Have you tried THIS?? 2 Simple Solutions for Sentimental Items & Bonus Storage Spaces Tip!

[@dbennett20]

When my Grandma was passing away and we (myself and my parents) were staying with her older sister Louise who would fix dinner for us. She would use the dishes she used every single day. My father said to her that they were antiques and should be put up so they wouldn't get broke. Her answer made me rethink about things in my house that we now use every day. My great Aunt Louise said: "I've used these dishes every day of my life. Why would I want to put them up on the shelf where they will just collect dust and not be worth anything. If I put them up on the shelf I might as well put myself up on the shelf and if I did that we (her and the dishes) would be no good to anybody."

[@michelleneuman579]

Love her response!

[@AtoZenLife]

I wish I could like this comment 100 times! 💯

[@TheMinimalMom]

LOVE this!!!

[@rondap.328]

I have on my desk a story of a lady who was helping her brother in law go thru his wifes, her sisters, stuff after the wife passed away...he was talking about all the stuff she hadn't used because she was keeping it for " one day" special...he told her to use the good stuff every day because every day is special...it is so true...

[@reggieandherman4251]

My grandma was the same! I use fancy dishes my friend gave me, silver edging and tea cups with saucers, every day.

[@raymondshaefer7224]

I'm 73 years old. I'm the keeper of family items that are 120 years old and older. I'm aware that none of our three children will want to continue to keep these items (all small and fit on a china cabinet shelf). My solution has been to photograph each item and write a narrative of who it belonged to and their relationship to the rest of the family. I'm in that process now and when done I'll sent the file to a self-publishing book company and order one for each of our children and grandchildren. I have a photograph of the fife an ancestor carried during the American Revolutionary War. I've learned that I don't need the actual item to appreciate the importance and family connection.

[@torriek4977]

That is so beautiful. Your children should feel very lucky to have such a thoughtful person to pass on their history.

[@irenegarcia1851]

I love this idea. How creative.

[@bettywinslow6387]

Awesome answer!

[@jodibillingsley]

Fantastic idea! 🧡

[@lindamurphy5678]

What a wonderful treasure to pass on to your children! Such a great idea!!❤

[@gegeschannel8836]

I have been married for 47 years and three grown sons. You have been such an inspiration to help simplify our lives. I have donated at least 60 percent of our things and thrown away 10 percent. We can breath now. Thanks.

[@danettemannion9837]

I loved that the lady I cleaned for made me a delicious lunch and served it on her Haviland China, she said why not make everyday fancy. I love antiques and reusing is my heart.

[@nataliem726]

"If no one ever sees it, it will cause us to never tell the story of it." I like that. That's the mindset we're trying to have as we decorate our new house with souvenirs from our travels overseas. I was tempted to put all of our paintings in the office because the color of the frame didn't match the color scheme of the décor I was planning for our main living spaces, but I let my husband take the reigns and he came up with a very pleasing arrangement on our dining room wall.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

We’ve been using the same set of bowls every day that my grandparents used every day. They are now considered expensive collectibles, but I preferred to use them so my family has that memory attachment as well. Each time a grown child leaves home, I give them one of the bowls. They have loved having something they used in their childhood that was also used by their great grandparents

[@NatalieBennett]

*This has been such a fun series to do with you, Dawn! I'm so honored to be in this group of amazing people week after week!*

[@GardenerPhyl]

Natalie your videos are a joy and so inspiring. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@KK-rs1wn]

Natalie, you are a blessing! Thank you for your sweet spirit!

[@kelseyd4196]

Natalie, I found you thru this awesome January collab. You've got a new subscriber here--yay!! 👏😁 What a great way to see so many viewponts and ways to simplify our lives all in one place! Catch ya on your next video. 👋😊

[@UpstateGrammy]

Natalie, I found you through this series and am so glad that I did.

[@sabinenoucha2119]

Same here, so glad I found your channel ;)

[@juliacockroft8745]

I really like the ‘use it or lose it’ method. It makes sense.

[@staceyw2599]

But what if I don’t use it because it’s gaudy ugly (but expensive) jewelry? 🤷🏽‍♀️. PS. I’m loving this series!! 🤗

[@texasmimi5566]

@@staceyw2599 Two words, Pawn Shop. They will buy the jewelry, you will have some extra fun money, and you won't even miss what you aren't wearing anyway.

[@maggiefindmusic]

@@staceyw2599 oooooorrrr...if it has sentimental value and you have some money you can put into it, you can have the piece converted into customized jewelry. And you would always remember your great aunt because the gold and diamonds in your earrings came from that monstrosity of a ring she gave you.

[@PorkDork420]

I agree 100% on the ‘use it or lose it’. I kept a china set my dad gave me at graduation in storage. Never used it, so when I needed new dinnerware I pulled it out and use it for every day use now. He has been gone for 27 years now and I think of him every time I use a dish. A much better use.

[@kellyk9100]

I have loved this collaboration series because: 1. It gives me something to look forward to each week. 2. I’m meeting new creators. 3. Motivation! What a fantastic idea! Great Job!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Yes! Agree! The only comment Dawn is there was so much I couldn’t keep up with all of them (like watching this in Feb.).

[@magscouk]

I love that you use the word 'inventory' for the items in your home. I usually think of my things as 'belongings' and maybe that's why I struggle to declutter so many of them. So........ from here on in I'll use 'inventory' and start decluttering it today! Thank you Dawn yet again for your great ideas and inspiration.

[@sarahr7279]

I especially love that you all have teamed up to support each other and their channels. It's so nice to see good people doing good things when sometimes it's hard to see the good that's going on in the world right now. ♥️♥️

[@tamerat3794]

This collection of KZbinrs all working together to help everyone has been a huge help to me! I'm grateful for all of the people who have contributed their time and energy to be a part of this for those of us that need all the help we can get!! 😊

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this collaboration, Dawn. It has been transformative! There is something powerful about all of our communities coming together to collectively improve our lives. Thank you for hosting this. Love, Jennifer xx

[@kap319]

I’ve really enjoyed this series. I like seeing a variety of decluttering styles in the same playlist.

[@CandiePi2]

So true! It's really nice as I'm starting decluttering! There is more than one way to declutter each space. So nice to remember

[@jocelynsloan7801]

Yes, same! Especially being a little new to the concept and applying it.

[@Anberel]

As a person whit knits/crochets, I’d rather my gifts get used and worn out than stored.

[@heatherkesner8096]

I loved this series!! Would love one for every month.

[@janeschmidt9611]

Yes, please!

[@ceciliefranciska899]

I agree!

[@pameladeteresa]

Totally!

[@julieshverdag8151]

Y E S

[@sherrybush2500]

If I have something that has been passed down to me and I know I'm not going to use it , I sell it and then donate the money to a charity that was dear to that person's heart.

[@KJDogluv]

Great idea

[@2177danielle]

I loved this series. Sometimes hearing it a different way definitely helps. Thank you for this. Your program and this series have made all the difference to me.

[@intentionallycreatingmylif2281]

Hi Dawn, I didn’t delve into the collaboration for 2 reasons, I don’t feel the need for help to declutter (at present) I feel like I’m at a good place. The other reason is I’m Decluttering my time on ‘media,’ having said that I think it is a great idea for all you you tubers to help promote each other and introduce, extra ideas, views and circumstances. I kept memory boxes for my children, when they moved into their forever homes, I gave them to them. 😄 My mum gave me a hand embroidered tea cosy that my granauntie made for my Grandmother. As it covered the whole teapot, the handle got hot so I wasn’t using it. Then I decided to take it apart and I framed it, one for me and one for my mum. We see it everyday, it is beautiful, a work of art. It takes up little space and is a reminder of a wonderful lady who died at 92, the last of her generation as she was 17 years younger than her oldest sibling. ❤️ I’m continuing to follow you for upkeep, entertainment and your DIY’s. 😁

[@kristiem.5588]

"Inventory that I have to manage" is my daily "Dawn Montra" Whether I'm decluttering, shopping, cleaning, storage, etc. So helpful!

[@Chicken_Mama_85]

I love that too! It really helped my husband too. I just talked to him today about the cost of managing it in that we get a dumpster every year. Managing too much inventory is expensive!

[@mimijohnson7714]

Ditto, really gave me a completely different but truer perspective of “things”.

[@brendamaun5455]

@@Chicken_Mama_85 You are so right. I have a friend who's had a storage unit I believe for 10 or 15 years. She doesn't even know what's in there. But she pays for it month after month after month.

[@sharpfamily4938]

Yes! That phrase alone had been a catalyst for me!

[@tambracarswell9896]

Yes, Yes, Yes! I have been loving this series and have found a few new creators that I have subscribed to. Future topic: decluttering tools and making a good, basic toolbox for home use whether you are single or married.

[@ross1769]

that is such a good idea! My husband will fight me on it tho lol

[@nichole4055]

The use it or lose it portion really hit home with me. I’ve kept too many sentimental or inherited things tucked away in storage to keep special/safe. My children don’t have the same warm fuzzies because they haven’t attached the same memories. Thanks for the reality check Dawn!! Going to unbox some things this week and enjoy them

[@jocelynsloan7801]

I don’t have kids but that concept still resonated. 💡

[@DianeinDenmark]

Thanks so much inviting me to join in, Dawn! It's been a fantastic month and I've made many new friends! 👋😃💖 Oh, and ditto on your ideas today 🎉😁

[@src4409]

I think I relate to you so well...i, too, use whatever I have around the house, to include boxes, for my organizing, and I didn't realize their was a thing called "shop your house"... that's basically what I do every time I need something.

[@jules1896]

Yes! This is great, I struggle with sentimental items. I have boxes and boxes FULL of school paperwork... why do I keep it?? Going to purge NOW...

[@IamSnowbird]

I have my mom's leather jacket in my closet. I still go in every once in a while and smell it. After 12 years I can still smell her.

[@emmelia-6068]

I have my precious Dad's watch with leather strap... I smell it often and remember him wearing it for so many years. xoxoxo

[@susannaharget509]

LOVE the series! Do one for Back to School, another for The Holidays, another for Spring Cleaning, another for Moving.

[@amy2284]

Finances and health workout habits

[@marciewhite5368]

Yes! Such great ideas. Maybe one on gardening in the spring.

[@pameehanson3866]

My mother made quilts and they are large to store. When she passed this year we had cousins on my mom's side that did not get one of her quilts. My sister and I went thru those quilts and was able to pass along a quilt to each of our cousins. I was inspired by your idea to honor these items and how many of her quilts can I have on my bed? Knowing I was able to pass along one of her quilts to her nieces made us both happy and we are not storing them but they are being honored and used. I am learning so much about why we hang on to things and that they are of no value if we do not use them. Thanks for sharing.

[@theREmissionary]

I've been going through, just reading comments and stuff, and had to stop and say how much I loved yours. Such a great way to share memories of your mom!

[@lisahale6593]

I love your advice to honor the memory of our loved ones by actually using their belongings. I used to feel the need to preserve them and store them safely away as well. So basically, storing away memories of them altogether. Let's not 'SAVE' the fancy things for 'SPECIAL OCCASIONS'! Today can be that day. Let's create memories NOW instead of just reminiscing! Dawn, I have loved this series! You have introduced me to so many amazing new KZbin channels and I am so grateful to you. I really appreciate all the coordination and collaboration this has entailed and I would absolutely love it if you would do this again in the future. I am currently loving "Take Your House Back". I adore seeing you with Cas and Dana. You are my three favorites!! I have learned SO, SO much from each of you. You are so wise, so honest, and have such a great sense of humor. Thank you for creating the course. It's been invaluable.

[@2winlock]

I had my dear Grandmas Spode China displayed in an old repurposed cupboard/hutch and this summer I pulled it all out and use it everyday! My Pfalsgraff dishes I sold on marketplace and donated. I also use her silverware that was hid away in the China cabinet. I think of her everyday and it is an honor to use something that she saw the beauty in as a young woman.

[@pattyfalls7801]

This series has been wonderful and I’ve been so excited for the new videos every week! Please do more! 😍

[@christinevinnie2157]

Your message came at a great time for me. I have my paternal grandfather's degree (1925). I never met the man, it's sat in a box on top of my wardrobe for 20+ years. Yesterday I posted it to a paternal cousin, who carries the surname, who has sons as well.

[@PrincessofErised]

I cannot tell you how many gifts I have given people for weddings, holidays, going away, welcome, baby showers, house warming, birthdays, etc... And I can tell you that I cannot remember 99% of what I gave them. So anyone out there, it was the giving, not the keeping that makes me glad that I gave you something. Feel free to pass it on.

[@gdan9923]

I also try to use things that are meaningful to decorate my bookshelves instead of buying random things from Homegoods. I have a baseball displayed from the last time my sons played catch in the backyard before my oldest moved out for college. I also collect a few rocks from vacations and put them in small glass containers with labels about the trip instead of buying souvenirs. We also use my grandmothers everyday dishes daily. Those little touches tell the story of your family. I’ve loved this series because you always have great information and I’ve found some new KZbin accounts to follow!!

[@Fluffcat65]

I've had my memory bin for four years and I love it! I went through it several times to get rid of more and that is also fun because it's cleared my mind and made me realize what I really want to keep and take into my future with me. Thanks for your great work, Dawn!

[@amandacook4286]

Both of my grandmothers had small glass dessert dishes. I was lucky enough to get them from both. I had them stored away and realized I should be using them. We use them every day now, and every time I pull one out of the cupboard I am reminded of them. I broke one a couple of weeks ago and my heart broke a little ( I am a super sentimental "saver"), but I resisted the urge to put them back in storage and just promised myself to be more careful. I love the "use it or lose it" philosophy. With baby steps, I am working towards a less cluttered life and your videos and the message you share are so inspirational. Thank you. ❤️

[@josiee4657]

I loved the whole series and it has inspired me to keep de cluttering items that we don’t need! I would love to see you guys do another series soon!!

[@juliebrooke6099]

I so agree with you. We need to use our special things. Every day is special. I love using things that belonged to family and friends who are no longer here rather than just keeping them in a box or cupboard. I risk things getting broken or worn out but I remember and think about the person and enjoy the memories.

[@julejustjule]

I would love to see everyone who participated in these videos to do one on the hardest stuff for them to declutter.

[@robynyoung711]

Great idea!

[@kimjaymama26]

Your memory bin idea has been one of my favourite KZbin finds. I am a mom of 6 and having that limited space for each child is a game changer. I have a file folder box with a hanging folder for each year of their lives for paper stuff for each child and a memory tote like yours for their non paper things. It is so fun to pull that tote off the shelf on their birthdays and relive those memories!!

[@tinkershell1856]

I love this series and would love more! I’m just getting started purging and find your ideas EXTREMELY helpful in letting go. I’m 55, single again and resetting my life for myself ♥️

[@wandarhiner8250]

I have never had & held on to a lot of stuff even when I was younger and I have found that the older I get, the better I have become at limiting and maintaining “stuff”. I attribute much of this attitude to my mama who always kept our home minimal before it was cool! 😁 She just never allowed stuff to take over & kept our home clean, organized & clutter free. I love to decorate & craft now but I’ve had to be very mindful of the “stuff” I allow myself to buy & keep. It’s nice when I can tell myself “you won’t use that often enough to justify buying it & then you’ll be cleaning it out and giving it to the thrift store”. We moved a year & a half ago after being in our home & raising 2 children there for 21 years so it has been nice to go through & clean out as we settled in in the new home. Life is just better when it’s not drowning in “stuff”.

[@nancypetruska4131]

I have really loved this series! I love all the different perspectives the ladies have provided and would really appreciate another series at some point. Thank you, Dawn!!

[@megananderson3891]

Yes to more of these decluttering collaborations, maybe 2 times a year or quarterly. I would love that, I’m not going to have anything left but that’s okay with me.

[@kristinisreading4866]

Love the sentiment in this. I have a quilt that was passed on, my grandma had stored it from a previous generation, so it has been boxed up for so long. I would like to display it even if it means it gets more exposure.

[@barblydell9800]

My grandma gave me a beautiful Bavarian plate and bowl that I’d always admired but she made me promise to use them! I do and I’m glad she made me promise!

[@kellymelly5998]

Yes Dawn, please keep this type of collaboration going as this January has been so productive! I love all the different personalities, views, tips, and tricks!

[@allison_JR4E]

Totally agree - use the sentimental stuff (or at least display it) if it means something to you...leaving it in a box to collect dust in the dark is so sad and surely not what our loved ones would want.

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

Thank you for speaking the truth and giving us food for thought.

[@kakylong2]

Dawn, The other day I was gping through a tote of paperwork, artwork, etc. I couldn't part with some of it because of sentimental reasons. My Hubby said, I'm calling the twins & have them talk to you. The next day this video popped up. Now, I will call my tote, my memory bin. 😆 I have loved this series & hope ya'll do more.

[@Aprilmarielove]

I love this series!!! and yes definitely do again ❤️ especially when the seasons change , things in our homes are different! I am excited for spring to come and Easter 😊

[@deb9806]

I read "Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton cloth and gently rub the stain. Rub the stain from the outside in to avoid spreading it, and continue until the super glue is removed. After the excess super glue is removed, pour Tide liquid detergent directly onto the stain, making sure you completely cover it" I've made peace with a few stains myself. Still have a little paint on seat cushions from my girls from years ago. It makes me smile to remember those younger years. ; )

[@lindaliffers9690]

My Dad passed at the end of 2020 and my Mom passed a few years prior. My sister (my identical twin!!) and I are tasked with cleaning out my parents house. For us that is 59 years of memories and so many sentimental items, and crystal and dishes and so much stuff that my Mom treasured! I just found you last month and am now focused on decluttering my own house! I can't be bringing everything over, just no room. Right now we got a storage space despite the fact our brother wants to throw everything out. This is so hard. I will try to focus on some of these tips.

[@cindygray8322]

Sometimes this is your first sweep of the items. Then you go through it again and then again. Maybe the thing you love is something that someone else doesn't like. I was worried my brother would want the same secretary with the eagle feet. Nope he wanted the coffee table I didn't like. Turns out his coffee table is Danish modern. LOL Good luck to you....it is hard.

[@Rosa-kf6yy]

I kept about 6 small items from my mom when she passed. (no furniture). There was just no time or energy for anything else. She lived in another state. It's been some years now. I still love what I have. They are easily displayed and used, and I honestly don't remember the things I chose not to keep. Don't feel like you have to preserve everything. If your mom was anything like mine, SHE'D be the first to give something away if someone asked for or needed it. Be kind to yourself.

[@BarbaraThorndyke]

@Linda Liffers - watching the Swedish Death Cleaning video by the Messy Minimalist helped me tremendously when my mom passed in 2018.

[@lindaliffers9690]

@@BarbaraThorndyke Thank you I will check that out.

[@darlahkelley9800]

My Great Grandmother's Evgraved Teaspoon with her name Jerstine Knudson Born March 23, 1871. MY Sister Regina was born 1971 100 years later. I'm so proud to have her Teaspoon 💓

[@wondergalc431]

Loved this series, loved seeing a bunch of my favorite you tubers working together and finding new channels to follow

[@jenniferwright8355]

I agree! Use it or lose it. I had a teacup collection for many years on the condition that we actually used them. I have a quilt from the 1970s that was made from my childhood clothing. Not only do we use it - we use it outside on the deck when we are chilly! Now when I see that quilt, it makes me think of fresh air and sunshine. :)

[@conniesoares157]

This helps me thinking about items I need to go thru again and see what I can declutter! Thanks Dawn! I have enjoyed this declutter January with the other KZbin ladies!

[@lindenpeters2601]

Nice intro with the basement! So true about the lighting! And the "use it or lose it" is so worth doing! I have 2 sets of china: one from my great aunt when she passed, and one from my husband's great uncle when he passed. I know it sounds excessive, but they are sentimental and beautiful, and I love pretty things. One set is displayed in a china cabinet from my mom's parents, the other is stored in a vintage buffet I found on Marketplace in the same style. They are in our formal dining room (doubling as the virtual school room), and I enjoy using them for holiday meals, and when guests stay with us. My mom told me her mom would always use her china for one special meal during a houseguest's stay, and I thought that was such a good idea, I've adopted it, myself. And I don't know why, but my two boys (10 and 6) have much nicer table manners when we use the china. Maybe they can see how special it is, or something. I also have some white bowls that are the exact same as those ones you have, that look like feathers! So pretty. My grandma gave them to me. If you look closely, they are just white glass, not true milk glass. Milk glass has a kind of translucent quality, like the little dish you showed on your end table. Those feather bowls are totally opaque.

[@thewadsquad]

I loved this series so much! It not only inspired and motivated me to declutter and organize, but I also found some really great KZbinrs in the meantime!

[@heatherroth7444]

You're fun too Kimberly Whisk! ☺️

[@heatheradamson2280]

Dawn....I am a fairly new subscriber. I think you are just the sweetest person. Sometimes if I'm having a down day....I just watch your videos and immediately feel better.😊

[@samzman9]

I've spent the past 3 weekends working on our storage room and we have gotten rid of so much stuff. I feel like we still have another weekend worth of stuff to go through but it's so much better and we are car loads lighter!

[@CampbellHolli]

YES, ABSOLUTELY - DO IT AGAIN! I don't mean to "yell" using all caps, but I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this series. I already watch so many of these KZbinrs and to have everyone sharing their best tips and tricks and being able to find the playlists has been great! Everyone does stuff just a little differently, and to have all of the very best ideas in one place is so convenient! Thank you for a great January!

[@lhydrenn8980]

I'm from the Philippines and I love this series so much! This series is a great motivation and an eye opening for me to be much better and to manage my time for my family.

[@TheMinimalMom]

SO glad to hear this!!!

[@tek3freak]

I've been using memory bins for years (I just have 2) and encouraging friends to have them. They should be clear, so you can see what is in them, unless there are items that fade. And, i recommend going through them once every of couple of years to enjoy the memories and look back on life. And, if there is something in there that needs to be let go, let it go.

[@shannonhiggins2102]

I have loved this series! You even introduced me to other KZbin channels that have also helped me a lot in my journey to live more simply. Thank you!

[@lindacarr64]

This series is a gift to those of us who are lost in de-cluttering! PLEASE please do a similar thing every year!

[@sarahfrancescutti9873]

Yes, loved it!!! It was super Inspirational to have a weekly focus and so many targeted videos to motivate me! Please do this again! And I found some awesome new ladies to follow too 🥰

[@darlenemartin248]

Sentimental brings me to a dead stop. Not anymore! I have learn so much from you Dawn. My mom and dad passed away last year and it makes you think differently about everything. I now have an antique framed pic. on my wall my dad gave me many years ago. I have comforters I wouldn't use. I now use and think about my precious mom every time. Love your channel and you and your entire family. You all are a big blessing in my life. Thank you.

[@cindyhicks8009]

LOVED this series and have gotten SO much out of it! Thank you for organizing it, Dawn!🙏 Would love to see more in the future!

[@johannamyfengshuiapproach8871]

Yes!!!! Continue in february with other spaces/items/family related topics!!!I love this type of collabs! Ideas: weekly/months planning made easy, hallway/entré/coat closet, food shop and easy meal planning/recipie systems/cookbooks, toys/kids rooms, older kids rooms/teenager room setup, family rules and chores setup for kids and becoming teenagers (learning good values and tasks). PLEASE continue! Love from Johanna in Sweden, mom to boys 11 and 12, and family minimalist.

[@laurenaupton1162]

I’ve enjoyed this series and liked getting to know a few more channels. I would love to see more of these series, maybe as the seasons change. 😉

[@sarahpober1800]

Yes!!! "How much inventory do I want to manage?"!!! brilliant and thank you!

[@AtoZenLife]

Oh man, sentimental items were the MOST critical for me. ❤️ (Is there any way I can get in the next round of decluttering collaborations??? Minimalist mom for 5+ years now! ✨🙌✨)

[@AtoZenLife]

@@smallvoice3836 Thanks for looking out for me! 🤗

[@natashacrystal6490]

I like the mismatched glasses as at family gatherings or a lot of kids over, someone always forgets whose glass is who’s. Now, I just say okay yours is this colors /design and it’s so much better.

[@HomeschoolGlue]

I’ve had such a blast doing this collab! Excited to watch this when kids are sleeping! 💖

[@erikasolgos2066]

You are right! When you said you feel like a loser when you have a ton of clutter- true! I have felt my self esteem improve the more I have decluttered. I've been in a bit of a holding pattern with my decluttering, but I'm ready for the next layer!

[@ashleylukes6319]

I love these playlists. I look for them each week now. I like your timing in January... It's a new year, so time to reset and organize/declutter. Also, it January and up north where we are it's a stay indoor time, so a really good time to look inside at all the stuff and declutter. This has been so good! Thank You

[@Elizabeth490]

I love the idea of "use it or lose it." My grandmother's sandbakkels tins were given to me for my birthday. The old me might have been tempted to keep them locked up in a dark box or closet, but I have already used them a couple times. I keep them on the kitchen shelf with my other equipment, so I can see and enjoy them every time I cook.

[@mombunlife9650]

I have loved this series! I found some new youtubers to watch but also loved the tips from you and others that Ive been watching. This was a fantastic idea 😊👍

[@fryefoto]

Years ago my Mom’s friend Helen (then in her 80’s) made cross stitched queen sized bed spreads for my sister and I. I carefully folded mine up and put it on a shelf where it would be ‘safe’. I was so scared when we later had a roof leak in that closet. Thankfully the bed spread was undamaged. It has been on my bed ever since. It is showing some wear but it is appreciated and being used as Helen intended and I remember her daily.

[@annmiddlebrook1996]

Thank you, Dawn! I’m really loving your course and the clutter-free January ❤️! I enjoy watching your playlists too and have one suggestion- have a few more people that are in different seasons of life or family situations. I’d like to see how empty nesters are dealing with decades of stuff. That’s me!

[@portiaread9484]

Excellent idea! I’m there too!

[@clarissadossantos9944]

We love you too, Dawn ! Thank you for spreading positivity!

[@maggivic]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! I look forward to rewatching them and hopefully new ones!!

[@wyoag12]

Completely agree! I’ve found my ability to manage inventory was a huge part of my household management stress. And after I decluttered last year we had some basement flooding. Boy am I glad I’d paired everything down to a more manageable amount because as we we were moving everything out of the way of the water, it was able to fit in other spaces reasonably well. Thanks for all your great advice! I’ve found it so helpful!!

[@caseyjb980]

I have found the series to be sooo helpful in addition to the course! What a great idea this was. I like that I can have the videos continue to play while I keep at it, since usually it takes more than 10 or 15 minutes to get through a space :)

[@kerry3710]

I'm with you on using things. When things have broken or fallen apart it is not life changing, and will not cause you to forget somebody. Sometimes I've had something hanging around that just makes me feel sad when I look at it, or use it. I finally figured it was better to pass that item on. Great video 😊.

[@tarigeorge6122]

I have enjoyed the motivation from this series so much. I love getting different perspectives because it helps me find mine. I would love more and I can see myself revisiting them in the future.

[@hillarygianangeli3315]

I keep small, sentimental items in containers for me and my husband! It’s special to go through them every once in a while, and smile and reminisce about the loved ones who have them to us!!! I do the same for cards 🥰 I use photo boxes from Hobby Lobby. I picked boxes with colors and designs that were pretty and neutral, so no matter where I display them in the house, they look neat and pretty!

[@stephanieoconnor2098]

Loved this series so much! And its introduced me to so many other great channels! Thank you!!

[@Shottie77]

I love your rule of “use it or lose it” and the memory box is a fantastic idea💕

[@juanitaa1499]

I've really enjoyed this series and have been able to discover new youtube accounts thanks to it!

[@MyFocusVaries]

I LOVE your philosophy. To honour the person by using the item for its intended purpose. It's the repeated use that creates the memories.

[@kathiee.2013]

Oh my gosh, you struck a chord with me. When you talked about the pot holder, I was reminded of how I found my late mother’s silverware in my basement. She’s been gone six years already, and I still had her silverware chest, untouched. We went through it earlier this month, and I came across her iced tea spoons. (Oh, how she loved her iced tea!) They were actually everyday stainless flatware, so I decided to bring them up to my kitchen and actually use them. Every time I reach for one, I think of her and how much she loved iced tea. (And where can you get iced tea spoons as part of a set these days?) Yes, USE it rather than store it.

[@gretaw2792]

I have these school books that were my great-grandpas from the late 1800s and I keep them in a storage bin on the top shelf in a closet. This video has inspired me to figure out a way to display them so I can see them and enjoy them! I would have never thought to do anything but protect them away in a bin... until I die I guess was my plan! Thanks for opening my eyes to a new idea for sentimental things!

[@Brownie350Z]

Addaline decided to... *Add a line*... To your family's history with her table cloth "art"!

[@DaysOfSodaAndLantana]

I love that!!🥰

[@racheljohnstone9574]

I have a vintage weekend trunk that sits under my bed as a memory box, I absolutely love it, at the moment it's a bit hard to get atm, I just havent reset my room after the holiday season (shy pets who needed lots of places to hide). But I find because I like the trunk I remember much more specifically what's in it

[@debicannan7283]

Superglue: try 100% acetone nail polish remover. Test in an inconspicuous spot. Good luck! If it doesn’t work, I love how you’ve chosen to just cherish the memory of Adaline’s industriousness!🙂

[@bethanndillon4238]

I agree ☝🏻

[@texasmimi5566]

I'd be afraid it would take the color out, and it is a red cloth. Even in a "hidden" spot I wouldn't want a "bleach" mark, I'd rather have the memory of my daughter's crafting days.

[@lisarivers1438]

You're so right Dawn, I feel awful about myself every time I look at my clutter. It's just a CONSTANT REMINDER of how unorganized my life is. I pray that someday SOON VERY SOON, I'll be ready to finally tackle this.

[@Lickyknee]

My take away from this: my memory boxes need to stop having babies! 🤣

[@Chrissydarlin82]

Gah!!! SAME!!!! They're multiplying and getting bigger!!! 😅😂🤣

[@riotarbo1762]

So good Dawn. So good. My mom made a baby box for each of her kids the same size as your memory box there. It’s the perfect amount of memory (maybe a little too much in some cases.lol). I’m doing the same for my husband and my kids. Right now their things are scattered around being lost or endangered by weather/bugs/visiting kids/etc. I’m also creating a family tree wall for the main pictures of all the relatives. I’m hoping that will honor those in our heritage and help my be ok with throwing out all the other random pictures that nobody know any info about. We’re in a new house and the walls are bare, which is fine. I’m being intentional with what pictures I put up. Wanting to be minimal but create a warm, homey space as well. You’ve encouraged me to go forward in this. Thank you! PS. I’m wrapped up with the same Aldi blanket that’s lying on your chair behind you. :) So comfortable but neutral.