5 Easy Things to Declutter BEFORE Christmas in just 5 minutes!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much for watching! You can find links for the workbook and the printable signs for decluttering toys in the description. I hope you have a great day!!! - Dawn

[@maribelquesada5651]

Great places to donate holiday decor can be nursing homes, community centers, a local PTA and or school office.

[@christinathorsen4274]

@@maribelquesada5651 great ideas! Thank you ❤

[@paularasmussen9660]

How do I order the book

[@TheMinimalMom]

@@paularasmussen9660 there is a link in the video description if you’re able to see that or you can go to theminimalmom.com :)

[@maribelquesada5651]

Do you have any other decorations in your home. I do remember the red tablecloth

[@cin4195]

Your term, "inventory" has been one of the most helpful things I have ever heard in the battle of taking one's home back! Or finally creating space to 'live' in. It made me ask if my home was a home or only a warehouse for Stuff. And when starting feels impossible, 1 surface and one object at a time is progress which takes away the pressure of perfection. When you used Dana K White's technique of directly dealing with each object immediately (and therefore not creating a bigger or different mess) it was the perfect combination of your inventory control and how to truly control your inventory. I am grateful for you and everything you share with us. Take care!

[@kpercy9952]

It's been really helpful to me as well. I worked in retail in college and the days we had to "do inventory" (count everything) were brutal. So thinking of my stuff as inventory has been super eye opening.

[@lindamusser7370]

It's just soaking in for me as I put away Thanksgiving and get out Hanukkah/ Christmas.

[@sarahm4046]

I was first introduced to the idea of inventory by the $21 Challenge book that has you make an inventory of every food item you have and then use that food first to make meals. This channel was the first for me to apply that same idea to the rest of the house! So helpful.

[@lindamusser7370]

@@sarahm4046 this has encouraged me to inventory my freezer! I always forget about stuff or forget that I used it up.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Same for me. Thinking of my stuff as inventory put it into perspective. Instant mindset change! Add on Dana K White's container method and clutter threshold, and I am taking my house back. Every day I get better at managing my inventory. And because of Cas, I understand my butterfly husband better too. The only thing these ladies can't do is declutter my home for me. 😂

[@pattijcardona]

I have saved every toy that my son EVER had. I recently asked him to help me go through this giant stash. I just knew that he would love revisiting these memories. He kept two small bins of things. I donated an entire pickup full of toys. I forgot to mention that he is now 36!

[@michellet3237]

Aww 🥰 PLEASE DON’T TAKE ANYTHING AWAY from your SWEET LITTLE BOY!! He is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE 😊 and SO SWEET! He looks like his heart ❤️ is about to be broken. They are ONLY LITTLE ONCE and trust me it goes by VERY FAST! You will be able to donate lots of stuff when he grows out of it which will be quickly but for now LET HIM ENJOY ALL OF HIS TOYS 🧸!

[@teresabell1014]

I love getting rid of the excess !! We have lived in our house for over 40 years. This morning I finished cleaning out the attic. I did this as a "gift" to my husband and children. When we move or retire we don't need to clean it out. Mostly my children won't have to do it after we pass away. I have saved special things, they are packed in fully marked smallish boxes. I have placed them on a shelf in the garage. My husband and I neither one should be in the attic at our age. Thank you Dawn !

[@tgayer1]

Way to go!!! Good for you! My dad was so sentimental and couldn’t part with things easily, so my parents walk-in attic was full. We did not have the time or energy to clean out their house after they were gone, so we ended auctioning off the house and the contents separately. That meant we made a lot less on the house than we would have if we would’ve sold it the traditional way.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Wow, what an awesome gift!! ❤️

[@ninadukette3340]

My mother did that after having to help a brother in law clean out his house after his wife and in-laws died. He was blind and needed the house to be minimal. Everyday she would say, "I can't do that to you kids". It was a process but the attic (full size) and cellar was empty. This was a huge gift when we had to sell the house.

[@juliesanders4468]

That is a wonderful gift for your family! I wish my parents had done that for me.

[@tyrelnatashanuzum8956]

What a mindful gift! God bless you.

[@CynicismForLife]

"Unless everybody has enough, it's hard to enjoy what we have" That brought tears to my eyes just thinking about how much those of us who struggle are the ones who give so much. And, that if the wealthy, selfish, who look the other way at the poor in the world, would believe the same thing and give, give, give, All people would have enough of everything. Your mom is my hero too. 💚 💙 💜

[@abrilmrc2537]

My husband's wedding band had been lost for MONTHS. After doing some well over due decluttering of out dresser, I found it! The bottom drawer was so packed that it wouldn't even close all the way and the ring had fallen in there. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thank you for all the motivation and positivity you have given to so many of us!

[@elizabethhurley1129]

No one is okay unless we're all okay. Your mom gets it. ❤

[@Zinapw8]

Gage is so cute! His little face when he points to his toy and timidly questions donating it (even though y'all are just pretending for the video). It must be so difficult telling your kids "no". The cuteness is powerful in young Gage!! 🥰😍

[@tgayer1]

He is so cute!!!

[@dellapitre4520]

Gage reminds me so much of one of my grandsons. ❤🥰

[@vah5890]

Replayed that adorable moment over and over. It's priceless. ❤❤❤

[@suzy1676]

Super cutie plus he looks a bit like Tom!

[@marilynndesilva7620]

"Did I make you nervous?" 😍 Nods yes with a little smile on his adorable face 😍

[@amywright2243]

My sister in law is an elementary school principal, and I gave her all my extra holiday decor for the school decorations!

[@nightowl8548]

I've always had more luck with our kids getting rid of stuff especially right before Christmas by saying "lets go through our stuff and see what we can bless others with" helps my own mindset as well. Now my daughter uses that wording with her own kids.

[@thekitchengarden3056]

Focusing on someone receiving an item opposed to you loosing it is so helpful!

[@lynnsalberg5647]

Your mom understands the true meaning of Christmas … beautiful memories .

[@karladoyle7941]

I feel like I should get a "Dawn Star". I have all my clothes out on the bed, doing a December Wardrobe plan, sat down for a cup of tea, saw your new video, ordered the book while it was playing and now I am going back to my clothes project. Pretty good 12 minutes.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yay!! Love this!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@argetlamzn]

I love and really appreciate how REAL you are about life! Thank you for not pushing a false perfection, you are such an inspiration, and so relatable! Love your videos!

[@happilyeveryarambulo]

I've always been pretty minimal, especially after getting married (6 years ago), and one of the reasons I'm like this is because I watch videos like yours. Every time I get an "itch" to get something "oh so cute and perfect for this one event", I think to myself, "Do I want to manage this?" 99% of the time, it's a big, solid No. So I say, thank you for the constant inspiration.

[@sarahthatcher123]

So crazy how even after 2 years of decluttering I recently was able to get rid of 3 small boxes of items. I technically know it is a lifestyle and decluttering is just part of maintaining a manageable inventory but I was still so surprised. I also recently had a huge victory…during the first CoVid lockdown we had we decluttered my Moms entire house and then over this last year we tackled her photos. I helped my mother declutter and organize ALL of her photos…over 81 years worth . She had some from her mother and grandmother. She decluttered well over 3000 photos. It took us an entire year Oct. to Oct. we didn’t work on it steady…just when we could get together. Some weeks it was for 3-4 hours and 4-5 days of the week but then other times we didn’t touch it for 2 weeks when we went on holidays. We were able to sell the big book shelf that housed all of the old photo albums and use a much smaller one that was sitting empty. It is such a relief doing this now with her and getting rid of large items like the book case that would have needed to go anyways when she has to move and downsize. We are now in the process of transferring all her old home movie cassettes and old reel film and slides to a flash drive. I’m so proud of her ( and us) for actually doing it. It has relieved so much stress about ‘when she has to move and downsize’ and now it might come sooner than we thought as she has just been diagnosed with cancer again. I do feel the Lord really led us to do this and gave us the time and energy to so we were as prepared as possible for this scenario. I just hope we have a little more time to sell a few of her larger items such as her piano, bbq and golf clubs. I just don’t even want to imagine the extra stress I would feel right now had we not done what we have.

[@bernieallison981]

I totally understand. My sisters are 83, 81 and I will be 68 next week. We have been working on decluttering for a few years, but much more this year. Like you I think all of us are wanting to do this so that others don’t have to be saddled down with it all later on. And we deserve to live freer lives now, and time together now to enjoy the process together while we can. I said a little prayer for you and your mother, to enjoy your time together, and that you have to strength and endurance to see you through whatever lies ahead. May they be blessed days. One beautiful day at a time. Sending love from afar.

[@amybee40]

Yikes! Congrats to you, I have a similar task ahead, but my mom is not really on board. I am currently trying to get her to throw out an Applebee's receipt that she found in the pocket of her winter coat. (From 2019) Her response? "It's history!" Sigh...

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Growing up we often gave up our meal and even gifts for a family in need. More often as we got older.

[@lauraheyman2011]

I got an instant pot because I saw you use one. I was frankly clueless on what to use it for. I did use it twice, but still not thrilled. I have a dear friend who said on FB that said she dropped hers and broke it. I met up with her and gave her mine. I was so happy she can use it!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

You are a good friend!!! 🥰

[@mannygteach3118]

I gave most of my Christmas decor this year and donated our large tree to a nursing home that needed it. It feels SOOOOO good!

[@llkg9]

Thank you for thinking of the less fortunate. One year, an anonymous person left ONE gift each for my brothers and me on our porch. Those were the ONLY Christmas presents any of us got that year. Presumably, it was the same person who made an anonymous donation to the oil company so we could get heat that winter! 🥶 That was almost 40 years ago, and it still means so much to me. ❤

[@momsnewlife1197]

When my kids were little we decluttered toys before Christmas and their birthdays. 9 kids brought in a lot of stuff for many years.

[@ninak8506]

You & Tom and your sister Diana have been so helpful to me. You've allowed a honest glimpse into your home & it's been so beneficial to so many of us.

[@glendaw5221]

I sold almost all of my Pier 1 Christmas stuff at Marketplace and used the money to shop at my grandchildren’s school’s Holiday Market. Also I had a ton of Happy Planner stuff that someone wanted. I had wanted to give it to a teacher and this woman was a special Ed teacher! So I gave her an entire box of good gently used legos I kept at my house for the grandkids. It feels so good to make someone’s day.

[@maryelizabethjaquay9215]

When my children were little, we would gather toys, coats etc for those less fortunate. We also adopted one or two people to purchase for from the giving tree. It is so important to instill this in your children as they grow. My kids are all adult, some with families. They continue this tradition. Peace and happiness to you and yours.

[@amandalashley3819]

I think it's worth mentioning, if you live in an area that gets cold you might regret decluttering extra blankets if your power goes out. Just something to keep in mind since there have been rumors of rolling blackouts this winter.

[@mompofelski4191]

I so appreciate your positive endless enthusiasm and encouragement. You assume we are all running around with our black bags and boxes and filling them to the brim and that we're having a rush of accomplishment "HIGH" afterwards. Sometimes all I can get done is to clean out my purse. But because of your Mary Sunshine Can-Do contagious attitude I am thrilled about cleaning out my purse and telling everyone I know about it. And then sometimes I actually sort through a shelf, drawer, closet or room - no never a whole room... and make some serious progress and those days I am practically smug about joining your minimalist movement. And then some days I just watch you do it and eat cheetohs and don't even get out of my chair... but am again impressed by what YOU get done in 5 minutes - or an hour or whatever. What I am saying is that you are a positive influence on me. Keep it up.

[@deboraballes9044]

Several years ago we started an "exchange coat rack", at our church. We leave it next to the entrance way in plain sight, not hidden in the basement. During the cold months everyone one is welcome to take and bring coats as needed. This takes preassure off people that need a new coat but cant affort to buy one or parents that have a problem with growing kids. It also is great for those that have good coats and jackets and want them to go to a good cause....we live in a huge city and our door is right on the sidewalk so whenever the church is open, needy people not of our congregation are welcome to pop in and grab a coat. Sometimes the rack gets a little bare but a quick announcement from the pulpit wll fill it up again. It is such an easy yet efficient way to fulfill a basic need.

[@ambermazmanian2695]

We bring even partially used toiletries (like body wash and shampoo/dry shampoo) to our church, because they put toiletries in the bathroom so that houseless guests can take a shower, do their hair, etc.

[@bshows14]

Your sons face when he thought he was getting rid of his stuff. LOL. He is just the sweetest.

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Thank you Dawn! I got halfway through this and got the motivation to put the Hanukkah platter on our 24 hour auction site. It’s the second day of Hanukkah, and I posted it as a last minute gift. This isn’t a big Jewish neighborhood, but I might get someone who would want it. It’s just been sitting in our gift closet for years , and someone should enjoy it Then I put my old OXO food scale on Freecycle. The display got discolored from a coffee spill. But it works great if you use the lighted display. A thrilled woman answered right away. She happened to come as I was leaving. This scale is $55 new, and she was thrilled to have my old one. I am happy it will leave my house and not go in the trash. My new one works fine. Happy Hanukkah! Without Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas. The Maccabees won the battle over the Greek secularists

[@msdixie1972]

I'm a Christian and I love the Hebrew feasts! 💕❤️

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Great work!! 🙂

[@kimwarner6363]

What sticks out to me is offering to be the person who takes the donations and drops them off. I do this regularly and I think my mom and sister would do better with decluttering if I offered to pick up their stuff and take it along with mine.

[@rachellelarge3410]

Yes! I've done this with my Mom and sisters and they really appreciate it!

[@maureentoomey6521]

I hope you sell out, so we can watch him dance! You both are adorable, and I'm so glad to see you succeed. Love to watch your videos, very motivating!

[@colleenmartinez3814]

Calling your local Town Hall is a great way to find out if your community has a food pantry and/or a shelter that can use a variety of things-including toiletries, which are so expensive. School counseling offices also have a finger on the pulse of community /family needs. Thank you for suggesting the free gifts with purchase toiletries! I have Drawer full and will never use them! Blessings and gratitude.

[@kathleenbolanos]

Some thrift stores cant process the Christmas decor etc in time to get it on the shelves before the holidays over. So another option would be giving away a decor bundle on FB marketplace. I did that with contactless porch pickup and even tho I live in a small city it was gone by the next day

[@stewartnelson5381]

Hi Kathleen 👋 how are you doing?

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I visited my local charity shop today with a friEnd looking for furniture. The volume of holiday stuff was overwhelming and almost sickening.

[@figure15skater]

11:24 Photo Bomb Tom-TOM DANCING “Monica Style” on Friday? Yes, please! All of y’all go buy her workbooks!!!

[@shannontrent3702]

I love when Tom pops into the videos, y'all are cute. I had thought about my makeup samples to donate, but wasn't sure if I could donate items I'd already tried. That's one I can definitely look into. I started watching your videos a couple of years ago and love to come back to them when I get in the "decluttering mood". Someone else said below the wording you use is very helpful. "Blessing someone with things they may need" instead of thinking about something you're losing. When you talk about inventory, that helps me get rid of things easier, too. Thank you for all you do, you're awesome!

[@jennylhenry78]

5:20 use your children's paints and fix him! My mom's Santa jar had broken and I was able to glue him. He's been like that now for a couple of years. This year, as I set him on top of our hutch, I saw my children's art drawers next to it, and it dawned on me that I could use their paints to fill in the cracks that were white instead of red or green. Worked great! 👍

[@adunning790]

Toys! Toys! Toys!! I have been passing on a ton of inventory to our local buy nothing page! As soon as I am done going through my kitchen and dining room, fully, I’m rewarding myself with new paint on the walls! Thank you for helping to motivate me to simplify our life!

[@EmeryShae]

I love how excited/proud Tom is for your book 😁

[@janiew4109]

Dawn, just an idea to pass along. If you have extra gift wrap and bows, take it to a food pantry. My friend who was in charge of a local pantry would put it in a corner and offer it to people when they came to pick up their food. Many people were very appeciative.

[@VMayB]

The hardest Christmas things for me to declutter are my children’s hand made items. It just makes me so happy to see those small handprints and cute drawings.

[@laurac4572]

Then you should keep them and declutter the things that don’t have sentimental value. I’m all for reducing inventory but I don’t want to reduce the memories.

[@figure15skater]

Put them in a BINDER with the clear/slip-in page cover thingies or in a SCRAPBOOK! (My fav gift to my mom about 15yrs ago was this blank scrapbook-she bought herself, handed it to me in JUNE along with this faded, old sewing machine box FULL of my own childhood handmade artwork! & her sentence to me was “make it”…🤭🤷🏼‍♀️😳-I ended up having more fun making it than I think she did receiving it that December at Christmas 😬😂

[@figure15skater]

@@laurac4572 Put them in a BINDER with the clear/slip-in page cover thingies or in a SCRAPBOOK! (My fav gift to my mom about 15yrs ago was this blank scrapbook-she bought herself, handed it to me in JUNE along with this faded, old sewing machine box FULL of my own childhood handmade artwork! & her sentence to me was “make it”…🤭🤷🏼‍♀️😳-I ended up having more fun making it than I think she did receiving it that December at Christmas 😬😂

[@crisandrale]

I love all five tips and will be including my two boys in the wonderful decluttering. You give me inspiration every day and I can’t quit talking about you to my husband. You are such a wonderful and genuine person. I wish you only the best in everything you do. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@DemetriPanici]

We just started decorating this week and it's been so fun! You're almost at 500k!

[@abundantlife8396]

Demetri Panici I’ve been keeping an eye on this, too! Well deserved! ~ Jane

[@brendamaun5455]

I'm watching this a year later and she is now over 600k!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Tom dancing to Stretchy Pants, please!!! I decluttered over half of our Christmas stuff. HUGE declutter. I put most of it in my Driveway Giveaway. I put a lot on the local Buy Nothing page too. All of it was gone in a couple of days. A few people followed up with pictures and thank you's. I've already given away the rest of the categories except for coats. Doing that this week. Thanks, Dawn! You always inspire me to keep going. Can't wait to get your book. And if I've already done half the things...well, yay for me! I'll start the book where I'm at. Okay...yes...I'll read it all. How could I not!!!

[@luna7453]

he is SOOOOO cute when he said " I still like this"... :) so cute. I am improving my English watching your great advices and lovely family, thanks for all your inspiration :) and congrats for your book :)

[@danaerakstad7924]

My favorite part of this video was Tom saying, 'We' about the book, so sweet. God bless you guys!

[@anndoll221]

I used to travel a lot for work. We always grabbed the free products from hotels to donate to shelters or the USO. I just recently started opening my Christmas boxes with the plan to donate all the non- sentimental ornaments.

[@sheilac6587]

Dawn, I was so inspired by your video on extra food in our pantries that I took two bags of food to a local food pantry. PLEASE NOTE that I specifically asked and they said they ARE ABSOLUTELY OK with taking EXPIRED FOODS. After that, my husband gave me a huge box to fill up for charity and with the holiday spirit in mind, I filled it up with items to keep people warmer in cold weather. Turns out you can fill a big box quickly if you have blankets, down jackets, boots, sweaters, etc, in it. I'm excited to get your book in the mail soon--I'm sure it'll keep me going for the whole year. Merry Christmas to all of you! May God continue to bless you abundantly.

[@Nancefc]

I have several winter coats and an electric blanket that stopped working but it is safe on it’s own and obviously I am not including the cords! Getting rid of Extra Christmas ornaments and decorations are a great idea! I know I have plenty! Thank you!

[@brandicody4550]

I started following you this past week when Sarah from Our Tribe of Many spoke of you. I have been binge watching all of your videos. I'm amazed how you can talk about the same subject and give new ideas each time. Praying you have an amazing Christmas season with your family. ❤

[@TheMinimalMom]

That’s so cool, WELCOME!!!

[@jennalexander5828]

Absolutely going to declutter my personal hygiene and make up tonight! We collect those items thru our Lioness Club and donate to our local high school so that teens have items they need to be clean and feel good! It helps with their self esteem. Thanks for the motivation to get that done before our next meeting!

[@SarahBramham]

I have just finished the days challenge and got rid of heaps of old Christmas 🎄 decorations - some to donate, some to the rubbish. Still have more in the attic but so hot 🥵 up there (I’m in Australia 🇦🇺) so they can wait for another day! Thank you 😊

[@amyposey2842]

✋🏻 I purchased the book and am going to make it one of my gifts under the tree this year. Anyone else doing this? Also, my son’s school is doing a book drive. I am clearing out so many great books and going to encourage family and friends to also!!

[@MittenPrepperVet]

I have totally been doing ALL 5 of the things during my mega decluttering Dawn! I am sooo close to my goal of 80-85% of "stuff" gone! I'm positive I will reach my goal by the new year and it feels SO good! I did also purchase your Workbook because I know I have misc. odds and ends to declutter still.

[@k.0910]

Dawn, Thank you for another wonderful video, your words inventory, container is only so big and you're not a warehouse! Great ideas, reminder on categories to donate for this time of year, and special places to make those donations too. Feels so good to give, I feel it's better to give than receive. I'm so excited for you on your workbook! Congrats to you again Dawn!! I'm looking forward to receiving your workbook and plus to share with my clients, I would say myself though I just don't want anything anymore that's not useful, consumable, or sparks joy, find beautiful. Thank you. Blessings to you, your family.

[@ifoundthekeys]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this! It's the Father's heart to give to those who are in need. It ultimately brings us such joy when we do this. Thank you for sharing!

[@susan5661]

You have Definetely inspired me to find a women’s shelter for direct donation. Thank you Dawn!

[@flourishforlife1435]

My kids had three boxes of toys, so I would just have them declutter one box before Christmas and birthdays to make room for new toys. Because they knew more toys were coming, it never bothered them...it was very easy to keep toy levels in check!

[@zuzannaszefler6752]

I'm from Poland. I love your smile! I try to declutter our house with four kids :)

[@RandaMoody]

“I still like this”, oh my goodness that was too cute!

[@kathleendavid1035]

Extra blankets are always needed at local pet shelters! Just another idea. Can’t wait to see Tom dancing on Friday!😂

[@nurseraine1059]

I look forward to your posts! It's taken 2 years but we went from 10 50-gal totes to 1! Totes went to a neighbor who cans so I wouldn't fill them with something else. Feels fantastic, thank you Dawn!

[@kelliconlan8133]

I literally was/am working on decluttering my home right now when then your video popped up!!! Yesterday I went through all out winter gear (MN family) and my clothing. Got 3 big bags of things and dropped them at our local donation center that give the clothing for free to family's in need. All the Christmas things are going to a different donation center next week, along with what ever else I declutter this week!!

[@stacydufault9006]

Way to go Kelli!!

[@AnnaHopkinsArnold]

Great Ideas for the Pre-Christmas Declutter. Also if you do considerate re-gifting (think about which items can just be wrapped for re-gifting to someone who can use them). And add FOOD ITEMS to the list. If your family won't use it, donate good food to your local food bank! Even if it is near the best buy date (some items are still good after that date) - so donate instead of just tossing it in a landfill.

[@JeanVanderKlok]

The "one coat" etc. might work for some, but for those with farm chores etc. we DEFINITELY need something for grubby play and work and something for trips to "nicer" places. Either that or I'd be swamped with laundering continually. But I love the inspiration to check "what do we actually need"

[@lauram8489]

You are so lucky to have such wonderful parents and a wonderful personality to boot. I love you (but secretly envy you). You make a great role model and I wish I had your bubbly personality, upbeat attitude and energy! You rock, Dawn!!

[@kellyrydberg9452]

Dawn and Tom, Thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks. I have been so inspired and motivated by you both. Dawn when you say all the time "I think we could be friends" I really feel this is true. My husband and I started our debt free journey with Dave Ramsey in 2019 and are still proud to say we are debt free and working on baby steps 4-6. Now my mission is to declutter our house and you have been an amazing inspiration. The month of November we did the mins games as a family challenge, which of course had money attached to the kids for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. I am proud to say we successfully got rid of 963 items with 4 full trips to Goodwill. Thanks for all that you do. I am so excited to dive into the new workbook soon. Merry Christmas! -Kelly

[@sjernigan01]

You've saved my life and brought me out of my depression ❤ thank you

[@paigeburnett5746]

I’ve use the strips for exactly I love not having to lug heavy boxes or jugs of detergent home every month, and not having to feel guilty every time I put the jugs in the recycling…. BUT, I really love the advertisement!!! Thanks for making informative AND hilarious!

[@budgetwithlisakay]

Love these ideas! As a Mama to 4 (with ASD/ADHD/SPD in two), I love the idea of taking things down to what is absolutely necessary. It would make my home feel so much less cluttered (and less stressful by default).

[@paulacrocker9019]

It really rang a bell for me when you said it makes more sense to get these things (like clothes and blankets) to people who need them. I have been going through clothes today and this helped me let go so much easier! Thank you!

[@germosenma8678]

Several years back I came across an idea on pintrest that I thought was fantastic. It was to take your sons favorite smaller toys and put them in a fillable lamp and give ot to him for his 18th birthday. The idea being that it is a cool but useful way to display all those memories. I had the opportunity to do this for my son last year. He absolutely loved his lamp. He and his brothers spent an hour looking at the toys in his lamp, talking and laughing. Many of the toys he said he thought I had gotten rid of and he was glad that I actually didn't. But by doing his I measured out and figured that a gallon size ice cream container would fill the lamp nicely and they stack well. My other boys periodically talk about what toys may be in there lamp, which makes me smile.

[@axthelmsr]

The suggestion to declutter extra out wear rang true for me. We live in NE so we need it….but probably not 10 (at least!) jackets, coats, windbreakers each! 😅

[@footballlover9207]

*when you're an adult who still holds on to some childhood toys* I definitely need to get rid of most of them. This inspires me. Thanks!

[@AZHITW]

I'm lucky, if I want to replicate my childhood toys all I have to do is go to the kitchen and get a spoon, a container of some sort, and go sit in the dirt and play. 🤣🥄🧺

[@gsthompson4592]

Winter gear & shelter items. These are the items I find most useful to declutter & share. When "I share", I don't feel as if I throwed away "so much money". ... Thanks Dawn ... gt

[@KaylasPlants]

I went through my storage room and got rid of three truck fills of stuff! And now my youngest can have his own room! 🥰

[@joannemarshall4255]

I have been planning on decluttering the Christmas decorations when I get them out to decorate this year. I'm swamped with ornaments my late mother in law made, and while there's a slight emotional attachment to them, they're not my style at all. (They're needlepoint on plastic canvas). I think you've given me the motivation to maybe keep a few for old time's sake, and donate or trash the rest.

[@kamioltman8471]

That kind of thing is very in style right now so I hope you're able to donate what you don't keep! Handmade crafts, especially in the kind of granny, cottage or vintage styles are very popular. My teenage daughter is obsessed with it, and I never would've guessed how much they'd be appreciated until she started buying items from thrift stores in those styles--clothing and decorations. 😊 It was a pleasant surprise when my daughter chose some of my late grandma's things to keep, and cherish in her memory that I wouldn't have expected anyone else to want. 🥰

[@carracoffer7864]

I would hold onto stuff forever in hopes to have a yard sale...but something would make it never work out. But now that I have found a place to donate and I've done it a few times, I realize how much better it feels to give and to also just have have the stuff out of our house.

[@ilene_music]

Speaking of damage that happens in storage - I learned a few years ago that there is no such thing as impervious storage. My parents cleared out their house after *years* of holding on to items from me and my siblings' childhood. Clothes that were in closets fared the best, but were still dusty, faded, and out of style! Anything in the garage had an almost permanent layer of dust that was insanely hard to wipe off. Bin-stored items were likely to be sort of "smooshed" in a way that was hard to rejuvenate. I love the two-year rule because it avoids all of these pitfalls. (That said, I don't have kids of my own yet. I'm sure tracking this is a lot harder with children in the house!)

[@guillerminastover4261]

When you mentioned "winter gear & blankets," I immediately pulled out TWO of my jackets and they are in a tote! That's what was the one that resonated with me...thank you!!!

[@victoriajohnson3034]

I buy my bedding, towels, and pjs in November and December and then downsize and donate my old ones

[@crimsonrose51]

For me its Christmas Decor that I really need to declutter. I'm going to be moving into and living full time in a vintage camper that I'm currently renovating. Even if I have the space, I just don't want to store a lot of Christmas decor that only gets used once a year.

[@anadelwrites2144]

In my experience those who have the least (or generally less) tend to be the most generous because they know what it is to be without. It doesn’t apply to all, of course, but has been my experience for the most part.

[@morningsidewithkelley]

That clip of Gage melts my heart!

[@FoD1975]

Another suggestion is to donate to schools, all of them from preschool through to High School (UK) because they know who the needy families are. My youngest daughter’s school will take absolutely anything and make sure it gets to someone who will really benefit. Feels good, and our girls love knowing they’re helping. Great video Dawn! Deb x

[@annyg1757]

Holiday decor. Getting it ready because people need it now to decorate....absolutely right.😊

[@senseijoyner]

I struggle with my 4 year old. We have her toys pretty well pared down, but there's some I would like to move out. I want to get her to help, but she can't seem to understand toys she doesn't like, doesn't play with, send to a store for other children to find and play with, etc. She does actually play with mist if them still on some level. Best I can think of is wait until after Christmas and see what still holds interest and try again.

[@stephaniea.f.6333]

I love what you say about not wanting too many options! I think I'm going to go through my coat closet again! And my kids winter stuff. They don't need 3 pairs of snowsuits.

[@sarahsmom1002]

Last week, inspired by Dawn & the concept of inventory management, I downsized from 3 different styles & lengths of winter coats to just one. I donated the 2 decluttered coats (in great condition) to a local charity's Family Centre that provides clothing & household items free of charge to individuals & families in need. I was sobered by the length of the line of people waiting outside (due to COVID & maintaining social distancing), on a cold & windy day, to go in and "shop" for needed items. It motivated me to go home & declutter more around the house. I now have several bags & boxes I'll be dropping off there tomorrow :)

[@williamsmith4899]

@@sarahsmom1002 kudos to you for blessings others with the things you don't need. You've inspired me to take a second look through my winter clothes to see what needs to go.

[@j.chayo45]

My sister just came out of living in a woman's shelter, she has a new born baby. The father was murdered when she was pregnant. I recently blessed my sister with great hair care products. She is so grateful. I recently gave her 11 year old daughter some of my clothes and hair brushes. When I came over my sister was wearing the clothes. Lol 😆

[@psylettagilroy]

Yours has been the most helpful decluttering channel that I have encountered. I started my minimalism journey many years ago, but I just ENJOY watching your content so much! You've given me a lot to think about in order to stay the course! CONGRATS on your workbook, too!

[@2kitties]

I want to thank you, Dawn, for so many good ideas. I still have a long way to go, but your videos are so enjoyable to watch! Blessings!

[@michaeleencurtin9479]

What stuck out for me is donating winter gear and blankets. ALSO, living in the Midwest too, I have a couple of “just in case” outer wear items. Now I realize they are not all necessary and could be put to use by someone else. Thanks for the ideas.

[@tammy707]

I need those sparkly lights, beautiful!! I’ve bought two books. I hope you well out so we can see Tom dance. Congratulations on the success of your book. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ

[@laurarelph7803]

its the Blankets!!! argh. Being from South Dakota we have that extreme cold also and I remember growing up in a cold upstairs bedroom and Dad kept the house at 56 at night! I guess I am still keeping blankets to prepare for that! argh. Thanks for all u do!

[@pamclarke6411]

I can completely related to the "options" remark. I have literally three vests and two winter jackets, plus a ski jacket at the door and have been struggling to donate some of them. Thanks for making it easier! I would much rather have a clean front entrance and less stuff to manage then to have all these options.

[@sheilahoffman2681]

Enjoyed this recent video. This is not about your video but I got rid of a never used dressier coat I never wore, 2 nice cardigans, and etc today. I am trying to sell them at a consignment shop. Thank you for helping me and others get rid of clothing we kept some out of buyers guilt. I will try to do better in the future but only Jesus is perfect. 😊

[@lisaadams4435]

I just discovered more of your video's tonight. So glad I saw this one and was able to still purchase your book. I'm so excited. It is 2:21am here in Michigan and I am ready to get started. LOL Getting stuff together sample bottles of shampoo, soaps, extra winter stuff, etc to donate , including blankets for the Humane Society.

[@katm2842]

Watched this about a week ago. Tonight I put an empty laundry basket in front of the Christmas tree, showed my kid the pile of toys I had put in the closet (for months) that she hasn't played with and let her pick what went into the basket to give away! Nice to put her in charge of it and it wasn't hard at all!! Donation basket is full! "Aw, I will miss this but another kid is going to love this!"

[@Kay_Cee.81]

Toys is something I have the most of. I have talked to my two younger boys about decluttering the abundance of toys that I boxed up and put in the shed. They have asked for some of it but not all. We have had the conversation of which sets they want the most and will go from there. I like the idea of paying them for some of the stuff that they kinda holding on to unnecessarily. We have made hot wheels the priority of toys to keep and they have new hot wheels organizing boxes so they are excited to go through the boxes to find the cars. And since they have a set thing they are mainly looking for, I think it will be much easier to let go of the other stuff.

[@Kay_Cee.81]

I also went through my clothes 1 1/2 weeks ago and gave away 2 garbage bags full of clothes. I recently had to start going to the laundromat. I have gone 3 times every two weeks. I noticed that even in that two weeks I would still grab the same two or three skirts I wear and the same 5-8 tops. So I got rid of a lot that I haven’t used. I will continue doing that after every couple laundromat trips. That gives me a good basis of what I actually need for a 2 week time frame.