Sarah from Our Tribe of Many sent me here. My husband passed away 4 months ago and I am beginning the heartbreaking task of getting rid of his things. I looked around at all of the “stuff” we have accumulated over the past 45 years and I am appalled. It’s all going. His, mine, grown children who don’t even live here anymore. I haven’t felt excited about much lately, but this has created a tiny spark and I’m anxious to get started. I must now create a new life for myself and this is where I’m starting. Wish me luck.
Interesting, I grew up in Brazil and I didn’t have much stuff. However, I learned that having stuff was a blessing. So I killed myself to be grateful for the stuff I had so I wasn’t ungrateful. For years we were very poor and every Christmas I wanted to give my children tons of stuff so I would feel better. After learning about minimalist life I had to change my internal culture . I had to understand less stuff means more time, more money , more fun with people. Specially for my refrigerator, I needed to have a full refrigerator so I didn’t feel poor, now I buy what we need and I feel blessed when I see an empty refrigerator ( because it means we ate all the food and didn’t waste it) . So sometimes we have to change our internal culture to make changes. Thank you for your videos.
That was a beautiful comment - I hate to waste food yet still end up doing it at times - and there are a lot of things that 2 people need a little of, but you have to buy such a large quantity - I am trying to be more mindful of what I buy - it’s not like I have to walk 10 miles to the grocery if I happen to run out of something
I’m from Brasil and I share the same feelings... It’s a battle inside of me between giving to my kids what I couldn’t have vs trying to keep up with everything we have already.
Yes. I grew up with my mom always having things in its place. We had a blended family of eight children and at one time she was a single mom with three children. But she decorated but it wasn't so much that she couldn't keep it straight. She could have anybody walk in the door any time and it was never a mess. She says to this day at 82 years old when she would tell someone she had to clean it would be to vacuum or do your weekly cleaning it wasn't having to find her house again because she kept things it had to have a place or she didn't keep it
Will be mine as well! 😊 I have two newborns and I feel like most of my time is all of that stuff that gets my attention! Its just insane... It creates lot of stress... shit is everywhere.. Cant mantain it clean neither... cuz stuff is everywhere in the way! last 4 days Ive been slowly chucking my useless stuff away! Tomorow I will be free. I will no longer be shifting them, dusting or walking around it. You wont be stealing my precious time with my babies anymore! 😊
@dungotaaja congratulations on your babies!! How are they and you doing? And as they get more mobile any clutter just makes it more overwhelming, harder to clean and affects your mood! I love love love what you said about not stealing precious time from your babies.. the easier the home is to manage the more time we have both for ourselves and our family ❤
Yes Libby! An excellent birthday gift choice! Mine is in June and I told my family I wanted them to research where we could donate the food we don't eat that's totally still good but always ends up bursting out of our cupboards! Sounds like we're being martyrs, but really-- it brings US just as much joy as it does our family. Maybe even more for us because it makes our souls feel so good to provide a clean, simple home for our family that runs smoothly and we can now have time to hang out together without the guilt of looming clutter! ❤
Several years ago we got rid of a bunch of things and the donation truck asked if we were moving. I laughed and said no we are just downsizing getting rid of stuff that I realize I don't need to keep to make me remember those people and I am continually doing that step by step by step it is such freedom. I can cherish the people in my heart and laugh at the memories it doesn't mean I have to have all their stuff even though I bought it from my Grandma's estate sale to make her happy. She's now passed on and some of her stuff is done but you know what she's alive in my heart
No indoor plumbing for me till 7th grade. I slept in the attic room that 100 degrees + in summer and ice on the blanket in winter. Chores, chores, chores was my daily life. Hand me down from the boys cause I was only girl. Sounds awful doesn't it. I would go back again and again for that simple joy and freedom that defined me. Thanks to your channel I am remembering and creating that life again.
@@username00009 I would wait till everyone was asleep and sneek out. I would go down the hill to the pond and sleep on the cool grass there. That was so long ago. I got caught a couple of times, but that was so long ago and it was safe.
Teresa, same but different. I grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina and still live in the house I was born in. We didn’t have indoor plumbing until I was about 10. My grandparents house didn’t have it until after my grandmother passed in 1977. We grew up working the tobacco, potato and corn fields behind a team of horses. We were dirt poor and life was very difficult, but I would trade just about everything I have now to go back to that time. I still heat with wood and don’t have air conditioning, I still raise a garden by myself. It’s still hard in some ways, but well worth it.
The way God used Joshua Becker in your life, He used you in mine. I am so thankful that you started making videos. I have been on a journey towards a minimalist lifestyle for the past three years, and I am so grateful! My life is so different-everything I own I love or use. Cleaning is so easy; decorating and rearranging is fun. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I am genuinely so grateful for you!!!
Yes, Yvette!! I so agree! I’m so glad I found Dawn on YT! Truly life changing!! ❤️ I’m always so excited for the next video and enjoy past videos as well!
My husband freaked out each time I would take a trunk load of stuff to the donation center. “You’re getting rid of the crockpots!?!?!” He’d say. (He never did the cooking.) Then one day he made himself breakfast. He could find everything. He could easily clean up and put everything away. Game changer, as he now cooks more often and ALWAYS cleans up no matter who cooks. This doesn’t mean the process was perfect. And you’ll know when you’ve gone too far. For instance, I reduced our bath towels to one set per person. Um, turns out we need two 🤷🏻♀️, just in case one set is in the wash. But the world didn’t end that day as I found our beach towels worked in a pinch. 😉 just keep going, and the universe will let you know when you’ve gone too far. 💛
I stayed home with my 3 children until the youngest was in middle school. It made me mad when people would say I was "lucky" I could do that. I wasn't lucky! We made a choice and did without things, because it was important.
This!! Staying home is not necessarily a luxury. If people didn’t buy cars and houses and stuff they couldn’t afford moms would be able to give the best gift of all to their children: their time.
I stayed home and raised my 2 daughters also ...and homeschooled part of that time. I had people hating on me for doing that and not "bringing home a paycheck", which meant they thought I was a pretty useless person I guess, but I feel that working an outside job wouldn't have been the type of life I wanted, since I so much wanted to be a big part of raising my children. If you happen to marry someone whose divorced mom worked 2 or 3 jobs to get by, it's really hard for them sometimes to understand why you'd stay home with the kids, because they never experienced that with their own mom when they were growing up.
I did the same and had to hear the same from a lot of people. Now - years later, I still enjoy shoving my two sons (19 and 20 yrs) what is possible and how tiny we can live, how easy everything becomes and how little owning stuff has to do with happiness and being content in life. 🙏❤
When my daughters were young, we went into survival mode. As a result, we didn’t invite people into our home. That was 2006. We had bins and bins stacked up all over our home as I tried to organize everything. I finally started getting rid of junk and I’m planning to have family over soon. I regret my children growing up ashamed to invite their friends over. But now I have hope. Thanks for giving me permission to get rid of all my stuff
Yes!! This was my exact thoughts watching this! My last child was born in 2005 and I am starting the minimalist journey now. I really regret that they weren’t able to grow up in it. At least I know I made their childhood fun when I could!
I feel this so much. I regret all the memories we could have made in our home with our friends and family and I and worried my almost grown daughter will resent me for the way we lived, and now I almost feel guilty if I change, because she missed out on it.
@@taralundstrom2819 dont feel guilty! It is not to late to recapture what was stolen. Get yourself organized and then start asking yourself what can I do today that will show my daughter I value her. Do 3-5 simple things a week. A card and phone call a door dash delivery, a framed photo with a note of what that moment meant to you. Amazon her next mentioned need, such as if she mentioned I just ran out of zip locks. I need to change 3 light bulbs, or ask to zoom and play a game of scattegories or read a novel or the bible together. Invest in thoughtfulness in the now and mistakes of the past will fade.💕 I wrote this thinking she was 20-25 and lived separately but you get the idea right? Start a new tradition like we pick up half priced sushi from our local grocery on Wednesdays and eat it outside during the sunset.
I am not immune to our clutter. I am no longer physically able to keep things in order. I have decided to search for a very brave compassionate housekeeper willing to help with organization and making trips to the DAV with donations and the dump. One of the best things we have done for ourselves was hire a gardener a few years ago. Aging can be difficult but we at least will be able to stay in our home a little longer.
Having clear hallways, and closets and cabinets that are not stuffed, creates more safety. Nothing to trip over, fall on top of us, or snag us as we go by. Eliminating bulky furniture can mean being able to use a walker or wheel chair, install railings and supports, even if a home is not originally designed for aging or being differently abled. Even when we get to where we benefit from a housekeeper, a minimalist home means having to have them over less, and saving money even at that. Kudos to you. We can give ourselves the gift of simplicity and greater clarity and joy at any age. You inspire me.
Yes! I get so overwhelmed when I try to organize and sort. By the time I finish one room I am so exhausted I go too long before starting another and before I know it I am back at square one. I have been thinking of hiring someone to help me. I just haven't been able to bring myself to begin the search. I hope you update us of your success!
My husband grew up in extreme poverty in the mountains of China, they literally didn’t have running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, nothing - it’s insane to think how different life is now!
Reminds me of that old story about a group of women who were asked to nominate which kitchen item they couldn't live without, and one said a dishwasher, another the microwave, another a fridge freezer, but an old woman said, "Really?! I would choose running water every time!"
@@annarchydeclutteranddesign413 Yeah, they had to carry it in buckets from the river, build a fire, etc for a cup of tea. Hats off to my MIL who did it all with 5 small kids.
I am naturally a neat and organized person that is getting more minimal over time. I always felt bad when I saw those “A messy home is a happy home” signs because it made me think that maybe I wasn’t a good or fun mom because my house was neat. Other moms would say things like “ you must clean all the time. “ We all have to check those inner voices and criticisms.
I hear you on feeling somewhat guilty over the "messy is happy," but then i think, that's not right either because we need to teach our children to take care of themselves and to respect the effort their parents and later themselves have put into obtaining something. You don't treat clothing that you traded several hours of your life for as junk, tossing it around, letting it get stained or ripped easily. Sure when kids are little, it's easy for the floor to be strewn with toys and clothes, the dishes to be piled up, etc, but you can train your child through all of that too as they grow. You don't want your future son- or daughter in-law to curse you for raising a messy kid who can't take care of him or herself.🤦🏼♀️😄
I completely agree with you both! The tossing back and forth of my feelings towards that saying was emotionally exhausting. Thankful to know what I know now, thanks to Dawn and a few others.
Oh yeah, I sometimes feel like something was wrong with me, because I get sooo stressed out if something is messy. I am not able to concentrate on playing with the kids, I can not be creative... Of course, my children make some chaos and I sometimes find bricks in the undergarments etc., BUT Every evening I am able to go to bed in a neat, relaxing athmosphere. But I am no organized person by birth. I have to work for it, but it is better for me and the kids, because I am not stressed out by all the stuff.
Exactly! I’m not a minimalist by any means,but by stopping my needless spending and really keeping track of my money i was able to leave my job and be a stay at home mom for the last 11 years, and I am so thankful! I look at people around me with stuff exploding into their yards and having 2 sheds and not being able to park their cars in the garage because they are so full and it just blows my mind. The amount of stuff people have is crazy!
I love the honoring way you talk about your parents! You are right - this is an issue of our generation more than any other! Thanks for not just giving in to "it's just the way it is." Thanks for sharing your authentic self as we navigate this journey of life together!
I’m not crying, you’re crying. I’m fine. It’s fine. Life changing, encouraging, honest, and authentic. Love this video and the changes in our lives that you have encouraged! 😘
Years ago, a friend of mine told me that she had "saved" good towels that she got as a wedding gift. Only to be used for "guests" BUT one day there was a fire & everything was destroyed! No one got to enjoy those "good" towels, etc. So why are we keeping those special things for some day that might never happen?!? This is just one lesson that has been in the back of my mind as I go through my stuff! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!! Your wisdom is so inspirational & encouraging!
Or clothes that you keep for “good”...dishes...this can apply to anything. If you’re not using it, then get rid of it! My late husband had clothes that he never wore because he was keeping them for good. Made me so sad!
@@elainerupp3888 My late husband kept EVERY issue of National Geographic & Scientific American magazine as well as others. Plus every computer he ever possessed. Good news is that I came across "The Swedish Death Cleaning" concept shortly after his passing. Dealing with his "stuff" as well as my dad's, then my mom's has really helped me rethink my "stuff"/life! I'm sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I hope things are going better for you now.
@@eunicebenedict7831 My goodness so similar! Except mine had lots of clothes that he didn't need and since he had worked for a couple of hardware stores, lots of tools! (He knew how to use them too). My biggest takeaway has been to use my good things and NOT save them for whenever! This will be 8 years...I will always miss him (Tom reminds me of a younger Vern) but life is going better. I got rid of so much stuff and ended up moving from OH to KS!
We have friends with two girls, and their dad was hospitalized this past week with heart trouble. Because of how simple we keep our home and routine with our four boys, we were able to take the girls for many nights this week with no trouble. Totally pays to live with only what we need and use. More glory to God, less stuff. More room for people and service is what really matters! ❤️ I tend to want to keep food around to feed extra people than have anything else in excess.
Youve changed our life. No joke. Your home tour was randomly on my home page.. Since ive watched that ive never been the same. God knew i needed this..
Years ago, when we realized we would raise our two grandchildren and homeschool them, I remember standing in the middle of my dining room and asking God how I could survive. Flylady was my life line. But for decluttering......there was no Minimal Mom! Our word was simplify! I didn't want those items that took up my time. It's a lifetime deal. We still declutter on a daily basis. It sure is worth it!
As a mom of three, soon to be four, I can totally vouch for everything you’ve said here! I started in October and I’ve completely purged my house. I get the “are u moving out” comments. But by eliminating things and social media from my life, I’m more focused, intentional and happy than I’ve ever been. It’s the most freeing, liberating thing that’s every happened to me. We have a lot more income too- just don’t buy stupid stuff anymore. You’ve helped me so much!
@@krosario3322 I totally understand!! We donated almost everything! I sold only one thing it was worth a lot. But all toys shoes clothing etc. that I was donated went straight to goodwill!!! We are on a single income and could have used the extra money but I would have never finished if I sold everything LOL good luck mama! Just get rid of it all! lol
@@MommyBee1589 Thank you for this. We are in this position and I already feel guilty for being a stay at home mother and not contributing financially. The idea that I 'could' earn some money from selling our clutter is holding me up so much. I'll hear your words when I next declutter, "Just get rid of it all!" x
@@MommyBee1589 THANK YOU SO MUCH!! That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say. I have 4 kids, and I honestly need to admit to myself that I don't have the time to sell things. Now I feel like I can donate without guilt!!
I am so thankful for that first time you gave me permission to get rid of my stuff. Thank you for being to me what Joshua Becker was to you!!! This was life changing.
What is the question being asked? I am really confused with this statement! I've been looking at lots of Dawn's videos and still trying to work out what the question is or what the statement 🤔 means.
@@sunbeamred8175 Dawn's video from a week or so ago titled, "5 Tips to Declutter Faster" might help you. Tip #2 is about the clear YES, and goes from minutes 2:13 to 7:09 (or thereabouts).
@@sunbeamred8175 The question is 'Do I need this?' If you cannot answer with firm YES, i.e. you are unclear about the answer, then interpret this as 'NO, I DO NOT need this.
@@cherrytreeblossom8475 Thanks It's a simple question and should be simple enough to answer, but in my case I'll have to practise saying yes or no because of the mountains ⛰ of 'stuff ', however, I'm sure that once I start (which I have already) and have a few rounds/sweeps around the house it'll be clearer and easier 😀
We too began simplifying and “lessening our load” six years ago. Once in a while I miss something. For instance for “Pi Day” I made a chocolate tofu pie that turned out so pretty. I briefly wished I’d kept my Mom’s glass cake stand. But then remembered that using it would have meant bending down on the floor and removing a whole bunch of other glass things and getting it out from a deep cupboard and then it couldn’t go in the fridge so I’d just wash it and repeat the process in reverse. I have other pretty things I use all the time, almost daily, that remind me of and honor my Mom. I don’t need the cake stand too. So I just enjoyed the pie. 😋
Your encouragement to get rid of stuff, helped me to get rid of the tables, plants and extra things in my living room that were just there to look pretty. I was extremely thankful I had when I had to call an ambulance for my husband. I was able to just open the door and they were able to get the stretcher in with room to take care of him quickly without "things" in the way.
That is a crazy thought! Many peoples homes are probably too cluttered for emergency hero’s to effectively help those in need. Thankful your hubby was taken care of!
Both of my parents worked fulltime, and yet we still relied on welfare for food and medicine. (11 kids) We had so little that we developed habits of holding onto everything! We were also never taught how to deal with the available excess. My siblings who aren't struggling with all the extra, married someone who was taught how to get rid of the extra. My wife and I are new to this, and she is already asking if we should just get a dumpster delivered because we keep filling up the garbage cans. It is liberating reclaiming space in the home and garage!
You can sell some items to put the money in savings or to pay off debt. When I donate I ask family if they would like anything. First come, first serve, no holds. Sometimes I just donate to a women's or men's shelter. I feel a lot of people donate to thrift and goodwill. There are people in shelters that don't even have enough to shop at the thrift stores. They are saving on a place to live at. Feels good they are donated so they can be picked up for free.
@@lalahdz9553 We are donating usable items, but most of the clutter is paper, broken toys, worn out clothing. Things we paid for, used up, and held on to because of childhood guilts.
Woo-hoo! So inspirational, Alma! Sending good vibes your way as you two work your way thru your home and simplify things. I'm finally on the other side of the clutter mountain... and it's so awesome over here!!! Literally changed our lives! You sound like an awesome team--keep up the good work!
I felt so good when my sister-in-law came to visit with her 3 little ones, all under 5. She told me she didn't have to worry about her kids getting into anything at our house because we don't have a bunch of "stuff" everywhere. That was when it may have hit home that I am getting there. I don't need *ALL* the decor and useless things that other people seem to think I should have. It felt great. I also didn't have to run around trying to hide everything before they arrived.
I think people confuse minimalism with asceticism, so when they see someone who has more than a bowl, a spoon, and the clothes on their back, they say “You’re not a minimalist!”
Also, if you have adult children living with you, they tend to accumulate dishes in their room, so you need a certain minimum amount to get by, I find!
When you talked about not getting rid of the things you actually use, those things that make life easier for you...that made something click for me. I thought I couldn't be a "minimalist" because we actually use SO much stuff (we have a homestead). For example, I have TWO large stockpots. We use them weekly to heat up milk from our cow so that we can skim the cream for butter (so we also have a cream separator). So I'm thinking I'll come up with my OWN type of minimalism - purposeful minimalism. We have brooders, incubators, calf blankets, waterers, etc. that are used seasonally but each and every one has a real purpose. Just like my second stockpot! Thank you Dawn! Your willingness to be so open and vulnerable about your life is making a difference in people's lives. I pray God continues to bless your work!
I hear you there. Been slowly building my homestead, and have been acquiring all the supplies that go with each new endeavor. Plus, if you try to make alot of things from scratch, rather than buy, many supplies there to manage too. Still working on the purge and seeking inspiration.
So very true, now instead of toys on a floor I have sticky and muddy floor to clean as our kids spend more time outdoors but at least they’re closer to nature and each other ❤️
After my parents died and I brought a lot of their things into my small house, I had boxes and stuff in my living room and dining room. It was so stifling that all I did for months after work was watch TV or go online so I didn’t have to look at it or deal with it. So thankful to be past that and to have gotten rid of a lot of my inventory, thanks to your encouragement!
I think my whole life I wanted to be a minimalist but just didn't know how, I would periodically purge but kept bringing new stuff in. Even as a kid I would feel overwhelmed by so much stuff. My aha moment was after bringing my twins home to our 600 square foot apartment. I was sick due to pregnancy complications, it felt like all I ever did was wash bottles and feed babies. I started having mini decluttering sessions while they were napping, when I had the energy. It started with me purging all of the nursing clothing I had bought and couldn't use, no use hanging on to it, let someone who can use it have. It just snowballed from there, next it was the maternity clothing because I couldn't get pregnant again, then it was the old clothing from high school and college that was worn out or didn't fit anymore. Then my tiny kitchen, I had to make room for all those bottles. I just kept going and going, the more I purged the more I wanted to purge. Fast forward 3.5 years, we own way less stuff now then when I first brought my babies home, that includes kids toys and clothing.
There are so many smart women sharing their organized homes on CZcams. I forget who said it but what reasonated with me was if some area in your home is constantly out of control it's because you don't have a good system for dealing with it. Whatever it is, laundry, dishes, bathroom clutter, hallway, everything needs a system. Once you've established a system, or a place for everything, walk it through from beginning to end in detail & teach the family. With consistency & tweeking where necessary you'll have another successful area of your home. But if you can't make it work, YOU'VE GOT TOO MUCH STUFF. LOL
Hopefully short story. I subscribed to your channel in early Dec. My son had 2 brain bleeds and was hospitalized for 44 days beginning Dec 15th. When my granddaughter brought me clothes (he was in a hospital 2 hours away), not one single thing fit except my shoes. While he's better and healing, I've had time to re-group. Needless to say, now everything I have in my house fits me. If omeone has to pack for me ever again, I'm sure that EVERYTHING will be fine at least with clothing and toiletries. Thank you for your help.
I too went through a terrible time with my adult daughter she had autoimmune encephalitis and was hospitalized for a year. If you ever thought stuff was important you find out quickly it's not the stuff-its family. I am "decluttering" the stuff and have been for a year now. Prayers for your son and you! God bless.
I started decluttering and minimizing a year ago. Your videos have been an inspiration. I'm slowly working through each room. My bedrooms, closets and bathrooms have been clean and 100% organized and manageable for a whole year. It's amazing. I'm tackling the kitchen now. Thanks for the motivation to keep on going.
I WISH WISH WISH I had thought or known to seek this out when I was raising our kids. But, no looking back! They're adults inb their 20s now and I can still set the example of how care-free our home is now every time they visit thanks to the simplyfying we continue to do! What better motivation to go visit Mom and Dad than a cozy, stress free environment where everybody gets to hang out, laugh, eat good food and play games together?! And nobody is excluded because they have to spend hours cleaning up!
YES! This is me! I wish I had known about this when the boys were little and growing up in our fairy messy an chaotic house. But I comfort myself that now it is so tidy and uncluttered, that it is a haven for them when they visit from their share houses LOL.
Oh, man, I was a young mom in the early 1990s and I can't even tell you how many days the house was a wreck from the time we got up till that phone call from my husband saying he had just left work and was on his way home. I'd rush to think of something for dinner and start picking up the clutter. Shoving things into laundry baskets to be stowed in the kids rooms or the basement. All clean for hubby. I always said men will never know all that women manage but there I was hiding all that I did manage to present a perfect home for him when he got there. CRAZY!!!
Same .I had my eldest in 89 , then 94 and 96 .Everyday was crazy cleaning ! I didn't mind the fact my kids liked to be creative and build ect ..IT WAS simply to much Crapola.We have big families on both sides. Now I'm expecting my first grandchild in July.My youngest son , daughter in law and my daughter all live with me. I will make sure my grandson has plenty of educational books ect ...But I will never do that to him , the way my in laws did to my kids. IT
My favorite word is “inventory” and I’m trying to get my husband to understand. He complains the house it too big to manage, and I try to tell him we have too much stuff to manage. When everything has a place to be easily put away, the dusting, vacuuming and general cleaning are easy to do. Minimalism is a little too extreme for our lifestyle, but the general principle of reducing inventory is perfect!
I liked your comments about how even if we don't have a lot of money we end up spending money at the dollar store. But have you noticed that things used to be simpler years ago? What used to be a Christmas tree and a nativity at Christmas is now decorations in every room! Even Christmas kitchen towels, candles, wreaths on the front door and the grill of the car. The list goes on and on. Every holiday it's more, more more. When I was a kid the only time a person got a limo ride was for their wedding or funeral. Now kids get a limo ride for prom. It just seems like everything is excess and over the top. We get in this pattern of craving all the things for all the different times of our lives. It's too much. So many things I'm grateful for the knowledge of-minimalism is one of them.
Thank you for your perspective, Jennifer. Knowledge is key to most of life. You also have given me motive to let go of the Christmas towels, etc. (none of which I purchased) that always did seem more like decor than for the purpose of drying my hands. Not even for "Christmas in July" will I keep or use them. Thanks again.
As a stay at home mom myself, this was very nice to hear! We are slowly taking baby steps into minimalism ourselves and it already feels so much better! Thank you for this inspiring video!
I appreciate you. I became a minimalist by necessity after my 30 year marriage (steeped in consumerisn) ended. I embraced minimalism out of necessity - not much money and not much room to keep the stuff. Finally, over 10 years later my finances have improved. I now realize I DO NOT want to fill my life with stuff this time around. And it feels so good. Thank you for all you do.
Two years ago we got rid of 80 percent of our things. We downsized from a 4 bedroom home to a small 2 bedroom apartment. I don't miss any of the things we got rid of! I just started decluttering and getting rid of even more! What a good feeling!
Thank you, Dawn as always you are so transparent and gracious as well as helpful. Joshua Becker was my wakeup call too on focus on the family. I bought his book and was all fired up when my husband had a massive stroke that kept me from home for 160 days. Talk about overwhelmed! Here's a quote I refer to almost daily and a scripture that keeps me caring for my disabled husband and decluttering; "Home should be the setting for life, not the measure of it" "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you " I Chronicles 28:20 NLT Perhaps this will encourage some one else as it has me on days I feel despair.
Dawn, you have changed my life with your vision. I can't begin to tell you the chain reaction caused by stumbling on one of your videos back in the summer of 2019. I only wish we had minimalism support groups to process the emotions of letting go together. I think letting go of things has been some of the most profound spiritual work of my life. Yet, it's a lonely experience when all my friends are "traditionalists." Thank you for all you do.
Wow I love that you mentioned that myth that in order to be a good mom then you have to have a messy house. Without so much stuff it is manageable to do both. My mental health suffers so much when there's tons of clutter.
It's obvious in hindsight, but everything is. To stop doing something you're certain isn't working, and start doing something you're not certain will be working, actually takes a great deal of courage.
I’m doing a 6 month lose-weight bet/wager and with that I’m doing six months to a minimal home. It’s time. I’ll be 40 in August and I’m ready to be lighter-in all aspects.
@@fbfunmilayojoybafuwa3643 I went to Healthy Wager and made a bet with myself that I could lose a certain amount of weight in a time frame. I needed some leverage. So I pay a certain amount every month and if I’ve lost the weight in 6 months then I win back my money, almost doubled. If I lose, I lose the money. It’s simple, but I’m frugal enough that I don’t want to waste my money. I have a hard time being accountable to others, so this is working...I hope.
🥰I’m so thankful that my mom told me about your channel over a year ago! You have changed my life for the better! I’m so thankful for your wisdom! And thank you for taking all of this time to encourage others! I know it takes a lot of energy to have video content, write down what you want to say, edit, post, thumbnail image, etc...there is so much that you do and I want you to know it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you! 🥰
It was 2 years ago in January that I found your channel. I was doing ok at keeping up with the house, but was still overwhelmed. I didn't think I had an overabundance as I always had a donation box on the go. I was experiencing the same emotions of why can't I be content, why did it take so long to tidy up, etc. I started searching on youtube for decluttering tips from moms, not from single people. I needed advice from a mom that was real and not "weird". I'm so thankful that I found your channel. It was because you make it seem doable that I/we have gotten rid of somewhere between 50-80% of our possessions. So THANK YOU!
My ex husband used to say “I don’t know how all the other moms do it. It’s literally your only job.” I felt so bad about myself for not being able to manage everything better. Of course that was mean to say and he’s an ex for a reason, but I wish I knew then what I know now and had more grace with myself. Love your channel!
The start of minimalism for me was Flylady, back when my little girl was a toddler. She is now 22! I've gone up and down in inventory, but have generally kept the minimalist mindset of decluttering things that no longer serve me, and letting go of things without the guilt. My daughter is a minimalist, too (except for her house plants, don't get me started...) and keeps a tidy peaceful home. I'm such a proud mama!
When you reach 400k subscribers maybe you could do a 'fan video' where everyone who has used your methods could share a bit about how it has changed their lives. You'd probably have so many to choose from- it would be uplifting for your whole CZcams community and inspiring for the new comers.
I felt the same way and would feel so defeated when I would read about how “good moms” have sticky floors and messy tables. It just didn’t feel good/right to me. I felt wrong. I did feel like I was the mom who couldn’t “keep it together”. I was just always so overwhelmed. I’m so glad I’m not alone. Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️ I must have less to have MORE in my life 🔥
There’s so much outside influence nowadays and societal pressures to accumulate stuff and it all adds up quickly. Joshua has also been so helpful on my journey I’ve learned so much from him! 🙌🏼🙏🏻
YOU are the reason I’ve been exploring minimalism! I always felt so much anxiety looking at my house and the clutter and thought it was just part of life. Thank you so much for showing us that you can still be “normal” with less ❤️
Oh, I saw my favorite quote on your shelf, "Be still and know that I am God". I've been saying that to myself at least once a week for the last fifty years. It helps me in times of stress.
I've been a minimalist for 12 years and have a 2yo son. The house does get messy! Right now it's a tip. I tried doing a bi-year big declutter and bubs got super clingy for a week and I was so exhausted, I couldn't keep on top of my tiny home. Most of the time it's clean, but just incase you're having a bad week or weeks, remember is okay! I moved countries 8 months ago with 5 bags. It's not much stuff right? But that's ,2000 things my toddler can move 😂🙈
I can relate so much! I’m exhausted picking up stuff non stop after my 21 months old. 🤪😅🤭🤭 it’s been great to declutter and I’m on my way to a more manageable way of living.
I don't have kids, but I have a dog. Dogs will mess up anything you leave around too. My solution is closed doors. Restrict access. Try a box or big bag in a closet for donations, whenever you pick up something that you don't like or need anymore, it has a place to go. Then it is not a "project", but an on going thing.
We have been minimalists for a while with 2 toddlers and the reality is that the house can’t be perfect 24/7. But it’s a lot less to clean up at the end of the day!
Your beginning story is exactly where I am right now in my life and I feel like Im drowning in “inventory” and feel like not bothering with cleaning up or the dishes since Ill just have to do it again tomorrow! I have been watching your channel for a couple months now and I am slowly decluttering, Rome wasn’t built in a day! Thanks for your videos and words of encouragement!!!!
You GO Jessica! Oh my gosh-- what an amazing example you're setting for you kiddos! Now they'll grow up seeing how you created and maintained a simplified home! And the best part is that they can carry those lessons on to their own lives. You're already giving them a headstart to a very fulfilling future! Rooting for you!!
Jessica, I was always struggling with the whole dishes thing too until I decided to keep only the minimum. This was before I found Dawn. I wasn't sure if it would work, so I put the rest in a high cabinet. It worked! Then I found Dawn and realized I can do that with other things too. So I pared down my cookware and silverware. Each time I pare down, it gets easier to maintain my kitchen. And I cook more now. No stress. I never liked cooking, so that's a big win. Healthier. Less expensive. I recently organized my freezer with bins. Loving it! Each step you take toward your goal will be so gratifying. And I finally donated the extra dishes because I didn't need them. Keep moving forward. It's so worth it.
I'm 75 and doing the Swedish Death Cleaning. I'm not too messy, but I don't want to leave a lot of unnecessary stuff behind. I give things to friends and family or to a local charity as I pare down and better organize what I have.
So far, this is my favorite video from you. I feel like you are talking to me, directly. Have you considered doing a podcast? You and you sister are truly blessed with communication skills!
THIS!!!! "This physical stuff ... was mocking me on a daily basis... I don't want to waste my precious time and energy and these short years that we have with our kids, I don't want to spend it managing stuff. ...that we have to manage personally, that we have to take care of, that we have to inventory in our head. It's always right here. You can put it in a closet, you can stuff it under a bed. It's still there. It's still there for us to manage and take car of and to have this responsibility of taking care of." YES! "Only keeping the stuff that we are using or appreciating."
Along with watching your channel I watched something called Swedish Death cleaning & I went through my house again & purged deeper. I offered up many very nice things to our grown children & they took very little. It feels good to not be managing all that stuff & now I’m not leaving them so much to get rid of when I leave this earth.
I’m a mom to 3, 3 and under and my house doesn’t look like it! I’m still trying to pare down on stuff but for the most part we live pretty minimally. When we came to see the house we rent now, I mentioned to the landlord that we didn’t have enough stuff to fill the space and he said “give it a year or so and this place will be packed!” I’m determined to prove him wrong 😂
We have decluttered so much and were on a good path, till the Coronavirus hit. Being at the beginning of the third wave here, and our second lockdown (that we have been in since December), we bought so much stuff to keep us entertained. Puzzles, musical instruments, all kinds of games, toys. We use it all now, being so much at home, but I miss the feeling I had when our house was much more organized. But we will be one day, thanks for keeping us motivated! Love from The Netherlands🇳🇱
As I've started decluttering I marvel at how much I have are gifts. Even socks! I am grateful for friends and family for the gifts, but it's all too much and time to let things go.
Dawn, you gave me my ah ha moment. That moment of clarity. Realizing I don't need all the stuff! Shortly after having my 3rd, I felt like I was suffocating in stuff. I channelled my energy into purging the house. Almost 2 years later I regret almost nothing, and I keep going through our belongings to see what else we can live without. So THANK YOU Dawn for giving me and my family such a great gift!
I’ve been following you since the beginning of the pandemic. I was supposed to retire as an elementary music teacher, May:of 2020. But when we were on spring break of 2020 I never went back because of school closures. So I focused on decluttering house. I also started the Fly Lady system of cleaning and am loving it. After about three months of this I was listening to you and decided to declutter further! I will be doing my attic and garage this summer! Because all of this and how it has changed my life I am offering my services for friends, family and to people who are struggling in our community. Some people are going through a divorce, illness, or just old age. Some have just let things get out of hand. I am enjoying my life so much more by helping others by listening to you and the Fly Lady! Thank you so much for changing my life for the better!
You are always a breath of fresh air. Helping us see things in a new light. Being a stay at home mom isn’t easy, especially with influencers constantly doing hauls and showing their “perfect life”. It’s harder to be at home in this influencer era, I think. Love that you are authentic in always giving great and useful advice🥰
I remember the day my life changed! It was a bit more than 8 years ago and I had typed into youtube - out of desperation - 'how to have a clean house but do less cleaning' or something similar. A video from the channel More Melody (I think her channel had a different name back then) popped up with exactly what I had searched. I was amazed! I had never heard of minimalism let alone seen a minimalist house before. I watched in awe as she explained about having nothing on the counters so you dont have to move anything when you wipe them down and I.was.hooked. I too am a ladybug and organization just stressed me out, the answer was less! So grateful to be in a place where my house is always 5 minutes or less til 'ready'. My housework takes about an hour or less a day and that means ever room, cupboard, drawer, pile... The benefits are endless!
I just wanted to say that after I decluttered my closet and dresser drawers.....I can breathe! It was so liberating and freeing. My donateable clothes bag literally had to weigh 15 or more pounds. That's 15 pounds of clothes that didn't fit or I didn't wear. 15 pounds off my shoulders. This didn't include shoes either! That was another bag. Can't wait to get to my kitchen!
This is sooo true! Eleven years ago, I packed up my five kids and we moved abroad. It's been a wonderful adventure, but one of the best things was that, in order to make the move, we had to minimize. We had to fit two housefuls of furnishings into one 40-foot shipping container. That required shedding a LOT of excess, but it was one of the best things we've ever done. I never, ever want to go back to the mental burden of having so much stuff. Life is happier without it!
Wow, what a coincidence! I just started reading Joshua Becker's book The More of Less tonight and I turn your video on and you're referencing it. We have almost 36 years of stuff to get through. We've already donated about 40 boxes but sometimes I think this stuff multiplies overnight. You guys are so inspirational both practically and spiritually and I thank you for that.
Love this so much. I hate when people try to push how being messy is honorable as a mom and deny how clutter really affects your mental health, something we are all already struggling with. And you are such an inspiration. 🖤
So I'm a prepper (hence the name) and I am doing this AND still maintaining a robust inventory for prepping. This concept has changed everything and I feel so much better and more prepared. It's incredible.
@@pamjordan1793 I do have a channel and am going to put a video up. I don't want to advertise on someone else page but if you want to see you're welcome to go there. Im just so grateful to this channel. What I learned here has changed my life!
I love this video! Minimalism has given me an appreciation for the things I have. All I wanted when I grew up was (things) then I grew up and I felt like I was in a hamster wheel.... Couldn't keep up with the trends, everything would upgrade or things like that. Simplicity has really showed me whom I really am and what I truly love♥️ I want a quality life ☺️
Thank you sharing your true feelings about being home with your kids and too much to manage because those were my feelings exactly. But I did not do anything about it and became depressed and a not very fun person to be around. I didn't realize at the time that the solution was so easy. 15 years later I have decluttered and organized 90% of our home and it feels so much better. I feel lighter and happier and I know my husband likes it better too. He's a super organized person and when he's stressed out, having clutter-free space is his happy place. Thank you for sharing the "real" feelings. I'm sure you struck a cord with more than a few people.
I came across your chanel, Dawn, while looking for ideas about döstädning, which means death cleaning in Swedish. (The concept is to begin decluttering so your death isn't more distress for your loved ones left behind.) I'm sure you've heard of it. Nevertheless, I thought it would be the kind thing to do for my own family. However ! I've enjoyed the results immensely, and have to credit your soothing words and thoughts about how to accomplish parting with so many things. I have been tossing unneeded things out left and right and have greatly reduced my own mental distress. Ha !
Death cleaning...that is what I am doing here. I know our girls don't want any of the "stuff" at our house. As we age and since my husbands cancer DX a clarity of thought has my attention and Dawn's videos gave me the perspective and focus for what I was thinking. Our home is still welcoming and comfortable and accessible when necessary when help is needed. I bless the day I found Minimal Mom.
Joshua Becker was the start for me too! My cousin would post things from him on Facebook and the more I read the more I wanted to get rid of. Dawn, you are an inspiration here on CZcams! I absolutely love watching this channel and seeing your smile with such a bubbly attitude. You are a joy to watch and learn from! Thank you!
The tribute you made to your parents was just beautiful. Even though we don't know them personally we found out who they really are and they must be amazing. As I always say, "another great video!"
You’re totally changing my life and perspective. Over the last two weeks I have departed with over 60-70% of my family’s “stuff” and it has impacted my life in a giant way. I was feeling so much shame as a wife, mom, and even just as a person and woman! I’ve been binge-watching your videos and out of my desperation for a decluttered mind, I have jumped head first into this lifestyle. I’m praying every day that this becomes sustainable. I’m burning candles and playing Hygge music and loving on myself unconditionally for the first time ever. You didn’t teach me to declutter my home, you actually taught me to declutter my mind as well because managing inventory goes for managing thought-inventory as well. Thank you for sharing with me. God blessed me with discovering this.
Additionally, my children are loving this and my husband who is a bit ocd is floored with how our home looks. I feel like I can actually breathe. It’s beautiful and lovely and I’m here for it.
Dawn I so understand, that's what I did with my TWINS mostly of necessity. I had nothing but we were ok. As long as we could get the basics (bread,eggs,potatoes,pasta) I could figure something out for dinner. Looking back I struggled so much enough to make sure I didn't have any more children, my TWINS were enough it was us 3 "The 3 Musketeers" and thankfully we got through it. My upbringing was definitely the OPPOSITE of yours but I'm still here for some reason. All the best to you, Tom, Diana and all the kids 💙💛💚 . Oh by the way whenever you see that ORCA pic it's little ol me ☺.
Dawn, I just wanted you to know that you have made a difference in my life. I have been watching your videos for about a year, making progress of about 1 box per month because I am one of my 94 year old moms caretakers. I recently had 2 siblings passed away in the same week. Among this stressful time, I still was able to find one shirt or one nicknack or one item in my kitchen and get rid of it each day. You know what, it helped, just knowing that even with only one minute I did something. Also I used to think it was strange when you would say "I love you" at the end of your videos. But now I can say "I love you, too and thank you." It's an appreciation love, because you are helping people. Prayers for your family 💜
I work full time and still have those feelings of just leave it or clean it. I’ve started the process of decluttering but still have a long long way to go before I will feel the real benefits. It’s crazy how much stuff people can accumulate in such a short span of time.
It can be really difficult to make yourself do the cleaning when you've already had a long day. I don't know if you're familiar with Flylady, but she always says "set your timer and jump in!" Even a 2 minute tidy will make a difference, and often leads to getting more accomplished than you thought possible! That being said, the "I don't wanna" whine is STRONG some days ;)
@@sarahburke8955 you are so right! I’ve started setting alarms each day after to work to try and get a full hour of cleaning done. With 4 kids at home the work is quickly undone 😉
@@maggieschuttler1726 I hear ya! We have two boys and a VERY HAIRY little dog. Sometimes I just sigh and think, how on Earth do y'all make messes so fast?!?
I'm realizing the minimalist way of thinking is a new way of defining what is essential and what is not. We are turning ourselves around because our clutter, often times, accumulates extra debt which traps us in ways we don't want to be trapped. When you free yourself of non essential stuff, suddenly you're free to choose so much more life giving experiences.
I believe honesty with ourselves is the beginning of this journey to minimalism. I had the best reaction to a video Erica Lucas just shared 3/29. I found myself crying and laughing at the same time. The craft of headless doll ( head made from styrofoam and fell off in storage) made from dish soap bottle with 30 year old crayons and her mantra Do I use it? Do I need it? and Do I love it? After moving and storing this stuff for last 30 years it has become stuff. That reality hit me the same as your video today she became honest with herself and it was to me freeing on this journey as it really has become stuff. We too have moved many times over the years and I will not move some of this stuff ever again. Thanks for sharing.
When I started watching one of your videos the first time I thought “LOL but this lady doesn’t understand my life!” and then I heard you say you ALSO had 4 kids ages 4 and under…..like me….so I shut up and started listening. Thanks for all your tips that help make my home a little more peaceful and a little less cluttered!
Dawn, you have changed my views on housekeeping plus helped me better manage my anxiety!! I had no idea the mental load I was carrying around because we had so much stuff!! I’m on round two of decluttering my home and haven’t missed anything yet! Thank you for showing that minimalism is possible for families too!
I've been watching your videos over the last couple months and we have donated about 10 😳 van loads of excess stuff to our church's community out reach since. We've gotten our 4 young kids involved and they love giving things away! Thank you for sharing your experience and being a light for Jesus in the process! -fellow homeschool mom from Jacksonville, FL
Thank you for sharing so openly. I've had the same feelingd you had before decluttering. I've felt so much shame. Minimalism has been so freeing from all of this. Your videos have been a huge help and motivation!!
I love you and your story!!! You have helped this middle aged woman turn her home around!!! And also what I have learned from you has helped me deal with my parents’ belongings. I also want to help encourage others to start. I started with my bathroom. Everything else was just too overwhelming to even think about. I started with just one drawer in the bathroom. It felt amazing. When I finished it I had the confidence that “yes, I can do this!” And I haven’t stopped. This is my 3rd year. And like you have said many times before, I have been through things multiple times. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! You ARE making a difference!!
I love what you said about minimalists that decide what to keep, that you truly pick out the best of the best and decide what deserves your time!! So good!
My instinct is to keep everything. I’m really working on re-training my brain to let things go and it’s not easy. I started by packing up four bags of my daughter’s clothes to donate. I couldn’t make myself drop it off at the donation center, but I got my Dad to bring it for me. I felt better when it was gone but it wasn’t easy.
Sarah from Our Tribe of Many sent me here. My husband passed away 4 months ago and I am beginning the heartbreaking task of getting rid of his things. I looked around at all of the “stuff” we have accumulated over the past 45 years and I am appalled. It’s all going. His, mine, grown children who don’t even live here anymore. I haven’t felt excited about much lately, but this has created a tiny spark and I’m anxious to get started. I must now create a new life for myself and this is where I’m starting. Wish me luck.
Wish you all the best for your future!
Getting rid of the things I didn't need or use was very calming for me after my husband passed ❤
God Bless you!
Good luck and I'm very sorry for your loss
I hope your decluttering journey is going well ❤
Interesting, I grew up in Brazil and I didn’t have much stuff. However, I learned that having stuff was a blessing. So I killed myself to be grateful for the stuff I had so I wasn’t ungrateful. For years we were very poor and every Christmas I wanted to give my children tons of stuff so I would feel better. After learning about minimalist life I had to change my internal culture . I had to understand less stuff means more time, more money , more fun with people. Specially for my refrigerator, I needed to have a full refrigerator so I didn’t feel poor, now I buy what we need and I feel blessed when I see an empty refrigerator ( because it means we ate all the food and didn’t waste it) . So sometimes we have to change our internal culture to make changes. Thank you for your videos.
So true
That was a beautiful comment - I hate to waste food yet still end up doing it at times - and there are a lot of things that 2 people need a little of, but you have to buy such a large quantity - I am trying to be more mindful of what I buy - it’s not like I have to walk 10 miles to the grocery if I happen to run out of something
I’m from Brasil and I share the same feelings... It’s a battle inside of me between giving to my kids what I couldn’t have vs trying to keep up with everything we have already.
Beautiful
❤️🌻!
My best friend's mom used to say "A messy home is a happy home!" Now I would say "A minimal home is the HAPPIEST home!"
Yes. I grew up with my mom always having things in its place. We had a blended family of eight children and at one time she was a single mom with three children. But she decorated but it wasn't so much that she couldn't keep it straight. She could have anybody walk in the door any time and it was never a mess. She says to this day at 82 years old when she would tell someone she had to clean it would be to vacuum or do your weekly cleaning it wasn't having to find her house again because she kept things it had to have a place or she didn't keep it
I remember hearing that
ABSOLUTELY!!
I def think there is a lot of grace here for different personality types. But I grew up in a truly messy home and it sucks.
messy, cluttered houses give me anxiety
“In these short years with our kids, I don’t want to spend it managing stuff”
This is going to be my new motto.
Will be mine as well! 😊 I have two newborns and I feel like most of my time is all of that stuff that gets my attention! Its just insane... It creates lot of stress... shit is everywhere.. Cant mantain it clean neither... cuz stuff is everywhere in the way! last 4 days Ive been slowly chucking my useless stuff away! Tomorow I will be free. I will no longer be shifting them, dusting or walking around it. You wont be stealing my precious time with my babies anymore! 😊
@dungotaaja congratulations on your babies!! How are they and you doing? And as they get more mobile any clutter just makes it more overwhelming, harder to clean and affects your mood! I love love love what you said about not stealing precious time from your babies.. the easier the home is to manage the more time we have both for ourselves and our family ❤
This month was my birthday. My husband asked me what I want for my birthday. I said to do a donation run!
Yes Libby! An excellent birthday gift choice! Mine is in June and I told my family I wanted them to research where we could donate the food we don't eat that's totally still good but always ends up bursting out of our cupboards! Sounds like we're being martyrs, but really-- it brings US just as much joy as it does our family. Maybe even more for us because it makes our souls feel so good to provide a clean, simple home for our family that runs smoothly and we can now have time to hang out together without the guilt of looming clutter! ❤
Several years ago we got rid of a bunch of things and the donation truck asked if we were moving. I laughed and said no we are just downsizing getting rid of stuff that I realize I don't need to keep to make me remember those people and I am continually doing that step by step by step it is such freedom. I can cherish the people in my heart and laugh at the memories it doesn't mean I have to have all their stuff even though I bought it from my Grandma's estate sale to make her happy. She's now passed on and some of her stuff is done but you know what she's alive in my heart
Oh that is such a good ideas. But I have my birthday in February... But I am sure that I will find an other occasion
Yes!!! The upswing of emotion is quite thrilling! g Ire
That's funny, my birthday was this month and I said the same thing! (We ended up doing the donation run the next day but it still felt GREAT!)
No indoor plumbing for me till 7th grade. I slept in the attic room that 100 degrees + in summer and ice on the blanket in winter. Chores, chores, chores was my daily life. Hand me down from the boys cause I was only girl. Sounds awful doesn't it. I would go back again and again for that simple joy and freedom that defined me. Thanks to your channel I am remembering and creating that life again.
Sounds like little house on the prairie!🐎🐮🐓🌿
That’s pretty hard core! Your positivity is refreshing!
And I thought I’m hardcore for insisting on not turning on the AC in April! How did you sleep in a 100 degree room?
@@username00009 I would wait till everyone was asleep and sneek out. I would go down the hill to the pond and sleep on the cool grass there. That was so long ago. I got caught a couple of times, but that was so long ago and it was safe.
Teresa, same but different. I grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina and still live in the house I was born in. We didn’t have indoor plumbing until I was about 10. My grandparents house didn’t have it until after my grandmother passed in 1977. We grew up working the tobacco, potato and corn fields behind a team of horses. We were dirt poor and life was very difficult, but I would trade just about everything I have now to go back to that time. I still heat with wood and don’t have air conditioning, I still raise a garden by myself. It’s still hard in some ways, but well worth it.
The way God used Joshua Becker in your life, He used you in mine. I am so thankful that you started making videos. I have been on a journey towards a minimalist lifestyle for the past three years, and I am so grateful! My life is so different-everything I own I love or use. Cleaning is so easy; decorating and rearranging is fun. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I am genuinely so grateful for you!!!
Ohhhhh I feel this EXACT same way! Dawn has been an answer to my prayers and truly changed my life for the SO MUCH better
Me too! Truly life changing. I never comment but I watch you religiously.
Wow, this is really humbling... thank you! 💕
Perfectly said Yvette!! I agree 100%! 😄👍
Yes, Yvette!! I so agree! I’m so glad I found Dawn on YT! Truly life changing!! ❤️ I’m always so excited for the next video and enjoy past videos as well!
My husband freaked out each time I would take a trunk load of stuff to the donation center. “You’re getting rid of the crockpots!?!?!” He’d say. (He never did the cooking.) Then one day he made himself breakfast. He could find everything. He could easily clean up and put everything away. Game changer, as he now cooks more often and ALWAYS cleans up no matter who cooks. This doesn’t mean the process was perfect. And you’ll know when you’ve gone too far. For instance, I reduced our bath towels to one set per person. Um, turns out we need two 🤷🏻♀️, just in case one set is in the wash. But the world didn’t end that day as I found our beach towels worked in a pinch. 😉 just keep going, and the universe will let you know when you’ve gone too far. 💛
Ji
Reminds me of when I got rid of the toaster😂. My husband thought he couldn’t live without one. Now he prefers my buttery skillet toast over dry toast!
Anytime my husband can't find something he accuses me, "you probably threw it away!"
@@meh5069 I got rid of my toaster a few years ago and have only needed to borrow one for one day.
@Rachel Elizabeth I use beach towels anyway. I like full coverage!
I stayed home with my 3 children until the youngest was in middle school. It made me mad when people would say I was "lucky" I could do that. I wasn't lucky! We made a choice and did without things, because it was important.
This!! Staying home is not necessarily a luxury. If people didn’t buy cars and houses and stuff they couldn’t afford moms would be able to give the best gift of all to their children: their time.
Yes! Exactly this.
Agreed. I homeschooled my son k-12. It's not luck that creates the life you have, it's decisions and choices.
I stayed home and raised my 2 daughters also ...and homeschooled part of that time. I had people hating on me for doing that and not "bringing home a paycheck", which meant they thought I was a pretty useless person I guess, but I feel that working an outside job wouldn't have been the type of life I wanted, since I so much wanted to be a big part of raising my children. If you happen to marry someone whose divorced mom worked 2 or 3 jobs to get by, it's really hard for them sometimes to understand why you'd stay home with the kids, because they never experienced that with their own mom when they were growing up.
I did the same and had to hear the same from a lot of people.
Now - years later, I still enjoy shoving my two sons (19 and 20 yrs) what is possible and how tiny we can live, how easy everything becomes and how little owning stuff has to do with happiness and being content in life.
🙏❤
When my daughters were young, we went into survival mode. As a result, we didn’t invite people into our home. That was 2006. We had bins and bins stacked up all over our home as I tried to organize everything. I finally started getting rid of junk and I’m planning to have family over soon. I regret my children growing up ashamed to invite their friends over. But now I have hope. Thanks for giving me permission to get rid of all my stuff
Yes!! This was my exact thoughts watching this! My last child was born in 2005 and I am starting the minimalist journey now. I really regret that they weren’t able to grow up in it. At least I know I made their childhood fun when I could!
Dear Wewe .. Don't feel bad..I believe there was a reason you didn't invite them.. Now the time will be ok
I really felt this comment. 🥺❤️
I feel this so much. I regret all the memories we could have made in our home with our friends and family and I and worried my almost grown daughter will resent me for the way we lived, and now I almost feel guilty if I change, because she missed out on it.
@@taralundstrom2819 dont feel guilty! It is not to late to recapture what was stolen. Get yourself organized and then start asking yourself what can I do today that will show my daughter I value her. Do 3-5 simple things a week. A card and phone call a door dash delivery, a framed photo with a note of what that moment meant to you. Amazon her next mentioned need, such as if she mentioned I just ran out of zip locks. I need to change 3 light bulbs, or ask to zoom and play a game of scattegories or read a novel or the bible together. Invest in thoughtfulness in the now and mistakes of the past will fade.💕 I wrote this thinking she was 20-25 and lived separately but you get the idea right? Start a new tradition like we pick up half priced sushi from our local grocery on Wednesdays and eat it outside during the sunset.
I am not immune to our clutter. I am no longer physically able to keep things in order. I have decided to search for a very brave compassionate housekeeper willing to help with organization and making trips to the DAV with donations and the dump. One of the best things we have done for ourselves was hire a gardener a few years ago. Aging can be difficult but we at least will be able to stay in our home a little longer.
Just wondering where you happen to live?
Having clear hallways, and closets and cabinets that are not stuffed, creates more safety. Nothing to trip over, fall on top of us, or snag us as we go by. Eliminating bulky furniture can mean being able to use a walker or wheel chair, install railings and supports, even if a home is not originally designed for aging or being differently abled. Even when we get to where we benefit from a housekeeper, a minimalist home means having to have them over less, and saving money even at that. Kudos to you. We can give ourselves the gift of simplicity and greater clarity and joy at any age. You inspire me.
Yes! I get so overwhelmed when I try to organize and sort. By the time I finish one room I am so exhausted I go too long before starting another and before I know it I am back at square one. I have been thinking of hiring someone to help me. I just haven't been able to bring myself to begin the search. I hope you update us of your success!
My husband grew up in extreme poverty in the mountains of China, they literally didn’t have running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, nothing - it’s insane to think how different life is now!
We are so spoiled we have no clue
Reminds me of that old story about a group of women who were asked to nominate which kitchen item they couldn't live without, and one said a dishwasher, another the microwave, another a fridge freezer, but an old woman said, "Really?! I would choose running water every time!"
@@annarchydeclutteranddesign413 The pipes that carry the dirty water away would come in a real close second.
@@annarchydeclutteranddesign413 Yeah, they had to carry it in buckets from the river, build a fire, etc for a cup of tea. Hats off to my MIL who did it all with 5 small kids.
I am naturally a neat and organized person that is getting more minimal over time. I always felt bad when I saw those “A messy home is a happy home” signs because it made me think that maybe I wasn’t a good or fun mom because my house was neat. Other moms would say things like “ you must clean all the time. “ We all have to check those inner voices and criticisms.
I hear you on feeling somewhat guilty over the "messy is happy," but then i think, that's not right either because we need to teach our children to take care of themselves and to respect the effort their parents and later themselves have put into obtaining something. You don't treat clothing that you traded several hours of your life for as junk, tossing it around, letting it get stained or ripped easily. Sure when kids are little, it's easy for the floor to be strewn with toys and clothes, the dishes to be piled up, etc, but you can train your child through all of that too as they grow. You don't want your future son- or daughter in-law to curse you for raising a messy kid who can't take care of him or herself.🤦🏼♀️😄
I completely agree with you both! The tossing back and forth of my feelings towards that saying was emotionally exhausting. Thankful to know what I know now, thanks to Dawn and a few others.
Oh me too! Those comments hit my soul but I am happy I held out on what felt good. I know my family appreciate me.
Oh yeah, I sometimes feel like something was wrong with me, because I get sooo stressed out if something is messy. I am not able to concentrate on playing with the kids, I can not be creative... Of course, my children make some chaos and I sometimes find bricks in the undergarments etc., BUT Every evening I am able to go to bed in a neat, relaxing athmosphere. But I am no organized person by birth. I have to work for it, but it is better for me and the kids, because I am not stressed out by all the stuff.
I feel like people want to say that means you're prioritizing your children over cleaning.
Exactly! I’m not a minimalist by any means,but by stopping my needless spending and really keeping track of my money i was able to leave my job and be a stay at home mom for the last 11 years, and I am so thankful! I look at people around me with stuff exploding into their yards and having 2 sheds and not being able to park their cars in the garage because they are so full and it just blows my mind. The amount of stuff people have is crazy!
Hello i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Yes you did it
I love the honoring way you talk about your parents! You are right - this is an issue of our generation more than any other! Thanks for not just giving in to "it's just the way it is." Thanks for sharing your authentic self as we navigate this journey of life together!
Hello Deb, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Alas the clutter phenomenon also affects those in older generations too who find themselves with more disposable income.
I’m not crying, you’re crying. I’m fine. It’s fine.
Life changing, encouraging, honest, and authentic. Love this video and the changes in our lives that you have encouraged! 😘
You have inspired me to clear out all the clutter in my house. So excited to experience the freedom this new lifestyle will bring. Thank you so much!
Are you single
Years ago, a friend of mine told me that she had "saved" good towels that she got as a wedding gift. Only to be used for "guests" BUT one day there was a fire & everything was destroyed! No one got to enjoy those "good" towels, etc. So why are we keeping those special things for some day that might never happen?!? This is just one lesson that has been in the back of my mind as I go through my stuff! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!! Your wisdom is so inspirational & encouraging!
Oh my goodness! I have also 'saved' towels upstairs...I have never used them; I never have overnight company.....
It amazes me what people will “reserve” for guests or even strangers. Why not allow your own family to have the best things too?
Or clothes that you keep for “good”...dishes...this can apply to anything. If you’re not using it, then get rid of it! My late husband had clothes that he never wore because he was keeping them for good. Made me so sad!
@@elainerupp3888 My late husband kept EVERY issue of National Geographic & Scientific American magazine as well as others. Plus every computer he ever possessed. Good news is that I came across "The Swedish Death Cleaning" concept shortly after his passing. Dealing with his "stuff" as well as my dad's, then my mom's has really helped me rethink my "stuff"/life! I'm sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I hope things are going better for you now.
@@eunicebenedict7831 My goodness so similar! Except mine had lots of clothes that he didn't need and since he had worked for a couple of hardware stores, lots of tools! (He knew how to use them too). My biggest takeaway has been to use my good things and NOT save them for whenever! This will be 8 years...I will always miss him (Tom reminds me of a younger Vern) but life is going better. I got rid of so much stuff and ended up moving from OH to KS!
We have friends with two girls, and their dad was hospitalized this past week with heart trouble. Because of how simple we keep our home and routine with our four boys, we were able to take the girls for many nights this week with no trouble. Totally pays to live with only what we need and use. More glory to God, less stuff. More room for people and service is what really matters! ❤️ I tend to want to keep food around to feed extra people than have anything else in excess.
Wow! I hadn’t really given much thought as to how this can be a blessing to others- thank you for sharing!!! :)
This. Exactly.
Youve changed our life. No joke. Your home tour was randomly on my home page.. Since ive watched that ive never been the same. God knew i needed this..
Me too!
Amen! It truly is something God has been teaching me about the tiny junkie idols in my home! 🤪
I'm totally with you!! It's been life changing!! Dawn is so inspirational in such a wonderful, friendly way.
Me too! A year ago, I discovered Dawn's channel and minimalism has completely changed our lives. We love it!
Years ago, when we realized we would raise our two grandchildren and homeschool them, I remember standing in the middle of my dining room and asking God how I could survive. Flylady was my life line. But for decluttering......there was no Minimal Mom! Our word was simplify! I didn't want those items that took up my time. It's a lifetime deal. We still declutter on a daily basis. It sure is worth it!
As a mom of three, soon to be four, I can totally vouch for everything you’ve said here! I started in October and I’ve completely purged my house. I get the “are u moving out” comments. But by eliminating things and social media from my life, I’m more focused, intentional and happy than I’ve ever been. It’s the most freeing, liberating thing that’s every happened to me. We have a lot more income too- just don’t buy stupid stuff anymore. You’ve helped me so much!
That is so inspiring! Can I ask you if you donated or sold things? This is the part that's hanging me up 🤣.....
@@krosario3322 I totally understand!! We donated almost everything! I sold only one thing it was worth a lot. But all toys shoes clothing etc. that I was donated went straight to goodwill!!! We are on a single income and could have used the extra money but I would have never finished if I sold everything LOL good luck mama! Just get rid of it all! lol
@@MommyBee1589 Thank you for this. We are in this position and I already feel guilty for being a stay at home mother and not contributing financially. The idea that I 'could' earn some money from selling our clutter is holding me up so much. I'll hear your words when I next declutter, "Just get rid of it all!" x
@@danielleroseclark My situation exactly!! I'm going to donate now, without guilt!!!
@@MommyBee1589 THANK YOU SO MUCH!! That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say. I have 4 kids, and I honestly need to admit to myself that I don't have the time to sell things. Now I feel like I can donate without guilt!!
I am so thankful for that first time you gave me permission to get rid of my stuff. Thank you for being to me what Joshua Becker was to you!!! This was life changing.
I feel the same!
You're Joshua Becker to me too.
Isn’t she wonderful? Check out Dana k White too, they are both inspiring!
@@joybrown9600 to me too! 🤩
I think my favourite saying from Dawn is 'If it isn't a clear YES, it's a NO'. Such a good guide when going though stuff. Thanks Dawn 😉
What is the question being asked? I am really confused with this statement! I've been looking at lots of Dawn's videos and still trying to work out what the question is or what the statement 🤔 means.
@@sunbeamred8175 Dawn's video from a week or so ago titled, "5 Tips to Declutter Faster" might help you. Tip #2 is about the clear YES, and goes from minutes 2:13 to 7:09 (or thereabouts).
@@sunbeamred8175 The question is 'Do I need this?' If you cannot answer with firm YES, i.e. you are unclear about the answer, then interpret this as 'NO, I DO NOT need this.
@@cherrytreeblossom8475 Thanks
It's a simple question and should be simple enough to answer, but in my case I'll have to practise saying yes or no because of the mountains ⛰ of 'stuff ', however, I'm sure that once I start (which I have already) and have a few rounds/sweeps around the house it'll be clearer and easier 😀
@@janetclary7061 Don't know what we're saying yes to!
I feel like I’m in on a secret. It’s like finding out that this is the key to happiness. X
Hello Kathy, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
We too began simplifying and “lessening our load” six years ago. Once in a while I miss something. For instance for “Pi Day” I made a chocolate tofu pie that turned out so pretty. I briefly wished I’d kept my Mom’s glass cake stand. But then remembered that using it would have meant bending down on the floor and removing a whole bunch of other glass things and getting it out from a deep cupboard and then it couldn’t go in the fridge so I’d just wash it and repeat the process in reverse. I have other pretty things I use all the time, almost daily, that remind me of and honor my Mom. I don’t need the cake stand too.
So I just enjoyed the pie. 😋
Your encouragement to get rid of stuff, helped me to get rid of the tables, plants and extra things in my living room that were just there to look pretty. I was extremely thankful I had when I had to call an ambulance for my husband. I was able to just open the door and they were able to get the stretcher in with room to take care of him quickly without "things" in the way.
That is a crazy thought! Many peoples homes are probably too cluttered for emergency hero’s to effectively help those in need. Thankful your hubby was taken care of!
Hello Renee, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key west Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Both of my parents worked fulltime, and yet we still relied on welfare for food and medicine. (11 kids) We had so little that we developed habits of holding onto everything! We were also never taught how to deal with the available excess. My siblings who aren't struggling with all the extra, married someone who was taught how to get rid of the extra. My wife and I are new to this, and she is already asking if we should just get a dumpster delivered because we keep filling up the garbage cans. It is liberating reclaiming space in the home and garage!
You can sell some items to put the money in savings or to pay off debt. When I donate I ask family if they would like anything. First come, first serve, no holds. Sometimes I just donate to a women's or men's shelter. I feel a lot of people donate to thrift and goodwill. There are people in shelters that don't even have enough to shop at the thrift stores. They are saving on a place to live at. Feels good they are donated so they can be picked up for free.
@@lalahdz9553 We are donating usable items, but most of the clutter is paper, broken toys, worn out clothing. Things we paid for, used up, and held on to because of childhood guilts.
Woo-hoo! So inspirational, Alma! Sending good vibes your way as you two work your way thru your home and simplify things. I'm finally on the other side of the clutter mountain... and it's so awesome over here!!! Literally changed our lives! You sound like an awesome team--keep up the good work!
I felt so good when my sister-in-law came to visit with her 3 little ones, all under 5. She told me she didn't have to worry about her kids getting into anything at our house because we don't have a bunch of "stuff" everywhere. That was when it may have hit home that I am getting there. I don't need *ALL* the decor and useless things that other people seem to think I should have. It felt great. I also didn't have to run around trying to hide everything before they arrived.
My mother in law bragged to her friends that my kids never touched her tchotchkes. Tina
Hello Shelley, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key west Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Hello, Shelly how are you doing today hope you're safe over there?
I think people confuse minimalism with asceticism, so when they see someone who has more than a bowl, a spoon, and the clothes on their back, they say “You’re not a minimalist!”
👍
You hit the nail on the head! More than anything, minimalism starts with a mindset shift away from over consuming.
@@sarahburke8955 well said!
Also, if you have adult children living with you, they tend to accumulate dishes in their room, so you need a certain minimum amount to get by, I find!
I’m pretty sure a lot of those comments come from trolls 😀
When you talked about not getting rid of the things you actually use, those things that make life easier for you...that made something click for me. I thought I couldn't be a "minimalist" because we actually use SO much stuff (we have a homestead). For example, I have TWO large stockpots. We use them weekly to heat up milk from our cow so that we can skim the cream for butter (so we also have a cream separator).
So I'm thinking I'll come up with my OWN type of minimalism - purposeful minimalism. We have brooders, incubators, calf blankets, waterers, etc. that are used seasonally but each and every one has a real purpose. Just like my second stockpot!
Thank you Dawn! Your willingness to be so open and vulnerable about your life is making a difference in people's lives. I pray God continues to bless your work!
I hear you there. Been slowly building my homestead, and have been acquiring all the supplies that go with each new endeavor. Plus, if you try to make alot of things from scratch, rather than buy, many supplies there to manage too. Still working on the purge and seeking inspiration.
So very true, now instead of toys on a floor I have sticky and muddy floor to clean as our kids spend more time outdoors but at least they’re closer to nature and each other ❤️
After my parents died and I brought a lot of their things into my small house, I had boxes and stuff in my living room and dining room. It was so stifling that all I did for months after work was watch TV or go online so I didn’t have to look at it or deal with it. So thankful to be past that and to have gotten rid of a lot of my inventory, thanks to your encouragement!
I think my whole life I wanted to be a minimalist but just didn't know how, I would periodically purge but kept bringing new stuff in. Even as a kid I would feel overwhelmed by so much stuff. My aha moment was after bringing my twins home to our 600 square foot apartment. I was sick due to pregnancy complications, it felt like all I ever did was wash bottles and feed babies. I started having mini decluttering sessions while they were napping, when I had the energy. It started with me purging all of the nursing clothing I had bought and couldn't use, no use hanging on to it, let someone who can use it have. It just snowballed from there, next it was the maternity clothing because I couldn't get pregnant again, then it was the old clothing from high school and college that was worn out or didn't fit anymore. Then my tiny kitchen, I had to make room for all those bottles. I just kept going and going, the more I purged the more I wanted to purge. Fast forward 3.5 years, we own way less stuff now then when I first brought my babies home, that includes kids toys and clothing.
There are so many smart women sharing their organized homes on CZcams. I forget who said it but what reasonated with me was if some area in your home is constantly out of control it's because you don't have a good system for dealing with it. Whatever it is, laundry, dishes, bathroom clutter, hallway, everything needs a system. Once you've established a system, or a place for everything, walk it through from beginning to end in detail & teach the family. With consistency & tweeking where necessary you'll have another successful area of your home.
But if you can't make it work, YOU'VE GOT TOO MUCH STUFF. LOL
The inner conflict you were referring to is called “Holy Spirit” telling you “this isn’t the way iI is supposed to be, let me show you a better way”.
Amen.
So true but most of us
Don’t listen and just go shopping. Lol
Hopefully short story. I subscribed to your channel in early Dec. My son had 2 brain bleeds and was hospitalized for 44 days beginning Dec 15th. When my granddaughter brought me clothes (he was in a hospital 2 hours away), not one single thing fit except my shoes. While he's better and healing, I've had time to re-group. Needless to say, now everything I have in my house fits me. If omeone has to pack for me ever again, I'm sure that EVERYTHING will be fine at least with clothing and toiletries. Thank you for your help.
Prayers for your son.
I too went through a terrible time with my adult daughter she had autoimmune encephalitis and was hospitalized for a year. If you ever thought stuff was important you find out quickly it's not the stuff-its family. I am "decluttering" the stuff and have been for a year now. Prayers for your son and you! God bless.
I'm glad your son is doing better. Thank you for sharing. What a great point and a great reason to have only clothes that fit.
Hello Jeanne, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I started decluttering and minimizing a year ago. Your videos have been an inspiration. I'm slowly working through each room. My bedrooms, closets and bathrooms have been clean and 100% organized and manageable for a whole year. It's amazing. I'm tackling the kitchen now. Thanks for the motivation to keep on going.
I WISH WISH WISH I had thought or known to seek this out when I was raising our kids. But, no looking back! They're adults inb their 20s now and I can still set the example of how care-free our home is now every time they visit thanks to the simplyfying we continue to do! What better motivation to go visit Mom and Dad than a cozy, stress free environment where everybody gets to hang out, laugh, eat good food and play games together?! And nobody is excluded because they have to spend hours cleaning up!
YES! This is me! I wish I had known about this when the boys were little and growing up in our fairy messy an chaotic house. But I comfort myself that now it is so tidy and uncluttered, that it is a haven for them when they visit from their share houses LOL.
Oh, man, I was a young mom in the early 1990s and I can't even tell you how many days the house was a wreck from the time we got up till that phone call from my husband saying he had just left work and was on his way home. I'd rush to think of something for dinner and start picking up the clutter. Shoving things into laundry baskets to be stowed in the kids rooms or the basement. All clean for hubby. I always said men will never know all that women manage but there I was hiding all that I did manage to present a perfect home for him when he got there. CRAZY!!!
Same .I had my eldest in 89 , then 94 and 96 .Everyday was crazy cleaning ! I didn't mind the fact my kids liked to be creative and build ect ..IT WAS simply to much Crapola.We have big families on both sides. Now I'm expecting my first grandchild in July.My youngest son , daughter in law and my daughter all live with me. I will make sure my grandson has plenty of educational books ect ...But I will never do that to him , the way my in laws did to my kids.
IT
My favorite word is “inventory” and I’m trying to get my husband to understand. He complains the house it too big to manage, and I try to tell him we have too much stuff to manage. When everything has a place to be easily put away, the dusting, vacuuming and general cleaning are easy to do. Minimalism is a little too extreme for our lifestyle, but the general principle of reducing inventory is perfect!
I liked your comments about how even if we don't have a lot of money we end up spending money at the dollar store. But have you noticed that things used to be simpler years ago? What used to be a Christmas tree and a nativity at Christmas is now decorations in every room! Even Christmas kitchen towels, candles, wreaths on the front door and the grill of the car. The list goes on and on. Every holiday it's more, more more. When I was a kid the only time a person got a limo ride was for their wedding or funeral. Now kids get a limo ride for prom. It just seems like everything is excess and over the top. We get in this pattern of craving all the things for all the different times of our lives. It's too much. So many things I'm grateful for the knowledge of-minimalism is one of them.
Thank you for your perspective, Jennifer. Knowledge is key to most of life.
You also have given me motive to let go of the Christmas towels, etc. (none of which I purchased) that always did seem more like decor than for the purpose of drying my hands. Not even for "Christmas in July" will I keep or use them.
Thanks again.
Hello Jennifer Stinson 😊 how are you?
As a stay at home mom myself, this was very nice to hear! We are slowly taking baby steps into minimalism ourselves and it already feels so much better! Thank you for this inspiring video!
Hello Rebecca, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
@@carlosholt3631 Hi there, I'm all the way over in Belgium ;)
@@rebeccaowen2409 Oh ok how is the weather over there?
I appreciate you. I became a minimalist by necessity after my 30 year marriage (steeped in consumerisn) ended. I embraced minimalism out of necessity - not much money and not much room to keep the stuff. Finally, over 10 years later my finances have improved. I now realize I DO NOT want to fill my life with stuff this time around. And it feels so good. Thank you for all you do.
Hello Cheryl i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
Two years ago we got rid of 80 percent of our things. We downsized from a 4 bedroom home to a small 2 bedroom apartment. I don't miss any of the things we got rid of! I just started decluttering and getting rid of even more! What a good feeling!
Thank you, Dawn as always you are so transparent and gracious as well as helpful.
Joshua Becker was my wakeup call too on focus on the family. I bought his book and was all fired up when my husband had a massive stroke that kept me from home for 160 days. Talk about overwhelmed!
Here's a quote I refer to almost daily and a scripture that keeps me caring for my disabled husband and decluttering;
"Home should be the setting for life, not the measure of it"
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you " I Chronicles 28:20 NLT
Perhaps this will encourage some one else as it has me on days I feel despair.
Hello Rose, I hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key west Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Thank you for sharing this Rose. I will keep it close as I declutter and pack to move.
Dawn, you have changed my life with your vision. I can't begin to tell you the chain reaction caused by stumbling on one of your videos back in the summer of 2019. I only wish we had minimalism support groups to process the emotions of letting go together. I think letting go of things has been some of the most profound spiritual work of my life. Yet, it's a lonely experience when all my friends are "traditionalists." Thank you for all you do.
Hello Traci, i hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key west Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Wow I love that you mentioned that myth that in order to be a good mom then you have to have a messy house. Without so much stuff it is manageable to do both. My mental health suffers so much when there's tons of clutter.
It's obvious in hindsight, but everything is. To stop doing something you're certain isn't working, and start doing something you're not certain will be working, actually takes a great deal of courage.
I’m doing a 6 month lose-weight bet/wager and with that I’m doing six months to a minimal home. It’s time. I’ll be 40 in August and I’m ready to be lighter-in all aspects.
Hi Kate, this sounds wonderful. I think I understand the minimal home part. What does the lose weight wager involve?
@@fbfunmilayojoybafuwa3643 I went to Healthy Wager and made a bet with myself that I could lose a certain amount of weight in a time frame. I needed some leverage. So I pay a certain amount every month and if I’ve lost the weight in 6 months then I win back my money, almost doubled. If I lose, I lose the money. It’s simple, but I’m frugal enough that I don’t want to waste my money. I have a hard time being accountable to others, so this is working...I hope.
Hello Kate, i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
🥰I’m so thankful that my mom told me about your channel over a year ago! You have changed my life for the better! I’m so thankful for your wisdom! And thank you for taking all of this time to encourage others! I know it takes a lot of energy to have video content, write down what you want to say, edit, post, thumbnail image, etc...there is so much that you do and I want you to know it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you! 🥰
Hello Harmony, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
It was 2 years ago in January that I found your channel. I was doing ok at keeping up with the house, but was still overwhelmed. I didn't think I had an overabundance as I always had a donation box on the go. I was experiencing the same emotions of why can't I be content, why did it take so long to tidy up, etc. I started searching on youtube for decluttering tips from moms, not from single people. I needed advice from a mom that was real and not "weird". I'm so thankful that I found your channel. It was because you make it seem doable that I/we have gotten rid of somewhere between 50-80% of our possessions. So THANK YOU!
Hello i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Thank You for being Real and Honest 🥰
Hello Colleen i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
My ex husband used to say “I don’t know how all the other moms do it. It’s literally your only job.” I felt so bad about myself for not being able to manage everything better. Of course that was mean to say and he’s an ex for a reason, but I wish I knew then what I know now and had more grace with myself. Love your channel!
Hello Kimberly, i hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key west Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
The start of minimalism for me was Flylady, back when my little girl was a toddler. She is now 22! I've gone up and down in inventory, but have generally kept the minimalist mindset of decluttering things that no longer serve me, and letting go of things without the guilt. My daughter is a minimalist, too (except for her house plants, don't get me started...) and keeps a tidy peaceful home. I'm such a proud mama!
Hello Sarah i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
Hello 👋🏻
When you reach 400k subscribers maybe you could do a 'fan video' where everyone who has used your methods could share a bit about how it has changed their lives. You'd probably have so many to choose from- it would be uplifting for your whole CZcams community and inspiring for the new comers.
YES. THIS!!!!!!!
Hello Lisa, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I felt the same way and would feel so defeated when I would read about how “good moms” have sticky floors and messy tables. It just didn’t feel good/right to me. I felt wrong. I did feel like I was the mom who couldn’t “keep it together”. I was just always so overwhelmed. I’m so glad I’m not alone. Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️
I must have less to have MORE in my life 🔥
There’s so much outside influence nowadays and societal pressures to accumulate stuff and it all adds up quickly. Joshua has also been so helpful on my journey I’ve learned so much from him! 🙌🏼🙏🏻
Your oldest got so big😍 Your children are beautiful!!
YOU are the reason I’ve been exploring minimalism! I always felt so much anxiety looking at my house and the clutter and thought it was just part of life. Thank you so much for showing us that you can still be “normal” with less ❤️
Hello i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Your parents sound awesome and now their lessons are getting passed on to so many of us!
Hello 👋🏻 Ericka C how are you?
Oh, I saw my favorite quote on your shelf, "Be still and know that I am God". I've been saying that to myself at least once a week for the last fifty years. It helps me in times of stress.
Hello Donna, i hope you're safe over there? I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Thank you for your good wishes from here in LA California
I've been a minimalist for 12 years and have a 2yo son. The house does get messy! Right now it's a tip. I tried doing a bi-year big declutter and bubs got super clingy for a week and I was so exhausted, I couldn't keep on top of my tiny home. Most of the time it's clean, but just incase you're having a bad week or weeks, remember is okay! I moved countries 8 months ago with 5 bags. It's not much stuff right? But that's ,2000 things my toddler can move 😂🙈
I can relate so much! I’m exhausted picking up stuff non stop after my 21 months old. 🤪😅🤭🤭 it’s been great to declutter and I’m on my way to a more manageable way of living.
I don't have kids, but I have a dog. Dogs will mess up anything you leave around too. My solution is closed doors. Restrict access. Try a box or big bag in a closet for donations, whenever you pick up something that you don't like or need anymore, it has a place to go. Then it is not a "project", but an on going thing.
We have been minimalists for a while with 2 toddlers and the reality is that the house can’t be perfect 24/7. But it’s a lot less to clean up at the end of the day!
Your beginning story is exactly where I am right now in my life and I feel like Im drowning in “inventory” and feel like not bothering with cleaning up or the dishes since Ill just have to do it again tomorrow! I have been watching your channel for a couple months now and I am slowly decluttering, Rome wasn’t built in a day! Thanks for your videos and words of encouragement!!!!
You GO Jessica! Oh my gosh-- what an amazing example you're setting for you kiddos! Now they'll grow up seeing how you created and maintained a simplified home! And the best part is that they can carry those lessons on to their own lives. You're already giving them a headstart to a very fulfilling future! Rooting for you!!
Jessica, I was always struggling with the whole dishes thing too until I decided to keep only the minimum. This was before I found Dawn. I wasn't sure if it would work, so I put the rest in a high cabinet. It worked! Then I found Dawn and realized I can do that with other things too. So I pared down my cookware and silverware. Each time I pare down, it gets easier to maintain my kitchen. And I cook more now. No stress. I never liked cooking, so that's a big win. Healthier. Less expensive. I recently organized my freezer with bins. Loving it! Each step you take toward your goal will be so gratifying. And I finally donated the extra dishes because I didn't need them. Keep moving forward. It's so worth it.
Jessica I have been exactly where you are. Stick with Dawn. Her approach is home (and life) changing!
I'm 75 and doing the Swedish Death Cleaning. I'm not too messy, but I don't want to leave a lot of unnecessary stuff behind. I give things to friends and family or to a local charity as I pare down and better organize what I have.
So far, this is my favorite video from you. I feel like you are talking to me, directly. Have you considered doing a podcast? You and you sister are truly blessed with communication skills!
Hello Maria,i hope you're safe over there? i pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key west Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
THIS!!!! "This physical stuff ... was mocking me on a daily basis... I don't want to waste my precious time and energy and these short years that we have with our kids, I don't want to spend it managing stuff. ...that we have to manage personally, that we have to take care of, that we have to inventory in our head. It's always right here. You can put it in a closet, you can stuff it under a bed. It's still there. It's still there for us to manage and take car of and to have this responsibility of taking care of." YES! "Only keeping the stuff that we are using or appreciating."
Along with watching your channel I watched something called Swedish Death cleaning & I went through my house again & purged deeper. I offered up many very nice things to our grown children & they took very little. It feels good to not be managing all that stuff & now I’m not leaving them so much to get rid of when I leave this earth.
Hello Tammy i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I’m a mom to 3, 3 and under and my house doesn’t look like it! I’m still trying to pare down on stuff but for the most part we live pretty minimally. When we came to see the house we rent now, I mentioned to the landlord that we didn’t have enough stuff to fill the space and he said “give it a year or so and this place will be packed!” I’m determined to prove him wrong 😂
We have decluttered so much and were on a good path, till the Coronavirus hit. Being at the beginning of the third wave here, and our second lockdown (that we have been in since December), we bought so much stuff to keep us entertained. Puzzles, musical instruments, all kinds of games, toys. We use it all now, being so much at home, but I miss the feeling I had when our house was much more organized. But we will be one day, thanks for keeping us motivated! Love from The Netherlands🇳🇱
Have you considered swapping puzzles and games with friends or family instead of buying more. Hope you are surviving lockdown 2
As I've started decluttering I marvel at how much I have are gifts. Even socks! I am grateful for friends and family for the gifts, but it's all too much and time to let things go.
Dawn, you gave me my ah ha moment. That moment of clarity. Realizing I don't need all the stuff! Shortly after having my 3rd, I felt like I was suffocating in stuff. I channelled my energy into purging the house. Almost 2 years later I regret almost nothing, and I keep going through our belongings to see what else we can live without. So THANK YOU Dawn for giving me and my family such a great gift!
Hello Jenna i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I’ve been following you since the beginning of the pandemic. I was supposed to retire as an elementary music teacher, May:of 2020. But when we were on spring break of 2020 I never went back because of school closures. So I focused on decluttering house. I also started the Fly Lady system of cleaning and am loving it. After about three months of this I was listening to you and decided to declutter further! I will be doing my attic and garage this summer!
Because all of this and how it has changed my life I am offering my services for friends, family and to people who are struggling in our community. Some people are going through a divorce, illness, or just old age. Some have just let things get out of hand. I am enjoying my life so much more by helping others by listening to you and the Fly Lady! Thank you so much for changing my life for the better!
You are always a breath of fresh air. Helping us see things in a new light. Being a stay at home mom isn’t easy, especially with influencers constantly doing hauls and showing their “perfect life”. It’s harder to be at home in this influencer era, I think. Love that you are authentic in always giving great and useful advice🥰
Hello Lisa i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I remember the day my life changed! It was a bit more than 8 years ago and I had typed into youtube - out of desperation - 'how to have a clean house but do less cleaning' or something similar. A video from the channel More Melody (I think her channel had a different name back then) popped up with exactly what I had searched. I was amazed! I had never heard of minimalism let alone seen a minimalist house before. I watched in awe as she explained about having nothing on the counters so you dont have to move anything when you wipe them down and I.was.hooked. I too am a ladybug and organization just stressed me out, the answer was less! So grateful to be in a place where my house is always 5 minutes or less til 'ready'. My housework takes about an hour or less a day and that means ever room, cupboard, drawer, pile... The benefits are endless!
I just wanted to say that after I decluttered my closet and dresser drawers.....I can breathe! It was so liberating and freeing. My donateable clothes bag literally had to weigh 15 or more pounds. That's 15 pounds of clothes that didn't fit or I didn't wear. 15 pounds off my shoulders. This didn't include shoes either! That was another bag. Can't wait to get to my kitchen!
Hello Patty, i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
This is sooo true! Eleven years ago, I packed up my five kids and we moved abroad. It's been a wonderful adventure, but one of the best things was that, in order to make the move, we had to minimize. We had to fit two housefuls of furnishings into one 40-foot shipping container. That required shedding a LOT of excess, but it was one of the best things we've ever done. I never, ever want to go back to the mental burden of having so much stuff. Life is happier without it!
Wow, what a coincidence! I just started reading Joshua Becker's book The More of Less tonight and I turn your video on and you're referencing it. We have almost 36 years of stuff to get through. We've already donated about 40 boxes but sometimes I think this stuff multiplies overnight. You guys are so inspirational both practically and spiritually and I thank you for that.
You’re right-it’s not about the stuff. It’s about inner joy, and we have to make room for that.
Way to be vulnerable and share your pre-minimalism mindset!!! You’re amazing, Dawn! So are Tom and Diana! 😀
Hello Julie i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
Love this so much. I hate when people try to push how being messy is honorable as a mom and deny how clutter really affects your mental health, something we are all already struggling with. And you are such an inspiration. 🖤
There has only been a few things that I’ve got rid of that I miss but other than that, I don’t miss them. I can’t even remember 99% of it.
So I'm a prepper (hence the name) and I am doing this AND still maintaining a robust inventory for prepping. This concept has changed everything and I feel so much better and more prepared. It's incredible.
I would like to see how you've prepped and decluttered! It would be so interesting to me and I'm sure others too!
@@pamjordan1793 I do have a channel and am going to put a video up. I don't want to advertise on someone else page but if you want to see you're welcome to go there. Im just so grateful to this channel. What I learned here has changed my life!
I love this video! Minimalism has given me an appreciation for the things I have. All I wanted when I grew up was (things) then I grew up and I felt like I was in a hamster wheel.... Couldn't keep up with the trends, everything would upgrade or things like that. Simplicity has really showed me whom I really am and what I truly love♥️ I want a quality life ☺️
Thank you sharing your true feelings about being home with your kids and too much to manage because those were my feelings exactly. But I did not do anything about it and became depressed and a not very fun person to be around. I didn't realize at the time that the solution was so easy. 15 years later I have decluttered and organized 90% of our home and it feels so much better. I feel lighter and happier and I know my husband likes it better too. He's a super organized person and when he's stressed out, having clutter-free space is his happy place. Thank you for sharing the "real" feelings. I'm sure you struck a cord with more than a few people.
I came across your chanel, Dawn, while looking for ideas about döstädning, which means death cleaning in Swedish. (The concept is to begin decluttering so your death isn't more distress for your loved ones left behind.) I'm sure you've heard of it. Nevertheless, I thought it would be the kind thing to do for my own family. However ! I've enjoyed the results immensely, and have to credit your soothing words and thoughts about how to accomplish parting with so many things. I have been tossing unneeded things out left and right and have greatly reduced my own mental distress. Ha !
Hello Kathleen, i hope this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
Death cleaning...that is what I am doing here. I know our girls don't want any of the "stuff" at our house. As we age and since my husbands cancer DX a clarity of thought has my attention and Dawn's videos gave me the perspective and focus for what I was thinking. Our home is still welcoming and comfortable and accessible when necessary when help is needed. I bless the day I found Minimal Mom.
Joshua Becker was the start for me too! My cousin would post things from him on Facebook and the more I read the more I wanted to get rid of. Dawn, you are an inspiration here on CZcams! I absolutely love watching this channel and seeing your smile with such a bubbly attitude. You are a joy to watch and learn from! Thank you!
The tribute you made to your parents was just beautiful. Even though we don't know them personally we found out who they really are and they must be amazing. As I always say, "another great video!"
You’re totally changing my life and perspective. Over the last two weeks I have departed with over 60-70% of my family’s “stuff” and it has impacted my life in a giant way. I was feeling so much shame as a wife, mom, and even just as a person and woman! I’ve been binge-watching your videos and out of my desperation for a decluttered mind, I have jumped head first into this lifestyle. I’m praying every day that this becomes sustainable. I’m burning candles and playing Hygge music and loving on myself unconditionally for the first time ever. You didn’t teach me to declutter my home, you actually taught me to declutter my mind as well because managing inventory goes for managing thought-inventory as well. Thank you for sharing with me. God blessed me with discovering this.
Additionally, my children are loving this and my husband who is a bit ocd is floored with how our home looks. I feel like I can actually breathe. It’s beautiful and lovely and I’m here for it.
Dawn I so understand, that's what I did with my TWINS mostly of necessity. I had nothing but we were ok. As long as we could get the basics (bread,eggs,potatoes,pasta) I could figure something out for dinner. Looking back I struggled so much enough to make sure I didn't have any more children, my TWINS were enough it was us 3 "The 3 Musketeers" and thankfully we got through it. My upbringing was definitely the OPPOSITE of yours but I'm still here for some reason. All the best to you, Tom, Diana and all the kids 💙💛💚 . Oh by the way whenever you see that ORCA pic it's little ol me ☺.
Dawn, I just wanted you to know that you have made a difference in my life. I have been watching your videos for about a year, making progress of about 1 box per month because I am one of my 94 year old moms caretakers.
I recently had 2 siblings passed away in the same week. Among this stressful time, I still was able to find one shirt or one nicknack or one item in my kitchen and get rid of it each day. You know what, it helped, just knowing that even with only one minute I did something.
Also I used to think it was strange when you would say "I love you" at the end of your videos. But now I can say "I love you, too and thank you." It's an appreciation love, because you are helping people. Prayers for your family 💜
🌻🌳🌳🧡💛💚
I work full time and still have those feelings of just leave it or clean it. I’ve started the process of decluttering but still have a long long way to go before I will feel the real benefits. It’s crazy how much stuff people can accumulate in such a short span of time.
It can be really difficult to make yourself do the cleaning when you've already had a long day. I don't know if you're familiar with Flylady, but she always says "set your timer and jump in!" Even a 2 minute tidy will make a difference, and often leads to getting more accomplished than you thought possible! That being said, the "I don't wanna" whine is STRONG some days ;)
@@sarahburke8955 you are so right! I’ve started setting alarms each day after to work to try and get a full hour of cleaning done. With 4 kids at home the work is quickly undone 😉
@@maggieschuttler1726 I hear ya! We have two boys and a VERY HAIRY little dog. Sometimes I just sigh and think, how on Earth do y'all make messes so fast?!?
Hello Maggie, i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I'm realizing the minimalist way of thinking is a new way of defining what is essential and what is not. We are turning ourselves around because our clutter, often times, accumulates extra debt which traps us in ways we don't want to be trapped. When you free yourself of non essential stuff, suddenly you're free to choose so much more life giving experiences.
I believe honesty with ourselves is the beginning of this journey to minimalism. I had the best reaction to a video Erica Lucas just shared 3/29. I found myself crying and laughing at the same time. The craft of headless doll ( head made from styrofoam and fell off in storage) made from dish soap bottle with 30 year old crayons and her mantra Do I use it? Do I need it? and Do I love it? After moving and storing this stuff for last 30 years it has become stuff. That reality hit me the same as your video today she became honest with herself and it was to me freeing on this journey as it really has become stuff. We too have moved many times over the years and I will not move some of this stuff ever again. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Pamee i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
Hello 👋🏻
When I started watching one of your videos the first time I thought “LOL but this lady doesn’t understand my life!” and then I heard you say you ALSO had 4 kids ages 4 and under…..like me….so I shut up and started listening. Thanks for all your tips that help make my home a little more peaceful and a little less cluttered!
Dawn, you have changed my views on housekeeping plus helped me better manage my anxiety!! I had no idea the mental load I was carrying around because we had so much stuff!! I’m on round two of decluttering my home and haven’t missed anything yet! Thank you for showing that minimalism is possible for families too!
Hello 👋🏻
I've been watching your videos over the last couple months and we have donated about 10 😳 van loads of excess stuff to our church's community out reach since. We've gotten our 4 young kids involved and they love giving things away! Thank you for sharing your experience and being a light for Jesus in the process!
-fellow homeschool mom from Jacksonville, FL
Thank you for sharing so openly. I've had the same feelingd you had before decluttering. I've felt so much shame. Minimalism has been so freeing from all of this. Your videos have been a huge help and motivation!!
Hello Julia i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
I love you and your story!!! You have helped this middle aged woman turn her home around!!! And also what I have learned from you has helped me deal with my parents’ belongings. I also want to help encourage others to start. I started with my bathroom. Everything else was just too overwhelming to even think about. I started with just one drawer in the bathroom. It felt amazing. When I finished it I had the confidence that “yes, I can do this!” And I haven’t stopped. This is my 3rd year. And like you have said many times before, I have been through things multiple times. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! You ARE making a difference!!
I love what you said about minimalists that decide what to keep, that you truly pick out the best of the best and decide what deserves your time!! So good!
Hello Charissa i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world
My instinct is to keep everything. I’m really working on re-training my brain to let things go and it’s not easy. I started by packing up four bags of my daughter’s clothes to donate. I couldn’t make myself drop it off at the donation center, but I got my Dad to bring it for me. I felt better when it was gone but it wasn’t easy.
Hello Sheila i hope you're safe over there? I am Carlos Holt from Key West Florida and you where are you from if i may ask?
I pray this year brings happiness and prosperity all over the world