my daughter for 2 years and she's 5. Only recently has she started giving up anything on her own. She used to keep EVERYTHING. I mean scraps of trash she'd seem attached to. Idk if it's age or practice but keep in mind they will come around by watching you declutter and continuing asking them without forcing it. Good luck anyone with kids!!
I just received my workbook, and am so excited to get started. Thank you so much for all you do, and the recipes too! The funny thing is, I hear your voice when I read the workbook. Thanks, keep it up.
What helps me when parting with things that cost me money is: A. The money is spent. It won't come back by me holding onto the thing. And I won't lose anything by letting it go. Sometimes I have to evaluate if it's worth selling...usually it's not. B. I file the lesson away and try to see it as a learning opportunity. "OK I won't buy that again...learned more about myself today." That's not a bad process.
You nailed it Dawn! Love You! When you see things that have not been used in a while but is beautiful let it go and someone else will use it, I got that from you. Thank YOU!
Dawn, I really like the new way ur doing ur videos......the picture in picture thing. It's easy to watch. Good job! Also, the "make the boundary the bad guy" idea has worked great with my kids.
Im going through a big spring decluttering phase and its the most ive ever been able to let go. Its hard sometimes thinking wow it feels like a lot and the things im thinking about getting rid of on top of that feels pretty crazy. But ive even began seeing how i could possibly live without a microwave, most counter appliances maybe even my tv! Im not quite there i might not go that far, but i can definitely see now how id be fine without all that stuff. Im amazed how far ive come, but i think the easiest way to get rid of items is just some at a time because as soon as its at the donation store youve already forgotten what you got rid of.. Although sometimes it feels like the pain of decluttering is never ending. Seeing how much money i wasted is rough, but im so much better off in the future. Stuff attracts stuff so i think the less i have the less i want. So i guess it could be considered an investment in the future if you look at it that way.
I donate “expensive” items to the hospice thrift store. The money they get will help someone at the end of their life. That makes me feel better about decluttering something that I perceive as “valuable.”
The hospice thrift store is also my favorite place to donate the "good" stuff. Every penny they earn goes to help someone during their last days on this earth! (donna here)
Thank you so much for watching!! You can see Last year's whole house declutter (lots of decor & kids stuff) here: th-cam.com/video/_wFMmRh6kec/w-d-xo.html and the laundry room makeover here: th-cam.com/video/xS2lSYXISTg/w-d-xo.html I hope you have a great day!!! - Dawn
I watched the latest video of The Secret Slob she pointed out 3 reasons why her house is always a hot mess 1. Too much stuff 2. Homeless ítems 3. Not putting stuff away
Thanks Dawn! My husband has the 20-20-20 rule for decluttering. If you decide you need an item again after decluttering…and it would cost less than $20 and less that 20 min (or 20 miles) to go buy and replace, then get rid of it! We’ve actually never had to replace things we’ve decluttering! :)
The day I truly understood the difference between price and value was the day I was able to stop shopping sales & therefore brought significantly less stuff into the home. Price is a relationship between the store and the item. Value is the relationship between the customer and the item’s usefulness. Those pants I paid full price for and wore 3x/week for 3 years were way more valuable than that shirt I got on sale and wore once. Multiply the “deal” stuff by the amount of deals people score and you can see the overall cost is significantly higher while the value is significantly lower. And if you’re not chasing deals/sales, all of a sudden you become way more deliberate about your purchases (and therefore bring way less stuff into the home) bc the prices are higher at the point of sale. I’m not saying one should not look for deals or ever buy things on sale, but shopping when stuff is “needed” as opposed to just trying to score a deal helps tremendously.
For home schooling, i created grade level binders of a 1 year worth of all curriculum. And just kept all grades on a shelf. Kept contained and never more than 12 binders. Give set to another mom once you will no longer need that year for any of your kids
I just think of it as giving a gift. I may not know the recipient, but I see the item as a gift. Something that will bless them and bring them joy. It makes my heart happy. I give most things through my Driveway Giveaways.
Dawn, you changed my life in 2020 when you introduced me to the concept of "reduce the inventory in your home, to an amount you can easily manage". Our home is so peaceful now and easy to clean. The best part is now I have more time for the People and Activities that I love! Thank you!!!
My thoughts exactly! 💗
💯
I was going to comment, but you said exactly what I would have! I found her last August and my home is beautiful and ready for company all the time.
Yes, same here. 🍍
To help with my mental block of getting rid of nice items I don't need is I look at the items as gifts I'm giving to others in need. ❤️ This is also what I tell my kids when we go through their toys.
Me too😀
Giving to someone in need.... Sound like a good way of dealing with it. 👍
This is a lovely way to think of it. It will help me as I'm struggling to get rid of dresses at the moment.
Great idea
Yes, so true!
I hear Dawn's voice 'in my head' now: "Donate what you're not using so someone else can enjoy and get use out of it."
Thank you, Dawn, and my fellow TH-cam listeners, for encouraging this life giving mindset!
It has helped me so much.
On the topic of giving way nice stuff. I was once that person who had to buy everything at thrift shops. The thrill of finding something truly nice was amazing. When I have something really nice to give away, I alway remind myself how I would have felt 20 years ago had I found it. Makes it so easy to put into the donation box!
I love that! x
Great idea!
We don’t have trash service here in North Carolina. We have to take everything to the local dump. They have a metal building that is called the swap shop. You can donate just about anything in decent condition. That has helped me because it isn’t an extra trip to the thrift store or a pile of stuff that is sitting around. Plus it is helping someone else that lives near us! It helps me keep our inventory down
that is so awesome!
That's genius!!!!
Well goodness, where do you live? In Raleigh, they have curbside pickup for recyclables plus they even pick up food scraps. For apartments we just recently got a dumpster for recyclables. Love that you have the swap shop. I drive 30 minutes to drop things off at a church for their yard sale.
@@maggierose97 we are in the country between Asheville and Charlotte.
@@maleenasummers7810 beautiful place. Grew up near there. Yeah, unfortunately the rural areas don't have many services
I helped a health impaired, disabled friend declutter and blitz clean. She’d been unable to clean or even pick up stuff for a while, but we didn’t have time for a deep clean, except in the kitchen.
We had worked really hard and decided to reward ourselves with a dinner out.
I insisted before we left that we go on a tour of inspection and praise ourselves and each other, so instead of leaving (and returning) feeling exhausted and overwhelmed she felt tired and proud. I didn’t go back to her place after dinner, so it was important for me too to have a final viewing that let me feel I’d really accomplished things.
>>> *This* *is* *my* ( *long* *winded* *point* >>>
Both of us slept really well, and she told me that felt “lighter” next morning, happier to get up, and get moving. She was even able to follow ‘mantras’-don’t put it down put it away, don’t leave a room empty handed, etc etc. Previously it had all seemed useless, too difficult, and even ridiculous. As she said, it made no difference, so why bother. Now, *it* *made* *a* *difference* !! One empty coffee cup or misplaced magazine looked messy, so there was motivation to follow all the hints.
What a gift you have given your friend
Thank you. I hadn’t thought of it like that.
You proved your friend with support and helped her take steps toward a life that is way more rewarding - please do see it for the gift it is.
Better to get rid of something while it has value than to hold onto it until it's worthless. Let someone else be blessed with it.
I like that wisdom!
Before my life was changed by minimalism, I use to take my kids toys(they just had to many) while they were nice and good and donate them.
THANK YOU…THANK YOU…THANK YOU!!
I found you in February 2020 while my husband was out of town on a Church Leadership trip. He was away for 2 weeks & I began my decluttering journey within a few days of learning about Minimalism. At the end of the 2 weeks, just before he came home, I took 7 trips to Goodwill with my Explorer completely full (all of the seats were stowed & cargo area full)!
I have managed to continue to declutter as times go on.
We are empty nesters with 4 grown daughters, who have all married Godly men & have blessed us with 9 awesome Grandchildren!
God has been SO good to us & you are another blessing from Him! Keep up the good work blessing others with a passion to be content with less carnal things, allowing us to focus on more spiritual blessings🙏🏼!
“Well, I Love You” & hope you have a good day,
Lisa F. from Texas
I was wondering, what was his reaction?
I am wondering his reaction too??
My husband would have had a cow if I had given away ANY of his stuff. Divorce proceedings might have insued!
@@brendamaun5455her husband trusts her that is how a marriage is supposed to be
Dawn... I have decluttered almost 80% of everything myself and daughter own since following you! Opposite of most, I hung onto clothes too BIG for me thinking I'd be able to wear them again. I had TONS of inventory from my business that closed in 2020 and just STUFF.. including sentimental items. I used to be in debt (years ago now) I'm totally debt free but found myself still shopping out of boredom being stuck indoors for 2 years. 🤦♀️ I did many, MANY "rage purges/Swedish death purges" whatever you wanna call them... but, they work for me! I've donated 50% to a local charity for children who are terminally ill, donated a TON to local non profits, salvation Army, etc... and now I'm in the final stages of finishing up the rest of the "things". I now have a "uniform wardrobe " of my favorite colors and what I actually wear, and still have a goal of at least 1 or 2 more 40 gallon black bags to be donated each week. I'm looking for my first house and I want to move as LITTLE as possible.
That is such amazing progress!!! It seems that this process is so life- giving to us!!! Thanks for posting your story!
@@mariahwilson6505 Thank you! Being a disabled Veteran and Single Mom of a differently abled young adult - it was an impossible task for years until I found Dawn and her methods. It feels SO much better to GIVE away stuff that I would constantly trip over, pile all over and be depressed about that I was a failure Mom. Now I have NO attachment to possessions and enjoy dropping bags off at church and other places for those who really need them. I did sell ALLOT online and that helped me become debt free to reach my goal of having a home for my daughter and I.
My tried and true method is this: if I come across something that I want to declutter but then get caught up in all of the "what if's", someday, its useful, blah blah blah, etc, and I'm hesitating, I say to myself, "Leslie, you know you want to let this go. If you don't let it go now, you will only have to deal with it again. My time is WAY TO VALUABLE to go through this thinking process again, so I just let it go right then and there and NEVER LOOK BACK!! Works every time!
This is so helpful! Thank you! 😀
When looking for ways to not feel guilty, I ask…WWDD…what would Dawn do?!?…or Cas or Dana. You have all given me inspiration to let things go that I have held on for decades…yes, DECADES!! Moving it from one house to the next. My dad reminded me recently that I still have stuff at their house!!! Now I can’t wait to help him and my mom declutter my stuff from their house as well as all their years of collecting “treasures”. Thank you for the help and inspiration that I needed♥️♥️♥️
Lol
I do that same thing!
I am a Marine Corps wife and have am working on my 8th move in ten years. Thank you, Dawn for giving me permission to stop keeping things in case they work “in the next house.” I think I had at least 150 lbs in linens that didn’t work where we were living. Now in my second year of decluttering I feel so much lighter! I even have my pack rat little girl on board with her own donate box in her room. I can keep a tidy house now! Mind blown.
You should check out Erica Lucas on TH-cam.....she is a Navy wife who started decluttering in 2019. She too had years of stuff from many moves and Navy storage.
Kristine,
Thank you to you and spouse for your service to our country.
We moved 13 times in 20 yrs. We purged before every move. Made each military move so much easier.
Kim I took your recommendation and watched Erica. She is great! Thank you!
To keep my side of the bed clear and free of clutter, I have been using an LL Bean tote bag to carry my Bible study books, journals etc that i am using during this Lent. I love this idea bc I love being able to take the bag to the car or to other parts of the house, without adding visual clutter and losing things. It's a very visually minimal bag and has been a great answer to the piles. I am a reader and I want my books, but I don't qant thr clutter accumulation.
I like thinking about "blessing someone else with something really nice". I think of donating items more along the lines of wanting to bless others. This helps me let things go that I really enjoy but we just don't "need" anymore...like a "love offering" at church all most.~Texas Mom
I'm getting rid of perfectly good things for sure. Hard to let go of things that were wedding gifts (even thirty years later) or belonged to my parents, but I love how much better our cabinets, closets and drawers are working. Even our college age son loves it too!
I love that you’re involving the kids in the decluttering process. It’s such a huge and valuable life lesson. Maybe they won’t get caught in the clutter trap so easily in their adult lives! I also wanted to thank you for telling us about the items in our homes being “inventory” to manage. Thinking about it in that way is so very helpful. ❤️
I HAVE JUST COME OUT OF HOSPITAL!!!! One bonus I felt all the love of my family what a blessing. What was also good was that I am a tidy person and I could tell people where stuff is so they could keep the place going. They actually found stuff to.I could even tell my son where the glue and some paint brushes were kept. There really is value in keeping down the stuff and being organized.
Great message. Hope you are doing well.
I was watching while sitting drinking coffee. Then I decided to go clear a small area of my basement mess. I just 15 minutes I got rid of garbage and recycling and put a few items where they belong. Now is a clear path to walk to the rest of the mess. Thanks for the motivation. Tomorrow another small area.
Our homeschool co-op has a "free table" where we can bring anything we might donate and also take anything we can use. Someone takes everything to donate at the end of the day. It's fantastic!
When I am getting in to the "hard" stuff to declutter I do the following (which you basically taught me!):
- picture my dream, perfect "vacation" home. Build up that longing and desire for having *just* what I love and need.
- force one of my sisters to come over and sit with me while I sort through the stuff.
- keep repeating "if it's not an immediate yes it's a no."
- ask whichever sister is helping to take the donate pile with her when she leaves so I'm not tempted to go through it and it doesn't sit for 3 months on the floor.
I love the dual screen format...video with your declutering and video with your narrative!
The hardest for me was a few pieces of my Grandmother's jewelry. One day I just let it go and it still bothers me a little bit but I am happy I let go. I never wore it over 40 years. I am 66 and just moved into 365sqft. I bought your book to make sure I have removed all I can. As I find a home for things in the new place I will let go of the last few items not needed. Yahoo
When you talked about "guilty clutter" that literally made something in my head click. Majorly! Hearing that has made it so much easier to get rid of things I feel "guilty" about. A gift given to me or something I spent money on. I am able to let it go so easily now because keeping it is just a weight of guilt that follows me.... One of may favorite things I have learned from you!!
I'm a mom to 8 and we homeschool , I find that I get very overwhelmed by my environment so keeping it tidy and clutter free is so important for my emotional and mental health. I have found myself , on many occasion when I'm overwhelmed starting to move around furniture or even moving it out to the barn. So I can relate when you said our environment needs to be organized or we feel chaotic. Ty for your encouragement.
I love your videos. Thank you.
I’m on the decluttering journey… When I met and married my husband, he had a home in storage, from where he and his terminally I’ll wife had moved to be near her family… and then the house he lived in, well, you accumulate more, because you don’t want to dig in the storage units to find things you know you have … And I when we married, I had a two bedroom house of my own!
We have since moved back ti my hometown, and merged all three homes into one. Decluttering three homes is a journey … but I’m in it for the long haul… because I want a peaceful home too! Clutter sets everyone’s teeth on edge… and I don’t think they even realize it!
Thank you for paving the way for those of us who are finally seeing the light!
Dawn, I just love your bedroom! We've been doing baby steps since I've found your channel... keep up posting videos! They are super motivating for me!! I'm going to declutter my dryer top... you are so relatable 😁
I agree totally with your idea of letting things go being worth the mental space they leave . I really like to imagine someone finding my new or good stuff in a thrift store and being thrilled with it. Most importantly I am always looking for ways to show my self and my children how to be generous with all I have not just things I don’t think have value.
That's such an important sentiment in your last sentence.
I keep a Target bag ready in my car at all times to drop off at the bin outside Target in their parking lot so that after I get my Target pick up, I can just drive by the donation bin and pop those items in! I never go inside Target anymore so that way, I avoid impulse buys😉 Returns are done by mail with the free shipping label always so we never lose $$$ by failing to return things in store.
Our house is also 1500 square feet and we just have a laundry closet in the hallway which I was initially sad about when we bought the 🏠house but now, I love bc no clutter collects there. Our dryer broke 2 yrs ago so we hang dry everything in there now which means, no more flat surface of the dryer to become a hot spot things collect on!
I’m just consciously now, at sixty, realising and admitting that a good habit is as easy to form as a bad one.
Even though it’s viewed as laziness or carelessness, there really were points in the past when I cared enough to form those bad habits. Whether consciously or not, at some stage I decided saving myself an extra ten steps or ten seconds was important. Decided it was easier to keep a door closed, always, than de-trash or de-clutter a room. Rationalised piles of crap on tables weren’t messy or disorganised- after all, the papers were stacked (in no particular order); the discarded notes, envelopes and receipts were crumpled and in one pile, or even in or near to the rubbish basket.
After all “it’s more efficient to wait and do it all at once” , just as some…
Not me, but others I know decide it’s easier to wait until there are no clean plates before washing up-or even finding them all.
There was actually a peculiar sort of pride in being unable to remember to put a cup in the sink! After all I am (my brain is) too active, too busy, too impatient!!
And at some time, I really did believe it was more efficient and time saving to wait and clean up all at once. Or that if I waited until papers were in piles, it was easier then to file.
Or that if they were in a drawer out of sight the papers were organised and sorted..ha!! Talk about self deception!!
“A good habit is as easy to form as a bad habit.” That’s fantastic! :)
We have these buy nothing groups here in Texas. So wonderful! I don’t have guilt about getting rid of stuff because I know that I can gift it to someone else that will use it. Best thing ever!
Well done! I am old and my parents lived during the Great Depression. I was raised with "this needs to be saved- we may never be able to afford it again". I find it is best to limit shopping (not easy because let's face it it's fun). When I get the urge or bored and end up in a store (other than groceries) I say to myself (you can only buy one thing- and fight the "I need" or "It's such a deal"). I find it is best to not let things sit in bags when you bring it into the house, and place it in it's home. BTW I raised 5 kids and worked full time, we would do a purge prior to Christmas to make room for our new stash. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
I love what you said about not bringing more stuff home! We are doing a no buy year this year where we only spend money on essentials like groceries, gas, and bills (No clothing, restaurant food, home decor, random appliances, etc). We do have a couple exceptions like budgeting for gifts and experiences. It's definitely kept the inventory down!
Same here, except we do buy food from restaurants. I'm loving it.
On Jan. 1, 2020, I began my year of not buying any new clothes for myself ( with the exception of undergarments). I thought it would be fairly easy, as I don’t buy tons of new clothes anyway. But then the pandemic hit in mid-March and BOOM--- easiest New Years Resolution to keep, EVER!😊
Just discovered your video and you're ideas really inspired me to get on with decluttering quicker. The idea of putting up signs to remind us of priorities and keeping in mind how , whether you have for containers is amazing. Breath of fresh air.
I'm pretty much done decluttering the inside of my home (we won't talk about my husband's garage LOL). A couple of Saturdays ago, I had 4 friends over for a day of scrapbooking, and I went through the house quickly to pick up anything not in it's home. It took me a few minutes and I realized that a few of the items I picked up didn't have a home - I hadn't made a decision about them. After my friends left, I dealt with those items so I wouldn't have to later. I have one pile of printed recipes that I need to make a quick pass through and will probably recycle 98% of them. The few remaining ones will go in a binder of recipes I have and use. Your decluttering course has been life changing - I've always been a de-clutterer, but I've learned to ask the right questions and that has been so helpful. I love that I can now clean my house quickly and I always have it picked up enough that I am never embarrassed to have people come over un announced. This was never the case before. Now if I could just learn to love mopping...
Donating should always be “perfectly good” stuff…no need to donate garbage. Sure something might not be perfect, but anything donated should be usable. And think of how excited you are as a shopper when you find just the thing you needed at a thrift store for much cheaper (especially now when things are so expensive!)
Also I think it makes sense that in previous generations the cost of something was the determinant of it’s value. Back then, (even like 30 yrs ago when I was a kid) buying things was not so easy. Things were expensive relative to income and we didnt have the wide selection, discount options, etc. Now, we have to look at things differently because things are so cheap and easy to obtain. I try looking more at it from an environmental perspective and remember that I don’t want to keep adding to the unnecessary stuff in the world. My question now when deciding to buy something is: “will it solve a problem I currently have?”
I’ve always donated things and clothing in excellent condition to the local Goodwill. But here in CT, their prices have become exorbitant: I give them items for free and they turn around and overcharge my neighbors. Luckily, I found a local woman who collects,curates, and displays used clothing and household items in her beautiful garage and gives everything away for free. Families make an appointment with her and get to “shop” alone for everything and anything they need. I donate to her and it makes my heart sing:) I love decluttering and donating for her now.
Ramona...that is SO AWESOME!!! That lady is a saint!
@@ramonasurprenant2122 , I never donate to Goodwill. Less than 1/8 of the profits are used for their charity work. I donate to other thrift stores that I know have a good reputation for their work.
Goodwill told me they "textile recycle" by bundling stained and ripped clothing, towels and bedding and sell it to make rags. I give them my washed, worn textiles, clearly marked for that purpose.
I found a thirft store that the profits go to a women/family shelter, I like to donate there. They also sell crafts and candles made by some of the ladies, which I always love to purchase when I'm dropping off our donations 😊
I always feel good when I give away old bed sheets and rugs to animal shelter that's in need has help me to let go...and now all my old good quality clothes are going to homeless shelters and my children clothes...just knowing it helping someone who will appreciate the donations is a good feeling and always beats the overwhelming feeling.
So true. I give clothes to a shop that supports a battered women’s shelter and allows them to shop there free. I love thinking maybe one of those women will find my nicer things. Makes it so much easier to envision who might need it.
The more we stay away from shops the less we spend!
Thanks Dawn for all your tips.
I so appreciate to see and hear that as a minimalist you still have to declutter or take inventory!! Thank you!
As a teacher who has taken a step back while having kids, I have realized that I had obtained so much stuff. It was mostly good and usable teaching material. I have tried to use your rule of taking inventory...things I did use every year to keep. That said, I would love to see you help a teacher declutter a classroom🥰
Thanks so much for this video! This morning I’ve actually been journaling to get myself through why I struggle with releasing clutter and this video was very timely for me to get some extra help with letting go of items that are “perfectly good or new”. Thanks to your video I’m going to approach my extra “inventory” items as charitable contributions that I can feel great about blessing others with because I don’t have the need for them now.
Just decluttered a freezer and and a tall bookcase because I’ve scaled back enough that I didn’t need either 🥳
We are 72 and just now decided to declutter and finish our basement.1700 sq. ft. We have been married 52 yrs. and we maintain and keep everything for someday. We have donated a lot of stuff. We have trunks of decor for every season..... We hired our grandchildren to tote it allllllll up stairs to one of our garages. I am fugal and creative so many of my things are old. We decided to update our downstairs area and a lot less stuff. I will still have a lot of sorting to do. Love you videos.
I've watched all your vids Dawn and have decluttered some things throughout the house. But this is what I needed to hear to get rid of more. Thanks so much Dawn! 🙏
Yes!! So much easier to clean when not as much clutter!!! And I like my house so much more when i can declutter. Love your channel. I have a lot of decluttering to do!
Love your inventory concept! Very helpful and so right. It’s a huge cost in having the things. Good stuff and sentimental items passed down in the family are the hardest. Even when the grownup kids don’t want them.
No flat surfaces!!!! That is BRILLIANT! I’m definitely going to try that! Also calling things/stuff “inventory”. It allows one to let go mentally so much easier! Thanks for sharing that.
I started mine two weeks ago. What a joy! The house minimized, easy to clean and looking so welcoming! Thank you for this last year of training!
We have buildings 👷♀️ ; it is time to turn our attentions to these spaces.
🤩
Thank you so much for your videos! I always look forward to yours, Diana’s, Cass’ and Dana’s videos. All of you are doing God’s work just by encouraging so many people.
Thanks, Dawn. I liked that you included your kids in the process and the decisions that were made.
When I see your bedroom, it makes me feel so calm. Loved the entire video Dawn. Thank you
I am so bad about returning catalog things that don’t fit or I don’t like as much as I thought I would. I donate these with the mind set that “ I am blessing someone with this “ Makes it non guilty 😄
You are my ultimate very favorite of anyone on TH-cam. You are so relatable. I love that your home has color and the perfect amount of decor. I always recommend you to friends and family. Love everything about your videos and your precious family. Your friend in the heart of Texas.❤
I can relate to donating items to maintain one's peace of mind. I have never regretted it, and the items are greatly appreciated. Thank you for these important reminders.
I think a lot of us would love to hear about your journey to minimalism by really buying less in the first place. It makes so much sense, but somehow it’s so hard for us all to understand.
I’ve decluttered so much (thanks to you!) that I really can’t/don’t want to!) remember how cluttered my house must’ve been.
If I may, I would suggest getting a basket to put next to your arm chair and make it a container for the books you are reading. It will look neat and tidy and the books will stay contained!
Yes! When I clean my house it takes me a solid 4.5 hours because I tidy and declutter at the same time. We’ve hired a cleaner and she does the whole house in less than 2 hours. My husband thinks that she isn’t doing as much cleaning as I am but he doesn’t get that all she’s doing is cleaning, she’s not sorting piles, putting clothes away, rearranging drawers, etc. Of course she’s quicker! I’ve been trying to declutter lately though (thanks to Dawn and Cas and Kallie over at But First, Coffee) and I’m finally to then point in most rooms that I don’t need to declutter and tidy before our cleaner comes. Which means I don’t have stuff overflowing. There are no piles! Hallelujah! Still working on my bedroom though. 🙈
I forget to look back and see the progress! I forget to appreciate the hard work being completed as a job well done!
Thank you for your motivational videos. We live in a small space with 4 kids as well and things can get out of control so fast.
I have also found several no buy groups local to me that have been so helpful to use when I just have a few items to decanter and can't make a donation trip. Our local community is awesome and will often find ways to turn my " trash" into their treasures.
Good for you for being proud of your new laundry room!! When we put effort into making changes, it feels awesome!!! Reducing the inventory is totally the key!! It really makes a huge difference in systems working for us and setting us up for success!!! So inspiring and encouraging!!! It is pretty amazing how just a little time can make a big and peaceful change!!! Its really about being honest with ourselves but showing grace too!! Finding the balance for sure!! I totally agree with you on avoiding the stores...lol!! I have wanted to go look thru a few shops that I enjoy but I know myself with having a hard time resisting buying stuff!! Better safe than sorry....hahaha!!!!! For me I've been putting it in a spare room and not looking at it for a few days or longer! Then when I know I haven't gone back to those items, I give myself permission to get rid of them, regardless of the price. Thank you so much for all your amazing and very practical tips Dawn!!! I am loving learning!!!! I think looking back to the last 10 years or so I've actually been living as a minimalist or living simply and I didn't even realize it!! But it makes sense to me now!!!! Learning to steward what God has given us is so life giving!!!!! :)
Interestingly enough, I’ve always loved decluttering! But I grew up in a home that was always cluttered and overwhelming to keep up with. Once I found your channel, Dawn, you gave me permission to get rid of the stuff I had learned to keep my whole life. Stuff for “just in case” and guilty clutter disappeared from my home as soon as I watched your first video! Within a week of finding your channel, I had already filled my Prius with a load for goodwill! Thank you so much, Dawn!!!
You are so right - it IS much more enjoyable to maintain a home when the clutter has already been addressed. I have developed the habit of putting things away after using them, so stuff doesn’t accumulate. I no longer spend 10-15 minutes picking up a room before I can start cleaning.
Giving away things are passing a blessing to someone else to enjoy
If it’s someone in need, college students, newly divorced etc etc . Think of it as then doing you a favor as your home is clutter free and clean
Dawn as you changed and expanded your definition and understanding of the true “cost” of an item I can see you taking that journey with what you see as a “good deal”.
I always think about the joy that someone else can have with my perfectly fine things. With this thought I am happy to part with things.
I totally get it about becoming someone who enjoys cleaning. I always thought my work hours or schedule were the reason (excuse) that I could not keep up with keeping a clean house or that my house was a little too big to be able to clean all in one day. Not true! Once I decreased my inventory I can now clean the whole house at once and I look forward to it because it feels amazing to have a clean house!
I spy Beddy's! They are absolutely a game changer and wonderful for minimalism when it comes to linens.
I have OCD, and it makes it pretty hard to get through each day when the house is always feeling like a mess. Watching your videos and seeing how organized your house is makes me feel more calm and confident that I'll be able to have something similar when I get my own place :)
Thanks, that was a good one. I have a hard time of letting go of things that I paid money for too. I have been staying out of stores lately, so that has helped me not bring things in.
Like many others, my life has been changed by you. I joined your Facebook declutter a few years back, but only for a season as I gave up Facebook. I've been a subscriber for awhile. I want to go on record here and say your were right! Decluttering has become easier! You were also right in that when I head to the store, I no longer impulse buy. I use the thought of what will I remove to replace this item coming in? I let containers control my storage. After 4 years I am STILL a work in progress. But I love my home now, and the peace and joy it brings. May God continue to bless you and your sweet family Dawn. ❤ Debbie Carter
I have found a couple of principles really helpful when decluttering - one is to think of an item as an experience - like I’d spend £20 on a meal out as an experience, I also spend £20 on a puzzle that provides a few hours of entertainment but then I have enjoyed it as experience and it’s time to let it go and pass it on for someone else to enjoy. The other thing that has really helped me reduce craft supplies is letting go of anything I know is really for my fantasy self - the relief of passing it on and not feeling like I need to use it is immense! Love all your videos - thanks for sharing x
Donating is blessing others. If I keep that in my thoughts I’m less bothered by what I may perceive as having wasted money. Just another mistake to learn from. 😀 You always motivate me to do better! 🤗
I have no problem giving actual money to good causes or to help people and yet I get stuck on an item that I spent $20 on 2 uears ago but never used so its been under my bed. Thankfully, yall have helped me change that thinking and let go of much stuff. Stuff that caused me stress because my house was so cluttered. Now i focus on the joy someone else will have when they find this item at a thrift store and get to have it in their home. And I love having nothing under my bed and my closets have room to breath. I can open cupboards and see everything in them.
I agree with those posters about giving items to people in need! Easier to deal with it..... Now that we'll be getting refugees from Ukraine in Israel, I hope to implement this idea!
You should feel proud of yourself and your house. You've done such good with all of it. Thinking about the "cost" of keeping things is a great point, one I need to consider more than I have been. Thank you.
So pleased you got the book All About Heaven - hope Diana got her copy too. We love your videos and inspiration and you keep us going! We are on the decluttering journey together with Diane in Denmark using fly lady helping with the routines. Love the videos with Tom too.
Thank you so much
The first time I watched your videos was December 2021. Let me tell you that the Lord has really used you and your advice to jumpstart this new journey of taking control of the order/priorities of STUFF. So much more I could share of the positive life changing transformation taking place inwardly and outwardly. Thank you Dawn and your sweet family
Helped a friend who was struggling desperately years and years ago. We did her study where she had to work from. 13 black bags of rubbish and donate from a small study. Her husband messaged me that night to say she’s sitting at her desk eating her dinner because she’s so happy she won’t leave the room!😂. He said she just kept going in there because it made her happy and calm. We did her kitchen. Bedroom and the living rooms. She now keeps on top of it herself. She just didn’t know how to start and couldn’t do it alone. I thought I was doing okay but it’s only recently I’ve realised I needed to do more. I’m now at a place where I think I’m done. Very small ongoing projects but nothing major anymore.😊 I feel happy and calm finally and like my house.😊
I’ve also had times when I bought things and didn’t get around to returning them, especially recently when stores were often closed and not accepting returns. I like to give them away on my Buy Nothing group. I love the idea that someone gets a brand new item for free and if it was me I’d be so excited! Makes me feel less bad about “wasting” the money on them.
I don't have kids but I LOVE your videos for helping me keep my home in order. It feels like I'm listening to a friend give me advice. ❤️
Hi Dawn! I love all of your videos, but this one truly spoke to my soul! I want to make my home a clean, tidy and cozy retreat for our family. Life gets very stressful sometimes, so our home environment needs to be peaceful! This video seemed to really resonate with me tonight! I feel renewed energy for taking back my home. Your houseplants are gorgeous by the way, and I think your hat is super cute. I wear a hat to go kayaking, and I need a new one. Thank you for everything you do ❤️
Very enjoyable and helpful video. Your house is beautiful and your laundry room is so special. I love it when you ‘show a clip of it’.
Lovely to see how good the children are at decluttering and tidying up. They are privileged to have parents like you and Tom.
Your videos validate my ideals about letting go of inventory that one no longer needs without the guilt. Well done as usual!!
I think it’s amazing you teach your kids this valuable life lesson. They’ll definitely appreciate that! My mom always did this 3-4x year and til this day I’m always drawn to keep my space good for me and I love it! Thank you 😊
So true about clutter attracting clutter. I put my sewing machine and serger on the dining table because of a project I was working on…then I got the flu and it sat on the table longer because it took longer to complete. Thankfully it is now cleaned off and the projects will be done later at my friends house!
I love you, Dawn!! I need help with homeschooling!! Not the schooling - just the minimalist approach/organizing!
No matter how many times I have watched your videos these are always my favorite. I am always inspired to declutter by the end. On to my homeschool shelves...
I use to really like cleaning when I lived on my own in a small apartment. But we that time I have way less inventory, and I could make all the decisions on items. U find "cleaning" A LOT more mental harder now as a married mom! Just was having this exact mental battle in my mind this morning, and this vidoe confirms exactly what I was feeling and thinking.
Oh my! Did you all watch Gage?!! Too cute! He was watching the trash bag and pulling stuff out. This Grandma just wanted to squeeze him. Just a darling little boy. And A great reason to have that container concept!
Thank you, this is the type of video that inspires me. I used to have trouble getting rid of stuff that was worth money. Not anymore Dawn is in my head giving me permission (that honestly has been the biggest help). I keep a box on a bench ( I don't care it doesn't look good right now). When I find something it immediately goes in that box, box gets full, immediately goes in my van for donation. I don't wait for a HAUL to donate.
Absolutely agree re: dollar store, dollar general, Aldi I bring home to many items (oddly storage items -not sure where I'm even using).
Great video, thanks for sharing! I would use the shirts for hanging around the house, I love guys shirt, lol.
The way I often get through a mental block or hesitation about donating stuff I spent money on is to remind myself that the item has served a purpose. Then I ask myself if that item still serves that same purpose. If not then I let it go.
An example is a picture I bought. At the time I absolutely loved the picture and alway smiled when I looked at it. When I took the picture down to painted i realized I didn't miss it at all, I knew it was time to regift it to someone who would also get joy from it.
Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas, your home and your experience of living a minimal life.
Just in case anyone struggles with their kids getting rid of things just know that won't last forever. I have been decluttering with my daughter for 2 years and she's 5. Only recently has she started giving up anything on her own. She used to keep EVERYTHING. I mean scraps of trash she'd seem attached to. Idk if it's age or practice but keep in mind they will come around by watching you declutter and continuing asking them without forcing it. Good luck anyone with kids!!
I just received my workbook, and am so excited to get started.
Thank you so much for all you do, and the recipes too!
The funny thing is, I hear your voice when I read the workbook.
Thanks, keep it up.
What helps me when parting with things that cost me money is:
A. The money is spent. It won't come back by me holding onto the thing. And I won't lose anything by letting it go. Sometimes I have to evaluate if it's worth selling...usually it's not.
B. I file the lesson away and try to see it as a learning opportunity. "OK I won't buy that again...learned more about myself today." That's not a bad process.
I love your neat and clean house. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences with us.
You've inspired me & encouraged me. I'm decluttering as I pack for a move. Thanks! ❣️
You nailed it Dawn! Love You! When you see things that have not been used in a while but is beautiful let it go and someone else will use it, I got that from you. Thank YOU!
Dawn, I really like the new way ur doing ur videos......the picture in picture thing. It's easy to watch. Good job!
Also, the "make the boundary the bad guy" idea has worked great with my kids.
Im going through a big spring decluttering phase and its the most ive ever been able to let go. Its hard sometimes thinking wow it feels like a lot and the things im thinking about getting rid of on top of that feels pretty crazy. But ive even began seeing how i could possibly live without a microwave, most counter appliances maybe even my tv! Im not quite there i might not go that far, but i can definitely see now how id be fine without all that stuff. Im amazed how far ive come, but i think the easiest way to get rid of items is just some at a time because as soon as its at the donation store youve already forgotten what you got rid of.. Although sometimes it feels like the pain of decluttering is never ending. Seeing how much money i wasted is rough, but im so much better off in the future. Stuff attracts stuff so i think the less i have the less i want. So i guess it could be considered an investment in the future if you look at it that way.
I donate “expensive” items to the hospice thrift store. The money they get will help someone at the end of their life. That makes me feel better about decluttering something that I perceive as “valuable.”
The hospice thrift store is also my favorite place to donate the "good" stuff. Every penny they earn goes to help someone during their last days on this earth! (donna here)