How Minimalism Leads to Happiness (& the Science behind it!)

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU for watching!! You can find a quick Q&A that I did on how we handle Christmas gifts here: www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2020/10/30/christmas-gifts/ and follow up questions to our foster care process here (like where will they sleep!?!): www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2020/09/25/foster-care-qa/ And thank you for ALL of your support-- it means more than you know!!!! - Dawn

[@tammyforwood7741]

I don't buy gifts, I host Thanksgiving and Christmas so hosting, buying and cooking dinner is my gift.

[@No27411]

Your videos have made a difference in my life. I have a hard time letting go of items normally, but you speak my language to understand the ways to get rid of it. Last week, I donated a mug to a thrift store that I never use and when I went there a few days later, I saw some people admiring it and realized I was making someone else happy. Today, I recycled a stack of catalogs I ordered when I had a business and I realized it made me feel guilty to look at them, or remember that my business did not go well. Getting rid of the catalogs removed the stress and the clutter. I also love the way you helped with clothes in a more manageable way than Marie Kondo. I love that you mentioned Maslow's hierarchy of needs, too. Thank you.

[@stronggiftfromgod]

As a person with a Psychology degree and a Early Childhood Education degree, I LOVED how you broke down Maslow and applied it minimalism! I was just saying to my friend that I am loving the environment that I’m living in in the midst of calamity. Can’t control everything but I can control my environment! Love your videos and they have helped me so much throughout the years. I tell everyone I know about you! Keep it up!!!❤️

[@navigodelaney119]

I have noticed the more I simplify my possessions, the more I want to simplify my tasks and chores and choices. I enjoy my home more than ever before. I've stopped noticing what I don't have and enjoying what I do.

[@Lana-jq5vp]

Beautifully put! We are able to surround ourselves with what we actually need & love so that gratefulness as a daily way of life can come naturally. :)

[@designdoctor247]

Yes 😃 awesome way to put it enjoy what you HAVE stop thinking about what u don't have

[@idekmarijke2380]

It always amazes me how much wisdom you have while being so young. You bring up things that most people have not thought about. I am 72 years old and I am learning from you and so enjoying that knowledge and what it does to me.... Thank you very much, we are never too old to learn, right? All the best to you and your lovely family!

[@middyandchris]

Hi Dawn- I am a retired special ed teacher. I so love your website. I found it looking for how to downsize and declutter. There is a lot of inherited "tchotchkes" which were my parents but I don't need and I don't love. But they have reminded me of them. I am boxing them for charity now. I am old, quite poor, but very grateful. The house has no mortgage and I am fairly healthy. I have food and warm shelter here in Massachusetts(Brr-today too).Your website exudes joy. I realized after watching you and others for awhile that I really love clean, simple, uncluttered lines. God Bless and thank you. -Chris

[@janetta5827]

Chris, after reading all that you listed that you had you are in deed very rich. Blessing

[@tobiepierce6814]

Dawn, that is quite a needed sermon! Thank you for sharing wisdom in such a loving manner. I am 79 and enjoy the blessings you and Tom provide. God, bless this precious family.

[@ashleyking751]

Chris thank you for sharing. And thank you for serving as a special education teacher. I hope you are warm and cozy in your home now and always. Love to you from Alabama

[@constancemartin933]

Hi Chris, I am also retired from special needs education, especially the WOW kids with autism and multiple disabilities and behaviours. I know I made a difference for them, for my own kids, and now, my grandkids. ..I moved from a larger center to a rural area to be near them, babysit and otherwise support my daughter and my s-i-l. In time, I will have renovated, 'dejunked' and organized to the point of hospitality which makes me very happy. I am also looking forward to turning the only room with a north window, in my 1880 log construction house, into an art studio where I can create some beauty..oh happy thought! Thankyou to Dawn for these very practical tools to bring it all about!

[@ceciliageeslin5381]

Heard somewhere that if you have $25 and NO Debt that you are richer /better off than 50% of the population.

[@anitas5817]

This is absolutely the best explanation I have ever heard for why I want to keep working to minimize my belongings.

[@shayvecc7849]

When I was beginning foster care (2.5 year in, highly recommend it!) a psych nurse friend explained this exact concept to me, about how when we meet the physical needs of children (which is usually a new feeling for them), and they start to feel safe, they can begin to feel loved and belonging, which leads to a sense of esteem and respect for themselves, and their surroundings. Only then, can they imagine their futures, and their contribution to society, that they have never before considered. Here I was, thinking I was just going to sign some under privileged kids up for swim lessons, and maybe instill healthy eating habits. It blew my mind how important (proper!!!) foster care is to children coming out of traumatic environments. Anyway... a little off topic, but on brand. :)

[@cherylwebb8340]

And that's true of all children isn't it? As a half time mom to my grandchildren I see how the physical protection of good meals, baths, hugs, warm, clean beds are foundational. And I m so thankful I can take them to church and teach them about our Heavenly Father🧑‍🦲👱‍♀️👧👶💒

[@schuylergeery-zink1923]

Similar to but not quite foster care, my fiancé and i are guardians for his nephew since his sister passed away last month. It broke my heart that he felt nervous for us spending money on him. I want him to come home to a happy home. He’s over 6ft tall and eats a lot of food. I never want him to feel without but also have many healthy options.

[@a.k.3110]

Of topic? Not really. I use clearity in space to help calm my cptsd symptoms as i did not had the luck of good foster care. The organised calm environment comunicates safety for me. I can create this gives self effective experiences. Lots of love to you ♥️🙏

[@idid138]

I'd say this is a spot-on example

[@MarlynBjarnason]

The more I purge the more freedom I feel...I love the science you shared, it makes sense. I moved from a 1635 sq ft house to a 935 sq ft condo 2 years ago so I could live across from the beach and I wouldn't trade the size for my old house! Just donated 2 bags and a huge box of craft supplies I have been holding onto today. Feels so good!

[@margaretfinney6546]

Happiness is contentment with what we have.💕💕 and also in my world is my husband, my best friend, who makes me laugh every day. Thank you for helping me get rid of things I never use, it is truly freeing. My old self would keep because of money spent on, no more thanks to you.😀 my new goal is to know where every item we have is, which comes from having less. 💕

[@lrhudy93]

I want to laugh more, instead of being stressed/irritated by all the stuff I have to manage. Time to declutter more!

[@marshabrubaker185]

I donated 3/4 of my stuff on Tuesday, which included furniture, decor & books. I was fortunate to find an organization that came to my place. Due to covid, I did have to put the items outside. Next up is sentimental items & paper clutter. I can't tell you how much lighter & happier I feel. Thank you.

[@sarahfrancescutti9873]

So well said! That makes so much sense that clutter pulls us down to the survival level instead of having the energy and time for the self-actualization level! 💖

[@MyFocusVaries]

It made my husband and I so happy to deliver our "just in case" spare bedding to the women's shelter today. Our base level was MORE than met and there were people literally without their most basic needs met. We picked up donations from two friends' houses, and when we pulled the last bag of sheets out of our car, the woman working at the shelter looked really concerned and asked, "Are you sure you left yourself with enough?!" It was sweet. We bit the bullet and went with one set of sheets for each bed. We had been considering it (we put a bunch in storage a few months ago), and seeing a Facebook post about the women's shelter asking for bedding gave us the push we needed. Win win!

[@psylettagilroy]

I love, love, LOVE this video. I’ve been on a simplifying journey for many years and I’m at the point where I don’t have anything else to donate. I’m at peace in my home, and my relationships are growing in ways that I wouldn’t have imagined. I was just looking around today as I was doing my cleaning routine and feeling SO grateful! I LOVE your channel!

[@sharicec2698]

I’m 26 and a single mom. I started watching your videos recently and implementing some changes at home and they have made a major difference! I find so much joy in doing things like laundry and dishes now because it’s manageable and easy on the eye.

[@username-jc2tp]

I've read a lot about streamlining over the years, but have never seen this breakthrough notion that over-satisfying the physical and safety needs of Maslow bogs us down from rising to the next levels. New to your channel, and love your content and presentation :)

[@marisameans9859]

Generally speaking...we always "want" about 20% more than we have...unless we can recognise & be happy with what is enough...

[@jocaz4931]

I watch a bunch of different vloggers who speak about minimalism and I’ve never heard it put into this context. It was brilliantly done and a real lightbulb moment for me. Thank you! 🙏

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much!

[@dawnaskey4975]

I bought my first house 3 years ago and I was scientific about it but I didn't think to ask about when the windows were replaced. I had a moment of anxiety when you mentioned it before remembering that I know their current condition! This video will help me as I continue to declutter. I have a goal of getting from 70% decluttered to 90% by the end of the month. I WAS a hoarder only last January- up to my shoulders and only a path through the chaos. I am really getting there! Your videos REALLY help!

[@kathrynbaker5188]

Brava for you! God bless

[@timbethbabcock7911]

Way to go! That’s no easy feat!

[@valerie9999]

Wow! Congratulations! All that hard work paying off!

[@barbdenise5548]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Happy_Tails_Toy_Poodles]

Having 6 kids I’ve had to do minimalism to keep sane! I’m not “there” yet but over the last 3 years I’ve been decluttering in layers. I’m about to go through and do another decluttering session soon.

[@charleneackimenko61]

Makes so much sense. I have wasted so much time and energy staring at my closet battling with what to wear each day especially if we go out. Some clothes fit most clothes don’t. I know this already but they’re still hanging in my closet. I feel like I am stuck and bogged down with stuff that doesn’t count or mean anything in my life. Thank you again for inspiring me. I have to start small with baby steps to get to the top. But do it for me!

[@wenzworld]

❤️When we lived in a really big house, I was non-stop miserable. It held too many things and took too long to clean. Now we live in a more modest-sized house, and it doesn’t take so long to keep clean and tidy. I love this home so much better! You are a real inspiration to so many people. This video really resonates with me.🥰

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Hi Dawn, I’m just about to give my third mega purge to charity. I can’t believe I have so many gifts that I didn’t really like! They took up room, and made it harder to find things. My reason to simplify is to make our house easier to clean. We aren’t bringing any cleaning people in during pandemic. What I’m finding is that the whole house is becoming less stressful. It’s much easier to get things out of a drawer because I don’t have to hunt through the drawer to find it. I can grab a pot without rumbling through the cabinet. Anything that causes me stress, I now look at ways to declutter. Thank you for being on my journey with me

[@MyFocusVaries]

I cancelled our cleaner at the beginning of quarantine too. Getting rid of things on the floor had been my big push--baskets and side tables etc--to make vacuuming easier. And clearing surfaces to make dusting easier. Now I feel bad for how much work cleaning was for my cleaner!

[@LestWeForget-LestWeForget]

Out of all the channels that I have seen, yours is the one which fills me with positivity. I have watched many who are so repetitive but it is just a case of watching without learning, which is fine in short bursts but you 'feed' the soul and help us to understand. I have a type of 'enforced' clutter. Had to give up my business and business storage space through a serious physical illness , so on top of dealing with that, I am surrounded by things I have to sort through. I started in the spring lockdown on the paperwork and have got rid of years of it (still some left to do). Some days I can do more than others, but every little bit helps towards my goal of getting my space back! One of the most useful videos for me was parting with my own sentimental things, but I gave to charity two items (among others) that I never thought I could part with - and after watching you, I did it without feeling guilty and I still don't, which is how I know how much you have helped. Bless you and thank you, from a UK subscriber!

[@kayhahn5551]

Loved this video and all of your advice. We have lived in three different houses in our 45 years and each house was bigger than the last. All that did was make it easier to accumulate more stuff! This week I have spent two days in our garage cleaning out lots of stuff because I want to get my car in the garage! Took a load to Goodwill and have a load for the dump and recycling center. We have lived in this house for thirty years and there has never been a car in the garage! I'm almost there! We are ready to downsize our house but we have horses that I'm not willing to get rid of - they are like my children. Two were born here and two we bought for broodmares. I told my husband that they get to live out their lives here - the youngest one is 20, then the other 3 are 25, 26 & 27. But I have also been working on my house and it is a slow process because I am physically challenged, but I'm getting there also. Keep up with the encouragement and helpful hints. Love your family!

[@Texasmom]

Your mom put words to my goal in life right now-I want to be a world class grandma!

[@elizabethlennon572]

I’ve been slowly working on simplifying things for about two years now. I started just before getting married. I talk about it sometimes but don’t shove it on anyone. Just in the last few months one of my sister-in-laws got tired of feeling stressed by their house all the time and feeling like she never had time to spend with her two young children, so she decided to try simplifying her home as well. She sounds like a totally different person now when I talk to her!! She finally feels like a good mom who can spend time with her kids, and she isn’t upset when the house is a mess anymore because she knows it will be easy to clean. It’s so rewarding seeing other people in my life pick up on this and experience the benefits!

[@rachellmiller1186]

I found your channel while living away from home. I hope I can keep the desire to declutter once we return home sometime in the future. My reasons for wanting to declutter....? I wish for a life where I don't have any room that I hope guests don't look into. I want my weekly home maintenance to take less time so I have more time available to invest in those outside of my family. I'd love to have company over every week. Or feel like I have the time to make and deliver meals for others who are dealing with grief/ extra busy schedules/ new babies.... Getting rid of the clutter everywhere cuts down so much on the time needed to do the normal cleaning! I'm trying to put into practice what I can while living away from home, but I'm scared of what it will be like when we move back to All The Things! I thought I could do a bunch of de-cluttering when we unpack, but with moving between cultures I feel like I don't actually know what I'll use.

[@bonitaquandt4862]

Thank you so much for such a good presentation of the science of why minimalism is good. I am 67 years old. I have had seasons of life when my possessions were few. I have blessed with seasons of prosperity where I expanded the amount due to moving to bigger homes, having children, acquiring a husband who saves everything and loves a bargain. At a time when we were just two, and had downsized to a smaller home, and fewer things. It was amazingly simple. But soon, we acquired my aging, sick parents and all their possessions and moved them into a bigger home and stuffed it full. Once they passed, and we retired, we dumped about 3/4 of our possessions and lived for four years in an RV. Finally now, we are in a small home with very few possessions, and still downsizing (his stuff). There is such relief in simplicity and minimal possessions. Quakers call our possessions, "cumber." How true! Anything we own has a weight of responsibility resting upon us. I can attest that if I had only known this 30 years ago, we would have been much happier in life. We certainly are now.

[@FrylockGroupie]

So happy I came across your channel! I feel like I've always felt and thought this way, a minimal way. For so long I tried to keep up with what I thought a mom and wife was supposed to do; chore charts, multiple refrigerators and thousands of casserole dishes, binders stuffed full of crap. I'm new new to this and LOVING it! The burden is gone! And I am getting rid of all the baggage! I can't even watch HGTV the same... "Why do they need so much storage? Get rid of all that junk!" 😁😁

[@Danicalip8]

Now that I feel comfortable with my home, I want to focus on my health and getting that in order too. And I also would love to help other people organize their homes so they can see how much stress is lifted from their lives.

[@jodythomas1159]

Danielle, oh my gosh, yes!

[@abetterlife5120]

This is brilliant how you tied Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to minimalism! SO helpful (and motivating to continue de cluttering)! Thank you for sharing!!🙏🏻😍

[@donnawiseman9311]

We downsized 2 years ago, and it has been so nice! We got rid of a lot of "stuff" and I am constantly decluttering still yet. It doesn't take NEAR as much time to clean and I am amazed how much more time I have to read and scrapbook.

[@susancampanelli4245]

I appreciate this post. As I have begun my own very personal journey into decluttering, I have discovered that the journey itself promotes self-actualizaton. Eliminating excess prompts questions and assumptions about what I need. Questions that might otherwise have never been discovered. So, as I find items I’m willing to part with I place them on the dining table. It’s a temporary mess that provokes conversation with my husband. He has veto rights for anything on the table. We have uncovered forgotten memories, laughed, and wondered why & how some of this stuff has entered our lives. Your final comment that your mom wants to be a “world class grandma” is stunning and in some ways clarified my own thoughts on what’s enough. I am grateful to have stumbled onto your channel.

[@jukes243]

Love the minimal lifestyle. Getting rid of stuff made room for what truly makes me happy. Craft supplies!

[@noelcarter2100]

I am at the beginning of my journey 😊 my goal at the end of all these is be able to have get togethers without feeling overwhelmed. We are in a tight space for 5 people and over the years we accumulated stuff. I am a clean person but organizing isn’t my thing. Once I discovered we can get rid of stuff , I’m 100% on board. I want more time with family and friends ❤️

[@brendafarris7350]

How can I add a LOVE button to this video?!! Soooo well said. Just beautiful.

[@dianemalek436]

I am trying to get rid of extra things in my home and I love your advice! My daughter and her boyfriend, who are in their twenties, decided a couple of years ago to not buy things for birthdays and other holidays but buy experiences, like tickets to concerts or shows. They have had many fun, exciting times together doing that, so I wholeheartedly agree that having less is actually more. Thanks for posting about your minimalist lifestyle.

[@sandyb34]

I am loving minimizing my inventory. It's so freeing! What I find is that most of the items in our house are mine so they are not off limits to me. I do not go through anyone else's stuff (unless they ask me to) and I've noticed that my hubby and my kids are all starting to clean out and get rid of things. It's wonderful! Love your channel, Dawn! You are so inspiring!

[@tiffanybeckett9868]

100% this! I’ve spent a decade trying to “catch up” on house work. Always feeling behind. Not spending as time as I want to with my family because I need to be doing something. Clean, organize etc. The stuff we have has taken away from our family time vs it benefiting. I’m diving into this journey and can’t wait to have free time!

[@jeanhecker4533]

The day before my cleaning ladies come to clean my house.... once a month, I put away anything that will slow them down or be in their way. When they leave I get it all back out because it comforts me to have things around that remind me of days when I was younger and my husband was still living. Bare walls and furniture look cold and unfeeling to me.

[@MsVcolt]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while and just now jumping in! Last night I went through all the seasonal decor as well as going through the main floor of our house with a garbage bag and just throwing away garbage/old broken items/ empty things etc...felt so good! I want to do this to feel more at peace and not stressed by all our random stuff. I also want us to be happy and comfortable in our home...I feel the “keeping up with the Jones’ “ pressure a lot and I don’t want it to continue to make me anxious. I want to happier!

[@netamorton6187]

I really LOVe it when you say, I don’t have time to manage all this inventory, nor do I want to! Exactly the way I feel Dawn! I’m so happy to have found your channel. You and your sister are an inspiration to me! I love Jesus too. But we still have lives to manage and I’m tired of managing junk that I don’t need in my life!❤️

[@mandykelly6704]

Me too! I've used this to explain to people what I'm doing and a sense of clarity always washes over their face! I always give credit to this channel!

[@asias1542]

Hi Dawn, I do love all of your videos but I think this was one of the most important ones. Dr Paul Jenkins (whose channel I do appreciate a lot as well) would be proud of you today! I wish you could both discuss Maslow's pyramid of needs in more depth in relation to minimalism. I think it does make sense and today I started realising which of my needs are not met and that's why it is so difficult for me to change how our house looks like... Thank you so much, really appreciate your psychological and scientifical approach to minimalism 💕

[@sherriparker9697]

Just discovered your channel a week ago and already my life has changed so much. For example my, "Junk Drawer" contains only 6 functional items. My Kitchen spice cupboard is organized in clear bins of only items I truly use. I have found the top of my Dinning room table (no paper clutter) On to my closet next. Thank You!

[@rdwanderer]

I finally reached the point where I see, I don't need so many books, or pursuits, friends, activities, and expectations on myself to be happy. Smaller is feeling better all the time. Minimalism to me is just being present in life for the things I'm best made for and letting the rest go. I no longer have to be everything for everyone.

[@shanushanu9970]

Very well articulated... I had a sense of this but never tried to put it this way in a chart. It makes complete sense.

[@mickalaloeffelbein4935]

I totally agree... its always been a feeling and she put it into words perfectly.

[@valerie9999]

Me too!

[@smcb2202]

We built an 1800 sq ft home 2 years ago in the country. It eats up about 40% of our income. We are planning to sell and buy a smaller home (no bigger than 1000 sq ft) and have a tiny mortgage. Most people think we should be sad to leave our brand new home which we are but the excitement of having more money to actually live our lives and having a smaller space to keep up with is SO exciting to me. I’m also planning to declutter more and we’ll sell a bunch of stuff. Thank you for all your encouragement! I love your channel, it has changed my life! God Bless! -Lindsay

[@sandrab.3538]

A world-class grandma - what a worthy goal!

[@catrinas6984]

We are minimizing so that we can go and do more! Every weekend just seems to be filled with a massive to-do list and my husband and I like to travel and be outdoors (hunting, hiking, fishing, ATV’s...). We’re paying off debt and getting rid of ‘baggage’ so that we are free to do what we want, when we want!

[@GBY301]

This video made me think of the famous quote of Saint Augustine; ‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord’!

[@pattyallen5313]

Such a GREAT video !!! Thank you, Dawn !!! You've greatly encouraged me !!! God Bless You & family ! 💕🙏

[@jenn1eharr1s10]

Dawn I just love your videos they are so inspiring. During our first lockdown in the UK I spent most of my spare time decluttering my home/possessions. We’re now in the second lockdown and I’ve already got plans to have another look and see what else I can let go. The difference the space has made to our lives is unbelievable. Thank you so much you are a real inspiration xxx

[@tomandamandasmolik523]

A note on the hierarchy of needs...I made it to the top...once...about 12 years ago. But I fell. I fell backwards hard and am now having to claw my way back. Just like the ebb and flow of life, you will not always stay at the top of the hierarchy of needs.

[@bonniek91]

I was there when we were first married, I think. We couldn't afford to have clutter then, lol! Maybe before our kids became teenagers, too. We didn't have a big enough house or budget to have a lot clutter, then, but we did start to accumulate some. I think that's when I started to get sentimental. My parents were very, very poor, so we didn't have much in the way of toys or keepsakes when I was growing up, so I made sure I kept the handmade knitted baby clothes the grandmas gave them, their baby blankets, first thing they wore home from the hospital, their favorite toys and games and every report card, every special birthday card, art work from school, etc, etc. We added on to our house when our oldest turned twelve. Our income started growing and so did my closet. My health took a turn for the worse and then I started having trouble purging things. It's not that our house was really ever dirty or messy, because I'm a fussy housekeeper, but we just had a lot more places to put things because we had a bigger house. Our nest is long empty now and we have seven grandkids, but I'm still trying to clean out my clothes closet to what it looked like back when we were first married and I had three pairs of pants and five or six shirts and two dressy outfits. I'm embarrassed to say I probably have enough clothes for the whole neighborhood. However, Dawn has really been helping me to understand the value of having less to manage and get motivated like no other "declutterers" or minimalist have. I know I want more out of my life and "stuff" is just taking up too much of my time these days.

[@bernadettehawes]

One of the best videos on this topic I’ve heard. Thank you Dawn. I guess it appeals to my aesthetic but also that need for an explanation of why. The best comment for me too, was I don’t want to look after so much inventory’!!!! WOW!!! The number of times I was planning to give something away and it ended up needing a wash more than once ...! What a waste! Clutter (things we don’t use/need) often just end up being moved from pillar to post. My goal? Being able to show hospitality and invite people in.

[@NadaaTaiyab]

You sure are improving my life so you can check off that part of the pyramid!! I have been listening to your videos every night and I have been on a declutter rampage. I have a long way to go but I already feel so much better. I have two small children and I feel like you are speaking directly to me. Like you - I just want my basic needs met and I don’t want to manage lots of stuff. I want time for the things that really matter. Thank you for creating this KZbin channel!

[@IndigoAwakener]

Seen on FB "Decluttering is like throwing up - you hate it while you're doing it but you'll feel so much better when it's done and out of your system and your house!"

[@Nicole-yi2lo]

Your thought-provoking video reminded me of this fabulous scene from Maria Semple's "Where'd You Go, Bernadette": “Have you ever heard that the brain is a discounting mechanism?” (…) “Let’s say you get a present and open it and it’s a fabulous diamond necklace. Initially, you’re delirious with happiness, jumping up and down, you’re so excited. The next day, the necklace still makes you happy, but less so. After a year, you see the necklace, and you think, Oh, that old thing. It’s the same for negative emotions. Let’s say you get a crack in your windshield and you’re really upset. Oh no, my windshield, it’s ruined, I can hardly see out of it, this is a tragedy! But you don’t have enough money to fix it. In a month, someone asks you what happened to your windshield, and you say, What do you mean? Because your brain has discounted it.”

[@ashleyprice20]

I am only a few week into decluttering and I am loving it! I love how quickly we can clean and how our home stays cleaner with less! The kids have been playing with their toys MORE now that they have less! Crazy! I feel like I am less stressed and I don’t feel guilty when I sit down with the kids to just spend time with them! 💜 Thank you for your instruction and wisdom!!!

[@ashleyprice20]

@K Tull yes! If only I would have discovered this 10 years ago! 🙂

[@JazzyG1505]

I began my journey October 30th 2020 and I am hoping to free up time to spend with my kids (13y & 8m), I really want a home that is "15 minute party ready" I am the person that stashed stacks of paper clutter in random places to quickly tidy for unexpected guests. I want to have a serene home, friends used to comment that my home was so peaceful but I haven't heard or felt that way in years. I am mixing your decluttering style with the Konmari Method. Thank you so much for all of your videos, I put on your videos while I declutter. One more thing, I've got my 13yr old son involved and we both enjoy placing our lightly used items on a Buy Nothing FB group where they can be useful to other families, it really fills our hearts with joy which makes letting go easier. ♡

[@carlaeverett6501]

This is quite true and deep! I think you’ve touched on some therapy point here- people are lacking in deeper relationships (with people and with God) so they try to fill that hole with stuff! Thanks- great post!

[@ohmcintyre2067]

This episode is really good and helped me finally get rid of some of my “it’s still useful” and “ just in case” items. I had a half-dozen clothing items that I have worn and mended until they really were no longer fit to be worn in public, but I loved them and I “could” still wear them at home. Your comment on “ managing inventory” helped me to put them in a bag and put them in the trash right before it was picked up. I feel so much lighter. Not only more room in the drawer but no more arguing with myself about whether to get rid of them or not. Thank you!

[@debbyford5209]

Completely agree. Yet, I didn’t actually know what was happening. Other than a few repair/upgrade of shelves and storage. The inside of the house is in my opinion is a a level of de clutter maintenance. We have had two family gatherings. Both times I dusted/vacuumed and cleaned the bathroom. That’s it. No stress. WOW! Even a year ago. It would have taken a week of “hiding” the about and about items. Next was holiday that was stored in the garage. It was easy except the outdoor lights. I love the look on the house. But, as years gone by. My husband does not like the chore. It causes a tension. I could hire it out? Is it needed? So I made the decision to donate the lights. I kept some lawn decor that I can mange myself. The compromise. Me and my husband will take a night drive and look at all the Christmas decorated houses. Two less bins and date night. Win/Win.

[@darlam.9023]

We currently have our house up for sale- it took two months non-stop cleaning and two storage units to get it “staged” and viewable. My kids were surprised at how big our house actually is! Everyone is happier too! 16 yrs of clutter. we have learned our lesson and are NOT keeping everything in the storage units. Now to maintain it! 😅

[@SweetKarasKollectibles]

When my husband and I decided to buy smaller home 4 years ago, we had to write a letter to the mortgage company to explain why at 40 years old we were buying a less expensive, smaller home instead of buying a larger home like most people do at our age. It was so bizarre. I get that they were worried that we had an underlying risk that we weren’t sharing which we didn’t. We just decided we wanted to live in a certain area that had smaller homes and less land to maintain. This is the first home that I love and can’t imagine ever leaving. We only have what we need and not a bunch of space and stuff to take care of and that gives me peace of mind. Love the video!

[@emmaharrison265]

Love it! Simplifying that bottom tier is soooo important and so linked to happiness and fulfilment.

[@TeachingTinyDisciples]

I always view minimalism as a tool. A tool that allows me to focus on my relationship with the Lord; loving and serving my family and others. Great video. I love research and stats ❤️

[@Lea-qd4hq]

Living minimal creates so much tranquillity thankyou so much for your program 🌞

[@mishajones2635]

Gosh this makes so much sense to me. Gives me a lot more encouragement to continue to simplify my home-so that i can create more space for myself to give back to the world and contribute. Thank you for sharing.

[@allheartandsong]

I absolutely have been minimizing pur entire house and every time I take a bag or box of stuff outside I get happier and happier. It really truly is like the layers of an onion. I will completely minimize one section of the house each week. Now our home is more spacious and I feel waaaay calmer inside.

[@crystalthomas3139]

I started a journey a little over a year ago with my clothes/ personal style of all things. I was tired of never having anything to wear but lots of clothes in my closet. I was also tired of my clothes always falling apart because let’s face it a mom of 4 on a budget does not spend much on herself ! 😂. What I learned was a small number of clothes that fit well and are as good quality as I can afford are so much more rewarding and leave me satisfied ! This style journey led me to thinking man I just wish I had less stuff in my house and didn’t have to work so hard on it....some how I found your channel and almost didn’t watch anything because I just knew I wasn’t a minimalist! Guess what... I think I might be!!! Thank you for sharing the science behind it... it was the push I needed to take the plunge and try this out!!!!❤️

[@tamarasnook]

I just want to say you did a fantastic job of explaining multiple theories of motivation and needs. This was a streamlined and effective overview. Wonderful job!

[@heatherstrom]

Thank you for sharing. I'm feeling the stress of owning stuff. The storage room is full, the shed is full, spare bedrooms are full, my craft room is so crowded I can't hardly get in there, and I have about 4 sizes of clothes, in case I lose weight. Ugh. I paid a lady $75 to help me declutter one closet. I thought I could take what I learned and declutter the rest of my house. But it's so hard to get rid of stuff after so many instances of almost immediately needing something I just got rid of. In the long run, I'd feel better getting rid of stuff. One thing I really have trouble with us what to do with the paintings in the storage room that my grandmother painted. I don't want to hang them up but I don't want to store them either.

[@amandacureton]

This spoke directly to my heart. Thank you Dawn for living your purpose & all the help you provide. I'm just starting this journey as a Mom but it's already changing my life for my husband, children, & those we foster. Would love to hear more about your experiences with fostering in MN. Much love 💕

[@karenhanson8004]

… Love seeing And hearing from Diana also her prayers are beautiful and I love praying with her :-)

[@Joybug_51]

This makes so much sense! Thanks for providing so much information as opposed to "Do this in this way" We all need to make informed choices and adapt for our own lives.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Love the video! I think it’s important to remember that in addition to people, our giving can be time helping animal shelters or picking up litter on roadsides or beaches, or planting trees and pollinator gardens and so many many more ways we can contribute. 💝🥰

[@TheLuzy18]

You are totally gifted in explaining and exploring something this is so down to earth and make it relatable. I love listening to you, your words always make an impression and find myself replying your words and thoughts in my head. Ty

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much, that means more than you know!! :)

[@TheLuzy18]

@@TheMinimalMom it’s my truth!!!!

[@sunnygem21]

I'm about to be a Mum for the first time . 🙂 I look at stuff and what's important for our home so differently having watched this channel for a few years now. It's been so helpful when thinking about baby items and what we really need. I plan to have a special baby box to keep but make that the boundary as time goes on. So many tips from Dawn I'll be drawing on. 😊

[@MyFocusVaries]

:) When my son was born was a big stage of my becoming more minimal. There are so many items we needed for our son, it made our house feel crowded, so we reduced the amount of decor and other items to make the house feel less crowded. Once we moved past the baby stage and the high chairs etc, we didn't bring back the decor items. Good luck! Get some extra sleep now!! PS Favourite baby book Burton White, The First Three Years (I liked it because it's based on science)

[@annapower1833]

We’ve sold our home and are renting awaiting the building of our new home. Major downsize and every day I look around each room and think about your sensible messages. It has caused me to sell a ton of stuff. Donate another ton. And hopefully bring just what we NEED. Thanks Dawn for your inspiration.

[@trishawall9619]

I loved listening to this! I'm only 9 months in now and a shocking amount of things is gone out of my life. More to go as I "peel the onion". But it is truly my hearts desire to have relationships be the main thing from now on. More time for people!

[@catheriner2615]

I'm getting there now. I feel the stress levels easing and I still have a ling way to go. Im looking forward to each step as it comes along, its already easier to find things. I can't go to the extremes some powerful l people go to as I'm disabled and not always able to keep up with washing etc. But by doing this it's made my load much lighter. Thanks Dawn. 💖

[@antiantipoda]

I find that what works for your system is what you NEED. I do laundry once a month - I want to have enough of each category to fill the washer. So I "need" 30 pairs of socks, 30 undies etc. I love crafts: sewing, carpentry, art, so I "need" supplies. I wouldn't be happier if I donated them. What I do is first shop the stash - if I have fabric, thread and elastic I can use, I'll use that first. Also fill the stash with stuff that otherwise would be donated - old clothes, old sheets, etc. During the quarantine I learned to sew pants by doing three versions of pajama pants - only using what I had. I have also yet to spend my first penny on masks. For me this confluence of minimalism and frugality is what motivates me. I have no desire to have less than what makes me happy. If someone is happy with 3 t-shirts, good for them, I am happy with 30 blouses that I actually wear.

[@hill1113]

Very interesting. I moved, downsized, and declutter in April (still organizing and decluttering) I feel very stuck in levels 1 and 2 ...thank you Covid! I'm looking forward to more happiness, relationships in my new neighborhoid and self fulfillment in the coming months.

[@swrigley9861]

😃 One of your best videos yet! I listened to this while I got ready this morning and my mind was blown a little bit. Thank you for the perspective! This would have been great as a podcast as well.

[@ashleycalvillo1323]

Hey Dawn! I definitely agree that it can make your life more enjoyable. We are in the thick of decluttering. I can say, I am disgusted and overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that is still coming out of my house. We have 5 kids and have been accumulating things for about 11 years. It’s just so much. I have been working on this for almost a year and we are still not there. 🤪 I am so ready for my house to get where it needs to be. It’s just taking forever because 5 kids, working full time, and finishing my degree. I appreciate your constant encouragement and guidance with this. Love you guys!

[@TheMinimalMom]

You have so much on your plate!! Keep going!! You'll get there!! 💕

[@SickingDAY]

I remember when we moved out of our first home, we left just furniture and a few things for staging. Seeing the house like that made me so sad that we didn’t live like that the whole time.

[@naleia88]

Its so god describe. I just shared it with friends, so they understand how god it is. I’m also a mom with adhd/ocd, and have two children with adhd, and the minimalist is so much helping us. I am from Denmark, and or cultur is “Hygge” and that is so much more in the minimalist life. ❤️❤️

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

Such wise words! Everybody needs to watch this video. I wish so much that people would understand exactly what you’re saying. Buying new items gives us high for such a short amount of time and that’s why people continue to shop because they’re so in need of feeling good. If only they would realize that we can get so much more satisfaction in our relationships, our experiences with family and friends and helping those in need. That’s where I true worth comes from. Thank you again for sharing your wisdom with us.😊💖🙏

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes!! Well said!!

[@barbarap6851]

Hi Dawn, by minimizing what we have, it has made cleaning much easier and quicker. This has freed me up to spend time painting and crafting. So much less stress!

[@CaliRose2020]

One BIG motivation for me to get rid of stuff is to watch "Hoarders". I want to go through the house and throw everything away!😉

[@mijuajua4820]

Karen - me too!☺️👍

[@paula.nasmith]

Oh my gosh I gotta try that

[@Blessedbears]

Same!!!!

[@abetterlife5120]

Oh, me too!! I’ve been binge watching those lately.

[@gailtester8749]

I've been following you for years Dawn and this is one of your best-ever. YOU are my mentor and teacher and I love this new lens in which to view our minimalist journey! Thank you. Wayne Dyer talked about Maslow and his journey towards self actualization quite a bit, but I was never able to picture it in such simple and concrete terms.

[@suzanneroelofse5970]

You'll never see this comment, but I have to still thank you for the video. I have been in need of this video for half a year. I've been decluttering for 7 years (I was a borderline hoarder since childhood and when I came close to finishing, I had to deal with my dad's hoarded house, that is filled with many sentimental triggers and potentially valuable antiques, etc) I did a giant purge during initial lockdown (February to May), but somewhere after that donation run I lost steam and motivation and felt slightly empty. I know minimalism is the life for me, but any addiction (aka hoarding) can have stages of healing. I've been watching so many benefits of minimalism videos of late to try and light that fire again, but to no avail. I was just losing steam because I couldn't exact my "why" anymore. This is my why 100%. Thanks so much! This was a complete paradigm shift for me! Xxx

[@TheMinimalMom]

I did see it!! This is SO cool to hear!!! You can do it!!!

[@michellehamric6856]

Six years ago we down sized to half the size of our previous home. We didn't want to maintain the large home we were in and we wanted to incorporate better interactions with our two sons. The home we moved to forced everyone to have to exit from their bedroom to the hallway. This has been a definite plus for us as a family. Also, since reducing my wardrobe size getting dressed is so much quicker in the morning and general care of clothing is so much easier. That, in turn, is creating a desire for more meaningful relationships with others and to contribute more to my community (all on hold due to COVID).

[@terribarnes9328]

As I’ve watched your videos I learn to put the words to what I’ve been experiencing as I’m decluttering. I started lightening our load while my oldest was in her sophomore year in college. As the years have gone by and I’ve released so many THINGS it has been liberating. I want to use my home as a gathering place for Bible studies, friends, gatherings. All the stuff was lovely, yet it was too much. Too much to clean. Too much to navigate. Things always had to be “dealt with” before opening our home. Although I’m way more “things oriented” still, the difference is amazing. Thank you for the constant encouragement and assistance.

[@katrinagrammer5861]

I am just starting to declutter and I have a lot of stuff! I find myself sometimes starting to declutter only to move the pile to a new destination; so the videos you make are very helpful! I have managed to declutter some kitchen things and clothing items but still have a bit of a way to go still in both those areas. I have a love of books but do not need every book I have! I still need to tackle my grown sons memory boxes which are at least two huge storage containers for each boy stuffed of school papers, art work and pictures 😳 oh my!! I have old curtains and comforters and sheets and pillowcases!! And a ton and ton of Christmas decorations that I do not think I will ever really use all of it any longer! And some how I have collected all these plastic sterilite storage containers!! 😳😳😬😬🥵 ugh! I am over whelmed!

[@dutchchic09]

Love your videos! I've started small, went through my dresser, closet & all the extra bedding & sorting mail daily. Next will be paring down dishes & bathroom items. A long ways to go with 4 kids still at home but I'll get there!

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

My friend came over and told me my home is not chaotic anymore. That makes me happy. I love being a minimalist. Thank you Dawn. I also love white walls.

[@micheleagren1604]

New sub, this is only the second video of yours that I have watched. I am loving the practical application of your explanation on how the hierarchy is reflected in the minimalist approach to life. It's such a refreshing perspective. I now see how this applies in so many areas. I concluded, for myself, that I need to stop chasing unrealistic expectations, and to find contentment knowing I have everything I need. Thanks for sharing your insight.

[@ritalynb7070]

I took a psychology degree in the 90s and Maslow's hierarchy of needs has stuck with me all these years and I go back to it over and over when I face life changes and struggles. It is a great tool!

[@missmayflower]

This video is phenomenal. It’s so very well said. I know you’re so right from experience. I went minimalist back in the eighties (it wasn’t called that) when we were raising our kids in a very small house and it was so rewarding. We DID have so much more time for good relationships and contributing to our community. I did get sad, though, when you were talking about getting together with people. This is not the time. Covid numbers are rising again. A good thing about this isolation is that, when we can finally socialize normally again, even this introvert will be very happy to spend time with people and do some hugging. Thanks for your good work and inspiration.