10 Things to Declutter RIGHT NOW

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/minimalmom to get 20% off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows! And thank YOU for watching! I'm so grateful for your support!! - Dawn

[@jennifermccraw7687]

Your Helix link goes to a page that says "something went wrong" when I click on it on my iPhone and choose safari. So I typed it into Safari instead. Same thing. Just so you know.

[@dreams4real750]

It looks good! Question: does it have chemical odors? If so, does it air out quickly??

[@heartsandmindsathome]

“Invite old stuff to leave first” - the most polite decluttering I’ve ever heard! 😄

[@MyFocusVaries]

While we're putting out Christmas decor, it's a great time to have a close look at our everyday decor and permanently remove some of it (instead of temporarily replacing it with Christmas).

[@sherriepiechowski4556]

👏 Yes, I totally agree! I take everything off of my flat surfaces and put in the tubs I unpack with the Christmas items and it would be nice to just donate some of that instead of just rotating it back in as usual. Great idea 🤗🥰

[@jodiehermes6285]

I've got to the point where I don't have to put anything non Xmas away. I can take out Xmas decorations and add it to my rooms without it looking cluttered. It used to take me hours to decorate for Xmas. Now it's maybe an hour if I go slow and enjoy it more. Love it! All about Xmas being enjoyable not more work!

[@nataliesutherland5584]

I agree

[@elizabethshaklee8450]

YES!!! I 100% agree with this comment! 😃

[@kimhouchins8653]

I do a little of both. I put stuff from my flat surfaces in the Christmas bins durning the season. But I also declutter my Christmas decorations and if I don't like it so much anymore or it's outdated...I donate thst Christmas stuff... early enough so they can be put in the donation centers so people can use them for Christmas

[@MidwestSherri]

Fellow minimalist mom here 😊 If you have older blankets or sheets that you can’t donate but don’t want to just throw away, sometimes dog shelters take them OR a local rancher. We use old blankets and sheets sometimes when we need to warm up a calf.

[@rachelt727]

Especially bedding!

[@90mama141]

Vet clinics will take them too, same with old towels and clothing.

[@Maiju86]

Yes, we always donate those things to dog shelter!

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

Just dropped off towels at our humane society today😃

[@judgmentaltoast]

Thats a great idea!

[@joannevieira5757]

I used to tell my kids, "Walls don't STRETCH. With holidays (or birthdays) coming, you need to make room for new things. " Of course, this holds true for everything else, too.

[@ninnymuggins5159]

This goes along with Dana White's "Container Concept." The drawers, the closets, the house is a container with limits.

[@limonade2684]

Last month we were on holiday far away. At the pool there was a lonely little boy. His mother was sitting outside, staring at her phone. We had three small floating balls and I asked my partner to play with the boy, remembering, what you said. My husband played 90 minutes with the boy and he was so so happy, he didn't want to stop, even when it got dark. I remember his cries of pure joy and his sparkling eyes. The toy cost six bucks, but its never the toy.

[@simplythestones8130]

When I was a young mother, even though I did not consider our family needy, I shopped at thrift stores for many of my kids birthday and Christmas gifts because it freed up money to go to other areas that it was needed. If I’d had to pay full price there were times when I could not have. So I think it’s absolutely ok to tell our kids that by donating toys we are helping other families get the things they need or would like to have.

[@martyhigginssmith8792]

My husband was the worst about keeping “Justin Case” things. He wouldn’t let me throw away empty boxes. I’m talking, for the new sink that’s been installed 2 years, my Grandsons 3 year old Car Seat box, Since my husband died last spring, I have been decluttering in spirts. Today, I threw out those 2 big boxes, some medium size boxes and 4 flattened ones, plus some old books. Earlier this week, I moved some hand tools to to my barn that’s 40 x 40. I can see the top of the old oak Teachers Desk in the office. I still have a little more to go until the desk is clear. I have also worked on cleaning off the king size bed in the front bedroom. I’m making progress there, too. I’m all about ending the year as stress free as possible. I’m determined to get rid of stuff before I hit 70. Next I have some clothing to donate.

[@sherrytruitt2]

I'm so sorry you lost your husband, but I know how sometimes men hold on to things. My husband is not well and can no longer declutter all the things he promised to do one day. I felt guilty at first, but now I give away or throw out many things every week. It makes me happy and calm.

[@unitedheartsamerica5924]

Hahahaha-- is that a MAN thing? Living it with tech boxes… my favorite declutter target to toss “ can we pitch this box??? “😂😂

[@deewarner3809]

3:57 when trying to decide on keeping a piece of clothing or not, a great rule of thumb is "If it's not a definite yes, it's a no." Such a helpful and quick decision making tool. For me anyway.

[@clayscreations9300]

Thanks to the people who donate food, we have been able to survive for the last 3 months. We literally have only had enough money to pay our bills, not buy food. So it really does help. Thank you.

[@Zuzia-l5b]

I asked my 5 and 7 years old girls, if they want few gifts, or 1 gift each and some money. They choosed money and 1 gift. I still will give them few smaller consumable gifts, but Im happy to "exit" the crazynest of Christmas and concentrate on its real meaning. One step at the time. Love you Dawn and thank you from bottom of my ❤. You helped me so so much!

[@alecsgirl]

With my kids, I tell them, “If you’re not enjoying it anymore, let’s pass it on to someone who will enjoy it. Then we have less to manage too.” See, Dawn, I’m learning! This teaches them about managing their own inventory and about being more conscientious. You are the reason I was able to think this way about kids’ toys!

[@mariannerady1137]

I rellzy like how every video of yours feels good and new. I have watched so many and never have gotten bored. You keep it real, are honest and authentic and keep reminding us about decluttering, thanks so much for that!

[@katrinabellingham4405]

I decluttered so much this week. Unused stationery went to a day care centre, beads and jewelry findings went to a granddaughter, toys to a grandson. So much left my house. I feel so good.

[@thefarmista]

In regard to passing on toys: We have two kids, our daughter is 4.5 and our son is just over 1, when we notice there are things she isn't using or playing with anymore we ask if she is ready to give it to a new family for them to enjoy. Additionally, whenever we find something at a thrift store,garage sale, or get hand me downs, we talk a bunch about how nice it was of someone to decide they were done with the item and give it to a new family so that we can use it now. This works well because if the other kids already have some toys, that's fine we do too, but sometimes you find the PERFECT thing secondhand and it brings us joy 😊 I have been very intentional with involving her because I had a very difficult time when my room would get cleaned as a kid and it resulted in having far too much as an adult and still having difficulties with clearing out clutter. She often surprises us with the thing she decides to pass on!

[@carlidoepke5131]

Dawn, I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now! And I am just so excited to see you have over 700k subscribers! This video was posted 3 hours ago, and it already has 15,000 views! It’s awesome you’re able to help so many. And I love the joy of Jesus that is so obvious and evident in your videos! ❤️❤️❤️

[@kimhouchins8653]

I totally agree on everything you said in your comment. Congrats on all the subscribers!! That's great!!!

[@lavieestduresansconfiture3912]

What has this dude Jeshua to do with decluttering?

[@ninnymuggins5159]

@@lavieestduresansconfiture3912 This particular video is about gift giving, not decluttering, but people will have less clutter if they receive useful gifts.

[@elaineashley1958]

The best part of this video was how you went back and forth on telling your kids that their toys would benefit others. You are so REAL and this is one of many reasons I love you, Dawn!

[@melissaeisener6896]

Dawn I have been humbled. I embraced your mindset of not keeping extra, but I was storing extra winter gear but we didn't have a proper shed and animals got in and destroyed every single piece. I had to buy all new this year. Thank goodness for thift stores. I wish I would have just passed the stuff on.

[@Chrissyhappy]

The adults in my family and also my friends have decided not to buy presents for each other. We really don’t need more stuff. Just buying for the children. So I decided to pick a charity and donate instead. I choose the local food bank. My friend decided on cancer research. It’s like a weight has been lifted off me.😊

[@gwenj5419]

My family cuts off gifts at age 18. I still give to my own adult children, but not extended family.

[@toddylu6869]

Years back my mother in Law decided to give away some of her doll collection. It, at that time, had become a burden for her. She decided to have a big tea party at church. Everyone got to draw a number then pick their doll. It was a fun memory. My mothers two dolls have now been gifted back to my Mother in laws great granddaughters. ❤

[@cgooch7056]

That's so sweet. A great way to share the joy with others. A friend recently decluttered their stuffed animals (so many) and laid them out for trick or treaters to pick one out instead of handing out candy. Apparently the neighborhood kids were HYPED. They plan on doing it again every year from now on. It was great for them to see all the toys going directly into the hands of excited kids and teens, while also clearing space in their home for the things they want to prioritize.

[@firecrackerkate]

I totally get what you’re saying about the terms we use with our kids about decluttering toys! Last year, we simplified the confusion with one statement: “In order to get, we have to give”. It works all year around now! 🙂

[@TheSabadine]

I get your point about not hiding behind donation as a virtuous/charitable act, but thinking about how someone else can make better use of something you have is a legitimate decluttering tool. When I've been stuck on letting something go, the final clincher is often how the item is not being given the chance to serve its purpose while it's with me, but someone else could put it to good use. Thanks for being real & vulnerable with us, Dawn :)

[@intignia]

We had to eat from our local food bank for many years. At least half of what we were given was expired. They said they would only take stuff up to six months past expiration date, but we were generally given stuff that had expired two years previous, and it was still good. If it was a cake mix type item, I would just add a tablespoon of baking powder so that it would rise.

[@poodledaddles1091]

Thanks!

[@midlife_minimalist]

This is good to know. I often have cans past the best by date that I would eat but am afraid if I donate it will just get tossed. I have some canned condensed milk that I was really surprised was past it’s best by date when I was looking for donations last week. I could swear I bought it about at the time of the best by date.

[@teriw56]

A great gift you can give your kids is permission to let go of their stuff. Believe it, they feel like they have to keep stuff too, so they don’t hurt anybody’s feelings.

[@maryannegreenhill9412]

Your Mum is inspirational. Giving her best not her excess / waste. 💖

[@faith4390]

Yes. Wow! I love that. I battle with that sometimes. I ask myself why am I keeping the best and donating only the dingier things. That's a convicting question.

[@destineefergerson2659]

I think you're thoughts of framing the kids lense on donating toys is rooted in possibly your personal growth. I'm seeing that you don't want to teach your kiddos a mindset that they are saivors of the less fortunate and rather. Simply... be a blessing when you can if you can. It's caring about everyone in our communities. Anyways. Love your videos I've learned so much. Thank you for sharing with us. ❤🎉

[@salemhollst3884]

I am moving in a few days. I am so glad I started subscribing to your channel a few months ago. It means that I have already decluttered a lot of my possessions, so I less stuff to pack, move, and unpack!

[@MyFocusVaries]

❤Your perspective of "things we're not using THAT OTHERS ARE IN NEED OF"!! THIS. I think if folks kept that in mind when looking at their "just in case" items, it would really open their eyes and hearts 💞. It brings tears to my eyes.❤

[@rdb4996]

We have plentiful, that is why we want to simplify our life! As Dawn says, give ourselves grace and don't feel guilty about the money you spent etc. Reminding myself that others may be in need, allows me to let items go. If I need it 'just in case', others in need cannot benefit right now and truly I can buy again if needed.

[@samanthaallen1856]

I remember one year growing up, we donated our toys to a child crisis center. The ladies at the front desk were so excited that we brought nice used toys for the children.

[@mktay2067]

It's so interesting to see the difference in where people are for weather too when it comes to snow/winter gear. For us we have two pairs of everything for our crew because the snow is so wet. We found one set means that it restricts sending them out to play more due to the time for it all to dry. When we lived in a colder climate up in the Canada North it totally made sense to only have one as they didn't get soaked and when we lived on the west coast we were better off with rain buddies lol. I think that is one of the aspects I struggled to understand when first getting into minimal living. We need to look at what works and makes sense for us where we are. There isn't any hard and fast rules. :)

[@anaf.848]

The other day, I did a quick 30-minute declutter in my kids' room in preparation for Christmas and birthdays coming up. I couldn't believe how much I found to declutter. I had just recently done a thorough declutter, but with the mindset that I know more is about to come in, it was so easy to get rid of so much more. I filled up two large black trash bags worth of donations quickly! Now I feel less anxious about what's about to come into the house during the holidays!

[@adriennenelson759]

Our church collects items for Operation Christmas Child and we go through toys and donate small items that were never played with or look brand new. I donated my childhood collection of Beanie Babies one year and it felt SO GOOD. I had been moving this giant tote of Beanies for 15 years. I have never regretted it, and honestly it is now a good memory for me that I could share all of those toys with kids who truly may not get toys for Christmas.

[@toomanymarys7355]

You must give genuinely NEW things to OCC. Selfish people jam their used goods in them every year, and volunteers like me have to remove them and find other things to fill the boxes with. Shame.

[@adriennenelson759]

I have never given anything I wouldn’t personally give to a friend or relative. Please don’t accuse me of being selfish based on a poorly worded remark. If a toy is unplayed with, how is it not new? A Beanie Baby carefully stored by a once collector with tags is new to me.

[@daughterofmyabba]

I've totally run into the same issues with storing, stuff gets ruined! The Bible actually addresses that issue. I realize I no longer have to hold on to things we don't need or use and wow it's freeing.

[@charmingintrovert3240]

We remember how when the Israelites were hungry the Lord sent manna from Heaven, but He told them to only pick up what they could eat in a day and not to gather more than that.

[@amanda.c.ice.]

I think another great thing to declutter this time of year is any outdoor items that I don’t want to store over the winter. Example: extra pool toys, flower pots, outdoor folding chairs. They likely won’t look as good next summer with the harsh winter coming so it motivates me to get rid of them.

[@thesewingequestrian382]

I think it is great for people to give/donate things to others. Our youngest of 7 kids is 14 years old. So we don’t have a lot of kid stuff around. Six months ago our 8 year old niece and 5 year old nephew came to live with us. The had no toys, and VERY minimal clothes and shoes that fit them. It has been a huge blessing for friends to give us toys, books, clothes, etc. I’ve as of late been trying to get winter gear for them. The consignment store has had reasonably priced items thankfully.

[@adrienneg3620]

Love your mom’s generous spirit. ❤ I run a food pantry and a lot of times people donate great food, but sometimes we get some reallllllly old stuff and you can tell someone cleaned out their cabinet or perhaps the cabinet of someone in their life who passed away. If your family didn’t want to eat that random jar of marinated artichoke hearts that expired 4 years ago, chances are, nobody else does either. If it’s too old we just toss it out, so please save us the trouble. Not distributing food that’s expired is a way to give families a dignified experience!

[@HylianNecessary]

Here in Montreal we absolutely use a second pair of snowpants multiple times each winter; kids somehow manage to get their snowsuits SOAKING wet and having a second set ready to go helps them stay outside longer ❄️

[@90mama141]

In Montana we’re the same. Everyone has backup winter gear

[@Ra_SunGod]

18:32 I'm 37 and I literally was just talking with my mom about this last week. I had asked her "does life just keep getting faster?". And her response was ".....yes" (she's 56)

[@Karisa1316]

You absolutely can donate food past the “best by” date. Most foods don’t actually “expire” in case anyone is wondering.

[@elspethhuston5009]

Food pantries are not allowed to accept or give away any food past it’s best used by date. I know the food may still be good, but it ends up in the trash.

[@Skymouth]

I love your Justin Case video with the throw pillows scene!

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

We just did our very large linen closet and drawers. It wasn’t packed, not even half full but we donated 8 towels, 2 electric blankets that no longer work but are fleece and thick so hopefully someone can get use out of them, and some other random items. Feels so good. And my daughter who helped me with that project, decided on her own, to organize the desk and test all of the pens!

[@YaritzaUlloa]

Maybe you already donated the jalapeno tuna but just in case I'll share with you a dip recipe that its a hit every time we bring it to a family gathering. You mix the jalapeno tuna with 1 or 2 packages or cans of regular tuna of your choice (I use the tuna in water kind), If you like spicy food you can use a ratio of 2 - 2, then you just mix it with 8 ounce cream cheese and that's it. You can use crackers or corn chips to dip in. Hope someone finds this usefull! Blessings!

[@doveandolive1153]

Great ideas to help your children understand inventory very practical advice. On the subject of throw blankets, we keep some in the cars for emergencies, others are rolled up and use elastics to keep it a cylinder form and place them at any doors or patios where there is still a potential draft cause we all don't have a Tom 😂.

[@cm-nj]

I know I've commented on your channel several times about the brilliance of thinking about your things as inventory...but it's just so good, I'm back to say, again, how life-changing it has been!

[@tanyadenham4755]

I love Pillows also .You should look into pillow covers they have them for all occasions and make my ❤ happy and less clutter and easier to store

[@sophiarogers2233]

Thank you so much for dispelling the myth of "we are giving it to those who do not have anything." I am all for donating our things but not using it as an excuse.

[@springrain777]

I have said it before but THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for being so very real with us all!!! It REALLY is what we appreciate to HELP US too.❤

[@5points7019]

this last month i finally was resolved to let go of some pieces of furniture that i had emotional attachment to bcs they were my moms. as they were loading the thrift store truck, i kept telling myself 'its just stuff'... the same way i had to tell my mom (she was a clean and semi organized hoarder) before she fell ill and passed away.. 5 years i held on to these last things that i was on the fence about. i don't even miss them. i donated the last of her milk glass that i had also been on the fence about, and kept just a few things. Mom had 2400 sq ft of stuff, ive given away probably 95% of it. right now im going thru the clutter in my spare room that i desparately want to organize and be able to set up my husband's drum kit again. (it's been bagged up and in the corner since he had his hip surgery and we needed space for a bed in there and that was 2 years ago. i keep at it. i have just a few more boxes of papers to deal with either to toss, read or file. paper work is a bane to my existence but some is necessary. next is setting up shelves in that room for our hobbies.. music, grill/smoking supplies/canning/kids toys. i hate clutter. i don't want my kids to deal with any from me when im gone. i will have the xmas tree up by next week and nothing will feel cramped ever again. I WILL SUCCEED! PRESS ON!

[@alyssaamundson4265]

Good job! Sounds like you're making a lot of progress!

[@rdb4996]

Yes, keep going! ❤

[@jillsipocz3582]

Try getting as much paperwork as you can into digital form- I pay all my bills online, etc. It is so nice.

[@suemiller3405]

When I was teaching, I took extra blankets and sweatshirts to school. My students were low income and often got really cold in the classroom, and this way they could stay warm. Blankets were used in the classroom and sweatshirts were given away to anyone who needed one.

[@susannovak8263]

We are in the Chicago area. As I am cleaning out my garden and storing some pots in the garage to save from freezing and cracking, I am getting rid of the pots and gardening things that I did not use this year.

[@naturecreep8811]

For blankets: homeless shelters and animal shelters sometimes even vets take them in! I used to work in a vet and we would accept blanket donations as wed go through them a lot

[@lesliehardacre8408]

I like how you are being really honest with yourself about how you present the donation process with your kids… In terms of the reality of just too much inventory, and being content with what you have.

[@laurahill2272]

Thank you Dawn!! This gave me the idea to do with our family. In November we focus on being thankful. I am going to pair thankfulness with giving something away each weekend. Give to a food pantry one week. Give to a give the basics drive. Take a meal to a friend. Buy a gift from an angel tree.

[@sandysmom100]

Yes ! I love giving to others ! I told my daughter don’t forget about our elderly too . Often in elder peoples homes , nursing homes they have no family ! And they would probably even love visits even more . Just an idea .

[@debraturner9433]

This morning, I donated three bags of clothes and two Kitchen items I was no longer using, a coffee maker, and a smoothie maker. It feels good when it all left the house!

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Thanks for working through your inner dialogue with us ❤ helpful!

[@indigo149]

I have to tell you - RIGHT when you were talking about the teeter-totter of feelings, my husband walked into the room and said he was feeling sad and guilty about letting something go because he wanted to like it, thought he would like it, but just didn't. The timing was perfect. I showed him that section of your video and he said it helped and he is letting it go :)

[@kelliconlan8133]

I literally just got done decluttering my sons room this AM! I am struggled with some sentimental items from when my kids were babies and that were hand sewn by my late mother-in-love.❤ Last week, we listed items for sale from our home. Just sold one bigger ticket item this morning!

[@MyFocusVaries]

This is tough.❤ I decided just to keep the outfit my son wore home from the hospital.

[@TGYtco]

I think... in Minnesota... it's ok to have 2 shackets. 😉😉

[@Takenjayyy]

Haven’t watched yet but just yesterday, I was searching through your videos for decluttering before the holidays! Haha Excited for this one! My husband just asked why I was shouting like I won something 😂

[@mindsjanne]

Thank you for keeping it real and letting us be a part of the thought process 🙏🏼❤️

[@ninnymuggins5159]

⭐⭐Maybe you could make a video about how to not impulse buy at the stores in the first place. I grew up kind of poor, so if I asked for anything at the store, the answer was always an automatic NO. So as a young adult on a tiny budget, I learned to tell myself NO. Now we have to teach the kids how to say no, even if it means we stop in the store for 30 seconds and say, "That's really nice but do you already have something like that? Where will you keep it? How often will you use it?" The easiest way for us to declutter is not to bring it home in the first place. ⭐⭐

[@GeoffBenge-d3k]

It's also a great time to 'declutter' gift cards. Collect all the gift cards in the house and see if you can buy gifts with them or regift them. Also, you can go to some stores and use their gift cards to buy other stores gift cards. (Here in Florida our grocery store, Publix sells gift cards to all sorts of other stores like Barnes and Nobles, restaurants and Home Depot. And you can also go to the place the gift card is from and have them add to the card if its partially used up. My aim is to start the year with no unused gift cards.

[@kimhouchins8653]

I just did that with a few gift cards I had. One of them was at $0 but one has $8 on it. I will use it toward one of the gifts I am going to be buying anyway.

[@aimtok]

Your new phrase! Items go from benefit to burden! Great to keep in mind. Thanks Dawn!

[@roslynwilkinson5144]

Your point on giving to someone who can use it now versus hoarding. It for myself has really helped me to release so many items, especially when I'm able to find people at church to bless and I know who it's going to!!!!!

[@amcorazon698]

Haven't seen the video yet but I am already excited to watch it later with my cup of coffee. Love you Dawn

[@minimalistsmanaged]

Yesss ❤ I love your first point: why store stuff and not use it when others can use it right now ❤️ I live by this and it truly does help detach from storing things/stuff just for the sake of holding onto it. Wonderful little list ☺️ Thanks for sharing!

[@julieanngarcia7101]

I remember when my 3 boys were younger they would agree to donate.. or "share with other kids." I still think of it as sharing what i once loved with others, so they can enjoy it too. It makes it easier to give it away, rather than to store it in a closet where no one can see it or use it.

[@denisearonow4921]

I appreciate your self=reflection. It's honest, thoughtful, and an indication of personal growth. I love the way you honor your mom.

[@susannaknobloch6473]

Thank you! This video has motivated me to donate unwanted gifts, kids toys, decor etc. and bring them to the donation center right away, so that the stuff has a chance to become Christmas gifts and decoration this year for somebody who really wants it! Great idea, great motivation! 😀👍

[@charitysmith]

I made the Mandarin Orange meatballs recently to go along with some fried rice and they were so good! So glad I saw you share about the meatball/sauce combo in a prior video. I am also thankful for your influence on the simplification of so many areas of my home over the last year. I think we all wish we could be your best friend in real life! You're so life-giving. Thank you!

[@loristutzman6396]

Can you tell me what kind of meatballs? Any other ingredients.

[@susan5661]

Your Mom sounds like such a lovely woman. Your stories of her remind me of Marmee in Little Women ❤

[@helenasantos-collins6400]

Seeing your meatballs suggestion reminded me that last week one of our pastors mentioned how they are being really intentional about cooking at home to save some money. I had wanted to do something for Pastor appreciation month in October but I didn’t know what to give and all of a sudden I thought I could make meals. So Saturday night I put together some spaghetti casseroles in pans that could just be put in the oven. I was trying to think of a dessert and your cookie in a pan dessert was perfect for last minute dessert because I keep a few cake mixes on hand. They were so appreciative. Thank you for all you do to free up our time and bandwidth so that when we feel the Lord’s leading, we can serve.

[@ElizabethEllenCarter]

Marketplace is a great idea - especially around Christmas. I had an outdoor table and chairs and suggested that it would be great for entertaining at Christmas. A lady bought it for a large party she was having because it was cheaper than hiring it. She said she would on-sell the table and chairs after her party. Win-win!

[@paulienkeysabyl9811]

I have two more months before going back to work after maternity leave. And I will do a big declutter of the entire house before going back! I did it before giving birth and I find it very calming to know exactly what is in the house. But the closet and kids rooms are definitely something that will be done!

[@summerlyric506]

Currently we are going through old toys and papers to get rid of stuff. They have outgrown most of this and use the same things daily. We are moving on . I love it.

[@MrsWatters369]

We had a truck camper like the one in your picture. Great memories camping with family! Now hubby and I have a truck camper for retirement travel and we pull a bass boat. Lots of upgrades since the 1980’s. 😂❤

[@lynnevincent7160]

Thank you for your advice and hints. Just slept on our new Helix mattress and it really is wonderful. My husband said his back didn’t hurt when he woke up, first time in ages! Thank you.

[@caleeola]

Hi Dawn! You got me started on this journey in 2019. 85% less stuff later, one small group, and friends of mine who are now starting this journey for themselves - you're still helping me with these videos to give myself permission to just let it go. Thank you for help with motivation and for not compromising your standards in Jesus Christ. Blessings. I love you and I'll see you again soon. ;-)

[@ilovehomemaking2706]

I like IKEA's idea: buy the inner pillow (cheap to nice) and then just buy covers to switch out for the seasons. That way you can wash them as well. I used to make pillow covers but almost never pull out my sewing machine anymore.

[@lavieestduresansconfiture3912]

It' s not an IKEA-idea. It's just normal. 😳IKEA didn't invent cushion covers.

[@lilypudd]

​@@lavieestduresansconfiture3912 Dude...they said they used to MAKE pillow covers. Of course IKEA didn't invent that! Why even make that statement.

[@ElizabethRBain]

Love these suggestions. (1) I totally get that you can't donate foods past their expiration date--but you CAN eat them, as those "expiration" and "best by" dates are merely suggestions that aren't backed by science or anything else. You can also get into your local Buy Nothing group and offer them up to neighbors. I've shared LOTS of things I thought I was going to eat but then didn't. (2) As kids we decluttered for a few reasons. We sold toys at our garage sale and used the money to buy a basketball hoop one year. Another time we used the money to buy toys for a "Toys for Tots" type program (so in that case we were giving them up so kids without toys could get some brand new ones.) (3) Toiletries. Shelters usually have a list that specifies what they will and will not take. I donated a big bag of samples--makeup, shampoo, facial care, etc.--that I had collected via subscription boxes and freebies. (4) Warm clothes. Your school district probably has a clothing closet for students or knows of an agency who does. Every group helping those without housing needs warm clothes right now--and possibly also warm bedding/blankets. (5) Community organizations that assist refugees need everything. Again, check their lists. They definitely need all manner of kitchen items and household goods in great condition.

[@chrisludwig3610]

Oh no! Two shakets! The horror...😂 Thank you so much for your heart felt sentiment, info and giggles. ❤ Love and light to you and your family.

[@daniellenewton6417]

If you have a blessing box in your neighborhood you can put some of the smaller toys and toiletries in the blessing box. And then those things really are going to someone who could use it. 😊

[@annsteffes10]

I too am in MN and something I think would be a great idea with cold season here is put together a warm care package and bring it down to the homeless areas and just leave it. Wrap up a blanket, pair of socks, hat and scarf and gloves or mittens, shoes or boots, snow pants, jackets, etc. (For men, women, and children.)

[@lindamcdermott9980]

Last year when I decorated for Christmas, anything left was donated. I have only one bin of Christmas decor and no desire to add anything new. Then there are pillows!!! I discovered that I can buy just the pillow covers from Amazon, and change them out for each season, fold them and store them for the next year. That way I don’t have a closet of idle pillows waiting for their turn. Also the covers are inexpensive, so getting something new once in a while is affordable and fun. Getting ready for the holidays, I did a declutter of my art supplies, and got everything organized. I also cleaned out the refrigerator and got rid of a lot of expired condiments. I just did the pantry a bit ago. I feel ready to focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 🦃🎄🙋‍♀️

[@emotionalstability]

I love the idea of consistently decluttering but also turning it towards others. ❤️

[@shelleynorthrop9276]

Our kids don't have school this Friday and we are definitely going to go through their rooms to declutter toys and books. They have moved on to a more tween/teen age and I know there are so many toys that would be better off somewhere else. Thanks for these reminders. I already did our holiday decor, because after the holidays, no one has the energy to do it then.

[@sunnygem21]

I've been watching you Dawn since you started KZbin and during this time I have gotten married and started a family. Your advice has been so helpful as I've gone through the different stages of baby clothes and toys. I just know I would be swamped with so much stuff and probably considering moving house lol.

[@Wendy-eb2tl]

Love your positivity

[@tracey1782]

Me too. It’s definitely contagious! Dawn really motivates me and makes me see reason😊

[@Hannaheh94]

You make a great point, don't feel bad about making it! Sometimes we comfort ourselves that it's ok that we impulse bought something (wasted money) because now we are passing it on to someone who is "in need," and when we start to think about it we ask ourselves if that person in need is really just a figment of our imagination to make ourselves feel better. The reality is that any new item has an environmental impact, and the majority of our donations probably will not be reused, or will be purchased by someone else who will just stick them in a cabinet and build clutter in their own home. This is why reduced consumption is the better choice. However, donating food items, toiletries, usable coats, blankets, etc. is still better than throwing it in the trash since at least a portion of those items have a chance to go to someone who will use them

[@vbigelis1705]

The last few years (since watching you) I’ve made a promise to myself to not buy anything for a particular holiday until I’ve gotten my bins out to see what I already have. Also like you said-as I put holiday away-whatever didn’t get used goes to the donation bin.

[@fancyflamingo123]

I love that you were 'sorting things out' with us in the video.

[@asakiito765]

Ig in this community, the message won't get "misused" but at the end the phrase of if we feel meh, if it doesn't properly serve us we should get rid of it, was used. And I think that's true. This is why we do this, and I know it has been a topic on this channel but soo many people out there still buy clothes and throw them away because they don't like them anymore. We have to be really careful about this on only for clothes but home decor etc. I also haven't quite realised what is a trend and what is not. Anyways it was a good video! Just still some traps we have to look out especially so that these phrases won't get misused💪🏻

[@erwtg5219]

Loved this video …. 100% truth clear out … feels so good and donate all of you can help people that need it !!!!

[@uteme]

Take digital pictures of sentimental ornaments. Print pics. Mount in a collage. Store 1 picture frame rather than boxes(and boxes) of items.

[@jillsipocz3582]

I did a similar thing with my kids' (bulky) artwork. I scanned them and made a a little book with all their artwork.

[@carriemainquist757]

I love watching your videos. They motivate and inspire me, gets me thinking. Thanks Dawn!

[@kakylong2]

Dawn, Awesome video! You could go through craft items & donate them to schools or nursing homes. My Hubby & I are in the process of making our Christmas cards & after that's over, he is going to help me tackle my sewing / craft room. I'm so excited to start it & get it decluttered. Thank you for all the motivation! Keep it up. 😊

[@vvvv-h8m]

For those that have bins of christmas decorations good time to donate what you don't need or haven't used. Extra blankets donate to ANIMAL SHELTERS

[@Megan-gl4zz]

Almost the entire space under our stairs is Christmas decorations. It's like, full. But 2 boxes/totes are Fall decorations, a 2 containers/box of tissue paper, gift bags, ribbons, tags, wrapping paper, and a tote of things we are going to donate/consign. But the rest of it is Christmas LOL Our house is like WhoVille on crack. But the rest of the year we have very little decorations haha

[@suebolton5]

You are such a humble person Dawn, we all know that you have a generous heart and you give from there and not from your ego. Recently, here in the U.K. I have learnt that people who have to visit food banks, do so feeling shameful, I feel that is horrible. It shouldn’t be like that, the world would be a much better if most of humankind were like you and your family. Those of us that are lucky to have all that we need should share with those that are not so fortunate and it doesn’t have to be physical things, it can be our time or skill, it all helps