10 Easy ways to SIMPLIFY Your HOME / Becoming a Simplist

Let's make your home a little more simple.
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♦️Target tray for cups: There's no link, it's in the dollar spot
♦️Lazy Susans (My favorite) ⤵️
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Note: This video is NOT sponsored! All opinions are always my own!
#simplify #becomingasimplist

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

Love making things simple! I’ve had my eyebrows and eyeliner airbrushed on, I’ve cut my nails short and no longer get them manicured. I’ve grown my grey/silver hair out into a 1 length bob and I have simplified my clothing so that every top goes with every bottom. I’ve never looked so good in my life and I’m 65. I’ve done the same with my home and everything has a place, with space around it so that there’s no fuss when you need to access it and everything is placed so that it’s convenient to use. I don’t know why I didn’t do this years ago, it makes life so much easier.

[@borleyboo5613]

You’ve certainly got it sorted. Sounds great. I’m 66 and doing the same......or trying to. 👍😃

[@joyousbloom731]

I’m trying to do this but my three young adult children keep getting in the way of it😆

[@rutheis]

Considering growing out my gray, but scared! I ran the idea past my hubby the other night and he didn't have a quick answer. Normally he says a very safe " your hair always looks good", but him being lost for words freaked me out a bit. I said I know I will look older, but I am older, so what am I putting myself through the time and expense ever 6 weeks. Sounds like you have done everything I had hoped to do by age 50, but am aiming now for 65! 😂

[@prayingwifeandmama4251]

@@rutheis I can chime in on the gray hair issue. It helps that my husband went prematurely gray (ok, salt and pepper) and that he is very thrifty. I started talking about it to him about a year before I actually took the plunge. He was all for it and I was the one qho needed his reassurance that he would still be attracted to me. I am not sure if you have developed a plan or not? I will tell you what I did. I got my hair cut short but cute, that helped grow out the gray easier so I didnt really have that dramatic line of color then gray/white. I have a lot of white around my face which I have been teasingly accused of getting white highlights. I now have it should length for my own ease and pull it back quite a bit due to the tropical climate of Georgia. I use a purple shampoo mixed in with my favorite moisturizing shampoo (gray hair can be very thirsty). The purple keepa the gray and white looking fresh not yellowish. The purple tint in the shampoo washes out immediately so don't worry about that! Blessings to you!

[@MindfulMidlife]

I love this Stephanie! We all have different ways of making life simpler and you have found what works for you.

[@hedgiegal3340]

I work in a hospital. I have all white towels and washcloths and they all go in the laundry to be cleaned on hot immediately after each use. We never get colds, flu, etc. Sheets and bedding get washed on hot once a week as well. Maybe not simple, but it works!

[@sunrae7680]

👍🏼 yes. I have enough white towels for a whole load. Paper towels are too expensive.

[@jimmiepatrum]

I'm a firm believer in washing all towels and washcloths in hot water. I do have both whites and colors, so I wash them separately from one another. Same with sheets. Now and then I will add some bleach for whitening. this business of washing everything in cold water just doesn't make sense to me. Diane

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Me too, it’s worth the money to have really clean linens.

[@CarlaQuattlebaum]

@@jimmiepatrum Yes, washing everything in cold water DOESN'T make sense. Why are there warm and hot water settings on the washer if cold water was the standard for all clothes?

[@sharroon7574]

Do you use bleach? I use borax and I love it.

[@luvzdogz]

Ooo! I like that term "simplist." I know I'm not (and don't aspire to be) a minimalist. But I don't want to be too maximalist either. Perfect term for it here in the middle! 😊

[@MegInASheathDress]

We're minimalists [9 years] but these are great tips for everyone. I wanted to add that each person in the household can use a travel roll up toiletry thing with a hanger and if you dry your products, you can hang it in your closet so it's not using up bathroom space.

[@sct4040]

A simplest has common sense solutions. A minimalist only has less stuff.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@sct4040 , Excellent distinction! 💖🙌😺

[@julieanderson7078]

My dad taught me to buy those small white wash towels and use them for cleaning up in most cases instead of paper towels. I then have my husband wash and bleach them as I don't like the smell of bleach. We save a great deal of money on paper towels. Also Bar Keeper Friend is a wonderful product.

[@margaretpare8206]

I haven't bought paper towels in 10+ years. Use white washcloths, bought in bulk. Hot water, bleach as needed

[@annw1395]

I feel bad for Susan, too. She wasn't lazy; she was EFFICIENT. I prefer towel rods, tho. They dry so much faster.

[@likeargamanflaming940]

So funny you'd write this. In our house we say she gets a bad rap, therefore, we call her "convenient Susan."

[@tracyjanzen9017]

Susan wasn't lazy she was genius🙂

[@sl4983]

Or her husband was

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@sl4983 , 😱😛😺

[@MsGnor]

Lmao @@sl4983 or her adult 'children' when threatened with eviction 🦾🥰

[@katanyajason3316]

@@sl4983 Why her husband ??? Seriously...

[@katanyajason3316]

They say that in order to be lazy you have to be intelligent. Because it takes brains to avoid doing work.

[@pixie3760]

Love most of your tips although I never put the lids on plastic containers as I've found they can get a plastic type odour to them. I put the lids sideways into the containers so they stay together but the container is still open

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I never seal them but lay on top so stays loose Or put all lids in one spot I try not have a lot in cupboard but have them all in use at all times! That means I’ve got quick meals just waiting to be made from fridge or cupboard (granola, spice mixes, DIY bisquik, etc)

[@patricebetts6531]

Susan is not lazy! She’s hard working. Plastic lids on the container can retain food smells. Even as clean as they can be in my experience. Or if the container or lid aren’t completely dry they shouldn’t be closed. I use a fresh towel every day. Towels won’t dry very well if they aren’t hung straightened out. You do have many other good ideas.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Love the slow closing lid. Stayed with my sis for a bit and she had them on all of her toilets. BUT...was at someone else's house one day and flipped on old heavy lid down without thinking. People thought a gun had gone off!

[@MindfulMidlife]

Yup, that's the down-side of getting used to the slow close!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@MindfulMidlife , As well as living our lives as a compilation of 'habits', rather than 'thinking'/'being "mindful'' of' the little things we do throughout the day. 😱😛😹 Love, Light, and Mindful Blessings. 🙏😇✨💫🌱🌿🌻🐝🌳🌎💖🙌😺

[@azsubie3177]

Hi Bobbie! My name is Bonnie and I just took my dish soap off the tray because of the mess and didn't even think to put a cloth underneath it. I also have a blog about simplicity in midlife, so I think that's why you popped up on my feed! Love what you are sharing as I think our market is still viable and that women over 50 love these ideas just as much as anyone else. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@erinsirohi5631]

For the toilet - use a white or clear rubber bumper stuck to the lid of the toilet tank to silence the toilet lid.

[@ajb.822]

Those glass things that you threw away due to their not being flat on the top ( bottom when flipped over for a cup or bowl) are cloches, I assume, and many crafters, up-cyclers would probably love them. So, I would give them to a thrift store next time, maybe put all into a tough-plastic ziplock bag so the store may just hand with their small, grouped items as-is and a crafter can see & grab the lot at once ! :). On the theme of simplifying, streamlining one's home, the book " The House that Cleans itself" is super helpful. Even for those of us pretty decent at realizing and finding solutions for our own little inconveniences at home, in our lives, daily tasks etc., it can really help open one's eyes up even more. Inspire further. I highly recommend it, plus it's also a fun read, little splashes of humor throughout :) !

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@ajb.822, Thanks for the recommendation, putting it on my 'book list' to get asap! 💖🙌😺

[@adelechicken6356]

I have a very large amount of lazy susans in kitchen, sewing room, hall closet, and even one underneath a large plant so I can rotate it for even growth. 😊

[@andreaslightangels]

I changed my hand towels for a set of 20 x new fluffy white facecloths in a basket. Now when we use a towel, you know it's clean. The 20 are enough for one load in my machine. So instead of 5 grimy or semi used towels, my bathrooms look like those boutique hotels, with an abundance of clean towels. It really does simplify and neaten up the space

[@JoVo1111]

This is the best darn idea I’ve ever heard and I’m gonna implement this immediately! 😂 I already have the giant box of white washcloths so all I need to do is fill a basket with a few next to the sink for the week and remove the ugly towel hanger and finally put something pretty on the wall instead. THANK YOU for sharing this idea. 🎉

[@donnalibman8439]

Dont understand.?!? Facecloth for each handwipe. Instead of hand towels? Right?

[@nadogrl]

@@donnalibman8439- I don’t get it either…where do the used washcloths go?

[@TimelordUK]

So one face towel for each hand wipe visit to the bathroom? That's a hell of a lot of hand towels!!!

[@calliecjs]

I use Dollar Tree placemats for sliding my coffee pot and my mixer! They work very well.

[@MindfulMidlife]

Great idea Callie!

[@tinajernigan1728]

I like that your ideas are easy and don't all require buying new things.

[@laurieclarkson9180]

I started the dorm/tub hack and it keeps my shower looking less cluttered and that soap scum doesn't collect under bottles. So much better!

[@FrenchTwist]

Dollar store microwave splash covers make perfect lazy susans and easy to wash if spills happen, or something tips over

[@bethehms7416]

I just love these types of videos, Bobbie. So glad you are going to share more of this type of content! Thank you!!

[@MindfulMidlife]

I am so glad Beth! I’m really having fun planning new videos while keeping some of the old stuff going as well.

[@krystalgarcia3397]

Great tips! Thank you ☺️ I had to giggle at the toilet seat slamming. We have slow closing lids so when we go away for vacation or if we happen to be at someone’s house we forget and drop the lid/seat 🫣😅oops

[@ajb.822]

Reminds me of this ( and hopefully more people will now know why some of us do these things out in public/other's homes ! ) : I grew up with a 1981 Pontiac Bonneville, 2 door. Long, HEAVY ( compared to modern cars) doors ! I had to really give er all I had as a little kid, to close em all the way ! By the later 90s we had 1, then replaced with another, Chevy SUV with not exactly modern, light, nor electric, doors. Ditto on older pick-ups our farm sometimes had, mostly rusty-ish, needed some grease on the hinges I think, there. Not that they were heavy tho. Anyway, I was a very strong farm girl working like a man and a half and used to dealing with heavy and difficult things basically all day long, and for awhile, using the ol Bonneville as my (farm) work vehicle after I got married/moved out, down the road aways. I'd get in it out of someone's vehicle ( like my husband's car when we were dating) and accidentally give too much of a heave-ho when closing the doors !

[@krystalgarcia3397]

@@ajb.822 yes! I grew up with old trucks a work vans and we always had to slam the doors. I had to retrain myself to stop slamming 😆

[@laurel7175]

It won't help if you stick to the toilet seat when getting up and then the seat lets go. 😂

[@krystalgarcia3397]

@@laurel7175 🤣🤣🤣

[@doveandolive1153]

Love all the tips Bobbie! The appliance mat is a great idea as it could also prevent scratching the counter.

[@MindfulMidlife]

Yes, it absolutely does protect the countertop!

[@vickylisowski]

Hi Bobby had a thought about towel on tank lid. Carefully lift lid and tuck towel under lid and it will look more neat and still serve the purpose.

[@MindfulMidlife]

Good Idea! I'll try that. Thanks Vicky!

[@A13JMC]

I enjoy seeing people's tips on being or getting organized. These are real life everyday common sense things and thank you youtube.😊

[@debloui]

Your video was recommended to me, and I’m blown away. Every tip is fantastic!! I adore the idea of simpleism instead of minimalism. It gives so much more purpose to the practise of organising your home.

[@MindfulMidlife]

Thanks Deb! I considered Minimalism, but honestly, it stressed me out - probably the opposite of what it's supposed to do.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@MindfulMidlife , Yes. To me, it looks as though no one lives there__as well as appearing very 'sterile'. 😱😛

[@Dogsnark]

Some good ideas! I agree about using lazy susans - I’ve been using them in several places for years, including one you didn’t mention - the refrigerator. I use one on the top shelf for taller where there’s space for taller things. On the shelves with less “headroom”, I use long plastic containers (minus lids) to store items. That helps eliminate “losing” or forgetting things in the back of the fridge.

[@shoot4themoon406]

This is where I keep mine too

[@seh0041]

Yes! I was going to share the long bin tip. We have one for each kid and for myself, and we usually put lunch stuff in them, depending on who eats what. (Yogurts, small containers with applesauce, snacks, premade sandwiches, leftovers, etc.)

[@JonTanOsb]

My old house doesn't have a sink sprayer, so I just fill a 3L juice jug and keep it beside the Keurig. It lasts a couple of days before I have to fill it with water again. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@TimelordUK]

You are very beautiful. Lids on containers is a definite way of keeping things together (literally) in the past i would stack them to save space but then id be unable to find the correct lid. If my containers dont fit in the allocated space, my opinion is I have too many of them and need to let some go. Clear kitchen countertops is an absolute MUST. I keep my toaster on a tray and put it in the cupboard after ive used it. The tray catches any crumbs and helps to slide the toaster in and out when i need it. All i keep on my countertop is a kettle, hand soap dispenser, and microwave. Thats it!!!

[@SuperSurvivor4]

You got me with the Lazy Susan questions….😂😂

[@lovepilie]

I have a tip for food containers : have only one size. I have square ones from Ikea, they can be stacked, and one filled amounts to a 2 people portion. It's been a game changer !

[@batteredwife]

I place S hooks on the towel rod. That way there is no need to remove the towel rod, and you can also use it as a hook holder.

[@MindfulMidlife]

Genius!!

[@ul3142]

When our toddlers outgrew their Link toy, I used them to hang towels from the towel rods.

[@twatquat3322]

The washcloth trick on the tray at the kitchen sink is a Great Hack!! Thank You!!❤

[@TK.000]

I keep the lids on too. I absolutely hate not finding a lid for Tupperware. It takes up more space, but totally worth it.

[@ajb.822]

As it's usually only me in my kitchen, I can make other options work m/l well, and in case you or ? want to know, here they are : Use a plate or pan lid divider rack thing to store upright, larger lids, in cupboard next to their bottoms ( the Tupperware type stuff). For smaller, use a cereal box or similar, tougher cardboard box or container cut to be like a magazine holder, those kinds that hold them upright, with most of the spines visible. Use somethin removable like museum putty or the velcro version of those plastic removable hooks ( so, no hook in it) to make it stay in one place on your shelf, not tip over. Or, even buy a thing like I found once, mainly for the base, organizer even though it came with plastic sandwich containers ! It had 2 each, separated from each other, molded plastic to stack the containers upside down upon, and behind them, a thing that holds the lids. Lots of different brands of those types of containers, fit on it. I have that in a cupboard, love it !

[@TK.000]

@@ajb.822 Great ideas👍

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@TK.000 , "Tupperware" used to sell a paper plate holder you attach to the inside of a cupboard door which also worked like a charm for holding all the lids to your food containers! 😛💖🙌😺

[@TK.000]

@@debracisneroshhp2827 Great idea👍

[@sharonczalbowski457]

Organizing Tupperware sideways good idea. Lazy Susan uses are endless. I'm with you simple ism not minimalism. That's a really nice coffee maker you have. Thanks Bobbie, stay warm..☃️❄

[@MindfulMidlife]

We got the coffee maker at Christmas and it makes the best coffee. I was done buying K cups and wasting all that money. This coffee maker, grinds it and brews it.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@MindfulMidlife , AWESOME!!! 💖🙌😺

[@PrayNow4all]

Great video!! Coffee makers last a lot longer with the use of distilled water. I have a 12" deep kitchen bookshelf with the coffee maker and toaster on top, mugs, cookbooks, the can of coffee, large servingor mixing bowls, distilled water, etc., on the shelves, and the filters and useful kitchen items (pliers, hammer, screwdrivers, etc.) in the drawer. It keeps the kitchen counters clearer (no coffee maker, no toaster), AND keeps coffee getters and toaster users away from the cook(s)! I'm 68 and always looking for ways to streamline everything.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

We use purified water n do a white vinegar descale every month or so

[@calisongbird]

Don’t make coffee with distilled water. It ruins the flavor and can actually destroy your coffeemaker over time because distilled water leaches minerals from everything it touches. Including your bones.

[@francilg]

Storing containers with their tops on changed my life lol!

[@MindfulMidlife]

Isn’t it funny how little things like that can make a big difference?

[@swampsagacity4685]

My family started using metal insulated cups. Each person uses their cup all day & washes it themselves. It also saves on ice.

[@jakearnouse5267]

I’d swear you have hidden cameras in my house! I’ve been trying to find best solutions to these issues for last two months as we just moved into new house. Excellent ideas. It’s simplicity and function combined. Loved this vid.

[@MySemiSortedLife]

Fantastic tips!! Thanks so much.

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

How do you get your family on board? So many of these changes are behavioral: stowing 1 used cup per day in 1 designated spot and then washing it at the end of the night, stowing bath supplies in a caddy and lugging it each time, putting lids back on containers, keeping paper towels under the counter instead of leaving them out for easy reach, etc. I live with my spouse, but it is like pulling teeth to get him to do anything other than to leave everything out within sight/reach at all times. It doesn't matter if *I* try to be tidy; his clutter is a constant battle. I honestly just gave up. I got tired of asking him time and time again. How did you convince your family on board with putting things away?

[@AuroraBD0618]

Same thing for me ~ all I get is resistance for the simplest suggestion to just leave things the way you found them. Why is it so hard??? 😡

[@LaylaDSmith]

It's a cloche! And yes, great for cheese spreads for a get together, or any thing else you want to display prettily.

[@danielled1720]

I love these ideas! I would like to share a product that really helped our bathroom. Purchase the tabs that stick to your toilet seat so that you don't have to touch the toilet seat. I bought a set of white and black. I put the white on the lid and the black on the seat. Males use the black tab to lift both seats. People sitting on the seat know to use the white tab.I just love this item because I hate touching the seat between cleanings. FYI, most of the brands work great!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@danielled1720, I get the idea but have never heard of them__where do you get them? Thanks for the tip! 💖🙌😺

[@sharonh.harris1924]

For our coffeemaker I use one of those pretty colored baking pans. I got mine at Marshalls for low price. I place a cheap dish mat (one of those dish drying mats) underneath it so the pan doesn't rust and harm my countertops. Like your pad, it makes it easy to slide. But the main reason I use the baking pan is because you always get water everywhere. And there is always the time when someone doesn't get the pot put in right and the coffee overflows or someone tries to put too much water in the coffeemaker and it leaks. This has saved me so much and it looks like a pretty tray. Mine is a pretty pale blue. You can now buy them in holiday colors so you could switch it with the seasons.

[@happyhealthyhomesllc2587]

Similarly, I have kept my toaster on a cooky sheet for years - can't stand all those crumbs falling out every time I go to put it away!😛

[@MindfulMidlife]

Love that Sharon! Good idea!

[@laurel7175]

I do this too. The small rectangle brownie pan with the from dollar tree works perfect for my toaster. I also use them for the fridge like unthawing meat so it doesn't make a mess. I use the cookie sheets on my bakers rack to slide my appliances, jars, canisters, etc easily. Lots of ways to use them, the same way you would the lazy Susan's.

[@seh0041]

I’ve been trying to find a wide, shallow, water resistant, but attractive tray to place under our coffeemaker for the exact reasons you mentioned. This sounds like just what I need 😊 Thanks for posting this!!

[@elizabeth1invermont]

I bought a stainless steel sink strainer on one side of my kitchen sink. That's where I put my scrub brush and pad, and my drink glass upside down. So they dry out easily and the glass is there to use later in the day.

[@OB17358]

I use a soft clear silicone stick on bumper on the rim of my toilet tank lid where the seat lid hits, and I love my slow close toilet seat lid. Quiet up and down.

[@ruthspillman546]

❤❤❤GOD BLESS!!! Great info!!!

[@rachelvidal1053]

Although I've seen matching plastic ware, never seen them on their sides. Great idea

[@MindfulMidlife]

Thanks, Rachel! It really has helped to keep things organized.

[@rochellet7303]

"Who was Susan? Was she lazy? I feel bad." 😂 (Also: Good tips. I like how you get right to the point too.)

[@susanalexander4482]

Well, yes was and still am lazy. Get dizzy easily! 😄

[@MindfulMidlife]

Thank you Rochelle! You would be amazed how much I cut out my talking - I can "go on" sometimes!

[@winnie24isis]

I used clear rubber studs, just like you have on the inside of cupboard doors to stop them banging, and lined a couple up on the toilet cistern where the toilet seat lid touched, now no more banging x

[@coolwater55]

Great tips, some I have been using for a while, and always nice to learn something new! I have had large home, smaller homes, but for the majority of our married lives, we had someone other than our children living with us for short or long term. Also many holiday visitors. That is why I started a B & B. But that is another story. After children grow, the family shifts into modes of not coming as often etc. It took years to down size, and adjust to each phase. But when we had 5 and a half bathrooms, the bar soap was ditched, and soft soap, liquid hand soap prevailed. I still do it, but now with living in a tiny home... 325 sq feet, I put a cloth under the soft soap container. Even in the shower, soft soft liquid or body wash only. The hardest thing to scrub in bathrooms is the soap dish, and the scum from soap, and body shedding when showering etc. It make a huge difference. The otehr thing, my MIL taught me years ago, have a wiping cloth or towel, each person wipes out sink or shower with it. Does not have to be perfect, but it prevents the body skin cells and soap from drying harder in the shower, and layering, then it is a big job to clean. My kitchen sink and bathroom sinks are always shiny. The wiping cloths are only used for that purpose and get washed often. I have bought the viny place mats or sometimes they are board style with a nice design. Those are great for popping under items on the kitchen counter. A good cutting board is under my air fryer. Teflon thicker board was under my toaster oven. It takes time to get a family organized and yes, had adult children living with us too, and that can be tough when they have lived out on their own. But just enough things to be consistent about makes life so much easier.

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Love all the tips and your continuously smile makes me watch till the end. Great video.

[@brendastanton1924]

I also bought different colored bath towels for each person so you don’t accidentally use someone else’s towel. Each person had their favorite color.

[@monibowens149]

Oooh the cup corral!

[@deniseherud]

Hooks are literally everything. There's a helper-bar in the shower that came with the house...threw some shower curtain hooks on there, and it dries sponges, loofah's, everything. I'm going to have to try this in place of our towel rack now too. TY for some great helpful tips 💐

[@lisaa7166]

Great ideas! I do use lazy susans everywhere in my house too. Love them

[@lawaincooley6788]

I like that term, Simplistic! I'm trying minimize my chaos but we still need some stuff. Haha

[@peerke7392]

As for the toilet lid: We have little bumper stickers to soften the "bang" that will wake everyone and in Germany they're called "Bumsinchen" (from "Bumm" meaning "bang"). Not officially, but it's a common word and I love it. 😂

[@jessicamonday7966]

Great ideas and I love lazy Susan's too

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thanks for so many great ideas and tips. Thank you so much.

[@ElleKM11]

I love this! I love that these are all practical tips. This was so helpful!

[@s.s.7348]

Your hair looks great ❤❤❤

[@kataisa3]

I have an old storage container set from Rubbermaid that can be nestled within each container-including the lid. This saves a lot of storage space!

[@LISA-uz2sm]

Lazy Susan on the first/top shelf of the refrigerator.

[@MindfulMidlife]

Yes, I use one in my refrigerator as well. I completely forgot to say that in my video.

[@Debra_Barron]

Love these ideas Bobbie. I use the same cup all day. That cup holder is just right . Thanks a bunch from Mississippi ➰🕹️➰

[@MsGnor]

Thanks beautiful Bobbie! Useful & funny, your adult children are lucky to have you 😂🥰 Great tips. My buddy numbers storage containers and their matching lids. Helps to quickly find them if (when!) they get separated. Take care & have a wonderful 2024! 💝

[@saundrawaugh1979]

I always put the lids on my containers to store but that is genius to use one of my big drawers!!!

[@sleeplessinchicago9082]

I also love the clear countertops. I keep the soap, sponges, and brushes under the sink for a neater look.

[@LibbyWithnall]

Great video. Those mats looks great - I've been using a teatowel under my coffee machine for years. I also store my containers with the lids on but had never thought to put them on their side - definitely going to try this out. Such good tips. Thanks for sharing. Hope you'll share more homemaking content on your channel - so hard to find midlife homemakers here on KZbin.

[@kelleywyskiel3478]

My poor husband would lose his mind if I hid his paper towels like that 😂 but I love it. I lived out of state on a contract for a year and went through two entire rolls the entire time. So it’s a him thing. I had to actually open the roll a month after being there when he was staying on the weekend. We also have baskets for our bath things. And his basket spilled over into an entire cabinet a shelf three more baskets and all the spaces around the shower. Don’t even get me started on the can’t share a dresser or the master closet (I have to use the one in the guest room) or the coat closet at the entrance or the coat rack at the door or how he has an additional four closets just for him. I love him but it’s been twenty plus years of wtf dude. You wouldn’t guess though. I hate clutter and live for simplicity and efficiency so his stuff is as hidden and put away as I can get it.

[@midsouthhomestead7527]

My goodness I learned a lot from this video. Thanks. Rhonda from TN 🎀💚🎀

[@julienathe9641]

I love hooks in the bathroom, guest room, entry!

[@ros8986]

Containers - I got rid of all my misc containers and got Ikea 365 in plastic with rubber gasketed lids, both the lids and containers nest and stack, they are air-tight, I have replacement rubber gaskets if anything happens to them, when stacked they are totally stable, rectangular so they hold a lot, very space efficient. I use them in fridge freezer and in my pantry for dry goods. The only other containers I bought are small square containers for single serving side dishes to freeze things. I have about three dozen - yes that is more than I need at the moment but I am not giving them up.

[@oilinmylamp]

Great tips! I love the paper towel one! I do something similar around sink with the rag under the soap.

[@MindfulMidlife]

It was so hard to keep that area clean, so having the rag has made a big difference.

[@BlueJean1019]

Some really awesome tips Bobbie! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@cristinas4398]

🧡 🧡 🧡 Loved your idea to clear the tub area of all items to leave it visually uncluttered for the eye and easy to clean. And have a toiletries bin for each family member. Grab the bin, go take shower, replace bin in its place. Ooooo, question ⁉️ Does it ever become a problem with wet items / wet bin and not wanting to put the wet stuff into a closed bathroom cabinet? If I had open shelving, it might not be a problem. Thank you

[@monibowens149]

You started with the perfect tip! Thank you!

[@julieroberts2110]

I used a small self adhesive wall protector on my toilet cistern. It’s white so it merges in well. Just line it up with where the toilet lid connects. Much more hygienic and provides a soft landing place for that lid with a thunk! Also I came across a magnetic paper towel holder which connects neatly to my fridge door. It’s great and easily accessible. If I spill it’s a second to grab a paper towel to save the day.

[@kathryncooper4001]

My old Cuisinart coffee maker had a built-in water tank, and I noticed that mold grew in it over time. I replaced it with a Ninja coffee maker that has a clear, removable, dishwasher-safe reservoir. I can inspect it each time I remove it to fill it at the tap. I've used the clear Dollar Tree "cutting mats" as appliance sliders for years -- what a difference when it comes to move my heavy KitchenAid stand mixer into position for use! And the price is right.

[@MegInASheathDress]

You can use descaler tablets on coffee pots. We use them with our electric water kettle.

[@calisongbird]

The inner plastic tubing on all coffeemakers is susceptible to mold and mildew. Vinegar doesn’t clean it well enough. That’s why I stopped using coffeemakers and do the pour-over method instead (cone filter over my mug). Chemex coffee pots are another version of this. They’re classic and popular.

[@calisongbird]

@@MegInASheathDressdescalers only address mineral buildup, not mold and mildew. See my comment above.

[@user-wv2bn2cb1i]

Great washcloth idea for toilet lid!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

My number one 'rule' for simplifying anything, put things you use for any activity in the same area(if possible), makes everything you do more effective and efficient! Thanks for all your great tips__though, I am most definitely a towel bar person, for drying affectiveness. 😛 💖🙌😺

[@ibelieve722]

You can use dollar tree placemats for appliance sliders. I also use one under juicer to avoid turmeric stains on my white quartz counters.

[@theresalee9392]

😁 Thank you for sharing! Same story here!! 😁 You and I think exactly the same way when it comes to these solutions! Always coming up with new and better ideas! Fun!!

[@karenleon7100]

Am so glad to have found you!!! Lots of common sense and affordable solutions….much appreciated…❤❤❤

[@MindfulMidlife]

Thank you Karen! I'm looking forward to doing more of these videos along with my usual beauty and lifestyle content. Ha...I have a whole house to declutter - yikes!

[@jessicabrown7353]

Those appliance slider mats and the cup corral are genius!

[@MindfulMidlife]

They have made a big difference so I hope they help you as well! Thanks Jessica!

[@schretien8714]

This is great! Love the term simplist... an easier goal than becoming a minimalist... Thank you Ma'am

[@natalieeubank4533]

Same thing…even then being minimal doesn’t mean ditching everything just the things that are excessive that you don’t actually use

[@LenaSheppard]

Great, helpful tips. I like having a lazy susan in my cabinets. I'm so very happy that you're here with us !

[@MindfulMidlife]

Me too!! I even have them in my refrigerator!

[@cindy1274]

I like the tray under soap idea u shared. I will do

[@Janine-r3d]

Bobbie, I want to Thank You (& the Wonderful Wizards of Algorithmia)... The WWA plunked me right into this video and it was exactly what I didn't know that I needed! I absolutely loved the paper towel idea. But even better than that is your presentation style! (No annoying intro about your second cousin's daughter's pet goose) ... And your public speaking skills are phenomenal! Kindest Regards, Janine K. Columbia MO

[@MindfulMidlife]

…pet goose 😂 Thanks Janine!!

[@purplekat9685]

Wonderful tips!😃👍 Thanks for sharing with us and hope you have a blessed week 💜🙏✌️🌞🎶🌞

[@lisaharr1477]

These are really great ideas ! I love the idea of the appliance slider mat ! Fantastic ! Thank you Bobbie !

[@MindfulMidlife]

I tried to put my coffee maker on a tray, but even that little bit made it so I couldn’t get it out from under my cabinets. The sliders were such a find!

[@Jane-nc2fr]

Thank you❤

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

I so love lazy Susan's too!!!

[@donnacunningham9633]

Great ideas!! Love the paper towel under the sink and the hooks instead of towel bars. :)

[@MindfulMidlife]

Thanks, Donna! They really have helped me a lot to get things looking more organized.

[@justdefacts]

For me it works best to have kitchen paper towels and salt and pepper mills right by my prep area and my cooking area. In my case this is because my cooker top and my prep area are on opposite walls. It has cut down on so much traipsing back and forth for mopping up and seasoning. I like to sit at a high stool to prep and getting up and down to fetch the salt and pepper and kitchen towels drove me mad until I realised having both areas supplied would make life easier.

[@kvcooks814]

YES- I always put the paper towels in the sink cabinet, too- hate seeing them. I think those sliding mats are so cool- thanks for this video, Bobbi!

[@MindfulMidlife]

Those sliders have made a huge difference. I tried putting my coffee maker on a tray that pulled out but even that little bit made it so that I couldn’t get my coffee maker out from under the cabinet. The sliders work perfectly.

[@calibean7736]

Great ideas!😊 I especially like the dorm style bathroom idea. 3 of my 5 are still at home and share one shower. Unfortunately hooks in the bathroom don’t work for us ( towels don’t dry 🤷‍♀️) So my husband installed a towel rod behind everybody’s bedroom door. Works great.

[@ajb.822]

I didn't grow up with hooks for towels and seeing it as a thing has mystified me, as to how they'd dry well and quick enough. I have realized since, that many people nowadays always throw they're towel in the dirty laundry to be washed after every single use. A nurse commenting above has mentioned this ( along with washcloths etc.) and how it seems to help her family never get sick ( I can't help but think they must also be hardy stock &/or eat little to no refined sugar and junk, and plenty of healthy foods ..). Anyway, I grew up with using towels for at least a few times b4 washing, and I and my husband ( no kids yet) get super clean in the shower so I don't have a problem with this. I do however now have just a hook for my towel, and thankfully a towel rack set out from the wall a ways for hubby's, and he gets his WAY wetter than I do, mine. I even have long hair. He is very large and hairy all over tho and just doesn't drip off much b4 he towels, both with not giving a minute for this, and because his body holds the water so well. So, I'm guessing that hooks are more of an issue for people like him ;). Not for me so much. If mine is wetter than usual I hang it over the curtain rod for a while 1st, instead of my usual pulling the curtain closed to also dry off quickly. Making sure your bathroom fan is used and works well, and the vent to outside is un-obstructed, helps too, esp. with a small, window-less or cave-like bathroom.

[@MegInASheathDress]

My husband and I share products. Unscented vegan shampoo bar and I use an unscented vegan liquid conditioner, and we use vegan bar soap. I decant the conditioner into a plain white plastic bottle so we're not seeing brand names and commercial products in there. We're minimalists so we avoid leaving commercial products sitting out. They aren't attractive! Easy to do with liquid dish soap as well in the kitchen. Plain white plastic soap boxes. Same at the sinks, plain bar soap.

[@frisco61]

We took out the hooks, and installed rods because towels wouldn’t dry. Worst offers ever to have hooks for hand towels.

[@deborahwade8319]

I've never liked the look of hooks always looks messy to me. We like towel bars better and we always hang our towels up neatly. I would also be concerned they won't dry as quickly.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@frisco61 , Same goes for those rediculous towel rings! 😣😒😺

[@megmathisen9072]

Really great ideas! Thanks for sharing. 💖

[@abcxyz1797]

Great ideas. I’ve been using my Kitchen sprayer to fill, the the coffee maker, for several years. It also keeps dribbles to a minimum.

[@nancystoner2140]

What WONDERFUL advice!!!!!!!

[@pricklypear7934]

I think you are going to help me change many things in my life. 2 videos in and I feel blessed, like minded, a sense of needed forethought in case I have arthritis(undiagnosed currently), and agreeance.

[@borleyboo5613]

I use the same cup all day. I’m English so I drink LOTS of tea. I sometimes use the same cup for a couple of days (it gets well seasoned 😃) then I have to give it a good soak in washing powder. I try to ‘corral’ all my things to the area I use them in. I have ADHD so it works very well. One last thing; when did people start ‘switching out’ rather than ‘changing’.

[@JonTanOsb]

I hear you. My parents were British and I love my cuppa. I only put my dishwasher on once a week, so my tea mug gets very seasoned. I put it on the bottom rack to get clean. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@jools1006]

A melamine sponge is great for cleaning tea stains out of mugs. Magic Eraser is one brand but I buy a big pack of unscented ones online.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@jools1006 , A bit of Bar Keeper's Friend works for that, too! Btw, those 'magic erasers' work wonders on sooo many things around the house, I love them! 💖🙌😺

[@katanyajason3316]

You can get a water absorbent diatomite tray for any recipients that are near a sink. They also have them for bathrooms and they look nice too.That way you won't have to change and clean that washcloth. And for your noisy toilet lid, you can get little rubber pads and stick them onto your toilet tank. again, no towel to change and no germs accumulating on the towel. I agree with the hooks but I've kept a rail for the hand towel as it dries out faster when it is spread out. The faster it dries, the less germs.