73 Oddly Specific Items to Declutter Today!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Helix for sponsoring! Visit helixsleep.com/minimalmom to get 20% off your Helix Kids Mattress, plus two free pillows! And thank YOU for watching!!! I hope you have a great day! - Dawn

[@alysiachristensen5475]

Do you have an episode for moving into a new RV that you plan to live in full time?

[@imaamericangirl1406]

@@alysiachristensen5475b yt😂😮🎉😮🎉🎉a🎉a

[@cindygarrison6338]

Wait. Two free pillows? Do I really need them? LOL

[@mimiseeyou]

Got a link for this lip color? 😍 Also thumbing thru your mattress link. My littles is ready to have his own bed but I’ve been concerned about toxic materials so thanks!

[@mimiseeyou]

@@lindaelhady Then pass and go on. You should change out your kids mattresses every few years and as they grow. We have children to provide for. If that doesn’t pertain to you, or your kids are unfortunate enough you don’t care, then don’t stop to spread your negativity.

[@jacquelineblackburn4668]

I doubt you'll see this but I just want to thank you. I'm 62 and my husband and Mom passed away 10 years ago. Since then my house has gotten completely out of control. I've been watching your channel for about a week and have cleaned out two junk drawers and donated 4 huge garbage bags of clothes. It's the top of the iceberg and daunting but I won't stop. I just appreciate all you've done for me ❤️

[@Maggies87]

Jacqueline, your recent progress is a big deal; many of us can relate to getting stuck, for years, even. Give yourself a big smile. Well done.

[@sunflowerbrown5823]

That is amazing! I know from experience that the very first steps are the hardest. But just look at what you've accomplished! If you get tired, try doing a small job like a drawer or things hanging on a peg rack. It will help you to feel so successful to look back on what you've done and spur you on! Best wishes to you!

[@howdyyall3225]

SAME HERE- I'm 72 and after years of procrastinating, after watching just a few of her videos, she gave me the inspiration and "know how" to get started! Even after spending 3 weeks down in my back, I've accomplished a lot for me. It is exactly like she says, the more you do, the more you want to do. It IS gratifying and FREEING and oh so satisfying. Clutter does weigh us down! I've cleaned out the tupperware, the medicine cabinets, paperwork in my office, excess pots and pans, cookbooks, and some clothes (that's difficult for me). I keep a large garbage bag tagged for Goodwill and just add things as I come across them. I also have a large bin tagged for my son and his family and add to it almost daily. I tell them if they don't want it, donate it - just don't bring it back to me! Keep going! The more you do the easier it becomes and the more you want to do. Good luck!!!

[@lindashipley5293]

​@@howdyyall3225k

[@lindashipley5293]

Me too. 72 and all you said!!!!!❣️🙏🎶🌻🦒

[@MikeyDonna]

My church had a ladies luncheon and I was blessed to have my name drawn for a door prize. It was a nice basket filled with a candle, a tea towel, pretty soap, lotion, etc. when I got home I immediately emptied the basket, used it to replace a plastic shoebox that I kept my houseplant care supplies in under my sink and took the contents of the basket to a neighbor who was hosting a ladies card game and gave everything to them. They were thrilled and I didn’t add more “stuff” to my minimalist home. I was able to share my blessing with others quickly before I reconsidered to keep some of them. Donna

[@pamelaq6185]

Smart!

[@embr4065]

I did something very similar a few days ago. I met a friend for dinner that I had not seen in a while. She brought me a scented candle. I thanked her profusely, but immediately put it in my donation box when I got home. It sounds harsh, but I love my friend to death and am extremely thankful she thought of me to bring me a gift. But that in itself is not a good reason to hang on to things you will never use.

[@SRose-vp6ew]

Every gift I’ve ever received I’ve held onto until it broke. I actually found it so stressful I started telling people gifts for my home actually make me stressful and instead encouraged consumables I will use. I just tell people how much I love creative foods, chocolates, coffees to try and how my kids love things like art supplies, make your own Christmas ornaments, specific legos, play dough, chalk. And we do love it. My sister-in-law now buys me different pasta sauces and pastas to try and my mother in law who used to buy me wind chimes I hated but put up, now gets me coffee cards and fancy chocolates, and I just love it and use it even if it can take a few months to get to. Thankfully these things lasts over a year. I also do burn candles but I let people know the only scents/brand I like so I can truly get excited when people speak my love language which is “remembrance.” I tell people it means so much to me when they remember my favorite brands, that’s not a lie, it truly makes me feel loved. 💕 i’ve probably spent thousands of dollars over the years buying people gifts that people didn’t keep, my husband and I realized it’s better to buy gift cards. US gift culture is out of control. I want to celebrate Jesus at Christmas, not fight crowds at Bath and body Works to buy over priced lotions I do know have a 60% chance of being good willed or barely used and tossed 😩

[@SRose-vp6ew]

95% 😭

[@kjbhjvghcfcvjhkljhgzfkd]

😂 Great. I'm not the only person who does that. Once my lovely colleague gave me a present for Christmas. It was a candle, a package of tea and a jar of selfmade marmalade. I never use candles, I don't drink tea and don't eat marmalade. I really appreciate that she gave me a present. That's so cute. But I gave all of this straight to my sister in law. She loves tea and candles and marmelade.

[@TerriHarper-j8m]

OLD bath towels and bedsheets can be donated to your local animal shelters or dog groomer businesses. They appreciate the towels especially!😊

[@lovetolaugh1453]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I never even thought of that. You’ve given my old towels and sheets new purpose. I don’t own a pet, but I’m happy to do my party to help fur babies have a quality life. I don’t need to save another “cleaning rags” for the foreseeable future. 🤗

[@AshleyBromiley]

I second this. I do cat TNR and am always in need of towels and blankets to cover the traps

[@AshleyBromiley]

I'd like to add newspaper to this as well. We use them to line the inside of the traps. Any shelter or rescue that does TNR will probably love to have these!

[@barbaramorck2933]

And your veterinarian -- I noticed it sign at mine. And they sent my cat home from surgery with one -- which I will give back after laundry.

[@durgan5668]

Have a local vet's office that uses them too. I'd prefer they go to a shelter, but they never get back with me about donations, so, out of my house is the focus, so the vet gets them. Really nice people.

[@MrMonet111]

Thank you for your encouragement. As a new widow, I’ve been reorganizing and decluttering. My husband had a long illness so nothing was done in our home for more than 4 years. Today, I sat in our bedroom and saw the carpet was vacuumed, the furniture dusted and clean sheets were on the bed. It’s one day at a time. Some better than others. But we can keep learning and striving.😊

[@daisybuchanan5378]

I’m sorry for your loss - I’m happy that your neat environment is comforting. You deserve peaceful surroundings.

[@stacytompkins9274]

Keep it up. Life is about the highs, AND the lows. You can do this.

[@amcorazon698]

I send you a big hug❤

[@Orion_resin_decor]

Sorry for your loss.

[@debbiecreter2005]

I’m sorry for your loss. Yes, one day at a time always is how I’m trying to live. God bless you!

[@nicolej.ribeiro7126]

Those hotel toiletries, sample products and dental kits are EXTREMELY useful for women's/homeless shelters. We keep a small box in our house specifically for those donations. Rather than trying to analyze which free things we'll use, we find peace in knowing we are directing those things to people who really need it.

[@sandrab.3538]

Also, when I worked in housekeeping as one of my first jobs, replacing the shampoo and lotion samples was one of the biggest expenses for the hotel line. We actually refilled them. Leave them in the bathrooms!

[@jenrod1989]

I do that as well. I also save the toothbrushes and mini toothpastes I get at the Dentist for either homeless shelters or to add to our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

[@nancyfirth8355]

I take the toothbrush and paste I get at the dentist to a school guidance counselor they give them to the children that need them

[@SusieQ450]

Why did you get a new curling iron if the older one still worked?

[@margarine4error46]

​@@sandrab.3538Refilled them? What if the previous client using the shampoo had head lice?

[@turquoisewitch.wild-owl]

I don't know, Dawn. About towels, I feel that the older they are, the more absorbent they are. I love the feel of the old ones much more than a new one that has to be broken in. For me, it's when they become very threadbare that I say, "goodbye" to them. Thank you for all you do, BTW!

[@jrandall2375]

2023 was my year to declutter my body. Down 77 pounds. 20 more to go, but I’m on a roll. So it will be a success. 2024 will be my year to declutter my home. I’ve already started. With my closet. So many clothes and shoes that no longer fit! These type of videos are so great to listen to while decluttering. Thank you for your content.

[@susanlee8023]

Wow, look at you making huge progress! 🎉🎉🎉. Keep going! ❤❤❤

[@AMcDub0708]

How’s your journey going?

[@MsFoxy-bo4uc]

I have been decluttering with minimalism in mind for about 2 weeks now. My mental health has improved so much, I spend more time with my kids, and I am not so stressed. Everyone is happier. You and a couple other minimalist mom KZbinrs have changed our life so thank you.

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Yesss! This!

[@tammybrennan2040]

Less stress living clutter free 👍

[@francinegarcia86]

Trust me, it’s addictive! 👏🏻

[@goldcoastlady5377]

YES, Me too! Two weeks in, to decluttering 70 years of 'stuff'! Good luck with your decluttering. (My mental health seems a lot better also).

[@gabs190]

All that in 2 weeks! Phew! You’re doing amazing!!

[@charityholt7737]

Look thru the trampoline box. They give you extra springs because they get stretched out (accidentally) and need replacing.

[@angelarrivas]

More than likely they're spare parts not accessories. I wouldn't throw it out, at least donate it to Goodwill.

[@betholabecker3219]

I really don’t appreciate the waste in this decluttering. I use old Sox and clothes like paper towels.

[@bnikiz]

@@betholabecker3219that’s amazing and many of us wish we were less wasteful but reality is sometimes we have to protect our mental space and value that over some waste. The idea is to buy less and bring less into our homes bc we can see what we actually have and in turn will make us less wasteful than the average household

[@practicallyperfect2941]

@@betholabecker3219you’ve missed the point! Yes - you use the old socks for a purpose but many of us don’t so that’s who it’s aimed at when she says throw things out/donate instead of hanging on to them ‘just in case’! You do you and let others do what they need to do to uncluttered their houses and their minds!!

[@AnnaSinitsyna]

Came to the comments section for this comment. I was like, "Noooo, it has springs in there."

[@lauriepowell3959]

I always enjoy your shows. I am currently on a (end of life, downsizing, Swedish death cleaning) decluttering mission because at age 70 I know that my younger relatives don’t want a lot of my treasures! They have their own tastes for their own homes. I have decided to get info about auctions/buyers and start clearing out the rest for donations or dump. Just a note: middle and elementary school art programs want your old magazines and newspapers. Animal shelters will take used sheets and towels. And luckily my community has a shelter for homeless women and children and they gladly accept gently worn clothes and shoes, etc, for their resale shop and also for residents to get choose interview/work clothes. Thanks for continuing to amuse and inspire me. ❤👍👩🏻‍🎨

[@sarahloy2699]

I think we also have to be honest that a lot of those things don't creep in. They get in our house because we buy on impulse when we could actually keep using the one we have. Shopping with a list and sticking to it can avoid the extras.

[@heatherm2140]

Never seen such a clean pair of "old" garden shoes! 😂 1:07

[@suestewart546]

Proof that doing the hard things finally pays off: My husband said in a phone conversation with someone that we can't bring in a new appliance unless another one goes out. I've been doing this and saying this for 3 years and now it's part of our thinking patterns. Woohoo, thank you Dawn!!

[@momoffour2072]

For homeschooling materials, after my last child graduated, I sold a couple of things, but for the rest, I picked a weekend, and set everything out on tables on my porch. Books, supplies, the whole shebang. About a week prior, I posted a message on a private local homeschooling group online saying "here's the address,.come take whatever you can use." People were *so* grateful, and left several nice notes. Then I donated the leftovers.

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Wonderful!

[@lisastarling6944]

I saved one binder with a few of the kids schoolwork over the years. One binder combining all the years and all 3 kids. I was ruthless and could not believe I was able to do that. It was just for me to look back on. Of course, if and when they want it, they are welcome to their work (I'm pretty sure they are not interested). Fun to look back on and remember. As soon as the last one "graduated", I got rid of all the school books!

[@marykimble5214]

That was so kind of you!

[@kerrionalucas4363]

Your a hero ❤

[@KlingonPrincess]

I recently gave my mom's china and my grandma's silver plated flatware to a clerk at Walgreens. We fell into a conversation and it became apparent she'd love them. Rather than donate to the thrift store they went to someone who wanted to know the history. It was a win/win. I usually will donate anonymously to the thrift but feel good knowing those items are appreciated. Serendipity 😊

[@flynn1a]

I LOVE this story.

[@pinkroses135]

I'd rather have situations like that tbh than have to lug stuff to donate and not be sure if they're wanted

[@nancyrampmeyer8492]

I had things in the trunk of the car to drop off at our Goodwill, but they were closed. Then I went grocery shopping. I popped open the trunk and there it was. The first lady I saw coming towards me, I asked if she could use a heavy metal plant basket and a light metal basket....she did! Two things gone to someone who appreciates them! LOL!! She was the first and only person I asked! I felt wonderful!!

[@KlingonPrincess]

@@nancyrampmeyer8492 that's beautiful!

[@jenrod1989]

Love that story. My aunt asked if i wanted certain items from my Grandmother. I don't use formal items anymore. I told her to find someone in her church who would be blessed by the items. Maybe a new bride who likes to have a nice set of flatware or china.

[@lynnepickett4728]

My first grand baby is no longer using the boppy and bouncy seat. With joy shared them with another new grandma. Instead of storing them for next baby, sharing them! She was thrilled, and I’m relieved. Less is more!

[@alicehughey1719]

Animal shelters will usually take old towels. I try to be as responsible as possible when getting rid of things. But my overall goal is not decluttering to make room for new stuff but rather not getting so much stuff in the first place!

[@teresabradley]

This video reminds me I need to remove yet another layer of the onion. How does our house accumulate so much!? It is an ongoing process!

[@meghoughton562]

It's so true! And the more people in your household, the more that is (ongoinly) brought in.

[@h3arty]

🤣 I too have another layer of the onion! I thought I couldn't get rid of anymore, but wow is there more! It's such a fun and interesting process!

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

Yes. it's fun to get rid of junk. Lol

[@laurenelban6106]

Me too - next onion layer next week!🙌

[@pinkroses135]

Well if you spent 10-15 however many years not doing one in one out or doing minimalism and you've grown and changed (and still are) plus have any storage areas it'll take a minute lol

[@SassySue67]

Dawn, please find an animal shelter to donate old towels and wash cloths instead of adding them to the landfill. I take all my old ones to my dogs groomer. They love getting them and use the wash cloths on the tiny dogs.

[@candicesummers5427]

Good idea. As a side note, it does not take long for non-synthetic cloth to break down because the mildew eats away at it pretty quickly.

[@abundantlife8396]

SassySue67 I chuckled at the part where you said “ use the washcloths on the tiny dogs”. Cute!

[@shellyturner2766]

Regarding the memory box and first-hand sentimental... almost a year later, I'm still working through my parents' house and its 70 year accumulation. It's so frustrating to not have any idea why they kept certain items. I don't want to leave my kids with the same type of mess. I'm taking photos of my own sentimental/memory box items and using the information section to type out a brief note of what the item means to me.

[@28105wsking]

Dawn, don't throw the trampoline things away. Get a black marker and write on the box what it is and give it to the thrift shop! You are going into town anyway, so put it in your errand box for the next trip. Bless someone else! "Waste not, want not!"

[@mcsmoothie7052]

But then you are forcing yourself to deal with that junk. Her whole point was to get it out of her life as fast as possible so as to not have deal with it. That is why you simply toss it and let the trash collector deal with it. Who is going to be blessed by a box of junk that came with a trampoline anyway?

[@tawnygreene6230]

I agree send to a thrift store. It's really not that hard. As if our landfill aren't huge enough already. So sad.

[@dawnpayne4227]

I take these sample shampoos and body washes and I pour them into my hand soap dispensers and use them that way. Cheap and useful 😊

[@ewelinaskoczylas3301]

I did the same, additionally I'm re-using those little bottles. When I'm travelling I can pour there the cosmetics that I will be using. It saves me so much space and I'm doing that even when I travel by train or car.

[@lauhome6221]

I use them for travelling😅

[@PreferredMethods]

This is how I deal with all the gifted and second-hand cosmetics, if they smell good! If not, I use them in the laundry, or to clean the toilets!

[@mymai5859]

Great idea using them in hand soap dispenser. I have so many little bottles but kept forgetting to use them

[@dianasmith5303]

I am still nowhere near being a minimalist...but am trying to find a balance that works for my family. That being said I've probably gotten rid of 10 plus trahbags worth of stuff in the last few weeks! I'm excited for this video.

[@dillinghamfamilyfarm6457]

This is so helpful! I fully decluttered our home 3 years ago and it's so frustrating to see the inventory creep back up. I love all your great ideas to keep going on this minimalism journey - and it really is a journey, isn't it!? Thank you as always for all that you do- you have helped so many of us here live more peaceful lives. We love you too! 💞

[@jasonjodimoss8976]

I keep old photos behind new ones and we LOVE looking back everything a new photo goes in! I do this work kids school photos and they all have to go through their pile to get to the newest one! Photos don't get wrinkled and we enjoy them once a year!

[@hettiekenny5185]

Dawn, you’re a marvel. You keep saying basically the same things in fresh and friendly ways. You’re such a blessing! 🤯🎯

[@cinderellalands8030]

I just started my decluttering journey. Started by getting rid of 10x10 storage unit Completed on June 30 Now I’m working on decluttering 2 bedroom apartment. I’m feeling overwhelmed and stuck, but I continue to work at it on my days off from work I notice that I buy replacements and still keep the old items. Because of this pattern, most of the time I reach for the old item because I haven’t got rid of it yet I need to focus on getting rid of the old stuff, and remove tags from new stuff so that it’s ready for use Thank you for all your encouragement I really value you advice and will continue watching

[@katedefender]

congratulations on the start of your journey! don't feel bad if it takes a long time. watch Dawns videos! her method is the best I've seen. a lot of other KZbinrs are un-relatable or unpractical. take one small space at a time or one "thing" at a time (ie anything made of cloth, utensils, books). you don't need to tackle the entire house all at once. the feeling of creating empty bins is so incredible. it took me (family of 5) about 2 years to really get to a place that made sense. I am so, so happy for you that you no longer have a storage space! what a load off your mind. GOOD JOB!!!

[@tiffanybutler7942]

I loved the statement "I have enough throw pillows...right now". Girl, we know you!

[@TheMinimalMom]

I mean, until fall 😂

[@normabauman6509]

I keep a couple of the larger Amazon boxes around. Motivates me to fill them with donations!

[@lovemichelleann]

I need all the boxes. I'm a seller on ebay, etsy and poshmark

[@lrhudy93]

I use them for donation boxes, too!

[@jennifermarie8707]

Same. If I need more, I get them when I donate books to Friends of the Library

[@barbaramorck2933]

My go to is reusable shopping bags -- fill one & out it goes. Then I'm not dealing with cardboard.

[@cheryllovestoread]

I moved some of these items into a permanent home in my car. Things like my reusable grocery bags, sunglasses, and umbrella. I created spaces for them where they live and putting them away means stepping out to the driveway and putting them away in the car. Takes only 1 minute. I found myself forgetting them in the house and then buying them AGAIN & AGAIN. No more. I store them where I use them and haven’t bought a reusable grocery bag in months!

[@heatherdingman4843]

❤

[@waterfallpeace8057]

Our dentist office asks us if we want the small bag of travel size toothpaste, toothbrush & floss. If not, they donate to a local shelter. Great idea so we leave it there for them to donate. I enjoy your declutter videos.

[@lauramilton7046]

We use ours for vacations and then we can throw them out before we go home

[@llkg9]

​@@lauramilton7046 They're great for offering to surprise overnight guests too. Not that we have (or want 😂) too many of those.

[@corinneblackburn4043]

This has been so helpful!!! I re-listen to this video a lot and take notes. I've been decluttering for five years. I carried stuff, boxes, bins and furniture around for 40 years. I've found pay checks from my first job in 1976 making $1.65 per hour. I thought these bins were full papers that meant a lot to me. (By the way I've moved every 7 years over the course of 40 textures). So they have been with me for a very long time. Going through these papers didn't bring me joy of the memories that I thought they would. It actually made me sad due to how many people that I know and loved had passed away. Many of these papers reminded me of them. I let 95 percent of those papers in bins go. I believe since I started I've let maybe 65 percent go. As I learn more from you, Clutterbug, and a slob comes clean I'm able to look at items differently and let more go. I

[@courtneyfetterman5193]

Dawn I love you and your channel! You have helped me so much to discover the real benefits of minimalism. It seems like your video style has changed lately. It’s like you’re hosting a TV show whereas before it felt like chatting with a good friend. I miss that element. I think your methods and advice are always super helpful though no matter what!

[@janellem6658]

Dawn, I hope you know that your videos always bring joy, peace, and insight to my day. Your channel is a realistic way to approach minimalism as a family, and you are a great example of how to live this lifestyle in a way that is sustainable. Thank you for your content and will always be a supporter!

[@frantucker608]

Suggestion for those old towels and linens, your local emergency vet can always use these! It's easier to throw them out, but seriously, they''ll be grateful, just put them in the car and drop them off when you're going by there. It takes a minute and is hugely helpful.

[@Megan-nt7dm]

For the hotel stuff, i used to have to travel a ton for work (pre-pandemic) and I had a big stash if lotion, and after a sniff test to make sure the scents wouldnt be awful i combined them all in a mason jar with a pump lid. Its my favorite scented lotion, oddly enough, and Im going to be so sad when it runs out

[@TeresaS-q7x]

I would have opened the accessories to see if the kids would use any of them on the trampoline, something that has come with a trampoline was a hoop for basketball, very cool. I'm guessing nothing in the box needs to be kept anywhere but at the trampoline.

[@ninak8506]

So helpful! I watch your decluttering videos frequently because this is my difficult area. You nail all the reasons why we hold onto stuff. So thank you dawn for snapping me back into reality. 😊

[@pamelamaurer2076]

In my city you can donate all of those hotel small size shampoo etc to the local cot shelter. Just to keep in mind. I keep a bag of all that stuff and then donate all at ince

[@Conval-wi5eh]

The inherited stuff can be tricky! Thanks for adressing this, Dawn. One of my grandmothers died before I was even born. From the storys I've been told she must have been an amazing woman - kindhearted, loving, strong, calm and caring. When I moved out ten years ago my mother gave me inherited stuff from her: A plastic spaghetti strainer and three table cloths. The table cloth are tiny. They can barely cover a nightstand or one of these small square ikea tables. They don't cover a bigger coffee table. I have used them abut three times during the first years living on my own, but I haven't used them in years. A year ago I moved in with my partner and a few weeks ago we got some furniture and I could finally unpack the remaining boxes. I stumbled across those three table cloths and talked it through with my partner. That I have a hard time letting these go as they belonged to my grandmother. I came up with wild scenarios - We could use them as a pad for crafting when we have kids in the future! I sent a picture of the table cloths to my mother the next morning. It turned out: They didn't belong to my grandmother, they belonged to my aunt! I decluttered them immediately 😂 By the way, the spaghetti strainer serves us well. At first my partner wanted to declutter it because we have sieves that we use on a regular basis. However, the strainer is bigger and perfect for washing salad, so we still end up using it regularly. First I hid the spaghetti strainer because I wanted to keep it, and one time when my partner was cooking he needed a bigger strainer. I pulled it out from its hiding spot and he was excited that we own something like that and that he wished he had known sooner (he usually does the cooking in our home). Now it's used and loved and everytime I think of my beloved grandmother who I wish I could have met ❣

[@bossyprincess28]

My favorite thing I've done this week was use flat sheets I had, and my grandma had (both never used, we were just holding onto them), and I turned them into curtains! Repurposing items has been my calling recently. Also helping my grandma declutter little by little because she's 80 years old lol. Love her to pieces

[@anmm5637]

Dawn, thank you a lot!💐 I can't say how grateful I am!!! I came across your KZbin channel in January. I've been decluttering since then. I follow a lot of your minimalist tips. It has changed my life a lot. I have more time, courage, money for really important things now. I choose really interesting job projects now. I spend less time on chores and more on short trips with family. I spend less money on clothes and books. We organised a lovely birthday for my son at home with home-cooked meal. I understood that I had always had a kind of inner tendency to minimalism. But marketing,advert, thinking of other people's opinions stopped me🤭 Your new videos help us stay tuned!🤗

[@juliedavidson5596]

One of my favorite lines....say it with me clothes with tags still on. I love the conversation in the bathroom while still on the potty. Great reminders Dawn. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@bellaluce7088]

One of the things I love about your channel is the usual absence of any hint of "tough love." As someone with a difficult childhood where cleaning and organizing got tainted by recurring shaming, your gentle encouragement has been a godsend. While I love the idea of Sassy Dawn in principle (as in 24:52), I'd prefer it not be aimed at me. < : - ]

[@Medazzza]

Free Stuff: I donated 2 boxes of stuff to our thrift store and they thanked me by giving me some hand crafted candles - such a sweet gesture, but I really didn't want to take things home after dropping of my donation 😅🙃

[@cb9825]

Burn the candles😆they are meant to be gone in a few evenings, not to be kept for years!

[@beans4853]

Dunno why I read 'candies' and was so confused 😂😂😂 just eat them!

[@sarahmitchell821]

Sounds like a great regift 🔥

[@jennifermarie8707]

Lol!!

[@ellie448]

When I started I thought I would be done decluttering one day lmao 🤣 It’s like dieting or eating healthy. You can’t get to a goal weight then go back to old habits. Sill maintenance required. Lol

[@katedefender]

oh my gosh, isn't that the truth! it's actually nice to realize it takes maintenance, it got pretty depressing for a bit when I hadn't had that "a-ha" moment

[@sallysearles1736]

So pleased I started a ‘treasure box’ for each of our kids starting 29 years ago. They have all moved out into their own homes now and enjoy the fact I kept their special stuff 🩵

[@dvsdawl]

How did you decide what to put in there? My kids bring home some much stuff from school, it’s staggering. My son is 6 and I could have a full big tote filled already.

[@MarilynPhillips]

Love your practical suggestions! I am spending the summer letting go of at least 50% of our STUFF!!

[@susannovak8263]

As long as the trampoline accessories box does not contain the anchors or the protective netting, both of which should always be installed, I agree. Get rid of it.

[@mokachick]

Agree! But why not donate the accessories? Rather than throw them in the garbage?

[@serenaemary9573]

YES! I was screaming this to myself!!@@mokachick

[@fleabitz1474]

The box could indeed have contained important accessories. Yikes.

[@sharyn4271]

I myself, would have looked. 😊 But I’m hoping that possibly necessary hardware would not be labeled accessories.

[@ysterling5947]

For many of us, we knew cluttering was happening but weren't focused on fixing it because of the delivery from others. You make it simple and fun, and remind us of the benefits with so much grace. Thank you.

[@anine_za]

We have quite a few 'freecycling' groups in our neighborhood - love these as you can bless others with items you no longer need and a great sustainable alternative too

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

❤❤❤🎯🎯

[@suem6004]

Every vet clinic. Pet shelter can use old towels. We go through so many towels and bleaching rips what towels we have. Animals always need towels. Baths. Comfort. Illness. Whelping. Just a suggestion.

[@brookecarrillo3432]

Yes! I donated a TON of blankets to our shelter and they were so grateful. Towels will be next.

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

Sometimes i do not have the bandwidth to think about what charity so i throw out old towels.

[@rebekahostermann8539]

Hi Dawn, I have been watching your videos for about a year. Not only have I gained advice about decluttering, I have also enjoyed your company. You're so fun to listen to and I feel happier after watching one of your videos. My favorite is when you and your sister talk together. Thanks for everything you do!

[@KevinShockley-j5e]

Thank you so much for your videos, Dawn! I have been watching them for the past several months now. I have always been somewhat of a perfectionist about my home, especially when guests are coming over. My husband has been in ministry for several years. About a year ago, he was called to be one of the pastors at a church that is less than a mile from our house. We had been praying that the Lord would allow us to serve closer to the community in which we lived. Well, you can't get much closer than that! My desire is to get to the point where I will be comfortable welcoming anyone into our home at any given time. I feel I'm getting closer to that point everyday, and your videos have been so helpful to me. At least now if someone from our church family happens to stop by unexpectedly, I am not in complete panic mode. You are a blessing to me! And can I just say, your skin and hair look amazing in this video! I'm not sure if it's the lighting, or if you're doing something different, but you look amazing! You always look lovely, but even more so in this video.

[@servantwarrior880]

As a family of seven with five girls between the ages of 6 - 12 I have struggled with having our home "company ready" at all times so I never feel comfortable opening our home to people. I am a very hospitable person so I hate it and my husband doesn't feel like he can ever invite anyone over. One day.

[@janispope4295]

Dawn I think you would save your self from a lot of people trying to manage you on here (which I appreciate I am doing) by saying let go instead of trash! Really helpful beyond the basics video. Thanks

[@lucystrider728]

I realized I had several outfits for "just in case"I needed old clothes to do. messy things like paint or mow in-clothes I would not wear out in public. My closet was packed so I kept one old outfit to destroy with paint and got rid of all the rest. Now my closet has enough room again and I have enough hangers again. Also got rid of "project"clothes I thought I would repair, lengthen, etc that were a little pile on my shoes. Pile gone, shoes accessible again. I have enough clothes and none of the projects were actually favorite clothes I would miss. The projects were not actually getting done either. Dawn is great and opening our eyes to what is just making a mess and needs to go!

[@TGYtco]

So good, Dawn! I have been decluttering for years (and accumulating and decluttering again) but I still need these videos to remind me and motivate me. Thank you!

[@magpie3571]

I use old socks for cleaning rags. I put my hand inside and spray the sock. Black for a black surface so I don't get white lint on the black surface. And white for light surfaces. And if something is really yucky, you can just toss it then. However, since i hadn't yet learned the container concept, i now have a huge rag container. So using up and tossing some is beneficial. And the good ones i keep and reuse and store neatly.

[@daden82]

I know you don’t need the trampoline accessories but I have to admit that unopened box just made me so curious 😂

[@serenaemary9573]

Just open the dam box please!!!

[@carnation_cat]

Maybe someone else can tell us what's in a box of trampoline accessories!

[@cindywright2643]

Thrift it, someone might appreciate it

[@1206mariam]

Our trampoline came with colorful lights and a speaker

[@anagarcias4469]

Ours had a light to go under the trampoline and led lights for the sides, also a Bluetooth speaker that hangs on the outside. Actually pretty cool.

[@Amanda-cn3pk]

The dentist pks are great for Christmas boxes for children overseas ❤

[@lizzabbott]

Oooh , Dawn you are the BEST ! Such an engaging teacher with content that informs, inspires & resonates. How talented you are ! No doubt this is your Calling. God bless you !! Liz

[@lindseystewart3194]

I FINALLY got out all of our bins from the attic and made each person in the family a memory box! I first decluttered our sentimental items. And I was proud of myself for getting rid of 4 photo albums, and just taking out the pictures I wanted to keep! Question: did you get rid of old diaries/journals?

[@shaynaformity1384]

About 20 years ago, I found all of my diaries from high school and college. Reading them was just depressing, so I took the whole mess to a friend's house and burned them in the fire pit! During my current round of decluttering, I found more journaling that I'd done during a particularly spiritual year, and reading them makes me feel happy, so I keep them.

[@tgayer1]

I got rid of my old journals because they were depressing...although I came across one that was full of highlights of my senior year in college, so I enjoyed reading that. Everyone is different, though.

[@TheMinimalMom]

I never was much of a journal-er, so that wasn’t an issue for me, but I did get rid of my artwork that I made in HS and college and my yearbooks…they didn’t elicit happy memories so I decided to let them go!!

[@heatherdingman4843]

I have a lot of journals that I was planning on burning (had them all in a cardboard box waiting for a bonfire one night) but never got around to it. My Dad got sick and shortly after, passed away. I went through some of my journals, which I had tucked old letters, pictures, cards and notes from him. I was so glad that I had not burned the box! I would just suggest that if it's not something you want others to read (when you pass away?) that you go through them and burn that part or those books.

[@lisamerriman255]

This video inspired me to toss makeup that I haven’t used for 5 years since I retired! Thanks for the “specific” list! 😊

[@RC-kv9rj]

I don’t know if this is all over the country or just where I live but regarding vases, bring them to your local florist as many are having trouble getting them and really appreciate any they can get.

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

Yes you go girl.. you encourage me. We all can make things happen!

[@Shawnabeers78]

I’ve been following you for quite a few years now and my journey to minimalism is a work in progress. I’ve watched every video of yours and I feel this video just might be the most beneficial video for me. It just hit home. Maybe it’s the piles of shoes that I’m staring at by the front door (I have 7 children…shoes and kids..need i say more?? 🤪). Or the Amazon boxes or the free things I’ve received or extra items that came with things. All of it…I have it all here. And on top of all that stuff we are also living in a very small house (700sq feet -it’s suppose to be temporary but we’ve been in it for a year and it’s still going to be awhile before we build on). I need to declutter for my mental health. It’s just too much stuff and this video just got me up on my feet and actively decluttering while listening to your video. I even decluttered a lunch bag when you mentioned that! Anyway, thank you for this video.

[@melaniehancock2210]

I’ve recently been looking at my house thinking, wow I’ve gotten rid of SO much but why does it still look so busy? Time to do another sweep!

[@michaelsmommyjrb7405]

I am so appreciative for you❣️The decluttering of my home is slow and I was getting a little discouraged. We had a yard sale last weekend, took the unsold stuff to goodwill and my motivation is back!! Thank You for teaching and giving permission to let things go. My husband has been slowly coming onboard with getting rid of the clutter. I feel like I can relax in our home for the first time in 22 years.

[@juliec3437]

This is me too. 22 yrs marriage/ stuff. Done home schooling this yr. Am de cluttering everything. It feels good.

[@rg-mi5hh]

I have been putting lotion that is close to being used up by my chair that I sit in. I only have one there at a time. I also have some nail polish that needs used up there. They are in a small basket. They get used daily or often. Have gotten rid of an entire basket of lotion in a year. I found I had three eyelash curlers. I got rid of one. Three bathroom vanity drawers are now usable instead of stuffed.

[@angelavenable7308]

You are great at what you’re doing. I am not too sentimental so I like that you tell people it’s ok to get rid of things that belonged to people you love. If it’s not memorable, toss it. I love that!!

[@dianaflegal4495]

Ouch! This really hit home! Thanks Dawn, I definitely need to take a fresh look at what has crept in over the last 6 months!

[@flowergirl1127]

I love the way you make it easy to decide what stays and what should go. It's helpful to hear "why we keep it," and then "why we should let it go."

[@baugsa12]

You are a rare sparkling gem! Thank you for doing what you do!❤

[@NovasYouTubeName]

THANK YOUUU!! Dawn I needed that mindset shift - get a new lunch kit for example and then get rid of the old one. Not because it’s not good anymore but to be able to enjoy the benefits of a simplified house ❤

[@TheresaHoward-w9n]

I was just thinking about all the graphic t's that I have for no reason before this video started. Lol. Guess I know what that means. 😂 Also I was very proud of my husband...he got a new pack of undershirts and ASKED if I wanted to keep any of the old ones for rags...when I said no he took the old nasty ones straight to the trash. Now THAT is a WIN for lifestyle changes. Lol

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Woohoo!

[@susinok]

Graphic Ts multiply in m closet as well. I only have 2 favorites. Time to donate the rest!

[@TheresaHoward-w9n]

@@susinok I have about 6 that I really love and wear....the rest are heading to the thrift store this weekend. 6 is plenty to rotate through.

[@gailwilliams5278]

Good for him, AND. for you. I ‘hoard’ rags, can’t resist cutting up those old tee’s.

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Dawn, to me, this video is in your is in your top 5 best. Maybe top 3. So packed full of great reminders from other videos and great new perspectives and you’re so funny in it. Love your pace and having the list on the side of the things you’re going through. Thank you more than we all can ever say ❤❤❤. After 2 years working at it we finally feel and see the amazing be if it’s of the work and it feels. So. Good. ❤❤❤

[@KacieHeartsJesus]

Oh, Dawn, I just love you and your big "Disney princess" eyes. And of course your personality is delightful! 😄❤️ I don't think I've ever actually commented on one of your videos before, but you've been helping me declutter for a couple years now! And, while I'm far from being a true minimalist (I'm actually in a bunch of "maximalist" decor groups 😆), you've helped me understand how to draw boundaries around what I bring into my home and what I take out of my home, and you've helped me stop overbuying toys for my son when I *reeeeeeally* want to buy him all the things. Some friends commented on how clean my son's room is, and I owe it all to your videos about kids toys and clothing! And videos like this one help me keep going in all the other areas of my home! Your work is SO appreciated, and maybe someday I'll actually be a real minimalist! 😁

[@janethunt4037]

Loved, loved, loved what you said about sentimental items. I realized a few weeks ago that I have some items from my grandparents that were simple store-bought items that they owned. I don't know if they used them or not. I don't have memories of enjoying them with them. I'm going to cull out some of those items.

[@nancymelis2824]

As I watch your videos, my mind starts to wander to the things I can declutter and as soon as the video is over I immediately get those items and out they go! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@almarollins3642]

I love your videos. I have downsides my mom 3 times. She wants me to store and keep everything. Old cookbooks. Everything. But I have had 3 years of health issues. Hospice in my home for multiple times, different family members, and then my own health. One day I will be able to make better moves. Right now, I'm struggling with day to day. Until then, I am learning. Until then I try to make one or two steps here or there.

[@Julies-in-a-mood]

Regarding photo duplicates: totally agree with value of ferociously paring your collection down. As I did this, I kept a small assortment of photos to mail to my kids once they left for college. They really enjoyed getting these surprise memories from years past. It didn’t matter to me if they kept them or not, but I know more than a few ended up taped to the wall over their desks.

[@Julies-in-a-mood]

@@ritadyer9295 what a tremendous amount of work, and true gift of love to your children! I ❤️ this!

[@abigailleigh20]

Oh my gosh this helped me and motivated me so much. I have so many old things I keep just bc.

[@snowcm135]

lol We stayed with my in-laws last week and in her bathroom magazine basket she had a magazine from 2005. It featured an article about Martha Stewart which ended up being pretty interesting.

[@julietannOsfan1972]

Great tips. Fanny pack made me lol. Totally different thing in the UK. 😀 I must be really unusual, as I only own 1 pair of shoes. I’ve never understood the shoe thing. I hate it when you sit on someone’s settee & it’s covered in cushions. I never know what to do with them.

[@englishteadrinker736]

I giggled like a child at fanny pack. It’s so weird it has two such different meanings.

[@susangolden7383]

Thanks to Dawn's suggestions, Over the past year, I have been diligently sorting and donating and tossing that which can't be donated. However, just 'automatically' tossing things is almost impossible for me. I am a creative person who often finds other uses for things! I also am vehement about not adding to the environmental disaster resulting from items that do not decompose and end up going to landfills or even worse, the ocean! I do whatever I can to avoid buying plastic containers (I buy laundry detergent sheets, not liquids, use water bottles and not disposable bottles of water, etc). I do, however, save some things that I envision being able to repurpose (I know, Dawn, this could be a nightmare waiting to happen)! Most recently, we had our basement waterproofed and the walls were covered with heavy flexible vinyl sheeting. The guys rolled up the 2'x6' pieces and headed for thier dumpster! No way! I intercepted and rolled them up together and put them in my storage area where I keep my treasures! Thus far I have made durable weather proof signs for my egg selling business, a drainage extension for the gutter downspout that was hitting the ground and making a hole in my flower garden, and an adjustment for the roof edge where the water was falling short of the gutter! I keep lumber scraps and came to the rescue just this morning when my husband needed a piece of 2"x12"x14" to back the new electric meter! Yes, I have a lot of things to sort and move along, but in order to utilize those things I choose to keep for future use, I organize and label! As Dawn has said, it doesn't do any good to keep it if you can't find it! I garden and compost, a lot! So outside I have a number of totes all lined up in which I put light weight green debris, heavier course stemmed green debris, and larger twigs and sticks that are eventually emptied in the appropriate compost bin or burn barrel. I also have bins for potting soil, soil with a high clay content (anyting dug up from out yard), and suppliments like perlite and compost! I have a plastic garbage can in which I save small metal scraps (nails and screws I remove, parts I don't use that came with something I had to construct, some old curtain rods, etc) and when it is full, my friend empties it and adds it to his collection of metal that he sells. In the kitchen, I keep compost for the garden, scraps for the chickens, and egg shells to add calcium to the squash patch (helps deter blossom end rot)! Yes, I do keep a lot of items, but I am able to find them to reuse because I have a system! I have to reduce my inventory, but for me, doing so while being environmentally supportive is crucial. Yes, it may be only one bag of my STUFF going to the landfill, but multiply that by milions of people and it begins to matter!

[@elizabethsokol2545]

Wow! You are awesome. I feel the same way about the environment as you. I think there are a lot of us who are trying to find ways to reduce how much we use. Without going into detail, you are not alone. Thanks so much for sharing what you are doing.

[@AmythefirstA]

Being organized and intentional in how you save things is so important!

[@nildar5904]

I just started to watch your channel and have decided to start decluttering my home. I will definitely keep watching your videos for Help! Thank you!

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

I was recently in museum and saw this quote: "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." It made me think of the philosophy that you're trying to instill us listeners.

[@andreaatkinson2251]

That was said by the wonderful designer William Morris.

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

@andreaatkinson2251 Yes, you're right. I saw the quote while visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London last week.

[@Objet_Dart]

Second-hand sentiment. Exactly. @15:47 How many times have I picked up an object at my parents' house and heard "That belonged to your grandma/that nice neighbor lady/your great uncle/your father's old friend?" (The implication being "...so don't get rid of it.") It's nice to acknowledge that the item makes you think of a person fondly, but, as an only child, I can't be the curator of the entire family's memories! Internalizing this and readjusting my view so my own daughter won't feel guilty shedding things she may inherit.

[@bettycarole2794]

There are local groups, usually on Facebook, that collect items to give to the homeless and other people in need. Among many other things, they are always asking for the freebie dentist bags that we all get and forget. The lady that runs one of them told me that they get lots of clothing and food donations, but they need more personal care items, especially for women. And thank you, Dawn, for the inspiration and motivation boost that I sorely need.

[@mikaylabaker720]

Thank you Dawn! I have been struggling with keeping my simplified home clean. Thank you for this fresh look on how to get rid of the the CREEPY stuff. I also love the garbage day pass through tip. Thanks

[@melaniegbert]

Do you keep some duplicates for your RV so that you don't have to "pack" & "unpack" every trip? Like your extra curling iron or extra linens and towels?

[@smithy4121]

I'm saving this for a time I can take notes you gave me so many ideas thank you

[@iriswelch3553]

Hotel shampoo, etc. I drop these in my gym bag where they'll definitely get used. Same for makeup samples, etc.

[@allison_JR4E]

Gym bag - great way to use them! 😊

[@felicia8053]

“It’s okay to let it go or throw it away” has been the most helpful for me.

[@donnaevans7160]

Enjoying this so much, new inspiration! About the curling iron though, I put my older one in the trailer, one less thing to pack!

[@reneeprasil6153]

FYI-This is helpful to me to have on while I am decluttering. I appreciate that you remind us where our priorities should be and that we can even enjoy our 'stuff' more when we know where it is and use it. Thank you.

[@esreyes3433]

I’ve gotten rid of big stuff recently. Bedroom armoire, living room rug, kitchen rugs, tv console, huge speakers - even our kitchen island! Not really your topic in this video 😄.. just wanted to say Thank you! Feels good!

[@melissamoeller9608]

This was really helpful. I just downsized to a much smaller home with almost no storage. I’m having to go through absolutely everything I own and make decisions about it all. Having your tips makes it more manageable. Also, you always look great! Would you consider doing a get ready with me video? I’m curious about the products you use, and how minimalists handle makeup and skincare.

[@nancyblockcolsky1387]

One tip for organizing Legos: sort by shape, not color. If you have a container full of 2X3 bricks, it’s easy to pick out the red one. If you have an entire container full of red bricks, it is much harder to find a red 2X3 brick; they all look so much more the same. If you don’t have enough of one size to fill a container, you can put two different sizes in the same container.

[@ellaj9380]

this is a great tip for sorting Lego for *yourself* as an adult - I would lean away from sorting Lego for kids at all, unless they are really struggling to engage with the blocks (and then I'd sort them as little as possible, maybe taking out/grouping the wheels, special pieces, flat pieces vs normal). having the blocks all in together is a really valuable (and free! and easy!) way to challenge and develop their visual and spatial coordination and reasoning skills. equipping them with tools they can use when they want or need to sort pieces (size sorters, small trays/divided trays, etc) is a great supplement that encourages them to use those skills as well as more problem solving and resourcing abilities, and taking a more "loose parts" approach can help with cognitive flexibility, creativity and planning skills. it's tempting to sort for our own aesthetic desires (or even for ways that would work better for our adult brains), but the more we *remove* these natural opportunities by interfering with the base state of their resources, the more we have to do (and buy, and organise) to help kids develop those skills in other ways. Lego comes with built-in visual-spatial stimulus! we can work smarter, not harder, by taking advantage of those opportunities when they're handed to us. :)