EXTREME declutter of my entire kitchen!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

This video has apparently stirred some emotions that I didn't anticipate, so I thought I would clarify on my mindset: Yes, replacing things could be expensive later on, but it opens an opportunity for me to show "How to start over on a budget" and go thrifting or shop sales and take you guys on an adventure as I rebuild my kitchen from scratch. I didn't donate my kitchen to an organization that would turn around and sell them for profit. Instead I gave them away directly to people on marketplace, many of whom were starting over and could use a little help. The cast iron particularly was a big talking point but I am in a position where I could replace it if needed and some one else might need it more. That's not a bad mindset to have, and it's okay. This isn't the first time in my life that I've downsized to essentials only, so I am confident in my choices and I'm happy it was an opportunity to help others as well as better prepare me for my move

[@janellestuckey8477]

You could be in the position to replace your cast iron but, it takes a long time to get them seasoned. Plus, if yours is a good cast iron, it’s irreplaceable. They aren’t all the same. Just my 2 cents .

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Personally speaking, It's not something I feel like I couldn't live without though, it's nice to have but I use my other skillets a lot more. I only grab the cast iron for very specific things or for presentation of certain meals

[@kakylong2]

@DollarTreeDinners I think it's awesome to start over. Hubby & I rarely have anyone over & if we do, we use paper plates & bottled water. 😊

[@alext.9527]

I can completely see your point of view. It can be extremely cathartic and uplifting to purge all that stuff. Just think a cast iron pan is a keeper, albeit a heavy one....lol. Looking forward to your videos on your future adventures.

[@vanessamullins8594]

very positive mindset. I enjoy watching your videos and look forward to seeing how you rebuild your kitchen. I may join you and try to do the same with my kitchen. I have a lot of pampered chef items so it will be fun to see if I'm able to let go of those. Thanks for all the fun content you provide here. Good luck with your move. I hope it goes smoothly!

[@heatherbauer2387]

Keep Dolly and the cast iron. You use those and replacing will be arduous.

[@LadywatchingByrd]

Great word!

[@cindytrayer4279]

If you named something, you have to keep it! But I am a sentimentalist when it comes to my belongings and the longer I’ve had them the more I can’t let go of them.

[@liss.11]

I was moving a lot over the last few years & parted with my cast iron skillet & tortilla maker. They were too heavy to pack & I don't regret offloading them. Dutch over was a must keep for me, though. But we all have different priorities :)

[@apriltownsend8463]

Lodge brand is $25 at Walmart. It's not that bad.

[@margaretcolley8572]

Keep the cast iron. It is expensive to replace.

[@rebeccakaulbach9322]

I'd agree. New cast iron isn't the same as it used to be.

[@rebeccakaulbach9322]

New cast iron doesn't take seasoning as well because of the "new" additional chemicals they are treated with for "preseasoning". Your old one can't be cleaned up really well and last you decades.

[@wannabetrucker7475]

I feel the pain 😂😂😂.

[@debrakochenour5574]

Definitely keep your cast iron, I think you'll regret it if you don't.

[@funniful]

Agreed

[@rachaeladamczyk9322]

I recently did this for a cross-country move. If I may offer some advice: Keep more silverware! It's small and won't take up too much room in the move, and it's annoying to have to wash it every time you eat. Good luck on the move!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

haha I definitely understand that, but I saw it as an opportunity to develop some better habits like washing things immediately after using them which I've never been particularly good at.

[@Olive_O_Sudden]

I didn't have much when I was 23 and a fire destroyed my apartment. I wasn't home when it happened, and I am eternally grateful that my neighbours got my cat out through the window screen even before the fire fighters arrived. (Buddy was such a brave little guy, trying to get out through the window instead of hiding. A wall clock right next to him melted.) Everything I owned was carted off, the smaller stuff placed in garbage bags for later sorting. I learned a really brutal way to approach decluttering and purging: "Do I want or need this item enough to take the time and effort to clean off the soot and stink from the fire?" If you've ever experienced a house fire, the specific smell of it stays with you.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I can't imagine what you went through. I'm so glad you and Buddy are both safe!

[@Olive_O_Sudden]

@@DollarTreeDinners Thank you. It was 27 years ago. Buddy was about a year old when it happened, and he lived another 12 years. My family photos survived, and after Buddy, those were the only things that were irreplaceable and truly valuable.

[@stevencary6105]

I had a house fire and yes the smell does stay with you.

[@kakylong2]

Rebecca, My Hubby & I have been decluttering & it's very freeing getting rid of uneedeed things. In our kitchen alone, we got rid of over 400 items. It's just the 2 of us, too. I probably would have kept 4 plates, bowls & silverware just in case you have company, but maybe those are easily replaced. It's the end of a chapter for y'all & the beginning of an exciting new one. Enjoy! 😊.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I agree that it’s very freeing! It’s exciting to start fresh with a whole new space.

[@Justalilpixiedust]

It's ok to be an extravagant cook! Having lots of dishes/cookware rewards YOU and your passion! When you donate them to others-begins a new cycle of chefs! ❤

[@SabrinApollo]

I enjoyed this video! My late husband and I moved every five years for his career. I always did a downsizing/declutter before the movers came. Our last posting he retired from and we stayed in the house we had bought when we moved here. About 10 years in I was feeling smothered by the accumulation of “stuff” and I realized those frequent moves kept our household inventory under control and made me look at and assess things as to if I still used them. I did a massive decluttering about five years ago and still look at my house with an assessing eye and keep on decluttering. It is so freeing. Edit to add: I am not a sentimentalist at all. I don’t keep things “just because”. But I recognize everyone feels differently about their belongings and possessions. 🥰

[@twinnish]

Dolly is practical. You use Dolly a lot.

[@Tbird1549]

I agree keep the cast iron, also keep 4 glasses, 4 sets of Silverware and anything you use constantly! I moved across the country and yes it was tough to not take everything I wanted. I wish you the best!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It's tough to say goodbye to things you love, but I feel good about it. I'm happy to be getting rid of so much!

[@Anita3kidsS.]

Agree with the silverware… You use a spoon or fork while cooking/baking/tasting etc. Do you want to wash it very frequently? Cast Iron is priceless ! Don’t start new. Cast Iron is too expensive. Keep a few extra cups/coffee cups as well . Prayers for safe travels & that you find your home & sell THIS home quickly. 🌻💜🥰

[@DailyInGodsWord]

I'm not moving, but I STRIPPED my kitchen down to the bare bone basics this past January! I actually have empty and half empty cabinets now! (and I'm NOT missing anything I got rid of!) I slipped and fell at work back in 2007 and broke my right wrist. I can no longer lift heavy things with my right hand - including cast iron and even a full pot of coffee! So all of my cast iron (sadly) had to go! 😥 Congrats on 200K subs!

[@susanchoja6800]

Okay I found that stressful😂. There were many times I found myself saying nooooo not the cast iron, nooooo not the big soup pot,nooooo not the kitchen aid etc. good for you for getting through that and appearing happy about it.

[@MichelleJones-p4e]

Very impressive declutter! You made some different choices than I would have, but that’s to be expected because we are different people. 😁 Like others, I would encourage you to keep your already seasoned cast iron skillet, but again - you do you. Good luck with the move!! ❤️🌹

[@katmanning]

Please keep your castiron. A well seasoned castiron is priceless!

[@tinashort9098]

Girl!!!! Keep that cast iron!!!!! It’s so hard to season a brand new one and yours is well seasoned!! I have 2 that are over 100 yrs old that I use daily!!!❤

[@Nerak7219]

We are moving across town later this month and I am trying to declutter as much as possible too. I'm such a "what if" person! I'm glad you decided to keep your moka pot for emergencies - coffee makes just about everything more bearable. 😁

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Coffee is a necessity ;)

[@ReneeSullivan-jp6eq]

Keep the cast iron You'll want it in Washington. Camping, power outages, ect.

[@ReneeSullivan-jp6eq]

Sorry. Don't listen to me I have a problem cast iron. 😅

[@Nerak7219]

@@ReneeSullivan-jp6eq Hahahahaha that made me literally LOL. I too have a cast iron problem.

[@jenniferharris7633]

Girl....the first time you toss away a fork into the garbage or drop one of your two plates on the floor, you're gonna be wishing you had retained TWO settings per person.

[@danascott8193]

AHHHHHH KEEP THE CAST IRON!! Lol that is a great sized skillet and will outlive any other skillet you own. Pass it down through the generations.. I would give ANYTHING for my Grandmother's old cast iron skillet! (It is WELL over 50 years old and still usable)

[@karenfrankland7763]

I agree, Keep the cast Iron as well as Dolly. I'm 65 and use mostly cast iron for all my cooking. I have my great grandparents and grandparents cast iron and OMG I love it. The new cast iron is not the same.

[@belinda9646]

You’re so right! A good cast iron will last forever! I am 64 and have my mother’s cast iron skillet. She made the best cornbread in that thing! She’s passed and when I use mine, it really brings back memories.

[@thejourney1369]

I have my Mom’s cast iron skillet. It’s over 60 years old. She made the best sweet potatoes in it.

[@stephw1702]

One of my mom's prized processions is a cast iron dutch oven she inherited which once belonged to her great-grandmother. It's been around since the 1880s and still is in wonderful shape. My brother in law has been promised it but only on the condition it continues staying in the family.

[@Tazzie1312]

Tbh I got rid of our cast iron and never regretted it. Now my wrists are bad anyways so I couldn't use it if I wante dto.

[@tinaelliott8029]

I was so happy when you showed us “Dollie’s” spot, I thought you donated her. I understand, as good as it would feel to donate a dish that you love to someone to use, some dishes have memories and are special, and still work for us. Great job!! I look forward to watching your adventures as you move across country.

[@madelynnicholevlogs]

This is such perfect timing! My husband and I are also decluttering to prepare for a move, and I've been avoiding the kitchen. 😅 You've inspired me to just get it done!

[@PinkRose0910]

I think there is a happy medium between minimalism and being a hoarder or maximalist. It’s called the concept of moderation. Sometimes you have things that bring you joy or pleasure but aren’t a strictly necessary item for survival. A good cast iron skillet is already seasoned too. Also some kitchen tools make life easier like a rice cooker. If you plan to have guests over is always good to have a full set of dishes. Unless you want to use disposables. I don’t know how much room your U Haul or whatever vehicle you are using to transport your items are though so I guess that’s a big factor.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

My multicooker is a rice cooker and I’m not having guests over while I am moving :)

[@PinkRose0910]

@@DollarTreeDinners that’s great! I hope i didn’t come across as rude or judging you. If I did I’m sorry. I enjoy watching your channel. I guess watching someone else declutters reminds me how attached emotionally to certain items I can be. You have to make the choices that make sense for your own situation. Thanks again for sharing your de clutter.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Definitely! It didn't come across as rude, so I hope my response wasn't either, I was just clarifying that I did keep a rice cooker (via the multicooker) and dinner parties while moving don't go hand in hand haha

[@PinkRose0910]

@@DollarTreeDinners You are always poised, calm , and well spoken. I think anyone watching can tell you have a kind heart with compassion for others. Hope you have a happy Fall & congrats on finding a rental!

[@charylliss3741]

I think you should reconsider your little red polka dot baking dishes. I know that many of us have loved to see them in your videos 🥰😍

[@DollarTreeDinners]

They are already donated, sadly, but I definitely understand where you’re coming from!

[@nullasalus3]

My wife's name is Susan, so they're called Hard-Working Susans (not Lazy Susans) in our house. :) I would have kept a few more pieces of silverware than you did. It's just the two of us in my house, and we frequently ran out of silverware when we had an (incomplete) eight place setting silverware set. But you may be more willing to wash than I am. Decluttering before a move is really liberating!

[@susans9491]

My name is also Susan. At our house that’s a ‘spinner’, not a lazy Susan!❤

[@SauerPatchGardening]

Decluttering feels so good! I love being able to pass things on. It's like a weight lifted off your shoulders when you're able to get rid of things that no longer serve you.

[@pamhall2003]

I agree…cleaning out and declutter. Been married 64 years so you can imagine. lol I am doing same thing getting rid of!!!

[@SusanHendrix-h4d]

Ooh, that was fun. Please continue to take us wirh you through the declutter. Maybe it can get others to declutter before the holidays.

[@margotmartin-ck7qr]

You did a great job! I understand your reasons for everything. I recently did the same thing in my kitchen, even though mine is much smaller than yours. I had a whole box of items for my son to look through before I gave anything away. I wish you continued good luck as you clean out and get ready to move. 😊

[@MicVic7780]

I'm 70 and I'm slowly decluttering the kitchen, too. Glasses must be an addiction, because I, too, just got rid of so many glasses it was embarassing. As Thanksgiving approaches, though, I'm finding that I need my serving bowls and serving spoons and a variety of different sized saucepots and baking dishes/casserole dishes. It's a shame that they take up so much space to be used fairly infrequently. On a side note, I can't believe all the "specialty" type gizmos you had. I've been trying to tell myself that if something takes up space, it has to be multi-functional. Therefore, my casserole dishes with lids (as old as they may be) are the same size as some metal cake pans so can be used for both cake baking/brownie baking/ and casseroles or side dishes. Still embarassing, though, is that I have 3 crockpots of different sizes.....

[@patriciashayes5929]

Aren't you going to live near family? You'll want more than two place servings when they come over. And that big soup pot! Not only will it be expensive to replace, but it can serve as a packing container for lots and lots of stuff.

[@RachelW-a1b]

What no soup lol....I've just decluttered my kitchen and working on doing a second round with my clothes and craft room. So satisfying. Too much stuff gets tiring ...

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It is definitely nice to have a clean kitchen!

[@Ay-B]

Tip: If you are quickly overwhelmed, just empty and deal with one cabinet or drawer at a time. It will probably take you 10 to 20 minutes and you won't be overwhelmed. You can do another cabinet or drawer next or the next day.

[@Haleyrach]

This makes me want to declutter my kitchen! I loved this video and your reasoning for getting rid of items when you just aren't using them like you used to, even if you have used them before ❤

[@georgekessler3548]

I agree about the cast iron. I got rid of mine recently because I didn’t realize I still had them so didnt think i would miss them. I took them to a local thrift store, and when they pulled them out of the back of my car, they put them in a separate pile away from the donations. Those dishes didn’t even make it into the building, I am sure. I know that the person working for the thrift store kept them. And then I was reminded about power outages and cooking over an open flame. Ugh. An important lesson for me, learned. -Kryste

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I gifted everything to people on facebook marketplace, I didn't want to donate everything to an organization that would sell them for a profit. that didn't feel right so I listed them for free for anyone who needed it.

[@georgekessler3548]

@ Awesome. You are the best. Good for you. :D Surely something great like that will happen for you if you go looking for cast iron, too. -Kryste

[@lindaandrusko508]

Thank you for sharing this video. I have been struggling with de-cluttering several rooms since my husband passed, & will follow your lead it emptying out one room at a time. I only did a little in the kitchen for now, but have been keeping a few more things so I don't need to keep washing the same dishes every day, like enough plates, bowls, etc. You have again inspired me to get going on more organizing, even though I'm staying in my home. :)

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

Cast iron is great because that can be placed from stove top to oven.

[@gailmoreta]

As I was watching you ...all I could say was NOOOOOOO... there were many items you will regret getting rid of. When we are starting to declutter, we just want to get rid of things and make space, but the day comes when you wish you still had some of the items you donated. I am talking from experience, believe me..

[@janellestuckey8477]

Agree 100%

[@dorawedlock3969]

As I watched I kept thinking I should do the same thing. Hopefully, the feeling passes before I am done watching another video. I have as much stuff as I had when 5 of us at home, and now it is just me. So right, unless it is something really special from someone you love, if you don't use it, give it to someone who will.

[@dianethoroughman9541]

I don't agree. My daughter and her mother-in-law helped me do some major decluttering in my kitchen and everywhere else. The only thing I replaced was a handmixer. I don't regret it one bit.

[@gailmoreta]

​@@dianethoroughman9541 that's awesome. I wish I had felt that way.But unfortunately, I did regret getting rid of quite a few items

[@Sugarplum2025]

I agree. I got rid of a ton of kitchen stuff when I moved into a very small apartment years ago. Later after I was back in a larger space, I ended up buying a lot of it again. I hate not having enough utensils or dishes. I could definitely stand to get rid of some stuff now, like probably most people could, but would not want to do it as drastically as Rebecca is doing here. I like convenience and I like kitchen stuff!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I smiled reading the comments. We all have our favourites among other people’s stuff! I was screaming at the telephone saying ‘keep the cheesecake pans at all costs’ which is ridiculous because they are the easiest pieces to replace! 🤣. I rarely entertain these days and I have reduced my glassware but I still have a staggering number of coffee cups which I now feel inspired to donate. It is great to give your superfluous items directly to needy people. Thank you for the video. I hope the move goes well!!! 👍

[@sandiemoore9305]

Keep Dolly!!

[@kathy3178]

We moved about 700 miles. Most of what I parted with in my kitchen, I did not replace. Or I was able to replace at thrift stores for a less than it would have cost me to move it.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

thank you for saying that! a lot of people are worried about my eventual cost of replacing but I will likely thrift a bunch of things. It'll be fun, and I'd rather not replace it anyways unless it's absolutely necessary.

[@sherrylewis9327]

@@DollarTreeDinners And as for the cost of replacement.... you probably won't have to replace everything at once! LOL, you can thrift what you need, when you need it.

[@AWanderingEye]

I wish I had read this comment about 25 years ago. We moved cross country and took EVERYTHING. Put most in storage. Eventually, we moved back. Put most in storage. Kept storage for at least 5 years. Took things out: boxes sagging, plastic was brittle, appliances/tv were unpredictable, many broken things. A lot of dusty/dirty trash housed in that storage garage. Do I miss them? Can I even remember them? Did I have an inventory (no). So lesson learned: do what Rebecca is doing now before the move. She's seeing how well she can do without the things and making her revised kitchen her new normal. When they arrive at the next place, there won't be any feeling of regret or poverty. They will have already proven to themselves that what they have is just what they need and it is enough. A very challenging lesson to learn in these United States.

[@lenalyles2712]

Don't ever get rid of cast iron. The newer ones are not as good as the old ones.

[@RachelW-a1b]

I would consider keeping 4 plates and bowls and cups in case of visitors...Just a thought

[@DollarTreeDinners]

We haven’t had visitors in over 2 years and I’m certainly not having visitors while packing and moving lol

[@teamshoemaker]

I thought you had your boyfriend's kids every once in a while and were moving to be closer to them but I could be wrong. That would be the only reason I could think of for you to change your own mindset at this point. You have it well thought out.

[@DollarTreeDinners]

They live in Washington state so they came for summer and spring break, they have school otherwise :) after we move, I can reevaluate needs and go thrifting if needed

[@darcyferrigno]

The ONLY thing I enjoy about moving is the purging. You realize how much stuff you don't need when you have to pack or store it. My first apartment was maybe 400 square feet and I did not own enough things to fill it up. Fast forward to be 40 and my husband and I had a 2500 house packed with stuff ( much we didn't need or use). Moving to our condo of 1350 square feet and donating, selling or trashing a bunch of stuff, we realized we didn't miss or need it. It was a good lesson on not buying just to buy or because we "think" we need it.

[@erika021]

Sentimental is hard. I have so many items from my grandma, gifts or old jobs. My husband thanks you for this video, we have too many glasses, not near 47 but too many for just the 2 of us. Along with too many travel mugs. I will look to the Buy Nothing group to see if anyone is in need.

[@laurac5451]

my toaster is the thing i miss most i cand toast in a pan or in the George Forman grill but it's so much easier to do things in the toaster

[@marianbrinley4389]

You may wish you had kept one of the glass bowls especially if it microwave safe. Especially melting chocolate, peanut butter, etc. Good luck with your move!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I can always use my ceramic bowls for that, or a double boiler! :)

[@sarahwarlady]

I recently did this. I went though and donated so many "extra" spoons, utensils, odds and ends. I have now had to repurchase them. You don't realize how much you rely on them when you do use them. But, it does help you learn the true essentials!

[@mjd9970]

Mad respect! I really admire your passing things on directly to people who need them and lack of attachment to physical items. It shows a lot of principle and it will be so much easier to move. And you're so right that cooking implements are replaceable. You may not need to hear this but no need to second-guess these decisions based on what anyone tells you here. Good luck on the move and setting up your new kitchen, I hope it all goes smoothly! You do incredible and very inspiring work and I appreciate you so much! 😊

[@DillDough4u]

Love this video! You have given me motivation to declutter my own kitchen this weekend 😊

[@PerilousRainbow]

I need to do a serious purge, doing it as if I’m moving is a really good idea. I saw your comment about doing a ‘start over on a budget/make it work with minimal stuff’ and I think that’s brilliant. It’s a great idea to show in multiple ways of life how to stretch a buck, especially in this economy.

[@MsBondgirl069]

I honestly commend you for getting rid of stuff and using the bare minimum. Is it ideal for you to have to replace things when you move? No. But honestly that’s not our business. We’re here to follow you on your adventure wherever that may take you. No one should make you feel bad for getting rid of your cast iron or mixer because they’re expensive or well seasoned. You do what’s best for you and your family and the rest of us will be here to watch and support whatever you choose to share with us. Thank you for sharing it all with us, I actually found this video very motivating that it makes me want to declutter my kitchen. I have way too many plates and cups LOL 💗

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you for this! It’s nice to see several people supporting my choices. Its never easy to let go but sometimes I have to reset my life

[@MsBondgirl069]

@@DollarTreeDinners I think we can all use a reset sometimes. I know I definitely can.

[@WalkswithBender]

Other than the mirror above the sink, I love the layout of that kitchen

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I'm glad you like the layout!

[@staciedubz]

So a couple years ago my oven died and someone in our family gifted us one of those mini counter top ovens. I bought a burner and we've been living like this and I don't even miss the oven (plus saves on our electric bill!). Sometimes once you're without something you realize you didn't even really need it. And if you do realize you still need it, you can always hit up thrift stores and all that jazz. Definitely cheaper than moving it across the country (for the most part).

[@deborahconley2009]

We moved across the country and boy did the charity shops luck out. We got rid of almost everything

[@victoriacross7090]

I gasped that you donated the dollar tree spout mixing bowls hahaha ! I got those because of you and am obsessed with them

[@pigoff123]

I don't want to move. I have both my grandmother's kitchen stuff and my mother's things I shipped from Germany. 😊

[@bluemoonie8817]

Great 🎉 video! I have moved cross country, & applaud, commend, & understand your decluttering decisions. If you keep all the stuff, you've got to pack, load, unload it all, & then try to figure out where it will go in the new place ~ exhausting! Plus, if you use a moving company, they are shockingly expensive! If you Uhaul yourself, the heavier the load, the higher your gas cost will be ~ still not cheap! So ❤ the 'New Life, Fresh Start' approach, & traveling light. I recently did a big kitchen declutter in prep for getting new kitchen appliances, & was amazed at how much I had squirrled away over 15 years in this space, when it's just me ~😮 ! I hope you share more of your journey w/ us, & look forward to your new adventures ~ 😊

[@jennyleigh63]

Whew! I applaud your efforts. I have moved three times in the last two years, decluttering each time. However, even though I gave away, sold and tossed quite a bit, I wasn't as thorough as you were! Your kitchen. Your rules. I would struggle to part with cast iron. If you have to shelter in place without electricity, you can use it over open flame. Best wishes on your move!

[@bluedazz]

Ditto on all the comments to keep the cast iron pan. I was saying no no no to the screen. That is the only thing you are donating that I would run over and pull from the box. It is hard to declutter sometime, but you did a great job.

[@gwenvann7279]

I loved this video! I’m 70 years old and have come to realize (for me) that I can no longer manage all this inventory. I need simple and organized to function now. I’m not using 75% of what I own. It’s suffocating to dig through all this stuff to get to what I need. My daughter is going to help me do the purge. I’m so excited!!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I am so glad this video is inspiring you! It really can be freeing!

[@pennynickels5216]

Wow, what fun! It's amazing how little we really "need." ❤

[@bernadinebiggs4303]

That's a very inspiring video. I'd say it's very cleansing to get rid of so much stuff. I have drawers full of things I use once a year. I'd love to declutter and see what I can do without!

[@SusanHendrix-h4d]

Do what you feel you need to do and makes you happy. We'll be waiting . We're not going anywhere. We love you and wish yall the best of luck.

[@AdriennesChannel]

Congratulations on 200K subscribers!🥳🥂

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you so much! I’ve been loving the support on these videos.

[@lindahess6529]

Loved this decluttering video! I could never make do with 2 forks, 2 spoons, and 2 knives. I would have to own the whole set of 12! LOL. Same with the dishes. I would need a set of 8 or 12. I love that you can do that. But where are the wine glasses?? Ha! I would need at least a set of 6. Good luck with your move. Can't wait for your thrifting videos. This will be a great adventure for you. Looking forward to your next video. PS: cast iron pans are overrated. Very heavy and cumbersome. Many lighter weight stainless steel pans are also oven safe. Just look for the ones without plastic handles. 🙃

[@sherrylewis9327]

Yes! I loved my CI when I could still use them but old hands and wrists made them impossible. I love my stainless and they can be just as non-stick as cast iron when they're treated and used right.

[@moco1401]

It really is so hard to get rid of the littlest, sometimes silliest, things sometimes.

[@chrisgivens3594]

Keep the non-slotted spoon too. Or the ladle.

[@amandawells35]

I was thinking the same, sometimes for sauces, etc.. it's good to have a solid spoon.

[@audreybrown1257]

Keep the cast iron. The fact that its seasoned and you've had it awhile so it's at least semi old, KEEP it!!

[@tanyamckinnon5376]

The older the better!

[@DawnEdwards-b2d]

Save one biscuit cutter! Theyre becoming hard to find.

[@bethduafala8418]

You can use tin cans with the ends cut out for biscuit cutters.

[@thekingsandbeasts]

We went fulltime RV last year and it was CRAZY to see how stuffed kitchen cabinets and drawers can get haha

[@bonniepalmatier4664]

Best of luck to you and your husband. Ironically I moved from Arizona to Virginia! I LOVE simple living. It's amazing how little we need. Your donations will bless those in need.

[@wildshadowstar]

I saw Alton Brown’s rant on single use kitchen tools, and I’m torn on that. While I agree that some I question why they were even created, there are a ton that are useful, especially if someone has physical disabilities or the devices just generally help with those things they were designed for.

[@CraftsandMorewithDonnaJackson]

You did an amazing job down sizing but im not sure I'd get rid of the cast iron. When I moved into my van, I essentially got rid of everything except 1pot and 1 pan. I bought 2 unbreakable plates, bowls and glasses and donated the entire 52 piece dinnerware set that took me 5 yrs to complete 😢 But I feel so much less chaotic. When getting rid of other stuff, if you have sentimental attachment to it but no use for it, take a picture and sell it. I went from a 1200 sq ft apt to a 100 sq ft van. I wish you the best of luck and cant wait to follow your ptogress and move.❤

[@DollarTreeDinners]

thank you for sharing your story, I enjoyed reading it! I like living with less, it's easy to get caught up in a mindset of what is nice to have but you don't necessarily need it.

[@momof2momof2]

About once a year I go through my kitchen. We entertain often so I do keep that in mind with the amount of dishes, pots/pans utensils etc. I keep on hand. Hope you have a safe and happy move. 🥰🍃🍂🍁💗✝

[@SylviaHarper-p2u]

I moved over 23 times period and decluttering is the best! It's was always fun for me finding thrift stores to replace things I had to leave behind. Decluttering is very freeing! So happy for you and Michael on this new Journey. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You are great on camera. And I'm excited to see what the next chapter in your life holds.❤

[@nancycarney]

I am not moving but I am doing this exact thing. It's just me now and I have 40 yrs of STUFF in my kitchen. It has to go.

[@rebeccanelson5737]

I watch several organizing people and they say it’s ok to keep dishes - enough for your thanksgiving dinner. Like if you only ever do a dinner for you two then keep two. But like I like to have family over and so enough for 10 adults 9 kids

[@AWanderingEye]

I decided to keep enough place settings that fit at my table. So I have 6 chairs and a table, therefore, I should have a max of 6 place settings. Oops, I own a lot more! On review, I will have only the same amount as the smallest number of pieces (10 dinner plates). As items break, I will continue to down size the number of all dishes/cups/glasses so I have complete place settings.

[@alext.9527]

Why would you spend extra money on a cast iron skillet when you have one already?

[@_NotHerRealName]

To add my two cents to the cast iron discussion, I’ve gone 20+ years cooking without cast iron and can’t imagine ever wanting or needing any BUT people obviously covet it and you’ll make someone’s day by giving it away

[@DollarTreeDinners]

Thank you! I agree that it's something I enjoy having but not something I can't live without.

[@DawnEdwards-b2d]

I hate my cast iron skillet because it has grooves for nice char marks. Sure my steaks and burgers look great but what a pita to clean that pan.

[@charlottetooth1457]

When you sell your KitchenAid, sell the base machine and paddles etc separately from the attachments like the meat grinder. You will get more that way. I recently did this, and found I got more interest by selling each individual attachment separately as well. Not everyone wants the same attachments, and someone who has a base unit but wants a meat grinder will not want to buy a second base unit. I had the meat grinder (never used), the food mills/graters, (never used), pasta rollers (used until I was diagnosed with celiac disease) and the Icecream maker - used a few times but it was SO bulky in the freezer.

[@jray8553]

The only thing i cringed about was getting rid of all of the plates. I use my plates for all kinds of things lol plus I would hate doing dishes after every single meal. However, i did a cross country move after my hubby and i got married. We moved 3 times in 3 years within that state, then right at our 3rd anniversary, we moved back to my home state and have moved 3 times here... and we 2 small children under 4.... we have finally settled in a place that we can be in/rent for 5 years and after all of this moving.... i am in favor of getting rid of everything and starting over lol if you can afford it, of course. But after years of paying for storage, we could have replaced everything we stored a couple of times over 😅

[@AWanderingEye]

Don't be too hard on yourself, you are not alone. I actually firmly believed some of the items I kept I just would not be able to purchase (!). And emptying the storage unit was a serious 2nd job. Not a necessary thing but result of my poor planning. Oh well. Live and Learn!

[@lynnscott4729]

I understand the mindset above the cast iron pan, but if you do replace it later, look for a used one. For some reason, many of the newer ones have a rough surface that is harder to season. My sister tried, and was very frustrated. She ended up looking in second hand stores and found a few in different sizes that she's very happy with. I have our mom's that was a wedding present about 60 years ago, and apart from the sentimental value, it is such a well seasoned pan that I would never part with it.

[@kendiholloway2378]

I think the thing for us to remember is this isnt our house, isn't our situation we can have our homes as we wish, no judgement. We also dont know where you are moving, what style of living you are headed to (share house/apartment/hotel) and some of us how expensive it is to pay for every inch in a moving truck. The moka pot is a great idea for a 72 hour bag, we recently had a tornado here in my town in Australia in a region that doesnt have tornados. The result was our power towers were destroyed and our town ended up with generators & rolling power cuts and my hands were shaking from lack of coffee until the generators came back on. I bought a moka for my bbq (only cooking source).

[@startswithabang]

If you are keeping your multi cooker, you may also want to keep your rice measuring cup and at least 1 paddle. You can easily store it in the cooker so it’s not taking additional space

[@DollarTreeDinners]

there was one already in the unit, those were extra ones I got from other appliances :)

[@startswithabang]

Ah I didn’t realize. That makes sense then 😅

[@lesliegallagher4447]

Thank you for this video to show your process. I wish I had taken the time to go through this process when I needed to downsize for a move 3 years ago, but I was crunched for time and ended up giving away/donating many, many kitchen things. I have replaced things as needed, but I have exactly what I need in my kitchen now.

[@AmyMLevy]

When we downsized in early 2023, we left a 4BR/3BA/2 car garage/finished basement house and moved 900 miles to a 3BR/1Ba house. We had so many dishes, coffee cups, drinking glasses, bakeware.... we found unopened duplicates and even a box of kitchen stuff that we hadn't unpacked from our previous move 14 years earlier! It wasn't easy at first, especially for my husband who really loves to hang on stuff, but in the end we ended up donating so much stuff. We felt physically and emotionally lighter! The only donated items we ended up replacing was some wine glasses and the ones we bought after the move are a little more practical.

[@ajaxbac]

Good job. But, I would keep maybe 2 more of your dark blue bowls and more of forks, spoons.

[@pammorschauser2090]

You did another better than I would have. Great job. I would have kept a serving set of 4 though, in case of guests.

[@kelliewilson5980]

Man a kitchen aid is a thing of dreams! I could never get rid of one if I had that, but I get with moving it's a lot. I hope you guys have an easy move, and a wonderful new experience in your new place.

[@sandicollins4000]

We lived in a house for 26 years in Southern California when we decided to move to Central Michigan 4 years ago, we raised 2 daughters in that house and man oh man did we have stuff! 😵‍💫 it took us months to go through everything in every room. We donated so much stuff and threw away even more stuff. I actually filled an entire recycling bin with all the plastic bowls and lids I had, it was crazy. Every once in a while I think where did I put that? Then I remember I either donated it or tossed it 😂. Best of luck on your cross country move, it’s an adventure for sure.

[@jeanetteb.pedersen8164]

Thank you for sharing your kitchen tools etc. It would be very difficult for me to reduce like this. I have at least two of most things because i might need things in the dishwasher. We went on a trip to Dallas this spring. We brought more cutlery and plates in our luggage than what you kept. I think 4 sets for 3 people to also have something for serving. It is an interesting thought. Anyway. Good luck on the move. Your generosity, conciteration of others and honesty is always so inspiring.

[@sallyt3929]

Okay... my first time having to stop a video of yours because it was seriously stressing me out. I'm so glad you added the pinned comment explaining your mindset and that you gave your extra items to ppl who really needed them. I almost started crying when you were getting rid of the cast iron skillet.

[@catmandu615]

They are recommending to dispose of the black plastic utensils. I just tossed mine.

[@AWanderingEye]

What are you keeping instead: I gave my ol'ma a set of IKEA black utensils since her's were all ancient and sorty melty. Now I'm thinking I need to retrieve those but want to bring replacements. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Stainless steel isn't an option for her due to cookware. TIA

[@kairoosaar5530]

You kept more than I've had for my fam of 3 for the last 10 years. It works for us. You'll be fine :)

[@Lottie_Girl]

Anything you won't use within a 3 week period, toss or donate. Maybe keep a few more than just 2 of your serving ware? You may not want to or be able to wash them right after each use. It's crazy you're already so close to moving. I know you've been to Washington to visit Michael's family but I hope you love living in the Pacific Northwest. I live in Oregon ❤❤

[@kjanderson30]

You inspired me, I removed everything in my cabinets and decluttered my kitchen this weekend. It feels so much better having this done.

[@Its_me_Aunty]

Thank you for sharing. I have to down size and find it overwhelming. This video made me feel motivated to keep going.

[@poketographyyy]

Decluttering really hits the spot. I feel so accomplished after doing so and you never know what you find. Plus it's a fantastic way to procrastinate on other tasks. 😅 Thanks for showing us your thought process on how you choose what to keep or not. It can be hard to let things go, especially if you have sentimental attachment to things. Hope the move is going well, too!

[@DollarTreeDinners]

I know, it’s so satisfying! It feels like a weight is lifted

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Life is not guaranteed. Rebecca don't let anyone pressure you into keeping something that you have decided not to keep. Things can be replaced if they are really that important and needed. I do not have many glasses or other stuff. There is only just me. I use some plastic plates because it is easy for me now that I have a caregiver. Before that i was using disposable plates because it helped me keep my kitchen clean. I respect you for what your doing and i hope you don't let others emotions get in the way of your decisions. Cast iron skillets are not always that useful for a lot of people. For those who love them, great. For those who don't, also great. Anyhow, thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us.

[@purplebutterfly4756]

I totally need to do the same thing. LOL. Things tend to add up quick and all of a sudden you have so much misc stuff it gets overwhelming. Thanks for the inspo. 💗 Love your video's

[@DollarTreeDinners]

It really is overwhelming! It’s nice to get rid of things and make some space in the kitchen.