The REAL Secret of Tidy People

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much for watching today! Tidy or not, I'm grateful for you!!! ;) - Dawn

[@katiemartell2471]

And, Dawn, we learn so much from you! At 70, I’m still learning to declutter from you. Merry Christmas 🎄 to you, Tom and your beautiful family!

[@alda2086]

Very grateful for you Dawn and the videos put out! Including the ones with Tom and your sister. Watching you in Scotland, along with my mum and my friend. We all really appreciate your videos and helpful comments and tips from other declutterers shared on your channel 🤗

[@wishingb5859]

I think you are right about the inventory thing but I think it is also that people don't have margin in their schedules at all. I am one of those. I end up eating fast food every day for months and months at a time to get out of prepping and cooking and cleaning and making decisions and it isn't laziness, it is a "no margin tilt" where one more thing would be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

[@maribelquesada5651]

Once again you stress “ the why” and not “the how”. It’s always refreshing to watch your videos.

[@HF-eu2ei]

@@alda2086 🙌 Yay Scotland!!!🤗

[@TheSupasweet]

I was born messy, grew up messy, raised my kids in a messy home but, thanks to you and Dana and Cass, I am NOT going to die a messy person. I think that the nonjudgmental way that you (and other naturally slobby people) explain how to de-clutter has helped me so much to not feel like a failure at adulting. Once unburdened of guilt and shame, it’s easier to see tidiness as a state that I will eventually get to, rather than some impossible fantasy. Striving for progress over perfection has been key, so the tip I want to share is “stop comparing yourself to other people or to some invisible ideal, and spend 15 minutes (or 10 or 5 if that’s what you can muster right now) making progress towards better in the area you see the most in your home”. I find that visible progress builds motivation to keep going.

[@JayP-kd5rc]

I am the same way, and totally agree with you. I do a little, and say, "Well, it's better than it was." That gives me the incentive to do more. I'm getting there slowly but surely.

[@happyx2]

Love everything you said! Thank you!

[@Karen_Busch]

Same, born messy I have been putting in 1 to 3 hours MOST DAYS, not every day, because...life... but I am trying. Even when we paid a cleaning lady once weekly who would spend 4 to 6 hours, the house NEVER felt truly clean. Now I get it. It was because of all this encroaching JUNK. I can't wait til the house is so much easier to maintain.

[@noreenryan1095]

Thank you so much for your post. I don't have to feel so horrible about my house. It's not only not tidy, but it is dirty also. (I attribute most of that due to the fact that I own 13 birds (about 5 were rescue) and a cat (rescue). I not only have to work my way through the mess and clean and organize, but my kitchen needs new cabinets (birds ruined), the walls are a mess, and I need new carpet, floors, etc. I started watching Dawn's videos and it is motivating me so much. I hate cleaning, but I absolutely love the result. I don't allow anyone in my house at all because I'm so embarrassed by it. But, the good news is I am starting to get rid of stuff in order to deep clean, and at some point, I want to update my kitchen. No, I'm not getting rid of my animals, that's not an option for me. I would never forgive myself, but I did commit to not accepting anymore rescues! I will also replace carpet and paint. Thanks again!

[@lauraanderson5407]

Great comment.

[@ceceliagunness1641]

As a child, we had very little of everything; clothes, shoes, furniture...My mother was a contented lady who taught us to be happy with whatever we had.She was clean, neat and tidy and those traits were inherited by us.This video reminded me of my dear mother, for she was the first person I heard say that everything had its place.She also said that clealiness was next to Godliness. She would have been 122 years old this year, I am 65.With love from Trinidad.

[@bryannelane7516]

Your memories about your dear mother warmed my heart! Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@zoraidita2022]

❤

[@genevieveeden7052]

Was she 57 when she had you? Wow

[@RMotta-nu3xt]

Summary: A tidy, streamlined, home is a reflection of prioritizing PRESENT reality (peaceful surroundings) over FUTURE possibilities (imagined uses for excess & stored items).

[@50LOVESIT]

Thank you! Jesus….that was a long winded, rambling word soup…I clicked off

[@RMotta-nu3xt]

@@50LOVESIT I actually needed every bit of that "wind" and "soup" to come to a new understanding! I like to move towards something vs. away from something. To choose present peace resonates with me. The burden of "what ifs", accompanying all the unused objects of some possible future, is a weight I am happy to release. The real life value I have been gifted by Dawn's videos on The Minimal Mom cannot be measured.

[@rachelbenson753]

R. Motta I love the way you phrased that. I’m a realtor and sometimes people want to buy a home for the life they imagine they will have someday but I always tell them yo buy a home that makes sense for the life you have now. You can always sell a home if your needs change in the future! Focusing on now makes it easier to make decisions!

[@jennprescott2757]

@@50LOVESIT it depends on where you are in your journey and what you’re doing while watching. I like her elaborate descriptions. She has changed my life. Also, gotta reach 10 minutes for the algorithm and ads to be best. Haha.

[@monicakeehn3052]

Hard if you are a creative artist

[@liliyasavich6634]

Sometimes what helps me get rid of stuff is this: if I were to move to a brand new house right now, would I take this item with me? People tend to get rid of a lot of stuff when they move because they like to start over. A friend of mine was so overwhelmed about what accumulated in her home when she was packing to move into a new home. Maybe sometimes it's worth to "pack and purge" even if we're not moving.

[@mizzmiami3242]

Omg I do this method “pack and purge” and it works! Love this comment lol

[@christymullis8101]

Genius

[@JC-rx8rl]

Love this! I’m gonna try this. TY

[@kcreese5586]

Genius! I'm so doing this!

[@annajarmolovic2254]

True, my son's grandfather was moving and I helped to unload their moving truck. I was shocked they brought everything. Even bleach bottles that was nearly empty. Result obviously was the new place looked as messy as their old place and full of trash frankly from the get go.

[@judithtaylor7904]

I have never considered my stuff as "inventory." This is a gigantic paradigm shift!! Thank you so much!

[@judylloyd7901]

Yeah, gives things a new perspective 😊😊👍

[@Annjulah]

💯

[@redrosa79]

Precisely!!! Well- worded! Thank you!!

[@BellaFrice]

Me either I hope this will help me too

[@kafemocha5016]

“Inventory” was the exact word that I latched onto about three years ago and the process has been fantastic! 😊🎉

[@Blankenshipable]

I recently spent 6 weeks at my moms house in another state due to having broken bones in both hands. While there I got to see systems that she and my sister practice every day. I was careful not to disrespect them and leave my stuff laying around. When I got back home I started to say to myself, “you wouldn’t disrespect mom by not putting this away.” Why do you disrespect your home? It’s given me motivation 🤔

[@stewartnelson5381]

Hi Lori how are you doing?

[@lauraguyette7187]

That was very wise hope u are better.

[@stewartnelson5381]

@@lauraguyette7187 I’m from Dallas Texas USA how about you???

[@bellhowell2788]

Everything in it's place and that place includes the trash can....

[@ateamacademy]

That’s a game changer! You deserve a clean house.

[@annemark4239]

Dawn, I’ve been following you for about two years now and I am not a naturally tidy person but I need a tidy home for sanity’s sake. Just the other day, I was having someone stop by and went to do the mad dash of tidying and OMG. My house was fine. Less stuff = less mess. Thank you for your endless wisdom.

[@CULady]

I love this.. We had a similar experience just a couple of weeks ago ❤💚

[@TheMinimalMom]

This is SO cool to read! Way to go Anne!!!

[@ForHisGlory222]

Amazing. I'm on my own journey as well. I also am not a tidy person naturally but crave it, and my poor family does as well. We've come so far and are getting so close to having the peaceful home we've always wanted. Dawn, your videos have helped me so much on my journey. Thank you! 🙏💗

[@irishlizzie]

Same here! I'm regularly decluttering different zones of my home and each year it's easier and easier to clean the whole house at once!

[@elsieodiada9653]

I'm trying to be a tidy person. It's been 2 months decluttering of my house. But still watching diff. vlogs how to help me to be at peace in a tidy home. Thanks for d tips .

[@jayelbee777]

As long as we’re not taking cleanliness to an extreme and making it the most important thing. My mother kept a beautiful, clean, organized home. She made her children’s lives miserable doing it. Cleaning came before her children’s feelings and well-being. Remember to put Loved ones first in the quest for organization and tidiness. 🙏🏻❤️ Love your videos. 👍

[@BarbaraDr2023]

This is important indeed, thank you

[@bethannebiafora3034]

Growing up in a house with nine people and seven children my mother was a meticulous alcohol are cool had everything in his place and room she couldn’t go in or sit in and we had very little but I didn’t feel like I was missing out because I didn’t know you could have so much clutter and so many clothes that you don’t wear I think that’s what started me on my journey of collecting things and now I have to go on my journey of on collecting things and letting go of things it’s a mental emotional and psychological process and I’m 66 years old and now that I’m home alone I need to start throwing out giving away to charity and not worry that I might need it in a year from now you’re right! My excuse now is that I have a broken back and a fractured hip so my mobility is slow due to pain and I use that as an excuse now but I am uncomfortable with the mess and embarrass for anybody to come into my house! Starting today before the new year I’m gonna try my best to have a home for every place to be and what doesn’t have a home Hass to go not just throwing stuff in the cover just to get it out-of-the-way and then you can’t find it when you need it is frustrating thank you I can keep using your tips and not feeling frustrated or aggravated and be more comfortable in my own home I just need to get rid of stuff close stuff that just sits around and collects dust and take it one cover or one drawer at a time not even a whole room it’s overwhelming when you’re first starting out in the new direction and not feeling well! And unfortunately I can’t afford anybody to come in and help me! But your channel gives me hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel because when you first start out you don’t know where to start sounds crazy doesn’t it but it’s true you look around and you’re overwhelmed just like oh my gosh where do I start! I will give myself some grace and just organize or put away or give away or donate everything I put my hands on one item at a time because I know I will feel better if my house is organized and tidied up and clean! I have to push through the exhaustion fatigue pain & self pity and put on positive music say positive affirmations to myself the myself notes around encouraging me to get motivated to delete throw out donate and don’t bring it back into the house or the garage it’s embarrassing and give myself some grace that would be a start and stop being so hard on myself! It took 15 years from my house and I’ve lived in for 34 years to get like this since I retired and everybody has moved on I do have a daughter that moved back in and I can’t expect her to help this is my home and I need to be able to move around carefully with a walker and or a cane! Be good to myself keep watching the videos For ideas Suggestions inspiration and hope thank you and merry Christmas to everyone may the new year bring everyone a healthy happy tidier new year that’s a great positive mindset

[@ALinn-vr3nl]

@@bethannebiafora3034 I'm sorry this has been so challenging. Would you please put a period at the end of your sentences, so it's easier to read your writing? Wishing you well.

[@carolbabb7875]

@@bethannebiafora3034 Very hard to read the run on and on and on.

[@sweetlady6059]

@@bethannebiafora3034 and please spellcheck! You posted a profile channel without proofreading! It is hard on eyes to read and to know what you are trying to say: Sibgle motherc and Gammie of 8 .....RN volunteer forms several things in community

[@deborahs2593]

My mother was a naturally tidy person. As I reflect back something just occurred to me- she was a (relatively) tidy person inside as well. I was messy, disorganized and noisy. I was that way inside as well! My mom didn't make an occasion of cleaning- it simply happened as part of her day, so there was no drama. When I cleaned my room it was An Occasion! I announced it days ahead, I dreaded it, I was secretly terrified- I didn't know what to do. Now I'm uncertain what came first with her- inside tidy or outside tidy- what reflected what, but I find as I get older I crave tidiness. I crave peace. I liked this video, Dawn. Less inventory means more peace. Perfect😊

[@carla7657]

Wow Deborah!!! Your story sounds just like mine!!! ❤️

[@marciamcgrath6580]

I love what you said! "inside tidy or outside tidy." I liked this video too! It really scratched where I was itching!!

[@maryloomis8075]

That is where I am...I crave peace and order.

[@edennis8578]

You hit on something, though, that's been bothering me a lot- knowing what to do. Knowing how to clean, how to tidy. When there isn't much to do, it isn't so hard, in my experience, but once there's a lot to do, I stand there in a catatonic state with my eyes glazed over, wondering how to go about it. My mom wasn't naturally clean, either. In fact, her housekeeping habits make me feel virtuous, and I'm a slob. I remember one time when my grandmother came over and she just went off on my mom about the state of the kitchen. I was just a kid, about 10, so I had no idea until my grandmother said something that it wasn't supposed to be like that.

[@robinmoser7921]

I do believe your home can reflect your state of mind. I know when I clean an area and have more living space I breathe easier.

[@teachmywordministries277]

I'm a natural organizer. I'm also hard wired for "just in case" inventory. So I spend my life re-organizing. I never realized how this had me running in circles; and I certainly never knew how to fix it. I recently looked through this year's Day Timer entries, and there it is repeated over and over: To Do - reorganize cupboards, reorganize drawers, reorganize closets. This video couldn't have been better timed. I'm getting off the reorganization treadmill and drastically reducing inventory. Thank you, Dawn, for the answer how to escape reorganization madness.

[@creativelycountry1617]

How did this go? I’d describe myself exactly like you described yourself

[@DahliaMom17]

@@creativelycountry1617me tooo

[@lv4366]

As a tidy person, who was raised in a tidy home - I can say, without a doubt, you nailed this. Being tidy is not perfection. Simply managing the inventory, and being realistic about what is truly needed. Thank you!

[@Maeve2001]

Yes, yes! All of the yeses!! Thank you for articulating tidy people like myself. I feel like when people visit, I’m constantly hearing “wow, you can’t come to my house” or “is it always this clean?” and always feel bad or downplay it when it’s honestly just that I know I can’t keep lots of inventory and that everything has to have a home or it can’t stay. I also just decide to make my bed, empty the dishwasher or fold the laundry at that very moment instead of waiting because it keeps my mind calm and clear. I also feel like my “untidy” friends think that I’m always judging them when I visit and that can’t be further from the truth, it’s just that I personally can’t function or keep calm when my area is cluttered or unkept. Trust me, a part of me would love to be able to Netflix and chill with a sink full of dishes but my brain simply won’t let me.

[@spinner2291]

Exactly!!! Well said

[@cindyhaferbecker2966]

Yes! Exactly how I feel!

[@NBush-nz8ph]

Hi! Can I ask you a question? (Other than that one 😂). I'm naturally untidy, but feel a lot calmer when I've used Dawn's thinking with decluttering. Do you feel irritated by your environment without realising why maybe, when it isn't organised and tidy? You're naturally tidy - wondering how you process the experience.

[@Maeve2001]

@@NBush-nz8ph interesting. When my surroundings are in disarray or things aren’t in place, I’m instantly irritated and unsettled. Maybe it’s a control thing? For instance, the first thing I do when I wake up is make my bed. It makes me feel ready and settled for the day. On the days where we are rushing out the door and I don’t get a chance to, I feel frazzled and unprepared. When I sit down at my desk to work, I need to have the workspace cleared off and organized before I can even start. Same thing goes for clutter. I don’t even think I could fall asleep knowing that there are piles or bins of stuff under my bed. The sign that says “sticky floors, dirty oven, happy kids” make me cringe because I would be a monster to be with and my kids would suffer 🤣🤣 At the end of the day, it could just be a classic case of OCD or type A first child syndrome😜 Also, regarding stuff. I can’t stand it. I’m dreading next week when my kids will be bringing home all of their new gifts and having to find new homes for them. I’ve made a habit to declutter often to counteract holidays. Another thing that is different from me and my mom who tends to be a clutter bug is I always chose quality over quantity. I’d rather have one $500 item than 50 x $10 items. I also use the good stuff like dishes, candles, kitchen supplies, purses etc. I’m not sure if it’s generational or not but she has “good” sets and “daily” sets of everything from dishes to sheets where I just have one, good set of things.

[@NBush-nz8ph]

@@Maeve2001 I feel like you've communicated exactly what we need to move away from - and, that is we as people are far too okay with consumerism, clutter, and chaos. You want to be mindful of your surroundings and treat it as if it is an extension of you. I feel like this new shift is going to cause us to all be a lot healthier, happier, and more mindful of others, rather than focusing on consumer items. Do you simply buy a lot less, or do you have a one in two out style of thinking? I do not think you have OCD, because I think anything that isn't seen as "normal" is seen as some sort of diagnosis these days. A lot of people think they eat a balanced diet and are fairly educated and are moderately messy - usually that balance for all three is tilted towards the truth they avoid; most likely isn't healthy, most likely over confident, and most likely isn't tidy. Thanks for sharing! I was totally unaware of my environment before coming to minimalism, and I found a lot of minimalist far too clinical - but, Dawn thankfully makes the whole experience a lot more fun.

[@jennaalce4016]

I just love this one, Dawn. It's so true. Growing up we never had a tidy house either. Stuff/papers everywhere. Days and days of work to get ready for visitors. Overnight visitors? WEEKS! I knew I didnt want to live like this, but after having 3 kids I felt like I was failing at life. It all turned around when I found you and got rid of 75% or more of the stuff I had. Sounds extreme, but life with 3 kids was crazy enough! Love my easy to pick up home now.

[@natalies5818]

I grew up like this too!! Time to change now that I have my own family. I do not like falling in the same cycle I grew up in. Everything else was great, but housekeeping (and weight maintenance) were huge sore spots in my parents' home

[@sarahsunshine78]

I grew up in a hoarders home and unfortunately have some of those tendencies. My entire household also has ADHD which means executive function is non-existent for the most part. I want to pare down but it’s so hard for me to get rid of stuff.

[@natalies5818]

@@sarahsunshine78 follow Dana K. White steps in decluttering. It really helps

[@dlh13]

Same with me Jenna! Weeks of cleaning and such to have people over and that was rare.

[@paisley8519]

Oh yes, same here! Our family home was so cluttered and dirty that I never had friends over, it was too embarrassing. When Grandma came to visit, it was always a mad rush to find places to cram things so she wouldn’t lecture my mom about the clutter. Because of living that way for so long, clutter makes me feel anxious! It took me awhile to figure it all out, but I know now that a tidy house, with fewer belongings, makes me feel oh so calm! (Grandma was very wise!)

[@waveletka]

Hmmm, as a “naturally tidy person”, I would say that it is true that I don’t keep much inventory. But instead of “letting things go”, I just don’t get new things until I really need them. And “really need” means using it at least weekly. It also helps my savings :)

[@michellebilodeau3882]

Same here.

[@pw2035]

I am naturally tidy. My husband is naturally functional, in that he needs to have everything he needs or wants within reach or eyesight and refuses to toss anything that he "thinks" he could possibly use at some point down the road. We were married for 20 years before I convinced him to toss his college class notes. I finally took it upon myself to clean out a 15X30 ft. long-term storage unit that cost between $90-$120/month since the 1980s. He had been storing business files as old as 50 years, law books dating back to Lincoln's time (literally) but had suffered severe water damage and were beyond saving, and junk from three business partners who had died or left the firm: business files, ten bookshelves, four household dining chairs and a dining table, six waiting room chairs, an unusable conference room table, a child's plastic swimming pool, patio furniture, hardware from a demolished building, you name it. He paid over $50K to store someone else's junk for 40 years. I have his essential files now stored in a 5X8 unit for $50/month. And after last weekend, we can now at least walk through our garage without tripping every other step. Oy vey!

[@TheRozylass]

I learned decluttering in the 1990's from Don Aslett who wrote some fabulously funny books about the subject. I didn't realize my success until we moved to Iowa and stopped homeschooling our children. I had thought my house was cluttered, messy and dirty, but our boys assured me that our house wasn't. They'd now been in their friend's homes and discovered how "the other half lives." They were shocked! And grateful for their mother (me!) who kept their home so nice. I think people can overcome bad habits, or mindsets through knowledge and discipline. First learning a new way of doing things, and then practicing the skill until it becomes the new habit. Having the right amount of "inventory" is key as you say, because if you own too many things for the size home you have, no amount of good habits will overcome the lack of space. Another key is overcoming procrastination, which is my way of saying do it now, put it away now, throw it in the trash now, deal with it now, instead of thinking that you'll have more time later. If you don't have a few seconds now, when will you have an hour to put away or deal with the accumulation of stuff. Your videos are great Dawn, keep up the good work.

[@diellensy27]

Love this. My mantra lately has been "dont put it down-- put it away."

[@minikorsi]

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you write. The shock you feel when you go to "normal people's" houses can be so overwhelming. I visited my friend recently and her bathroom had sooo much clutter in it: at least 3 versions of every beauty product, cleaning stuff, etc. I almost started to declutter.😁

[@bethheerten1132]

@@diellensy27 I day it out loud!

[@returnofthereasoner3200]

Another Don Aslett fan here! Best clean and declutter books ever! 😊

[@springtime335]

Yes, I learned so much from his books. I have several of them. They helped when I was new to keeping a home clean. I still use his products techniques- rugs inside/outside each door!

[@carolyneastman6095]

My house was always tidy, however, it stayed tidy because I kept everything in bins….bins stacked upon bins…..when I found you, I started going through those bins and eventually emptied over 35 bins! You have no idea how much you helped me….I’m forever grateful….

[@Judy122550]

that is amazing Carolyn Eastman you put me on to something right after Christmas I wil start with my bins thank you for the inspiration ,have a lovely day

[@carolyneastman6095]

@@Judy122550 …..it took me 2 years!

[@Judy122550]

@@carolyneastman6095 ,but you did it & that is awesome ! Would you believe right after breakfast I am going to start & not wait until after Christmas Thanks again

[@carolyneastman6095]

@@Judy122550 ….I wish you much success and a very Merry Christmas and a Happy decluttered New Year 👍👍

[@Judy122550]

@@carolyneastman6095 thank you ! I am excited about getting started I did start a bit but will go full force in 2022

[@sarahnicosia1428]

Naturally tidy person. Reducing the inventory has helped tremendously. Being able to clean up each room in 5 min is a great measuring tool. Greatest tips are put away immediately and everything having a place.

[@vivio2852]

Absolutely, Sarah. My niece has a huge problem staying organized and I always tell her you have too much stuff. No one could stay on top of all of this it’s not just you that can’t (I couldn’t either) so don’t get down on yourself.

[@HillsCo2006]

I think the 5minute rule is a great benchmark. Wonder how to get a teen and a tween on board with reducing their things… 🙄 Lol

[@sarahnicosia1428]

@@HillsCo2006 I let the containers be the bad guy- whatever can fit in here- you pick what stays

[@HillsCo2006]

@@sarahnicosia1428 I follow that principle and do with my kids as well. My eldest two just aren’t great at keeping things in the specific container/shelf etc, and don’t like parting with things very well. They need a lot of support. They share a room as well which makes it a bit harder to keep things separate. We’re on summer break now so there will be some extra training and purging going on to make my life easier come Feb when baby #7 arrives! The less we have out the less they have to tidy up - I won’t be doing it!!

[@luv2travel2000]

*"A peaceful home."* *"Not overwhelmed by my home."* Life goals. Thank you! 💕

[@lucyrobalino4917]

I’m not a naturally tidy person and grew up thinking that “ everything is useful”! Which made things worse! But I’m decluttering now and it feels amazing! 😃👏🏼👏🏼

[@DemetriPanici]

*“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” - William Morris*

[@mwebb3014]

This philosophy has helped me tremendously as I declutter. Things I used to think were beautiful have become headaches because there is just too many of them. It feels so good to pass them along via thrift store donations so that someone else can cherish them. 💗

[@lisaweiler1381]

Love this quotation, thank you for sharing.

[@karinneyrinnrinn]

OMG, I have too many useful and beautiful things !!!

[@MissTXTee]

I'd love to declutter, but I keep getting stuck with thinking about how much money I have spent on items and whether or not I should try to resell, versus simply donate them. Anyone else have this issue?

[@diellensy27]

I'm naturally organized (not necessarily tidy) so I was just spinning my wheels organizing cluttered closets and drawers over and over again. Not until you showed me how to minimize inventory did my organizing gain traction. Now what gets organized stays organized because it doesn't get messed up when we look for or use things. (Plus a disorganized half-full drawer of kitchen utensils *looks* more organized than a full drawer all straightened up. ) Minimizing is more effective than organizing.

[@1440yoohoo]

So true about spinning your wheels! I spent so much time organizing when I should’ve been decluttering.

[@dawnbowie352]

Amen, Sister! I was overwhelmed by having to address the extreme extent of possessions my Mother's had amassed over her lifetime. She grew up in a huge family with so little, she felt unable to let go of what she had worked so long and hard for as an adult. After she passed, it took me two years to donate the unneeded but still serviceable items, refurbish and gift the items that were needed by other family and friends who were in need, and ensure the items that could not be saved were disposed of appropriately. Seeing such a daunting task that took so long to address was stressful and effected my health. Loss of sleep over trying to respect my sweet mother's directives regarding her treasures, worry over family members fighting about who should REALLY get what... Auctions and yard sales, donation group pick ups, ordering dumpsters and scheduling repairs... The process made me crave a more minimal home, and I paired down to mostly the essentials for belongings, and found my health and my soul decompressing. My mother was such a blessing, and she inadvertently taught me one last life lesson on giving and letting go of THINGS, but holding on tightly to the sweet memories and loving experiences. They are the treasures she offered.

[@harmonymiller7999]

My favorite hack about decluttering/tidying is to watch your videos to stay motivated!!! ❤️

[@licoreen]

I remember watching a KZbin channel “How Jen Does It” and realizing over time that Jen purposefully chose each item in her home, and it all coordinated so nicely. My house was full of discordant hand-me-downs and yard sale finds. I did not aspire to go as “far” as Jen, but I realized I did not have to keep everything that came my way just because it was free or cheap or I was trying to rescue it from the trash.

[@Rebecca-creates]

I miss Jen!

[@jenniferninness99]

I struggle with this concept too! I do not have to open my home to every stray item that passes my way.

[@southerngrandma4353]

@@Rebecca-creates Why is she no longer on KZbin? I loved her channel but noticed I couldn’t find it anymore. Hope she’s ok...Thanks 😊

[@Rebecca-creates]

@@southerngrandma4353 Hi, I don't know what happened to her. She just disappeared off KZbin and I don't do other media. I hope she is ok too!

[@brandyowens4434]

@@Rebecca-creates she pops on Instagram with a reel or post occasionally. She stopped making videos because she felt she had shown us all she had to offer. I get it, I miss her.

[@Saaaa2324]

I’m naturally tidy, but WOW did it ever get easy when I massively decluttered! My journey of minimalism started when I lived in a small camper, which made me realize how little I need to manage to survive, and how much time can be spent on other things as a result. The skills I put into place during that season prepared me to be able to live in a

[@sarahswitzer4084]

Wow we hope to down size some day to around 700 sq feet too! What inspiration! 😄

[@springbird21]

Sarah Mercier, wow, am a family oh one & cannot even imagine! Good for u Gf! 💕

[@Saaaa2324]

Having 15 acres of outdoor space to roam certainly helps - though not so much in our -30 Celsius winters ;)

[@tholamdluli493]

I am a naturally tidy person but I did not know about minimalism until I came across your channel last year during lockdown. I have been decluttering without knowing the term. For me it is fulfilling because when I declutter I take everything to my relatives who are less fortunate and its fulfilling when something used while it was collecting dust in my house.

[@NaturallyBrittany]

I COMPLETELY AGREE! It's all about being willing to let things go and not hang on to clutter. 👏🏼

[@etelvinauacunzo2185]

Most of confusion in my house and strugle to keep it as tidy as I wish is excess staff that we dont use... but... my husband wont agree on letting it go.... frustrating

[@Jesusauthorofourfaith]

Pppp0

[@judylloyd7901]

@@etelvinauacunzo2185 There must be items in your house that belong only to you. You can set the example by decluttering your own stuff and tidying your shared spaces. Sometimes women say that it can take a few years before their husbands finally do get on board when they see the effects on their wives. Some men just have to see it for themselves rather than being told by their wives.

[@wenonadawn3974]

I come from a home where money was scarce so hording was absolute. I never let go of anything. Its taken me years to get to being confident enough to let things drop out of my inventory. Adopting a new mindset to find peace with less inventory is a struggle but I feel hope and see degrees of sucess. I hope my children can be sucessful too.

[@B.A.A.SportsAngel]

Me to.

[@elissa3188]

Thank you for bringing up money. It is definitely a huge factor. If replacing something is harder- it's harder to think about letting go of Just in case items.

[@soymaritza]

This was going to be my question to her. I have a dad who basically raised himself. He was an orphan from very young and he worked hard for what he has. So, when ever he finds good deals on used items or free items that interest him, he brings them home thinking he might need it some day. He's been doing good about getting rid of things slowly but it's still very hard for him to let go. He was also a cop in Mexico so his special tools are inside the house because he's afraid they might get stolen. Drives my mother nuts sometimes. 😅

[@nicolelang3109]

Totally same position

[@MsJT2222]

I so needed this…right now I’m actually near tears because it feels overwhelming. All of my sisters have beautiful and tidy homes. It almost feels like I missed the clean gene. Wish I could pick up the phone and call you for commiserating. Your videos help me and I feel like you are a friend who cares. Thank you!

[@charityholt7737]

Hang in there JT. Dawn is amazing at helping people feel loved 🥰

[@danielleporcaro5422]

Same girl! You'll get there, it takes time and perseverance, but don't give up! Dawn and this whole community are an awesome support system, so you're in the right place!

[@maribelquesada5651]

JT start small choose one task you want to accomplish and built from there. It could be make your bed, wipe down a counter etc. When it comes to decluttering think would I be sad if this went up in flames. You’ve got this!!!!!

[@MsJT2222]

@@charityholt7737 Thank you

[@MsJT2222]

@@danielleporcaro5422 Thank you

[@MrsBullfinch]

My house can sometimes look tidy on the outside but open a cupboard and an avalanche of stuff comes tumbling out. I have been decluttering for a while now. We had one cupboard where towels and bed linen were kept. It was never tidy. I watched one of your videos and I realised I didn't need 30 towels and numerous sheets and pillow cases. I filled several bags and that cupboard has NEVER been untidy since. It's all about inventory. From that day on I have been going through the rest of the house and doing the same. Inventory is key. Thank you soooo much.

[@laurenanderson102]

Everyone in my family is tidy except me! It is really hard, but you are right- I have too much inventory. Because when things do have a place, I put them back.

[@sadiedom]

You are so lucky you have found these things earlier in life. I'm over 60 and just found your site. I'm NOT a tidy person and live alone so often would just say, "who cares no one sees it but me and it will be there tomorrow". But I didn't really think about how it was affecting my anxiety! I have depression and anxiety, so I am truly GRATEFUL FOR YOU ‼️. I put your videos on and listen to your sweet voice while I make great progress. Thank you 🙏

[@kimblackstone2300]

I think the fact that my mom got rid of my still favorite things when I was a child, is the reason why I hold on to things today. (In reality, I wanted to keep everything. Haha!) Her home was tidy, though, and always visitor ready. My mom was still wonderful and she had time to do so many things with her four children. Great memories! Thank you so much for your videos to help me learn a new way, even in my 60's!

[@danielleporcaro5422]

I like to be tidy, but I was raised to keep allllllll the things "just in case" ... having to rewire my natural tendency to hold onto things has been really hard, but I want to encourage everyone it is possible! It's a slow process, and although I'm not perfect at it, I've come a very long way since finding your channel ❤ so very grateful for u!

[@esinfa]

Same here...

[@shellydickinson8598]

The thing that has TOTALLY helped me when deciding if I should keep “just in case” is that GOD WILL PROVIDE. One of our daughters is the founder of a theater company and I find myself wanting to keep weird containers/boxes/items bc we make props and costumes, etc. God. Will. Provide. is my motto now

[@happilyeveryarambulo]

Same here, and I know it came from my parents living in poverty in Mexico. You never know when the "just in case" might happen, but I quickly learned when I moved out (15 years ago) that I'd rather not be cleaning my "just in case" stuff every week, because my mother taught me to keep those things clean and neat, and I'd rather not clean all the time. Anyway, nice to know there are others that were raised similarly. Keep it up! I know my work is not done because whenever there's a sale somewhere, I always find myself thinking "...but what if?" Lol

[@dew77s7]

Same here!

[@piggeryrunfarm9009]

Yes yes!!

[@malkatie7]

I am not a naturally tidy person. Everything I've accomplished this far has been because of you, Dawn. The encouragement I received from this video was to keep going farther if I've hit a wall....yeah...I've hit that wall and am frustrated with our house again. Guess I need to go farther. Thanks, Dawn!

[@beccismith4454]

Similar for me :-)

[@debraleague8135]

I used to be a naturally tidy person when I was younger but then depression hit and now I am definitely NOT tidy. Now with your, Dana and Cas's help, I am getting back on track. Very slowly but I am working on it. Thanks for all you do. I am looking forward to receiving your workbook!!

[@alison5009]

Yes! I used to be so much better. Now, w severe anxiety and depression, it’s been a huge struggle and I hate what I’ve become, lol. Things get let go. Kids and husband can’t do it all.

[@suzy1676]

Keep going! I understand what you mean! We are not alone on this journey!

[@dindog22]

depression and a messy house is a real thing. my mom was always messy and I realize that it's probably because she was severely depressed. unfortunately I inheirated her depression and messiness and it's a constant battle

[@KR-os6nn]

I totally get it. Sometimes to the point of using paper dishes instead of washing plates. Having pre made healthy meals in the freezer for the low times or relying on healthier but canned goods and veggies that can be prepared easily or thrown on a plate raw from the bag.

[@butterification]

Ohhhh my 😓 I completely understand your pain. Now I know exactly how the people on shows like Hoarders came to be in the rut. Depression and pain paralyzes , no matter how much of a clean freak one is.

[@melb2258]

Yes just the other day I went over to a guys house, and I was absolutely amazed at how tidy and perfect he had his house !! I felt like a lazy, unorganized mom, bc my home is definitely not tidy no matter what I do. So lately I find myself getting rid from unnecessary stuff around the house … lol I would love to have my home fully decluttered, wish me luck ! My goal for 2022

[@JennsCorner777]

You can do it! I was 6 months pregnant with our 3rd son and de cluttered and organized all the rooms inside the house. It was a major under taking but the motivation and the nesting kept me going. If a pregnant and busy mama who isn't naturally tidy or organized can do it so can you.

[@mabelkoh1946]

Yes it’s never too late. I am 70 this year December. I still learn to keep house tidy and clean and Dawn’s suggestion to pare down our inventory is motivating for me to work on it. It’s never too late to keep house clean no matter where we are. Just don’t give up. I am not born tidy but I like the peace that come with a Decluttered home. Wish you luck!

[@Sky-Child]

Not a naturally tidy person, but somewhere along the way I became a minimalist like you! If you are constantly tidying all your stuff it feels like a losing battle, if you only have what you actually need, then it's a much easier battle to win. My proud moment was when my mum visited the other day and said "Wow what a tidy house." In preparation for her arrival all I needed to do was fold up and put away a blanket that was in the living room

[@michelleg1905]

So I gave this “less inventory a try” on my living room. And OMG it freaking works!!!!!. Before it took me so long to tidy up my living room but with the less inventory I can tidy up is less than 5 min. I will include it on other parts of my home. Thanks Dawn 🥰

[@gingerwade1731]

I’m loving reading the comments and how you just made both naturally tidy and naturally untidy people feel absolutely validated. ❤️❤️❤️ That is such an amazing gift that you have.

[@ladyteka2430]

It’s absolutely why I love watching her videos.

[@attempttobebetter5648]

thousands love for these comments

[@JasmineBrownOttawa]

I wholeheartedly agree with you that reducing inventory is the key to being tidy. I say "reducing inventory" all the time now, since subscribing to your channel, LOL. We are not always company ready, but it is waaaaay better with fewer things to worry about.

[@brendarummell6152]

I am a naturally tidy and organized person. It’s just makes me feel happy to have a tidy house, I just function better. Even if no one is coming over I do it for myself. And yes since following you I have found I can live with so much less!

[@andreac6074]

I am NOT naturally tidy person, but what you said completely makes sense to me as when I let things build up I often feel overwhelmed and I feel my anxiety elevating. And I just don't know where to start . I'm making small steps in the right direction but you're motivating me to continue on my journey!

[@busyboy7635]

Dawn, you deserve all the subscribers and sales you get, you have worked so hard and truly live what you preach. That is a rarity on it's own. Thanks for all you do.

[@TheMinimalMom]

You are so kind, thank you so much!!!

[@1440yoohoo]

The visual of your son putting the game away is so powerful. How many of us have been frustrated with our family because they don’t help keep things tidy? Making it easy for them (and ourselves!) is key.

[@anitas5817]

Great video Dawn. I’m not wired that way either. I am over 60 and have struggled with a messy house most of my life. And the things that made the difference to now having a neat house all the time are 1) yes letting go of stuff, also 2) always putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher immediately after use, running it every night and putting them away every morning, and 3) always hanging up our clothes and keeping everything put away in the bathroom. I think it takes both having less stuff and developing daily habits. You absolutely have to have a place to put things.

[@cookfamily6141]

Definitely NOT a naturally tidy person, but thanks to you and Cass from “clutterbug”, Callie from “butfirstcoffee” and Steph from ”thesecretslob” I am on the road to being tidy 🎉🌻

[@sandraregister5907]

I have always not had a lot of money, so I bought lots of things from garage sales. Wish I would have realized sooner that we don't need so many things, toys, etc. and that relaxation time is so priceless. I was constantly spending time moving things around and reorganizing when I could have been relaxed. Love your helpful videos!

[@myrtlebeachsara]

Between you and clutterbug, my home has never looked better. Knowing my organizational style and finally giving up the clutter, especially the for the future clutter; has been so life changing. Now it takes like 5 minutes to tidy my whole downstairs! This used to take hours! Thank you 😊😍☺️

[@HomeFrugalicious]

Sara that is great Tidying up is a big goal for me as well!

[@myrtlebeachsara]

@@HomeFrugalicious you can do it! We've been working on having Jess and a clean organized home for like two years. This past few months I've felt the biggest difference! You can do it too ☺️

[@HomeFrugalicious]

Sara thank you so much for the words of encouragement! My plan is to take one closet at the time and really declutter. I have been homeschooling my kids for the past two years because of the lockdown, so things got out of control. This channel is so helpful she is so nice, motivating and non-judgmental! Happy holidays ❣

[@myrtlebeachsara]

@@HomeFrugalicious you got this! It's been crazy here as well, you can do it, one area at a time 😁

[@cindytaylor698]

I’m a natural born organizer. I have always been able to manage our inventory, whether it was large or small, even with three kids and a full time job. But as I neared retirement age and my in laws and parents aged and needed more daily help it became overwhelming. When they passed away my husband and I had to clean out homes and all their “stuff” became our huge burden. It was physically and emotionally exhausting. It really brought me to an awareness that I wanted to downsize all this “stuff” so my own children would not suffer with the HUGE burden we did. My husband has a man cave that is filled to the brim with his projects. He is not onboard the decluttering train with me, but with the exception of his home office, I have gotten rid of mountains and mountains of things. It feels great to know that our kids won’t have to rent a gigantic dumpster and empty it FIVE times (YES 5 times!!!!! as we did at my parent’s home) to get rid of junk from our home.

[@Lisa568POD]

Thanks, Dawn. That struck a chord with me! I'm hard wired to the "just in case" philosophy. This, when examined, is not logical! I recently needed to quickly find some first aid supplies in my closet (where I also keep my cold meds, extra toothbrushes, soaps etc., etc...) I could not locate ANYTHING due to the piles of "just in case's"!! Thanks for helping me see this. Hugs!

[@joejohnston3]

I have to say - this was the best decluttering/organizing/cleaning/etc. video that I've ever seen. It gets to the heart of things, which is often that people who are good at something often don't know the real reason WHY they're good at it - to wit, that it's not the minute-by-minute habits, but the fact of a drastically lowered inventory that is allowing a tidy home. Also, I love your phrase - "go further than you thought" - I have found this to be totally true. Thank you! Diana

[@krisd_b]

Good perspective on both sides! I’m naturally tidy but I don’t ever want to make less tidy people feel bad. We all need grace for each other because we are all so different.

[@Leesborough99999]

I am a naturally tidy person. I realize that as far back as I can remember, I didn't like clutter. In my own bedroom, things were picked up and put out of sight. Now, so many years later, listening to many people share their ideas about minimalism, it's easy for me to jump on board! For me, the secret to living a tidy life is discipline! It has to be something that you do on an ongoing basis so that it becomes a natural thing. For me, whenever I have to walk down the hall, I take something with me that needs to be put away. I call it, "no empty back hauling." The terminology comes from trucking. Trucks make deliveries, and the most cost effective business model is for them to bring a load back with them as they are returning back to their point of origination. So, if I need to get something down the hall, I take something with me to return it to its rightful place, and then on my way back, I bring the item back with me that I was originally retrieving.

[@mianeculcea6789]

I was not, I became a tidy person after watching your videos. I always felt overwhelmed, having too much stuff, I just didn't knew how to start becoming minimalist. So today I will have another "decluttering session", where I get rid of those last few things I was holding on. I am really happy with my home now, it's really minimalistic. Love it

[@mickij3]

As a naturally NOT tidy person, coming across yours, Dana's, and Cas' channels have been life-changing. I had been looking for ways to better "organize" my home and driving myself crazy for never being able to keep my home clean and tidy, not realizing I simply had TOO MUCH STUFF. Then as if the light shone from above, DECLUTTERING and MINIMIZING my stuff, wow, it's like I see all my things in a whole new way! From simple things like buying a drawer organizer at the dollar store to clear out our junk drawer, to literally spending days decluttering and throwing out multiple garbage bags of years worth of stuff, I feel forever changed. My daily tidy has been a breeze and I almost even look forward to it, ALMOST LOL. I love your tip of "if it takes a minute to do it, then just do it" Thank you so much for all your tips!!

[@nadinewilliams6501]

How do you know you’ve watched too many Minimal Mom videos? When there’s something about a certain color blue that you are drawn to and love so much that you decide to get it for your mani-pedi and then realize it’s the color of Dawn’s kitchen cabinets! 🤣

[@UnKnown-wc7ko]

🤣🤣🤣

[@sweetlady6059]

🤣haha love your comment!!

[@kathieturner5105]

🤣

[@orlala]

Oh blimey yes me too 😄

[@maeb7723]

Dawn, I used to be a "messy person", then I developed some good tidying habits, which did help a lot. But it was just not enough. And I was super frustrated that it seemed no matter how hard I worked and tidied, our house was never where I wanted it to be. Until I found your channel. You have transformed my life and the life of my family! And we're still simplifying... 😊

[@vivaciousom5347]

Do you have some favorite tips?

[@conniesoares157]

I was not a tidy person until I started watching your videos on decluttering. On the weekend I realized I decluttered my salad spinner. But also realized I rarely used it and could dry my home grown salad on a dish towel! Your videos have changed my life! When I made my Christmas treats it was awesome because as I finished each one I hand washed them then they were ready to be used for the next recipe (in past years the dishes would have been piled in the sink and more taken out of the cupboard and would have left the mess to cleanup later! So thank you Dawn!

[@susandermond9254]

Throw the leaves in a clean pillow case and shake it around...works great. I keep one in dish towel drawer.

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Oh that salad spinner! Takes up so much space and mostly use paper towels to dry. That is the only thing that I use the paper towels for! Thanks for the reminder...on the way out!

[@chandraharper9951]

I am a naturally tidy person. I learned the skill of “putting stuff away as you go” from my parents who are also very tidy people. In the last 6 months I have minimized a lot of my belongings, probably getting rid of 70% of my items and that made a huge difference. Now I know every object in my house and I have a specific place for all of them. I also do a nightly reset before bed, so everything is picked up and I think it’s easier to relax knowing there is no mess waiting for me the next day.

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Nightly resets make a world of difference for me as I approach the busyness of the next day.

[@happilyeveryarambulo]

I love this! My parents are very neat and clean, and I also learned that from them, but they had (and still do) so much stuff that my mom spent (and still does) all day cleaning. I'm hoping that by not having much, I can teach my kids that it's easy to pick up and clean. I'm doing well so far, but I don't have teenagers yet, so I can't say for sure, but your comment really gives me hope to continue what I'm doing. Thank you!

[@brookekay5708]

I've been prepping to sell my house and move, in extremely short notice and every day I am so relieved that I have spent so much of this 2021 year watching your videos and decluttering and simplifying. My husband regrets not doing the same to his stuff sooner. Our house looks amazing and the realtor said I will make significantly more money than a hoarder down the street with the same house because it looks and feels so good. It's not decorated much, just clean and so minimal. Thank you for all you do!

[@emmageisel8983]

I have been devouring your content since I found your channel about a year ago. Thank you so very much. …I think it’s important for us to recognize that love and fear are probably some of our strongest compellers. And they can look different on different people. For example, I’ve been a messy cluttered person most of my life (drastically changing now!), always keeping things “just in case” or because maybe it’s still usable. But my sister has always been a tidy, put together kind of person. For both of us, fear played a role. For me, I was afraid of not having what I needed or afraid of wasting things. For her, she was afraid of not being able to maintain of manage life around her. Both of us were afraid of not having control. Both the messy hoarding lifestyle, and the minimalist organized lifestyle can be a coping mechanism. Both can be driven by fear. Which is incredibly stressful. But if we can learn to press into Jesus and wait on Him to heal our hearts from the deeper reasons we’re afraid, then we can learn to let go of our faulty coping mechanism (because those won’t work forever), and re-learn how to move forward from a place of love for ourselves and others with PEACE as we keep things and declutter things.

[@simonanardi4312]

The fear of losing control is also what makes, say, tidy and untidy people fight, e.g. at the workplace or at home! 😱 The courage to create inside ourselves a little space of peace and letting go might be a first step…? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Lots of love and selflove to everyone here!💗

[@UpstateGrammy]

We have different seasons in our lives. When I was a working mom, I found it very hard to keep my home tidy. Now that I am retired, I spend far more time at home, and it has become important to me to have my home be tidy. My best tidying tip is that no chore is complete until all the materials I have used are put back where they belong.

[@bethanndillon4238]

I’ve never been Tidy! I frustrated my mother SO much! 😂 I am so glad to have found you and to learn how to dig in and declutter my life. Giving God praises for your talent in teaching and leading us into minimalism!

[@mangedelaviande]

Naturally tidy, however as a Cricket, I have a tendency to create piles, until the perfect system is in place. This is how Cas’s brilliant philosophy guided me away from perfection and towards the mindset of “good for right now.” And your idea of reducing inventory is gold. I knew I needed to declutter but thinking of my stuff in terms of managing inventory has been a game changer!

[@karolinamcg1435]

So I was scared to watch this video because I've been offended many times by "tidy" ppl who just dont get it. Yet I really appreciated this video. I've been watching your videos since the Pandemic started. I've been very encouraged and am very grateful for you.

[@lauriehancock3974]

since I found your channel, I'm training myself to become a tidy person. I've learned I had not developed the habit of putting things back when I used them, but also discovered it was hard to put stuff away because I had too much stuff and all the stuff didnt hv a home! Thanks for your ministry.

[@nightowl8548]

I've gotten rid of so much clutter and stuff since I started watching you in May, and our hours stays tidy now. I finally realized that the peace less stuff brings to our lives is far more valuable than the stuff itself! And we gained so much extra time in our week because we spend very little time keeping the house and laundry up. That was the most suprising part for me. Can't wait for your book to come! Ordered it as a gift!

[@harbourcolour]

You have a really good way of explaining the benefits of decluttering. I have never thought of myself as naturally tidy, but I totally get the concept of less stuff = easier to stay tidy. I think one of the secrets of letting go of things is to donate them to people that need them. It makes it much more purposeful. Thanks for all of your videos!

[@stewartnelson5381]

Hi Laurie how are you doing?

[@aimtok]

I grew up with two grandmas and a mother that were tidy. It even goes back to my great grandmother! I knew no other way. Now that I’m a mom this channel has really helped me to understand about low inventory. I knew my family didn’t keep stuff but didn’t understand until I was older.

[@lauriemcnaughton5916]

I don't think it was so much that older generations didn't 'keep' stuff as there wasn't as much stuff to have! In today's world, people shop more, there are so many more products to buy, there is constant advertising telling us how much we need all of these extra products. I think being tidy would be much easier if we could get our "shopping habits" under control.

[@Justadbmum]

As a typical “Type A” (Clutterbug Cricket) I can tell you, you’re 100% correct on this. I would rather let something go or not have it for the sake of managing it as inventory in my home. All that said, your videos still help me when I have those moments of holding onto sentimental items, so thank you for that ❤️

[@thibodeaux99]

When I started thinking of my stuff as inventory, my whole thought process shifted. I am not a minimalist but I have purged a ton of stuff. The items that I have kept mean something to me. Doesn’t mean that I am finished purging but it is a process.. I am much happier now and I thank you, Dawn and your videos for the progress I have made. It is a journey.

[@andreamiller6200]

This has so many facets to it! It is hard for me to decide where I fit because I have my mother's example to contrast against. My mother was naturally tidy long before it became an aspiration. In fact, our family friends used to kid her because her favorite decor was stark white everywhere and we used to laugh that we lived in a hospital. By contrast, I became a collector - I developed passions and just HAD TO HAVE IT ALL, where my mom would have chucked stuff that did not fit her margins for what a serene environment amounted to. But, curiously, she may have been tidy but was secretly messy in that the stuff in her fridge tended to have smears on it and her hands were often wet with something she may have been cooking, and I was the utter opposite, super fastidious and almost a clean freak - yet not tidy! I was able to live in mountains of inventory that was really clutter as long as it was free of crumbs or dust or dirt, and to this day I am the opposite of a kitchen wizard because I hate to have anything on my hands! But as I get older I find my tie to inventory has begun to loosen. I just want less and less and less stuff around me all the time - I have begun to know what ENOUGH feels like and this shows up in small pockets - in a great system for always knowing where my keys and stethoscope are, in keeping our bedroom very neat (even though our desks are in a jumble), to finally placing a livable limit on how many pairs of shoes I keep, or how many shirts I keep. And we just moved to a new building where I work and I am finding that I want to continue that "new car smell" of a brand new office and refrain from bringing stuff in that I would have to manage or keep clean, so my work desk is neat as a pin and I am amazed at myself. When my mom died in 2010, I took charge of her possessions, of which there truly were few, and I was ultimately able to donate the bulk of them and to save some truly special mementos and felt the whole time a sense of deep gratitude that she had lived so light and did not create a burden. It is like she passed that lightness to me and maybe that is why as I age, I am becoming more like her, except that I have color around me. Just so many fewer things than I used to surround myself with when younger, and my heart can really soar these days!

[@amandadingess8876]

I am NOT a naturally tidy person. It takes a lot of conscious effort for me to not just put stuff down, but to put it away. I've been on my minimalism journey for a little over a year now, and just recently my husband and I have started to move forward with foster care certification (inspired a lot by you and Tom). Up until recently I'd been feeling pretty proud of the progress I'd made on my minimalism journey. However, I've been amazed over the last week or so as I've been going through the room that had been serving as our office/hobby room for the last few years, prepping it to become a functional bedroom. There was a ton of stuff lurking in the shadows of my office closets that I had been holding onto for "someday." Definitely time to let go. I'm watching and rewatching a bunch of your videos to help myself get motivated to purge as much as possible so we can have the room we need for the kids who need us. Thanks for being an inspiration! :)

[@maryhattrick4801]

lol Watching you're videos I've come to realize a lot of my 'problem' is my inventory is huge! And that overwhelms me. I don't let anyone in my home, and that needs to change. Thank you for the reminders that I'm not alone, and that being untidy is not a forever thing. I can do this.

[@aliciaestrada4082]

I’m a pretty tidy person, but it also helps that I have a big home with lots of storage space. I have a weekly “to do “ list, and this really helps me stay organized. I also try to only watch KZbin, while I’m cleaning, this way, I’m getting stuff done, and not just wasting time on the net. Watching your videos is also super motivating, thank you😳

[@flourishforlife1435]

Thank you, Dawn, for helping me declutter my home and introducing me to Cass and Dana. You guys are so fun!!! I feel like my homemaking journey began when a life coaching friend told me some people LIKE to clean their houses. I realized I could change the way I looked at my house. Then, I found out that the people who keep their houses reasonably clean for the least amount of effort are actually the ones who don’t want their homes to be streamlined, organized or otherwise oriented towards a strategic goal. They are the people who clean because they want their homes to be “pretty!” That blew my mind and gave me permission to think of my life as a form of self-indulgence and self-care instead of strictly for service to others. It set me free! Now, thanks to YOU (because you were the third and final piece to that puzzle), we never have to tidy before company comes or someone stays for the weekend. THIS IS SO FUN! Thank you, Dawn, for opening up a realm of happiness in my life that I never knew existed. I know we’re friends... but you are a Godsend to me, and I love you. God bless you! XOXOXOX

[@kaleenasowell9140]

I've been on the Dawn train for over a year now. I was always a mess and creatively proud of it. I think I was just shocked at how far I had to go decluttering to get to a place that makes me feel tidy (ish). It's life changing though!!

[@catherinemcgill3004]

I have been working on decluttering for the past year. It’s been a slow steady process. It’s worth it! My house is pretty big and there have been distractions, but it’s getting to the point where cleaning and tidying is easier and it’s getting under control. My mindset about stuff is changing. I now see stuff I’m not using as getting in my way. I do chores on Saturday morning (bathroom and kitchen at least), so I can enjoy the clean house during the weekend and people can drop by. Habits I acquired include cleaning up the kitchen every night, no exceptions. I have started running the dishwasher if half full or more every night. Pots washed, garbage out… It’s such a pleasure to start the day with a tidy kitchen! I save up the extras for Saturday morning chores but I’ve come a long way! Thanks Dawn!

[@super_ted_7371]

I've always been a tidy person, even as a child and you are spot on... I have very low inventory and have never had a problem getting rid of stuff .. Great video 👌 and merry Christmas 🎅

[@safepethaven]

I grew up with all those tidy habits and concepts but my mom told me very early on in childhood: "Never leave a room emort-handed." That is, wherever you are, there is always something you can pick up from where you are, and take with you when you leave, even to the next room, to either put away, throw away, put like with like, or take it to its next function [such as a soiled garment or towel to the laundry]. That then dovetailed into the "everything in its place" habit and work once, more effeciently, not having to double-back to do that same task later. Our very small/compact houses or apartments were fully stocked for our basic and true emergency needs but no big overstock -- also because everything got repurposed at the end of its initial life, so extra inventory only created itself -- when needed. Our residences were always comfortably stocked but never cluttered; everything not in current active use was promptly and fully put away for next session. Simplicity paired with CONSISTENCY was how my childhood home functioned well, and how I chose to have my own home function. Otherwise I would never have been able to accomplish so much over the decades. I learned very early on that learning and productivity cannot occur in chaos, so it is how I vhose to organize and operate my house, classrooms, and office.

[@urbanhomesteadingchannel1813]

Dawn, I have been following you for several months. I've started going through a very rigorous declutter. The mental benefit of not having to manage piles of inventory has been amazing. But I've found out the hard way how much easier it is to manage. 3 weeks ago I broke my humerus bone. It's too far up on my arm to cast so the recovery has been excruciating. Thanks to decluttering and managing to keep things tidier I'm able to maintain most of my chores. I hit a snafu every once in a while but otherwise unless it's on the floor I don't do half bad. I say gravity is not my friend as it drags on the break so nothing on the floor gets picked up unless my amazing hubs is home to pick it up. Thank you for allowing God to use you to encourage me to get my house in order ❤

[@breannaneville4332]

As a naturally tidy person, for me I never really thought that much into it even as a kid because I couldn't really explain it but I just automatically decluttered my room on a regular basis. I don't know if it has anything to do with also having anxiety disorders but I just always felt from a young age that I didn't want or need anything in my room then I wasn't using or that didn't add value to me. It really for me was always just something I naturally did and never even thought about it. But I've always also had a mindset of "less is more" and in a way I used to envy women who could put together super cute outfits with all these accessories or fill a room with a bunch of cute decorations and make it look super adorable but that's something I just never had in me. Even when I try my best I just don't have that "creative" type of style where I can envision what things would look super good together, etc. So maybe we both kind of want something from each other in the end 🤣

[@suzy1676]

I ALWAYS appreciate your perspective especially on INVENTORY! That shift has really lessened "The Overwhelm" ! Thank you

[@mdiaz8298]

I’m coming up on almost a year since I found you. Your channel has helped me more that any other resources combined- and I’ve tried them all! I’ve paid for courses, I’ve read books, followed the “famous” minimalist people, but none of them could talk me through purging like you did. We have a family of 10, (8 kids) and because of you we have very little inventory. We are still working daily on maintenance, but we have purged 80% of our belongings. People are always so impressed that we have so little clutter and I love pointing them to your channel. I recommend you highly everywhere I go! Thank you for giving this mama her life back! ❤️

[@Clutterbug]

Amazing video! I am inspired to do another big declutter!

[@katshomekorner9194]

Same here. I had done a huge (though incomplete) declutter years ago, but it's building back up. I need to tackle it again.

[@ladyteka2430]

Same here. I’m glad I ran across her video today!

[@samanthabarron8481]

There really is a “wiring” difference and it’s evident with people who live with ADHD where it’s nearly impossible. I feel that your techniques are more ADHD friendly and I appreciate that. I feel that even if you don’t have the wiring you clearly understand the tendency to get distracted, overwhelmed, and unmotivated which defines ADHD life.

[@knittinko]

I’m not naturally tidy because it is so much less work to deal with the clutter. But we learned the hard way last year that it’s much more difficult to declutter 6 years of neglected stuff in a short time to prepare for a move. So that pain is the energy that drives me to get things out when it’s not being used. Thanks for the video!

[@ranfam99]

We are dealing with 16+ yeas of stuff as we prepare to move! I feel you! When I have the time and energy, I can get through a lot of it. And I've learned to stop beating myself up when I have very little time/energy to deal with it. It will eventually get done. The stuff didn't all appear overnight, and it certainly isn't going away overnight either!

[@jengorospe4955]

Hey Dawn! Great video! I’m not naturally tidy…I don’t think. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to be but couldn’t figure out WHY I couldn’t keep my house clean and why it always felt so chaotic. I feel so stupid because the answer was so simple…TOO MUCH STUFF. We’ve taken 8-9 pickup truck loads of things out of our house over the past year. It’s never felt so good and I feel like a new person. Mind blown. It was that simple.

[@angelasignor2298]

I think alot of the time the "what if I need this later" comes from a place insecurity. Not knowing if it can be easily replaced should you need it down the road. It really is a battle to convince yourself that its not an essential item and that even if you can't go out and replace it right away that you will make due with what you have and that you'll be alright. Its like the older "great depression" mindset that my gram used to have. It took alot to get it. a lot of work and struggle. why just get rid of a perfectly good item.

[@debbielee93]

I have to agree with the uncertainty of our day. I am trying to strive to find a balance between the two. Now if I could figure out where the ideal place is to keep things such as first aid/ medical/ etc I mean I have some in kitchen and some in closet. My bathroom is tiny with little storage. And where do people keep blankets and quilts?

[@windyacresky]

@@debbielee93 In the summer, you can keep blankets and quilts under the mattress of the bed they go on. Pull them out in the winter. You can do this with extra sheets too.

[@forgivemeiForgiveU]

I literally got chills when she was describing why the benefits of less inventory is important. I felt like she was looking in my house!

[@birchandmorley]

I was raised in a messy home. My parents were from the depression era, and it was always hard for my mom to get rid of stuff, as both parents knew what it was to be in need. I wish I was a tidy person, and have made strides to get there, and will continue to focus on getting rid of something I have not used in the last 6-12 months. My mom is 88 and I certainly dread when the time comes to get rid of her stuff, as she has 3 sheds, plus her house.

[@vivianhudacek1556]

SPOT ON! Thank you! One of the things an earlier video helped me with was giving myself permission to say that something just didn’t work out. It’s not the end of the world. Tried it; it didn’t work. Move on. Biggest help to me is DO IT NOW-as in finishing a task-whether that means putting away laundry, taking an object to another room, dealing with mail. And I love Dana K. White’s mantra of “Better!”

[@JulieLynn89]

Also! I’ve been decluttering our home for the last couple weeks. My husband thinks I’m crazy for putting half of our dishes away! 😂😂 just trying to reduce inventory, honey! 🤷🏻‍♀️😆

[@suestewart546]

I've always been naturally tidy but when I found you 2 years ago I was not minimal at all. Keeping my house tidy was just so much work all the time. Now I've downsized twice in 3 years and I feel great, like a great load has been lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do in encouraging us all towards the simpler life. God bless and Merry Christmas.

[@Mrs.Silversmith]

YESSS! I am a naturally tidy person and when I go into a messy house, it isn't the mess that shocks me, it's the sheer amount of stuff in any given room that I find surprising. My thought is always "Why do you have sooo much stuff?!"

[@nancybonarowski5427]

I have heard some say that the state of your home reflects the state of your mind. I think in many ways that is true. I found that especially now during the pandemic, I have been struggling with down days and getting lazier so the less I do, the less I want to do. Add that to the fact that since people are not coming over like before, it is easy to slip into that mindset that you don’t need to tidy right now. I have been aiming for going back to my “hour of power” and trying to tackle things in that daily one hour time. Many days, once I get into it, I do keep going and make progress. It is going to be a long winter and I want to put that time to good use and get my house back to picked up and calm. I plan to greet Spring in a much better surrounding and mindset!

[@stacyfausett5436]

Naturally tidy especially once I learned good routines. I have six kids and I struggled with all or nothing in the early years. I agree no side is wrong. But I have been judged and shamed MANY TIMES for being a born organizer/tidy person!

[@loratravis8437]

Thought I was the only one who had been derided and shamed for being tidy or organized. I would never dream of making fun of someone who struggles with the opposite problem.