How to Declutter: The Onion Method (Minimalism Basics)
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
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Today we're talking about the good old onion method for decluttering. This is the exact system that I used to declutter our house down to the point of minimalism (but you can stop wherever you feel comfortable!). In my opinion, the onion method is the most effective and practical way to declutter!
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:: T I M E S T A M P S ::
00:00 What is the onion method for decluttering?
01:43 Why you can't declutter your house in 2 weeks
02:33 The layers of the onion
04:55 The huge surprise in the middle of the onion
07:51 How to get through the onion quicker
09:41 Focusing on the end goal
11:19 Putting a price on peace of mind
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The core of the onion is where it sprouts! So when you get there there is new growth. New growth is symbolic to the new life you achieve by gaining FREEDOM!!!
This was so awesome to hear! You are spot-on!
I was thinking the same thing too!
Oh I love that!
Onions make me cry. Decluttering… also makes me cry.
Ain’t that the truth… 😂/🥺😭
Ha-ha, but don't you love an onion? Can't live without them!
Decluttering is hard work with no shortcuts... decisions take effort. But it can be satisfying, if we can see progress.
I'm with you!!
P.S. "Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. "
We can do this!
Hahaha!
At first I was just thinking of the onion method and working on containers, such as laundry hampers, drawers, book shelves, cabinets, and file totes, but today I just had an 'aha' moment today regarding the most important container. Time is a container all its own! I realized I have a 'time container' called sleep, one for work, one for meals, and several 'time containers' spread out among friends, family, volunteer work, writing, and artwork. Seeing those clearly as containers is helping me focus what can fit in them, reasonably, and more importantly, what's truly essential. And not filling every container to the brim is important too. ;)
Love this!!!
Brilliant!👏 I'm so grateful for your comment!💗
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing, this is so helpful!!
Thank you 😊 for this perspective. For health reasons, I have limited energy so was previously taught to imagine a jar full of marbles to visualize my energy so I can decide whether to sparse it out over the day or week or blow it all on one project and live with consequences. But I'm liking this idea better. I think it might just fit better (especially since we're talking containers). 😁
That's awesome!!!
Hubby is so funny. When I put the spatulas / utensils in the quarantine box, he'll ask, "where's the spatula with the wooden handle?" So I explain where the quarantine box is. He goes and gets that spatula, then the next time he unloads the dishwasher, every utensil goes into the quarantine box, he just dumps everything in there lol 🤣😆🤣😆 then he says "oh, I thought that's where we keep all the utensils now" 😅😂😅😂😅😂
🤣🤣🤣 that's hilarious! And I like how he doesn't even question you moving things to "weird" homes.
😂 What would we do without those silly husbands? Gotta love the entertainment they and children bring into our lives!😁
He has an actual point. I quarantined all the utensils which were out on my kitchen counter, about 3 weeks ago. So far, i have retrieved 4.
This made me laugh! Thank you for sharing! 😄
My house is now fully functional, 2 years after my move. It took that long due to 2 reasons. (1) I am disabled and had to have help, and I could only afford help about 2ce a week. So only a few hours per month. and (2) I can only gradually emotionally let go of stuff. Most areas got sorted through 3 or 4 times. My home is now 100% functional. HURRAH! I believe everything needs to be sorted 1 more time, but I can now do that gradually, as I have the time the interest. It is such a relief to have my entire home available to me again!
So glad for YOU now enjoy!!!!!
Great job!
You are so awesome! I moved last November and still have not unpacked most of it! I don’t know what made me think I could do it on my own. I am 73 with back issues and arthritis. How did you find someone to help you??
I WANT to be where you are!
Good for you!!! Way to go!!! That’s so great. I know you feel so much better. 🥰
I've started looking at my decluttering as gifts I'm giving people so they can use them. It makes me feel so good ❤️
I decided to declutter my basically new dehydrator. My sister-in-law was so happy to receive it and called it her Christmas present. Win-win!
Yes! This helps me so much too! Another thing that's really helped me is taking photos of sentimental items and gifts I don't use (sometimes a whole table top full in one pic) so I still have the cue to remember the time in my life or thoughtfulness of the person without the actual object.
I think being honest with "what season are you in" is very impacting--It gives me more to ponder.. Because of you and Dana and Cass, I actually get excited when I find something to toss or give away. I will continue peeling that onion! Thanks for the encouragement.
I know how you feel about being excited to get rid of things! I’m at the point where if something breaks, I think, “Oh good, I get to throw that out!”😂
I've always been a 'saver', but I get that same 'thrill' when I 'use things up' now--as well as give away!
Yes! “This/what is the season you’re in” is something I hear inside my head - in the voice of Dawn! - whenever I need to make sensible choices nowadays and feel a bit stuck or unsure. It’s incredibly impactful wether it’s about decluttering, or something else entirely. Right now I’m in the season where I have a newborn and a seven year old and that’s my priority in life, that’s my season, and being remembered of that gives me the freedom to embrace it and and be in it without too much thought of the distant future. It’s a blessing. I love the season I’m in and I love being allowed to completely be in it.
Opportunity cost, you've figured it out. You find more value in having freedom rather than stuff.
After minimizing I actually made sewing a priority. Everytime I have some extra time ( and bad weather) I sew, mostly clothing for my kids. I finally finished my wedding book. And I started skateboarding again (yes, as a adult woman of 30). I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative and doing sports before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I regret a few decluttering decisions I made because everybody gets rid of XY or wants the shelves to look a specific way. But even in comparison to you I am very minimal in clothing and bathroom utensils. For me the most important was to have finally the time and energy again to be political active and at the same time doing my hobbies. Mostly it works.
Hi, wondering what you regretted getting rid of, as Dawn only regretted 2 things.
Dawn I had no idea how much decluttering and living a minimal lifestyle could change my life! I’m two months in of hardcore decluttering. Ive gotten rid of 25 trash bags of stuff, many boxes and big items too! And so much to still go through!! I’m able to keep a routine better, we can find the stuff we actually need I have seen more counter space that I have in the past seven years!
Your channel is so inspiring a truly you are a blessing from God to our family!
I felt I needed to comment and share with you the impact you’ve made on our families life!
We all love you too! Selfishly, I am grateful you were an overwhelmed, messy mother and wife and I'm so very thankful that you have taken us along on your journey. Your ability to teach and connect with your audience is an incredible gift. Every day you make a difference in my life and for so many others. God bless you and your family. '💖
I love what you said about sewing. I have the same thing with projects. And I always have this thing where I look at a project and think, "If I just get the rest of this room decluttered maybe I'll have time to do the project," when the project really is the biggest clutter item hanging over my head and causing me guilt.
After minimizing I actually made sewing a priority. Everytime I have some extra time ( and bad weather) I sew, mostly clothing for my kids. I finally finished my wedding book. I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I already regret a few decluttering mistakes I made because everybody gets rid of XY.
I have found some groups fb or irl, that have fabric trading! Old fabric you thought you might use, may be that out of print some one else may need!
In the middle of an onion you often find a little sprout. I love that metaphor that once you get to the middle of the onion you are ready for new life 😊❤
So putting Dawn's onion method together with a couple of the comments you'll get that decluttering is best done in layers, and cutting onions make you cry - so does decluttering. But eventually you'll get to the core, which is where an onion's growth comes from.
Exactly this!
After a little over a year, we are getting through someday items and down into occasionally use. I just went thru a wooden chest of old blankets that I told myself last year, if we hadn't used them in a year, they would need to go. These blankets also freed up a spot for a down winter comforter that we do use and now it has a better, more functional storage home until winter.
That’s awesome when you make space for something more essential. I did that with towels and donated a bunch of them to the animal shelter.
Through several difficult, overwhelming moves, somehow I have hung onto some old towels.
The animal shelter’s thrift store and the shelter, itself are where they need to go. 🐕 🐈
With your help Dawn I am finally at the middle of the onion!! I didn’t think there were any more benefits to be had or any further to go but I’ve just really tapped into my “savage mode.”
For anyone reading this who feels like it’s too hard or they can’t keep going… Keep listening to these videos and keep at it, the peace of mind is priceless! Few things are as transformative as simplifying your life down to what truly matters.
When cleaning a closet, I call it stages. Example, 1st stage: get out everything that is obviously not working. Then just walk away. Come back and do the second stage and so on just like the layers of an onion. It helped me to accomplish something because my closet was just too overwhelming to do all at one time. The "stages" made me calm enough to actually get it done over a period of days.
This onion method idea rings very true for me! I set out to declutter my whole home about 3 months ago, working up to the deadline of my 2nd baby's due date in just under a month! I made a ton of progress while I was in the second trimester and got through so much. I made it through kind of the main categories - craft and hobby supplies, clothes, toys, kitchen, bathroom. And now I'm finding that as I keep going through some of the more nuanced categories I'm going back over areas I've already covered and getting rid of even more as I've gotten better at discerning what I like having, what we actually use and what I can manage. And I've actually gotten some unfinished projects done too, thanks to simplifying my life!! It's so uplifting and your videos have been really inspiring ❤ thank you
Same thing here. Being pregnant was also always my motivation for the next layer and finishing projects.
I love the idea of viewing life in seasons. This perspective has been helping me so much with not only decluttering but also in deciding what to bring into my home or commit to adding to my calendar. It’s a total game changer!
Agree!
This is garden harvest and preservation season, so no decluttering is taking place in the house!
That’s so funny. I just decided this week to let go of my sewing stuff for this child raising season I’m now in. I have three ages six and under. I thought if I want to rebuy it all when they are grown I can then again. But I need the lightness of simple living right now to go along with the core of my onion lol!
Great video Dawn! I look at my stuff & think I want it gone but when I start to drclutter & actually touch the stuff, that's when I have the emotional attachment & want to keep it even though I know I'll not use it. I was proud of myself the other day...We've have a Ninja blender with all the attachments that we pd good money for & I've been holding on to it because I couldn't stand the thought of just donating it...I saw a friend post on FB that her blender broke so I am giving it to her. It made me feel so much better knowing it was going to someone I know. Plus, now I'll have space in my cabinet to get something up off of my counter top. Win, win for me! Thank you for all your encouragement! ;0)
Great win-win! 😊
I've noticed when I declutter, if I happen to reach for an item I already got rid of I usually just find something else to use to get the job done. There are times I wish I didn't get rid of something but I've never gone out and replaced it so I guess I couldn't have missed it that bad 😂.
Dawn your channel has helped me in so many ways. I actually love to organize but it took me a looonngg time to let go of things. I now have empty drawers, cabinets and closets that aren't filled to the brim anymore. We have been wanting to put an extra bedroom in the basement for years. We couldn't because there was too much stuff. I'm happy to say we can finally do that now! The basement was my trouble zone and I've finally got it to a place I'm at peace with. So grateful for you and this community.
I found you a month ago and I've completely changed ALL of the 'hidden spots' in my home that were cluttered! We've now started on the garage! Thank you for your motivation, Dawn! You always, always, ALWAYS say exactly what I need to hear. ❤😊
I'm 63 and my daughter has let me know I'm a pack rat of everything. I love your help and I'm starting in the office and going to keep growing...thank you
Yup - I started with one of your simplest suggestions a awhile back - JUST start by clearing your kitchen surfaces. That's all it took for me to catch the declutter bug. I was able to simplify the kitchen....then the living room....and now it's just a habit to choose small projects to declutter every week, layer by layer. PEACE is definitely the best result. Thanks! /S
Sometimes I’m going right down to the core of “the onion” depending on which area of the house I’m in. But as a newbie to decluttering, I can totally relate to this method !
I find the onion method makes it easier when dealing with emotional items or collections.
@@TheDriftwoodlover absolutely. I had to declutter loads stuff from my parents house. I asked myself, how would they have liked to me respectfully dispose of it. I shredded a lot of their personal papers - as I think my father would have preferred that, rather than putting it straight into the bin/trash. 12 black bags. Some things I wrapped in newspaper and carefully placed in the bin/ trash. 😂😂😂. Whatever works !!!!
The onion method is my favorite decluttering method. It's symbolic for me to! It brings me to tears - but of joy.
I'm glad I kept some of my sewing stuff and fabric, because when the pandemic hit, I had all the supplies I needed to make masks except elastic. Since elastic was scarce, I bought ponytail holders at the grocery store. They worked even better than flat elastic.
I still have some unfinished projects, but only the ones that have a sentimental meaning and that I hope to finish someday. I'm getting closer and closer to full retirement, when I hope to be able to finish them.
Me too! A lot of my sewing supplies got used up making masks and scrub caps and scrub bags. Then yarn and buttons were used up making ear savers. Then ... guess what happened? I could let a whole lot go. Use it or lose it! If the sewing brings delight, I use it. If not, it goes out!
@@judyscholfield820 Exactly! We don't have to get rid of all of it in order to declutter. It's not all or nothing. When we moved, I kept only my favorite fabrics. I still need to pare down other sewing stuff. I'm making a shadow box of the sewing tools I had when I was a teenager. Other duplicates are going to go.
@@IRISHLASS273 I am all for human rights and I appreciate your comment. However, I didn't just toss the fabric. I donated it so someone else could use it. I had room for only one bin, and that's what I kept.
I went through a big declutter around my various creative pursuits, and finally realized I just didn't want to sew with a machine (too fast-paced, too structured, too anxiety-making). So I down-sized to a small hand-sewing kit, then focused on making sure the tools I put into that kit were super-comfortable and things I loved to use--and then I started finding time to sew, stopped putting off projects so they were always half-finished, and have something that I can pick up and do in odd segments of time, or when I need something that will help me relax.
So it might not always be the big broad category of the hobby that's the problem; it might how you're trying to make that hobby fit into your life at this particular stretch of time. Especially if it's a hobby in which a lot of other people stress how to do it "right".
(My hand-sewing kit is only slightly larger than what I'd have to have on-hand to mend things, so it's not even really taking up "extra" space, because it's useful for both the hobby and the chore.)
Such a great adaptation. I think we get stuck in our ways and end up in an all or nothing scenario. This way you get the best of both worlds. You realize scaled down projects are good enough to scratch that creative itch and it becomes enjoyable, not a demand we put upon ourselves at the expense of "life".
so i’m currently living with my Mom as an adult (covid bummer) but my version of a quarantine bin has been things I’ll take to my new home when I move out. Like the 2 crockpots I know my mom doesn’t need… I’ll happily put one in the basement until I leave and take it with me :-)
You’re always so encouraging! I’ve followed you for a couple years and am far along on my decluttering journey. I’ve decluttered many layers and it’s so true that each layer gives you more confidence and stronger “muscles.” Each video still helps fire me up to keep working toward the “prize” in the middle. Peace of mind is worth it! ❤️
I’ve made it through a lot of layers and was literally just thinking how it’s time to face the sewing stuff and I’m in the same place as you!
Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. I got divorced from a 35-year marriage and now I'm living in a smaller space. I'm using the onion method to declutter and reorganize this house.
You had sewing - I have cross-stitch supplies galore. It's time to pass it all on to someone for whom it will be a huge blessing.
I passed on all my knitting stuff to a young mom who wanted to start knitting with her daughter!
Same here. I have a cross stitch project sitting that I started as a gift to my great-aunt for throwing me my wedding shower. I've been married 14 years now. Do you think I'll finish it before she passes away? I don't think so. Maybe I should give that up. If I ever want to take it back up then I'm sure I'll buy a new package of something in interested in then. It's so hard! 😅
That's great.
I’m 54 and still have cross-stitch supplies from college - I don’t think I’ve done any cross-stitch since then. I did a while back donate some of the projects I knew I’d never do. I’m trying to retire at 55 (next June) so I will hold onto then and if a year or so into retirement I don’t use them, they will go. It’s a fairly small amount of supplies.
Oh Dawn...we are in the season of life where stuff has to go...finding the energy within myself to do it is the challenge.
This morning I took five bags of donations to our local humane society thrift store. It felt really good to donate knowing others will benefit. But my bad habit is filtering through and thinking that a niece or a friend might make better use of this or that and keeping it set aside for them. I hadn't thought of the quarantine bin for that use at all, and now I will. Because if I never end up giving it to them in three months, it's donation again. :) Thank you, Dawn, you are so good at what you share and it's helpful to so many of us who have the mindset of "someday maybe".
I watched several of your videos this morning and decluttered more stuff. That makes me so happy.
Love the Onion metaphor. you said your children are back to school, are you still home schooling? Now I'm going to declutter and organize my closet, prep for Fall.
Was wondering this too?
Ha!! I thought that, too!
Me too!
The part around the “surprise” should be sentimental / guilt items. We need to build the decluttering muscle. I may be guilty of pushing too far with your graphic but the shape around the surprise is more complicated in shape….just the way sentimental items are more complex to figure out. Good job as always Dawn.
This was just what I needed. I got the online shopping urge. And then I was like “what am I thinking?” And your videos save me from impulse buying things that I don’t need. Life is so much more functional when you have a minimal lifestyle.
A couple of years ago, I unloaded about 70% of the craft stuff that had been sitting around, silently guilt tripping me. What remains is small and manageable (3 storage cubes on the bookshelves and a bag of pillow filling under the bed), but I think even that is going to shrink in the next year or two. I'm * almost * ready to let go of more of it.
It's just hard to give up even small dreams, sometimes. And I think that's most of it when it comes to crafting supplies. We have brains full of plans and ideas for that stuff, but reality is in our way. It's a dream lost or deferred. Just because it's a small dream, we try to call it something else.
A lot of my craft stuff was given to me, so I had very little invested money, and yet I still experienced the guilt and dread of purging it that crafters who have purchased every item experience, so I don't think it's mostly about the money. It's the lost little dream that we have to accept.
A big chunk of the craft stash that went away was yarn. I was a bad knitter who was hellbent on getting better at it, but eventually had to accept that's never going to happen. Repeated attempts, scattered over years, resulted in no improvement to speak of. And then signs of arthritis began creeping into my hands, a warning that my manual agility was about to become a major front in the battle for that dream. I decided to wave the white flag. It sucked to give it up, especially having failed so badly, but the upside is that once I got through accepting that dream was going to be lost, it was easy to say goodbye to a lot of stuff.
Yes! The onion method. So brilliant! That is so me. Every year around this time I peel back another layer. My clutter tolerance level becomes more and more sensitive the more layers we remove. The stench of the chaos if you will. But once we get the center we discover the sweet spot of comfortability and calm.
Well I come to your channel to get motivated and it works every time! I'm currently decluttering my socks drawer while I listen to you. Thanks so much for your awesome content!
Me too! I got rid of 46 pair of socks,one pair of thigh high, bilious green that I had kept from Jr. High, and I am 69. Seriously! This is my first comment I have ever made anywhere ,but am so thankful for finding Dawn. I have little bursts if motivation after watching her videos and go get something done. Plus, my whole mindset has changed so at least I can peel my fingers off the potentially useful JUNK I have laying around. I homeschooled my boys K - 12,with co-ops and teaching science classes, which means I had inventory for 12. My sons are now 35 and 38! Getting rid of It was always put off because I so much other " important" stuff to deal with, plus I "might use it someday". I could write another 5 pages, but you get the picture. Thank you ,Dawn, and Diana too. Loved those prayers at the end,with the stream running over the rocks.
Just started watching, but the onion comparison makes me think of Shrek. 😆
😆 same here
Lol, it IS funny but it also DOES work...👍
Ogres are like onions 🤣
Yesterday I had an Aha moment and I understood what the “Onion method is”
I just sat down on the toilet lid, looking around my bathroom to see a container of small travel bottles that we fill with shampoo, conditioner and body wash, when my husband and I go away and thinking I can get rid of a few because we only need 4 not the 10 we have.
And I realised that I had gone back through my kitchen, then went back through a kitchen draw and removed items that I had saved.
So I understood the Onion method. I kept thinking I had to get it all out at once, not understanding that it will take time to declutter.
Thank you so so much Dawn for the gentle way you explain things.
Thank you for this message! I’ve been doubting my abilities to declutter thinking, “I guess I didn’t do a very good job the first time around” because I’m finding more to declutter when I just did it last year! 😜 You validate the fact that it’s a layer by layer process. It’s also a bit by bit learning process for me. I’m coming to the realization that I need less and less. It’s kinda like decluttering the ideas in my head that I think I need certain things “just in case.” It is liberating to let go of stuff. I’m actually excited to do another round. More freedom! 😃
This is perfect timing, I'm working family gifted Christmas decorations that we've had for 20+ year's and I so tired of it all!
My aunt had so much also! A few years ago at Thanksgiving she had it all out and let us pick what we would love to keep.
Ooh, good reminder. Need to go through mine again so I can donate before the holidays.
It's really helpful to look at each thing and say DO I WANT TO KEEP THIS? Rather than "do i want to get rid of it."
@@thatswhatisaid8908 I put my fall decor out for the last time Sept 1st and I'm already wanting to give it away! LOL
Thinking of life as seasons is so helpful. The empty nest means I finally have time to read and knit again! And someday I'll happily set that aside to bake again with grandkids-- so until then, I can let some of the baking tools go.
My parents are senior and live two hours away. I visit once a month and help them declutter. I put a laundry basket in the guest room I use when I visit, and they treat it like a quarantine bin so when I visit, I take the basket off to charity. It's out of the way for them but super handy!
I use this method and didn’t realize it had a name. I’m a crafty person but I refuse to spend A LOT of money on supplies, so if I’ve ended up with to much it makes it easier to just donate. Just keeping the basics or the things I absolutely love works for me, with craft stuff.
Hi Dawn! I think I'm down to the 3rd layer in my house at this point. It's taken me a while, but every day it feels easier and easier to manage my home, and that feeling keeps me motivated to go even further! ❤
I ones heard: pick your favorites and get rid of everything else. Thats Quick and genius!
Yep. Decluttering or housework or anything like that definately makes me think of onions because it always involves me crying. I have found some great hints and techniques to make it less hard. But it is still always just something I soldier on through for however long I can manage as often as I can manage. I admire people who enjoy this decluttering or even feel better after it is done. I don't really. But watching people like The Minimal Mom and A Slob Comes Clean and ClutterBug has helped me not feel like I need to be "perfect" at this stuff.
I started doing this with my food pantry. Giving away excess food items that others can use helps the hungry and makes it easier to keep the pantry organized.
I've been watching your videos over the past few days especially and it's been so incredibly helpful! I've organized the front door (kids shoes; 1 box for spring- fall & 1 box for winter- spring), organized and put everyone's winter gear hanging up.. In the Midwest we never really know how early we're gonna get snow 🤷♀️😝. I found all of the baby and kids in between sizes and labeled and put them into diaper or wipes boxes to store until needed. I've been putting these things off and all it's been doing is stressing me out more. MY husband and I aren't decided quite yet on if we want to stop at 3 or have 1 more. So it's better to just label and pack away stuff now.
With all boys 5m, 2yrs & 4yrs, I want to spend the time with them instead of frustrated with the clutter or wasting time because I can't find stuff.
You being so encouraging and positive has really helped give me my own push to get rid of stuff and put things away. I have a ways to go, but I'm feeling so much better just getting started on it 😊
About a month after fully decluttering my kitchen I noticed that I still had two “extra” cutting boards that I hadn’t used in over 5 years since we got the nice wooden one.
😅
I remember cleaning out that cupboard while listening to decluttering videos on UA-cam, but somehow I still put those unnecessary boards back in!
That’s how I new I was ready for kitchen layer two.
Watching all your videos again after donating 40+ trash bags of stuff this year. I’ve found that the onion method is continual in a house with young kids! Haha. Thank you for inspiring me and stepping me through the process. 😊👌🏼
I am so excited we will be done with our storage unit by the end of the month. Plus our garage is so much better! 9 months in progress Thanks Dawn
I also love that you give examples and show us! I have unloaded three car loads of clothes and household stuff from kitchen. My house is beautiful -thank you!
Boy that quote on growing/learning is what I live by. If I am not happy, I look at what I'm learning and always end up adding something new to learn, do, make, listen to, read etc.
You make more sense than any video on decluttering I've ran across . so very true Thank you! The onion method was on superb.
Thank you for all of your videos.
Thanks to you I am finished decluttering our main living spaces. I plan to work on my basement during the all day declutter. Everything down there is organized and in bins, but most of it hasn't been used in way more than a year. As far as crafts, from now on I just want to buy what I need for ONE project at a time. I used to scrapbook all the time, but now I resent the bins of scrapbook supplies -even though they're organized. Part of the fun is going out and picking the perfect paper and stickers that go with the event. I don't want to search through papers to find something that "will work". And when I'm done, the extra supplies can go...no more saving little corners of paper. I think I can get my supplies down to tools and a few basics. I'm excited and inspired thanks to you!
I am already feeling more confident as I complete more and more layers of decluttering. 😊
That self confidence thing is so true
Always so inspiring and uplifting...love this!
So true. This process has made it easier for us to part with stuff. It is ongoing, and has to be revisited regularly, just like all goals.
I love the onion method for decluttering! I've tried and failed with the more aggressive methods. Mostly because I don't have the time (kids/homeschooling) or brain energy to hyper declutter a room, let alone an entire house. Peeling away the layers of clutter works well with the kids too! They might be reluctant to get rid of a garbage full of "stuff", but a small bag or even one or two items at a time is doable. Thanks for the encouragement!
Excellent video Dawn!! This makes so much sense. Thanks!
Been doing the onion method for about four years now. Definitely down to the last layers and it's sooo awesome!!! You have helped me stay motivated along the way! Thank you, Dawn! :)
An excellent use of "the onion" analogy aka progress by layers.
Thank you! Your videos have become my go to for motivation. I found you about a year ago and I have gotten rid of over 50 garbage bags of inventory from my home the past 4 months. I did a whole house sweep the other day after watching one of your videos and I got one bag. ONE! That’s the first time ever I’ve only gotten one bag. I went through every cabinet closet and drawer in my house and I literally was down to the minimum for our family. It felt so so good. I feel like I can clean my entire house in one hour. I used to be cleaning up CONSTANTLY. Thank you for my time my peace at mind back! Seriously thinking of it as inventory is a game changer. We have so much more space for the things that really matter!
Thank you Dawn for encouraging us. You are the Best!!!!
Your advice is always so helpful! Thank you for being you! 💚 from Tampa, FL
I like how you are reworking through the basics of minimalism, it can be very helpful to get down to the basics when times get stressful
You are the best, Dawn! Keep doing what you’re doing.
This is AWESOME! That surprise of satisfaction and confidence is my motivation to keep going
Keep up the good work Dawn! It’s so helpful and encouraging.
Such an amazing video. Thank you!
Really good explained 👍🏼 Thank you!
You are a wonderful encourager and motivator!!! Thank you Dawn👍🏻
I love the way you edit, leaving in so much of your personality. You ate such a joy to watch and learn from! You have showed me that I can have the confidence that you talk about!
Thank you Dawn and Tom! I love your videos!
Love your channel and the Take Your House Back Course.
The thing that really resonated with me is that somethings are not the in the season right now. I think this will help me decluttering!
YES! My signature method :) I hit another layer today- and it's so so good!
Thank you for your knowledge and time you are sharing!
I love how positive you are.
I absolutely find it easier to declutter now especially with a quarantine box. I do use it less and less.
Thanks for sharing your videos. They have helped me so much. Really appreciate your advice. ❤️
One of my 'go tos' for getting motivated is to listen to a Minimal Mom video 😉.
Thanks Dawn 😊
I love you dawn!! Your channel has been a blessing to stumble upon and I have been following along ever since! This video just inspired me to finally accept that the season for painting has passed and that's totally okay. I have carried the guilt of seeing untouched art supplies for years!! Lots of imposter syndrome and sunk cost guilt involved with every reminder. Now I'm ready to let it go and keep an open heart for the future where I'm sure the opportunity to paint will return. Bless you!
Thank you for this encouragement! I appreciate having this method explained with this image. It works for me and for my approach to minimizing my house and my life. Many thanks for another great video!
I really love the little visuals and the point form note options/separation between concepts you've added to your videos! It's easy to go back to a concept to relisten or if I've been distracted with the children. Visual learners like me really benefit from it and the onion will stay in my head and help me remember the key concepts from the whole video - so thank you :)
Dawn, I love your videos so much! You are easy to relate to and pack a lot of great thoughts into each episode. One of my friends is in a summit with you this week and I was thrilled to see you on the docket. I am excited to check out your sponsor.
Honestly, you have in my opinion the best decluttering videos xxx
I used your link to Blinkist a couple months ago. I love it! I listen to blinks while walking, driving, cleaning. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
That is so true that you build confidence in decluttering! I have loved decluttering since I was 18 and now I’m 38 but I’m constantly still finding things to reduce
Absolutely! Love this analogy. It took me years of decluttering and retraining my brain to get to this point of maintenance. Great video! I’m sure it will be so helpful to those dealing with struggling to get started.
okay...I"m going to tackle something tonight! Thank you for reminding us that we can do it!
Love this video. Just what I needed to hear to keep going. I'm so close to the middle of the onion!! Not quite there so I'll keep peeling 😊 Thanks Dawn, once again an encouraging, helpful video 💜