Thank you so much for watching and for all of your kindness on our 500k celebration video (you can find that here: ua-cam.com/video/5pW4opqrHlk/v-deo.html ) THANK YOU!!! Dawn
I’m still trying to figure out your outdoor door way, you have a door in your bedroom and one near your living room. Was your bedroom originally a living room
@@TheMinimalMom how Tom added an extra bedroom/room to your house* I'm just teasing you. The house always looks good - also saw your old home on your website too, I actually prefer the design of the old home, but your interior and outside is a lot nicer now! Food for thought - not that you need our viewer validation 😂😂.
Eagle Eye You listed 24 items, after #17 cords next freezer is numbered #16. I always like how you make it so simple and break it down to into chunks, something that is doable. If we look at it as a whole it gets overwhelming and we don’t do anything
Can we all just take a moment to remind Dawn that She's The BEST! It's so easy to declutter once you realize who else could benefit. If you have unopened games, consider sending them to an organization that will send them to troops overseas or veterans or even homes for the elderly.
I finally declutter my entire clothing collection. I could cut the amount left in half and still have more than enough! Five large garbage bags gone though and it feels amazing!
I honestly don’t have hoards of clothes but I do have some clothes that I haven’t worn in a few years but may “wear someday”. I continue to go through them and do donate or give away little by little. It does feel good when you can part with unused clothes!
In the last 6 months, I've reduced my weight by 70 lbs, and was savage about getting rid of the larger clothes! At least 3 times over, I completely emptied my closet. Then went and bought smaller clothes second hand. It's time to do it again. Tonight, I tried on a smaller pair of jeans and they were baggy!
Well done! Please keep going, and go and check out Dawn's 80:20 video and her video about Onion Layers. They're pretty easy to find due to the initial picture when scrolling - I think one or both are around 5 months ago. You will LOVE those. They give a real ideological insight in how we move forward as individuals and as a community. I've even tidied up my digital space, and have gone back to some audios that I've previously not finished, but thoroughly enjoyed. Time to tidy up our minds via meditation and spending time with family, tidying up our environments, our finances, and our lives!
Here’s a trick I like to keep AND get rid of my children’s artwork: I have created an instagram account specifically for archiving their art. Snap a quick photo and into the recycling bin. My kids are happy to see me care about their work, I’m happy to keep a clutter free house (let’s be honest, we all benefit from it!). I sometimes scroll through it which makes me super happy. Our extended family is far away and they love keeping up with the kids through following that account as well :)
Dawn, I just want to tell you that I accidentally discovered your channel just over a year ago and it sent me down a life changing path. I began decluttering my home which had, for years, been stressing me out and had been a huge source of constant anxiety for me. From there I even quit Facebook and Instagram because I realized they were cluttering up my life as well. I’m definitely no minimalist but I’m now in a mindset where I can say goodbye to stuff much more easily, and I shop so much smarter now because I realize “stuff” is usually not the answer to problems. Thanks so much for all you do and wishing you and your family a happy 2022!
Your channel has changed our lives! I am a stay at home mom of two babies and it only takes me and my husband 10 minutes to clean up the entire house at the end of our day. When I came home the other day from a stressful day I walked into my home, saw my clear dining table and counters and felt peace immediately. Like my brain had a sigh of relief! Thank you for your wisdom ❤️
I live in Co and had to evacuate because of the fires. I have organized the last six months watching your videos for the motivation. I was able to grab items in an orderly way. Thankfully, my house was left standing, only a mile away from the flames. The devastation of my community is unfathomable. Who would have known that your channel would have impacted my life during a day of sheer panic. Thank you. 🙏
Just literally changed my top…I work from home so leggings & baggy top is ideal BUT the one I had on was tatty & stained!!🙄😂so yes I would be mortified to answer the door wearing it therefore will get rid of it!
@@darnitthelma4247 That sounds all too familiar - only in my case it was if I wasn't wearing makeup I was not comfortable answering the door. That was many years ago and a lot has changed since then but I do realize that I really need to get back in touch with me but not to the same degree of course. I too am at home and don't worry about what I'm wearing cause hey - I'm here by myself. It's that mentality that gets you into trouble cause that's when someone will come to your door for sure.
I decluttered a literal truckload from my basement on January 1st! I took so many cues from your videos! I had boxed up many items to "sell"...that was over 3 years ago. I didn't open them and just donated them as-is. If I didn't remember what was in the boxes there was no way I could miss it!
Dawn, I don’t comment super often, but I religiously watch your videos and want to thank you for your inspiring message! Last year after Christmas our house seemed claustrophobic, so I went on to declutter/donate 42 garbage bags of stuff. Woohoo! Our house has been so easy to maintain ever since(my husband loves it too!) And this year our Christmas was much simpler and more enjoyable. Thanks for being one of my favorite online friends!
42?! Well done, keep going. Keep tidying, organising and cleaning. Love to hear an update. There are even items that were not even in my awareness to get rid of, because I inherently assumed their monetary value meant I couldn't get rid of them, and that I'd need to rebuy them. 7 months in and I still just do not need them. And hey, even if I do, that isn't an excuse to not get rid of anything. Thanks for your comment!
During Christmas break, college daughter went through her attic things she put up there when she went to college 2 years ago. Took a full carload to donation place and 2 trips to dump. She kept 3 shelves of things. Said she will go through it all again when she graduates and moves it to her place. I'm betting most of it gets donated then. She had fun going through it and seeing what she thought she wanted.
I am a college student myself. I have found dawns method of inventory is super helpful to decluttering. She and others have made me realize that this miscellaneous stuff really doesn’t matter. Also, the fact is- I will have to come back one day to move my stuff from my parents home to my own one day. So I ask myself- is this item worth the effort it will take to move and handle in the future? Should I store this and keep someone else from enjoying it? Most of the times the answer is no. Also, since I have moved in a dorm, I’ve recognized how much I truly need in order to live efficiently and not be burdened. I am attempting to make my accumulation of stuff small enough to fit in my dorm. I have realized the value is in the memories and people who I love. 😊
This year I have finally come to the realization that I've reached the age where all out Christmas decorating is not going to happen. I have an abundance of Christmas wreaths, garlands, florals, that I'm just capable of putting up anymore, but my heart hopes my knee will get better and I regain my Christmas enthusiasm. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. I'm determined to keep putting up a tree, so I'm keeping the tree and the decorations, but everything else has to go. Wish me luck.
My husband and I have been trying hard to get into decluttering our entire house. I've gotten in the habit of always using my empty Amazon boxes - I never let myself get rid of the box without doing my best to fill it with things to donate!
@@mrsducky3428 that works too 😂 as long as it can just be gooone!!! 😂 good luck with your organizing/decluttering journey, sending you all the encouragement and positive vibes!
@@royalone3009 I find she goes from just average to absolutely stunning when she wears a color suited to her skin color. I find that people who have jet black hair suit black the best in clothing as in the case of Snow White. Of course I am no Fashionista to be commenting but I just know how much I love color on Dawn.
I went through my jewelry that I had acquired from various sources and donated 235 pieces (125 pairs of earrings, 47 broaches, 16 necklaces, 6 watches, 24 rings, 14 bracelets, and 3 charms). Felt great!
@@Okamura928 Goodwill. I thought about trying to find a local artist studio that might want to use them for art, but it was too hard to find such a place.
Dawn, you are my happy place. My husband gave me your workbook for Christmas. But he was so surprised when two books showed up. Haha! I'd ordered my own! No worries. One will be regifted ... to someone impressed by our decluttering this year. Thanks for all you do and congrats on the big 500!💗
Linda, that was sweet of your husband!! Regifted the 2nd one is sweet of U!!! I ♥️ Dawn!! I binge watch and listen to her while doing a lot and need Motivation
Dawn I am obsessed with your channel! Because of your encouragement I am now a minimalist! Thank you! Also I love how you get straight to the point in your videos and always give out valuable information
I hope you see this. Dawn, you’re awesome, never doubt the great things you are doing for so many people. I have been trying so hard to declutter my house. You have helped me stay positive and try to keep going. I’m 40 and have progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I’ve recently lost more mobility in my legs and am now in a wheelchair full time. Things are hard, but your videos make me feel like maybe I can do it. Thank you, and please never stop doing what you’re doing. ❤️
I just heard from our tailor that there is a wire hanger supply shortage… don’t throw them out but offer them to dry cleaners and tailors! Also, those paper shopping bags are so handy to declutter any recyclables in your 5 minute decluttering sessions! They are not see through, hold great amounts of paper/ cardboard etc and you can safely get it to the bin without your kids questioning anything 😉
Thank you Dawn. I watch your videos and I ordered your declutter book. I lost my mother and divorced my husband 10 years ago. My brother passed as well as my Chihuahua of 18 1/2 years within days of one another 2 years ago. I've been at a standstill for way too long. Holding on to things was comforting to me....until it wasn't and it had started to affect my health. You came along like bright sunshine.... reminds me of my mother....and gently pushed just enough to get me off the couch and gradually I have started to declutter at least 20 years of mine and many other family members....Stuff! It's all been left in my house. No nagging..no criticism...and no making fun unless it was about all of us. Thanks again so much! Big hugs to you and your family ❤
I'm only 1/4 through and already hit the like. Dawn, you are my favorite hostess/host of all of the declutter shows I watch. You are so smiley, friendly, and positive. I subscribed long ago and eagerly await each new video. Thank you for all you do.
@@TheOrganizedPineapple I think the word is relaxed due to all the decluttering and a successful business! Inner Zen Award completed. Plus, they have relationship goals 🥳.
With all of the extra plastic grocery bags, you can easily make 'plarn' (plastic yarn). We make the yarn and give it to people that crochet it into plastic mats for houseless folks. They make great lightweight protection from the coldtwet ground!
I am moving into a 350 sqft in a month. I am using your new book to finish my downsizing as I pack. Well actually I will begin before I pack. I am so close to being done. Thank you for all of your help and encouragement!!!! I will be living alone for the first time so spending time with your family will take on a new meaning for me!!! Looking forward to a new year!!!! New start!!!
I recently moved and I kept quite a few things not knowing what we would need or use. I finally got my basement shelving installed and was able to make a huge pile of things to give away. I am so excited! I can't wait to go through my other storage boxes to get rid of more!!!!! -So pumped!
I am 16 and still live with my parents but have taken up the journey of decluttering my room. I LOVE what you do Dawn and today I was going to watch your latest video (this one) and, oh my goodness, I suddenly realized I wasn't subscribed and I have NEVER hit that subscribed button harder or faster. Thanks for all that you do! May God bless you and your message. ❤
Thank you! My husband and I are young and thankfully haven’t accumulated TOO much. Though we each have a few boxes worth of things yet I’m eager to go through as we’re moving soon. However his sister passed away early last year and with us moving to a house soon and probate underway we will help our teenage nephew we’re now raising to choose what he wants to keep or donate from his mom’s things. We brought the big stuff from Tennessee when we came so 1/2 of it is already donated. But the rest is PILED in our garage. It’s stressful to walk by everyday 1) it reminds us of her and not in a good way 2) it’s taking up our entire apartment garage and we had to rent another garage costing us money in the process which is not ideal. For me the important things are here: her son and her dog. Family. The rest I think for our nephew will be useful items he can take when he moves out on his own and sentimental items. My husband already has a few items - a winter hat she wore, her keychain with a quote she loved on it. Her paintings are safe and those are treasures.
For about the last year of my life I've been semi-joking to my husband that if I threw all our stuff away I wouldn't miss any of it and would be way happier. I've been watching your videos all week long, have fiiled up all our trash and recycling bins and taken at least 8 boxes to the thrift store. I am SO excited for this new year. Thank you for letting me know I am allowed to do what I've been longing for this whole time!
I recently found your channel (within the last 2 months or so) and everything you have shared has really helped! I used to have tons of clothing stored. I bounced from several different sizes between losing significant weight, getting pregnant, losing the weight again, getting pregnant and having a miscarriage and gaining weight again. Between the different sizes and the maternity clothes there was just so much! Every time I walked in my closet I felt bad because I "should" be trying to lose weight again. Well after clearing out 6 large black garbage bags stuffed full of clothes all that is hanging up is what currently fits. I did keep just one space bag with next size down clothes but of those I only kept my favorites. They are tucked up out of the way and out of sight. Now I can actually hang my clothes easily and everything hanging up fits! I've also been going through other areas too! Each time I open a cabinet to put something away I'm looking to see what I don't use to clear it out and it has been so freeing! I just want to say a big thank you for everything you do! I've got your workbook now and will be going through that to get to a minimal-er lifestlye. The concept of inventory and having to manage that inventory is really what clicked with me. Seriously, thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your story, I have been up and down with weight for 10 years because of having 3 kids and health issues so wow clothes are so hard.
@@TheOrganizedPineapple they really are! And they can be so emotionally draining. Each time I walked into my closet I would see all the clothes that I couldn't wear and either feel insufficient because I hadn't lost the weight again or sad because I didn't know if I would ever need those maternity clothes again even though I really hoped I would. Now that they are gone so are those intrusive and demeaning thoughts. I can feel confident and not have to make sure I'm grabbing a shirt that's big enough or jeans that are big enough because every single piece fits! I find I'm still editing it too. If I put back something because I don't like it for some reason it automatically goes in the donate bin instead of back in the closet.
@@KraftingKreations yesssss I had these dresses that couldn't fit just right. I loved them but would be constantly reminded that I couldn't wear them. Finally got rid of them and the negative feelings.
I did a huge pass through to our home last year and love the feeling. This year I am peeling back another layer to see what made the cut last year and re evaluate if we really need it or will use in this upcoming year. So grateful to have found this community
One of my favorite IG accounts is always reminding moms that it's ok to buy yourselves new underwear lol. Sometimes we are so worried about the kids' wardrobes that we just make do with worn out bras and underwear, but we deserve better and should make sure to do it!
How grand is our God! You prepared to serve in marketing….and look how He is not wasting any of your skills and talents! He really does want our hearts…and He can handle everything! Love you and Diana!
Thanks for the continued inspiration, Dawn! I am German and born and raised tidy ( much smaller living spaces!) and mama to identical twin girlies who share a tiny bedroom ...I thought I had it all figured out by nature and necessity, but there is always room for improvement to get more out of life. The girls ( 9) are watching along with me . Here is to a lighter yet fuller 2022. Loving it :)
My house gives me so much anxiety and stress, since using your methods I feel so much better. So happy I found you. Still working on it, but love looking at the areas I’ve got done. God bless you and your family. Thank you
Donate other pet items too! I recently donated an extra dog beg that was “the wrong size” for my dog and toys he did not play with and a cat bed (as our cat had passed away). There was medication and cat food that I no longer needed and together with some fresh clean blankets from my linen cupboard - the local shelter was so appreciative for everything!
Hi Dawn, I happened upon your channel a couple weeks ago & have been binge watching your past videos. Your tips & advice have come in so handy as I've started going thru 20+ years of stuff & purging ... slowly at first. However today, I took the plunge,, then a deep breath, and purged something I thought was near & dear to my heart ... my grandmother's porcelain wear. I inherited it when we went thru my grandparents things over 20 years ago. I had it carefully packed away stored in a box in the basement for that whole 20 years! Today I pulled that box off the shelf, went through it, loaded it up into my vehicle, and immediately drove to the local donation site before I changed my mind. On my drive home I felt so much lighter. When I look at how uncluttered things are starting to look in my home, I do feel much calmer & at peace. Thank you for sharing with us your journey to minimize.
You have made such a huge difference in my home this year! Thank you for all you do and the videos you post. It is like you speak to me.. you are so positive and kind!
"Donate it or deal with it." That's been my mantra for about 2 years. It's been a serious exercise in self-discipline, I'll tell ya that. But for me, it's the key to successful decluttering. Thanks for another motivating video.
I'm already a subscriber but I just wanted to tell you you just aren't a content creator, you are a LIFE CHANGER!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Before we were "empty nesters", we would have what we called "fend for yourself" nights. It was run like a treasure hunt. Each person got a turn at going through the fridge/freezer and finding those random bits of food for thier own dinner, and like Dawn said, it made for some crazy combinations!
Hi Dawn, Im from the Netherlands. And I just love watching your videos. A while ago I started te minimalism challenge with my sister and we completed it succesfully. Right now I can't stop with decluttering. It gives me so much freedom and space in the house. My husband and I were always complaining about the mess that never seemed to stop. One day we cleaned up everything and the next day the mess was there again. And that was very frustrating. Right now with donating and recycling all of the stuff we don't use. It gives so much peace and less stress. I just love it so much!
You have completely changed my life for the better. I am so grateful for your knowledge and expertise. I have gotten rid of at least 70% of our things and I can’t wait to keep going. My husband and kids have noticed the difference and we are all loving our new home and the calmer feeling it has created inside it. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much for your upbeat video!! My children have been grown and gone for several years now and nothing has turned out how I expected. I have complete China sets from grandmothers I always intended to give them that now they really don’t want. Furniture I sent them off to college with that somehow came home. Their own special baby clothes and crib sets I intended to pass on but no modern mom would use today the kind of crib bumpers that were all the rage 35 years ago. We never lived in one place more than 5 years and whenever we moved was when I decluttered. I’ve been in this house almost 15 years now and feel like I’m drowning. Your encouragement is so helpful! Thought you might be interested in how clutter happens to an older generation.
I fell into your you tube in Nov The key was you suggesting I finding out what worked for me. Knowing I am a bee made it so easy to organize in a way that fit me. Decluttering was easier. I don't know how I lived without a command center and how calm I am about my paper now! I keep looking at a empty a shelf in every closet and book case and it brings peace. I have a fancy box out that I add to daily. It is so I can donate to the local school kid's Christmas store again this year. It really encourages me to declutter more because it is a great gift to others. Side benefit is my calm home. Thank you so much.
Trying to learn how to be more tidy so I could manage my household of 6 better lead me to your channel a week ago. I never thought about family minimalism prior. We love it so far! Declutter progress has already lead to a more peaceful mom and home!
I miss you. I took a break from watching UA-cam. (Needed a mental break) and I'm back and hoping to get re-inspired. Thanks so much for being amazing and willing to share and help all of us.
Hi Dawn! I wanted to tell you that your videos changed my life! A year and half ago I had my missionary friend and her family over to spend the night and for dinner since they were visiting from overseas. I was overwhelmed in life at the time and didn’t get all the cleaning and organizing I wanted to do before they came but I told myself it’s fine you are ministering to them. When I started to give them a house their I realized how much stuff I had. Every room was covered with things. I guess I should saw it wasn’t like a border or anything just too much clutter everywhere. I also realized I had been complaining I needed a bigger space but I realized I needed to get rid of things to make this space work again. It was hard to see that I needed to purge until that tour and then I found you on UA-cam. I went through a year of minimalism and I keep doing it here and there and I even revisited initial areas and go rid of more! I feel calmer, happier , and I’m enjoying my home more! My kitchen is amazing now! It has helped me love life! I have 5 kids and we can accumulate things so quickly. Everyday I would walk around in my house before and it was covered with little clutter everywhere and everything was always getting messy. I didn’t realize how that was contributing to my mood and stress. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love my organization now!
Your videos have been life changing for my whole family. Thank you for giving us permission to let go, and helping us understand our inventory. Blessings to you all!
The mindset shift from your videos has been huge for me. It gets me motivated and excited to tackle my five minutes. I also like giving myself permission to wear the lovely clothes that have been saved. Thank you. ❤️🙏✨
I started decluttering before my first baby 4 years ago and fully adopted minimalism in his 1st year. Now we're expecting baby #2 and my husband has also embraced minimalism. It's amazing how much more at peace I am with our space preparing for this baby!
Hi Dawn! I just wanted to thank you so very much for all you do. I am so thankful for you. You feel like a friend I am visiting every time I watch your videos. I have been watching your channel for a few years now, and you have helped me and my family so extremely much! We have gotten so far in our minimalism journey, and LOVE IT! We would never go back, and we don’t miss out stuff! Just the other day I went to the basement cellar and told my parents, “ we need to declutter mom and dad.” They said , “No, not today.” But I was relentless, and started decluttering. Long story short, we literally filled the whole back of our van with donations, so plus three garbage bags! My dad finally got rid of the things he had been holding onto for so long. We were all sooooo happy after we did this. Now our WHOLE basement functions better and is filled with things we will actually use. But WE WOULD NOT have done this if it weren’t for you, Dawn! You have changed our life for the absolute better and I am so grateful to have you as my friend! Much love ❤️ - Brielle from Canada!
Dawn - you look extra beautiful today (of course, you always do)! That color looks gorgeous on you. I love your channel & you and your family. I enjoy your content so much. You are helping me slowly take my house back! Thank you! And blessings in the new year! 🙏🏻 ❤
Please continue to do your videos. I’ve been watching you for awhile and signed up for your class. My husband and I are collectors/hoarders. He claims to be a pilot (he piles everything on any flat surface). It’s been hard to declutter due to other family commitments and the fact that it’s overwhelming but every video encourages me to keep plugging away at my home. Its taking a long time to change my mind set having been raised by depression era parents. The idea of inventory, quarantining, fantasy self have really helped. It’s been a source of therapy through these trying times. Seeing such a sweet family has also been wonderful. Thank you and Tom for all you do.
Oh my gosh Dawn, I can't believe I just happened to do yesterday, what you suggested in this video today!! I had dropped off the bag to the donation bins this morning after my workout at the gym! What a reward it was to come home sit down for lunch, and enjoy your latest video knowing that I'd already done this! And all it had started with yesterday was the fact that I wanted to clean out my sock drawer to put in the new socks I'd received for Christmas which turned into going through my unmentionables drawer, my pj drawer Etc and then it was on to the bathroom where I found some scented hand creams and a hair product or face product or two! Which led to the linen closet where I found gloves and then the bill-paying basket where I found paper money rolls & dried up super glue among other things! There were so many items & I thought I had just gotten everything recently. All this I did in probably a half an hour tops. It's so rejuvenating!!! P.S. I can't believe that Gage is already 8 years old, time is flying! Our youngest just turned 21 recently😉 Also, that color of top looks beautiful on you & your hair color and style is so becoming on you🥰
I love those instances when you just flow from one mini-declutter to the next! You've added to my excitement for finding things to clear out this new year -- thanks!!
I want to thank you so very much for all your inspiration that you give us. I needed to declutter but kept putting it off. Because of you I have gone through a box of 10 black bags, and just bought a pack of 20 and know I will use them all. Blessings to you and Tom and your sweet children. God Bless you all.🥰
Hi Dawn - Great video. This is my year and I can't wait to make it happen. I moved into this house 29 years ago on a Friday. For 3 nights we had 2 cars in the garage. After our stuff came on Monday we have never had a car in the garage. We now have only 1 car, and so my goal is to get that back in the garage this year. Woo Woo. Thanks for inspiring us all and continued success. Love PegEgg
Love the Way that blouse 👚 looks on your. Very Elegant Blouse, nice enough for church. I have been in chronic pain for about a a. I decided that because, I can't decluter my home at the moment, I will decluter my body. I am doing a 7 day fast, for my health. It's supposed to help me out of pain. Then, I will start some of the declutering, I started last year. I did clean up alot of little things just before New Years. Our living room looks better than it has in about a year 1 & ½. The hardest room for me is my own bedroom. I just don't have storage, maybe if I get some clear containers and put them on top of on of my furniture. Yes, but only 3 if, I measure first to see, if they fit. I need one to work as a filling cabinet. Yes, all the rooms in my home are Multi use/multi function, beyond how little they are. Wish I had a finish basement or a finish attic to use as a bedroom and make small storage area that only I would use. I had a small unit my husband took over now, I can't get to my things.
Since I've already made several passes through our entire home over the past several years it's more about tidying with very little to discard. Retired, grown kids with homes of their own. Organized my office closet today. Been putting it off for a year and I got it done while chatting with a friend on the phone with very little to discard. FELT AMAZING! I am going to do every storage space again and get it all spruced up again. Our garage is the one place that's cluttered with my husband's tools and hardware and wood. We work on it a bit at a time.... this spring when it warms up I'm committed to finishing it up. Happy New Year wonderful encourager!
I finished my first layer of decluttering last November, and now I am gearing up for layer #2! Can't wait to have even less to manage! Thanks for all your videos and help! You have helped me to drastically reduce my stress level!
Good reminder to turn my hangers. I stopped what I was doing and did it right away. AND, after going through my clothes more than once last year, I found a few more things to donate. Thanks for the reminder!
It’s amazing how few clothes I need now. I love your videos and grab some coffee when I sit down to watch you each time. It’s a wonderful break! Thanks for each and every video .
Hi Dawn. I blessedly stumbled onto your UA-cam channel during the lockdown. I found it interesting that we share our name and, ironically, my husband’s name just happens to be Tom! I’m 66 yrs. old and I’m living proof that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Like so many of your followers, you have changed my life for the better. Thank you for all you do. Dawn
my Grandmother would have us over for dinner and tell us we were having "musgo"..... everything in the fridge that "must go"! Dawn, you are delightful to watch and I thank you.
As I am going through my things to decide what to discard, I recall Dawn saying "i don't want to manage this inventory" and I think....I don't want to either ;) it helps me. I'm so thankful for your knowledge and experience.
Dawn, I watch every one of your videos as they come out. I feel like you and Tom are friends, even though we’ve never met. I used 2021 as a year to lose 50 pounds, so I have had to completely turn over my wardrobe. I’ve also done quite a bit of decluttering in the past 2 years, thanks to you, Cass, and Dana. There’s still more to do, but our home is more peaceful now. Thank you, thank you!!
Love, love , love you and all your inspiration and instructions! i am about to begin my declutter journey. i am 69 and it’s just me and my hubby. i “purged” when we moved 4 years ago…only to find myself weighed down with things i did not purge and new things that need to go. before i heard of swedish death cleaning, i already began throwing out stuff i knew my kids wouldn’t want and certainly would not want to deal with when i am gone!! i have begun Dana’s book, as you recommended and loving it…but i have watched only your videos so far and some “But first, coffee” videos…tho she admits she is not a full-fledged minimalist. i think i am ready to become one! so thank you for all the work you put into helping us out here…even those like me who tend to be organized but still have WAY TOO MUCH!!! i have a request…i don’t believe you have done a video on decluttering the car…a challenge since there are things that you NEED in a car for “just-in-case”. do you have plans to do a video on car decluttering? again, thanks sooo much!! sorry this is so loooong! ☺️
In Maine we no longer have plastic bags in our stores, some stores have paper bags but you have to pay for them and some stores have nothing for you to put your purchases in. so, reusable bags are needed, which can be a pain if you forget your bags at home. Love your suggestions on decluttering. Thank you Rhonda
You are my favorite You Tube channel !!! Love you in BLACK !!! YOU ARE THE BEST !!!! Love Tom and the kids also !!! Excited to see what your future holds.
You’re a life saver! I purchase approximately 75% of the materials in my classroom, and different years present students with different needs, so it’s hard to let things go, not knowing the needs of the next group. I am opening my classroom to another teacher, starting a job share in 2 weeks, and I want to give her 50% of the (limited) shelves and cupboards. Your onion philosophy has been a game changer. For a month, I’ve been going through the room in a loop, peeling through the layers. I’m almost at my 50% empty goal. I appreciate your practical, real world approach beyond measure. Thank you ♥️♥️♥️.
Love love love you. I've been working hard since Christmas on decluttering. This morning I'm sitting on my clean living room floor doing a puzzle with my toddler without the guilt that I should be doing so many other things. There is more to do for sure but being able to play with my toddler is amazing.
Dawn, I watch your videos daily. I get so much positive encouragement and learn so much! Plus, you’re just fun and brighten my day. I just finished fixing my dishwasher. You may ask how does that involve you. I’ll tell you. I first checked the breaker box because the disposal wouldn’t even make a sound. In order to check it, I had to get to it in the garage. Both my garage and the little room behind it, which can normally be entered from inside, were blocked. Once I got through all that, I checked the box. I then went to reset the little button on the bottom of the disposal, which required moving a lot of stuff from the cabinet beneath the sink to get to. I then had to stick my mop head in the disposal to push the gears loose. I was able to fix it, but the whole ti me I was thinking how much simpler and faster the whole process could have been if I didn’t have to fight to get to everything that my junk was blocking! I don’t intend to be in that position again! The stuff that’s blocking my life, literally, has to go! So thanks for your encouragement and training. I WILL overcome the overwhelm of stuff! Carol Herndon
I moved your decluttering question to another level. Now i ask "would Dawn keep it?" :D :D you are the biggest help i have had in years dawn. I am so thankful for you. I discovered you only Few days before XMas and now already now our house is so much lighter. I tried minimalism so many times with different people but it never worked. Dawn, you make such a huge difference, your kindness and personality how you bring this difficult message to us is a gift you multiplied 511K times! I pray may God give you this year things you never even dare to dream about (not speaking about materialistic stuff ).
I have never left a comment on anyone's video ever! But I have watched many if not all of your videos and just like everyone else, I am so grateful for this gift you have given to me and so many others. You are beautiful inside and out! And yes, I would gladly subscribe. Thanks! 🥰
Thank you thank you for doing what you do! So happy for your success and hitting 500k! Your videos are so helpful! Also love seeing you and Tom doing projects and seeing your sweet kids! ❤️ -Whitney
Freezer organization is helping with the pandemic with more on hand than normal. I keep two baskets per shelf in my upright freezer. On my phone, I list what is in each basket and sell buy date or best buy date. Newest is in one basket, use up first in a basket, garden stuff in two baskets, turkeys and hams on a shelf, and miscellaneous in bottom pullout basket. Butter, cream cheese, packages of veggies in door. Dates on all meat and packages. Helping me. Hope it helps some else.
I’m finally living my dream as a SAHM, and let me tell you, it wasn’t the fairy tale story I thought it would be 😆 hence you have saved me from losing my marbles!!! I was totally relating with everything you said, and I have watched and rewatched your videos because I am so over picking up the same old stuff. It’s not easy, but I am slowly but surely building my decluttering muscles and I have you to thank for that! You freaking rock! 💕
Happy New Year. I’ve been following along since the beginning, but never commented. Thank you for putting out such great content so consistently. The way you communicate these ideas just clicks and has made such a difference. Even my kids reference the minimal mom when I talk about doing another round of decluttering in their rooms each season. You are the best!
Thank you so much for watching and for all of your kindness on our 500k celebration video (you can find that here: ua-cam.com/video/5pW4opqrHlk/v-deo.html ) THANK YOU!!! Dawn
I’m still trying to figure out your outdoor door way, you have a door in your bedroom and one near your living room. Was your bedroom originally a living room
@@maribelquesada5651 yes! The technical front door to our house is in our bedroom, it was how we added an extra bedroom to our house :)
@@TheMinimalMom how Tom added an extra bedroom/room to your house*
I'm just teasing you. The house always looks good - also saw your old home on your website too, I actually prefer the design of the old home, but your interior and outside is a lot nicer now! Food for thought - not that you need our viewer validation 😂😂.
Eagle Eye
You listed 24 items, after #17 cords next freezer is numbered #16.
I always like how you make it so simple and break it down to into chunks, something that is doable. If we look at it as a whole it gets overwhelming and we don’t do anything
@@maribelquesada5651 lol, that’s really funny! I cut and paste the titles and obviously was not paying close enough attention!! 😂👍❤️
Can we all just take a moment to remind Dawn that She's The BEST!
It's so easy to declutter once you realize who else could benefit. If you have unopened games, consider sending them to an organization that will send them to troops overseas or veterans or even homes for the elderly.
You are so kind, THANK YOU!!!!
She is absolutely the best!
Our local salvation army takes games with missing pieces and then compliles them to make full games!
Totally great,thank you ,you have helped me declutter and I just love it ! X
Absolutely, she’s the best!
I finally declutter my entire clothing collection. I could cut the amount left in half and still have more than enough! Five large garbage bags gone though and it feels amazing!
I honestly don’t have hoards of clothes but I do have some clothes that I haven’t worn in a few years but may “wear someday”. I continue to go through them and do donate or give away little by little.
It does feel good when you can part with unused clothes!
So the hanging clothes that have dust on the shoulders should be a clear sign to declutter? 😂😂😂 I’m doing this now!!
In the last 6 months, I've reduced my weight by 70 lbs, and was savage about getting rid of the larger clothes!
At least 3 times over, I completely emptied my closet. Then went and bought smaller clothes second hand. It's time to do it again.
Tonight, I tried on a smaller pair of jeans and they were baggy!
Well done! Please keep going, and go and check out Dawn's 80:20 video and her video about Onion Layers. They're pretty easy to find due to the initial picture when scrolling - I think one or both are around 5 months ago. You will LOVE those. They give a real ideological insight in how we move forward as individuals and as a community.
I've even tidied up my digital space, and have gone back to some audios that I've previously not finished, but thoroughly enjoyed. Time to tidy up our minds via meditation and spending time with family, tidying up our environments, our finances, and our lives!
@@mrsducky3428 That is wonderful on your accomplishments!
Here’s a trick I like to keep AND get rid of my children’s artwork: I have created an instagram account specifically for archiving their art. Snap a quick photo and into the recycling bin. My kids are happy to see me care about their work, I’m happy to keep a clutter free house (let’s be honest, we all benefit from it!). I sometimes scroll through it which makes me super happy. Our extended family is far away and they love keeping up with the kids through following that account as well :)
Excellent idea!!
What a great idea!
Brilliant!
Such an amazing idea, love this 🥰👍
Fantastic idea! I’m going to do this now- thanks!!!
Dawn, I just want to tell you that I accidentally discovered your channel just over a year ago and it sent me down a life changing path. I began decluttering my home which had, for years, been stressing me out and had been a huge source of constant anxiety for me. From there I even quit Facebook and Instagram because I realized they were cluttering up my life as well. I’m definitely no minimalist but I’m now in a mindset where I can say goodbye to stuff much more easily, and I shop so much smarter now because I realize “stuff” is usually not the answer to problems. Thanks so much for all you do and wishing you and your family a happy 2022!
Your channel has changed our lives! I am a stay at home mom of two babies and it only takes me and my husband 10 minutes to clean up the entire house at the end of our day. When I came home the other day from a stressful day I walked into my home, saw my clear dining table and counters and felt peace immediately. Like my brain had a sigh of relief! Thank you for your wisdom ❤️
I live in Co and had to evacuate because of the fires. I have organized the last six months watching your videos for the motivation. I was able to grab items in an orderly way. Thankfully, my house was left standing, only a mile away from the flames. The devastation of my community is unfathomable. Who would have known that your channel would have impacted my life during a day of sheer panic. Thank you. 🙏
I so want to get our wardrobes simplified this year. Good tip: if I'd be embarrassed to answer the door in this, get rid of it.💥 Thanks, Dawn!
I love that!😂
Excellent!!
Just literally changed my top…I work from home so leggings & baggy top is ideal BUT the one I had on was tatty & stained!!🙄😂so yes I would be mortified to answer the door wearing it therefore will get rid of it!
@@darnitthelma4247 That sounds all too familiar - only in my case it was if I wasn't wearing makeup I was not comfortable answering the door. That was many years ago and a lot has changed since then but I do realize that I really need to get back in touch with me but not to the same degree of course. I too am at home and don't worry about what I'm wearing cause hey - I'm here by myself. It's that mentality that gets you into trouble cause that's when someone will come to your door for sure.
Haha yes, love her humor. I'm planning on doing my clothes again and definitely need to go through kids clothes.
I decluttered a literal truckload from my basement on January 1st! I took so many cues from your videos! I had boxed up many items to "sell"...that was over 3 years ago. I didn't open them and just donated them as-is. If I didn't remember what was in the boxes there was no way I could miss it!
Well done 👍😁. You are so accurate, if you can't remember what is in the boxes you are not going to miss it 😁.
Dawn, I don’t comment super often, but I religiously watch your videos and want to thank you for your inspiring message! Last year after Christmas our house seemed claustrophobic, so I went on to declutter/donate 42 garbage bags of stuff. Woohoo! Our house has been so easy to maintain ever since(my husband loves it too!) And this year our Christmas was much simpler and more enjoyable. Thanks for being one of my favorite online friends!
42?! Well done, keep going. Keep tidying, organising and cleaning.
Love to hear an update. There are even items that were not even in my awareness to get rid of, because I inherently assumed their monetary value meant I couldn't get rid of them, and that I'd need to rebuy them. 7 months in and I still just do not need them. And hey, even if I do, that isn't an excuse to not get rid of anything. Thanks for your comment!
During Christmas break, college daughter went through her attic things she put up there when she went to college 2 years ago. Took a full carload to donation place and 2 trips to dump. She kept 3 shelves of things. Said she will go through it all again when she graduates and moves it to her place. I'm betting most of it gets donated then. She had fun going through it and seeing what she thought she wanted.
I am a college student myself. I have found dawns method of inventory is super helpful to decluttering. She and others have made me realize that this miscellaneous stuff really doesn’t matter. Also, the fact is- I will have to come back one day to move my stuff from my parents home to my own one day. So I ask myself- is this item worth the effort it will take to move and handle in the future? Should I store this and keep someone else from enjoying it? Most of the times the answer is no. Also, since I have moved in a dorm, I’ve recognized how much I truly need in order to live efficiently and not be burdened. I am attempting to make my accumulation of stuff small enough to fit in my dorm. I have realized the value is in the memories and people who I love. 😊
Wow a ton of space you now have!
@@carlyrichards636 yes definitely!
Good for you to have this knowledge instilled as a young adult! You’ll get more out of the moments in life!
This year I have finally come to the realization that I've reached the age where all out Christmas decorating is not going to happen. I have an abundance of Christmas wreaths, garlands, florals, that I'm just capable of putting up anymore, but my heart hopes my knee will get better and I regain my Christmas enthusiasm. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. I'm determined to keep putting up a tree, so I'm keeping the tree and the decorations, but everything else has to go. Wish me luck.
My husband and I have been trying hard to get into decluttering our entire house. I've gotten in the habit of always using my empty Amazon boxes - I never let myself get rid of the box without doing my best to fill it with things to donate!
Same!
Except, I'm just to lazy to donate, so that box just goes out to the curb, and disappears 😅😂😆😁🤣
@@mrsducky3428 that works too 😂 as long as it can just be gooone!!! 😂 good luck with your organizing/decluttering journey, sending you all the encouragement and positive vibes!
@@stephchim8114 thanks! Backatcha with the positivity!!
@@stephchim8114 thanks! Backatcha with the positivity!!
Dawn, your colorful shirts enhance your natural beauty! The black is okay, but the coloured ones are a pop of spring!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks this. The colour is very complimentary on Dawn.
@@royalone3009 I find she goes from just average to absolutely stunning when she wears a color suited to her skin color. I find that people who have jet black hair suit black the best in clothing as in the case of Snow White. Of course I am no Fashionista to be commenting but I just know how much I love color on Dawn.
I think her color should be blue for the new year if she want's to stick with one color.. makes her eye's pop. 💙
@@tinkpix425 yes that would look very nice o her summer/ spring colors
@@tinkpix425 I second that. Light blue shirts make blue eyes pop and they start to sparkle. ✨
I went through my jewelry that I had acquired from various sources and donated
235 pieces (125 pairs of earrings, 47 broaches, 16 necklaces, 6 watches, 24 rings, 14 bracelets, and 3 charms). Felt great!
Holy!
Where did you donate them to??
@@Okamura928 Goodwill. I thought about trying to find a local artist studio that might want to use them for art, but it was too hard to find such a place.
Dawn, you are my happy place. My husband gave me your workbook for Christmas. But he was so surprised when two books showed up. Haha! I'd ordered my own! No worries. One will be regifted ... to someone impressed by our decluttering this year. Thanks for all you do and congrats on the big 500!💗
Yes, this channel is my happy place, too, thanks to Dawn and all of her wonderful viewers!
Linda, that was sweet of your husband!! Regifted the 2nd one is sweet of U!!! I ♥️ Dawn!! I binge watch and listen to her while doing a lot and need Motivation
Dawn I am obsessed with your channel! Because of your encouragement I am now a minimalist! Thank you!
Also I love how you get straight to the point in your videos and always give out valuable information
I hope you see this. Dawn, you’re awesome, never doubt the great things you are doing for so many people. I have been trying so hard to declutter my house. You have helped me stay positive and try to keep going. I’m 40 and have progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I’ve recently lost more mobility in my legs and am now in a wheelchair full time. Things are hard, but your videos make me feel like maybe I can do it. Thank you, and please never stop doing what you’re doing. ❤️
Wow Erica, I’m so sorry to hear about this, but thank you, this means more than you know!!! ❤️ Tons of love to you!!
@@TheMinimalMom thank you. ❤️
I just heard from our tailor that there is a wire hanger supply shortage… don’t throw them out but offer them to dry cleaners and tailors!
Also, those paper shopping bags are so handy to declutter any recyclables in your 5 minute decluttering sessions! They are not see through, hold great amounts of paper/ cardboard etc and you can safely get it to the bin without your kids questioning anything 😉
Thank you Dawn. I watch your videos and I ordered your declutter book. I lost my mother and divorced my husband 10 years ago. My brother passed as well as my Chihuahua of 18 1/2 years within days of one another 2 years ago. I've been at a standstill for way too long. Holding on to things was comforting to me....until it wasn't and it had started to affect my health. You came along like bright sunshine.... reminds me of my mother....and gently pushed just enough to get me off the couch and gradually I have started to declutter at least 20 years of mine and many other family members....Stuff! It's all been left in my house. No nagging..no criticism...and no making fun unless it was about all of us.
Thanks again so much!
Big hugs to you and your family ❤
I'm only 1/4 through and already hit the like. Dawn, you are my favorite hostess/host of all of the declutter shows I watch. You are so smiley, friendly, and positive. I subscribed long ago and eagerly await each new video. Thank you for all you do.
Yes, and being happy positive and excited behind the camera is very tough! She does it well!
@@TheOrganizedPineapple I think the word is relaxed due to all the decluttering and a successful business! Inner Zen Award completed. Plus, they have relationship goals 🥳.
With all of the extra plastic grocery bags, you can easily make 'plarn' (plastic yarn). We make the yarn and give it to people that crochet it into plastic mats for houseless folks. They make great lightweight protection from the coldtwet ground!
How do you make the plastic yarn?
Do you have instructions how to turn them into the plarn?
Send it to the peasants here in NY! We don’t get plastic grocery bags anymore!! And we need them!!!
I am moving into a 350 sqft in a month. I am using your new book to finish my downsizing as I pack. Well actually I will begin before I pack. I am so close to being done. Thank you for all of your help and encouragement!!!!
I will be living alone for the first time so spending time with your family will take on a new meaning for me!!! Looking forward to a new year!!!! New start!!!
I recently moved and I kept quite a few things not knowing what we would need or use. I finally got my basement shelving installed and was able to make a huge pile of things to give away. I am so excited! I can't wait to go through my other storage boxes to get rid of more!!!!! -So pumped!
Nothing like a move to help systematically sort and declutter… what other time will you have boxed things up into categories etc?!
Yes, definitely a great time to declutter! Good luck!
I am 16 and still live with my parents but have taken up the journey of decluttering my room. I LOVE what you do Dawn and today I was going to watch your latest video (this one) and, oh my goodness, I suddenly realized I wasn't subscribed and I have NEVER hit that subscribed button harder or faster. Thanks for all that you do! May God bless you and your message. ❤
Thank you! My husband and I are young and thankfully haven’t accumulated TOO much. Though we each have a few boxes worth of things yet I’m eager to go through as we’re moving soon. However his sister passed away early last year and with us moving to a house soon and probate underway we will help our teenage nephew we’re now raising to choose what he wants to keep or donate from his mom’s things. We brought the big stuff from Tennessee when we came so 1/2 of it is already donated. But the rest is PILED in our garage. It’s stressful to walk by everyday 1) it reminds us of her and not in a good way 2) it’s taking up our entire apartment garage and we had to rent another garage costing us money in the process which is not ideal.
For me the important things are here: her son and her dog. Family. The rest I think for our nephew will be useful items he can take when he moves out on his own and sentimental items. My husband already has a few items - a winter hat she wore, her keychain with a quote she loved on it. Her paintings are safe and those are treasures.
God bless you and your little family as you all move forward 🙏
T
For about the last year of my life I've been semi-joking to my husband that if I threw all our stuff away I wouldn't miss any of it and would be way happier. I've been watching your videos all week long, have fiiled up all our trash and recycling bins and taken at least 8 boxes to the thrift store. I am SO excited for this new year. Thank you for letting me know I am allowed to do what I've been longing for this whole time!
I recently found your channel (within the last 2 months or so) and everything you have shared has really helped! I used to have tons of clothing stored. I bounced from several different sizes between losing significant weight, getting pregnant, losing the weight again, getting pregnant and having a miscarriage and gaining weight again.
Between the different sizes and the maternity clothes there was just so much! Every time I walked in my closet I felt bad because I "should" be trying to lose weight again. Well after clearing out 6 large black garbage bags stuffed full of clothes all that is hanging up is what currently fits. I did keep just one space bag with next size down clothes but of those I only kept my favorites. They are tucked up out of the way and out of sight. Now I can actually hang my clothes easily and everything hanging up fits! I've also been going through other areas too!
Each time I open a cabinet to put something away I'm looking to see what I don't use to clear it out and it has been so freeing! I just want to say a big thank you for everything you do! I've got your workbook now and will be going through that to get to a minimal-er lifestlye. The concept of inventory and having to manage that inventory is really what clicked with me. Seriously, thank you so much!
This is SO cool!!! Thank you so much!!! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story, I have been up and down with weight for 10 years because of having 3 kids and health issues so wow clothes are so hard.
@@TheOrganizedPineapple they really are! And they can be so emotionally draining. Each time I walked into my closet I would see all the clothes that I couldn't wear and either feel insufficient because I hadn't lost the weight again or sad because I didn't know if I would ever need those maternity clothes again even though I really hoped I would. Now that they are gone so are those intrusive and demeaning thoughts. I can feel confident and not have to make sure I'm grabbing a shirt that's big enough or jeans that are big enough because every single piece fits! I find I'm still editing it too. If I put back something because I don't like it for some reason it automatically goes in the donate bin instead of back in the closet.
@@KraftingKreations yesssss I had these dresses that couldn't fit just right. I loved them but would be constantly reminded that I couldn't wear them. Finally got rid of them and the negative feelings.
I like not only the ways you have helped me deal with the reality in my home, but I like the ways I see you interact with your children. Thumbs UP!
I did a huge pass through to our home last year and love the feeling. This year I am peeling back another layer to see what made the cut last year and re evaluate if we really need it or will use in this upcoming year. So grateful to have found this community
"Stuff that holds stuff, will hold stuff." So true!
One of my favorite IG accounts is always reminding moms that it's ok to buy yourselves new underwear lol. Sometimes we are so worried about the kids' wardrobes that we just make do with worn out bras and underwear, but we deserve better and should make sure to do it!
How grand is our God! You prepared to serve in marketing….and look how He is not wasting any of your skills and talents! He really does want our hearts…and He can handle everything! Love you and Diana!
Thanks for the continued inspiration, Dawn! I am German and born and raised tidy ( much smaller living spaces!) and mama to identical twin girlies who share a tiny bedroom ...I thought I had it all figured out by nature and necessity, but there is always room for improvement to get more out of life. The girls ( 9) are watching along with me . Here is to a lighter yet fuller 2022. Loving it :)
My house gives me so much anxiety and stress, since using your methods I feel so much better. So happy I found you. Still working on it, but love looking at the areas I’ve got done. God bless you and your family. Thank you
Just a suggestion to anyone who doesn’t know but our local animal shelters always need plastic grocery bags so I always bring a bagful to them!
Oh! That’s really good to know!!!
Donate other pet items too!
I recently donated an extra dog beg that was “the wrong size” for my dog and toys he did not play with and a cat bed (as our cat had passed away). There was medication and cat food that I no longer needed and together with some fresh clean blankets from my linen cupboard - the local shelter was so appreciative for everything!
Hi Dawn, I happened upon your channel a couple weeks ago & have been binge watching your past videos. Your tips & advice have come in so handy as I've started going thru 20+ years of stuff & purging ... slowly at first. However today, I took the plunge,, then a deep breath, and purged something I thought was near & dear to my heart ... my grandmother's porcelain wear. I inherited it when we went thru my grandparents things over 20 years ago. I had it carefully packed away stored in a box in the basement for that whole 20 years! Today I pulled that box off the shelf, went through it, loaded it up into my vehicle, and immediately drove to the local donation site before I changed my mind. On my drive home I felt so much lighter. When I look at how uncluttered things are starting to look in my home, I do feel much calmer & at peace. Thank you for sharing with us your journey to minimize.
You have made such a huge difference in my home this year! Thank you for all you do and the videos you post. It is like you speak to me.. you are so positive and kind!
I often declutter my jewelry by donating them to a mission group for pastor’s wives in Africa. So gratifying to give from my excess. I am blessed!
"Donate it or deal with it." That's been my mantra for about 2 years. It's been a serious exercise in self-discipline, I'll tell ya that. But for me, it's the key to successful decluttering. Thanks for another motivating video.
I'm already a subscriber but I just wanted to tell you you just aren't a content creator, you are a LIFE CHANGER!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
HI DAWN! You changed my life in 2021! no big deal💁🏻♀️
paper bags are great for storing potatoes and other root crops
I love the idea of using up your freezer food by just pulling it out and having a few random family meals! Definitely going to try that this week!
Before we were "empty nesters", we would have what we called "fend for yourself" nights.
It was run like a treasure hunt. Each person got a turn at going through the fridge/freezer and finding those random bits of food for thier own dinner, and like Dawn said, it made for some crazy combinations!
Hi Dawn, Im from the Netherlands. And I just love watching your videos. A while ago I started te minimalism challenge with my sister and we completed it succesfully.
Right now I can't stop with decluttering. It gives me so much freedom and space in the house. My husband and I were always complaining about the mess that never seemed to stop. One day we cleaned up everything and the next day the mess was there again. And that was very frustrating. Right now with donating and recycling all of the stuff we don't use. It gives so much peace and less stress. I just love it so much!
I am in a constant state of decluttering in my home. I am working on each room and the garage so its been a lot. Love your videos keeps me motivated.
You have completely changed my life for the better. I am so grateful for your knowledge and expertise. I have gotten rid of at least 70% of our things and I can’t wait to keep going. My husband and kids have noticed the difference and we are all loving our new home and the calmer feeling it has created inside it. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much for your upbeat video!! My children have been grown and gone for several years now and nothing has turned out how I expected. I have complete China sets from grandmothers I always intended to give them that now they really don’t want. Furniture I sent them off to college with that somehow came home. Their own special baby clothes and crib sets I intended to pass on but no modern mom would use today the kind of crib bumpers that were all the rage 35 years ago. We never lived in one place more than 5 years and whenever we moved was when I decluttered. I’ve been in this house almost 15 years now and feel like I’m drowning. Your encouragement is so helpful! Thought you might be interested in how clutter happens to an older generation.
I fell into your you tube in Nov The key was you suggesting I finding out what worked for me. Knowing I am a bee made it so easy to organize in a way that fit me. Decluttering was easier. I don't know how I lived without a command center and how calm I am about my paper now! I keep looking at a empty a shelf in every closet and book case and it brings peace. I have a fancy box out that I add to daily. It is so I can donate to the local school kid's Christmas store again this year. It really encourages me to declutter more because it is a great gift to others. Side benefit is my calm home. Thank you so much.
Trying to learn how to be more tidy so I could manage my household of 6 better lead me to your channel a week ago. I never thought about family minimalism prior. We love it so far! Declutter progress has already lead to a more peaceful mom and home!
Minimalist journey here for 4 years. Best thing ever!
I miss you. I took a break from watching UA-cam. (Needed a mental break) and I'm back and hoping to get re-inspired. Thanks so much for being amazing and willing to share and help all of us.
Decluttering has changed my life in such a positive way. I'm so thankful I learned about minimalism, so much less anxiety.
Hi Dawn! I wanted to tell you that your videos changed my life! A year and half ago I had my missionary friend and her family over to spend the night and for dinner since they were visiting from overseas. I was overwhelmed in life at the time and didn’t get all the cleaning and organizing I wanted to do before they came but I told myself it’s fine you are ministering to them. When I started to give them a house their I realized how much stuff I had. Every room was covered with things. I guess I should saw it wasn’t like a border or anything just too much clutter everywhere. I also realized I had been complaining I needed a bigger space but I realized I needed to get rid of things to make this space work again. It was hard to see that I needed to purge until that tour and then I found you on UA-cam. I went through a year of minimalism and I keep doing it here and there and I even revisited initial areas and go rid of more! I feel calmer, happier , and I’m enjoying my home more! My kitchen is amazing now! It has helped me love life! I have 5 kids and we can accumulate things so quickly. Everyday I would walk around in my house before and it was covered with little clutter everywhere and everything was always getting messy. I didn’t realize how that was contributing to my mood and stress. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love my organization now!
Your videos have been life changing for my whole family. Thank you for giving us permission to let go, and helping us understand our inventory. Blessings to you all!
The mindset shift from your videos has been huge for me. It gets me motivated and excited to tackle my five minutes. I also like giving myself permission to wear the lovely clothes that have been saved. Thank you. ❤️🙏✨
I started decluttering before my first baby 4 years ago and fully adopted minimalism in his 1st year. Now we're expecting baby #2 and my husband has also embraced minimalism. It's amazing how much more at peace I am with our space preparing for this baby!
Hi Dawn! I just wanted to thank you so very much for all you do. I am so thankful for you. You feel like a friend I am visiting every time I watch your videos. I have been watching your channel for a few years now, and you have helped me and my family so extremely much! We have gotten so far in our minimalism journey, and LOVE IT! We would never go back, and we don’t miss out stuff! Just the other day I went to the basement cellar and told my parents, “ we need to declutter mom and dad.” They said , “No, not today.” But I was relentless, and started decluttering. Long story short, we literally filled the whole back of our van with donations, so plus three garbage bags! My dad finally got rid of the things he had been holding onto for so long. We were all sooooo happy after we did this. Now our WHOLE basement functions better and is filled with things we will actually use. But WE WOULD NOT have done this if it weren’t for you, Dawn! You have changed our life for the absolute better and I am so grateful to have you as my friend! Much love ❤️ - Brielle from Canada!
Dawn - you look extra beautiful today (of course, you always do)! That color looks gorgeous on you. I love your channel & you and your family. I enjoy your content so much. You are helping me slowly take my house back! Thank you! And blessings in the new year! 🙏🏻 ❤
Please continue to do your videos. I’ve been watching you for awhile and signed up for your class. My husband and I are collectors/hoarders. He claims to be a pilot (he piles everything on any flat surface). It’s been hard to declutter due to other family commitments and the fact that it’s overwhelming but every video encourages me to keep plugging away at my home. Its taking a long time to change my mind set having been raised by depression era parents. The idea of inventory, quarantining, fantasy self have really helped. It’s been a source of therapy through these trying times. Seeing such a sweet family has also been wonderful.
Thank you and Tom for all you do.
Oh my gosh Dawn, I can't believe I just happened to do yesterday, what you suggested in this video today!! I had dropped off the bag to the donation bins this morning after my workout at the gym! What a reward it was to come home sit down for lunch, and enjoy your latest video knowing that I'd already done this! And all it had started with yesterday was the fact that I wanted to clean out my sock drawer to put in the new socks I'd received for Christmas which turned into going through my unmentionables drawer, my pj drawer Etc and then it was on to the bathroom where I found some scented hand creams and a hair product or face product or two! Which led to the linen closet where I found gloves and then the bill-paying basket where I found paper money rolls & dried up super glue among other things! There were so many items & I thought I had just gotten everything recently. All this I did in probably a half an hour tops. It's so rejuvenating!!! P.S. I can't believe that Gage is already 8 years old, time is flying! Our youngest just turned 21 recently😉 Also, that color of top looks beautiful on you & your hair color and style is so becoming on you🥰
I love those instances when you just flow from one mini-declutter to the next! You've added to my excitement for finding things to clear out this new year -- thanks!!
I want to thank you so very much for all your inspiration that you give us. I needed to declutter but kept putting it off. Because of you I have gone through a box of 10 black bags, and just bought a pack of 20 and know I will use them all. Blessings to you and Tom and your sweet children. God Bless you all.🥰
Hi Dawn - Great video. This is my year and I can't wait to make it happen. I moved into this house 29 years ago on a Friday. For 3 nights we had 2 cars in the garage. After our stuff came on Monday we have never had a car in the garage. We now have only 1 car, and so my goal is to get that back in the garage this year. Woo Woo. Thanks for inspiring us all and continued success. Love PegEgg
Love the Way that blouse 👚 looks on your. Very Elegant Blouse, nice enough for church.
I have been in chronic pain for about a a. I decided that because, I can't decluter my home at the moment, I will decluter my body. I am doing a 7 day fast, for my health. It's supposed to help me out of pain. Then, I will start some of the declutering, I started last year. I did clean up alot of little things just before New Years. Our living room looks better than it has in about a year 1 & ½. The hardest room for me is my own bedroom. I just don't have storage, maybe if I get some clear containers and put them on top of on of my furniture. Yes, but only 3 if, I measure first to see, if they fit. I need one to work as a filling cabinet. Yes, all the rooms in my home are Multi use/multi function, beyond how little they are. Wish I had a finish basement or a finish attic to use as a bedroom and make small storage area that only I would use. I had a small unit my husband took over now, I can't get to my things.
Since I've already made several passes through our entire home over the past several years it's more about tidying with very little to discard. Retired, grown kids with homes of their own. Organized my office closet today. Been putting it off for a year and I got it done while chatting with a friend on the phone with very little to discard. FELT AMAZING! I am going to do every storage space again and get it all spruced up again. Our garage is the one place that's cluttered with my husband's tools and hardware and wood. We work on it a bit at a time.... this spring when it warms up I'm committed to finishing it up. Happy New Year wonderful encourager!
Great job getting that done!
I finished my first layer of decluttering last November, and now I am gearing up for layer #2! Can't wait to have even less to manage! Thanks for all your videos and help! You have helped me to drastically reduce my stress level!
YOU are changing lives!
Good reminder to turn my hangers. I stopped what I was doing and did it right away. AND, after going through my clothes more than once last year, I found a few more things to donate. Thanks for the reminder!
It’s amazing how few clothes I need now. I love your videos and grab some coffee when I sit down to watch you each time. It’s a wonderful break! Thanks for each and every video .
I have decluttered so much since your videos have become my coffee break every morning. Thank you Dawn!
I've started with visual clutter and let me just say that alone has encouraged me to keep going ❤️😊 Here's to better home management! 😁
I love the color of your shirt. It makes your face glow. Definitely not boring. Thank you for not wearing black.
Hi Dawn. I blessedly stumbled onto your UA-cam channel during the lockdown. I found it interesting that we share our name and, ironically, my husband’s name just happens to be Tom! I’m 66 yrs. old and I’m living proof that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Like so many of your followers, you have changed my life for the better. Thank you for all you do.
Dawn
my Grandmother would have us over for dinner and tell us we were having "musgo".....
everything in the fridge that "must go"!
Dawn, you are delightful to watch and I thank you.
As I am going through my things to decide what to discard, I recall Dawn saying "i don't want to manage this inventory"
and I think....I don't want to either ;) it helps me.
I'm so thankful for your knowledge and experience.
Me too! I also only kept ornaments off my tree that fit in one box. Container method. 🥳
You're my favourite youtuber Dawn. I love how down to earth you are , your ideas and faith. Thank you!
Dawn, I watch every one of your videos as they come out. I feel like you and Tom are friends, even though we’ve never met.
I used 2021 as a year to lose 50 pounds, so I have had to completely turn over my wardrobe. I’ve also done quite a bit of decluttering in the past 2 years, thanks to you, Cass, and Dana. There’s still more to do, but our home is more peaceful now. Thank you, thank you!!
Love, love , love you and all your inspiration and instructions! i am about to begin my declutter journey. i am 69 and it’s just me and my hubby. i “purged” when we moved 4 years ago…only to find myself weighed down with things i did not purge and new things that need to go. before i heard of swedish death cleaning, i already began throwing out stuff i knew my kids wouldn’t want and certainly would not want to deal with when i am gone!! i have begun Dana’s book, as you recommended and loving it…but i have watched only your videos so far and some “But first, coffee” videos…tho she admits she is not a full-fledged minimalist. i think i am ready to become one! so thank you for all the work you put into helping us out here…even those like me who tend to be organized but still have WAY TOO MUCH!!! i have a request…i don’t believe you have done a video on decluttering the car…a challenge since there are things that you NEED in a car for “just-in-case”. do you have plans to do a video on car decluttering? again, thanks sooo much!! sorry this is so loooong! ☺️
In Maine we no longer have plastic bags in our stores, some stores have paper bags but you have to pay for them and some stores have nothing for you to put your purchases in. so, reusable bags are needed, which can be a pain if you forget your bags at home. Love your suggestions on decluttering. Thank you Rhonda
I am moving along slowly with decluttering! It feels great when I get some space back. Thanks!
You are my favorite You Tube channel !!! Love you in BLACK !!! YOU ARE THE BEST !!!! Love Tom and the kids also !!! Excited to see what your future holds.
Okay, Dawn. I did it. I donated 23 pair of my "smaller" jeans. I had them in storage just in case. That top looks cute on you.
LOVE your shirt! You’re so beautiful, inside and out! Thank you for being authentic and feeling like a friend, even though we have never met!
Great tips. I’ve never thought of decluttering my freezer. My husband does the grocery shopping/cooking.
You’re a life saver! I purchase approximately 75% of the materials in my classroom, and different years present students with different needs, so it’s hard to let things go, not knowing the needs of the next group. I am opening my classroom to another teacher, starting a job share in 2 weeks, and I want to give her 50% of the (limited) shelves and cupboards. Your onion philosophy has been a game changer. For a month, I’ve been going through the room in a loop, peeling through the layers. I’m almost at my 50% empty goal. I appreciate your practical, real world approach beyond measure. Thank you ♥️♥️♥️.
Love love love you. I've been working hard since Christmas on decluttering. This morning I'm sitting on my clean living room floor doing a puzzle with my toddler without the guilt that I should be doing so many other things.
There is more to do for sure but being able to play with my toddler is amazing.
Dawn,
I watch your videos daily. I get so much positive encouragement and learn so much! Plus, you’re just fun and brighten my day. I just finished fixing my dishwasher. You may ask how does that involve you. I’ll tell you. I first checked the breaker box because the disposal wouldn’t even make a sound. In order to check it, I had to get to it in the garage. Both my garage and the little room behind it, which can normally be entered from inside, were blocked. Once I got through all that, I checked the box. I then went to reset the little button on the bottom of the disposal, which required moving a lot of stuff from the cabinet beneath the sink to get to. I then had to stick my mop head in the disposal to push the gears loose. I was able to fix it, but the whole ti
me I was thinking how much simpler and faster the whole process could have been if I didn’t have to fight to get to everything that my junk was blocking! I don’t intend to be in that position again! The stuff that’s blocking my life, literally, has to go! So thanks for your encouragement and training. I WILL overcome the overwhelm of stuff!
Carol Herndon
I really like the shirt you've been wearing in your recent videos. looks really pretty on you.
I moved your decluttering question to another level. Now i ask "would Dawn keep it?" :D :D you are the biggest help i have had in years dawn. I am so thankful for you. I discovered you only Few days before XMas and now already now our house is so much lighter. I tried minimalism so many times with different people but it never worked. Dawn, you make such a huge difference, your kindness and personality how you bring this difficult message to us is a gift you multiplied 511K times! I pray may God give you this year things you never even dare to dream about (not speaking about materialistic stuff ).
Thank you so much for the inspiration, Dawn!! I have gotten so much help with decluttering my house by listening to you!!!!💖
The plastic bags you can use as trashbags (in the kitchen- or bathroomtrashcan for example..)
Commenting for engagement 😁 Love your videos!! I am definitely not a minimalist, but you are so so motivating and help me declutter and organize
I have never left a comment on anyone's video ever! But I have watched many if not all of your videos and just like everyone else, I am so grateful for this gift you have given to me and so many others. You are beautiful inside and out! And yes, I would gladly subscribe. Thanks! 🥰
Thank you thank you for doing what you do! So happy for your success and hitting 500k! Your videos are so helpful! Also love seeing you and Tom doing projects and seeing your sweet kids! ❤️ -Whitney
Freezer organization is helping with the pandemic with more on hand than normal. I keep two baskets per shelf in my upright freezer. On my phone, I list what is in each basket and sell buy date or best buy date. Newest is in one basket, use up first in a basket, garden stuff in two baskets, turkeys and hams on a shelf, and miscellaneous in bottom pullout basket. Butter, cream cheese, packages of veggies in door. Dates on all meat and packages. Helping me. Hope it helps some else.
Loving the pop of color from your shirt! 😊
I love referee others to watch your video. I love listening to you as cleaning and decluttering you give me inspiration everyday dawn thank you.
I’m finally living my dream as a SAHM, and let me tell you, it wasn’t the fairy tale story I thought it would be 😆 hence you have saved me from losing my marbles!!! I was totally relating with everything you said, and I have watched and rewatched your videos because I am so over picking up the same old stuff. It’s not easy, but I am slowly but surely building my decluttering muscles and I have you to thank for that!
You freaking rock! 💕
You and Tom are so kind and believable! We watch and love your ideas.
Happy New Year. I’ve been following along since the beginning, but never commented. Thank you for putting out such great content so consistently. The way you communicate these ideas just clicks and has made such a difference. Even my kids reference the minimal mom when I talk about doing another round of decluttering in their rooms each season. You are the best!
I like that idea of " if I was wearing this, would I be embarrassed if I answered the door." Clever idea, Dawn.