4 Tips to Declutter Quicker & Stay Motivated!! (Simple Living 2020)

Decluttering can be alot of work and not always easy! Today let's talk about how to declutter quickly, keep momentum going and push through when we feel stuck!
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[@aMuse4ever]

You have LITERALLY changed my life! I wish I could show you all the stuff I just got rid of (donated)! I. Feel. AMAZING.

[@skbees7]

Great..go ahead..

[@christinamccarte9369]

Same here! From this point on my life feels better and will continue to feel better because of this woman

[@gcw6333]

Same here! Dawn, thank you for walking me through my decluttering journey! I love your analogies and you share the most thought through considerate explanations as if you have known me. You are a wonderful teacher!

[@carolynwelsch]

Ditto here!! Totally DITTO!!

[@maryloubrunner7584]

!wqwa×eq++​@@christinamccarte9369

[@jmcast3195]

I grew up with a hoarder so people coming over was always an event filled with anxiety. I had a big win on Monday when 6 family members stopped by unannounced and my house was picked up and it was all just so easy to welcome them in and pull out the iced tea.

[@hennagal7360]

Thats Great JM 🤗 🏆🎉 thats my ultimate goal !

[@ahoardersheart]

Wow, that’s great!!! I’m a hoarder and I’m trying to change my ways for my children. I don’t want them thinking hoarding is “normal” household behavior. I’m happy to see that you didn’t become a hoarder even though you grew up with one. Gives me hope 🙏🏻

[@jmcast3195]

@@ahoardersheart my mom is finally tackling the issue and she is 67 (her mom was a hoarder as well). It is never too late to work through our habits, mental outlook, and emotions. I am so proud of her. It is a slow but steady process. You can do it! I promised myself when I got married to do my best in this area. It has taken many years of effort and many books read and videos watched. Dawn's videos have really catapulted me into a new and easier phase. Blessings on your journey.

[@blessedmamags7796]

Praise God 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌😁

[@amsteensberg1653]

Well done 🏋️‍♀️

[@wanda520]

I’m a Boomer and our generation felt that possessions equaled affluence. We had discretionary money and credit cards! Now I’m becoming minimalist at 69 ! Love it.

[@Wedow12]

Wanda Benton same! I’m 60 and have been decluttering all the stuff that I accumulated, that I never use, and I finally, don’t feel bad doing it. I’m loving ‘less’!

[@katmontgomery7699]

Ditto kiddo! My daughter asked me to go through my stuff now so she won't have to. Lol 😆 I'm a level one hoarder of fine things. Too valuable to donate to Goodwill. And my kids do not have the same taste as me & my hubby. 42 yrs of accumulated possessions. We're Baby Boomers of the 1950's. Baby steps...baby steps. Lol

[@Mustangmom2k]

I'm glad you mentioned the generation thing. I'm a boomer and started purging areas of my home last July, starting with the garage and its attic. Then the shed, then my desk, which was literally stacked a foot high with papers/documents/books/junk. Yesterday, I did our bedroom closet, but still have all the other closets, the house attic, the full finished basement, and every other room to go through. I have things/photos/papers from when my grandmother was young, and even some stuff from my great-grandmother when she came to this country. I also have a lot of my three kids' stuff that they didn't take when they moved away/married. My point is, I was taught that you keep EVERYTHING if you want to be proper. To throw something away was sinful because it's wasteful, or at the very least, rude and ungrateful. I started watching organization type videos, including your channel, and I feel somewhat better, but also very guilty and irresponsible. The only thing getting me to move forward is that I'm actually doing this for my kids and grandkids so that they don't have to if something happens to me. My own mother died in 2014, and not only did she have generations of normal stuff, she was also a hoarder (in the clinical sense). It was a nightmare that I don't want my kids to go through. Thank you for recognizing that not everyone feels a sense of joyous relief upon purging their things--quite the opposite. It can feel like throwing a whole life and memories away, depending on what generation you come from. I'm a conflicted boomer loving the cleaner open spaces, but feeling a bit dirty after each session, LOL.

[@cindywilkinson1610]

@@Mustangmom2k And tell me, why did we let our kids move away without taking all of their stuff with them???!!!

[@inashamsia]

Yay you!

[@guykenniker9498]

The best gift is something you can't buy called TIME

[@betts258]

never occurred to me to take a tidy day inbetween : always thought gogogo declutter until it's done......uhmmmmmm....merci beaucoup!

[@tamerastewart484]

I’m a boomer and love my collections! We have downsized from 3600 square feet to1100square feet so we are learning to let go. It’s not been easy and our garage is full while we are going through everything but our goal is to be organized by summer.

[@roseowen8830]

I started making sure I did my dishes and picked up my living room floor EVERY NIGHT about 3 months ago. I just realized it's impossible to ever "catch up" if I don't. Our nightly cleaning has become a habit now and my husband had even claimed the dishes as his own chore! (It only takes about 20 min now that we have minimized our dishes and wash them after most meals :)

[@Pocahontas502]

My garage area was hanging over my head for a while. But this last weekend I prayed before I started ans asked the Lord to help me make quick decisions... and I finished the next morning !!!! Thank you Jesus!!! So blessed to have gotten that done!!

[@blessedmamags7796]

Hallelujah 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@blessedmamags7796]

Doesn't it feel phenomenal?

[@KingdomJustice11]

Me too Praise God!!!

[@sylviakifo1566]

Thank you so much for this I don't know why I forget to ask the Lord for help.

[@myway3050]

I have asked the Lord for help too. I like to put things away and the house looks great but it was more stuff than we needed. I have been minimalizing for about a year. I love it. One of my favorite things was getting rid of all my unused and really old cook books. I then stood my cookie sheets in the cabinet. I just kept the cook books I liked. I love that the stove is now empty of cookie sheets.😊

[@amt2804]

I’m so glad you mentioned, teach your kids to help pick up. So many times, I see Mothers picking up after everyone. There are even ways that toddlers can help pick up their own toys! I always included my kids in the process and they automatically picked up after themselves as they grew up. In fact, they learned to not make messes, because they didn’t want to have to clean them up. It was great!

[@kyliahkincaid6997]

I totally agree Allan, we have an almost 2 yr old and he enjoys helping unpack the dishwasher. Puts his teddies back in his cot for example.

[@blessedmamags7796]

AND the sweet children should be taking all the donations, if possible. Ours, 8 and 10, have been raised doing this. They know nothing else 😁💞💗

[@anthonyh2231]

Dawn I have a huge problem, I love looking at your videos rather then actually tackling the decluttering! You have such a nice way of explaining things! Thanks!

[@beckyunderwood4220]

I’m the Baby Boomer child of a Depression-era father and a collector mother, so decluttering has never been easy. I need outside structure and help most days. Thanks for the tips and inspiration!

[@guynellerandle9742]

Becky Underwood , I am so right beside you! Maybe there’s hope for us!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Me too! Stay at it. I've been at it two years and have made great progress. I had a lot of inherited furniture, collections, treasures that have largely been removed. Be kind to yourself. Negotiating all the removal and sorting is time consuming. It does get easier but I keep taking more "breaks" (that last weeks) than is productive for me.

[@guynellerandle9742]

TheDriftwoodlover , sounds like a great plan.

[@Claycat4]

Ditto here! I'm still plugging away, but it's taking forever!

[@conniemorrow8829]

I'm a retired Boomer, with the same parental units. 👵😉. This group of supportive nourishing people are so very helpful and blessings to me. 🌹

[@Clutterbug]

Messy Middle! Love this phrase. So true. Gotta make a mess before it get better.

[@bossyboots2659]

When I get discouraged I will watch a couple episodes of Hoarders

[@clonewarsstudio5609]

Me too!

[@myway3050]

LOL! Just a few minutes and I'm motivated🤣

[@pamelamorrisonn]

@@VallanaTrue Hayley and Dan💚

[@pamelamorrisonn]

😀

[@bossyboots2659]

Heather Rosé I started watching that and it really is good. I don’t know which is worse. I would be exhausted cleaning the way they do

[@yourkidsot6710]

Love your channel and your tips. My mum always said “do things once, don’t do double work”. Put things away properly the first time, rather than moving it somewhere else and then having to pick it up again. I don’t always do this but your video reminded me!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Love this!!

[@paulacain4436]

Don't do double work, I like that. I always tell my kids 'don't move the mess, clean the mess'

[@patregehr6735]

That's a great tip, there's nothing worst than searching for days before you finally find what you're looking for !!!

[@susanbeauchamp8117]

OHIO!..Only Handle It Once!!

[@wongperu2011]

Yes! I tell my kids, ‘don’t put it down, put it away!’

[@mtorres9069]

I am in the group of a millennial and totally understand what you are talking about in this video. I came from parents that came from Colombia and they don't like to waste anything because they remember when they had nothing. That is why at first it was hard to let go of things. But the more I learn that I wanted to spend more time with family and less time managing the mess that things were creating I saw how important it was to have less. I don't welcome things that are just because I like them. I have all that I need to work well in my home and my son has seen the differences. He has been my push since he works with me on this journey of decluttering. I am thankful to have seen these videos two years ago and follow all the tips you have shared. For those that read this, you can too feel peace in your home one step at a time.

[@blessedmamags7796]

Woohoo!!!

[@alexis_prays]

I love your videos!!! And I am 32 years old and I DEFINITELY got my “let’s keep this JUST IN CASE” from my mom and dad who got it from their parents as well!!! As I am slowly decluttering I have noticed how many “just in case items” I have and NEVER USE 🐿

[@marilynmourdock3688]

It's so much easier for me to declutter when I know that my items are going to be donated to worthy causes, such as our local rescue mission thrift store or Habitat for Humanity. Plus there are advantages for tax deductions.

[@gibsongirl9046]

Messy middle....that says it all and is very helpful. Yesterday on a whim I emptied the kitchen window sill that is in front of my sink from every little thing. Now when I see it empty it reminds me that I am on a mission to minimize everything in my house for good. I spent all last week dealing with paper and when I thought my brain would explode, I cleaned out the refrigerator! It was a quick way to be productive and give myself a paper break so I could go back to finishing the mammoth shredding marathon.

[@AD-dj6zi]

I love advice "tidy up!" And I agree. That's not my nature eather but if you push yourself just a bit it can become a habit. One of my friends sad to me :"Your place is so peaceful and tidy! How long did you tidy?" And I couldn't rememeber that I even did tidy, it become a habit! That coment made me so happy!

[@johnandkitty]

Love the phrase "messy middle."

[@amydepaul3039]

I have a donation pick up scheduled for tomorrow. I was planning on holding onto multiple bags of clothes to try and sell, but I realized this is just going to clutter my house more and I will likely buy more clothes with the money I make. I now have doubled my donations and I hope it blesses the donation I picked for the blind. Thank you for helping me realize this!!

[@karisatotah8407]

I’m on the young end of millenial but was raised by boomer parents and definitely recognize that desire to keep everything holds me back. With certain things it comes in very handy (keeping ribbons from gifts, brown gift bags I get supplements in to reuse for gift wrapping). But 95% of the time it makes me want to hoard. Definitely have recognized that and am continuing to learn to grow past that and just keep what we love and use.

[@busybecky6327]

I've been getting rid of stuff like crazy. I don't gave a ton of clutter, but its insane how fast things accumulate with kids. We're selling stuff or trying to before donating, paying extra on mortgage principal with the $ 😁🙌

[@HeyzhoBean]

I love your definition of the verb of "tidying" that was helpful, and it is a realistic, attainable standard; gathering things together before getting rid of them later when the opportunity is available. And so glad that you emphasize the value of family and friend time over stuff !

[@AmyE89]

Ok I did step one...took a pic of every messy messy room in my house 😂. Hoping for some after photos...need some prayers...

[@TheMinimalMom]

You can do it!!!!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

A E - I would take pics a week later and review. Especially my messy desk with all sorts of piles. A week later the pic showed I had gone through 2/3 of it. That was very helpful because as Dawn said, we forget what it was really like.

[@AmyE89]

The Minimal Mom thanks! I did one room today! I have been following your videos for half a year. I got so many things decluttered but was having some after Christmas clutter with small kids our house gets so messy so fast. This video just motivated me so much. Thank you for all you do! 🥰

[@sylviakifo1566]

Prayers sent I need some prayers myself do you have any update on your progress? Go girl!

[@myway3050]

Praying that God will bless you and help you have order and beauty in your home and life.🙏😊

[@licoreen]

My house certainly contains too many things. But one source of encouragement is my Buy Nothing Group on Facebook. Folks post things they would like to give, and neighbors comment if they want something. It's nice that I can scroll down and see dozens of items that have left my house in the past year since I joined.

[@homethatilove4595]

GREAT idea!! I cringe when I hear people say throw things out... please give away responsibly.

[@BronwenBudgets]

I KonMari'd my whole home in July/August last year and got rid of about 60% of my 'stuff'. The 'messy in the middle' part was very disheartening as I felt it would never get better. But now, 5 months later I am still loving how everything has a 'home' so tidying and cleaning are so much easier! It truly was life changing for me coming from a family of hoarders and always being messy myself. I even did the minimalist challenge in November (to get rid of one thing on the 1st, two things on the 2nd etc) and couldn't believe I could still find that much stuff to part with. I love decluttering and the positive changes it has had on my life. Thanks for all your videos :)

[@elizabethcarr5226]

I totally thought of you yesterday. I cleaned out my glove box for the first time in ages! The things I found in there were astounding: 4 sunscreens, 13 packs of hot sauce/ketchup/mustard, 2 empty bottles of lotion, 3 plastic spoons (one was broken), restaurant napkins, baby wipes (my baby is four), feminine products, Band-Aids, ibuprofen, cough drops, pencils, chapstick (from 6 yrs ago), a map, a hang tag, along with the car's user manual & registration. It pretty much was a Dumping Ground for things "I may use later." It felt so good to clean out whole thing out! Thank you for the awesome motivation!

[@jennaalce4016]

Yes to all of these. Especially the TIDY tip! Before I made big progress in my decluttering journey, every day after the kids went to bed I'd say... "ok I better tidy this debacle of a house before bed!" And then one day as those words were coming out of my mouth, I realized the house was not that bad and it wouldnt take long to put it back into order! It was then that I knew that this was all so worth it. Love your videos Dawn!

[@beachseeker634]

Thank you so much for the encouragement Dawn! I am a Baby Boomer who inherited my childhood home. I have been knee deep in the process of paring down the contents of the entire house with the goal of downsizing to a smaller home. ( Smaller home equals much less storage.) Like @Becky Underwood my parents grew up in the Depression era too. So this has been a challenging task, and at times I don't think I'll ever be finished sorting, wrapping, boxing, donating, and on and on. Talk about decision overload! It has been daunting, exhausting, emotional, and overwhelming, but I think I'm finally getting very close to having the house ready for listing. I am sentimental so I know when I move I'm going to have to pare down some of the things I've saved so that I can have the simplified home I desire.

[@paulanix7561]

Also, there is the 4 animal personalities - The Lion - self-starter, takes charge, wants to be in control; The Beaver - needs details, organized, analytical; The Otter - Fun loving, doesn't follow the rules, promoter; The Golden Retriever - Loyal, doesn't like change, peace-maker. I share because sometimes these tendencies help or hinder us.

[@alisongregson4740]

The tidying really does help!!! I have set the goal of 5 items de cluttered and out the door per day for the entire year. My husband and 2 sons said they could do that too on the weekends. So, knowing that, the progress will be slow, but so far we have stuck to it. I won’t de clutter what isn’t mine and I decided to gratefully accept whatever effort my guys are willing to give. Persistence will be key. Keep the great videos coming! They are motivating and inspirational!

[@Romans828girl]

Wow! 366 X 5 = 1,830 items! That's fabulous! Then if your husband and sons each do it Saturday and Sunday, that's another 30 items per week X 52 = an additional 1,560 items! That is really a great idea.

[@alisongregson4740]

@@Romans828girl The math is motivating too! I had not done that! Thank-you!

[@mymyzie525]

I’m 40 something. I had three kids in the 90’s. I’m a minimalist but married to a maximalist. And I was raised by a mom who wouldn’t declutter anything. So I’ve taken decluttering to a whole new level. I still need help. But I don’t like to save things. I wish we were friends in real life.

[@crltggrt]

My Mom is 100 yrs old, lived in our family home for decades before moving into assisted living. She was always making do, saving old things rather than buying newer, better ones. Patching our clothes, towels and sheets. It horrifies me that I have those tendencies. My husband is irritated and angered by my clutter but not his own. I wish you well in your quest to simplify while living with someone who likes his stuff and who doesn't mind clutter. I sort of wish I had someone like that to gently urge me on, not nag. Good luck.

[@barbaraknake9628]

🙋🏼‍♀️ married to a maximalist too. So hard to “let it go” let him decide when it will be time even though he recognizes the benefits of the rest of the house being minimal.

[@vickijohorne9695]

The commodity that matters to me after money, is SPACE and the feeling of being FREE which comes from SPACIOUSNESS. Thank you, Dawn for helping us to understand what is holding us up from achieving our dreams of a calm, restful, nourishing decluttered environment.

[@sarahvold4009]

This couldn't have come on a more perfect day. I was just talking to my husband about this last night, I feel so overwhelmed this week by everything in our house

[@katevoris8811]

“The messy middle...” ❤️

[@JennyT101]

I can't remember where I heard this quote about things you don't need, but it has stuck with me "The money was wasted when you bought it." This helps me remember that letting something sit in my closet or spare room gathering dust IS wasteful too.. Better to cut my losses and donate it.

[@Joybug_51]

I LOVE that quote! Why punish ourselves for a mistaken purchase in the past? Letting go of the items should be felt as freeing ourselves from the guilt. I am posting your words on my bulletin board.

[@patregehr6735]

Amen !!!! What the heck posses someone to hold on to stuff that can't benefit them sell it or give it away ! I donate regularly, there's always something new and improved to replace my old stuff.

[@sweetlady6059]

Wayne Regehr my father! That’s who. He has a digital camera he found and yet won’t take pictures of anything to put on selling sites and just seems to want to hold on to everything as a jolly reminder that he found it for free! It’s crazy! His hoarding began after he retired at 55 and he started having time on his hands so he would dumpster dive and come across all kinds of things people threw out including food! Yuck! Every room is packed full and they can’t use some of the rooms in a two story 3 bedroom house as every room is cluttered to the brim. Only functioning rooms is the bathroom tho crowded, the kitchen - almost unusable and the one bedroom of my mom’s office. And the basement is ridiculously packed my mom can’t even use or get at her sewing machine!

[@jeffellis9462]

Hi Dawn et al, my hubby Jeff is 76 and I am 64 we are baby boomers and yes we have inherited some of our parents' traits as well as some of their possessions. We are both hoarders and do keep lots of clutter, we watch your videos and those of Cas and Donna as well as others, however, I do mean watch we do not declutter. That was until a certain young lady of 22 from the next village came into our lives a few months ago. She advertised herself for a cleaning job and we answered, she came to see us and we all just clicked she started that day and she cleaned our upstairs bathroom. She was wonderful and the whole room looked brilliant. Slowly over the months, she has helped us declutter no end of things and takes them to the local charity shops for us today she went through all our medicines in the cupboard and disposed of all the out-of-date items, and cleaned and organized what was left. I do hope she stays with us for a long time as it would be sad to lose her, We have met her partner and he is a wonderful young man too. the thing is we feel we can let lots of our things go as we won't need many of our items and our 4 children are all grown up and moved away. we are away next week so she is going to look after our 2 cats and water our garden, she truly is a godsend and I'm so glad we met her and her partner. Chel and Jeff UK XXXX

[@heatherbrown6554]

You are amazing..l was raised by world war two parents..they were children in great Britain, they never knew their monent,my mother was in London in an underground shelter every night for years.they taught me to never waste. You are now helping me to only have items that are helpful and mean something. Thankyou. Love heather

[@delightartbycari3659]

I do find that I have to be in the right kind of mood to declutter. Run with it when it’s there but be open to taking a break for a few weeks. Seasons!

[@abi198922]

Yess!!! exactly how i feel jaja i say there’s no way i had that much stuff . I literally have gotten rid of so much stuff and i still feel cluttered 😩

[@kristensmith80]

So overwhelmed by decluttering the storage room (the LAST room in my year long declutter!!!). I would say I’m very much in the messy middle of that room. Junk we have saved for later, sentimental items, unfinished craft kits, furniture from previous homes...ugh. Thank you for the motivation. I’m in the home stretch (then I get to start all over and peel the next layer back!).

[@ohaganoriginals]

One of the best pieces of advice you gave was “don’t put it down, put it away”! You are so inspirational and this one has really stuck with my husband too!! Win/win!!

[@robinduke3184]

I’ve saved almost everything from my children’s childhood. I mean even worksheets. I have no problem with drawers, closets, picking up every night, etc. I will donate or throw away something in a hot second if I don’t use it. My boys were involved in a lot in school and college, so I threw it all in neat little containers and said I’d think about it later. Well, now it’s time to pay the piper. 🤦🏼‍♀️ They aren’t going to want everything. I’m reluctant to start, because of the Messy Middle, you talked about. It’s going to take weeks to properly do this, and I dread the mess. 😊

[@rebeccajacklin3976]

I hear ya! I kept it too! (I know it's because my mom hardly kept anything from my childhood and I have very few photos.) Also, they're my babies! Anyway, you can do this! I got a filing tub from Walmart with 4 colors of files for my 4 kids. Each has 1 file for school pics, 1 for art/creative writing & 1 for awards/final report cards. Have them help you. But, if you go through it alone, start with sorting into who it belongs to, no name? Out it goes. Weed out the best from that year or take one art piece from the first of the year and one from the end to show their progress. But honestly, as Dawn says it, the most important thing is that they had enjoyment while they did it! Also, keep in mind they won't even remember 3/4 of what you kept! Best wishes!

[@djf8619]

Hubby and I are boomers and we grew up in families that were on the poverty line. Our parents never let anything leave the house if it had a use of any kind, and you take that mentality with you. It is very hard to shake. Even once you get to a point when you have some expendable money, you still can't leave the "poverty mentality." When you buy, you buy against a rainy day. That is... more than you actually need. And you keep things... just in case, and finally you can barely move in your house and garage and shed because of it. The things you say make so much sense. I put it into practice today in a small area of my kitchen. Wow! That is all I can say for now.

[@janetfuller1900]

I am amazed at how many clothes I have gotten rid of that I never wear!

[@jceberle2724]

You are full of wisdom. I’ve been battling the belief that I can’t get rid of all these things I paid my hard earned money for, instead of realizing my bank account is unchanged, and furthermore, spinning my wheels means I’m wasting time, my most precious commodity. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@rosannsupino5517]

I'm a boomer and have been holding on to stuff too long. Now I'm tired of it and decluttering and can't wait to get rid of stuff. Too much stuff is overwhelming and anxiety producing.

[@zend0001]

I just watched a baby video from about 3 years ago and I was shocked at how FULL my living room was in comparison to today! I'm terrible about taking before pics, so it was fun to find evidence of how much progress I've made!

[@belssage]

I'm a Boomer and come from the depression era family. Decluttering is easy since we never had extra. We didn't buy indiscriminately, therefore, very little waste. My jewelry I wear is handed down, I don't wear makeup as it's unnecessary, I have a capsule wardrobe (in the old days it was referred to as "I don't have money for nonessential clothing.") And I was brought up with 'green cleaning', so no expensive or harmful chemicals. I don't own a car and I ride a bike. The Boomers who can't declutter, are merely 20% of us. The rest of us did everything we could to have better lives than our folks. We grew up with the fear that we could always be homeless and hungry. Good video explaining how it doesn't appear we are making progress.

[@irenemcmillan7221]

Thank you once again Dawn! I recently heard of the term 'clutter blind' and that really hit home with me as I have become clutter blind and now I'm a lot more intentional about bringing stuff into my home!

[@RobinL4715]

This was great! We are in the messy middle of serious downsizing. I’m a boomer and am sentimental, which makes it hard to throw things away. My kids (gen X) have made it clear they are not interested in “stuff” - especially “old” stuff like antiques. It’s made me rethink about all our things, and just keep what we really love and want for ourselves- no need to save for someday...well maybe a couple of things 😉

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Wow....Dad and Mom depression raised so same for me! Kids not interested so now I need to decide what only I want to keep. Should be easier...right?

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes, this is good!!

[@judym4673]

It’s not easy , but it feels great once you’ve pushed through!!! Keep going 😊

[@annebarbosa1]

You can do this ❤️

[@sandrab.3538]

Robin, I agree the kids (my kid is 24) are NOT currently interested in our things. But do save one or two special items. I have only one small Westminster chime clock of my grandfather's, and I think of him when it chimes and then of my Dad, who had the clock cleaned when grandpa passed.

[@svetlasvet5909]

I recently found pics from my one month minimalist chalange. They made me realise my progress. It is wonderful.

[@davidjenson7773]

I discovered you today in Chicago here. Inspiring encouraging and worthwhile. My friends and family think I’m crazy but they all envy my new found freedom. My layers of a onion are near the heart of the onion now. Your smile and enthusiasm is great ! I’m a gay retired guy down sized intentionally. I love my new life! Thank you for the content and ideas. We all learn from each other. David chicago

[@shivanisharma4983]

Just discovered you. You saved me. I’m in the messy middle and you came in and saved me from despair.

[@marythibodeau866]

This was a wonderful helpful tip for me I do feel very stuck lots of time thank you so much over all your videos are great

[@racheldossantos6148]

I've decluttered a lot in the past year, and I feel like I am still always on the hunt for anything to get out of the house! But there's really not heaps! So what I have done is saved a medium sized box, put it in the spare room, then as i find items here and there that I want to get rid of, I can easily put it straight into the box.

[@suerhea2620]

I’m a baby boomer and my mother never had clutter in our home. My mother-in-law was the exact opposite. They both grew up during the depression era but were so different. My mother-in-law became a hoarder and had stuff stuck everywhere. My mother only had what she used and didn’t believe in having stuff to store. I appreciate you sharing ideas and solutions for getting rid of clutter and organizing our lives. Love f we aren’t careful we out to much importance on material things and not in our families, our faith, or our health. Thank you!!!!

[@helpmetosleep]

Your videos always have gems for me! I'm a tidy person, constantly cleaning and it is exhausting because it never ends. So, you making a distinction between maintenance days and days/ time to tackle a project is a great reminder to me! Similar to bits of the Fly Lady system and just doing a small amount and given self permission to be done for day helps me alot. The theory about parents (grandparents) having value of not wasting is SO true, and it's important to take the good lessons from each (e.g experience vs not wasting), and not be on one extreme or the other.

[@lillianmartinez1593]

I am a boomer! Having things is supposed to make you happy! (Wrong) I know that your idea of taking a photo works. Last year I decluttered my shoes. I had 97 pairs. I was able to set the "boundaries" of not having more shoes than fit in the rack, and then I had 47. The picture was amazing! It felt great. Now on to other areas. Thank you for your videos!🙂

[@Siures]

I just got in the habit of tidying the last six? months. And this enables me to feel and see the progress much better than before. It helps to reinvent the decluttered spaces. We tend to let them as they are, just emptier. And they become dumping grounds. But if you tidy regularly then you will get a idea of how a space could work better. I’m In decluttering for three years and a half now and love how you show that it is normal to need some time. I admire the minimalists who declutter for a month and have empty spaces and always clean surfaces and are essentially „done“. But I am not that kind of person and I think most people are not. Just reached the next layer in the last few month andI am amazed how much stuff I still had and how I can still improve our space. Now it is easier, because my husband’s more involved, too, now.

[@maryhtrask4321]

Just spent several days decluttering. After many months away from home helping my brother. I have ocd about it so, in no time, I was satisfied that, things were minimal, tidy, cleaned and ready to go back after I finish house sitting next weekend. Yeah for me, I go home to my cleaned home and can relax. I am debt free, and I hate leftovers, so banks and fridges don’t own me. I don’t mind the mess because the beauty comes after the rain

[@cynthiaheck6893]

I am totally in the messy middle right now. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@agittleson434]

Although I'm a Gen Xer, I was raised by a mom who was raised by a mom who lived through the depression and saved everything, so I still have some of that leftover in my head! I am having a hard time decluttering!

[@kalianate]

I don't know how I came across your channel (God!) but between your channel and Tidying Up (yes, I'm always a year behind whatever is trending) there have been life altering changes in my life and home! You and Marie gave me the permission I didn't realize I needed in order to let go of "stuff". My parents are both "keepers" (grew up very poor) and I am a people pleaser, so I felt obligated to keep stuff. As I get rid of stuff, I realize there was so much guilt attached to all that stuff. I was keeping it because it was a gift, or because I might possibly need it someday (feeling my parents virtually looking over my shoulder) and all this stuff was holding guilt over my head. Letting go of it has felt so empowering & freeing! Pushing guilt out of my house & my line of vision! Its still a process, but I am really happy with the changes I have made, all because you told me it was OK to let it go! The struggle I have right now is the kids and the hubs are constantly leaving their stuff everywhere and I spend all day tidying up tables, counters, floors, etc. I get into a very frustrated state of mind because I'm trying to keep this peaceful clutter free environment, but I feel like everyone is working against me & making me work to keep things clutter free!

[@carrierothamel6805]

I am a baby boomer in my mid-sixties,my parents were depression era and kept everything ....after losing my last parent a long time ago (20yrs) I started cleaning out the house that 5 of the 7 of us have lived in since the late 1960's......I am still decluttering and I think I should be done about 5 years after I die...just kidding....I have ran into a stumbling block....me...On one hand I want everything gone....on the other hand I feel guilty about getting rid of anything....even though everything of sentimental value has already been given to family members....This is something I will watch many times over again...every time I am feeling stuck....thank you so very much Dawn for your words of experience and wisdom.....p.s. ...the kitty is adorable....I have 2 Maine Coon cats....Abbott and Costello......who help me by finding all sorts of things stuffed in every nook and cranny......lol

[@joansommerfield8419]

Great timing for a really encouraging and informative video!! January and February are my months to dig in and sort, declutter, tidy and power through the ‘messy middles’ of so many closets and rooms. Trying to get it done before Spring when the focus shifts to more outdoor projects. It is so easy to get bogged down in the short gloomy days of winter and just want to take a nap or run away, eat ice cream or read a good (or not so good) book. Your wise words are so helpful today. I am going to take pictures right now. Befores and afters are always an encouragement when it doesn’t feel like there is any progress. Thank you so much for spurring us on to bring order and peace to our lives. I would hug you if I could 💕.

[@dazywings]

Don't forget the micro generation Zennials. Born in 1981 or late 70's? Then this could be you! Born pre computers/cell phones in every home, but during school years computers were everywhere. May have written reports for school by typing on a typewriter, landline phones (rotary anyone?) And lived life before social media and reality TV took over.

[@broadmeadowfarm233]

Born in 1980 and I don't feel I fit into any category. I used a wordprocessor/typewriter to do all my assignments. My parents didn't buy a computer till after I graduated in 1998. I remember our first tv was black and white. I remember renting a VCR at a movie rental store. For me I had to work through the it's ok to let things go and "waste" that money. I bought way too many toys for my kids when they were little. But the relief we're experiencing now in our home is amazing!

[@mtorres9069]

I didn't know that there were a Gen Zennials. I was born in 1981 and I remember typewriters and landlines. It is cool to see that they are a group of us that fall into this Gen.

[@dlarsen325]

1982 baby here! In middle school we still passed hand written gossip notes to each other.. Now it's probably all text or other electronic methods :)

[@blessedmamags7796]

That's me, Generation X.

[@quinnieday733]

I’ve also heard of us referred to as the Oregon trail generation 😆

[@jillparker8982]

We are in the messy middle 🤪 Been in it for a year because we’ve had so much sickness in our family- it’s driving me crazy. Thanks for the encouragement to keep going!

[@kittenmixer812]

I’m obsessed with before and after photos on minimalism!

[@deborahryan2654]

I keep the momentum going by watching YOU. When the video ends, I start making another pile for Salvation Army. Thanks so much!

[@shoppingwithmichelle9077]

I have been decluttering for years. I have been creative memories scrapbooking. Putting together albums. I have been going holiday to holidays pitching out. I am excited with before and after pictures. Having a tidy kitchen is awesome. Yep i am in messy middle.

[@lizzyhazel4085]

I dream about making my living room into an amazing sewing and art studio for myself. We never entertain anymore and no longer have a tv. I also would like to store my craft, art, and sewing supplies in my kitchen cabinets, since my kitchen, dining, and living rooms are open to each other. I really never cook anymore....just simple meals. It would be so AWESOME!!! I should do it. My husband would be supportive, too. I should do it. But, it may make me seem weird.

[@leighcain7258]

Just do it 😇

[@alexamunoz7943]

However your space makes you guys happy! Nobody has to adhere to other people’s expectations of what their homes should be :)

[@antiantipoda]

It's your house. As long as your husband is on board, go for it!

[@rosywilson3076]

I moved myself and bed into the box room so I cld use the “master bedroom” as my studio. Loved it!

[@supercrazydesi]

Dawn, I am addicted to your videos. You help me calm my anxiety of keeping up with my house.

[@Nmucciolo]

Tidy every day. Yes oh yes! I am living in a smallish home with my husband and two young children. We have a lot of stuff, or so it seems to me. If we all chip in and put things away everyday, it’s manageable. Thank you!!

[@kaymurray8010]

I was struggling with the weight of all my husband's things after he passed away. It was helpful to put it in perspective because someone else certainly could use it!

[@cindyhand3008]

Yes! I’m in the messy middle! I had accomplished so much in the beginning, but now it seems like a very slow process. Thanks for the gentle push in the right direction!💙

[@jannah4288]

I'm STILL in the messy middle of my living room. My bedroom I just go in put something away, or on the bed. But I have nowhere to put the things I have to sort and purge. But I know, and I do give myself credit for what I have gotten done. But it sure does get discouraging, esp when your mind and body move as slow as mine to :P .

[@JM-ev5ym]

Wow! Love all your videos, but this really hit it out of the park. Every tip resonated. (It feels like I’m in the messy middle for every area of our house. But actually you’re making me realize, I have made progress. I just didn’t visually realize it.) Thank you Dawn! p.s. Whenever we decorate for the holidays I temporarily put away many regular decorative items. This year after we put away all the Christmas decor, I made a choice not to bring a lot of the stuff back out (ex: items on top of the piano). Now a few weeks later, we’re already used to the cleaner surfaces (I guess our brains quickly adapted) making it easier for me to make donation decisions. Yay!

[@conniesoares157]

Watched this video again today and realized again how much I am loving simplifying my house! I am a Boomer, kids grown and moved out. We have 6 salad plates and 4 dinner plates and when they are in the dishwasher I turn it on unless I need to do them sooner because of the smell when adding more to it. 🤥 Love all your tips!

[@mytoytoo]

Decluttered the utility room & guest room today. The guest room was a disaster...major, barely able to get to bed. Brand new room now...ready for guest. Love it. I tried the method of taking items where they belong right away...trash, donations, etc... Thanks for your videos, motivated me today!

[@marywever9163]

I know we're from different generations, but I feel like you are my younger sister! You're the absolute best motivator to me in this job of blessing my home. Thanks again, Dawn!

[@mrs.wilbur709]

A helpful tidy tip: when you pass something in the wrong place, take it with you if you're headed in the general direction it needs to go. Also, keep a small box near the stairs you can put items in that need to go up (or down) so you don't have to make a lot of unnecessary trips.

[@susannehiller6077]

Being in the "Messy Middle" can also mean the season of life with little kids and raising serveral children. You just do have more stuff and more messes than in any other season of life!

[@lindamarsden8024]

Great video and helpful tips, thanks Dawn. I find that decluttering for me is a process and I see it as waves. I declutter an area and get rid of a lot of stuff but I'll come back to the same area and find I am ready to let go of more items. Like everything, it's a process and a journey. That's why I love Dawn and this group, everyone is so supportive and it's wonderful to share and cheer each other on.

[@kyliahkincaid6997]

I do the same Linda, I find it really helpful to declutter in waves. Been pairing down for about 4 years getting better at it. But still can't do it all at once. I often find decisions hard to make IE what to let go of and also i need to have the energy to do it too. But is extremely rewarding frees up space in home and mind. Sending hugs keep up the good work.

[@MissaMitchell]

You are so right about the generations. I feel that pressure to hold on to things because I "might" need it.

[@marthatreasure9232]

I’m a Boomer, your description was spot on. It was very enlightening for me to see where I get my tendencies to hang onto everything. Thank you for all you do!

[@emmkaa2099]

Now that you mention it I am reminded I'd heard somewhere else to take photos. We just completed a total kitchen redo, like ceiling to floor, and you're right, I so quickly adjusted to the new room. It wasn't until I looked at the photos I'd taken only 1/2 hour into demo that I really remembered how far we'd come. First thing, even before a declutter of "just" a drawer, out comes the phone for pix! I promise! With love from the Southern California desert, MK. ❤️🌞🌵

[@sandyb34]

I have a pretty stressful job so I wanted to come home to a calm space. Only problem was, it wasn't a calm space (for me). I don't like clutter. I can't think and it raises my BP. I looked at my house with my pain points in mind. What bothered me most? Bathrooms and kitchen. I got up 15 minutes earlier and now I clean both bathrooms and tidy up the kitchen before I leave for work. It used to take me a long time but now it takes less than 10 mins to do all of it. Once that was taken care of, I looked at other pain points and one was my dresser. I went through everything on top of the dresser in ruthless fashion and now it's simplified and calming. I feel so much better now!!! I have you to credit for that. Thanks so much for all your tips and tricks!!

[@HamptonYourHouse]

Always find so much encouragement from your videos Dawn, thank you!!! 💗💗

[@Clutterbug]

Loved this video! Your channel is just so inspiring. Thanks for all that you do.

[@coltliam2514]

I know Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.

[@aronjamal4731]

@Colt Liam instablaster ;)

[@coltliam2514]

@Aron Jamal thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@coltliam2514]

@Aron Jamal it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@aronjamal4731]

@Colt Liam no problem :D

[@bobboob713]

Weekend is almost here ! Perfect motivational timing! Thank you !!!!

[@amydillardGypsySoul]

I really needed this today Dawn! Thanks for the encouragement and helpful ideas!

[@conniejadrny7638]

In a few short years we got married, joined 2 houses, and had 2 kids. In other words, we were hit with a clutter bomb. I've never been too cluttered before and the stuff became overwhelming, so I started decluttering. When I began, 2 years ago, I could only make small progress (3 shirts to the donation pile. yay!) on a few days each week but after 2 years I can say I see progress. Things stay cleaned up and put away because everything is starting to have a home. A trick I found is to take photos of the things I sell or donate and put the photos in a file on my computer. I periodically look back at that file and think, "holy, moly... that is a lot of stuff we've gotten rid of". Also, the beauty of listening to others who are decluttering is the small mind shifts I've gained. For example, why was I holding on to crappy photos and duplicates? Wouldn't it be nice to have that space back? Albeit a small amount of space. So fun to get ideas from others!

[@aimeeontheharp]

Pictures are a great idea! I’ve seen plenty of people complain about their space and I’ll be surprised because I still see the difference!

[@Cecibug1]

I'm a Gen Z lol and I feel like a lot of it is keeping up with the Joneses the more the better 😨 but in this past two years iv decluttered soooo much!!! I used to hold onto everything! After Christmas I did a purge of the house. I don't have the heart to tell family members to tone it down on the giving of toys yet. 😅

[@cindywilkinson1610]

As a first time grandmother watching decluttering videos and learning from Dawn, the Clutterbug, and A Slob Comes Clean, I am trying to be mindful not to inundate my daughter's family with "stuff" for the baby/toddler, who is growing up so fast and learning to "destroy" tidiness as soon as it happens! I recommend you share some of these ideas/videos with family members sooner, rather than later, and get them on board with you!

[@KayGee4319]

Thank you so much for bringing up the generations with regards to things. My grandparents on both sides were all immigrants and participated in WW2 and Vietnam, so my parents grew up not wasting anything. This has been very hard to work through as I agree we shouldn't be wasteful. It helps me so much to think of others enjoying whatever I'm releasing. Thank you again for the fresh perspective you bring!

[@thisdelightfulllife]

I'm definitely in the messy middle right now and this really helped me, thank you 💖

[@angelastoutenger7944]

Thank you for the inspiration to keep moving forward in the decluttering process. It's just so hard sometimes to let things go. Yes I fall in the category Baby Boomer.

[@brittneyparks6756]

I loved this video! So many great points about generations and being in the messy middle. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@katelynnw3831]

I am in the messy middle! Love your videos and I'm always encouraged after watching.

[@honoratam9925]

"Kids or other things like that" 😂 You're so funny!