My husband got a tee shirt for his 40 birthday that said 40 isn’t old if you’re a tree. Fast forward 20 plus years later. The shirt had holes in it and was so thin you could see his skin. Well I threw it away and I had to listen to him complain for years that I threw away his favorite shirt. He passed away last year at age 75. Wish he was still here to complain to me. ❤
My husband had 30+ old raggedy tshirts. I let him pick 10 to keep and the rest to toss. He realized he doesn’t need 30 OLD tshirts. And that way he got to decide which ones he was willing to let go of. Sorry for your loss 😢
@darleneredbird4 my husband of 38 years passed away 6 weeks ago - I laughed and cried when I read your comment about wishing your husband was still here to complain. I'm living that comment. Thanks for sharing.
I'm so very proud of your organization. You've made a huge difference! Your refrigerators look amazing. The only suggestion that I have is to throw the broken clock into the trash. You don't want someone to purchase it at Goodwill & it doesn't keep time properly
Yes, I am 70 years old and I declutter 1 item out of my house daily. And I go through 1 bucket, cotainer or area 1 time a week. Love that this topic and go go go.....
When you say a little bit each day makes a difference, you are so 100% correct!!! I need to go back to say this to myself every morning 😊 Thanks for the gentle reminder 😘
me and my mom are slowly going through our house room by room section by section. what we are doing is choosing to focus on one room per month. September was the garage October is gong to be the attic above the garage. we just make our way around the house
I found two shelf brackets by our recycling bins down town and brought them home, I used them above our dryer, the (washer and dryer are on opposite walls) I took apart a bi fold door that was in the basement for years and used that as a shelf. I feel good about it.
You're doing great! I feel your pain. After my father-in-law passed my husband brought back a huge moving truck full of stuff that was too good to throw out or don'ate and stuff that memories are associated for him. The stuff is literally everywhere. I feel like we have a hoarder house now. There's furniture that doesn't match that's now in different rooms. He had to build a bunch of shelves in the basement and store a lot of it down there. Some rooms I don't even recognize it doesn't even feel like my own house. His feelings get hurt if I mention anything. My basement is a nightmare. One time I talked about the issue and trying to get him to donate some stuff. He said "this is my inheritance." For me, I feel like it's a life crisis.
When my father in law passed away, many years ago, my mother in law didn’t want any of his clothes in the house. So all of his clothes were stored in our house for many years. He was a suit & tie guy, which my husband was complete opposite. We’ve been decluttering like crazy. Trying not to leave a huge mess for the kids. We told them, when the time comes, just get a dumpster for what’s left.
@@pajamamama5965 Thank you! Unfortunately, we have seen it happen too many times. While we like to think our kids are going to want our stuff, etc, in reality, not the case. I know they’ll keep some stuff. Most of it, I’m sure they’ll toss. They all have households of their own, with their own tastes. Just trying to make it easier for them.
@@Robinetta Yes it's been 6 months. He loves having his parents stuff all around him. I don't though, it makes me very sad. He's not willing to compromise at all.
Great job of decluttering and organizing! So hard. I did ok then just started balking. I'm convinced the heat has really put a damper on my energy. Keeping up with the lawn and bugs has been enough. Can't wait for cooler weather, planning on tackling the garage again. When I get depressed about all of it, I make myself glance at the 6 empty bins of his stuff I've done so far.
Decluttering, is real hard when you live like I do, a900 square foot house. I think why did I buy, this stuff, that I did use years ago.lol. I'm going thru stuff everyday,like you. I love books, but its time some of them I donate. I finally declutter, some things left behind by grown children,stored in my house. They never take the stuff to their house, so Ive been donating the items. Take care, have a blessed day.😊
I have 8 boxes with the personal items that belong to our dogs that have left us. Each has a box with all their certificates for the titles they won, rosette ribbons, leash, bowl, collar, last rabies tag.... and every time I tell myself to let them go I open the boxes and can't do it. I just get overwhelmed and sad. But I might be able to send the useful things to other animals. It's a good idea. Thanks. Better I do it then having my daughter do it when I am gone. Because she would just keep them too.
Your cup area in the fridge is a good idea. You might think about repurposing flat cotton fabric napkins or small cotton dish towel instead of the blue tray. Simple to replace and saves time cleaning as you just throw in the wash with your other kitchen towels. I use this in my fridge for my fruit shelf and for my yogurt cup area, fun to use seasonal or holiday ones too.
I am slowly decluttering and organizing. I knew I had a lot of things I wanted to give away, but I was trying to get myself motivated. After realizing it was a lot and other people can use things, it got me more motivated and glad I did. Plus my place is looking more organized.
Love the idea of everything in bins. Just a suggestion: make all the bins the same style/color. I see many sizes, shapes and colors so they begin to look too “busy”.
We just had a 20 yard dumpster picked up, full. I finally talked my husband of 41 years into getting rid of a lot of stuff. We had a lot not being used that came from his parents. Mice had gotten into just about everything. It feels great to declutter. I personally practiced Swedish Death Cleaning. I do not want our kids to be saddled with things they don’t want or need.
For 2 months we decluttered our house in order to sell. As we were congratulating ourselves for a job well done the realtor we hired said it was too cluttered!
@@rkatufus a realtor’s perspective is different. They want to see minimal pieces of furniture so rooms look larger and feel open, one piece of wall art or none, no throw rugs, etc
I'm decluttering now. Everything is going. Sold all corninware collection, pots and pans, things i haven't used in years. No more knic knacks to dust, no walls full of unnecessary decor. I want to enjoy my retirement years clutter free
You've done a great job, Dawn. We can only do so much with other's belongings. It's really up to them when they're ready to let go. Now those swim trunks, check the elastic. Old elastic breaks down, and he may have an embarrassing incident! Never funny in a public place. Great video. I love a house tour. Love to all, Linda 💕
GREAT JOB!!! you got a lot done, love the idea of writing down on the inner door of what you need in your linen closet, your fridge is so organized, LOVE IT
Some years ago I read an online article about de-cluttering and organizing and man who was a designer/decorator (I don't recall his name) said, and I think this is verbatim, "I'm not saying your home has to look like Martha Stewart lives there, but how about have your home so you can find anything you need in three minutes?" I think that after that can come the fine tuning of the consolidation and organizing.
Loved your closet organization! We're just finishing our maiden voyage in our camper (went to Mackinaw city), and I know that organization is the name of the game in there now I'll be buying bins and labeling them for each storage area! ❤
I do the majority of my decluttering in the winter months as I tend to spend the most of the spring summer and early fall outdoors. Usually each year I get rid of 10-15 garbages full of stuff. I am now being more mindful what I buy and bring into the house, so this winter I won’t have as much stuff. Living in a small house with minimal storage space, it is easier to to keep the house decluttered.
Our seasonal decorations got culled a few years ago. I realized everyone likes to look but participating wasn’t as important. So I stopped. Nothing tragic happened either. They dragged out the candy pumpkin and handed out candy they bought at the last minute. They dragged the tree up and dealt with it. The rest, I got gone. Such a relief! What was I thinking?!
A few years ago we even got rid of the tree, plus all the ornaments and lights that went on it. I noticed after we put the tree out by the curb, someone came by and got it, so at least it will give someone joy, and I don't have to mess with all of that every Christmas anymore which makes me happy.
In addition to Clutterbug, another great UA-camr is Erica Lucas. She calls her organizing style "minimalish". Erica is authentic, relatable and wonderful to watch. Diane in Denmark is also wonderful and helps you make routines that are very simple to follow.
My husband said to me yesterday… there’s too much stuff in the laundry room. So I said, yes, too much of YOUR stuff that doesn’t even belong in the laundry room. 😂 I add things we’re low on , in my phone list. I never go to the store without my phone. But I have left lists on my desk and refrigerator. 😬
My husband just tried decluttering my purses. Grrrrr. So I said, ok, for every purse you want to get rid of, I get to go thru your tools. Lol. That was the end of that. I think it’s easier to declutter other people’s things. Hahaha.
We downsized our stuff significantly when we moved 3 years ago. Since then, I am contantly looking at each room to be sure it is not accumulating things we no longer use. I have had good luck finding small bins for drawers, and my pantry at thrift stores, for a dollar or less.
Great video Dawn! You are such an inspiration to me. I did declutter the basement almost 80% It was finished and lived in when our daughters were returning from college. We have one bedroom, one office, a laundry room, and a huge area for entertainment, which is not used that often, if ever. I recently repainted all walls, bookshelves et ct. The problem I did get tired after it and can not find motivation to keep up with the rest of the house...
Having oily skin when young was aggravating, but as I aged I noticed I had less wrinkles than most people my age. I still don't wear a lot of makeup though b/c less wrinkles doesn't mean NO wrinkles. Wearing makeup over wrinkles = UGH!
One step at a time...yes Clutterbug really can motivate you to organize. I also found bins like you have very useful. Now if I could declutter my husband's den! LOL
I love, love how you said we have to show respect for the others in the home. No one should ever expect the space belongs to them unless they live alone. My hubby had his space for his “stuff” and I always respected it.
We just had a bay window taken out and replaced with a single large window. We had all the demo materials, siding, insulation, the windows some lumber to get rid of. This weekend was our city clean up days, that the city brought in huge dumpsters for residents to use free. We were able to get rid of everything from the demo plus some other things too. We were tired but so relieved that everything was gone!
I’m doing the same Dawn. It does make you feel so much better. Using clear bins are so useful. You can see everything in there right away. Good job. 👍🏻🥰
Great job. It is a little by little process. It helps as you organize that you get rid of things you do not want or use . As you do that you are getting rid of things and that is a accomplishment.
I decluttered and organized our laundry room this morning and have started on the pantry. I also found a used bookstore that may purchase some of my gently used books. I took a break to watch this video!! Will get back to it after I eat some lunch.
You are doing a great job Dawn! Have always been an avid decorator for every holiday. It’s just getting too hard now. For the first time, no Halloween decorations. Just put up all Fall. My daughters in law took what they wanted, the rest I’ll donate. Christmas will definitely be a huge downsizing too.
We are more minimalistic when it comes to knick knacks and clothes and shoes and stuff like that. But we love decorating for Christmas. Both my husband and I. We have 22 Christmas trees and it’s like winter wonderland in our home from Thanksgiving till the middle of Jan. It really brightens up those long winter months
Slow and steady, bit by bit, I’ve been decluttering and organizing for twenty years. I have done my gardens as well. The only space I’ve never finished decluttering is my garage. Was just about there when my daughter and granddaughter moved in with me. Slowly my daughter started hoarding my garage. Then when she moved out she didn’t take any of the stuff. I had to do it. A carload at a time and finally hired professional movers and had all her stuff moved to her house.
I’m a bin person too. Learned from clutterbug. Theyre awesome. I have a first aid bin, cold and flu bin, vitamin bin in the linen closet. In my bathroom cabinet I have a nails bin, face bin, makeup bin, teeth bin, hair products and tools bin. Love it. Those shelves always remain clean. I make sure my bins are the largest they can be for the area so that items (random or otherwise) don’t get placed around it. They must go in bins. They are large enough to go the top of the next shelf so things don’t end up on top of the bins also. Love me some bins!
I don't think I would get rid of all the Christmas decorations just from not doing it one year. Maybe get rid of one thing that can not be repaired and put up only one or two things outside. And doing that it may help you to figure out what is your favorite to have up and favorite thing to put up and maybe get rid of one thing next year that is difficult to display or expensive to repair. But I don't think I would get rid of everything of something like that. especially all at once.
My FIL went into hospice care right after Thanksgiving one year. He died 2 weeks before Christmas. We didn't decorate or anything that year. I was exhausted and we were all sad and stressed. I hadn't put out my ceramic village pieces for 2 years before that because he would play with them and accidentally break stuff. We missed it. Felt good the following year to start putting stuff out again.
@@christines2787 As much as I love decorating for Christmas. It was hard the first Christmas after my mom died. But she too loved decorating and having lots of people over for her Swedish Christmas smorgasbord ! 😊 So I carry on in her honor and memory. She wouldn’t want me to stop living and stop doing that.
Great job money mom. I live alone & have been decluttering for the last two years. It is a process but so worth it in the end. We all have to much stuff, you are not alone.
I bought 2 of those bins with holes in them. I put my plastic lids in them and put them in the kitchen cabinet. I got the idea from Redbook magazine many years ago. Works great! Keeps them organized.
I went through the house during Covid and got rid or sold tons of stuff and it served us well because we sold that house in 2021 and moved across the country.
What a great idea to put that list on the door. Those shoe bags etc get dusty and grimy. I agree. When my bookshelves get filled then I purge. This way I don’t start another book area. Great video. 🌺🇺🇸💙🙏
I'm always getting rid of stuff! Today I vacuumed my bathroom, bedroom and hallway. I also cleaned off the kitchen counter plus unloaded/reloaded the dishwasher and cleaned the stove. For me that’s a lot. Finally getting some energy back. Tomorrow I need to clean off the dining table and put some laundry away. If I can keep the momentum up, I will try to work on my office/craft room the following day. Bit by bit I’m making my way through the house.
I am inspired, Lady Dawn. I am going back out into the garage! There is much to do. Bins make such a difference in my house, too. They keep like with like without much effort. Win-win.
We've got a "Home Goods" store near us. It's a bit of a treasure hunt, (meaning; you never know what you're going to find) I've had good luck finding organizational products (bins, containers, food storage etc.) at great prices. Tempting to come home with things I don't need, so I never use a push cart that I could fill!
One thing I do is put things where they are used. I have a space behind my roll out trash can that the liners go, nothing gets buried under the kitchen sink, it only has my draining rack and a tote of dishwasher pods, scrubbies etc. My biggest problem is with my husband just sticking things any old place he also puts things in the same spot that we did several houses ago, when I’d rethought things now. I did downsize my Christmas last year and got 12 totes down to 6, still probably too much, but I’ll reevaluate this year.
We are decluttering. I would never declutter someone else's stuff. Even family members, children or adult. I don't know their heart and mind well enough to know what is important to them. If they don't have time then I do ask for permission to sort their stuffi. I pull what I think can go, but it does not leave the house until the person has gone thru it and okayed it leaving. Not obvious trash but old clothes, books, music etc. Then no bad feelings. I discovered a grown son was attached to a childhood toy. A daughter had sentimental ties to a few books. Another who I never see doing woodworkis attached to a set of whittling tools from my father. I just find thinning out others belongings too risky. Glad you're being careful.
Good Job. House looks great. My goal is to start working on this more in my house. I would sell most of my collectables if I could even get half of what I paid.
The past week or so, I have been going through our dvds and books that we have accumulated. The movies that we don't want to see again went in a tote bag for donating to one of our thrift stores. With books, I have a couple friends who trade books with me and I gave the ones they wanted to them. All others went in totes for the thrift shop too. I have also kept a tote bag in my clothes closet for those cothes I just don't want anymore. I had a purse I didn't want anymore and that went on top and is ready to go to the thrift store too. Giving to thrift stores seems like a win-win situation. I get rid of some clutter, they sell the items and use the money for charities. I hate to see good things in the trash that someone who needs them could use. It also helps the landfills too.
My husband is a collector & just can't throw anything out. He is FINALLY seeing the light because we are renovating to sell. Money talks!! He knows he has to dramatically declutter or the house won't show well for viewings. So, out goes the junk! He won't choose junk over money!😆♥️🇨🇦
I am keeping Christmas simple and it is so beautiful. My plan is to use the Christmas decorations I love and donate the rest. It will give me more space on my basement shelves. I do enjoy what others display but some of us cannot do this.
Dawn, thanks for the tip on Clutter Bug! Are you sure your husband won't miss his ties? 😅 I got some plastic chains from either Wal-Mart or Joanne's so long ago. I take the top, hang it over the regular hanger, and hang several blouses down that chain. I just move them over. You have more room to put more items in the closet! 😊 Another thing I just did was put one of those clear plastic shoe boxes in my frig. for certain items. I'm working on a little bit every day! You might need to keep some of the Christmas decorations! They are too expensive now to replace! Until next time, Dawn, enjoyed your weekend! 🍂🍁🍂🌻🧡😅
I agree about living with someone and not touching their items. It may be the other person keeps the items for their own reasons. I do ask my husband of 56 years marriage to go through things with me. This week was a tool box. We are giving half to a trade school! And a neighbor is doing this. The school will be getting great tools! Ties: I would save one to wear for a wedding or funeral with a suit. If that suit still fits. Nowadays, people show up at these events in jeans and tees. Changing times. I like your idea of putting things in bins. I do it a little differently. I cover shoe boxes with wrapping paper or wall paper and make more decorative boxes to match the room. This is how I up-cycle shoe and the Amazon delivery boxes. I purchase wrapping paper at Thrift stores and I have gotten free wallpaper sample books to use to cover cardboard boxes. I’m not fond of the plastic bins. Great topic! Stalwart
I like the potato bin, but I did something similar and my potatoes kept growing eyes. I have to refrigerate them. My husband had all his diabetes medicines in the refrigerator. I asked him to buy a mini fridge for his office to put all the medicines in. It’s actually a good idea because we can put it on a power station if the power goes out and keep his diabetic stuff safe.
I have really been working on decluttering for over a year. I get spurts. I have so many things from people who passed on, and it’s hard for me to let go, but a little at a time. Also, way too much costume jewelry from gifts, etc., that I don’t really wear. I think, in my case, I will always be decluttering. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions, it gets me motivated ❤
I also live in a small house. One way I make room is to utilize wall space and make sure that everything is both beautiful and functional. Pitchers, platters, inlay cutting boards on display are also used. Intricate and colorful cast iron trivets are hung between meals. Board game boxes are beautiful pieces of art. Some of the heavier large wood boards are on the walls too. We just hung leash holders on the wall they are rubber shaped dog back halves from ikea. BIL painted them with collie markings. Beautiful? No, but cute, funny and useful. We have very nice leashes for each dog that we won during our dog show years. Good memories. Its not traditionally beautiful, but it makes us happy. 4ft 10 1/2 inch daughter has a shoe problem. Im just grateful she no longer wears her 3 1/2 inch heels. I dont mind if it takes her a little longer to let them go. Eventually, she will ask for help with sorting them. Its all in her shed/house so not a problem for me.
I can find storage totes at Walmarts for cheap, and even cheaper I bought cardboard moving boxes from Walmarts for like $1-2. The cardboard boxes are good for seasonal clothes, blankets, and other items.
I use pretty baskets in visible areas(Goodwill). As per your husband’s items, ask if it is ok to dispose of X items, or get his approval of your discarding tasks. As far as towels, that is my pet peeve not having laundry kept up. I know I have too many towels, slowly discarding, or reusing.
I have 4 sets of towels. One for each bathroom. A set for pool/beach Dog towels. As the bathroom ones wear out every few years they get downgraded. The step after Dog towels is the rag bag.
I am with your husband regarding the Christmas decorating... But I donated 99 last year.. I am not decorating even one little bit this year... I might even take a trip down South instead.
Since December, 2020 I have gotten rid of 🎄 decorations but by bit. I put up less and less. Since I have no young kids around at Christmas. I don't feel the need to decorate much. Sorting through fall clothes. I am donating good usable clothes or household items to the thrift shop at my church.
We love to decorate for Christmas. But we’re carrying on a friends’ tradition. Her daughter who was quite the animal lover and volunteered at our local shelter, she died suddenly in her sleep at age 39. So her mom did Christmas open houses with SO many decorations. The cost of admission was something that could be donated to the animal shelter. Well, she’s almost 70 now and it’s getting harder for her to do so she gave me her decorations. We have a big house and love decorating anyway, so we love doing this. ❤
I go thru states but love family/friendship photos. Dont have much counterspace as my kitchen so that's good only have my microwave at one end and mug rack at other. I found space for specialist books not msny l want to keep in my cupboard
Very inspiring video! I loved it! Everything your doing is fantastic! I wish I could only start. I have not started yet, but want to! Dana K. White on you tube is fantastic for decluttering, she has it down pat. I watched alot of videos of hers. Keep up the great work, it really shows. I love your donation tote or bin. I love that you love to containerize.
Decluttering is so vital to reclaiming space and mental well being. I think the rules are: if you haven't used or worn it within a year, if it doesn't fit, if the food or medicine label says expired, if the item no longer sparks joy ..... out it should go. If it's still useful to someone else, donate it.
I go through my husband's clothes now and again - then I leave the pile on the bed and let him take out whatever he really really does want - he realizes the rest are not really things he wants or needs
My husband got a tee shirt for his 40 birthday that said 40 isn’t old if you’re a tree. Fast forward 20 plus years later. The shirt had holes in it and was so thin you could see his skin. Well I threw it away and I had to listen to him complain for years that I threw away his favorite shirt. He passed away last year at age 75. Wish he was still here to complain to me. ❤
My husband had 30+ old raggedy tshirts. I let him pick 10 to keep and the rest to toss. He realized he doesn’t need 30 OLD tshirts. And that way he got to decide which ones he was willing to let go of.
Sorry for your loss 😢
@darleneredbird4 my husband of 38 years passed away 6 weeks ago - I laughed and cried when I read your comment about wishing your husband was still here to complain. I'm living that comment. Thanks for sharing.
@@darleneredbird4 I’m so sorry to hear that. Hugs to you, and many happy memories.
❤😢
He sounded like a dear sweetheart ❤️
I'm so very proud of your organization. You've made a huge difference! Your refrigerators look amazing. The only suggestion that I have is to throw the broken clock into the trash. You don't want someone to purchase it at Goodwill & it doesn't keep time properly
It does keep time
Even a broken clock is right twice a day😂
Someone might be able to fix it or repurpose it!
Yes, I am 70 years old and I declutter 1 item out of my house daily. And I go through 1 bucket, cotainer or area 1 time a week. Love that this topic and go go go.....
Declutter one item a day, what a GREAT idea! I’m going to do this. Thanks for the idea!
Love that!
When you say a little bit each day makes a difference, you are so 100% correct!!! I need to go back to say this to myself every morning 😊 Thanks for the gentle reminder 😘
I'm glad you found it helpful!
me and my mom are slowly going through our house room by room section by section. what we are doing is choosing to focus on one room per month. September was the garage October is gong to be the attic above the garage. we just make our way around the house
I think I'll try that. Thank you. I have a hard time flitting around the house and not focusing!
I feel the same way. I am not a “minimalist,” but I am really trying to simplify and declutter my home and work stuff.
Love that!
I found two shelf brackets by our recycling bins down town and brought them home, I used them above our dryer, the (washer and dryer are on opposite walls) I took apart a bi fold door that was in the basement for years and used that as a shelf. I feel good about it.
Great
Great idea to recycle that door!....I love to look at ways to reuse items instead of throwing things out!
Absolutely brilliant idea!!❤❤❤
You are doing a great job. It took ten years of me decluttering before my husband finally got on board, so never give up, just don’t nag.
Thank you
You're doing great! I feel your pain. After my father-in-law passed my husband brought back a huge moving truck full of stuff that was too good to throw out or don'ate and stuff that memories are associated for him. The stuff is literally everywhere. I feel like we have a hoarder house now. There's furniture that doesn't match that's now in different rooms. He had to build a bunch of shelves in the basement and store a lot of it down there. Some rooms I don't even recognize it doesn't even feel like my own house. His feelings get hurt if I mention anything. My basement is a nightmare. One time I talked about the issue and trying to get him to donate some stuff. He said "this is my inheritance." For me, I feel like it's a life crisis.
When my father in law passed away, many years ago, my mother in law didn’t want any of his clothes in the house. So all of his clothes were stored in our house for many years. He was a suit & tie guy, which my husband was complete opposite.
We’ve been decluttering like crazy. Trying not to leave a huge mess for the kids. We told them, when the time comes, just get a dumpster for what’s left.
@@karendjohn8803 I think that's wonderful you're doing that now so your kids won't have to. It's a big job.
@@pajamamama5965 Thank you! Unfortunately, we have seen it happen too many times. While we like to think our kids are going to want our stuff, etc, in reality, not the case. I know they’ll keep some stuff. Most of it, I’m sure they’ll toss. They all have households of their own, with their own tastes. Just trying to make it easier for them.
Please give him time.people grieve didn't ways😢
@@Robinetta Yes it's been 6 months. He loves having his parents stuff all around him. I don't though, it makes me very sad. He's not willing to compromise at all.
Tip... Potatoes need airflow when stored to avoid mold (unless you will be using them all right away). ... a bin with holes would be best.
Also a dark cool place. Putting an apple with them prevents sprouting too
Thank you
This really helps
Great job of decluttering and organizing! So hard. I did ok then just started balking. I'm convinced the heat has really put a damper on my energy. Keeping up with the lawn and bugs has been enough. Can't wait for cooler weather, planning on tackling the garage again. When I get depressed about all of it, I make myself glance at the 6 empty bins of his stuff I've done so far.
Decluttering, is real hard when you live like I do, a900 square foot house. I think why did I buy, this stuff, that I did use years ago.lol. I'm going thru stuff everyday,like you. I love books, but its time some of them I donate. I finally declutter, some things left behind by grown children,stored in my house. They never take the stuff to their house, so Ive been donating the items. Take care, have a blessed day.😊
I feel so much lighter when I get rid of things, especially when they go to people and animals in need. They're so appreciative
I have 8 boxes with the personal items that belong to our dogs that have left us. Each has a box with all their certificates for the titles they won, rosette ribbons, leash, bowl, collar, last rabies tag.... and every time I tell myself to let them go I open the boxes and can't do it. I just get overwhelmed and sad. But I might be able to send the useful things to other animals.
It's a good idea. Thanks.
Better I do it then having my daughter do it when I am gone. Because she would just keep them too.
Your cup area in the fridge is a good idea. You might think about repurposing flat cotton fabric napkins or small cotton dish towel instead of the blue tray. Simple to replace and saves time cleaning as you just throw in the wash with your other kitchen towels. I use this in my fridge for my fruit shelf and for my yogurt cup area, fun to use seasonal or holiday ones too.
I like this idea! It's a good way to repurpose the fabric napkins we're no longer using.
Thanks for the tips!
I am slowly decluttering and organizing. I knew I had a lot of things I wanted to give away, but I was trying to get myself motivated. After realizing it was a lot and other people can use things, it got me more motivated and glad I did. Plus my place is looking more organized.
Love the idea of everything in bins. Just a suggestion: make all the bins the same style/color. I see many sizes, shapes and colors so they begin to look too “busy”.
Thanks for the tip!
We just had a 20 yard dumpster picked up, full.
I finally talked my husband of 41 years into getting rid of a lot of stuff.
We had a lot not being used that came from his parents.
Mice had gotten into just about everything.
It feels great to declutter.
I personally practiced Swedish Death Cleaning.
I do not want our kids to be saddled with things they don’t want or need.
How fantastic
Great job, Dawn. Not easy to go through our hubby’s stuff but you seem to do so respectfully. ❤
For 2 months we decluttered our house in order to sell. As we were congratulating ourselves for a job well done the realtor we hired said it was too cluttered!
This is why I aim to be a minimalist, I’m
Sure to think a semi cluttered place IS minimalist.
@@rkatufus a realtor’s perspective is different. They want to see minimal pieces of furniture so rooms look larger and feel open, one piece of wall art or none, no throw rugs, etc
I'm decluttering my house a little at a time. I've been doing this for months and works for me.
Smart
I'm years at it ,and still at it😂
The older I get, the less stuffs I buy, the happier I am and the more money I keep. :)
Same for me!
I'm decluttering now. Everything is going. Sold all corninware collection, pots and pans, things i haven't used in years. No more knic knacks to dust, no walls full of unnecessary decor. I want to enjoy my retirement years clutter free
Sounds wonderful
You've done a great job, Dawn. We can only do so much with other's belongings. It's really up to them when they're ready to let go. Now those swim trunks, check the elastic. Old elastic breaks down, and he may have an embarrassing incident! Never funny in a public place. Great video. I love a house tour. Love to all, Linda 💕
You are so right
I think that's the best way to declutter and organize. Just a few minutes a day
Gets quiet going threw his stuff, funny.
I noticed that too!
I love ❤ the way you lower your voice when talking about getting rid of your husband's stuff...sneaky. lol 😂
GREAT JOB!!! you got a lot done, love the idea of writing down on the inner door of what you need in your linen closet, your fridge is so organized, LOVE IT
Thanks so much!!
Lesson learned after being responsible for emptying 2 homes after the occupants died: NOBODY wants our stuff. NOBODY.
Some years ago I read an online article about de-cluttering and organizing and man who was a designer/decorator (I don't recall his name) said, and I think this is verbatim, "I'm not saying your home has to look like Martha Stewart lives there, but how about have your home so you can find anything you need in three minutes?" I think that after that can come the fine tuning of the consolidation and organizing.
I so agree
Loved your closet organization! We're just finishing our maiden voyage in our camper (went to Mackinaw city), and I know that organization is the name of the game in there now I'll be buying bins and labeling them for each storage area! ❤
I love Macinaw Island
I do the majority of my decluttering in the winter months as I tend to spend the most of the spring summer and early fall outdoors. Usually each year I get rid of 10-15 garbages full of stuff. I am now being more mindful what I buy and bring into the house, so this winter I won’t have as much stuff. Living in a small house with minimal storage space, it is easier to to keep the house decluttered.
Wonderful
Our seasonal decorations got culled a few years ago. I realized everyone likes to look but participating wasn’t as important. So I stopped. Nothing tragic happened either. They dragged out the candy pumpkin and handed out candy they bought at the last minute. They dragged the tree up and dealt with it. The rest, I got gone. Such a relief! What was I thinking?!
A few years ago we even got rid of the tree, plus all the ornaments and lights that went on it. I noticed after we put the tree out by the curb, someone came by and got it, so at least it will give someone joy, and I don't have to mess with all of that every Christmas anymore which makes me happy.
In addition to Clutterbug, another great UA-camr is Erica Lucas. She calls her organizing style "minimalish". Erica is authentic, relatable and wonderful to watch. Diane in Denmark is also wonderful and helps you make routines that are very simple to follow.
Thanks for sharing!!
My husband said to me yesterday… there’s too much stuff in the laundry room. So I said, yes, too much of YOUR stuff that doesn’t even belong in the laundry room. 😂
I add things we’re low on , in my phone list. I never go to the store without my phone. But I have left lists on my desk and refrigerator. 😬
Take a picture!
I wouldn’t declutter my husband’s stuff and wouldn’t want him decluttering mine. The rest of it… go, you!!
My husband just tried decluttering my purses. Grrrrr. So I said, ok, for every purse you want to get rid of, I get to go thru your tools. Lol.
That was the end of that.
I think it’s easier to declutter other people’s things. Hahaha.
He he
@@cjhoward409 👍🏼😂💜
We downsized our stuff significantly when we moved 3 years ago. Since then, I am contantly looking at each room to be sure it is not accumulating things we no longer use. I have had good luck finding small bins for drawers, and my pantry at thrift stores, for a dollar or less.
That's a great idea!
Great video Dawn! You are such an inspiration to me. I did declutter the basement almost 80%
It was finished and lived in when our daughters were returning from college.
We have one bedroom, one office, a laundry room, and a huge area for entertainment, which is not used that often, if ever. I recently repainted all walls, bookshelves et ct. The problem I did get tired after it and can not find motivation to keep up with the rest of the house...
I understand
Having oily skin when young was aggravating, but as I aged I noticed I had less wrinkles than most people my age. I still don't wear a lot of makeup though b/c less wrinkles doesn't mean NO wrinkles. Wearing makeup over wrinkles = UGH!
You never fail to add to my day. Lol
Wonderful
I love organizing and could easily be a minimalist. My husband though has clothes from the 80's! 😔
Thats what I say, I don't need it, but someone else may. Happy weekend everyone 🥰
One step at a time...yes Clutterbug really can motivate you to organize. I also found bins like you have very useful. Now if I could declutter my husband's den! LOL
Great idea!!
I love, love how you said we have to show respect for the others in the home. No one should ever expect the space belongs to them unless they live alone. My hubby had his space for his “stuff” and I always respected it.
Absolutely!!
We just had a bay window taken out and replaced with a single large window. We had all the demo materials, siding, insulation, the windows some lumber to get rid of. This weekend was our city clean up days, that the city brought in huge dumpsters for residents to use free. We were able to get rid of everything from the demo plus some other things too. We were tired but so relieved that everything was gone!
That sounds so freeing
You’re doing a great job ! Gives me motivation to get mine done. Look forward to your vlogs.
You can do it!
I’m doing the same Dawn. It does make you feel so much better. Using clear bins are so useful. You can see everything in there right away.
Good job. 👍🏻🥰
So true!
Hi Dawn, you have done a good job on decluttering, things look so tidy and organized. You can use the car wash to clean the shower door if you have.
Thanks for the tip!
Great job. It is a little by little process. It helps as you organize that you get rid of things you do not want or use . As you do that you are getting rid of things and that is a accomplishment.
Yes! Thank you!
On one of the frugal groups on FB several people have said: nothing on top of especially dryer; uses more electricity. FYI
I think you did a great job ..organizing and decluttering! Bins are a great way to stash things we need but don't want to look at every day!
So true!
Dawn I like this topic and the changes you have made and are working on I’am also working on making changes in this areas also
I decluttered and organized our laundry room this morning and have started on the pantry. I also found a used bookstore that may purchase some of my gently used books. I took a break to watch this video!! Will get back to it after I eat some lunch.
You are doing a great job Dawn!
Have always been an avid decorator for every holiday. It’s just getting too hard now. For the first time, no Halloween decorations. Just put up all Fall. My daughters in law took what they wanted, the rest I’ll donate. Christmas will definitely be a huge downsizing too.
Yes, I love holidays
We are more minimalistic when it comes to knick knacks and clothes and shoes and stuff like that. But we love decorating for Christmas. Both my husband and I. We have 22 Christmas trees and it’s like winter wonderland in our home from Thanksgiving till the middle of Jan. It really brightens up those long winter months
How fun
I love to declutter!
Slow and steady, bit by bit, I’ve been decluttering and organizing for twenty years. I have done my gardens as well. The only space I’ve never finished decluttering is my garage. Was just about there when my daughter and granddaughter moved in with me. Slowly my daughter started hoarding my garage. Then when she moved out she didn’t take any of the stuff. I had to do it. A carload at a time and finally hired professional movers and had all her stuff moved to her house.
Wonderful!
😂😅
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity
I’m a bin person too. Learned from clutterbug. Theyre awesome. I have a first aid bin, cold and flu bin, vitamin bin in the linen closet. In my bathroom cabinet I have a nails bin, face bin, makeup bin, teeth bin, hair products and tools bin. Love it. Those shelves always remain clean. I make sure my bins are the largest they can be for the area so that items (random or otherwise) don’t get placed around it.
They must go in bins. They are large enough to go the top of the next shelf so things don’t end up on top of the bins also. Love me some bins!
Very smart
I don't think I would get rid of all the Christmas decorations just from not doing it one year. Maybe get rid of one thing that can not be repaired and put up only one or two things outside. And doing that it may help you to figure out what is your favorite to have up and favorite thing to put up and maybe get rid of one thing next year that is difficult to display or expensive to repair. But I don't think I would get rid of everything of something like that. especially all at once.
My FIL went into hospice care right after Thanksgiving one year. He died 2 weeks before Christmas. We didn't decorate or anything that year. I was exhausted and we were all sad and stressed. I hadn't put out my ceramic village pieces for 2 years before that because he would play with them and accidentally break stuff.
We missed it. Felt good the following year to start putting stuff out again.
@@christines2787
As much as I love decorating for Christmas. It was hard the first Christmas after my mom died. But she too loved decorating and having lots of people over for her Swedish Christmas smorgasbord ! 😊
So I carry on in her honor and memory. She wouldn’t want me to stop living and stop doing that.
Great channel! my goal is to declutter a little at a time - and only buy essentials! Thanks for the inspiration.
You are so welcome!
Great job money mom. I live alone & have been decluttering for the last two years. It is a process but so worth it in the end. We all have to much stuff, you are not alone.
It really is!
I bought 2 of those bins with holes in them. I put my plastic lids in them and put them in the kitchen cabinet. I got the idea from Redbook magazine many years ago. Works great! Keeps them organized.
Great idea!!
I went through the house during Covid and got rid or sold tons of stuff and it served us well because we sold that house in 2021 and moved across the country.
What a great idea to put that list on the door. Those shoe bags etc get dusty and grimy. I agree. When my bookshelves get filled then I purge. This way I don’t start another book area. Great video. 🌺🇺🇸💙🙏
Thanks love
I'm always getting rid of stuff! Today I vacuumed my bathroom, bedroom and hallway. I also cleaned off the kitchen counter plus unloaded/reloaded the dishwasher and cleaned the stove. For me that’s a lot. Finally getting some energy back. Tomorrow I need to clean off the dining table and put some laundry away. If I can keep the momentum up, I will try to work on my office/craft room the following day. Bit by bit I’m making my way through the house.
Love that!
New subscriber and I’ve come to look forward to your daily videos. Thank you, Dawn!
Thank you love
I am inspired, Lady Dawn. I am going back out into the garage! There is much to do. Bins make such a difference in my house, too. They keep like with like without much effort. Win-win.
Wonderful!
Congratulations! Every thing looks good. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Will do!
When I read a book. If I know I won’t read it again, I donate it either to the local library, the school library or the thrift store.
We've got a "Home Goods" store near us. It's a bit of a treasure hunt, (meaning; you never know what you're going to find) I've had good luck finding organizational products (bins, containers, food storage etc.) at great prices. Tempting to come home with things I don't need, so I never use a push cart that I could fill!
I like the list on the cabinet door. Brilliant 🤓 that grabbed me from the beginning.
I would use the blue painter’s tape so it doesn’t ruin your nice paint job.
Glad you liked it!
One thing I do is put things where they are used. I have a space behind my roll out trash can that the liners go, nothing gets buried under the kitchen sink, it only has my draining rack and a tote of dishwasher pods, scrubbies etc. My biggest problem is with my husband just sticking things any old place he also puts things in the same spot that we did several houses ago, when I’d rethought things now. I did downsize my Christmas last year and got 12 totes down to 6, still probably too much, but I’ll reevaluate this year.
How about labeling the bins+plastic containers with the contents?
That's next
We are decluttering. I would never declutter someone else's stuff. Even family members, children or adult. I don't know their heart and mind well enough to know what is important to them. If they don't have time then I do ask for permission to sort their stuffi. I pull what I think can go, but it does not leave the house until the person has gone thru it and okayed it leaving. Not obvious trash but old clothes, books, music etc. Then no bad feelings. I discovered a grown son was attached to a childhood toy. A daughter had sentimental ties to a few books. Another who I never see doing woodworkis attached to a set of whittling tools from my father. I just find thinning out others belongings too risky. Glad you're being careful.
Good Job. House looks great. My goal is to start working on this more in my house. I would sell most of my collectables if I could even get half of what I paid.
That's a great idea!
The past week or so, I have been going through our dvds and books that we have accumulated. The movies that we don't want to see again went in a tote bag for donating to one of our thrift stores. With books, I have a couple friends who trade books with me and I gave the ones they wanted to them. All others went in totes for the thrift shop too. I have also kept a tote bag in my clothes closet for those cothes I just don't want anymore. I had a purse I didn't want anymore and that went on top and is ready to go to the thrift store too. Giving to thrift stores seems like a win-win situation. I get rid of some clutter, they sell the items and use the money for charities. I hate to see good things in the trash that someone who needs them could use. It also helps the landfills too.
Very smart
I’m really proud of you, good job! You have encouraged me!
Thank you
GREAT JOB DAWN….❤ LYNN .DID ALL MY ORGANIZING AFEW MOTHS AGO I HAVE JUST WHAT I NEED. RAY LOVES ALL HIS STUFF 🤨 IT MAKES ME CRAZY. LOL
My husband is a collector & just can't throw anything out. He is FINALLY seeing the light because we are renovating to sell. Money talks!! He knows he has to dramatically declutter or the house won't show well for viewings. So, out goes the junk! He won't choose junk over money!😆♥️🇨🇦
Good news
Dawn for batteries the best thing ever is battery buddy container. Love mine❤
Groovy thanks
I am keeping Christmas simple and it is so beautiful. My plan is to use the Christmas decorations I love and donate the rest. It will give me more space on my basement shelves. I do enjoy what others display but some of us cannot do this.
Happy holidays!
Dawn, thanks for the tip on Clutter Bug! Are you sure your husband won't miss his ties? 😅
I got some plastic chains from either Wal-Mart or Joanne's so long ago. I take the top, hang it over the regular hanger, and hang several blouses down that chain. I just move them over. You have more room to put more items in the closet! 😊
Another thing I just did was put one of those clear plastic shoe boxes in my frig. for certain items. I'm working on a little bit every day!
You might need to keep some of the Christmas decorations! They are too expensive now to replace! Until next time, Dawn, enjoyed your weekend! 🍂🍁🍂🌻🧡😅
I do not think he will miss them
I agree about living with someone and not touching their items. It may be the other person keeps the items for their own reasons.
I do ask my husband of 56 years marriage to go through things with me. This week was a tool box. We are giving half to a trade school!
And a neighbor is doing this. The school will be getting great tools!
Ties: I would save one to wear for a wedding or funeral with a suit. If that suit still fits. Nowadays, people show up at these events in jeans and tees. Changing times.
I like your idea of putting things in bins. I do it a little differently. I cover shoe boxes with wrapping paper or wall paper and make more decorative boxes to match the room. This is how I up-cycle shoe and the Amazon delivery boxes. I purchase wrapping paper at Thrift stores and I have gotten free wallpaper sample books to use to cover cardboard boxes. I’m not fond of the plastic bins.
Great topic! Stalwart
Thanks much
Good job Dawn.
Thank you
Bravo! You inspired me, way to go
I'm so glad!
I like the potato bin, but I did something similar and my potatoes kept growing eyes. I have to refrigerate them. My husband had all his diabetes medicines in the refrigerator. I asked him to buy a mini fridge for his office to put all the medicines in. It’s actually a good idea because we can put it on a power station if the power goes out and keep his diabetic stuff safe.
I have really been working on decluttering for over a year. I get spurts. I have so many things from people who passed on, and it’s hard for me to let go, but a little at a time. Also, way too much costume jewelry from gifts, etc., that I don’t really wear. I think, in my case, I will always be decluttering. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions, it gets me motivated ❤
I totally understand
I also live in a small house. One way I make room is to utilize wall space and make sure that everything is both beautiful and functional. Pitchers, platters, inlay cutting boards on display are also used. Intricate and colorful cast iron trivets are hung between meals. Board game boxes are beautiful pieces of art. Some of the heavier large wood boards are on the walls too.
We just hung leash holders on the wall they are rubber shaped dog back halves from ikea. BIL painted them with collie markings. Beautiful? No, but cute, funny and useful. We have very nice leashes for each dog that we won during our dog show years. Good memories.
Its not traditionally beautiful, but it makes us happy.
4ft 10 1/2 inch daughter has a shoe problem. Im just grateful she no longer wears her 3 1/2 inch heels. I dont mind if it takes her a little longer to let them go. Eventually, she will ask for help with sorting them. Its all in her shed/house so not a problem for me.
Sounds heavenly
I can find storage totes at Walmarts for cheap, and even cheaper I bought cardboard moving boxes from Walmarts for like $1-2. The cardboard boxes are good for seasonal clothes, blankets, and other items.
I use pretty baskets in visible areas(Goodwill).
As per your husband’s items, ask if it is ok to dispose of X items, or get his approval of your discarding tasks.
As far as towels, that is my pet peeve not having laundry kept up. I know I have too many towels, slowly discarding, or reusing.
I have 4 sets of towels.
One for each bathroom.
A set for pool/beach
Dog towels.
As the bathroom ones wear out every few years they get downgraded. The step after Dog towels is the rag bag.
Great idea!!
I am with your husband regarding the Christmas decorating... But I donated 99 last year.. I am not decorating even one little bit this year... I might even take a trip down South instead.
That is awesome!
Since December, 2020 I have gotten rid of 🎄 decorations but by bit.
I put up less and less. Since I have no young kids around at Christmas. I don't feel the need to decorate much.
Sorting through fall clothes. I am donating good usable clothes or household items to the thrift shop at my church.
We love to decorate for Christmas. But we’re carrying on a friends’ tradition. Her daughter who was quite the animal lover and volunteered at our local shelter, she died suddenly in her sleep at age 39. So her mom did Christmas open houses with SO many decorations. The cost of admission was something that could be donated to the animal shelter. Well, she’s almost 70 now and it’s getting harder for her to do so she gave me her decorations. We have a big house and love decorating anyway, so we love doing this.
❤
Dawn, you did a wonderful job!!!
Thank you
Everything is looking so good! I'm so proud of you! It's hard to get sarted.
Sure is
I go thru states but love family/friendship photos. Dont have much counterspace as my kitchen so that's good only have my microwave at one end and mug rack at other. I found space for specialist books not msny l want to keep in my cupboard
I have been bringing out containers while my husband is watching tv. I ask him, yes or go. He won't do it on his own. I do it to my son.
Very inspiring video! I loved it! Everything your doing is fantastic! I wish I could only start. I have not started yet, but want to! Dana K. White on you tube is fantastic for decluttering, she has it down pat. I watched alot of videos of hers. Keep up the great work, it really shows. I love your donation tote or bin. I love that you love to containerize.
You can do it!
Decluttering is so vital to reclaiming space and mental well being. I think the rules are: if you haven't used or worn it within a year, if it doesn't fit, if the food or medicine label says expired, if the item no longer sparks joy ..... out it should go. If it's still useful to someone else, donate it.
So true
I go through my husband's clothes now and again - then I leave the pile on the bed and let him take out whatever he really really does want - he realizes the rest are not really things he wants or needs
Good idea
Great idea
Looks fantastic❣️
Thank you 😋
If the clock doesn't work well trash it, don't donate it.