We have been making an effort to make our home useful, we work at home, I get it. I would transform the breakfast nook, you will use it more and it won't be such a stressor for you.
As people in our seventies, we are constantly going thru stuff and getting rid of a lot of things. From experience, we don't want our children to be stuck with that job.
You should get a cabinet with doors for the games in the dining room. Go for the second room for hanging out. I did the same thing. Put a small game table in there with a sofa too.
Thanks for showing this. My husband and I are empty nester. He is also an "Over the Road" semi driver. I make all his weekly meals and I need to use things I already have in our home. We only get around 34 hours together on the weekends, so everything I can make ahead helps.❤❤❤
I started following The Minimal Mom a few years ago and her channel is so helpful with getting rid of clutter in your home. She equates things to inventory, and the more stuff you have in your home requires you to handle more “inventory”… it’s a great way to think about it and has helped my family tremendously with minimizing the clutter we bring into our home.
I'm in a season of life where I want to get rid of as much as I can...don't want to store it!...don't want to clean it!!!...don't want my kids to have to go thru the muck when I die!!!
I am SO glad you talked about the “blind spots”….i have them throughout my house and get upset at myself over them. I need to find storage/behavior solutions like you said.
The trunk in your breakfast nook is so pretty, could totally double as a coffee table or in front of the window for extra seating. We have a large trunk in our living room on a dead space wall, I have a quilt over it with 3 large throw pillows as back cushions and it doubles as extra seating during large gatherings. It's your house! You can do what you want. I think turing that space into a sitting area is a great idea.
Yes, that trunk is pretty…except the backside. 😂 which is why I always have it on a wall (or against a footboard in a bedroom). I usually keep a quilt or a runner on it because the top is finished and very slick. That’s a good point about using it for seating.
@@SeeMindyMomI have a throw on top of mine and I got one of those things you put under a runner from DT under it so it won't slide around if that's an issues for yours. My dog uses mine to jump up on the bed so I don't need him sliding off and hurting himself!
Great video! I love decluttering. I have become addicted. It is like a challenge to see how much I can get rid of and not miss any of it. You really find out how much we can live without because we don't use it anyway, we just keep it for "just in case" situations.
It’s your home! Make it work for your family! I made our formal dining room into a family room and we eat family meals at the table in the eat in area, we also have an island. How many places do I need to be designated in my house for eating? LOL. It was a waste of space so we added French doors to the dining room area and changed it up! I think the comfy nook idea in the kitchen is great! Start the trend Mindy! ❤
I decluttered a kitchen drawer recently and found a sippy cup lid..its been 14 years since we've had a child in our family young enough to need a sippy cup! 😂 and I go thru drawers frequently. I have no idea why I was keeping it. Nostalgia? It's gone now.
I just threw the last of our sippy cups out a few months back. I used to keep them for friends and family with young kids, but we’re pretty much out of that phase!
I think you’d love transforming your breakfast nook to a comfy den/conversation area! We just retired after 42 years in the ministry & it may sound silly, but in each parsonage we lived in we somehow found a little space we could retreat to during times we needed a small break! We tried to leave the entry points fairly neat in case of unannounced visitors! 🤣 Love your tips, recipes and real life you share in your videos! ❤
I love this pantry recipe! I made “pantry” jambalaya last night with boil in a bag brown rice, one package of smoked turkey sausage, diced tomatoes, beans, veggie broth, salt free Tony’s, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, tumeric, and a little instant mashed potatoes. 30 minute meal. 5 servings. So good!
I have one of those collapsible rectangular over the sink strainers, and I truly love that thing…lol. Especially in the summer when I drag stuff in from the garden. I use it all the time. Isn’t it funny how one girls trash is another girls treasure 😊
I decluttered two years ago when I retired and if I bring something new in home I have to get rid of at least one thing. I've told family and friends so no unneeded items are gifted. So much easier to clean. Great, helpful and realistic video
For the stairs we have decorative baskets with the kids names on them. As the day goes on things need need to go up or put away go in the baskets and taken up stairs at the end of the day. It's helped the dreaded stair pile!
I have been working on decluttering and organizing my house. we do not have alot of storage to work with so its a constant sorting to get rid of stuff sitting around and better organizing what i keep
My husband sent me links to minimal living a couple of years ago because he knows how much I hate clutter. We simplified in so many areas and also make it a goal now to tidy our spaces, especially the kitchen and dining, at end of day and before all leaving for the day. I have noticed that our entire family now acknowledges the change in our calmness when this occurs and we strive to keep it. Love the idea of a comfy kitchen spot instead of two tables. We are building in the next year and have already decided we do not need a kitchen seating AND dining area because it’s wasted space for us. Thanks for a great channel! I have learned SO much from your creativity and have stretched our budget greatly with your ideas.
Make the space yours. Yes, put a sofa in the breakfast nook. Move that beautiful hope chess over for a coffee table and put all the games in there. Move the metal shelf someplace else(the bottom of a closet for shoes, etc) mount the tv on a swivel, that way if your home and in the kitchen you could have the tv on while cooking. On the decluttering...ask yourself these questions.. 1. When was the last time I used/wore this item? 2. Did you forget you had that? 3. Will I ever make time for this again? It was cool when I used it before but am I over it. 4. Will future me be happier with less stuff? I will say there is feeling of freedom with less stuff. A feeling of liteness that comes over. Last year I started to reorganize spaces. I got inspirations from Pinterest and it snowballed. Everytime I had a drawer or cabinet that bugged me, I stopped, took everything out and reorganize it. I tell you the next time or time after that when I opened that drawer and it worked so well...my future me was happy over and over.
Your house looks so good. I have 5 kids and we live in a 1000sq ft house. We have clutter trying to go through and organize and get clutter out of here. But you breakfast nook I think you should do whatever you want it's your house no one can tell you it's not right or wrong. It's your house and you should do what you want. I think it will look good with a little sectional and coffee table and then something to put the TV on. Especially if you're cooking and stuff, you can still interact with them and be able to play the game or something. I think that's a really really good idea, especially if you don't need the actual table. I think that's a really great ideas. You really inspire me to get better at reorganizing and decluttering. Thank you for your inspiration.
I love the idea of a couch area there. Who needs two tables for everyone to put their stuff on? I would do that, or turn the dining room into a sitting room.
Hi Mindy! I actually created a sitting area when we moved into our home 1.5 years ago that’s pretty much part of my kitchen with vintage furniture and I love it! Good spot for family and guests to just hang out and talk! It’s very cozy ☺️
I relate so much to keeping things because I spent money on them and then I never use them! I’ve been watching Minimal Mom and it’s really helped change my mindset. It’s still hard I admit but if it’s not serving me in my current stage of life I need to let it go. But I must admit it’s helped me think twice about what I’m spending my money on! 😂 I personally would leave the table in your breakfast nook. It looks like it’s a well used area which means it’s working for those using it. A table is so much more comfortable to sit at to do homework or play games on vs a coffee table. Plus it keeps the table you actually eat at clear. I’d love to have another spot like that. Unfortunatly our dining table is in constant chaos because that’s where my kids always sit to do everything and our spot to eat as well! I would just seriously declutter it and possibly get rid of the shelf with everything on it all together. I’d find homes for everything and if I can’t or don’t want to I’d toss it.
I am SO guilty of keeping things because I feel obligated to, whether it’s a gift or something I bought that I just never use. I crochet part time and about 1.5 years ago I was gifted some yarn that wasn’t being used, it’s not a weight or color that I enjoy working with but I appreciated the gesture so much that it’s still in my closet, I keep trying to make things out of it but I just can’t because I don’t enjoy it, so it’s collecting dust 😬😂
Hi Mindy! Thanks for the video, I’m a “just in case”person, sadly. So know I have more than normal “stuff” because of it😔Meal looked delicious!! And agree most meals that aren’t a recipe or just “thrown together” can turn out quite tasty😋Hope things well with you and all of yours. Take Care
I've had a can of salmon in my cabinet for two months. Since I have leftover sloppy joe's in the fridge for tonight, tomorrow will be something made out of the salmon. And I also just watched your video with the USDA food chart. For our household, we should be at 243.30 per week for groceries for 4 of us. That's the low budget. My budget is supposed to be under 100 a week (that's what I try to budget for) and I normally spend around 110 to 120 a month, depending on paper products and medicines, etc. each week. This has been my budget for a few years now. I do this by watching your videos, and other budget videos. You are very appreciated here.
Mindy, looks like the "other side of the kitchen hot spot area" needs to be turned into a game room. if you are changing the furniture, you have to find a table where all people can sit comfortably and play games - otherwise they will just migrate to the dining table. Also, looks like you need a better shelving unit for that corner - something that would hold all the games, and look organized and neat (and you wouldn't have to put those games away to other rooms all the time) Hope the suggestions help!
I just cleaned out a kitchen cabinet and found 6 pie plates and I don’t even make pie! So I am getting rid of 4 and keeping 2. So I think having a couch or loveseat and coffee table would be a great idea! You can use any room the way that fits your family. Like our Christmas tree sits in the middle of my great room, sort of, closer to the living area, but not against a wall or window.
I was just an Aldi with my spouse yesterday and we were walking up the aisles where they sell all the household things. And I said this is all the stuff. People buy that they really don't need and that ends up in a thrift store.
I used to keep things for in case because I have a lot of my mother’s and grandmother’s things. Now that I’m almost 66, I have been doing a lot of decluttering. We still have a ton of stuff to go through in the basement.
Loved this video. It was the kick in the pants I needed. I started decluttering this morning. I gave myself a goal of the last day of school. Hoping it will make the summer easier .
Your home, do what makes you happy! My mom is a recliner sleeper, just moved into assisted living. I thought 2 living rooms, she wants a bed for appearances….her home so that’s ok!
This is right where we are right now. We are potentially facing a big change and so we have been going through everything and deciding what to keep and what not to keep. This is the second time in three years we have done this. I have reached the point that if we can give away so much stuff in just three short years, then we have way too much. I am one that will buy things for my kitchen based on what other content creators are using and find that I don't ever reach for them like I thought I would. so you are definitely not alone. We have removed a lot of decor and I am loving how much better things look. I have sensory overload and too much drives me nuts, and when I create too much stuff, I get overwhelmed and then cannot handle it, so it becomes a vicious cycle. Thanks for always being real! ♥
Great connect of using up food you already have and decluttering your spaces! I want to challenge myself this month to use up more of what we already have in the pantry & freezers. Thanks for your kind encouragement!
The pile on the stairs 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. My kids ignore it. I get frustrated with it. I always intend to clear it before the cleaner comes, but that rarely happens!! Thank you for your transparency Mindy, especially with the Aldi aisle. The few products I bought from there I rarely use or they're not as good as something else I have which equals clutter. This is a great topic. I love your channel❤.
Loved this video. Hot spots and blind spots are so real! We have a small bin on the stairs, one for each of my daughters. When they're full, they have to take them up and empty them. We were having trouble changing the behavior, so the bins work great keeping it looking somewhat neater.
I really needed to hear your calm voice of reason today. I often look for you when I feel overwhelmed because you seem like we would be good friends! I get overwhelmed too, and follow minimal mom and clutterbug and others. They have helped me so much in the decluttering process and helping me keep my home more tidy regularly. One tip I found....take a picture of your areas. It's easier to see the clutter your eyes are blind to. Then also, you have a "before" picture to cheer you on your progress!
I am thy just in case person but just realized I’ve been doing things wrong thank to you channel. I’m going to use it up - I hate wasting food and really try hard but buy before my refrigerator and pantry are not near empty. Thanks Mindy!!!
Just went to visit my mom, I moved out 18 years ago. I wish she would get rid of her stuff, it’s piled up to the ceiling. She grew up poor and is a hoarder. We went to Costco (she should revoke her membership) and she wanted to get more clothes, and in particular a 10 pack of toothbrushes…even though I told her a found her stash of 12 toothbrushes already. Side note I forgot to bring my toothbrush and she couldn’t find any, so I had to do a target run just to get a toothbrush, but I’m just looking through her stuff looking for batteries I found her stash of toothbrushes. 😮 if she wore all her clothes and never did laundry, she could go a year without laundry and buying new clothes. It’s overwhelming. One of these midwestern cleaning channels said to a hoarder it’s like throwing away a pet in the hoarder head …or in an extreme case a kid 😮
I was recently wondering if it is time to move the medicines out of the kitchen, too. I completely agree with the concept of turning your kitchen nook into a sitting area. For the metal shelves you have in that room, perhaps a cabinet with doors might help hide the clutter. I have really been feeling this too. Our children are getting older, one is in the Army so he is essentially moved out. I feel like it is time for a reset and refresh around the house. Thanks for the inspiration!
I definitely keep things “just incase.” I have a bunch of easy make things that I keep just incase one week we can’t afford to get groceries. I always make sure we’re stocked up on butter, milk, cheese, eggs, bread, pasta, etc “just incase” we run out mid week. I have canned tuna and pasta sauce in the pantry, just incase idk what to make. I rather have things just incase then not be able to eat one week due to a sudden job loss, hour reeducation, or something expensive breaking.
so funny that you decluttered your little crank cheese grater! I also departed with mine this week too... when I shred cheese I like to use my food processor instead so I can do it in bulk and it's faster. Thanks for sharing!
On the second living area idea - I really like having a room sans tv/electronics where people can sit and play games, maybe go with a bench along one wall for the kids and you can use the bench as storage? Or switch the living room and game room? All food for thought - you know your family's needs! Love the video Mindy
Decluttering is one small step at a time. I hate having to make those hard decisions. Your dinner looks great. My friends always joke that I can cook something out of nothing. Hahaha 😆 And then they love it. Thx so much!
I am a declutter queen...if I haven't used or worn it in the last 6 months I can easily get rid of it. My hubby though is a "just in-caser". He works in tech and literally has a bag of cables. I finally convinced him to dispose of somethings and no kidding, the next week he needed one of the things he got rid of. This only enforced his "just in case" mentality.
In the kitchen nook instead of the open shelving unit get something with doors on it that closes so you won't have to see all the "stuff" every time you look over there. I gotta say for a very busy mom with several kids your house looks very tidy to me! I've been decluttering for years and I still have hot spots too and that chair that is collecting stuff and sometimes 2 chairs 😆 I think it's normal but it's also annoying to those of us who want everything to have a spot. ❤ you are doing great!!!! 🎉 Also I think the kids would love that area as a den.
I love using the over the sink colander for washing fruit and veggies , but like you, I usually grab for the standard type for draining pasta and the like.
We were absolutely “just in case” people. Our garage completely burned and home caught on fire. Much smoke & water damage on everything that wasn’t a total loss. Needless to say we now have very little. As it turns out we don’t need all those things in our life! What we NEED, we are having to buy it again.
I don't like a lot of stuff. I have 2 "just in case" totes. 1 is in the hall closet downstairs. 1 is upstairs. I check it monthly. Also have a stairs basket. To keep it neat, it is a nightly chore for my kids to.empty it before bed. I also have a strict 1 item in, 2 items out rule.
I’m not seeing clutter issues in this video, most of these “problem areas” are lifestyle related and could be solved by having tailored storage for your hot zones that are multipurpose- like a storage unit that doubles as a tv stand in the dining are. Build storage around your habits and it makes things so much easier! Could put a small loveseat or couch under the windows that is raised off the floor with storage baskets below. Wall-mount a flip down desk on the small wall and hide a chair behind the couch- instant school work zone. ❤
I have been working on declutter for a year now. We have horrible closet space and I cant believe how much I’ve taken to donate. It’s such a project. My husband is NOT a minimalist and when he decides to buy a new spatula he will by three. I’m constantly cleaning out our kitchen drawers.
If you decide to change up the furniture in the breakfast nook and go for a coffee table, maybe consider getting the kind where the top rises to typical table height. Or go typical coffee table (or use that trunk like someone else suggested) and get a smaller dining table set, maybe even a dropleaf item that could expand if needed but otherwise doesn't take up much space. Also, I so wish my family liked gnocchi!
Mr grandparents always had a love seat in their dining room, my parents always had one as well. We have a comfy glider rocker in our dining room. It’s so nice.
Murphy’s Law: The day after you purge an item you will need it! 😂 This week’s goal: kitchen drawers and cabinets. Replace liners, weed out, and organize. Your dinner recipe sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it! 😃😃😃
Hey Mindy….that meal looked so delicious ! I can’t wait to try it. I think that putting a sofa and tv in that area sounds super cozy and a great use of that space. I hope you show us when you do it. ❤
I grew up in a house with TWO stairs. My mother would always put things on the stairs that needed to go up so she didn't forget them. The kids knew that if something was on the stairs they better bring it up. Things didn't sit there for more than a few hours.
Oh. I love the idea of turning your breakfast nook into a family room or den. A multi functional small sectional would be great. If it had an ottoman that could be used as a coffee table or more "lounge area" for sick kids or movies. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
❤ My advice would be to add a cabinet that matches your kitchen in your adjacent room for games to keep them close to the point of use. Also, you won't have to look at it behind cabinet doors. A sofa sounds nice, but might fill it up too much. Maybe just a comfy loveseat? In your kitchen, I could give away your can opener which is using prime eye level storage space and buy a hand can opener instead that fits in a drawer. I love your videos. I always feel like I am listening to a friend.
YES, YES,YES . To ALL that. Just in case, I bought it, and we went from 7 people to 3 people in a year in half. Quad level home. I feel most of my time I'm decluttering. And go for it change your little area. Do what will make you happy. Again thanks for being real!
Just in case here. I was one that went and got a chest freezer at the beginning of the 2020 shortages. Every time I throw meals together they are the best and so hard to recreate. usually the bottom of a jar or bag. Add the furniture - you will love it.
This is a great video idea. I like to see how others cook with what's left in the fridge or needs to be used. I also need to be reminded, that I should give or throw away all the stuff I don't use. All while being entertained. Thank you.
Awesome, you filmed this on my birthday. 41, baby! 😂🎉 I love when you post on Thursdays because I get grocery pickups on Fridays and always need ideas for my grocery list and meal plan, especially since I'm currently so busy and so tired.
Loved seeing more of your home. Looking forward to your intentional decluttering Love your use what you have videos. I call it shopping my fridge. Or, making free meals. Since I already figured the cost of the food on a previous budget, it’s kinda freebies.
I really appreciate when you talk about clutter. As I was watching, I was tidying up in my kitchen, and you made me finally wash a water bottle I'd been ignoring on the counter because it's got a skinny opening and is kind of annoying to wash. :)
You are not alone. I keep so many things just in case. I teach preschool and it applies there too. All I need is to have that random thing someone needs and it just validated my just in case habit.
I love the idea of making the breakfast nook into a small family get together room. I'd talk to the kids and get their input too. Thank you for all your tips on organizing and designating if its behavioral or not. Plus can you change the behavior or just corral it. It all works though! That meals looks really good!that
Absolutely add comfy furniture to your kitchen nook. There's nothing better than sharing your kitchen time with family and friends.
That's what I'm thinking. We all end up in the kitchen anyway, I might as well make it comfortable.
I completely agree!
I love the idea of a cozy family space.
i love your kitchen idea for the furniture.
We have been making an effort to make our home useful, we work at home, I get it. I would transform the breakfast nook, you will use it more and it won't be such a stressor for you.
As people in our seventies, we are constantly going thru stuff and getting rid of a lot of things. From experience, we don't want our children to be stuck with that job.
I use the inner part of my salad spinner as a colander/strainer. Saves me having both when the insert is basically a colander anyway.
You should get a cabinet with doors for the games in the dining room. Go for the second room for hanging out. I did the same thing. Put a small game table in there with a sofa too.
Thanks for showing this. My husband and I are empty nester. He is also an "Over the Road" semi driver. I make all his weekly meals and I need to use things I already have in our home. We only get around 34 hours together on the weekends, so everything I can make ahead helps.❤❤❤
I started following The Minimal Mom a few years ago and her channel is so helpful with getting rid of clutter in your home. She equates things to inventory, and the more stuff you have in your home requires you to handle more “inventory”… it’s a great way to think about it and has helped my family tremendously with minimizing the clutter we bring into our home.
I totally agree! I watch Dawn, too!
Yes, she is fantastic
I'm in a season of life where I want to get rid of as much as I can...don't want to store it!...don't want to clean it!!!...don't want my kids to have to go thru the muck when I die!!!
This! Haha. I came here to say the same thing. So helpful!
Yes! Love Dawn. So helpful to shift from “do we have room for this?” to “Do I want to manage this level of inventory?”
I am SO glad you talked about the “blind spots”….i have them throughout my house and get upset at myself over them. I need to find storage/behavior solutions like you said.
The trunk in your breakfast nook is so pretty, could totally double as a coffee table or in front of the window for extra seating. We have a large trunk in our living room on a dead space wall, I have a quilt over it with 3 large throw pillows as back cushions and it doubles as extra seating during large gatherings. It's your house! You can do what you want. I think turing that space into a sitting area is a great idea.
Yes, that trunk is pretty…except the backside. 😂 which is why I always have it on a wall (or against a footboard in a bedroom). I usually keep a quilt or a runner on it because the top is finished and very slick. That’s a good point about using it for seating.
@@SeeMindyMomI have a throw on top of mine and I got one of those things you put under a runner from DT under it so it won't slide around if that's an issues for yours. My dog uses mine to jump up on the bed so I don't need him sliding off and hurting himself!
I love the decluttering aspect of this video please share more!
Oh Mindy how I just love you! There is not a concept you present that isn't 100% useful in all of us mamma's lives! Thank you for being you!
I agree! Love her!!
Wow, thank you!
Great video! I love decluttering. I have become addicted. It is like a challenge to see how much I can get rid of and not miss any of it. You really find out how much we can live without because we don't use it anyway, we just keep it for "just in case" situations.
It’s your home! Make it work for your family! I made our formal dining room into a family room and we eat family meals at the table in the eat in area, we also have an island. How many places do I need to be designated in my house for eating? LOL. It was a waste of space so we added French doors to the dining room area and changed it up! I think the comfy nook idea in the kitchen is great! Start the trend Mindy! ❤
“Just in case” is my new mantra. COVID changed me! 😂😂
I decluttered a kitchen drawer recently and found a sippy cup lid..its been 14 years since we've had a child in our family young enough to need a sippy cup! 😂 and I go thru drawers frequently. I have no idea why I was keeping it. Nostalgia? It's gone now.
I just threw the last of our sippy cups out a few months back. I used to keep them for friends and family with young kids, but we’re pretty much out of that phase!
✋ I often keep things for "just in case". You aren't alone. I desperately need to declutter.
I think you’d love transforming your breakfast nook to a comfy den/conversation area! We just retired after 42 years in the ministry & it may sound silly, but in each parsonage we lived in we somehow found a little space we could retreat to during times we needed a small break! We tried to leave the entry points fairly neat in case of unannounced visitors! 🤣 Love your tips, recipes and real life you share in your videos! ❤
I love this pantry recipe! I made “pantry” jambalaya last night with boil in a bag brown rice, one package of smoked turkey sausage, diced tomatoes, beans, veggie broth, salt free Tony’s, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, tumeric, and a little instant mashed potatoes. 30 minute meal. 5 servings. So good!
I have one of those collapsible rectangular over the sink strainers, and I truly love that thing…lol. Especially in the summer when I drag stuff in from the garden. I use it all the time. Isn’t it funny how one girls trash is another girls treasure 😊
So true!
I decluttered two years ago when I retired and if I bring something new in home I have to get rid of at least one thing. I've told family and friends so no unneeded items are gifted. So much easier to clean. Great, helpful and realistic video
Thanks!
For the stairs we have decorative baskets with the kids names on them. As the day goes on things need need to go up or put away go in the baskets and taken up stairs at the end of the day. It's helped the dreaded stair pile!
I came here to say the sale. I had a basket near the stairs where I collected everything to bring upstairs.
I have a whole basement full of just in case stuff and I probably wouldn’t be able to find it if I needed it anyway. Need to declutter so bad!😬
I have been working on decluttering and organizing my house. we do not have alot of storage to work with so its a constant sorting to get rid of stuff sitting around and better organizing what i keep
My husband sent me links to minimal living a couple of years ago because he knows how much I hate clutter. We simplified in so many areas and also make it a goal now to tidy our spaces, especially the kitchen and dining, at end of day and before all leaving for the day. I have noticed that our entire family now acknowledges the change in our calmness when this occurs and we strive to keep it. Love the idea of a comfy kitchen spot instead of two tables. We are building in the next year and have already decided we do not need a kitchen seating AND dining area because it’s wasted space for us. Thanks for a great channel! I have learned SO much from your creativity and have stretched our budget greatly with your ideas.
Yes I used to keep things just in case starting to declutter still working progress
Make the space yours. Yes, put a sofa in the breakfast nook. Move that beautiful hope chess over for a coffee table and put all the games in there. Move the metal shelf someplace else(the bottom of a closet for shoes, etc) mount the tv on a swivel, that way if your home and in the kitchen you could have the tv on while cooking.
On the decluttering...ask yourself these questions..
1. When was the last time I used/wore this item?
2. Did you forget you had that?
3. Will I ever make time for this again? It was cool when I used it before but am I over it.
4. Will future me be happier with less stuff?
I will say there is feeling of freedom with less stuff. A feeling of liteness that comes over. Last year I started to reorganize spaces. I got inspirations from Pinterest and it snowballed. Everytime I had a drawer or cabinet that bugged me, I stopped, took everything out and reorganize it. I tell you the next time or time after that when I opened that drawer and it worked so well...my future me was happy over and over.
Your house looks so good. I have 5 kids and we live in a 1000sq ft house. We have clutter trying to go through and organize and get clutter out of here. But you breakfast nook I think you should do whatever you want it's your house no one can tell you it's not right or wrong. It's your house and you should do what you want. I think it will look good with a little sectional and coffee table and then something to put the TV on. Especially if you're cooking and stuff, you can still interact with them and be able to play the game or something. I think that's a really really good idea, especially if you don't need the actual table. I think that's a really great ideas. You really inspire me to get better at reorganizing and decluttering. Thank you for your inspiration.
I’m the 4th of 5 children! I loved growing up in a big family!
If you have a storage unit-- you have TOO much STUFF!
I love the idea of a couch area there. Who needs two tables for everyone to put their stuff on? I would do that, or turn the dining room into a sitting room.
Hi Mindy! I actually created a sitting area when we moved into our home 1.5 years ago that’s pretty much part of my kitchen with vintage furniture and I love it! Good spot for family and guests to just hang out and talk! It’s very cozy ☺️
I loveee declutter content! Please keep some of that as a part of your content!!
I relate so much to keeping things because I spent money on them and then I never use them! I’ve been watching Minimal Mom and it’s really helped change my mindset. It’s still hard I admit but if it’s not serving me in my current stage of life I need to let it go. But I must admit it’s helped me think twice about what I’m spending my money on! 😂
I personally would leave the table in your breakfast nook. It looks like it’s a well used area which means it’s working for those using it. A table is so much more comfortable to sit at to do homework or play games on vs a coffee table. Plus it keeps the table you actually eat at clear. I’d love to have another spot like that. Unfortunatly our dining table is in constant chaos because that’s where my kids always sit to do everything and our spot to eat as well! I would just seriously declutter it and possibly get rid of the shelf with everything on it all together. I’d find homes for everything and if I can’t or don’t want to I’d toss it.
I am SO guilty of keeping things because I feel obligated to, whether it’s a gift or something I bought that I just never use. I crochet part time and about 1.5 years ago I was gifted some yarn that wasn’t being used, it’s not a weight or color that I enjoy working with but I appreciated the gesture so much that it’s still in my closet, I keep trying to make things out of it but I just can’t because I don’t enjoy it, so it’s collecting dust 😬😂
Hi Mindy! Thanks for the video, I’m a “just in case”person, sadly. So know I have more than normal “stuff” because of it😔Meal looked delicious!! And agree most meals that aren’t a recipe or just “thrown together” can turn out quite tasty😋Hope things well with you and all of yours. Take Care
The second living room idea is such an ideal set up for a family with teens.
Thank you Mindy ! I appreciate your videos. It feels like I’m visiting a friend 😊
I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!
my parents always had a sofa and side tables in one end of the kitchen, I loved it 😊
YES!!! PLAY SPACE BY KITCHEN IS A MUST TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE!!! Not a designer idea, but just the mom's intuition!
Absolutely loved the recipe and the decluttering talk together! Different and yet usable info. Well done video
Thanks so much! 😊
I've had a can of salmon in my cabinet for two months. Since I have leftover sloppy joe's in the fridge for tonight, tomorrow will be something made out of the salmon. And I also just watched your video with the USDA food chart. For our household, we should be at 243.30 per week for groceries for 4 of us. That's the low budget. My budget is supposed to be under 100 a week (that's what I try to budget for) and I normally spend around 110 to 120 a month, depending on paper products and medicines, etc. each week. This has been my budget for a few years now. I do this by watching your videos, and other budget videos. You are very appreciated here.
I love that red cheese grater that is manual, I usually shred a whole block at once with mine. 😊
Oh I think your idea for the breakfast nook is great!! Go for it!
Mindy, looks like the "other side of the kitchen hot spot area" needs to be turned into a game room. if you are changing the furniture, you have to find a table where all people can sit comfortably and play games - otherwise they will just migrate to the dining table.
Also, looks like you need a better shelving unit for that corner - something that would hold all the games, and look organized and neat (and you wouldn't have to put those games away to other rooms all the time)
Hope the suggestions help!
I just cleaned out a kitchen cabinet and found 6 pie plates and I don’t even make pie! So I am getting rid of 4 and keeping 2. So I think having a couch or loveseat and coffee table would be a great idea! You can use any room the way that fits your family. Like our Christmas tree sits in the middle of my great room, sort of, closer to the living area, but not against a wall or window.
I was just an Aldi with my spouse yesterday and we were walking up the aisles where they sell all the household things. And I said this is all the stuff. People buy that they really don't need and that ends up in a thrift store.
I love tagging along with you through your house. It's nice to see you have some of the same struggles that I do with my family.
I have that same black and Decker electric can opener. I got it from a Family Dollar for like $5 about 5 years ago. Best can opener I've ever had
I used to keep things for in case because I have a lot of my mother’s and grandmother’s things. Now that I’m almost 66, I have been doing a lot of decluttering. We still have a ton of stuff to go through in the basement.
Loved this video. It was the kick in the pants I needed. I started decluttering this morning. I gave myself a goal of the last day of school. Hoping it will make the summer easier .
Your home, do what makes you happy! My mom is a recliner sleeper, just moved into assisted living. I thought 2 living rooms, she wants a bed for appearances….her home so that’s ok!
This is right where we are right now. We are potentially facing a big change and so we have been going through everything and deciding what to keep and what not to keep. This is the second time in three years we have done this. I have reached the point that if we can give away so much stuff in just three short years, then we have way too much. I am one that will buy things for my kitchen based on what other content creators are using and find that I don't ever reach for them like I thought I would. so you are definitely not alone. We have removed a lot of decor and I am loving how much better things look. I have sensory overload and too much drives me nuts, and when I create too much stuff, I get overwhelmed and then cannot handle it, so it becomes a vicious cycle. Thanks for always being real! ♥
Great connect of using up food you already have and decluttering your spaces! I want to challenge myself this month to use up more of what we already have in the pantry & freezers. Thanks for your kind encouragement!
I LOVE my over the sink strainer except mine is a combo cutting board strainer. I always go for that one
I totally keep stuff just in case I need it later on.
The pile on the stairs 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. My kids ignore it. I get frustrated with it. I always intend to clear it before the cleaner comes, but that rarely happens!! Thank you for your transparency Mindy, especially with the Aldi aisle. The few products I bought from there I rarely use or they're not as good as something else I have which equals clutter. This is a great topic. I love your channel❤.
Loved this video. Hot spots and blind spots are so real! We have a small bin on the stairs, one for each of my daughters. When they're full, they have to take them up and empty them. We were having trouble changing the behavior, so the bins work great keeping it looking somewhat neater.
I really needed to hear your calm voice of reason today. I often look for you when I feel overwhelmed because you seem like we would be good friends!
I get overwhelmed too, and follow minimal mom and clutterbug and others. They have helped me so much in the decluttering process and helping me keep my home more tidy regularly.
One tip I found....take a picture of your areas. It's easier to see the clutter your eyes are blind to. Then also, you have a "before" picture to cheer you on your progress!
I am thy just in case person but just realized I’ve been doing things wrong thank to you channel. I’m going to use it up - I hate wasting food and really try hard but buy before my refrigerator and pantry are not near empty. Thanks Mindy!!!
Just went to visit my mom, I moved out 18 years ago. I wish she would get rid of her stuff, it’s piled up to the ceiling. She grew up poor and is a hoarder. We went to Costco (she should revoke her membership) and she wanted to get more clothes, and in particular a 10 pack of toothbrushes…even though I told her a found her stash of 12 toothbrushes already. Side note I forgot to bring my toothbrush and she couldn’t find any, so I had to do a target run just to get a toothbrush, but I’m just looking through her stuff looking for batteries I found her stash of toothbrushes. 😮 if she wore all her clothes and never did laundry, she could go a year without laundry and buying new clothes. It’s overwhelming. One of these midwestern cleaning channels said to a hoarder it’s like throwing away a pet in the hoarder head …or in an extreme case a kid 😮
Yes Midwest magic cleaning! He’s great
@@whitneysummers1094 yes! That’s the one. I like his commentary
I was recently wondering if it is time to move the medicines out of the kitchen, too. I completely agree with the concept of turning your kitchen nook into a sitting area. For the metal shelves you have in that room, perhaps a cabinet with doors might help hide the clutter. I have really been feeling this too. Our children are getting older, one is in the Army so he is essentially moved out. I feel like it is time for a reset and refresh around the house. Thanks for the inspiration!
I definitely keep things “just incase.” I have a bunch of easy make things that I keep just incase one week we can’t afford to get groceries. I always make sure we’re stocked up on butter, milk, cheese, eggs, bread, pasta, etc “just incase” we run out mid week. I have canned tuna and pasta sauce in the pantry, just incase idk what to make. I rather have things just incase then not be able to eat one week due to a sudden job loss, hour reeducation, or something expensive breaking.
so funny that you decluttered your little crank cheese grater! I also departed with mine this week too... when I shred cheese I like to use my food processor instead so I can do it in bulk and it's faster. Thanks for sharing!
On the second living area idea - I really like having a room sans tv/electronics where people can sit and play games, maybe go with a bench along one wall for the kids and you can use the bench as storage? Or switch the living room and game room? All food for thought - you know your family's needs! Love the video Mindy
Soooo good! Loved this video! Super convicting and gave great ideas on how to do better!
Decluttering is one small step at a time. I hate having to make those hard decisions. Your dinner looks great. My friends always joke that I can cook something out of nothing. Hahaha 😆 And then they love it. Thx so much!
I am a declutter queen...if I haven't used or worn it in the last 6 months I can easily get rid of it. My hubby though is a "just in-caser". He works in tech and literally has a bag of cables. I finally convinced him to dispose of somethings and no kidding, the next week he needed one of the things he got rid of. This only enforced his "just in case" mentality.
Checked all the boxes for me! Great inspiration! Thank you.
So glad!
In the kitchen nook instead of the open shelving unit get something with doors on it that closes so you won't have to see all the "stuff" every time you look over there. I gotta say for a very busy mom with several kids your house looks very tidy to me! I've been decluttering for years and I still have hot spots too and that chair that is collecting stuff and sometimes 2 chairs 😆 I think it's normal but it's also annoying to those of us who want everything to have a spot. ❤ you are doing great!!!! 🎉 Also I think the kids would love that area as a den.
I love using the over the sink colander for washing fruit and veggies , but like you, I usually grab for the standard type for draining pasta and the like.
That recipe looked so delicious!!
We were absolutely “just in case” people. Our garage completely burned and home caught on fire. Much smoke & water damage on everything that wasn’t a total loss. Needless to say we now have very little. As it turns out we don’t need all those things in our life! What we NEED, we are having to buy it again.
I’m sorry for what you are going through. 🙏
I don't like a lot of stuff. I have 2 "just in case" totes. 1 is in the hall closet downstairs. 1 is upstairs. I check it monthly. Also have a stairs basket.
To keep it neat, it is a nightly chore for my kids to.empty it before bed.
I also have a strict 1 item in, 2 items out rule.
I’m not seeing clutter issues in this video, most of these “problem areas” are lifestyle related and could be solved by having tailored storage for your hot zones that are multipurpose- like a storage unit that doubles as a tv stand in the dining are. Build storage around your habits and it makes things so much easier! Could put a small loveseat or couch under the windows that is raised off the floor with storage baskets below. Wall-mount a flip down desk on the small wall and hide a chair behind the couch- instant school work zone. ❤
I have been working on declutter for a year now. We have horrible closet space and I cant believe how much I’ve taken to donate. It’s such a project. My husband is NOT a minimalist and when he decides to buy a new spatula he will by three. I’m constantly cleaning out our kitchen drawers.
I am most definitely a "just in case" person! 😂
Glad I'm not alone!
My husband and I are "just in case" people.
I appreciate you being real and genuine. So many only show the perfect places of their home/ lives.
If you decide to change up the furniture in the breakfast nook and go for a coffee table, maybe consider getting the kind where the top rises to typical table height. Or go typical coffee table (or use that trunk like someone else suggested) and get a smaller dining table set, maybe even a dropleaf item that could expand if needed but otherwise doesn't take up much space.
Also, I so wish my family liked gnocchi!
Great video! Things I am applying at this moment! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm trying that recipe tomorrow, I can't wait.
Mr grandparents always had a love seat in their dining room, my parents always had one as well. We have a comfy glider rocker in our dining room. It’s so nice.
Murphy’s Law: The day after you purge an item you will need it! 😂
This week’s goal: kitchen drawers and cabinets. Replace liners, weed out, and organize.
Your dinner recipe sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
😃😃😃
I’ve wanted a couch in my kitchen for years. Go for it.
Hey Mindy….that meal looked so delicious ! I can’t wait to try it. I think that putting a sofa and tv in that area sounds super cozy and a great use of that space. I hope you show us when you do it. ❤
I am a ‘just in case’ type! And I never use my circular grater. Thank you for the video! Nothing beats a sofa in the kitchen!
The cheese grater is only two or three to wash. The grater, the clear housing, and maybe the pusher if you use it which I don't
I grew up in a house with TWO stairs. My mother would always put things on the stairs that needed to go up so she didn't forget them. The kids knew that if something was on the stairs they better bring it up. Things didn't sit there for more than a few hours.
Oh. I love the idea of turning your breakfast nook into a family room or den. A multi functional small sectional would be great. If it had an ottoman that could be used as a coffee table or more "lounge area" for sick kids or movies. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
❤ My advice would be to add a cabinet that matches your kitchen in your adjacent room for games to keep them close to the point of use. Also, you won't have to look at it behind cabinet doors. A sofa sounds nice, but might fill it up too much. Maybe just a comfy loveseat? In your kitchen, I could give away your can opener which is using prime eye level storage space and buy a hand can opener instead that fits in a drawer. I love your videos. I always feel like I am listening to a friend.
YES, YES,YES . To ALL that. Just in case, I bought it, and we went from 7 people to 3 people in a year in half. Quad level home. I feel most of my time I'm decluttering. And go for it change your little area. Do what will make you happy. Again thanks for being real!
Just in case here. I was one that went and got a chest freezer at the beginning of the 2020 shortages. Every time I throw meals together they are the best and so hard to recreate. usually the bottom of a jar or bag. Add the furniture - you will love it.
I vote for the furniture in the second family room! Ditch the table and do what functions best for your family and promote family time!!!
This is a great video idea. I like to see how others cook with what's left in the fridge or needs to be used. I also need to be reminded, that I should give or throw away all the stuff I don't use. All while being entertained. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome, you filmed this on my birthday. 41, baby! 😂🎉 I love when you post on Thursdays because I get grocery pickups on Fridays and always need ideas for my grocery list and meal plan, especially since I'm currently so busy and so tired.
Loved seeing more of your home. Looking forward to your intentional decluttering
Love your use what you have videos.
I call it shopping my fridge. Or, making free meals. Since I already figured the cost of the food on a previous budget, it’s kinda freebies.
Very valid points Mindy.
I really appreciate when you talk about clutter. As I was watching, I was tidying up in my kitchen, and you made me finally wash a water bottle I'd been ignoring on the counter because it's got a skinny opening and is kind of annoying to wash. :)
I have the same problem with water bottles. And also straws, the silicone ones we reuse. Ugh. LOL!
The Minimalist Mom gives each member of the 1 zone in the house which is theirs to clean. Works for her
Yes, I keep useful things like shoe boxes, and mix ingredients to use up food,,
You are not alone. 💙💙💙
You are not alone. I keep so many things just in case. I teach preschool and it applies there too. All I need is to have that random thing someone needs and it just validated my just in case habit.
I love the idea of making the breakfast nook into a small family get together room. I'd talk to the kids and get their input too. Thank you for all your tips on organizing and designating if its behavioral or not. Plus can you change the behavior or just corral it. It all works though! That meals looks really good!that