THANK YOU for watching!! You can find more details about our Take Your House Back course here: takeyourhouseback.com/manage We hope you have a good day!!! - Dawn
Hi, I just watched one of your videos where you commented on a response to your first video. You were explaining how to sort children's clothing. One of the responses was about how there are throw pillows in your couch. This persons comment confused me. I thought to myself, minimalism is not deprivation. I totally support your channel. Very inspiring.
Great tips! I also love the colors in your home...by any chance, do you know the name of the color and brand of the paint on your lower kitchen cabinets?
As a person who has struggled with chronic pain and fatigue for years, I look forward to when these tips no longer label these efficiency tips as lazy. I need efficiency because I have really limited energy. Thank you for clarifying that it’s really about using less energy to do well - not that we’re lazy.
This. Women with ADHD sometimes present with fibromyalgia and chronic pain (I won’t get into why here) and I really need to get things neat FAST. It actually helps with both problems. Even normal people only have so much time.
Agreed!! I have functional neurological disorder and struggle to walk some days, let alone clean. I despise the word “lazy,” because it implies that if you are unable to function as highly as someone else, there’s something “wrong” with you. I have genuinely learned so much from this page, though - so I appreciate Dawn’s thoughts about “lazy.”
@@LindsayWolfActs One of those ostensibly "Invisible" conditions that make it so easy for others to judge. It is hard enough to function some days without being looked down upon as lazy, and while I am fully aware that this is not a competition, I feel for your pain. All the best...
Such valuable tips! I have no desire to be minimalist, but have been working toward simplifying our home. Partially because we are planning to age in place and partially because, at 70, I have decided to treat us as company. We use our "good" China and cutlery everyday. I use my China teacups and lovely luncheon plates daily and have donated all that formerly everyday kitchenware. Even my grandsons get the pretties, and we are so enjoying it.
Great attitude, you are worth it to use the best things you own on a daily basis! When I gifted my cousin a set of a beautiful (and expensive) cutlery from Germany's most known brand for her wedding she was so happy and told me that she had secretly hoped for it. She also immediately said that she would store it away and only use it for super special occasions. I became somewhat angry and told her that I would not speak to her as long as she wasn't using them each and every day, because she and her family are the most special people and deserve it more than someone who might only visit once a year. After being skeptical in the beginning she did and when I asked her a couple of years later about it she admitted that this antiquated thinking of saving the best of everything kitchenware had been practiced by all of her big Greek family for decades and that she was happy to have broken this engrained rule.
We inherited from my MIL a lot of dishes so I got rid of my dishes to use her's. I later decided I wanted to use my mother's special occasion dishes. They are now my everyday dishes. I can't put them in the microwave due to the gold edging but so what? I do what my mom did.... put them in the oven on low. Can't go in the dishwasher as the pattern will fad but hubby and I are the dishwashers.
That's a good idea. Now I just need to declutter my kitchen table of my computer project. I am reassembling my laptop and having trouble with one of the parts on the motherboard
Dawn, I have to say that you're part of the top 3-5 people that have helped me radically change my life in 2020! I'm a better wife, mom, daughter and friend because of your energy, wisdom and encouragement! I thought I was sort of done for awhile getting rid of things, and last week our family found 14 more boxes full of things to donate! FREEDOM!!! Bless you and your family Dawn! ♡
Except the word lazy is what drew me in 🤣😭 the word simple would feel overwhelming and I probably wouldn't have clicked on it. I feel lazy for not being able to get my house done, am I? I'm not sure but she sure has given me motivation to be able to realize maybe I'm not and am able to fix it. Sometimes using the term has it's benefits.
@@jeng6786 You aren't lazy. There is no such so called laziness. If someone doesn't do household chores, he is maybe tired because he didn't get sleep. Or he feels sad due to problems. Love yourself. Set your own rules. Only you are allowed to say if you work enough.
I need to feel that it is really ok to part with things I have had for so long. I like stuff...it doesn’t have to do anything, I just like unique STUFF. I am slowly letting go of things I’ve made, gifts I no longer use, clothing I can’t wear anyway no matter how much it cost me originally, etc. I lost my husband 3 years ago and felt I couldn’t let go of our history. Just took a long time to realize our history is in my heart , mind and memory. Taking small steps as it seems so overwhelming. We were married 44 years so lots to let go of. Thanks for helping me make these decisions. ❤️🙏
honey, do NOT push yourself! grief is a journey we each do differently. 44 years is a wonderful life together. yes, it isn't in the stuff. though that one I have had to remind myself many times. ANYTHING you can release with out pain, go for it; At Your Pace!!! Hugsalot!
Widow 5 yrs now, married 32 yrs. Yes, it is very difficult. I had to take it in steps until I was ready to let go of things. At first I organized all of his clothing and items along with mine. I basically decluttered as if he were still living and was able to donate things that he never used anyway. I separated the rest out as time went on, but I keep them in a storage chest to go through one more time every Spring before letting go a little more every year.
“It has to be as easy to put it away as it is to leave it out”. GENIUS! 💡 “We can’t have options & freedom”. Now this one took me a few minutes to process so I’m glad you expanded on it. So I choose both lol. Thankfully you eventually said we can have areas of options and areas of freedom. This helped me quite a bit. I am working through decluttering AND finding a home for everything. While doing that, I’m working too on keeping my home feeling like a home. I want it to feel warm and cozy. And if that’s the case, I embrace that and realize I will have a throw blanket on the couch all the time (not folded; and that’s ok). I will have to dust a few more picture frames because seeing my family members face scattered throughout my home brings me joy. And that coffee cup cabinet with all the cards from the flower shop taped on the inside of the door, it will stay as well because my grown son sent me flowers and I love thinking of him every morning when I get coffee. But step into my closet and I choose freedom!!!!!!!! Again, fantastic video!!! 🌻
Ahh!! That's amazing, so happy for you 😊 I love that idea for cards on the inside of the coffee cabinet, like WOW I never thought of that and it seems like such a good way to keep meaningful cards/notes without visual clutter and using up non-functional space
I can tell you there’s nothing “lazy” involved in decluttering an entire home, garage and garden shed, moving into a minimalist direction, finding a home for the belongings I retain plus getting donations delivered and managing life as a senior. It surely does take a conscious effort retraining old habits
@@BenjesBride I agree.....I actually enjoyed this video so much that I had to watch it again three times! And share it with everyone else I know. Dawn's teachings and her wisdom have been a real "game changer" in my life. No one else has been successful in trying to help me with my hoarding thus far (and I have been seeking help for years! with little or no success...even paid therapy has not been as effective as Dawn's help!). The expense all the storage units I have been paying for all these years just to "hold onto" and "hoard clutter"?!?!?!!! #loving this channel #Dawn is awesome
Love these messages. “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent “. My next Minimal Mom quote. I use “How much inventory do you want to manage” all the time. I’ve got another new favourite. Thanks
I hope you see this comment. Okay, so, I'm a mechanical engineer. One of the things we use in the factory is something called 5S. It's a Japanese concept to organization. YOU are doing 5S in your home. What manufacturers struggle with everyday is tha same thing we struggle with in our homes and you're developing solutions. I am so glad I found your channel because it applies to so many more places.
I clicked on this expecting to hear a quick rundown of the same-old and instead I got perspective and explanations of how the same-ol' works, but done in such a way as to bring a lot of quick clarity to some mental roadblocks we have. A video work clicking on.
My mom and I clash on owning things and the relationship to a clean house. She thinks owning more equals success. I think having freedom from the work of always cleaning and peace of mind is my own success. I'm so happy to have discovered the minimal mom group with like minded people. As always, love you and all you do. Continued blessings!
I like the "you can't have it all" mindset. My mom used to tell me that all the time when I was first getting out of school. She said especially women have been told that we can "have it all!" But really, we can't have it all AT THE SAME TIME. She was speaking more on the level of having a career, a family, and all of the lifestyle things. But it's applicable to so many things. We can have it all, but we can't have it all at the same time. There are seasons of life and seasons for stuff. Another great video. Thank you.
Thank you for the inspiration! We began our minimalism lifestyle by playing The Minimalism Game for the last four years in January. During that time we have welcomed our daughter (3) and our son (2) and have another coming in March. People always tell me that my house won't be clean, or manageable, or peaceful during this time of toddlers/young children. Because of your videos and tips, and my husbands Goodwill runs, we are always about 20 minutes from being able to have company. During nap time, I am able to sit an have tea and spend time with God and the house is still clean when my husband gets home from work. Minimalism, and your channel specifically, has changed our home in profound ways. Thank you for putting out content, even if it feels repetitive for you (pregnancy brain helps it feel like brand new information for me!), it continues to motivate me and keep me on track.
Had to pause this video to go declutter a large pot in my cabinet that I haven't used in four years. As soon as I took it out it made it feel so spacious for the pots I do use! I've been debating getting rid of it for months!
Because of this video, this comment, and the reply I'm going to remove a stock pot and pasta insert and a wok from my kitchen. None of these things have probably been touched this year. Maybe also a grill pan. And who knows what else!
I LOVE the options v freedom idea. Sometimes, I wish I could be one of those people who can pack everything they own into the back of their car. But then I look at my books, photo albums and plants... So I'm choosing freedom in everything else and enjoying my options with those three categories. Because they bring me so much joy.
Thank you so much for saying I love you in the message. You don't know me but I REALLY needed to hear that today. My husband's health has put him in rehab and I can't visit due to Covid. I am streamlining for that moment when he can come home again. Things have been up.and down. I was so sad. Thank you!
I love prepping for my kindergarten class sitting on the couch. There’s always some cutting involved. I finally decided to just get a little dollar store waste basket and put it right next to my couch. You can’t see it easily because it’s in the nook between the couch and the wall. Such a small thing but it’s so helpful.
Mother was right. 💞 These are all lessons from mom! A tip from my Auntie Jeanie was, wash the outside of the refrigerator each night. She said it is the largest thing in the kitchen and if it's clean, the rest of the kitchen looks clean. She called the fridge an "Ice Box," so this is how old that tip is! 😊
I already had one full 13 gallon garbage bag of clothes to donate. Then, I watch this video and Dawn says, "I can't have both Options(variety) and have Freedom (tidy)." So I also fill up a 30 gallon bag in 30 mins. Discipline is my word for the year btw.. let's do this!
We've always used that term too. I'm becoming more differently abled the older I get. I can still do things, I just have to learn a different way to do some of them. It's all about the attitude.
Great video! My hubby and I spent 20 years living in about 70 square feet of living space. After we retired from the military we decided to drive a commercial truck for a living. Not having any children we lived on the road enjoying the US and Canada in our own rig. While we lived very minimally for a long time, and used many of your ideas, we now LOVE our almost 3000 square foot, two story home with a huge inground Gunnite pool! We are living the opposite life of most folks who stayed home and looked forward to traveling later. Having lived minimally for most of our 28 year marriage we now LOVE having space to enjoy some of the treasures we've collected over the years! Our home is very organized and tidy and everything has a home! We've furnished it with thrift store, second hand finds and stick to a budget! I very much enjoy watching your videos even though I look forward to finding and enjoying a few more treasures! God bless and thanks so much!
GREAT TIPS! I am reminded of how much advice is in the short Victorian saying "A place for everything and everything in its place, I put my things away that I might find them another day." Tips #1, #3, #5!
I grew up watching This Old House on weekend mornings, and now we watch DIY and home shows on weekend mornings with our kids. It doesn't feel like a weekend otherwise!
I’ve been so inspired by the calmness of your home, yesterday I began our journey to a calmer, easier to maintain home.... 10 bags to charity, furniture to a family member in need ❤️
Omgoodness I’ve been doing the clean out at my moms. Over 10 bags, 3 closets, 3 dressers, kitchen cupboards and I’m exhausted!!!! But I love to see her clothes in closet by color and drawers perfectly organized and the junk gone! If people are struggling with the minimal lifestyle they just need to try it cause this feeling of complete freedom is amazing. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
“ it needs to be just as easy to put away as it is to leave out”. Changed my life!!! Thank you!! I love your perspective and explanation of how to be an ‘organized’ or ‘clean’ but ultimately tidy person!! Thank you for saving my mindset.
Love this video! I live by the motto of "lazy makes for an easier life". Because just what you said, being lazy doesnt mean doing nothing, it means finding the most productive way to spend your energy and not wasting energy.
I love the way you mention consistency, as opposed to perfection !!! That makes homemaking achievable, rather than overwhelming..... Thanks for your continuous inspiration Dawn 👍🏼
I really don't like that people call you lazy. You're awesome and an inspiration to me and many others. You have been able to create a life that is easy to maintain so you can focus your energy on enjoying your life with each other and your kids. Perfect way to live.
I rarely comment on TH-cam, and have only found your channel in the past few weeks. This was one of the best videos that I have seen anywhere. It is encouraging and applicable to regular people who are seeking some order in this unusual time. My favorite pearl: “you get to decide if you want freedom or options”. Genius.
Hi. I want to tell you that one of the things that has motivated me was the phrase too much inventory. I have been going through my kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom purging. I started a quarantine box but by far telling myself I have too much inventory has resonated. I've been able to let go of three boxes of unneeded stuff.
Since I found you on TH-cam I've adopted your "if it takes a minute or less, just do it!" It's working wonders 👏 Along with your 5 minute spurts. I'm getting my house back! Thank you so much for sharing so much 💜
Thank YOU for the intelligent, well-presented and well-considered tips. I truly dislike TH-camrs who just regurgitate the same thing everyone else is saying.
You make being a minimalist ~a light bulb moment for so many people . Keep doing what your doing. I wish I would have been able to follow you 25 years ago and learned these things when I was your age. Way to go Dawn!
Recently just went through my kitchen to check expiry dates and also to decanter my containers. Now storing them with their lids on and holy moly I got rid of so many mismatched containers and lids that were shoved in the back of the cupboard. Feels so good now!
Once again, THANK YOU for another wonderful and amazingly inspirational video. I personally have never known greater UNHAPPINESS in my entire life than the misery I have gone through "collecting, hoarding, sorting, organizing, cleaning, managing, caring for, and worrying about" ITEMS...(junk, clutter, stuff, etc.) I wish for everyone to experience the liberation, freedom and PEACE OF MIND! of the minimalist lifestyle.
@@susanwright1931 I agree it’s different, but I feel like the host is really knowledgable, and I like his style, too. Name is not coming, though. I like a lot of this generation’s “stars,” too, and learn stuff all the time. There is a TH-cam Channel by Anna White (I think), who has really helped me and my husband with several of our home reno projects, just by watching her.
Been listening to the book “Decluttering at the speed of life” on hoopla, and when I realized that you recommended her book I was like “yay! Then I’m definitely gonna continue listening! 😆
I love your website. I’m now 73 and have bought probably 50 books on organization. I love it. I love a clean organized home. We had a Huge home. I had no children at home. I want to move into a RV. My husband laughed. But after 2 years he gave in. We have a beautiful Montana RV. We are retired. But now more than ever if I have a shoe left out my place looks a mess. So I love this way of living. 8 years now. Would love to show you pictures. All my friends say wow how beautiful but it’s because we have a place for everything. My long counter is always clean nothing in it. So keep it up this is so great for your kids. My kids are grown and have beautiful clean clutter free homes. So they are thankful we lived that way. Keep up the great work. You are adorable with such a cute personality. I just found you on TH-cam. 💕
Thanks to finding your channel, reducing clutter has been the highlight of 2020 for me! After waiting for family to join in, I realized that was never going to happen, so I started with my closet, the kitchen, overall and now the basement! What a relief, my visual stress is on its way to 😁
Love the phrase “it has to be as easy to put away as to leave out”. I’m already putting that into motion since you posted this. Also love the “5 minute pick up you girls are encouraging”. Thanks for all the encouragement!
That's why I love your videos, I always know there will be at least one tip I haven't heard or thought of before. Most other videos or articles say the same three to four tips over and over again.
Freedom! That really really spoke to me. THAT is why I want to be tidy and organized so that when my free time arrives, I have the FREEDOM to do what I want! - craft, read, go out.
I am not and will probably never be a minimalist. I actually like having my coat options :) I have a vintage coat collection that brings me much joy! I love stuff! But I have learned that if the stuff we have doesn't bring me joy...it's okay to let it go. For me the most important thing I have done is have a designated spot for all our stuff and putting it back where it belongs after we use it. I still have decluttering to do to get my house completely the way I want it but the question...Does this bring me joy? ...has helped me so much.
I'm with you! I may never be a minimalist but I still find these videos helpful. I still have a lot of decluttering to do but at least now I feel like I CAN do it, where as before I just would get too overwhelmed just thinking about doing it. However, I need my 3 winter coats here in PA, 15° & under, 20s & 30s then a vest for 50° or so. If I didn't, I'd either be freezing or sweat to death & to me that's not freedom its punishment!! I have a coat closet!!
YES to all of this!!! Since becoming a minimalist 3 years ago it has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself and my family! It is SO freeing!!! I call myself a lazy organizer because I love having a home for everything that is easy to toss in and out of baskets and bins but it has to be easy to keep things put away...and having so much less stuff from bathroom products to kitchenware to clothing just makes so much open space and makes the putting away so easy! I also fell in love with minimalism because it makes cleaning so much easier when it comes to dusting and mopping I don't have to "clean before I clean" :-) Loved this video!!
I've been slowly decluttering my house for a couple of years and this year was the year it finally made a big difference. Now, even when I feel like my house is super messy, I can still clean it up in minutes and it only takes like 15 minutes a day to keep it tidy - I love it!
Rebecca, you sound like me! This year has been the culmination of 3 years of work both in my mind and in our house. My husband is thrilled at the change in me and in our home. So am I, for that matter! Saturday, he sent me a text message while he was out and said he would vacuum all the rooms I got to if I wanted to dust. I typically do most all of the cleaning. Because of wrist and elbow issues I have, vacuuming is the toughest because of all the twisting, so I was on that in a flash! I told him he was on and I was beyond delighted in how little time it took to go through and dust everything including cleaning the bathroom counters and fixtures. I didn't have to move anything! 👍👍👍
HIDING versus HOMING. For decades when expecting dinner guests, I would hide clutter in a closed room and never return to retrieve or organize it. It got so bad I had stuff 3 ft high and couldn't even walk across the room. During my deluttering process, I had to create homes. It is now easy to quickly put stuff away without the motivation of guests coming 🥳👍🏝
Tip #1 is so obvious after you said it but I have never thought about it like that. Your videos are super motivational for me. In fact I watched some older ones earlier then made another declutter sweep through my bathroom. ❤️
Oh my gosh! “It must be as easy to put away as leave out.” This is key! Most of my belongings have a home but my drawers are too hard to open or close.
I am in Minnesota as well. I am down to just one winter jacket. I have quite a few summer and fall ones with varying thickness. I went through them but I do use them all depending on the weather.
This was so encouraging to me, to hear someone say that I can do it! I have listened to Dana's podcasts for years but just a few weeks ago found you and Cas and have been watching your videos. It has helped so much to visually see your homes and I am encouraged to make bigger decluttering efforts. I am more motivated and it has been making a difference! Last night my son and his wife who are in college out of town surprised us with a visit and I for once wasn't embarrassed by my house. It looked lived in because we have 7 other kids at home but it actually looked pretty good for not having cleaned ahead of time. And after watching this I immediately went and decluttered our coat closet! Thank you, thank you!
I have honestly been working toward minimalism for 18 years. I come from a family who.... loves options, lol... my husband comes from a family who lives fairly minimalist. My husband has moved us 9 times in 18 years and the first few times I lugged everything we had with us. Then we moved into a 1945 Minimal home (basically just walls and zero storage space.). We’ve been in this house for 3 years and it is changing the way I think, because I want a peaceful home. Living in this tiny house with 5 people requires less stuff and better systems for it to be a happy, peaceful place. I’m so grateful to have found your videos. You are helping me make strides. ❤️
Thank you for another great video. I’m looking forward to doing even more decluttering this festive break. The sense of peace that comes from a calm organised and simple home is absolutely priceless. Have a wonderful Christmas Dawn & Tom and family xx
This is one of the most concise videos on minimalism and how to go to a little bit further than maybe you thought, that I've seen so far. Great tips! Minimal Mom you rock!
A place for everything and everything has a place!! And make it easily accessible and it makes sense to put it there. Been my motto for years. Your videos are awesome!!
Thank you for more/new decluttering content! Need it and to get motivated some more. So true about making it as easy to put it away as leave out. Key is the spot being open enough that there’s no work involved getting it to fit. 😏
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU.MY LIFE IS CHANGING AND I HELP AROUND OTHER PERSONS.AMAZING 1 HAD THE IMPRESSION THE WHOLE WEEK AFTER DECLUTTERING FRIDGE I WAS PRESENT WITH HER.
The A-ha moment here is where you talk about visualizing yourself as a tidy person! 💡 And the term: “A peaceful house.” That resonates deeply, and they are tools I will use. Thank you, Dawn.
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THANK YOU for watching!! You can find more details about our Take Your House Back course here: takeyourhouseback.com/manage We hope you have a good day!!! - Dawn
You are what fancy people call design thinker
Hi, I just watched one of your videos where you commented on a response to your first video. You were explaining how to sort children's clothing. One of the responses was about how there are throw pillows in your couch. This persons comment confused me. I thought to myself, minimalism is not deprivation. I totally support your channel. Very inspiring.
where did you get your sweater in the take your house back link?
It's so pretty!
Is there a guarantee or a refund option if we feel the course isn’t any more helpful than watching your videos?
Great tips! I also love the colors in your home...by any chance, do you know the name of the color and brand of the paint on your lower kitchen cabinets?
As a person who has struggled with chronic pain and fatigue for years, I look forward to when these tips no longer label these efficiency tips as lazy. I need efficiency because I have really limited energy. Thank you for clarifying that it’s really about using less energy to do well - not that we’re lazy.
This. Women with ADHD sometimes present with fibromyalgia and chronic pain (I won’t get into why here) and I really need to get things neat FAST. It actually helps with both problems. Even normal people only have so much time.
Agreed!! I have functional neurological disorder and struggle to walk some days, let alone clean. I despise the word “lazy,” because it implies that if you are unable to function as highly as someone else, there’s something “wrong” with you. I have genuinely learned so much from this page, though - so I appreciate Dawn’s thoughts about “lazy.”
I suffer from emphysema so can only do a little at a time. I really appreciate the efficiency tips also. All the best to you...
@@LindsayWolfActs One of those ostensibly "Invisible" conditions that make it so easy for others to judge. It is hard enough to function some days without being looked down upon as lazy, and while I am fully aware that this is not a competition, I feel for your pain. All the best...
I agree.
Such valuable tips! I have no desire to be minimalist, but have been working toward simplifying our home. Partially because we are planning to age in place and partially because, at 70, I have decided to treat us as company. We use our "good" China and cutlery everyday. I use my China teacups and lovely luncheon plates daily and have donated all that formerly everyday kitchenware. Even my grandsons get the pretties, and we are so enjoying it.
Great attitude, you are worth it to use the best things you own on a daily basis!
When I gifted my cousin a set of a beautiful (and expensive) cutlery from Germany's most known brand for her wedding she was so happy and told me that she had secretly hoped for it. She also immediately said that she would store it away and only use it for super special occasions. I became somewhat angry and told her that I would not speak to her as long as she wasn't using them each and every day, because she and her family are the most special people and deserve it more than someone who might only visit once a year. After being skeptical in the beginning she did and when I asked her a couple of years later about it she admitted that this antiquated thinking of saving the best of everything kitchenware had been practiced by all of her big Greek family for decades and that she was happy to have broken this engrained rule.
She was lucky to have your advice. By the way, my good China is a set of Rosenthal Maria Weis with handpainted green clover.
We inherited from my MIL a lot of dishes so I got rid of my dishes to use her's. I later decided I wanted to use my mother's special occasion dishes. They are now my everyday dishes. I can't put them in the microwave due to the gold edging but so what? I do what my mom did.... put them in the oven on low. Can't go in the dishwasher as the pattern will fad but hubby and I are the dishwashers.
God bless you and your family! ♥
That's a good idea. Now I just need to declutter my kitchen table of my computer project. I am reassembling my laptop and having trouble with one of the parts on the motherboard
Dawn, I have to say that you're part of the top 3-5 people that have helped me radically change my life in 2020! I'm a better wife, mom, daughter and friend because of your energy, wisdom and encouragement! I thought I was sort of done for awhile getting rid of things, and last week our family found 14 more boxes full of things to donate! FREEDOM!!! Bless you and your family Dawn! ♡
Changing words is powerful. Replace lazy with simple.
Except the word lazy is what drew me in 🤣😭 the word simple would feel overwhelming and I probably wouldn't have clicked on it. I feel lazy for not being able to get my house done, am I? I'm not sure but she sure has given me motivation to be able to realize maybe I'm not and am able to fix it. Sometimes using the term has it's benefits.
@@jeng6786 You aren't lazy. There is no such so called laziness. If someone doesn't do household chores, he is maybe tired because he didn't get sleep. Or he feels sad due to problems. Love yourself. Set your own rules. Only you are allowed to say if you work enough.
She explains using lazy in the first 5 min. There is a difference.
I need to feel that it is really ok to part with things I have had for so long. I like stuff...it doesn’t have to do anything, I just like unique STUFF. I am slowly letting go of things I’ve made, gifts I no longer use, clothing I can’t wear anyway no matter how much it cost me originally, etc. I lost my husband 3 years ago and felt I couldn’t let go of our history. Just took a long time to realize our history is in my heart , mind and memory. Taking small steps as it seems so overwhelming. We were married 44 years so lots to let go of.
Thanks for helping me make these decisions. ❤️🙏
❤️❤️❤️
I am widow also. Married 26 years before he passed. It's been almost 2 years. Hard to get through it all. I take small steps too!
honey, do NOT push yourself! grief is a journey we each do differently. 44 years is a wonderful life together. yes, it isn't in the stuff. though that one I have had to remind myself many times. ANYTHING you can release with out pain, go for it; At Your Pace!!!
Hugsalot!
Widow 5 yrs now, married 32 yrs. Yes, it is very difficult. I had to take it in steps until I was ready to let go of things. At first I organized all of his clothing and items along with mine. I basically decluttered as if he were still living and was able to donate things that he never used anyway. I separated the rest out as time went on, but I keep them in a storage chest to go through one more time every Spring before letting go a little more every year.
@@sherrillperez9796 🌹
“It has to be as easy to put it away as it is to leave it out”. GENIUS! 💡
“We can’t have options & freedom”.
Now this one took me a few minutes to process so I’m glad you expanded on it.
So I choose both lol. Thankfully you eventually said we can have areas of options and areas of freedom.
This helped me quite a bit.
I am working through decluttering AND finding a home for everything. While doing that, I’m working too on keeping my home feeling like a home. I want it to feel warm and cozy.
And if that’s the case, I embrace that and realize I will have a throw blanket on the couch all the time (not folded; and that’s ok). I will have to dust a few more picture frames because seeing my family members face scattered throughout my home brings me joy. And that coffee cup cabinet with all the cards from the flower shop taped on the inside of the door, it will stay as well because my grown son sent me flowers and I love thinking of him every morning when I get coffee.
But step into my closet and I choose freedom!!!!!!!!
Again, fantastic video!!! 🌻
I appreciate this comment so much.
Sounds to me like you have it all worked out perfectly. i am soooo far away from that but hey you just inspired me. so thanks for that.
Ahh!! That's amazing, so happy for you 😊
I love that idea for cards on the inside of the coffee cabinet, like WOW I never thought of that and it seems like such a good way to keep meaningful cards/notes without visual clutter and using up non-functional space
I remember the old saying, "There is a place for everything and everything in its place."
I can tell you there’s nothing “lazy” involved in decluttering an entire home, garage and garden shed, moving into a minimalist direction, finding a home for the belongings I retain plus getting donations delivered and managing life as a senior. It surely does take a conscious effort retraining old habits
Love hearing this! Good luck to you 💛
I agree! It's just smart - making things more efficient and streamlined! ☺️👍
So many seniors on here, wondering if I should try harder to retrain myself now. Seems so hard.
@@eleanorigby5881 As your body ages, physical work gets harder to do!
So true
The look on your son's face is priceless when he shows the toothbrushes in the drawer! He is so proud!!
🌟 “Don’t Put It Down!! PUT IT AWAY” ⭐️ one of the most brilliant pieces of advice I’ve ever come across
Dawn, this is one of your best videos.
Totally agree! It perfectly sums up why I love this channel so much (: Have a great day!
Agree. At the end 12:27 where she said, "I want that for you too and I know you can do it." I felt that.
@@BenjesBride I agree.....I actually enjoyed this video so much that I had to watch it again three times! And share it with everyone else I know. Dawn's teachings and her wisdom have been a real "game changer" in my life. No one else has been successful in trying to help me with my hoarding thus far (and I have been seeking help for years! with little or no success...even paid therapy has not been as effective as Dawn's help!). The expense all the storage units I have been paying for all these years just to "hold onto" and "hoard clutter"?!?!?!!! #loving this channel #Dawn is awesome
ABSOLUTELY!
Totally agree.
Lazy minimalism is the best kind. 😚
Love these messages. “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent “. My next Minimal Mom quote. I use “How much inventory do you want to manage” all the time. I’ve got another new favourite. Thanks
I hope you see this comment. Okay, so, I'm a mechanical engineer. One of the things we use in the factory is something called 5S. It's a Japanese concept to organization. YOU are doing 5S in your home. What manufacturers struggle with everyday is tha same thing we struggle with in our homes and you're developing solutions. I am so glad I found your channel because it applies to so many more places.
I clicked on this expecting to hear a quick rundown of the same-old and instead I got perspective and explanations of how the same-ol' works, but done in such a way as to bring a lot of quick clarity to some mental roadblocks we have. A video work clicking on.
Dawn, you are highly intelligent and thoughful. Thank you for sharing.
Love the "options" vs "freedoms" concept!
My mom and I clash on owning things and the relationship to a clean house. She thinks owning more equals success. I think having freedom from the work of always cleaning and peace of mind is my own success. I'm so happy to have discovered the minimal mom group with like minded people.
As always, love you and all you do. Continued blessings!
Oh yes, I know what you mean. It's hard, got to keep going anyway, right? Maybe it will run off down the road
Beautiful growth! 🙋
You definitely have many gifts & the one I love the most is your gift of encouragement.
I really dislike the word lazy. These are tips for being efficient!! That's SMART, not lazy. "I choose freedom." There's your first t-shirt idea! :)
So true. But clickbait has to come from somewhere lol
I love choosing freedom!! :)
@@rosemarywilliams9969 0
Best descriptive word for the essence of her thoughts.
I think that was exactly Dawn’s point - we buy in to this idea that we’re lazy, but we waste so much time living inefficiently.
Dawn, I so enjoy your positive attitude & your beautiful smile! Thank you for your encouragement today 💗
Hi Holly
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
I like the "you can't have it all" mindset. My mom used to tell me that all the time when I was first getting out of school. She said especially women have been told that we can "have it all!" But really, we can't have it all AT THE SAME TIME. She was speaking more on the level of having a career, a family, and all of the lifestyle things. But it's applicable to so many things. We can have it all, but we can't have it all at the same time. There are seasons of life and seasons for stuff. Another great video. Thank you.
In my craft room I want choices, everywhere else, FREEDOM. 😂 💙💙💙
I feel like a bomb of wisdom has been dropped! Hopefully everyone heard what they needed to and thank you for being so honest and straight forward! 😁
Hi Naomi
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
So right about variety. Since quarantine I’m wearing just the same few comfortable outfits over and over. It’s so easy, no brain cells involved.
Thank you for the inspiration! We began our minimalism lifestyle by playing The Minimalism Game for the last four years in January. During that time we have welcomed our daughter (3) and our son (2) and have another coming in March. People always tell me that my house won't be clean, or manageable, or peaceful during this time of toddlers/young children. Because of your videos and tips, and my husbands Goodwill runs, we are always about 20 minutes from being able to have company. During nap time, I am able to sit an have tea and spend time with God and the house is still clean when my husband gets home from work. Minimalism, and your channel specifically, has changed our home in profound ways. Thank you for putting out content, even if it feels repetitive for you (pregnancy brain helps it feel like brand new information for me!), it continues to motivate me and keep me on track.
You're doing a great job! Must say I'm jealous off the nap time at 3 years old. Our oldest stopped at 2 years and 4 months...
I have to remind my self all the time, "do it now, your future self will thank you".
Had to pause this video to go declutter a large pot in my cabinet that I haven't used in four years. As soon as I took it out it made it feel so spacious for the pots I do use! I've been debating getting rid of it for months!
Your comment brought to mind a wok that I never use. It’s now going into the donation box today!
Woohoo!!
Because of this video, this comment, and the reply I'm going to remove a stock pot and pasta insert and a wok from my kitchen. None of these things have probably been touched this year. Maybe also a grill pan. And who knows what else!
I LOVE the options v freedom idea. Sometimes, I wish I could be one of those people who can pack everything they own into the back of their car. But then I look at my books, photo albums and plants... So I'm choosing freedom in everything else and enjoying my options with those three categories. Because they bring me so much joy.
The more “no brainers” I can have in my life the better. Thank you for helping me improve our day to day life!
Hi Ally
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
🎵Freedom’s just another word for 🎶nothing left to lose🎵🎶
Everything has a home or it’s off to someone else’s 😉
Thank you so much for saying I love you in the message. You don't know me but I REALLY needed to hear that today. My husband's health has put him in rehab and I can't visit due to Covid. I am streamlining for that moment when he can come home again. Things have been up.and down. I was so sad. Thank you!
Options vs Freedom: mind blown!!!
I love prepping for my kindergarten class sitting on the couch. There’s always some cutting involved. I finally decided to just get a little dollar store waste basket and put it right next to my couch. You can’t see it easily because it’s in the nook between the couch and the wall. Such a small thing but it’s so helpful.
Mother was right. 💞 These are all lessons from mom!
A tip from my Auntie Jeanie was, wash the outside of the refrigerator each night. She said it is the largest thing in the kitchen and if it's clean, the rest of the kitchen looks clean.
She called the fridge an "Ice Box," so this is how old that tip is! 😊
🙋💞
Thank you so much for sharing your life❤️. You’ve been such a help to me and thousands of people who struggle. Bless you, awesome woman ❤️
Amen.
I already had one full 13 gallon garbage bag of clothes to donate. Then, I watch this video and Dawn says, "I can't have both Options(variety) and have Freedom (tidy)." So I also fill up a 30 gallon bag in 30 mins. Discipline is my word for the year btw.. let's do this!
Now that I am differently abled...I choose freedom!!!! 🌞
Hi Eileen
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
We've always used that term too. I'm becoming more differently abled the older I get. I can still do things, I just have to learn a different way to do some of them. It's all about the attitude.
Great video! My hubby and I spent 20 years living in about 70 square feet of living space. After we retired from the military we decided to drive a commercial truck for a living. Not having any children we lived on the road enjoying the US and Canada in our own rig. While we lived very minimally for a long time, and used many of your ideas, we now LOVE our almost 3000 square foot, two story home with a huge inground Gunnite pool! We are living the opposite life of most folks who stayed home and looked forward to traveling later. Having lived minimally for most of our 28 year marriage we now LOVE having space to enjoy some of the treasures we've collected over the years! Our home is very organized and tidy and everything has a home! We've furnished it with thrift store, second hand finds and stick to a budget! I very much enjoy watching your videos even though I look forward to finding and enjoying a few more treasures! God bless and thanks so much!
GREAT TIPS! I am reminded of how much advice is in the short Victorian saying "A place for everything and everything in its place, I put my things away that I might find them another day." Tips #1, #3, #5!
Dawn, thank you for saying, “I LOVE YOU” so many of us need to hear this.
Every time you post a video I think...what more could there be to say? But then I click, and I'm never disappointed! Love what you have to share ❤
I grew up watching This Old House on weekend mornings, and now we watch DIY and home shows on weekend mornings with our kids. It doesn't feel like a weekend otherwise!
I’ve been so inspired by the calmness of your home, yesterday I began our journey to a calmer, easier to maintain home.... 10 bags to charity, furniture to a family member in need ❤️
Congratulations!
Thank you for specifying "consistent, not perfect"
Such a good reminder to us perfectionists.
Omgoodness I’ve been doing the clean out at my moms. Over 10 bags, 3 closets, 3 dressers, kitchen cupboards and I’m exhausted!!!! But I love to see her clothes in closet by color and drawers perfectly organized and the junk gone! If people are struggling with the minimal lifestyle they just need to try it cause this feeling of complete freedom is amazing. Merry Christmas and God Bless.
“ it needs to be just as easy to put away as it is to leave out”. Changed my life!!! Thank you!! I love your perspective and explanation of how to be an ‘organized’ or ‘clean’ but ultimately tidy person!! Thank you for saving my mindset.
It really is all about the psychological struggle. You discuss this as well or better than anyone I’ve heard and it’s really helpful. Thank you!
Love this video! I live by the motto of "lazy makes for an easier life". Because just what you said, being lazy doesnt mean doing nothing, it means finding the most productive way to spend your energy and not wasting energy.
I love the way you mention consistency, as opposed to perfection !!! That makes homemaking achievable, rather than overwhelming..... Thanks for your continuous inspiration Dawn 👍🏼
I really don't like that people call you lazy. You're awesome and an inspiration to me and many others. You have been able to create a life that is easy to maintain so you can focus your energy on enjoying your life with each other and your kids. Perfect way to live.
I rarely comment on TH-cam, and have only found your channel in the past few weeks. This was one of the best videos that I have seen anywhere. It is encouraging and applicable to regular people who are seeking some order in this unusual time. My favorite pearl: “you get to decide if you want freedom or options”. Genius.
Hi. I want to tell you that one of the things that has motivated me was the phrase too much inventory. I have been going through my kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom purging. I started a quarantine box but by far telling myself I have too much inventory has resonated. I've been able to let go of three boxes of unneeded stuff.
Hi there
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
Having a place for everything and everything in its place!! If it doesnt have a home or cant fit.... bye bye! Absolutely makes a difference!
Since I found you on TH-cam I've adopted your "if it takes a minute or less, just do it!" It's working wonders 👏 Along with your 5 minute spurts. I'm getting my house back! Thank you so much for sharing so much 💜
Thank YOU for the intelligent, well-presented and well-considered tips. I truly dislike TH-camrs who just regurgitate the same thing everyone else is saying.
This is awesome, Dawn has nailed it, she is amazing. and speaks to our goals and heart.
Hi Linda
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
You make being a minimalist ~a light bulb moment for so many people . Keep doing what your doing. I wish I would have been able to follow you 25 years ago and learned these things when I was your age. Way to go Dawn!
Recently just went through my kitchen to check expiry dates and also to decanter my containers. Now storing them with their lids on and holy moly I got rid of so many mismatched containers and lids that were shoved in the back of the cupboard. Feels so good now!
Once again, THANK YOU for another wonderful and amazingly inspirational video. I personally have never known greater UNHAPPINESS in my entire life than the misery I have gone through "collecting, hoarding, sorting, organizing, cleaning, managing, caring for, and worrying about" ITEMS...(junk, clutter, stuff, etc.) I wish for everyone to experience the liberation, freedom and PEACE OF MIND! of the minimalist lifestyle.
I LOVED This old house! Same thing, watched it with my dad! 💙💙
It is still on, just not with Bob.
@@gingerstrahan7464 I know. I tried a few times to watch it. It’s not the same.
@@susanwright1931 I agree it’s different, but I feel like the host is really knowledgable, and I like his style, too. Name is not coming, though. I like a lot of this generation’s “stars,” too, and learn stuff all the time. There is a TH-cam Channel by Anna White (I think), who has really helped me and my husband with several of our home reno projects, just by watching her.
@@gingerstrahan7464 current host is Kevin. Can’t remember last name
@@lisalife7994 it was Norm Abrams for a long time after Bob I think.
Been listening to the book “Decluttering at the speed of life” on hoopla, and when I realized that you recommended her book I was like “yay! Then I’m definitely gonna continue listening! 😆
I love your website. I’m now 73 and have bought probably 50 books on organization. I love it. I love a clean organized home. We had a Huge home. I had no children at home. I want to move into a RV. My husband laughed. But after 2 years he gave in. We have a beautiful Montana RV. We are retired. But now more than ever if I have a shoe left out my place looks a mess. So I love this way of living. 8 years now. Would love to show you pictures. All my friends say wow how beautiful but it’s because we have a place for everything. My long counter is always clean nothing in it. So keep it up this is so great for your kids. My kids are grown and have beautiful clean clutter free homes. So they are thankful we lived that way.
Keep up the great work. You are adorable with such a cute personality. I just found you on TH-cam. 💕
Thanks to finding your channel, reducing clutter has been the highlight of 2020 for me! After waiting for family to join in, I realized that was never going to happen, so I started with my closet, the kitchen, overall and now the basement! What a relief, my visual stress is on its way to 😁
Hi Janice
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
Love the phrase “it has to be as easy to put away as to leave out”. I’m already putting that into motion since you posted this. Also love the “5 minute pick up you girls are encouraging”.
Thanks for all the encouragement!
Decluttering my kitchen....still...as I watched this. Thanks for the encouragement, as always!
That's why I love your videos, I always know there will be at least one tip I haven't heard or thought of before. Most other videos or articles say the same three to four tips over and over again.
I am so thankful that this channel has shown up in my life!!! Thank you for making these videos!!!❤️ Bless y’all
Freedom! That really really spoke to me. THAT is why I want to be tidy and organized so that when my free time arrives, I have the FREEDOM to do what I want! - craft, read, go out.
I keep an extra coat in my car all winter for an emergency. Works for me.
What's your"emergency"? You spilled coffee on your business suit or if you get stuck in a snow storm.
@@pamelal939 "winter" .... that's your hint.
Look at that stinking' ADORABLE little Gage. Love your children and you and Tom, too. Can't leave out Diana she too is so sweet.
I am not and will probably never be a minimalist. I actually like having my coat options :) I have a vintage coat collection that brings me much joy! I love stuff! But I have learned that if the stuff we have doesn't bring me joy...it's okay to let it go. For me the most important thing I have done is have a designated spot for all our stuff and putting it back where it belongs after we use it. I still have decluttering to do to get my house completely the way I want it but the question...Does this bring me joy? ...has helped me so much.
I'm with you! I may never be a minimalist but I still find these videos helpful. I still have a lot of decluttering to do but at least now I feel like I CAN do it, where as before I just would get too overwhelmed just thinking about doing it. However, I need my 3 winter coats here in PA, 15° & under, 20s & 30s then a vest for 50° or so. If I didn't, I'd either be freezing or sweat to death & to me that's not freedom its punishment!! I have a coat closet!!
YES to all of this!!! Since becoming a minimalist 3 years ago it has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself and my family! It is SO freeing!!! I call myself a lazy organizer because I love having a home for everything that is easy to toss in and out of baskets and bins but it has to be easy to keep things put away...and having so much less stuff from bathroom products to kitchenware to clothing just makes so much open space and makes the putting away so easy! I also fell in love with minimalism because it makes cleaning so much easier when it comes to dusting and mopping I don't have to "clean before I clean" :-) Loved this video!!
Not lazy - efficient. Frugal fit mom’s motto!😉
Hi Karine
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
I've been slowly decluttering my house for a couple of years and this year was the year it finally made a big difference. Now, even when I feel like my house is super messy, I can still clean it up in minutes and it only takes like 15 minutes a day to keep it tidy - I love it!
Yesssss!!! That’s so cool!!!!
Rebecca, you sound like me! This year has been the culmination of 3 years of work both in my mind and in our house. My husband is thrilled at the change in me and in our home. So am I, for that matter!
Saturday, he sent me a text message while he was out and said he would vacuum all the rooms I got to if I wanted to dust. I typically do most all of the cleaning. Because of wrist and elbow issues I have, vacuuming is the toughest because of all the twisting, so I was on that in a flash! I told him he was on and I was beyond delighted in how little time it took to go through and dust everything including cleaning the bathroom counters and fixtures. I didn't have to move anything! 👍👍👍
HIDING versus HOMING. For decades when expecting dinner guests, I would hide clutter in a closed room and never return to retrieve or organize it. It got so bad I had stuff 3 ft high and couldn't even walk across the room. During my deluttering process, I had to create homes. It is now easy to quickly put stuff away without the motivation of guests coming 🥳👍🏝
Tip #1 is so obvious after you said it but I have never thought about it like that. Your videos are super motivational for me. In fact I watched some older ones earlier then made another declutter sweep through my bathroom. ❤️
Less is more! Words to live by. I’m decluttering and it is infectious. I feel great about it. Thank you.
Oooohhhhhh, This Old House. Loved that show and these tips. What a fresh way to look at this!
Options vs freedom! That really resonates. Freedom for some stuff, options for others.
Oh my gosh! “It must be as easy to put away as leave out.” This is key!
Most of my belongings have a home but my drawers are too hard to open or close.
Same here. It's time to declutter my drawers and pantry!
My lightbulb moment. Don't lay it down- put it away. Each time i go to lay something down; that nagging voice in my head tell me to put it away.
I am in Minnesota as well. I am down to just one winter jacket. I have quite a few summer and fall ones with varying thickness. I went through them but I do use them all depending on the weather.
Hey, saw a good tip for throw pillows put off season covers on and the new one on top! That way you never lose the one you are looking for!
Thank you.
Great idea!
Or
Only have one cover
Or
Get rid of the throw cushions
This was so encouraging to me, to hear someone say that I can do it! I have listened to Dana's podcasts for years but just a few weeks ago found you and Cas and have been watching your videos. It has helped so much to visually see your homes and I am encouraged to make bigger decluttering efforts. I am more motivated and it has been making a difference! Last night my son and his wife who are in college out of town surprised us with a visit and I for once wasn't embarrassed by my house. It looked lived in because we have 7 other kids at home but it actually looked pretty good for not having cleaned ahead of time. And after watching this I immediately went and decluttered our coat closet! Thank you, thank you!
I had the exact same reaction to Matt's video about selling everything!
I have honestly been working toward minimalism for 18 years. I come from a family who.... loves options, lol... my husband comes from a family who lives fairly minimalist. My husband has moved us 9 times in 18 years and the first few times I lugged everything we had with us. Then we moved into a 1945 Minimal home (basically just walls and zero storage space.). We’ve been in this house for 3 years and it is changing the way I think, because I want a peaceful home. Living in this tiny house with 5 people requires less stuff and better systems for it to be a happy, peaceful place.
I’m so grateful to have found your videos. You are helping me make strides. ❤️
This was brilliant and beautiful. My family chooses freedom, thank you for this unique twist on lazy tricks.
Thank you. Give it an easy home! That's my new thing. I'm going to go all around my house saying that for each item! Thank you.
I use my stock pot daily so I keep it in prime location in the pantry. This is a great video!
Your son is SUPER adorably cute! Awww.
Thank you for another great video. I’m looking forward to doing even more decluttering this festive break. The sense of peace that comes from a calm organised and simple home is absolutely priceless.
Have a wonderful Christmas Dawn & Tom and family xx
This is one of the most concise videos on minimalism and how to go to a little bit further than maybe you thought, that I've seen so far. Great tips! Minimal Mom you rock!
Hi Jillian
How are you doing? 🎅🎄
Tom: "Don't make us look weird."
Dawn: "I wonder if we can get rid of everything."
Lol! :-D
Hahaha 😄😄😄
A place for everything and everything has a place!! And make it easily accessible and it makes sense to put it there. Been my motto for years. Your videos are awesome!!
Thank you for more/new decluttering content! Need it and to get motivated some more. So true about making it as easy to put it away as leave out. Key is the spot being open enough that there’s no work involved getting it to fit. 😏
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU.MY LIFE IS CHANGING AND I HELP AROUND OTHER PERSONS.AMAZING
1 HAD THE IMPRESSION THE WHOLE WEEK AFTER DECLUTTERING FRIDGE I WAS PRESENT WITH HER.
Love looking at the simplicity of your home . It is so beautiful
The A-ha moment here is where you talk about visualizing yourself as a tidy person! 💡 And the term: “A peaceful house.” That resonates deeply, and they are tools I will use. Thank you, Dawn.