Solving Paper Clutter: Why your "Sunday Basket" isn't working & what to do about it!!

[@TheMinimalMom]

You can find the details for our Take Your House Back Course here: takeyourhouseback.com/ >> Course Cost: $79 with Code EarlyBird20 for $20 off! (Regularly $99) >> Thank you for watching! We appreciate it!!! - Dawn

[@Julie_Truly_in_KY]

Is this a course I can take at my own pace, or are there specific dates for instruction, videos, etc?

[@craftyclarke2514]

SO excited to start this course. All the posts in the FB group has been fun already.

[@EatingAnElephant]

@@Julie_Truly_in_KY From what I understand, it's a go at your own pace type of course.

[@careyann6956]

Where did you get your pattern Sunday basket? That is super cute.

[@maryphelps2074]

Are you still going to do videos if we can not join the group?

[@wannaduckfin]

This is much like my ‘Thursday Night/Late Night’ as a teacher. Throughout my 25 year career almost every Thursday I’ll took my dinner with me and stayed late. I usually stayed at school until 8:00 PM, and wrote my lesson plans plus gather all the materials for the next week. That way I could leave on Friday with a pretty clear weekend to actually rest. I would have everything on the desks for the kids so that when they came in on Monday morning it was calm and productive while I did the necessary housekeeping routines such as taking attendance etc. usually on Friday night I would gather all of my weeks outfits including accessories for the following week. I’m not a morning person and that helped me so much. Designating one day for mail, planning or planners, and even wardrobe is so important to me even now that I’ve retired.

[@cecectconnecticut344]

I do the SAME thing as a teacher. I stay late Thursday’s and get my planning done and send out my parent newsletter. I avoid making any appointments on Thursdays. I also do take out dinner on my way home Thursday nights.

[@turteltaube2277]

Same here, I look at the Bank statement and check if the Debit went out every week on Thursday because its my day to go shopping and it feels good to know that all Bills are payd and I can get what I need and know my Budget.

[@TaylorArtandFun]

This is a great idea. Thursday seems perfect. Thank you!

[@majawanhainen5064]

Love this idea. Need to find some new routines as a teacher as I worked far too much especially last year.

[@melodyakena1845]

What a great idea !

[@sarahenry4125]

I go to the dollar store at the beginning of each year and buy all of the greeting cards I need for family birthdays/anniversaries/etc. I keep these in the basket as well so they are ready to send out when the week approaches.

[@blackgirlhappyplanner3482]

That's a great idea

[@michellechouinard4958]

This is brilliant!

[@briellejoysmids3132]

Dawn , if I need to feel refreshed , your always here for me . You feel like such a faithful friend ❤️ your channel is close to my heart . Thank you for helping all of us . Your so kind , compassionate and have such a heart for helping .

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much Brielle, that really means a lot!!

[@augustarrowmaker1933]

Could not have said it better. I feel the same way

[@RB-kh7ef]

I totally agree with Brielle. 💕

[@peggyprose]

You're...not your.😊

[@Liz-lw6ht]

Great idea! I had a Sunday Pile of Papers that I rarely touched, that fell over often and never had the important bill or item I needed. Yes it was there last Tuesday! Eager to try this! Thanks!! Happy New Year!!

[@gracewhite3098]

My husband and I do something very similar with our weekly budget meeting that we have been having for the last 5 years, usually on Saturday morning. I actually look forward to it! We have coffee together and tell the kids to play in the other room while we deal with any paper from the last week and plan out our next week together.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

That sounds lovely. 💕💕

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Lucky lady that your husband will do this with you! And a great idea!

[@momof4loves842]

That sounds fantastic. My husband wants nothing to do with bills or budgeting....it’s all on me. You are very blessed indeed!

[@4chappels]

We do this with meal planning/grocery list. 😊

[@kalakady8]

This sounds like a great way for me to get involved with the budget and paperwork stuff. My husband deals with everything. He enjoys it (very type A, and I'm very type B). I get overwhelmed with paperwork and bills. But I also don't like when he takes precious time on Saturday to work on it when I would like to spend time with him. I love your solution here, and plan on bringing it up!

[@mandyjoseph2127]

I reward myself with a nap after I complete my Sunday basket. My routine is Church, lunch, Sunday basket, then NAP. My husband is awesome and keeps the kids occupied.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Now that’s win-win. What a great reward.

[@ashleyyeske8660]

You sell minimalism to me like a car sales man. Except no buyer's remorse 😆

[@TheMinimalMom]

Lol, this made me smile!! Thank you??😉

[@ashleyyeske8660]

@@TheMinimalMom best part is my husband was so against it. Now he is clearing out his shop all by himself. 😳😁

[@LastingHope]

@@TheMinimalMom Dawn, this should be a plaque on your wall!!! I love it❣️

[@AMcDub0708]

I love this!

[@valentinajolta3289]

I like your idea of the "time will tell" bin. I think that is the most helpful tip to sort an overwhelming amount of paperwork.

[@malihagarden7062]

I absolutely agree! These indecisive and uncatagorized papers keeps on building up and causes unnecessary stress🙁. So, the “ time will tell bin” is an excellent tip 👍😄

[@brynnlloyd3416]

I agree 100%! The papers that would go in a “time will tell” bin is what usually stays on my counter, and then before you know it, a ton of other clutter has gravitated to it. Then I have a monster to tackle.

[@MATSMommy]

My mother called this category "to mull over".

[@angelas3864]

I agree! That is the best idea that helps me. Thanks!

[@lynnpoag8173]

Right now my "time will tell" is my napkin holder on my kitchen table. I love this basket concept.

[@mcdc101201]

Positive reinforcement- put a couple chocolate kisses in the basket to eat AFTER you finish ;)

[@sonja_rademacher]

Or a magazine or book you like to read.

[@alexa574]

!I've this idea

[@pjlacey3990]

I was thinking stickers for your calendar...when you get 10 stickers, you get a new sweater...or whatever item you have been putting off getting for yourself b/c you feel too guilty to buy anything new new b/c you just spent 6 weeks decluttering your house to try to get your house to look as neat and tidy as Dawn’s does...LOL..all in jest!

[@wildminders2233]

@@pjlacey3990 🤣

[@wildminders2233]

👍🏼😍

[@anitas5817]

The 3 things that have helped us the most are 1) changing due dates to coordinate with our paydays (we happen to get paid on the first and have as many of our bill due dates set for the 5th as possible), 2) autopay our bills as much as possible, and 3) sort the mail on the way in from the mailbox. I think the Sunday box and Time will Tell basket are brilliant and would help with the rest! Thank you!

[@michaellacarter8840]

I do all these exactly! Excellent points and it's helped my fam turn minimal also in mindset in less than a year. 💓 what a diff.

[@pamalatalley7262]

Paper shredder in the garage or just at the front door. Junk mail doesn't make it into the house!

[@stephallen9819]

I try and sort my mail (especially junk) between the letterbox and the house and throw all the rubbish in the outside recycling bin so it doesn't even enter the house!

[@plaidshawl9792]

Great points. I have minimised my bills. Weekly I pay rent. Monthly I have a phone and an electricity bill. Annually I have car insurance and tax. Is having a lot of mail the norm in the US? I only ask as I get very little mail as I go paperless with everything. I get an average of 2 paper items a week. I rarely get any junk in the mail. (Ireland)

[@anitas5817]

@@plaidshawl9792 We do get some advertisements and catalogs but one can greatly minimize paper mail with some effort to automate bill payments and get paperless statements etc.

[@rebeccah1292]

I've some how never heard of the "Sunday basket". I agree Friday morning sounds a lot better.

[@hollyputnat]

I put the contents into my work bag to deal with on Mondays. 😆🤣 I know it only takes 10 min or less (especially if I pay a bill online) but to me I would rather relax on Sundays than feel the UGH from dealing with paper. Edit: I started even opening the bills while I'm still in my car in the garage or walking up the driveway after getting the from the mailbox so the envelopes and junk mail goes straight into the recycle bin.

[@juliewright1895]

Yes, Friday morning not Friday evening! I've done this kind of thing on a Friday evening and realized there was something that needed to be taken care of ASAP and had to wait till Monday morning. I fretted all weekend!

[@aveeparker525]

I tried the Sunday thing and just didn’t keep up with it. I’m now a Monday basket girl and I also learned to sort the mail as I get it. I also update my calendar and use index cards to remind me to make appointments. It takes very little time now. Great video!!

[@DawnSuCallahan]

We my husband & I do this on Fridays. As it's always payday. So then we r good for the next week. Dont have to worry all weekend.

[@bdmdbeka7826]

I love and appreciate your advice to not invest in organizing supplies until you’ve decluttered, etc. It’s an important step that often is overlooked because people just want the fancy things!

[@Maloma12]

or think that fancy things will motivate us to declutter...NOT! M

[@bdmdbeka7826]

@@Maloma12 so true! They usually end up adding to the clutter, unfortunately.

[@traceymartellisummerhayes2097]

totally agree!!!

[@janetrhein3697]

Whenever I don't look forward to paperwork, I try to make my atmosphere as nice as possible (good coffee, soft music, cozy blanket to lay over my lap and feet). That way, i am more inclined to look forward to the work throughout the week, and once I am seated with all of my supplies and comfortable, it's so much easier to stick with it to the end.

[@jillygirl2024]

Unopened mail reminds me of harsher times when I avoided bills, mail, other communications so it causes me stress. Better for me to open an envelope, toss what I don't need then look @ the important part of the paperwork. I keep a basket of financial papers, binder, pens & pencils and use it to review finances each month also to plan for my future. Works for me. The painted box looks great Thanks for encouraging others :)

[@MalikaSmile]

I knew I was not alone in this. How did you overcome this ? I just posted my experience here.

[@ceasewatercolorarts]

Me too! I don't have any problems paying my bills now, other than my timeliness. I think it mostly has to do with my previous life where we lived paycheck to paycheck and seeing a bill was terrifying! I try to look at recycling that extra paper is really nice, and seeing the organized bills as "pretty"

[@jillygirl2024]

I think what helps me is I have an Armoire in the hall near my front door - it is tall enough that it is comfortable for me to stand there and use the top of it to peruse my mail - I keep a plant pot with pens, pencils,stickies for notes on top of it, a trash can sits on the floor ready for the unwanted mail. Good luck

[@kippen64]

When I am worried about a letter, I open it next to the letter box before it even gets into the house.

[@Jessica_Jones]

@@MalikaSmile to keep the story short, I spent a good handful of years with a burden of complete and utter dread...shame as well for being so disorganized and fearful over "stupid paper". Ultimately I couldn't take it anymore and finally sat down for what turned out to be about 3-4 hours going through various important papers (some not so important). I don't know how I managed not to miss important bills, though I did find insurance cards and notices I knew I had avoided about "your information may be at risk"...I suppose I did still have an eye out for the crucial action items. But after I got through that main stack and realized how much really should have been tossed to begin with, and after the strain of finally making those delayed decisions for filing, feeling the regret of missed opportunities, I vowed never to let it happen again. Now that I've faced my fears on that and even more in my life, thanks to that admittedly pivotal moment, my instinct makes it almost comical when I think about it -- I see the mail come in and I practically jump on it "That's a credit card offer, I can throw it away!!" "That's my bill to file, let me open it and throw away the unnecessary envelope!" 😂 But truly, simple as it may sound to some people (particularly those who were raised to be more decisive), it's been truly life-changing to see with clarity the power and importance of making decisions NOW and not later.

[@sheilaenglish7329]

I did this year’s ago. I had a flat basket that I kept on my desk into which I put any bills or things I needed to attend to. On the weekend I’d go through it and loved seeing an empty basket when done. But now, I have very few bills to pay as all recurring bills come out automatically. I use bank and credit card apps to check on things. I check everyday to see what has come out of my bank acct and check it off. I also check my credit card purchases every day and pay as I go. I use my credit card much more often and get those delicious cash back rewards but never face a big bill because as soon as a purchase is posted I pay it off. A very few minutes daily keeps things under control.

[@lovinabaer1487]

I would totally keep some good chocolate in a Sunday basket!😄

[@catherinedaniels5524]

Yes! Best idea. Mom’s gotta go do Sunday basket now. Nom nom chocolate 🍫

[@2oldcrowscleaning538]

I love my basket- made it myself. In addition to bills etc I keep blank cards in case I want to write a birthday card or thank you card etc

[@lissaestes7017]

Great idea!

[@sallycroft2191]

Going to copy you on birthday card idea....thanks.

[@Aprilmarielove]

YES! LOVE THIS👇 I'm a tidy person I'm a minimalist I'm a healthy person I'm a morning person But most of all ... I'm a child of God!!! ♥️ THANKS 😊

[@staceyprincesspatton]

I love this mantra!

[@Claudia-lq3ns]

Love this 😍

[@stowie5790]

This Sunday Basket is new to me but I like the concept behind it. Like Dawn, I will choose a different day because Sundays are my recharge days (in preparation for the coming week). I’ve had a bill paying system in place over the last year that has really helped me keep on top of my bills and other paperwork. 2021 will be very different due to a few changes I made in 2020...I bought my first (and forever) home and I retired as of last week (Christmas Day). I will now go down to one pension check a month so I will have to make some tweaks in my bill paying process. But the final “gift” I gave myself was to sign up for “Take You House Back”!!! I am excited for this new journey and to be part of such a supportive group!

[@sonjawinkler6023]

I am very happy for you and cheer you on!🙏♥️💕 love from Switzerland!

[@SarahLizDoan]

Congratulations!!! All the best for your next chapter!

[@plaidshawl9792]

Best of luck Barbara ☘ From Ireland

[@coastaljan6193]

@ Barbara Colt - you should start a blog or KZbin channel to document. your new life. I hope to retire in two years and would be so interested in how you manage.

[@l.m6144]

I have been using the system in the way you describe it for many years! It made a huge difference in my procrastination! I did start making sure I handle my “household business” on a weekday before 5 if possible. This ensures that if for some reason I need to call a business associated with a task they will be open. This keeps any Sunday basket tasks from being be moved to Monday morning when offices etc. open. Great Video! Thanks Dawn!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Didn’t think about that for making business hours calls, that’s really smart!!

[@Maloma12]

@@TheMinimalMom Lisa also uses her Sunday Basket to plan her upcoming week. So, she'd schedule later (not on Sunday's) when she called those offices, as opposed to doing everything that's in her Sunday Basket on Sunday. HTH. Really enjoy and am inspired by your videos, your helpful spirit, and your wonderful marriage (you two are always "on the same page" when it comes to supporting each other--even when you disagree, you are there to support one another! May God continue to bless you as you show us how God can be the biggest Supporter in our lives and marriages -- I'm single, by the way, but I can still appreciate an amazing relationship when I see one!). M

[@FaithandBibleAsmr]

The older I get the more practical I get. And I absolutely love how practical you are. That is so very helpful

[@lesleyking5583]

As a (slightly) older woman...I wish I had sorted this a lot earlier in my life! I do now have a system in place which works for me, but it took 25 years of marriage. It took months to go through all the boxes, folders etc of papers! And the shredding!!

[@j.m.7056]

Hey, ya got there, hoorah!

[@MATSMommy]

Yep, we're coming up on 24 years and it's not for lack of effort we're still in a swamp of paper, but I keep trying.

[@utvet95]

Something that helps get it done is to get together virtually with others going through theirs. I am a certified Sunday Basket workshop organizer and the number one thing that helps my clients stay in the habit is meeting each week over zoom for about 75 to 90 minutes to get through it. It enables us to plan for the upcoming week and stay on top of the active paper while hanging with friends.

[@kthompson5270]

I love listening to Lisa and have been for 2 years. I started a mock Sunday basket about a year ago. You are a genius for using that 31 bag. I have the exact same bag and just switched out my mock Sunday basket from office max to your container too. This container has so much more room. Previously, I bought from the container store (which I don't have a location in my area) my own colorful slash pockets. These folders just have an opening on the top and 3 sides. Lisa's has only 2 sides. Another change is I open my mail each day too unless needs more attention then throw in Sunday basket. I have implemented the notecard brain dump idea. It really gets things off my brain . She also suggests writing. I like how she says to write down the "to do list" on a notecard. And as moms we can add too many items on our to do list and by doing this methods controls how much we can do in a day not over stretch ourselves. She also says if you do 80% of your to do list that is a A++ that blew my mind. I actually broke down and bought her 100 day home program. Thanks for the idea about the Sunday basket and love that you can have notecards, stamps in the front.

[@unitedheartsamerica5924]

Refreshing video to renew my hope in being fairly organized again! Once upon a time, I was super organized, (for me!), not OCD, but organized. Then, I became a mom. Not too bad.. Then I became a single mom. Not so fun. That is where Things start to get fuzzy.. when my son got into playing school, travel and cup soccer, I noticed a shift in things!! The years were fun and challenging.. getting messier... In 2013 my basement flooded. Took a month to clean up. 2016 i got lyme disease. Lost 1 year to fighting that. 2019 flooded again worse. A church group came in an rebuilt the structures and did mold remediation. About 75 percent back to new. So after all that I am still trying to return to my organization. My son turns 21 tomorrow ! He is an awesome young man in his third year college.. He is helping me with the purge and reorganization on a macro scale.. So we have clear goals.. This little video gave me some micro help on the little things to put in place during the URGE TO PURGE CAMPAIGN! Thanks for listening!! I hope to be through this campaign before Thanksgiving next year. Need your encouragement ! Comments welcomed!! 😁😁😁

[@dawnaskey4975]

I have a different story- fibromyalgia, lost 1000 sq ft when I bought a house, gained a lot of a relative's belongings, started decluttering (I actually call it dehoarding to better ensure a better future), 90% of the house got water damage when a pipe broke in the wall and we are about to start the reconstruction stage. While waiting for the estimate and then insurance approval for the work, we are decluttering and planning for a better future. Dawn, TheMinimalMom, your videos have helped so much as we cope with the losses and prepare for a much more manageable future. Our extended time in a hotel caused me to give away a large portion of the things in my kitchen. I really didn't need all of that stuff!

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

Besides this channel, try watching Erica Lucas. Her channel is also inspiring.

[@93kimodaat]

Keep checking in. Be good to yourself. Rest when you need to. Lyme stinks. All the best.

[@sindiesigmon55]

Another one that I love is Diane in Denmark! She and Dawn talk about some of the same things.

[@angelacross2216]

Confess, Gage designed the cardboard Sunday basket with his ninja cardboard skills.

[@wildminders2233]

🥰

[@geanetteandrea]

The most important step I found to making this successful was to WRITE IT ON MY CALENDAR every week. I do Saturday 9:00 and by writing it in the calendar every week, it signifies to me that no... my Saturday isn’t free until 9:30 or 10. Such an important step for me!

[@lindatalbot3208]

When I was 21, I stayed with a friend in France whose mum arrived home from work. I expected she would start making dinner and I was surprised to see her instead immediately open the post and start dealing with something. She said to me, if you deal with the post straight away you'll never get in a mess. Then she started dinner, poured a glass of wine and we sat chatting in the garden. It made an impression on me (partly because I was so hungry!) and since then I have always opened the post straight away. It's not practical for me to action it immediately though so a to-do basket could help. Thanks Dawn!

[@betsythornton5513]

I LOVE this! I have had to take over our finances due to my husband's dementia - he never would let me do anything and I had to learn immediately (stroke). This will help me more than you will ever know - I have bills in the floorboard of my car, stamps in my wallet, things are constantly being lost or misplaced. I even have the perfect spot for it - just gotta get supplies -

[@rrg2248]

very very helpful! great advice to try it out before you buy. And I was surprised when you said “I love you” - I was really touched by your genuine caring

[@teresadakin5090]

My new mantra is "what would Dawn do?" In my goal of setting some new habits!! Thanks Dawn 👍

[@carolc8311]

“ Our brains aren’t meant to be containers to hold information..” I actually have not ever heard that before. Thank you for this reminder!

[@jaelmommaj8735]

I have never heard about this before.

[@fousies]

Check out Organize 365

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Nor I. Never heard Dawn mention it before.

[@katrinasnyder7341]

Resorted my Sunday basket with your suggestions. 🗂 A reset goes a long way!I have a calendar 📆and calculator in there as well as pretty pens, and some note cards. I like to write cards during my weekly review to show appreciation for people in my life! And of course a few stamps!!📬✉📫

[@katrinasnyder7341]

Oh and mine is totally dollar store, slash pockets and even the aqua blue basket! Keeping it frugal!!

[@victoriathomas967]

A few years ago, I went through my whole house with Lisa’s podcasts in my ears. My Sunday Basket is the only thing that fell back apart. Thanks for these ideas. I’m tackling paper again and it was comforting to see I’m not the only one who was overwhelmed by the reference and “maybe” things in my Sunday basket.

[@familyof5quicktips514]

I like the idea of a "Friday basket" as well, makes you feel accomplished going into the weekend!

[@barbaradavis7092]

I want to thank you for a couple of suggestions that improved my quality of life, because of your ideas :) 1. Placing lids on the Tupperware containers! Sounds silly but it’s a game changer! 2. “Sunday Basket “ mine is a Monday basket, I also add meal planning and general things I want to get done. Happy New Year!!

[@kynder430]

Great ideas! I would use that notebook for thoughts like "need to schedule annual check up" so I wouldn't interrupt my day and could deal with all of those types of things all at one time!

[@andmelinda]

Paperwork has always been stressful for me. But it absolutely makes sense to treat it like decluttering - - Jump in where you are and keep at it until it becomes manageable. Like you, I trash most junk mail immediately and open bills, but then there is no set follow up. Trying this today!

[@jeanettethiessen2476]

Treats should go in the Sunday basket or something motivational to help get it going as a motivation...then there really is something exciting to look forward too. Or maybe a fun colouring sheet or a crossword puzzle etc.

[@mandyweed5584]

I have never heard of this but i think its a better system than juat the typical in and out. I am torally gonna make a free box and give it a try! Thank u!

[@elizabethhenderson9934]

Me too, such a simple idea but so sensible

[@sgia2154]

me too! I have a few boxes that are the perfect size for this task!!

[@Maloma12]

Check out Organize 365. Lisa has a free "how to use your Sunday Basket" (or something like that), that helps you figure out the process. It's for bill-paying, responding to mail, AND planning your next week. M

[@mintbutterfly10]

I have a little notebook with folder tabs for each month. Bills get opened as soon as they arrive and put in there. Anything not a bill gets recycled. I don't even open it 😂 Christmas cards get hung on a ribbon as a decoration. Other cards get stood on the tv stand for a week, then recycled 💗

[@michaellacarter8840]

How do you recycle the cards? Keepsake or nah?

[@texasmimi5566]

@@michaellacarter8840 The really pretty card fronts that are "clean" on the back I tear off and frame, or use as postcards. The post office sells post card stamps that are less expensive than letter stamps. Easy to write a quick note on and mail to friends and family. Cheaper, too. Other cards go in the recycling bin.

[@deborahroper3694]

Dawn, I used those 5”x7”mead notebooks for 10 years. I would get one or two new ones each month and put all of my receipts in the little folder pocket and keep track of everything that way. COVID came and other people are now shopping for me. I’m more stressed out and I have lost all forms of any kind of organization. I’m drowning in depression and anxiety. I don’t get out of bed except to get something to eat, take a shower, take out the trash or check mail. And I don’t do all of those things every day. I watch your videos every day and I’m trying hard to pullout of it. It’s kinda like being in a plane that’s nose down headed for a crash and trying to pull up on the Yoke of an airplane and trying to right the plane before I crash. Please pray for me to get “nose-up” and right my little plane ✈️ of life again. Seeing your little pink notebook just gave me some hope. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Deborah

[@dawnaskey4975]

Deborah Roper, I pray for you to be blessed with courage to fight for joy, to know peace, for the energy, tenacity and determination to make life enjoyable.

[@ellen8996]

Deborah, I pray you will find your way up and out. I've been there and began my trip up with two goals per day. A clean coffee cup and clean underwear. Sometimes not even a shower for days. I've come a long way, and you can too. Just start with a small step every day.

[@barbaraford9486]

Deborah, I am praying for you, too. Just the act of stating your current situation is courageous. Doing something consistently, even if it is small will reap good rewards!

[@skuperkatzmelagal]

Sending you a virtual hug, Deborah. I’ve had low times when I wouldn’t want to do a thing...one time I noticed a piece of lint on the floor. I picked it up & threw it in a nearby trash can...raised my arms and mumbled a half-hearted, “yay!” A minute later I found an earring that was all alone on the dresser. I put it in the place where its’ partner was resting...raised my hands & said, “yay!” a little louder this time. Found a piece of crumbled paper and threw it in the trash...”Yay!” Another tiny action...another hand raising “YAy!” After I’d done a few little things, I continued and eventually that day ended up so very different from what it was like when it had started. Considering how weird this past year has been, we need to catch ourselves much more often-give ourselves credit for any and everything we do (ESPECIALLY when we don’t feel like it) and “YAY!” ourselves all day long. Wishing you courage & strength to do little “Yays!” to encourage yourself despite the overwhelm and inertia you might be feeling... Thanks for sharing with us all, Deborah. You’ll hear a lot of love, understanding, compassion & encouragement from this awesome group, I’m sure of that...

[@lydiajohnson3592]

Deborah, I pray for you. Why don't you put the little notebook on your shopping list and start putting your receipts in it again? I know it's hard when you don't feel in control. This world situation is depressing for everyone. I miss seeing people every day since I'm retired. Today I put on a mask and took a calendar to my next door neighbor. We talked at a distance outside for several minutes. (It was warm here today.) I hadn't realized how much I missed having a conversation with someone face to face. It made me feel better. I hope you can get your little plane level. Virtual hugs.

[@OneFellSwoopDesign]

This a great idea! I have a hanging file basket I use, but it gets so messy. I should try this asap! Also, when I heard Sunday Box I thought it was something for church 🤦‍♀️😊 but I was actually thinking of creating my kids a Sunday Bag... So that on Sunday mornings they can grab their bag before going to church.. it would have their kids Bible, notebook, crayons, quiet toys, etc for them to use at church (we don't have nursery).

[@lauriedunn6198]

My daughter does that, they each have a back pack.

[@lauramccoy2465]

I have a KIlLLER Sunday bag for my daughter. Church time was sooo much easier with it.

[@firstgodthenlife2273]

@@lauramccoy2465 what's in it?

[@lauramccoy2465]

Cheryl Ball I have headphones (church is loud for us), snack tower, cup, animals, Hot Wheels, and a few special toys like the magnetic writing tablet, extra church/casual/jammies (all of them), plastic placemat, extra baby spoon and dinner. It hangs in her closet door and lives there until Sunday. It spends Sunday with us and is returned to the hanger. I’ll start a Sunday basket for our drive to church. 💕

[@fern6545]

What finally worked for me was tossing bills (& things) into ONE small box to do/due" and ONE bigger box for "done/paid." Kind of like your laundry system. No folders or extra thinking or labels required. Every other week I take care of what needs to be done and every December31ish I sort/file or burn my year-end stuff for my big file cabinet.

[@claireb3578]

I have found the 'time will tell' basket so helpful! It's stopped me wasting time deciding if I want to keep something and if I do, where to put it e. G. To do, file etc. I regularly go through it so it doesn't build up

[@UtahRoadbase]

Sounds like a great idea. I will say that something like 2/3 of Americans have 'Monday Anxiety' which means they're already anxious on Sunday so moving it to a different day is probably healthy for most of us. Your videos always make me want to be more organized and tidier and more of a minimalist. So glad KZbin recommended your channel to me years ago! Take care and thanks!

[@lauriehancock3974]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been using my version of the Sunday basket for years and you are 💯 correct, it became a catch all that I dreaded! I’m spending time today simplifying and adding folders and will trash junk mail before it hits my basket! Thanks again for all your videos! 😊

[@carolyneastman6095]

I watched that Sunday Basket video several years ago....I liked the concept, but, like you, I had to restructure it to work for me.....thanks for this video.....

[@lisam7036]

Thanks for the great video. I had tried the Sunday basket in the passed and failed. Your tweaks sound great. Going to give it another try.

[@renadena5629]

I have done the Sunday basket for over a year now and actually do love doing it! I will mention one isn't supposed to file as you stick something in, just drop it in the front divider and file it during your basket time. The whole purpose is to take back control of your time and energy in order to follow what your passionate about. I do mine sat night after the kids go to bed because my husband has a weekly apt then. Favorite drink, a good movie i can zone on, and free time to get my thoughts together. If it's a hectic time (like when I just had a baby) I just quickly went through the pile and kept anything I had to do out and dropped the rest in the box without even adding it to the folders. My husband has seen how helpful it is and has taken it upon himself to protect my time for it too. Basic do every week is look over apts for week and gather (or write down) what I need to get and decide when I will get those items and meal plan including writing up the shopping list. It's also been super helpful financially since if I think I want to buy something I throw the idea in the box and on Sunday can look it over and add it to my buy list, scratch it as impulse buy, or decide to wait since something of bigger priority needs to be bought and it all doesn't fit in my budget. My time has been more intentional because I look and get a realistic expectation of what the week entails and choose if I have extra time what I want to get done during that time that week. I feel so much more on top of things throughout the week and don't feel like I'm forgetting something or zapped just from making all the small decisions or looking at an overwhelming to do list constantly. I also do a workbox for homeschooling. Anyways, enough ranting. :)

[@skuperkatzmelagal]

Wow...just wow! I can’t wait to grow up and be just like you! ( and I’m 64 y/o!) inspiring!

[@renadena5629]

@@skuperkatzmelagal aww thanks 😊 wow was that nice to hear today. don't let this fool you into thinking I've got all my stuff together though. Just starting. I'm sure I should be learning from you. :)

[@naomireaves3742]

I feel like I've tried this a million different ways ,but you have inspired me to try again! 😁

[@calleywaggonner6045]

I discovered your videos this week, and I just wanted to thank you for your sincerity and wisdom. I have really enjoyed hearing your perspective about clutter, especially when it comes to the mental load of the things we have. I work night shift as a nurse, and this particular season of life has been overwhelming for me. I appreciate your positivity and encouragement and just wanted to let you know that you have really had a positive impact on my life and my home.

[@wildminders2233]

Calley; You will now become a minimalism addict... it’s guaranteed! 🤗 Dawn has cheered me on over the last quarter of this horrendous year and my home life is now so much better, thanks to her endless positivity and encouragement x

[@jeanettethiessen2476]

This idea sounds promising! I get so overwhelmed by paper. Thanks for the tips!

[@oatssettle846]

Thank you Dawn❣ I almost didn't watch this one, because the Sunday basket was overload, and avoided, just like you. I L♥️VE the Changes and Tips you gave to make it work. I am going to implement these. Thank you again so very much❣❣❣

[@erinbrown5216]

Financial classes in our community definitely teach this too! (They are Thursday nights.) Set aside a consistent time weekly to get at it. In our house, I do a weekly meal plan and online grocery order Sunday night and do any last minute planning, printing for the coming week of homeschooling. ❤️

[@janego2018]

I needed the original Sunday Basket along with the whole system as that comes with weekly Zoom sessions. Those are so great for motivation and accountability, along with the Facebook group!

[@elizabethgridley8587]

I like the Getting Things Done system by David Allen. I modified it to use in my minimalist bullet journal, some manilla folders for project support materials, and with my phone reminders/calendar. Somewhat similar to this Sunday bin. It’s worked well for the past several years! Pinterest has some ways to do the GTD with a BUJO if interested. Thank you for your content, love your channel!

[@ashandu]

So excited for the collaboration with Diane in Denmark! I appreciate what an innovator of content you are Dawn! We are all blessed by your drive.

[@MsSarahJam]

Yes, my two favourite KZbin channels !

[@joettasmith4594]

Can’t wait! Love Diane!

[@limetrooper7939]

I’ve been doing this for a while and it really does help reduce anxiety and I always know where all the bills are to get paid thank you so much another awesome video

[@dianasimplifies]

If you have some extra cash put a cushion in your checking account and get everything you can on auto pay. We almost never pay bills and bc we have things set up on the phone to remind or I have mine set up in my brain (ha) I almost never have to look at all this stuff. I open my mail at the PO on the days I go by there and throw away junk mail there and junk mail almost never enters my house. I have clutter issues but this isn’t one of mine. 😁 I do have all my stuff in a basket and I check on it occasionally to make sure everything is being auto paid just like it’s supposed to be. But I’d never heard of a Sunday basket til today. Awesome video....just a few tips for anyone who has some extra cash and can make a cushion. It is a life saver. Checks never bounce. No late fees. Etc. We’ve operated this way for over 25 years.

[@laurarisdallminnesotateach4914]

I love this idea. I’m going to try it. Thanks for your encouraging approach! We do almost everything by autopay, and get very little actual mail anymore, but I could use this for a helpful catch all, with a Sunday “deadline.” Thanks!

[@OurLifeinLouisianaLovingit]

I actually love it! I love organization and my bills are automatic paid, so I just have to review the bills , I take a picture and send to an email called house bills. I classify the bills and send to the email. So I can throw way the paper. The mail for foster care I try to take care right away because it might be important information. It is important to keep all the foster care mail so I just file right away.

[@NicoleneOReilly]

Why not go paperless and save the emailed bills in your email folders?

[@kndrkaye1]

I haven’t watched the video yet, but I want to say how weird it is you posted this. I literally just read about this about 6 minutes ago in a book and thought, what the heck is this.... then you post about it!!!.... ok now on to listening. Thank you for everything you do. You’ve helped me so much this year.

[@cinnie2543]

You are a huge encouragement. I often get teary-eyed (in a good way) when you talk because you make me hopeful. The one thing I am adding to my basket is a pending folder (hat tip 'get organized and more').

[@joywingfield708]

I set up my Sunday basket this evening. Did not have to buy anything. I had a box and file folders on hand. And I found a paper tray in a drawer, that I had forgotten about, that is now my time-will-tell tray. And now time will tell if I can make the Sunday Basket work for me. Thank you, Dawn! I just love watching/listening to your videos. I wish you and Tom and the kids all the best.

[@TammyMiller608]

Sunday Basket has worked for me for the last 9 years. Love the company!

[@ellenshirreffs326]

Time will tell basket! Genius!! Just that might change my life.

[@claudiaconner3659]

Awesome ideas, especially the pre-sorting. I do something similar with my Flylady control journal - hubs calls it my control freak journal 😂 - and when my kids were little they each had a file in my journal. I always knew where any paper related to them was!

[@suellenmcgillick8177]

Choose the day and time best for you will make it work if Sunday is not best. Thanks for the great idea.

[@augustineschaefer5522]

I love the cardboard box arts and crafts portion. Super fun no money involved and a fun little project that can use up some of the things from around the house.

[@queenofputrescence5167]

Thank you for the comment about our brains not being made to hold information but to process! That makes me feel so much better about my many to do lists so I can get these things out of my head!

[@patrovasalvatore]

I really like this idea! I agree, I would need to open the bills as they come in. I don't need any urgent letters sitting around and I had no idea about them lol 💗

[@Quilter1970]

I agree. I don’t want to wait until the end of the week to look at the mail.

[@Maloma12]

You don't have to wait to the end of the week, but if there's something in the mail that doesn't have to be used/followed up on immediately, you put it in your Sunday (whatever day) Basket, and then on Sunday (whatever day), you go through the basket and schedule when you will do what's in there...some of them you'll do right then. M

[@valerierandall3640]

Such a fantastic way of making reasonable adjustments that will make things work for us as individuals. You’re really brilliant at that, Dawn, and so helpful in sharing your outlook with us. You make a positive change in my perspective and I’m thankful for you and your content!

[@denisebittick3244]

Great idea!! I've never heard this one. The new year is a good time to start. Your videos are my rewards for completing tasks.

[@kathleencarter5849]

I did make my own Sunday Basket a few months ago. You just said exactly what I did. Procrastination won. Ugh!! I need to give it another shot. Thanks for the motivation Dawn!!

[@rachellemccann7506]

I have been stressed out by the paper/mail clutter in my house for years. I am for sure going to give this a try, and also the "time will tell" bin. Thanks for the awesome tips.

[@brendalewis6382]

Best solution for bills. I used to just throw everything in a basket after paying the bill and then had to go back and file them later. Now when I receive a bill I write the check out right away and file the rest instantly. I made mine out of an old toaster box cut and glued $1 store paper files to the sides and then tapped the corners. Then bought plastic files to hold the bills, on sale from staples. Thank you so much for make my life easier.

[@sarithapothuluri2052]

These changes are genius! The Sunday Basket never worked for me, the basket turned into a box which turned into another box and then I had mail piled up all over the house! But I think it will work with these changes! I have almost cleared my old paper clutter so starting fresh with these tips are so inspiring! Thank you, Minimal Mom!

[@judyzander3681]

I have had a "Sunday Basket" for like 5 years! But I don't keep up with it... all the things you said!! So I'm going to try some of these tips🤗 thanks!!

[@elcehl]

Great idea, have never heard of, lol!! Better than the file cabinet🤔😊. Thank you, will make and have it as "Thursday basket".❤️🙏

[@77picha]

Dawn--you are genius. I am so very blessed I found you! You have helped me find so much peace and happiness in my home.

[@momoffour2072]

Something that's helped my paper shuffle a TON: the 12-month rotating file. Use one of those expandable files, with one pocket for each month. Put things that you need to save for a while but not forever in the current month's pocket. At the beginning of each month, that month's papers will now be a year old. Shred them. That way, if you need to get your hands on something, you can find it easily, but there's an automatic lid on how much paper you have hanging around the house.

[@springbird21]

I created a Sunday Basket! I had a metal mesh holder that has 4 compartments... 2 lge., 2 small... 1 lge. is for my "TIME WILL TELL" & the rest for the Basket itself... I am sooo excited! I went through it yesterday with all the filing needing to be done...I LOVE that all my papers can be in one place! Who knew???!!! Thank you!

[@joywingfield708]

Love your videos. I set up a Sunday Basket a couple months ago. So I went for my 2nd covid shot yesterday and didn't have my card from the first shot. No idea where it was. It finally hit me this morning that it is probably in my SB, which has been in a closet for several weeks and I've pretty much forgotten about it. And my kitchen table is a paper mess right now. Ha! I need to make the SB a frog! Lol...I just saw my comment below when I set up my basket.

[@Jenekks]

It looks like a good idea. I like how you offer a DIY version of it to try it out because so many of us have spent hordes of money trying things out only for them to not work for us. Remember that other office organizer you suggested a while back? It had several different slots for files and paperwork? I purchased it in white and it ended up being a paper collector lol! So I put it in our shipping room to store supplies and that works well. Meanwhile I bought a cheap metal gold paper tray at the dollar tree and am using Dana's philosophy by addressing each piece of paperwork in the tray one at a time. So when I'm done I file immediately and that way I don't end up with a separate pile for filing and then another file for asap or what have you. If it's not an ASAP thing I just stick it at the bottom of the pile. So far it seems to be working well. I like having a single tray for things to address and then just work through one file, and it goes immediately to the filing cabinet when I'm finished with it.

[@erinfrasch2775]

I open mail right away and organize bills by date and pay them every 2 weeks after pay day. I keep them in a small container in the all purpose (junk) drawer and that is what works for me. 😊❤️👍

[@MsDoglover02]

Thank you for this! I look forward to implementing it, especially the time will tell basket for misc. stuff.

[@patdennis2586]

Get as many bills delivered and paid online (automatically, if possible!!)

[@MyMontana52]

Everything we pay on a monthly basis is paid automatically. I go online and look at our checking account once or twice a week to make sure everything is going through and to keep an eye on our account. It virtually runs itself. When we make a purchase (we use a debit card), I watch to make sure things went through correctly-easy peasy.

[@sfowler1017]

I was thinking this too, who sends checks in the mail anymore??

[@capturedbyannamarie]

For sure.

[@jonap5740]

@@sfowler1017 There's a whole set of older folks who do still use cheques to pay bills. My mom, my father-in-law, my aunt. They say they've done it that way for years, and it works for them. My mom said she liked to have a "record" of the payment. It was too hard to explain about the internet bank statement...and if her way works, well, great.

[@sfowler1017]

@@jonap5740 Interesting. My grandfather and FIL, both in their 80s, have switched to online bill pay. They know it's actually more secure!

[@leilarhymeswithsheila1344]

I like ‘time will tell’ folder. Implementing!

[@ExtraordinaryMachine333]

I love your suggestions and your easy hacks for using a box, regular file folders and making them cute, etc. are fantastic! I think this might have actually talked me into the original Sunday Basket system because ever since we went paperless for most bills we have less paper clutter so a regular "in" basket might be enough, with a place for stamps, etc. nearby. For me just having everything in a closed box makes me less likely to deal with it than an open tray, too (something about everything being hidden). We also have pocket wall calendars, too, for time sensitive stuff so that gets handled/is ready when we need it.

[@TheFickleFauxsteader]

I work on Sundays, so I just made my Monday basket. Gathering all of my paperwork together and putting the important “to do’s” in it, I’ve got a lot to do today! I’m really glad I did this (almost missed an important deadline 😱) and really looking forward to it never being this big again! I have 12 things to complete TODAY.

[@laurenschroeder2519]

I never heard of a Sunday basket. When listening to this, I realized I do this in my planner without realizing it.

[@michellemt3creations605]

I think this is a great tip. I had a DIY Sunday Basket for about 6 months and totally rewarded my self with the actual Sunday Basket because it was working for me. Thanks for the video

[@feliciagraves1903]

Oh my goodness! You just changed my world! Thank you so much! I have never heard of a Sunday basket. I need this so bad!

[@betsy35386]

Hi. I’ve never heard of a Sunday basket. I love this idea! 😊

[@brendakrause5639]

I auto pay even a bill that changes every month. I figure the average for my electric bill and set an auto pay for say $70. Sometimes my account ends up with a positive amount for over paying. But then next month I may under $10. This OK since my company will not charge a fee if under $50. I do not have to think about rent, phone, and the utilities. No gas bill since I use an induction plate. Phone bill is the same $60 every month.

[@sarir2749]

I've had Sunday basket without the basket for years. Now I'm going to make the basket too. The best idea ever. Thank you for your videos I love them!

[@gig-a-lomusicgig-guy7543]

The Tidy Tutor introduced me to this concept a few years back:). She is also great:) we are very blessed