Too Overwhelmed to Start? Declutter with Me!

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 29. 06. 2020
  • Some messes are downright overwhelming! Where do we start decluttering when it feels impossible? How do we simplify when we feel defeated? What if we honestly don't know what to do with this stuff or how to organize it?? Declutter with me!
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    R E L A T E D :
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    What to do when You get STUCK: ‱ Decluttering Sentiment...
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  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáƙe • 638

  • @TheMinimalMom
    @TheMinimalMom  Pƙed 4 lety +151

    THANK YOU for watching...we really (really!) appreciate it :) you can see my filing system and broad categories here: czcams.com/video/G40R6vkQ3fk/video.html ❀ Dawn

    • @dawnshepard3629
      @dawnshepard3629 Pƙed 4 lety +5

      Thank you for creating such great videos! I am always inspired by them and have actually made some progress on my decluttering journey.

    • @kalinaself1637
      @kalinaself1637 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      How do we apply this to helping family members parents and in laws declutter? Or do we not worry and just lead by example?

    • @beverlyharward9631
      @beverlyharward9631 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      @@kalinaself1637 There is a place for everything and everything in its place at my home though I can tell you, if I may, it's almost impossible to help family member(s) whom are hoarders. If it's bad, call in professionals. When my belated Mothet-In-Law came to live with us, we hired people to help me clear out and clean her house. 17 small dump trucks! I kid you not.

    • @maribelquesada5651
      @maribelquesada5651 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      We are on a getaway, I’m loving the minimalist room. I’m determined to go home and start with my bedroom to clear out stuff and make it peaceful. After leaving hotels I always say I’m going to get black out curtains, makes such a difference on how I wake up.

    • @staciearagon5394
      @staciearagon5394 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Wonderful video. Gave me the incentive to declutter my flat surface that has been bugging me for weeks. And just like you said it only took about 15 minutes! And that included the shredding and rehoming. Good grief I spent so much mental energy looking at it and dreading it.

  • @StacySanseverino
    @StacySanseverino Pƙed 2 lety +12

    It may not be glamorous but these ARE the kind of decluttering videos I love to watch!

  • @gingersnap3684
    @gingersnap3684 Pƙed 4 lety +182

    Oh my gosh! I have been putting off a couple of rooms that need to be decluttered. Every day I ask myself, "WHY do I keep putting this off!? It doesn't have to be a big deal!" And then I go sit on the couch!

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  Pƙed 4 lety +19

      You aren't alone!!!

    • @mrstpot8969
      @mrstpot8969 Pƙed 4 lety +33

      Pfff...4 out 6 kids grew up moved out & stuff still left behind! Just had 2 weddings, showers, g-babies born & homeschooling while recovering from an accident last year. It's daunting!
      Your videos helped encourage me to start one table at a time. Ok. Maybe a little bedside table. đŸ€ŁđŸ€·đŸ»â€â™€ïžđŸ’Ș😮
      đŸ™đŸ™đŸ™đŸ™đŸ™ŒđŸ™ŒđŸ™ŒđŸ€

    • @gingersnap3684
      @gingersnap3684 Pƙed 4 lety +29

      @@TheMinimalMom thank you! Sometimes I feel so silly. I'm a grown adult and haven't learned how to be tidy and organized. I love how airy and peaceful your home is! I hope one day mine will be like that!

    • @brookewhite1984
      @brookewhite1984 Pƙed 4 lety +6

      Same here! Then it hangs over your head until the day you do it every comes!

    • @LadiesofPurposeTV
      @LadiesofPurposeTV Pƙed 4 lety +17

      Lol me toođŸ€Ł. Brewing ☕ now and turning on cleaning music NOW!!!!!! We can do this!!😁

  • @Quilter1970
    @Quilter1970 Pƙed 4 lety +130

    It was nice to see that you have those real problems even though you are my minimalist role model. With those receipts, it’s like you “fell off the wagon”. It helps me know that you’re real.

    • @sheilak4493
      @sheilak4493 Pƙed 3 lety +7

      It is a BIG HELP to see this!

    • @sonialavoie1744
      @sonialavoie1744 Pƙed 3 lety +5

      I love what you do. What bothers me, personally, is throwing stuff in the trash. Not very eco friendly... What are you thoughts on this?

    • @VioletJoy
      @VioletJoy Pƙed 3 lety

      Yeeeees!

  • @lindaroberts2282
    @lindaroberts2282 Pƙed 4 lety +31

    I love the "If I forgot about it once I'll forget about again" way of thinking; brilliant!

  • @CookiesAndCosmos
    @CookiesAndCosmos Pƙed 4 lety +46

    I'm sure you've heard
    "Begin. The rest is easy."
    I have found that to be true. Often, the hardest part for me is just starting. Once I start a project, I usually find that it isn't so very hard and I don't want to stop until it is all done!

  • @ahoardersheart
    @ahoardersheart Pƙed 4 lety +118

    Hooray!!! I’m ready for a good Declutter now!! This is the hoarder’s achilles’ heel!! Overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and scared!! But you can overcome those emotions!! We keep each up encouraged and uplifted in this decluttering journey 🌟🌟🌟

    • @elizabethpaul989
      @elizabethpaul989 Pƙed 4 lety +9

      A Hoarder's Heart keep up your good work on decluttering
      Check out - A Slob comes Clean podcast. Her method of doing layers might strike a cord with you. Just do one Pass of basement only taking out obvious garbage/trash. That alone would make a difference in your basement I bet!!! 😎

  • @PahlaB
    @PahlaB Pƙed 4 lety +87

    Setting a timer is my favorite trick! I can do anything for ten minutes!

    • @Rosa-kf6yy
      @Rosa-kf6yy Pƙed 3 lety +2

      I do 5 min. 😋

    • @ptcreations8947
      @ptcreations8947 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Same! I set a timer for 20 minutes because I get easily distracted
      ..lol

    • @shawnaford5540
      @shawnaford5540 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      I do the FlyLady 15 min.

  • @maribelle4578
    @maribelle4578 Pƙed 4 lety +74

    My motto for donating is “Bless someone else.” Why keep something I don’t need or want? I imagine in my mind that person that receives my donation will be happy and blessed by it. Makes me donate items without regrets and I find it’s easier to let go of the clutter in my life.

    • @DestinyGPlus3
      @DestinyGPlus3 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      This is me to !

    • @valeriebraun6566
      @valeriebraun6566 Pƙed 4 lety +9

      I have hung on to way too much for way too long and I believe it was for my selfishness. Once I heard about how she imagines that item going to a “new home and receiving new love and a new life,” it clicked in my head and heart. I have loved every single item I have bought and brought into my home (another reason the “spark joy Komari method” is difficult for me to follow). I feel you should only have things in your home and life you love or as Marie puts it “spark joy.” I tend to not follow the trendy path and stick to more decor that is personal to me, like my own paintings and I love Art Deco so I hang my young nieces art in frames, you can’t get more Art Deco than that and it’s an original and a personal, much loved priceless work that I happen to love and love the artist behind! However, my clothes are a different story! I had lost 75+ lbs and I was terrified to get rid of my clothes for fear of gaining the weight back and then needing them again. I love my clothes and I enjoy looking nice, so I tend to spend more money and only buy few interchangeable and multi-use/application wardrobe pieces because they tend to be more expensive and I see this as a compromise. I kept those clothes for 4 years and finally last year had the courage to let them go. I felt wonderful about the decision after I did, but I had to learn to get there on my own and to trust myself that I was going to be able to keep my weight in control (I had been on a meditation that had caused my weight gain and had to get off the med r/t it causing fluid to accumulate around my heart and lungs. I literally peed the weight off in less than 6 months of not so fun numerous interrupting sleep nights.) I had to keep reminding myself to keep remembering that the reason for the weight and nothing else was a medication. I was not ever going back on the medication again and in reminding myself of this it was also allowing me permission to let go of those items of clothing that were only taking up space in my head, my heart, and my closet. I gave myself freedom and freed up space in my closet and life for forward progress to accept the weight loss and embrace the way I looked in new properly fitting clothes. I enjoyed the gift of giving my old wardrobe to women in a battered women’s shelter knowing that these women had been through rough times (I had once been in a similar situation) and that they would truly appreciate and love them probably more than I ever did. Thank You so much for the eye opener on this one!!

    • @lelexoxo303
      @lelexoxo303 Pƙed 4 lety +7

      We all should have some amount of regrets when getting rid of things.
      Thinking that everything you declutter goes to a new and loving home is nice but unrealistic.
      Thrift shops are swamped with things that noone wants. The majority of them end up in landfills because most of the time, if you don't need it, most others don't either.
      It's important to accept that you've consumed too much and to change your habits in the future instead of pushing your stuff on other people to get rid of the bad conscience.

    • @KimberleyB
      @KimberleyB Pƙed 3 lety +4

      Same! I think about how thrilled I was when I found just what I needed at a thrift shop or when something was given to me by someone.

    • @sheilastitt4854
      @sheilastitt4854 Pƙed 3 lety +3

      This is such a great prospective. I had a hard time letting go of things because of money invested or because I could see usefulness and I did not want to be waistfull. After I realized this, it made all the difference and donated several items. What a blessing to me to have the freedom to give.

  • @SG-es2hf
    @SG-es2hf Pƙed 4 lety +33

    I'm selling my home a year sooner than expected due to the pandemic, so I need to hurry & declutter and stage it. Thank God I've been watching your videos!

  • @spiritwomanleader
    @spiritwomanleader Pƙed 3 lety +10

    She's so relatable. Most of the challenges she has, I have. I am binge watching her videos to help me get into the mindset.

  • @RustyJudgment
    @RustyJudgment Pƙed 4 lety +97

    THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS!!! I won't twist my ankle anymore trying to get to my desk!! 😁😘

    • @jsjshdbejkwbsjdken8022
      @jsjshdbejkwbsjdken8022 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      I know what you mean its like playing twister to get around the room!

    • @aprilmayjunejuly
      @aprilmayjunejuly Pƙed 3 lety +3

      Sometimes I feel like I’m doing a weird dance as I step around stuff and maneuver through certain cluttered areas! LOL

    • @abundantlife8396
      @abundantlife8396 Pƙed 2 lety

      Tom, you’re so funny!

    • @Dancing_Alone_wRentals
      @Dancing_Alone_wRentals Pƙed 2 lety

      Desk? Is that the foundation for the leaning tower of boxes in the corner?

  • @laurenwellman2516
    @laurenwellman2516 Pƙed 4 lety +14

    Thank you, Dawn. This really helps. This is my house. This makes so much sense to me, because I already create piles of like things. And this is where I get stalled. I either have to stop for something else, don’t have a home for something or just lack the motivation.

  • @rhondasview1230
    @rhondasview1230 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Ive been minimalizing for quite a few years. Moving definitely helps. I sold my house in Florida 2014, only kept what fit in my car. Moved to Oregon and didnt stay long and moved again. Finally got an apartment and started buying furniture again. Moved to a house and and bought more to fill the space, first mistake. Then decided I’d move and rent a room with friends, my dog had to be put to sleep. Went back to my old house and purchased bedroom furniture back from the new owner, it was my grandparents, mistake again, sentimental. Finally after a year had to move from the room and sold the furniture, and moved to another friend’s not wanting be be on a lease, now in Georgia beautiful farm,but not practical for me. Right as Covid struck here i was able to rent a really affordable place in Texas. Still keeping minimal has been the best for me. I’m single with a small dog. This isn’t for everyone, but for this 63 year old woman its good.

  • @leeannqh
    @leeannqh Pƙed 4 lety +32

    I just had a vision of archaeologists of in theyear 2120 finding plastic containers with 'random stuff 2020' and thinking they had found treasure. But the boxes still end up going into a museum! Must remember to purge containers :-)

    • @melm9487
      @melm9487 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Hahaha...so funny! I can see it; plastic containers are the new Roman pots😂😂

    • @Emilyrsps
      @Emilyrsps Pƙed 4 lety +1

      I set a alarm reminder on my phone for six months to go back and get rid of the box.

    • @erin2535
      @erin2535 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      LOL it's funny but true! - I'm pretty sure archaeologists learn the most from rubbish dumps (thank you, Time Team UK hahaha 😁😁😁)

    • @bldhnds52
      @bldhnds52 Pƙed 2 lety

      You should read "Motel of the Mysteries"! I read it to my 6th grade social studies class when we studied ancient civilizations. I think it's right up your alley.

  • @pameehanson5316
    @pameehanson5316 Pƙed 4 lety +14

    I realized that I have been at the declutter process for 3+ years and i am learning the issue arises I organize the clutter....I call my issue "CLUTTERIZING" I could not make that decision so i would organize it....I have gotten rid of stuff BUT I still am dealing with too much for our small place..I believe in the book it talks about what our containers (House or Apt) what we really can hold and my apt is small meaning my container can't hold items from 1200 sq ft when we moved 3 years ago into the 950 sq ft. The good part is we did not rent a storage unit and i refuse to do that anymore (did it in the past and was laughing at your video of emptying a storage space). Best thing I learned today is not missing the random stuff and tossed the never used car chargers for prior cell phones that i no longer have....Thanks Dawn.

  • @marythecontrary
    @marythecontrary Pƙed 3 lety +4

    You are adorable, then you put your glasses on and look a whole other kind of gorgeous. â˜ș Thank you for making this video. Sharing the "why" and feelings behind keeping things and putting off these tasks is really helping me! I come from a long line of hoarders and the older I get, the harder it is to 1. Stop keeping things (like trash to turn into treasure. It never becomes treasure!) and 2. Get rid of things.
    Oh! And I love the way you say the word "important". Thanks again!

  • @sharon-said-it4928
    @sharon-said-it4928 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    I found your channel minutes ago and I knew this is the one I can relate too. Due to health issues i allowed my apartment especially the bedroom to become junky and filthy.
    My pastors said on several occasions that clutter attracts unclean spirits , cluttered thoughts and other negativity.
    Despite being in much pain I made a vow to myself and to God I would declutter/clean up to 1 hour per day for a week. I kept that vow and did over 20 hours Setting goals is key and the amount of trash i tossed out was staggering. I made huge progress and never want to live in clutter/filth again.

    • @barbarat5729
      @barbarat5729 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      Next time I hope those pastors show up to help.

    • @erin2535
      @erin2535 Pƙed 3 lety

      Excellent point Missy Sharon! - I'd never have thought of it but im glad u sais something. And well done you! Hope you're still going good with it

  • @autumnlockwood9470
    @autumnlockwood9470 Pƙed 4 lety +13

    I love that even you have some messy areas. Thanks for sharing

    • @leftfinned
      @leftfinned Pƙed 4 lety +2

      It makes me feel so normal an motivated

  • @Christina-ip7eq
    @Christina-ip7eq Pƙed 4 lety +8

    Dawn - THANK YOU for sharing your "junk room" with us!!! I'm almost a year into my decluttering and minimalism and so I find I still have stuff laying around. Your house always looks so put together that I was wondering what I'm doing wrong. It helped to see that clutter happens in your house still too. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel, well, normal now. Great news for my family is my husband took the plunge recently too!! He has been going through all his paper clutter and hoarding be habits in the garage. It's really making a difference! Thanks again for your upbeat personality, lovely family, and your willingness to show us the the "ugly" parts too. I love your channel! God Bless ❀

  • @craftyninjacat
    @craftyninjacat Pƙed 3 lety +4

    It's really hard to throw away those first few things, especially if they're sentimental. But once I get past that, I'm much more comfortable with it.

  • @Julie-rc7wl
    @Julie-rc7wl Pƙed 4 lety +18

    This was one of my favorite videos you've made. Thank you!
    The overwhelming feeling for me comes from all the tedious decisions involved in decluttering. It tires my brain. You really broke this down nicely and made decisions for me in how to tackle it. Also, it was gratifying to watch you organize and then to show the final results of your labor! Vicarious tidying satisfaction! 😘
    Dawn, thank you for continuing to put out regular quality videos. I assume there's a whole lot of time and energy and prep that goes on in producing all of your content. You are so appreciated!! 💕

    • @katiegleaves3792
      @katiegleaves3792 Pƙed rokem

      yes!!! Decision Fatigue is an absolutely real thing, and often what stops me along the way. It really helps to either involve a friend for support (and rational decisions without emotion attached to everything) and to break the project/area down into smaller, bite-size pieces (the timer method). "You can't eat a whole elephant in one day," as they say.

  • @BellaEssentialLiving
    @BellaEssentialLiving Pƙed 4 lety +12

    I was overwhelmed with decluttering business inventory. I tackled about 1/3 and stopped for a couple of months. Just went and dealt with another 1/3 mostly alone and it feels so awesome!! When I feel stuck or not motivated, I look for Dawn's videos, since she still declutters - real and practical! Thank you so much!!

  • @wendycol8354
    @wendycol8354 Pƙed 4 lety +41

    Everything is so true! Once I get started it's so much easier. And passing stuff on that just doesn't fit our lives anymore is so smart. How much stuff did I keep that is now too old or damaged to be passed on, could have been a blessing to someone?
    I'm learning!

    • @Nan-59
      @Nan-59 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      I understand! Yup!!

    • @dnllmaurer1
      @dnllmaurer1 Pƙed 3 lety +3

      Not sure if I'll want it later, I stash it. Things happen, I get busy & forget about it. When I finally see it again, it's not so nice. Then I'm irritated with myself because it's useless. There's no benefit to shove things into spaces out of view, waste time moving it around, maybe clean it & not have use of the space it filled. Lesson I've learned is to decide the first time I look at it. If I'm not sure, make a note to decide within a specific time period like 30-90 days. To end the behavior it required I shift my perspective. Instead of thinking of stuff in terms of, I already have it & might want it later. I changed to evaluate if it's important? Do I use it? Do I need it? Is it a precious, sentimental & irreplaceable item, that triggers positive memories? If no, then it's got to go! Like anything, with practice it gradually gets easier.

  • @grutarg2938
    @grutarg2938 Pƙed rokem +1

    Thanks for showing your real mess, and not just a perfectly clean home.

  • @wenzworld
    @wenzworld Pƙed 4 lety +33

    Love this! It shows how, no matter how far along we are in our decluttering, there is always more to do😆 Thank you for being so relatable. Much love❀

  • @jeannestandley-kinata824
    @jeannestandley-kinata824 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Thank you so much for this video. Your authenticity is refreshing. FOR RECEIPTS: I keep two cosmetic zippered pouches in my tote bag. One for business one for personal expenses. When I purchase something the receipt goes into my wallet then right into personal pouch or business pouch. This makes taxes really easy. And returns a breeze. Avalible at Dollar store. Choose two different colors. At end of year I put a label on them and file in family file. Also works for Design projects or home remodels. Thank you for your videos. I am sending love and hugs from Washington State, USA, Jeanne of In Loving Hands and ASMR

  • @carolsailer1395
    @carolsailer1395 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    I have been working on to Declutter for years & I get “decision fatigue” so fast!! One area I am doing better is my clothing...the rest...I’ve barely put a dent in...
    Paper clutter has always been bad for me...so funny I’ve procrastinated my area of paper for almost a week & decided to tackle it & that is when I like to watch a lot of videos...this one popped up & im like...Yes!!!

    • @Nina-hk7ub
      @Nina-hk7ub Pƙed 3 lety +1

      I have a room of clothes on racks & every closet in my house has clothes. I can't wear it during SIP.

  • @carineill4439
    @carineill4439 Pƙed 4 lety +15

    Thank you! I love seeing that you still have some of those spaces and times when things are not decluttered. It helps me to know that 8 months in, it is okay to still have spaces that get cluttered again after I declutter them and it is okay to NOT be finished with decluttering my house. I so appreciate you!

  • @AWanderingEye
    @AWanderingEye Pƙed 4 lety +15

    Loved this practical handson lesson. Now for those of us with tons of "homeless" items, please show us similar start to finish process. This unglamorous approach works!

  • @noreendevine3967
    @noreendevine3967 Pƙed 4 lety +106

    How come we rarely recall bringing all this stuff into our homes😂

    • @crystalmasters8582
      @crystalmasters8582 Pƙed 3 lety +3

      It seems random af I swear it’s fairies!!

    • @mardur9065
      @mardur9065 Pƙed 3 lety

      hahaha

    • @msdixie1972
      @msdixie1972 Pƙed 2 lety +10

      Sadly I do remember how most of it came in, and that's a problem because I have unnecessary emotional attachment to a lot of it for that very reason. But I'm working past that!

    • @sonjaforster7091
      @sonjaforster7091 Pƙed 2 lety +6

      @@msdixie1972 Same here! Starting to declutter has become pretty therapeutic for me, since I had to ask myself why I am so emotionally attached to a lot of my stuff and how I can detach my emotions and memories from material things.
      Hope the decluttering process is going well for you.

    • @Dancing_Alone_wRentals
      @Dancing_Alone_wRentals Pƙed 2 lety +6

      Funny you should ask that. Does it take more energy to get it out of the house than it did to bring it in?
      I'm not sure....Signed...been spring cleaning non stop since.....five years ago!

  • @craftyninjacat
    @craftyninjacat Pƙed 3 lety +1

    The bin for stuff that belongs in another room is my favorite trick. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only mom that gets distracted and doesn't go back to what I was doing otherwise!

  • @iamajoyous1
    @iamajoyous1 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    I've only been putting off decluttering and organizing for close to 10 years. After watching this video, I feel very positive and motivated. Thank you! So happy to be one of your subscribers!

  • @valhinkle6500
    @valhinkle6500 Pƙed 4 lety +11

    Ok so I'm watching this and at this very moment I have a pile of my own that I've been putting off going thru. I'm gonna do it tomorrow but I may need to watch this video again for the motivation to do it.

  • @emilylong9887
    @emilylong9887 Pƙed 4 lety +15

    Ugh I worked so hard on the main areas of my home that now my bedroom is feeling more like a storage unit. So overwhelming and I do keep putting it off. Needed this push and motivation to get it DONE!!! Thanks so much.

    • @kaycrawford3796
      @kaycrawford3796 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      Yes! I tidied & rearranrearranged my living / dining room, except for 2 small bookcases. Now the 2 bedrooms look just like this! & i can't even walk up to the walkin closet. sigh...

    • @kaycrawford3796
      @kaycrawford3796 Pƙed 4 lety

      Rearranged

  • @luckysuzful
    @luckysuzful Pƙed 4 lety

    I happened upon your channel totally by accident, but now I'm binge watching your videos. They have made me feel like I can actually do this. I was actually forced to start with my garage three weeks ago when our HOA parking guidelines changed, which required us to have two vehicles in our garage. So we embarked on an (overwhelming) task to clean out the garage to make way for another vehicle. It has taken awhile, but I can't believe all the stuff we either gave away or threw away. I'm still not done yet, but I have to say that about 70% of the stuff that was in there is gone so far. I bought storage racks at Costco to house the stuff we're keeping to get everything off of the ground, and in the process of putting stuff on the new shelving, I got rid of even more stuff. And then I took a photo of two cars, actually in the garage...the first time it's happened in 23 years. Wahoo! I was hot and sweaty, but felt very accomplished. Can't wait to learn more from your videos, so thanks for sharing your journey and tips, and for the encouragement!

  • @sarahk758
    @sarahk758 Pƙed rokem

    I’ve heard you mention on a few videos ‘I know it’s not glamorous’- but I just want to say it IS glamorous, in its own way. It leads to a more peaceful spot. seeing reality instead of just the big ‘pretty spots’ redone is SO helpful. I hate doing desk areas, so for me- this super inspiring.

  • @amandagramstad2506
    @amandagramstad2506 Pƙed 4 lety

    As always, so enjoy your encouragement! Happy decluttering!

  • @kimkay1741
    @kimkay1741 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    This was SO helpful! Thanks for the inspiration💕

  • @Laura-on9ft
    @Laura-on9ft Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Thanks for the encouragement Dawn! 💕

  • @jessicalarsen7971
    @jessicalarsen7971 Pƙed 4 lety +5

    I love the quote you stumbled on when cleaning! This procrastinator can for sure relate!!

  • @danabrown2391
    @danabrown2391 Pƙed 4 lety +13

    That was excellent! I am also a minimalist and it's been so long since I had any big piles of clutter, (kids all gone so it's all much easier with just my husband and me) that I felt overwhelmed just looking at your stuff and couldn't think what I would tell someone to do first, second and third! But you nailed it!

  • @jolawrence674
    @jolawrence674 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Really have a woop moment when I see a new video has arrived! Awesome advice as usual, thanks DawnđŸ€©

  • @danithegirl86
    @danithegirl86 Pƙed rokem +1

    I needed this video today! Thank you, Dawn! ❀

  • @lisarivers1438
    @lisarivers1438 Pƙed 4 lety +33

    Yesss Dawn that's me. I open my closets and it terrifies me and I say "HOW CAN I DO THIS" I have taken MANY big bags to Goodwill but nothing ever looks different. I guess it's because I must have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF that I don't notice any difference. I love when you show the overview of your house because it looks sooo nice and neat. Are you still planning on coming somewhere near New York City ? Although I'm more like Tom, I'm sooo not a social person and super private I would make an exception for you 😊.

    • @username00009
      @username00009 Pƙed 4 lety +5

      Take before pictures! I’ve been there, and if it weren’t for pictures I wouldn’t have realized my progress. I think this is because humans tend to focus on what’s wrong and, as a result, we completely forget how much has changed.

    • @randzopyr1038
      @randzopyr1038 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      I've been there, it's just part of the process. The best way to go about it is easiest to hardest, whatever that may be for you. Start with the random closet or drawer where "stuff" tends to accumulate and deal with the obvious trash and junk that you know can be binned/recycled/donated.
      Do that same thing on space at a time. Then you can go back and really declutter where you feel its necessary. It may be a little more work but it's not as overwhelming as trying to make a space perfect on the first pass.
      I have been decluttering for 4-5 years now trying to become somewhat minimalistic and every time I return to a space I tend to notice something new that I don't need, often something that seemed important or valuable in the last declutter, but in contrast to what is left, now is less significant.

  • @mariacastillo3090
    @mariacastillo3090 Pƙed 4 lety

    Your videos bring joy to my heart. Thank you Dawn.

  • @bkrbkrl
    @bkrbkrl Pƙed 4 lety

    All great tips.
    I suffer from depression, so I let things go and then become overwhelmed. One thing I do now is to make a list. I will stand and look in a room and divide it into small "jobs" and place them on a to-do list. For instance, a kitchen list would be clean the microwave, clean the fridge, clean the top of the fridge, mop the floor, etc. Attacking small areas/jobs takes away the problem of freezing and doing nothing because of feeling overwhelmed and crossing each item off the list gives a feeling of accomplishment (especially when you finally finish the entire room list, then start fresh!) Make one for each room, bounce from room to room day to day at your own pace and pretty soon, you don't get a single room so neglected that it becomes overwhelming ever again. You can do one thing from one room a day or one thing from each room in a day: YOU choose. It works because even just a single something does get done every day. You are in control now.

  • @dbartz5510
    @dbartz5510 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    Great advice Dawn! Love your common sense approach!💗🙏💗

  • @karahein5248
    @karahein5248 Pƙed 4 lety

    Very encouraging dawn! I really love seeing your space that needs decluttering as it helps me to realise I’m not alone and that it actually doesn’t take long to sort things. So Thankyou for the inspiration!

  • @suzanne37923
    @suzanne37923 Pƙed 4 lety

    You are so encouraging and real! THANKS!

  • @simplesgood7694
    @simplesgood7694 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Love the piles first part so that I can make things tidier faster! Thanks Dawn!! I always learn something from your videos!

  • @kaylagoold4053
    @kaylagoold4053 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    I struggle to get started because I look at the mess and realize what a failure I’ve been. I work so hard to get a space clean, then within a few days it’s a complete overwhelming disaster again. Why bother spending all that cleaning time if I’m just in a perpetual messy cycle? It’s frustrating and feels like a waste of time.
    I also like to think that minimalism and declutter will help me prevent the big messes in the first place, but honestly seeing videos of you (a pro) still struggling with mess really disheartens me. Not that it’s anything bad on you, it’s just my own faulty thinking that “if even the pros can’t prevent mess, neither can I so why bother.” I have it in my head that it’s “all or nothing.” I know that’s illogical reasoning, but it’s where I’m at. 😞
    Thanks for your videos though, I’m trying to overcome my stuckness and I think your videos are helping.

    • @TheRonskins
      @TheRonskins Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Agreed! When I was married living with my husband and my stepchildren, I was in a perpetual cycle of cleaning and decluttering. I am by nature a very clean, clutter free, OCD neat freak 😁; and my husband and stepchildren were not. I'd be constantly cleaning, decluttering, and re-homing items. I honestly thought why bother; and some weeks, that's exactly what I did---I just didn't bother. Thankfully, however, my innate nature went into autopilot, the kids eventually moved out, and the husband realized the importance of maintaining a neat and orderly home.

  • @iamaShrub
    @iamaShrub Pƙed rokem

    Thank you so much Dawn! This was so so so helpful! Very encouraging

  • @rubyrose940
    @rubyrose940 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Loved this video, very helpful. I love the before and after, I am thinking I should take a picture of before and after when I am doing a project 💕

  • @christinefoss5767
    @christinefoss5767 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    I love the freedom this way of thinking brings. Thank you, so much for sharing the process and the great questions that we can be asking ourselves while organizing.

  • @lindseyheringer2641
    @lindseyheringer2641 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    I’ve been waiting for your video today so I just started watching an old one.

  • @donnafrye5225
    @donnafrye5225 Pƙed 2 lety

    I watch this one over and over again,it helps to supports me a lot! Thanks Dawn!

  • @amandaramsay5934
    @amandaramsay5934 Pƙed 3 lety

    I love how you repurpose areas to function so well.

  • @myfriendschmeeda
    @myfriendschmeeda Pƙed 3 lety +4

    We build confidence as we go.... that’s SO wise!!! I was always stalling and now I think I know why. Thank you! The random stuff bin is GOLD

  • @sunnygem21
    @sunnygem21 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    This is so helpful! Thank you. The random stuff is definitely the hardest to deal with.

  • @michelesmith7269
    @michelesmith7269 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    Awww Dawn, not long ago you had that "Love Beyond Measure" hanging in your bedroom and I thought it was so sweet!

  • @laurabee1840
    @laurabee1840 Pƙed 4 lety +10

    I was hoping for something like this đŸ„° my home office/stash room need declutter and I've been avoiding it because it seems like a huge task, thanks for proving me it is not.

  • @Heather.C.ButterflySage
    @Heather.C.ButterflySage Pƙed 4 lety

    Yay for decluttering inspiration and support! It's been an ongoing journey, and we've made lots of headway. There are still some deeper archives that need to be cleared out and refreshed. Thanks, Dawn! Your cheerful, humorous, encouraging demeanor is the best!

  • @Greekkisses
    @Greekkisses Pƙed 4 lety +2

    I'm going to re-watch this so that I can take notes on some of those key points you made. They really made me nod my head in agreement when you said them. Great job on the room. Can't wait to see what you do with it in the Fall.

  • @metesarabi9273
    @metesarabi9273 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    I have found so much helpful advice from your videos. Thanks very much!

  • @jamiesmagicalworld6117
    @jamiesmagicalworld6117 Pƙed rokem

    I appreciate seeing you work through this! And I like seeing that I’m not alone in these spaces.

  • @cynthiapatrick2723
    @cynthiapatrick2723 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thank you for the video. I needed it. I am stuck and not wanting to declutter. You have inspired me to just get started instead of putting it off. Blessings to you and your family.

  • @sconan01
    @sconan01 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    A re-homing bin. So simple, so genius! I always get distracted if I leave the room I am working on!

  • @richardblank6333
    @richardblank6333 Pƙed 3 lety

    You make it seem approachable and your knowing and supportive laugh puts those at ease. Thanks

  • @julianaleon9471
    @julianaleon9471 Pƙed 3 lety

    I love your honesty and transparency on sharing your experience! It makes me feel not alone. Some other videos about organizing and decluttering make feel guilty instead of inspired. Thank you so much!

  • @plantsoverpills1643
    @plantsoverpills1643 Pƙed 4 lety

    It’s all so true. I think our mood is also a factor in getting motivated. Some days, we get up and things just groove. Other days we can dwell in the mire of our clutter and nothing seems to move. Some people believe that moon phase is also a contributing factor. And boy oh boy am I ever with you on the “don’t leave the room to put something away due to distraction.” That is a sure fire way to treadmill your success.
    People should watch your videos over their early morning coffee; it’ll motivate their day to - clutter. Excuse me while I tackle mine!!!đŸ‘đŸ»

  • @annagallegos2293
    @annagallegos2293 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    I love to watch you. You truly are inspiring and motivate me to clean, organize and minimize. God bless you and your family always. Thank you for all you do for us.

  • @freedomgrrrl5707
    @freedomgrrrl5707 Pƙed 4 lety

    It's super important like you said looking into the emotional attachments most don't so that's great thank you

  • @kristinajohnsonstrosnider4864

    Your "Declutter with me" videos are so helpful! My desk and my craft room are the two messes I've had a mental struggle tackling. I literally cleaned my desk while watching you tackle your own desk. Really helpful tips and questions that I can apply to other areas of my home (and mind) that I'm working on de-cluttering. Thanks for your openness and sharing your journey.

  • @shaynaformity1384
    @shaynaformity1384 Pƙed 3 lety

    The Random Stuff box idea is awesome! Some days my brain works better than others, and that is a tip that I can use on my not-so-good-brain days (like today). I just cleared out a drawer in my kitchen: something like 50% of the things got put where they belong, 10% of the things are in the donate bag, 10% thrown away, and the rest are now in a random stuff box, that's a lot more done than nothing, and I have some clear space and a sense of accomplishment. Done is better than Perfect! (which is shorthand for: done now is better than not done because it's not gonna be perfect so why even start, or I'm having a hard time doing this, so I should stop altogether). I also LOVE the idea "If I forgot I had this, I'll forget it again" so I should get rid of it. That is gonna be a game-changer for me, too!

  • @ltalbott1274
    @ltalbott1274 Pƙed 4 lety

    I’ve been following awhile now and always get something out of your videos. This one in particular hit home and you were able to put my feelings into words. Always good info and I love the variety.

  • @amt2804
    @amt2804 Pƙed 4 lety

    Fabulous!!! Thank you so much!!! I’ve been putting off my gift wrap closet, and today is the day to face it!!! Thank you, Jennifer

  • @beckym3287
    @beckym3287 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    This was extremely helpful!!! Very real-life. You touched on so many problems I usually run into when trying to declutter. THANK YOU! Your videos have seriously changed my life!!!💞

  • @hannaht9368
    @hannaht9368 Pƙed 3 lety

    Thanks for the inspiration this Saturday! There are multiple jobs I have been putting off decluttering. I'm going to go for them! You are real and encouraging! Thank you.

  • @NickiHorn78
    @NickiHorn78 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Another great video! 😊 I used to have the same system for filing. (Pile it up and eventually get to it lol) I also used to use the same container for filing my documents. I went through the bin and got rid of 90% of the stuff that was in it. I bought a binder and some dividers and made sections. I like this way much better because in case of an emergency it is less to carry but has all of the important documents easily accessible. I know this won’t work for everyone but it really has helped me.

  • @laurahanson5179
    @laurahanson5179 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    You’re the best Dawn!!! You have such a gift of communicating complex ideas in a simple way. And empowering others to believe in themselves and take action.

  • @CH-uf3jp
    @CH-uf3jp Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Hi Dawn, thank you for the great example. So much encouraging.
    đŸ˜„đŸ™‚đŸ‘ŒđŸ‘”

  • @judyzander3681
    @judyzander3681 Pƙed 4 lety

    I can't even tell you how badly I needed this today. Feeling tired & depressed, needing THIS encouragement 💖 Thanks, Dawn

  • @elizabethcole3861
    @elizabethcole3861 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thank you so much for this! Your tips make this task that I hate seem so much less intimidating. I really appreciate how your strategies are realistic and achievable!

  • @jenhoffmann9326
    @jenhoffmann9326 Pƙed 4 lety

    So glad you showed that! Super helpful and encouraging/motivating! Thanks for your transparency. And I liked the format. 😊

  • @rg-mi5hh
    @rg-mi5hh Pƙed 3 lety

    Thank you. Been decluttering for a few years. It keeps looking better. 🙂

  • @noriconner4982
    @noriconner4982 Pƙed 3 lety

    Thank you for your videos. I love that they are practical and helpful! I'm preparing for a cross country move and watching your videos to help mentally prepare for the process.

  • @christinnevins8710
    @christinnevins8710 Pƙed rokem

    I totally relate and the step by step guidance helps me so much. Cleared surfaces that were full of deferred decisions are SO inspiring. Thank you!

  • @melanielester2106
    @melanielester2106 Pƙed 4 lety

    I thoroughly enjoyed this, very motivational as always! I love the fact that you aren't afraid to let us all see that your home does get messy at times and that things aren't always spotless and organised. It's a nice reality check for your subscribers that we are doing OK and not aiming for perfection X

  • @annastiscia6511
    @annastiscia6511 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thank you for the many reminders. Totally agree with the 'if you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting if off' idea! Instead of 'shuffling around' and wondering where to put things, I need to ask myself: 'Is it worth making a home for?' Hopefully this will help me let go of more stuff. And good reminder to say if you've 'forgotten' it once... I also need to 'deal with the piles' (of paperwork) and 'finish strong'. And to remember that it's lovely to clear a flat surface - and then keep it that way, as a 'reminder space'. Thank you again.

  • @jenniferlavallee9922
    @jenniferlavallee9922 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thanks so much for sharing these encouraging and motivating tips with others! I've been on a small journey for about 3 months taking baby steps and slowly making progress, one room at a time. Hopefully by a years time I'll have the whole house done. It's also great to see that even though you''ve been a minimalist for 6 years you still have clutter to deal with. Thanks for sharing that.

  • @robynhudgik1440
    @robynhudgik1440 Pƙed 3 lety

    Your videos are packed with so much practical help with every day annoying decisions. I am applying so many of them immediately.

  • @pamd7670
    @pamd7670 Pƙed 3 lety

    I’ve watched you for a while. But I’m ready to try and declutter certain spaces and this was spot on with how we make it into a debilitating mountain! I’m going back to watch all your past decluttering videos. Thank you Dawn!

  • @AmyJLee
    @AmyJLee Pƙed 4 lety

    Thank you so much for this video. I had the exact same issue, I had a very messy desk. Actually two, and I cleaned them off, I switched their places because that needed to happen, and cleaned up and put things away. It was awesome. Thank you thank you thank you!

  • @cinnie2543
    @cinnie2543 Pƙed 4 lety

    I'm so glad you did this. You make it look so easy. I'm going to tackle my desk tomorrow and see what happens. Thank you.

  • @gingerdunbar3428
    @gingerdunbar3428 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Love your channel (and Tom's)!! Your decluttering tips have really helped me be decisive about " keep, trash, donate". Thanks for being an inspiration! HUUUUUGGGGGGGGS!

  • @keyisme1356
    @keyisme1356 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Homeless stuff... Feel like I've been working on that for years. Stuff I shouldn't really throw away because I'll just end up buying it again.
    A curtain rod that needs to get put back up after I figure out how to fix the hole in the wall. So many things waiting for me to figure out how to fix, buy the supplies, and do it when I won't be accidentally dropping a tool on my kid's heads. đŸ€•
    Paper looks overwhelming pretty quick, because 1 inch of paper looks like 100 decisions.
    But it was nice to see an actual mess in your house. Dawn isn't perfect. đŸ€«đŸ€ŻđŸ˜±. 😉.
    I have several spots in my house that regress to this within 1 day to 1 week, even though I throw a lot of it away. That part is discouraging. Between kids crafts and mom (me) not really owning an office spot, it's hard to have a working paper system. (My husband has his own office, and my kids keep taking over mine... even tho they have their own.)

  • @randzopyr1038
    @randzopyr1038 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Homeless stuff is definitely a problem. It took me a long time to realize how much this contributed to my clutter dilemma. It's still a problem because I just can't seem to find a good home for certain things, and if I have learned one thing from decluttering, it's that out of sight/out of mind is not a good policy.

  • @aleciahenderson5450
    @aleciahenderson5450 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!
    I really needed to see this! I'm one who tends to procrastinate with the excuse that it feels too overwhelming. Today I am going to tackle just one space! I will set the timer and I will group like things! ♄

  • @ctheweb1774
    @ctheweb1774 Pƙed 3 lety

    I think what makes your videos so great and fun to watch, other than the fact that you are so bright and happy, is that you cut to other videos of slides of things, vs just sitting there and talking! It keeps me engaged! Thanks so much for your amazing work! I'm sooo inspired by you!