Too Overwhelmed to Start? Declutter with Me!

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU for watching...we really (really!) appreciate it :) you can see my filing system and broad categories here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWWTg2msoLZmnM0 ❤️ Dawn

[@dawnshepard3629]

Thank you for creating such great videos! I am always inspired by them and have actually made some progress on my decluttering journey.

[@kalinaself1637]

How do we apply this to helping family members parents and in laws declutter? Or do we not worry and just lead by example?

[@beverlyharward9631]

@@kalinaself1637 There is a place for everything and everything in its place at my home though I can tell you, if I may, it's almost impossible to help family member(s) whom are hoarders. If it's bad, call in professionals. When my belated Mothet-In-Law came to live with us, we hired people to help me clear out and clean her house. 17 small dump trucks! I kid you not.

[@maribelquesada5651]

We are on a getaway, I’m loving the minimalist room. I’m determined to go home and start with my bedroom to clear out stuff and make it peaceful. After leaving hotels I always say I’m going to get black out curtains, makes such a difference on how I wake up.

[@staciearagon5394]

Wonderful video. Gave me the incentive to declutter my flat surface that has been bugging me for weeks. And just like you said it only took about 15 minutes! And that included the shredding and rehoming. Good grief I spent so much mental energy looking at it and dreading it.

[@StacySanseverino]

It may not be glamorous but these ARE the kind of decluttering videos I love to watch!

[@spiritwomanleader]

She's so relatable. Most of the challenges she has, I have. I am binge watching her videos to help me get into the mindset.

[@lindaroberts2282]

I love the "If I forgot about it once I'll forget about again" way of thinking; brilliant!

[@Quilter1970]

It was nice to see that you have those real problems even though you are my minimalist role model. With those receipts, it’s like you “fell off the wagon”. It helps me know that you’re real.

[@sheilak4493]

It is a BIG HELP to see this!

[@sonialavoie1744]

I love what you do. What bothers me, personally, is throwing stuff in the trash. Not very eco friendly... What are you thoughts on this?

[@VioletJoy]

Yeeeees!

[@PahlaB]

Setting a timer is my favorite trick! I can do anything for ten minutes!

[@Rosa-kf6yy]

I do 5 min. 😋

[@ptcreations8947]

Same! I set a timer for 20 minutes because I get easily distracted ..lol

[@shawnaford5540]

I do the FlyLady 15 min.

[@nicholasrobinson1728]

I love Dawn & have learned smart, practical but most of all EASY ways to keep my house tidy. Thank you Dawn, you are a pleasure to learn from.

[@rhondasview1230]

Ive been minimalizing for quite a few years. Moving definitely helps. I sold my house in Florida 2014, only kept what fit in my car. Moved to Oregon and didnt stay long and moved again. Finally got an apartment and started buying furniture again. Moved to a house and and bought more to fill the space, first mistake. Then decided I’d move and rent a room with friends, my dog had to be put to sleep. Went back to my old house and purchased bedroom furniture back from the new owner, it was my grandparents, mistake again, sentimental. Finally after a year had to move from the room and sold the furniture, and moved to another friend’s not wanting be be on a lease, now in Georgia beautiful farm,but not practical for me. Right as Covid struck here i was able to rent a really affordable place in Texas. Still keeping minimal has been the best for me. I’m single with a small dog. This isn’t for everyone, but for this 63 year old woman its good.

[@gingersnap3684]

Oh my gosh! I have been putting off a couple of rooms that need to be decluttered. Every day I ask myself, "WHY do I keep putting this off!? It doesn't have to be a big deal!" And then I go sit on the couch!

[@TheMinimalMom]

You aren't alone!!!

[@mrstpot8969]

Pfff...4 out 6 kids grew up moved out & stuff still left behind! Just had 2 weddings, showers, g-babies born & homeschooling while recovering from an accident last year. It's daunting! Your videos helped encourage me to start one table at a time. Ok. Maybe a little bedside table. 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️💪😴 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🤝

[@gingersnap3684]

@@TheMinimalMom thank you! Sometimes I feel so silly. I'm a grown adult and haven't learned how to be tidy and organized. I love how airy and peaceful your home is! I hope one day mine will be like that!

[@brookewhite1984]

Same here! Then it hangs over your head until the day you do it every comes!

[@LadiesofPurposeTV]

Lol me too🤣. Brewing ☕️ now and turning on cleaning music NOW!!!!!! We can do this!!😁

[@CookiesAndCosmos]

I'm sure you've heard "Begin. The rest is easy." I have found that to be true. Often, the hardest part for me is just starting. Once I start a project, I usually find that it isn't so very hard and I don't want to stop until it is all done!

[@maribelle4578]

My motto for donating is “Bless someone else.” Why keep something I don’t need or want? I imagine in my mind that person that receives my donation will be happy and blessed by it. Makes me donate items without regrets and I find it’s easier to let go of the clutter in my life.

[@DestinyGPlus3]

This is me to !

[@valeriebraun6566]

I have hung on to way too much for way too long and I believe it was for my selfishness. Once I heard about how she imagines that item going to a “new home and receiving new love and a new life,” it clicked in my head and heart. I have loved every single item I have bought and brought into my home (another reason the “spark joy Komari method” is difficult for me to follow). I feel you should only have things in your home and life you love or as Marie puts it “spark joy.” I tend to not follow the trendy path and stick to more decor that is personal to me, like my own paintings and I love Art Deco so I hang my young nieces art in frames, you can’t get more Art Deco than that and it’s an original and a personal, much loved priceless work that I happen to love and love the artist behind! However, my clothes are a different story! I had lost 75+ lbs and I was terrified to get rid of my clothes for fear of gaining the weight back and then needing them again. I love my clothes and I enjoy looking nice, so I tend to spend more money and only buy few interchangeable and multi-use/application wardrobe pieces because they tend to be more expensive and I see this as a compromise. I kept those clothes for 4 years and finally last year had the courage to let them go. I felt wonderful about the decision after I did, but I had to learn to get there on my own and to trust myself that I was going to be able to keep my weight in control (I had been on a meditation that had caused my weight gain and had to get off the med r/t it causing fluid to accumulate around my heart and lungs. I literally peed the weight off in less than 6 months of not so fun numerous interrupting sleep nights.) I had to keep reminding myself to keep remembering that the reason for the weight and nothing else was a medication. I was not ever going back on the medication again and in reminding myself of this it was also allowing me permission to let go of those items of clothing that were only taking up space in my head, my heart, and my closet. I gave myself freedom and freed up space in my closet and life for forward progress to accept the weight loss and embrace the way I looked in new properly fitting clothes. I enjoyed the gift of giving my old wardrobe to women in a battered women’s shelter knowing that these women had been through rough times (I had once been in a similar situation) and that they would truly appreciate and love them probably more than I ever did. Thank You so much for the eye opener on this one!!

[@lelexoxo303]

We all should have some amount of regrets when getting rid of things. Thinking that everything you declutter goes to a new and loving home is nice but unrealistic. Thrift shops are swamped with things that noone wants. The majority of them end up in landfills because most of the time, if you don't need it, most others don't either. It's important to accept that you've consumed too much and to change your habits in the future instead of pushing your stuff on other people to get rid of the bad conscience.

[@KimberleyB]

Same! I think about how thrilled I was when I found just what I needed at a thrift shop or when something was given to me by someone.

[@sheilastitt4854]

This is such a great prospective. I had a hard time letting go of things because of money invested or because I could see usefulness and I did not want to be waistfull. After I realized this, it made all the difference and donated several items. What a blessing to me to have the freedom to give.

[@ahoardersheart]

Hooray!!! I’m ready for a good Declutter now!! This is the hoarder’s achilles’ heel!! Overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and scared!! But you can overcome those emotions!! We keep each up encouraged and uplifted in this decluttering journey 🌟🌟🌟

[@elizabethpaul989]

A Hoarder's Heart keep up your good work on decluttering Check out - A Slob comes Clean podcast. Her method of doing layers might strike a cord with you. Just do one Pass of basement only taking out obvious garbage/trash. That alone would make a difference in your basement I bet!!! 😎

[@SG-es2hf]

I'm selling my home a year sooner than expected due to the pandemic, so I need to hurry & declutter and stage it. Thank God I've been watching your videos!

[@kaylagoold4053]

I struggle to get started because I look at the mess and realize what a failure I’ve been. I work so hard to get a space clean, then within a few days it’s a complete overwhelming disaster again. Why bother spending all that cleaning time if I’m just in a perpetual messy cycle? It’s frustrating and feels like a waste of time. I also like to think that minimalism and declutter will help me prevent the big messes in the first place, but honestly seeing videos of you (a pro) still struggling with mess really disheartens me. Not that it’s anything bad on you, it’s just my own faulty thinking that “if even the pros can’t prevent mess, neither can I so why bother.” I have it in my head that it’s “all or nothing.” I know that’s illogical reasoning, but it’s where I’m at. 😞 Thanks for your videos though, I’m trying to overcome my stuckness and I think your videos are helping.

[@TheRonskins]

Agreed! When I was married living with my husband and my stepchildren, I was in a perpetual cycle of cleaning and decluttering. I am by nature a very clean, clutter free, OCD neat freak 😁; and my husband and stepchildren were not. I'd be constantly cleaning, decluttering, and re-homing items. I honestly thought why bother; and some weeks, that's exactly what I did---I just didn't bother. Thankfully, however, my innate nature went into autopilot, the kids eventually moved out, and the husband realized the importance of maintaining a neat and orderly home.

[@marythecontrary]

You are adorable, then you put your glasses on and look a whole other kind of gorgeous. ☺️ Thank you for making this video. Sharing the "why" and feelings behind keeping things and putting off these tasks is really helping me! I come from a long line of hoarders and the older I get, the harder it is to 1. Stop keeping things (like trash to turn into treasure. It never becomes treasure!) and 2. Get rid of things. Oh! And I love the way you say the word "important". Thanks again!

[@sharon-said-it4928]

I found your channel minutes ago and I knew this is the one I can relate too. Due to health issues i allowed my apartment especially the bedroom to become junky and filthy. My pastors said on several occasions that clutter attracts unclean spirits , cluttered thoughts and other negativity. Despite being in much pain I made a vow to myself and to God I would declutter/clean up to 1 hour per day for a week. I kept that vow and did over 20 hours Setting goals is key and the amount of trash i tossed out was staggering. I made huge progress and never want to live in clutter/filth again.

[@barbarat5729]

Next time I hope those pastors show up to help.

[@erin2535]

Excellent point Missy Sharon! - I'd never have thought of it but im glad u sais something. And well done you! Hope you're still going good with it

[@laurenwellman2516]

Thank you, Dawn. This really helps. This is my house. This makes so much sense to me, because I already create piles of like things. And this is where I get stalled. I either have to stop for something else, don’t have a home for something or just lack the motivation.

[@craftyninjacat]

The bin for stuff that belongs in another room is my favorite trick. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only mom that gets distracted and doesn't go back to what I was doing otherwise!

[@Christina-ip7eq]

Dawn - THANK YOU for sharing your "junk room" with us!!! I'm almost a year into my decluttering and minimalism and so I find I still have stuff laying around. Your house always looks so put together that I was wondering what I'm doing wrong. It helped to see that clutter happens in your house still too. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel, well, normal now. Great news for my family is my husband took the plunge recently too!! He has been going through all his paper clutter and hoarding be habits in the garage. It's really making a difference! Thanks again for your upbeat personality, lovely family, and your willingness to show us the the "ugly" parts too. I love your channel! God Bless ❤️

[@pameehanson5316]

I realized that I have been at the declutter process for 3+ years and i am learning the issue arises I organize the clutter....I call my issue "CLUTTERIZING" I could not make that decision so i would organize it....I have gotten rid of stuff BUT I still am dealing with too much for our small place..I believe in the book it talks about what our containers (House or Apt) what we really can hold and my apt is small meaning my container can't hold items from 1200 sq ft when we moved 3 years ago into the 950 sq ft. The good part is we did not rent a storage unit and i refuse to do that anymore (did it in the past and was laughing at your video of emptying a storage space). Best thing I learned today is not missing the random stuff and tossed the never used car chargers for prior cell phones that i no longer have....Thanks Dawn.

[@iamajoyous1]

I've only been putting off decluttering and organizing for close to 10 years. After watching this video, I feel very positive and motivated. Thank you! So happy to be one of your subscribers!

[@BellaEssentialLiving]

I was overwhelmed with decluttering business inventory. I tackled about 1/3 and stopped for a couple of months. Just went and dealt with another 1/3 mostly alone and it feels so awesome!! When I feel stuck or not motivated, I look for Dawn's videos, since she still declutters - real and practical! Thank you so much!!

[@jeannestandley-kinata824]

Thank you so much for this video. Your authenticity is refreshing. FOR RECEIPTS: I keep two cosmetic zippered pouches in my tote bag. One for business one for personal expenses. When I purchase something the receipt goes into my wallet then right into personal pouch or business pouch. This makes taxes really easy. And returns a breeze. Avalible at Dollar store. Choose two different colors. At end of year I put a label on them and file in family file. Also works for Design projects or home remodels. Thank you for your videos. I am sending love and hugs from Washington State, USA, Jeanne of In Loving Hands and ASMR

[@wendycol8354]

Everything is so true! Once I get started it's so much easier. And passing stuff on that just doesn't fit our lives anymore is so smart. How much stuff did I keep that is now too old or damaged to be passed on, could have been a blessing to someone? I'm learning!

[@Nan-59]

I understand! Yup!!

[@dnllmaurer1]

Not sure if I'll want it later, I stash it. Things happen, I get busy & forget about it. When I finally see it again, it's not so nice. Then I'm irritated with myself because it's useless. There's no benefit to shove things into spaces out of view, waste time moving it around, maybe clean it & not have use of the space it filled. Lesson I've learned is to decide the first time I look at it. If I'm not sure, make a note to decide within a specific time period like 30-90 days. To end the behavior it required I shift my perspective. Instead of thinking of stuff in terms of, I already have it & might want it later. I changed to evaluate if it's important? Do I use it? Do I need it? Is it a precious, sentimental & irreplaceable item, that triggers positive memories? If no, then it's got to go! Like anything, with practice it gradually gets easier.

[@carineill4439]

Thank you! I love seeing that you still have some of those spaces and times when things are not decluttered. It helps me to know that 8 months in, it is okay to still have spaces that get cluttered again after I declutter them and it is okay to NOT be finished with decluttering my house. I so appreciate you!

[@autumnlockwood9470]

I love that even you have some messy areas. Thanks for sharing

[@leftfinned]

It makes me feel so normal an motivated

[@Julie-rc7wl]

This was one of my favorite videos you've made. Thank you! The overwhelming feeling for me comes from all the tedious decisions involved in decluttering. It tires my brain. You really broke this down nicely and made decisions for me in how to tackle it. Also, it was gratifying to watch you organize and then to show the final results of your labor! Vicarious tidying satisfaction! 😘 Dawn, thank you for continuing to put out regular quality videos. I assume there's a whole lot of time and energy and prep that goes on in producing all of your content. You are so appreciated!! 💕

[@katiegleaves3792]

yes!!! Decision Fatigue is an absolutely real thing, and often what stops me along the way. It really helps to either involve a friend for support (and rational decisions without emotion attached to everything) and to break the project/area down into smaller, bite-size pieces (the timer method). "You can't eat a whole elephant in one day," as they say.

[@luckysuzful]

I happened upon your channel totally by accident, but now I'm binge watching your videos. They have made me feel like I can actually do this. I was actually forced to start with my garage three weeks ago when our HOA parking guidelines changed, which required us to have two vehicles in our garage. So we embarked on an (overwhelming) task to clean out the garage to make way for another vehicle. It has taken awhile, but I can't believe all the stuff we either gave away or threw away. I'm still not done yet, but I have to say that about 70% of the stuff that was in there is gone so far. I bought storage racks at Costco to house the stuff we're keeping to get everything off of the ground, and in the process of putting stuff on the new shelving, I got rid of even more stuff. And then I took a photo of two cars, actually in the garage...the first time it's happened in 23 years. Wahoo! I was hot and sweaty, but felt very accomplished. Can't wait to learn more from your videos, so thanks for sharing your journey and tips, and for the encouragement!

[@wenzworld]

Love this! It shows how, no matter how far along we are in our decluttering, there is always more to do😆 Thank you for being so relatable. Much love❤️

[@richardblank6333]

You make it seem approachable and your knowing and supportive laugh puts those at ease. Thanks

[@sarahk758]

I’ve heard you mention on a few videos ‘I know it’s not glamorous’- but I just want to say it IS glamorous, in its own way. It leads to a more peaceful spot. seeing reality instead of just the big ‘pretty spots’ redone is SO helpful. I hate doing desk areas, so for me- this super inspiring.

[@annastiscia6511]

Thank you for the many reminders. Totally agree with the 'if you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting if off' idea! Instead of 'shuffling around' and wondering where to put things, I need to ask myself: 'Is it worth making a home for?' Hopefully this will help me let go of more stuff. And good reminder to say if you've 'forgotten' it once... I also need to 'deal with the piles' (of paperwork) and 'finish strong'. And to remember that it's lovely to clear a flat surface - and then keep it that way, as a 'reminder space'. Thank you again.

[@turteltaube2277]

It is definitely HELPING for those who didn't had the parents/auntie/grandma's teaching us how to do things. Also the more you want to be clean inside ... the more you dont feel comfortable in a unclean place. This year it feels like everyone is on a journey to make life more bearable. So greateful for thie inside, Thanks.

[@AWanderingEye]

Loved this practical handson lesson. Now for those of us with tons of "homeless" items, please show us similar start to finish process. This unglamorous approach works!

[@plantsoverpills1643]

It’s all so true. I think our mood is also a factor in getting motivated. Some days, we get up and things just groove. Other days we can dwell in the mire of our clutter and nothing seems to move. Some people believe that moon phase is also a contributing factor. And boy oh boy am I ever with you on the “don’t leave the room to put something away due to distraction.” That is a sure fire way to treadmill your success. People should watch your videos over their early morning coffee; it’ll motivate their day to - clutter. Excuse me while I tackle mine!!!👍🏻

[@myfriendschmeeda]

We build confidence as we go.... that’s SO wise!!! I was always stalling and now I think I know why. Thank you! The random stuff bin is GOLD

[@NickiHorn78]

Another great video! 😊 I used to have the same system for filing. (Pile it up and eventually get to it lol) I also used to use the same container for filing my documents. I went through the bin and got rid of 90% of the stuff that was in it. I bought a binder and some dividers and made sections. I like this way much better because in case of an emergency it is less to carry but has all of the important documents easily accessible. I know this won’t work for everyone but it really has helped me.

[@bkrbkrl]

All great tips. I suffer from depression, so I let things go and then become overwhelmed. One thing I do now is to make a list. I will stand and look in a room and divide it into small "jobs" and place them on a to-do list. For instance, a kitchen list would be clean the microwave, clean the fridge, clean the top of the fridge, mop the floor, etc. Attacking small areas/jobs takes away the problem of freezing and doing nothing because of feeling overwhelmed and crossing each item off the list gives a feeling of accomplishment (especially when you finally finish the entire room list, then start fresh!) Make one for each room, bounce from room to room day to day at your own pace and pretty soon, you don't get a single room so neglected that it becomes overwhelming ever again. You can do one thing from one room a day or one thing from each room in a day: YOU choose. It works because even just a single something does get done every day. You are in control now.

[@ctheweb1774]

I think what makes your videos so great and fun to watch, other than the fact that you are so bright and happy, is that you cut to other videos of slides of things, vs just sitting there and talking! It keeps me engaged! Thanks so much for your amazing work! I'm sooo inspired by you!

[@TStahl-fk2sh]

Thank you, needed this one week into moving into a new house, hubby new job, new state, and a new 7 week old, our third child, everything feels a bit overwhelming. Just needed reminding that little bites make a difference! Also, Dawn, You made a difference in our life when our second child was born, and I was feeling overwhelmed trying to "manage" our house, let alone struggling to maintain the basics...then, welcome minimal mom! Blessings on you and yours Dawn!

[@2frenchies777]

It gets easier as the baby gets older I promise. It's really hard when there is a new born and smaller siblings but you got this.

[@TStahl-fk2sh]

@@2frenchies777 I figured it might be as much! And like you mentioned, all younger ones makes the difference! (3- 3 years and younger)

[@2frenchies777]

@@TStahl-fk2sh wow you have your hands full. God bless you. Stay strong even when most days seem like you wont make it another day.

[@TStahl-fk2sh]

@@2frenchies777 thanks 😊 I am blessed in the middle of the chaos!

[@JJ-cx8gl]

life happens, and things pile up during construction projects. give yourself grace. and good for you for taking us into this office area.

[@laurahanson5179]

You’re the best Dawn!!! You have such a gift of communicating complex ideas in a simple way. And empowering others to believe in themselves and take action.

[@angelaholt1537]

Your channel has inspired me! I want to move towards minimalist, definitely declutter. I live with my mom and she is a bit of a hoarder, and the clutter overwhelms me on a daily basis. I have been trying to help her with her health and with getting her house under control. I didn't even know where to start. Watching your channel has given me hope! Thank you!!!

[@emilasmith4279]

What!? YOU had a messy spot?! Loved the video. So true. Any flat surface in my house becomes a stuff magnet. So the last couple of weeks I’ve been going thru 5 huge totes of misc stuff. Mostly papers. Deferred sorting, filing, opening. A lot of my mom’s paperwork I kept after her funeral. To keep from getting overwhelmed, I left the totes in the dining room then brought out about 5” stack at a time to my desk. I brought in two tall trash bins. One for recycling and one for shredding, and a small box for stuff I needed to keep. So I got 4 totes done then stalled on the last one. Mostly checking account statements and old checks. The former me dreaded the thought of having to sort and file them like I would in the past. Then for two nights I had a discussion with myself asking when have I ever needed to pull an old check. So today I dumped the whole lot in the shred box. (My work hosts free shred days for the community, so I save up boxes in my garage to take.) I can’t believe I actually dumped everything. I asked what would Dawn do?! Thanks for the help!!! It’s gonna be great to not keeping moving those totes around. Thanks again!!! 💜 - em

[@emilylong9887]

Ugh I worked so hard on the main areas of my home that now my bedroom is feeling more like a storage unit. So overwhelming and I do keep putting it off. Needed this push and motivation to get it DONE!!! Thanks so much.

[@kaycrawford3796]

Yes! I tidied & rearranrearranged my living / dining room, except for 2 small bookcases. Now the 2 bedrooms look just like this! & i can't even walk up to the walkin closet. sigh...

[@kaycrawford3796]

Rearranged

[@danabrown2391]

That was excellent! I am also a minimalist and it's been so long since I had any big piles of clutter, (kids all gone so it's all much easier with just my husband and me) that I felt overwhelmed just looking at your stuff and couldn't think what I would tell someone to do first, second and third! But you nailed it!

[@kkr5428]

Love your videos! Before finding your channel, I made two passes through my home. The first was cathartic - I took a garbage bag and just walked around, pawing through drawers and closets and cabinets, throwing away SO much stuff! Since then I did another layer and reorganized all cabinets and drawers. Now I am on pass 3 and see there is a lot more I could have gotten rid of on pass 2 - I should have said “out” to many more items than I did - particularly in my closet. So many things I left in the closet last time because I just could not cut the cord! I ended up pitching them this time around because those clothes just sat there unworn for months. I am nowhere near a minimalist,” but your tips are still so helpful to me in making our home a haven instead of a stress chamber.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Thank you. Been decluttering for a few years. It keeps looking better. 🙂

[@beccismith4454]

Thank you for posting this “simple” video. Papers and such have been one of my challenges, probably I am not alone. And this is encouraging and practical.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Papers were the toughest.....A piece of paper from yesterday is clean and neat and fresh on your mind. Split second. A piece of paper from six months ago is tougher to recall....minutes. A piece of paper from over a year ago, wrinkled and stained......needs forensic accounting......Hours and hours.

[@christinefoss5767]

I love the freedom this way of thinking brings. Thank you, so much for sharing the process and the great questions that we can be asking ourselves while organizing.

[@kristinajohnsonstrosnider4864]

Your "Declutter with me" videos are so helpful! My desk and my craft room are the two messes I've had a mental struggle tackling. I literally cleaned my desk while watching you tackle your own desk. Really helpful tips and questions that I can apply to other areas of my home (and mind) that I'm working on de-cluttering. Thanks for your openness and sharing your journey.

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Wow, amazing. I also got rid of my desk and it works ! I have a Sunday basket, a file bin, and that’s it ! Love it.

[@valeriebraun6566]

I’m so thankful and happy that I found you!!! I epically failed the Kondo method and that really set me back and made my depression worse. I got to the point where I didn’t want to even get out of bed to face the “ultimate mess” where at least prior to Kondo I was getting up and trying! What the Kondo method fails to take into consideration that your method does is that there are people out there that suffer from chronic health issues. I have multiple autoimmune disorders and get easily tired or run down and I have to watch myself carefully to not overdo things or allow myself to become overwhelmed by stress. I can flare up as a result of extremely stressful situations that could result in 6 months to a year of in and out of hospital stays (at my worst flare up I found myself in the ICU fighting for my life and that time was some of my family’s most scary times. I actually ended up coding in the ER and my life was hanging on by a very thin thread. This was not related to a messy house and the Kondo method!) I eventually got my “Kondo mess” cleaned up (probably not to her standards and it definitely has not stayed clean and organized like she claims that her method will do, but I will not be applying the “Kondo Crazy Clean and Organizing ways” to my life ever again!!) and I am ready to jump back into the game again, but this time I do believe I am going to use “The Minimalist Mom” method maybe a little modified to fit my individual need to make one trip to my car and the shed to conserve energy (so I may have a tiny little “collection mess” for a minute) but I know that it will get taken out and I will be able to see actual progress and not the mountain of disappointment and failure if I can’t finish my project in 1 day (like you have with “Kondo.” The mess “looks” at you and was my constant reminder of what I couldn’t do and how I epically failed and that I was an epic failure and disappointment. I was ashamed and embarrassed.) I just need you to now tell me the secret to keeping my husband and my 3 kids (they are definitely old enough to participate and to keep up with the work that I do get accomplished and not be “wreck it Ralph’s” at the ages of 18 and she’s a pre-med student (that both my husband and I are so proud of ) on a scholarship that my husband and I don’t want her to worry about working for now and to just focus on her grades and the 2 (yes she only has 2 years of a 4 year undergraduate degree left and she graduated high school in May), 17 and a Senior in high school (that will also be following in his sister’s footsteps with needing just 2 years to complete a 4 year degree, and he has potential to either go pro out of high school and play at the MLB level or for a AAA team that MLB pulls from or to play at the university- not junior college level baseball as a pitcher with an average of 88mph pitch that has a wicked 55/60mph curve or slider and he can also play a mean short stop and right field- sorry Proud Mom moment) so he still has to live with us for at least this next year until he decides if he is going off or staying local for college, and the 10 year old, so he has to live at home still and this year with the covid virus it’s looking like he will be homeschooled either by my choosing or by our district being one of the few smart districts in “the land of Oz” to be providing the option as an alternative to in face/in class learning for their students, how to keep them in line and on board with helping or at least maintaining the clutter minimum lifestyle I am adopting?! HELP ME PLEASE AND THANK YOU 🙏🏼

[@allisongrahamliggieri3366]

So glad to see that even you have a room like this! My house is thoroughly minimized and easy to keep up with in most rooms, except for our office and guest room! They become the dumping grounds for “homeless stuff” and in progress projects because we can shut there door and not have it in the way daily! It’s amazing how quickly it builds up, how daunting it feels, and how quickly you can actually clean it up once you get started. Thanks for motivating me!

[@dobsob7020]

Ah, the timer. It's gold. I can't tell you how many times I've been AMAZED at what I can accomplish in 15 minutes.

[@RaeC]

It’s comforting seeing this room. As much as I think I have it together as soon as I walk in my basement it’s a different story. I have already decluttered two times and I’m on my third. I’m being very good this time and one corner already produces a bag of donations a bag of trash and a bag of recycling. I can’t wait to see these areas clean because I plan on painting and I feel excited about the area. Enjoy the day.

[@pattyc301]

Hi Dawn, this is my 1st comment, but I've been binge watching you for awhile. When I first saw your VLOG, I couldn't imagine having a home as tidy as yours, but I continued to watch to learn tips and tricks because I struggle with clutter. Girl, the struggle is real!! Well, today, I tackled my bedroom closet, and I'm so proud!!! I can't find the exact video where you talked about how you have more options now that you got rid of the clothes you don't love or doesn't fit quite right. I have a closet I can easily find an outfit now. That's priceless. Thanks to your inspiration, I wanted to let you know that you inspired to begin tackling the clutter in my home. I have WAY too much stuff. I don't think I will ever achieve minimalism, but I'm on my way to being far less overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Love your sweet family. I'm a little older but grew up watching wholesome TV and your VLOG is the modern version of wholesome yet relevant. Keep up the good work!! GREAT JOB!

[@aleciahenderson5450]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I really needed to see this! I'm one who tends to procrastinate with the excuse that it feels too overwhelming. Today I am going to tackle just one space! I will set the timer and I will group like things! ♥️

[@mindymudge7247]

Been putting off my closet, but we are going away for a week so... Today is the day ! So far 2 huge trash bags and more to go. Found clothes i forgot about some went in trash bag to donate😊i will have to go through again after we get back to get rid of more. But so far It's getting better and of course I have been listening to your videos in background to keep me going. Thank you Dawn! You are such a great help and encouragement to me. Can't wait to enjoy yours and Diana 5 days for Christmas while I'm on vacation!

[@jessicalarsen7971]

I love the quote you stumbled on when cleaning! This procrastinator can for sure relate!!

[@emmkaa2099]

To hear you say, "Throw it away, it's OK" was really and truly something I needed to hear. I've been "this close" to tossing stuff before, then somewhere between here and the garbage can the "what ifs" kick in. Thanks for the all clear! With love from the Southern California desert, MK ❤☀️🌵

[@RustyJudgment]

THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS!!! I won't twist my ankle anymore trying to get to my desk!! 😁😘

[@jsjshdbejkwbsjdken8022]

I know what you mean its like playing twister to get around the room!

[@aprilmayjunejuly]

Sometimes I feel like I’m doing a weird dance as I step around stuff and maneuver through certain cluttered areas! LOL

[@abundantlife8396]

Tom, you’re so funny!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Desk? Is that the foundation for the leaning tower of boxes in the corner?

[@conniebarber4582]

I sure wish I was more like you!! I am not organized in the least. I have never really been organized. When I start cleaning or clearing, I end up going from one room to another. Oh this goes in the bedroom, oh this goes in the bathroom and so on and so on. I not a hoarder yet, but if I don't do something soon. My vehicle has stuff all over the floor in the back. When you have back problems and you also have a handicap hubby, well, let's just say that nothing ever gets done. You're awesome!! I can't seem to through ANYTHING away. God bless you and your family

[@daisyprosser66]

This was the first video of yours I ever saw-a few weeks ago. I have since come to enjoy you and your sweet family! I’m decluttering and minimizing my stuff, which is easier as a single empty-nester. 😉 Thanks for sharing!

[@zynzane9680]

Exactly right, it just hangs over your head and feels overwhelming, and it is hard to get started. It does help to watch others do it. When you are low on energy all the time, these tasks just loom so large and exhaust you just thinking about it.

[@Heather.C.ButterflySage]

Yay for decluttering inspiration and support! It's been an ongoing journey, and we've made lots of headway. There are still some deeper archives that need to be cleared out and refreshed. Thanks, Dawn! Your cheerful, humorous, encouraging demeanor is the best!

[@cruisepuppy]

You are SO sweet, so helpful and SO motivating! You have just inspired me to go dig through a couple big boxes of papers I have on a desk in my spare room. Although it's out of sight, it's always in the back of my mind - I want it GONE but haven't known where to start - it's like the great abyss! Thanks for the inspiration to just GET STARTED, to put like things with like, get a garbage bag, and make some simple broad files! I can DO this - thanks to YOU!!

[@beckym3287]

This was extremely helpful!!! Very real-life. You touched on so many problems I usually run into when trying to declutter. THANK YOU! Your videos have seriously changed my life!!!💞

[@laurabee1840]

I was hoping for something like this 🥰 my home office/stash room need declutter and I've been avoiding it because it seems like a huge task, thanks for proving me it is not.

[@donnafrye5225]

I watch this one over and over again,it helps to supports me a lot! Thanks Dawn!

[@pamd7670]

I’ve watched you for a while. But I’m ready to try and declutter certain spaces and this was spot on with how we make it into a debilitating mountain! I’m going back to watch all your past decluttering videos. Thank you Dawn!

[@teresacavanaugh3808]

Oh my goodness! A wonderful friend of mine recommended you and your channel. You are awesome & real! I love it! I will now be the one recommending you and your suggestions to others! Thank you, you are Heaven Sent!!!

[@stampnyama]

Debilitating... that was a great word.. I am a great grandma and came from a family of hoarders ... I have for the last 20 years been able to lessen my "inventory" working on it.. thanks for your forward thinking,,

[@Katherine-wt4ff]

One thing I do try to do is keep as much as possible out of the landfill. If I don't want it in my space I ask 2 questions before putting it into the trash. 1) "Can it be recycled?" Were those rocks in the plastic soda pop bottle? The bottle can be recycled (& rocks returned to the garden). 2) "Can anyone else use it?" I'd have put the random stuff in the donation pile. The glasses case, kids' crafty stuff, and pen all looked like they were in good shape. Your videos are inspiring and motivating. Thank you for making them. Since my mother moved in with us (6 months ago) I have many places that need decluttering.

[@germy7100]

So, while watching this I pulled open a drawer that I have been putting off reorganizing and decluttering!!! In the remainder time I had listening to you, I tidied up the drawer and FINALLY dealt with it. Funny thing was, once I lifted up a book that was covering the contents of the drawer and looked underneath it, the actual drawer contents covered by the book (which I just kept shoving in there on the top) was really not that bad. Took a few minutes to “touch up” and its done!!! Thanks for sharing your information. I am slowing getting it done and I enjoy your company along the way.

[@carolsailer1395]

I have been working on to Declutter for years & I get “decision fatigue” so fast!! One area I am doing better is my clothing...the rest...I’ve barely put a dent in... Paper clutter has always been bad for me...so funny I’ve procrastinated my area of paper for almost a week & decided to tackle it & that is when I like to watch a lot of videos...this one popped up & im like...Yes!!!

[@Nina-hk7ub]

I have a room of clothes on racks & every closet in my house has clothes. I can't wear it during SIP.

[@maudfischer5315]

Dawn you are my favorate minimalist youtuber because of this kind of video ! So concrete and efficient! You teach real techniques to declutter and I learn so much from you these last years. You are such a brillant teacher, thanks you ♥️

[@leeannqh]

I just had a vision of archaeologists of in theyear 2120 finding plastic containers with 'random stuff 2020' and thinking they had found treasure. But the boxes still end up going into a museum! Must remember to purge containers :-)

[@melm9487]

Hahaha...so funny! I can see it; plastic containers are the new Roman pots😂😂

[@Emilyrsps]

I set a alarm reminder on my phone for six months to go back and get rid of the box.

[@erin2535]

LOL it's funny but true! - I'm pretty sure archaeologists learn the most from rubbish dumps (thank you, Time Team UK hahaha 😁😁😁)

[@bldhnds52]

You should read "Motel of the Mysteries"! I read it to my 6th grade social studies class when we studied ancient civilizations. I think it's right up your alley.

[@lindaneuhaus1026]

Thank you Dawn for doing this video. I need to declutter my schoolroom and laundry room before next month when school starts back. We homeschool and have 7 kids. Only have 3 left to school but keeping old schoolwork is important for me. I've been schooling for 20 + years. So lots to do.

[@teresasteinhoff2314]

Thanks for making me not feel so bad about all of my stuff. Thank you for taking the time to teach me a little ways to make the clutter more manageable. Sometimes there’s so much anxiety because it was from a grandmother or best friend and they’re not around anymore. I always feel guilty for thinking I should part with some of those things.

[@simplesgood7694]

Love the piles first part so that I can make things tidier faster! Thanks Dawn!! I always learn something from your videos!

[@CH-uf3jp]

Hi Dawn, thank you for the great example. So much encouraging. 😄🙂👌👵

[@julianaleon9471]

I love your honesty and transparency on sharing your experience! It makes me feel not alone. Some other videos about organizing and decluttering make feel guilty instead of inspired. Thank you so much!

[@Pamela-cn3pm]

I really needed this today! So many set backs, over so much time. At least I'm beginning again. I can't quite get closure on the small accomplishments I've made though. I sort and pack but can't seem to get it out the door or to its designated home before it's buried again. I've donated carloads but my house is the epitome of the principle of vaccum. I clear a space and something else is sucked into it! Your enthusiasm, tips, and encouragement helps. Thank you.

[@CarrieVandever]

I would watch you no matter what format/resolution you use. This was perfect. I have this one "box" on my counter that when I clean I put everything in there. On Sunday after church, I go thru it every week. Some things Stay in it if I am still not sure, but most go out. Each Week I clean it out. Most things are drawing kids made for mommy, etc. Not the keepable things but just the "stuff" .. after a week in the bin I can toss with confidence.

[@SpicyMelange]

On my second listen, I learned from you about the random stuff! I have had so much stuff in the past, but I don’t have much anymore. Throwing things out is A-okay!

[@jjo5375]

You're absolutely correct, Dawn; getting the locomotive in gear is the hardest part of decluttering! And, for me, hearing you encouraging us...giving us permission, to toss random objects...yeahhhh! This is one of the most valuable videos you've posted....THANKS! : )

[@annagallegos2293]

I love to watch you. You truly are inspiring and motivate me to clean, organize and minimize. God bless you and your family always. Thank you for all you do for us.

[@illusionclassicrock6742]

What bugs me, as I have boxes and boxes of things that I haven’t touched in years. I could probably throw the entire box out and never even miss what was in it. But I can’t bring myself to do that, or sit down to go through them. Every time I want to start, I end up doing something else. Yet I really need to get my house cleaned and decluttered. Especially since I’m thinking about possibly moving in the future. Or if I were to die, what a mess it would be for my family to go through.

[@michelesmith7269]

Awww Dawn, not long ago you had that "Love Beyond Measure" hanging in your bedroom and I thought it was so sweet!

[@lb9549]

Love this and so nice to see that even you get overwhelmed ! I love how real you are. It may not be minimal but we keep several recycle bins throughout the house (bathroom, office) and I think it helps stuff not pile up for me. Much easier to empty small bins once a week than wrangle random stacks that need to be carried to the garage for recycle!! (Or trash.)

[@illusionclassicrock6742]

My problem is that I have boxes and boxes and boxes of miscellaneous junk and papers … where I’ve “cleaned” and just threw it all together and put it away. and then those boxes get stacked up in a closet or garage And it becomes a daunting task to go through them and get rid of stuff. I also have a really hard time throwing stuff away, or deciding what I could sell, or take to charity.

[@NotSomebody63]

Thank you! I feel so overwhelmed trying to get started. My head starts to spin and I start to feel sick too. Your video is giving me ideals and steps that I could try. I have lots of health issues and I am hating that my wife or kids deal with this stuff of mine if I were to pass away ~ there is my motivation noting that I am not going to be around forever ~ physically that is!

[@amandaramsay5934]

I love how you repurpose areas to function so well.

[@freedomgrrrl5707]

It's super important like you said looking into the emotional attachments most don't so that's great thank you

[@cslade4415]

I watched this video in the bath and then immediately went and tackled two rooms I had been putting off way too long. I needed this video. I just didn’t know where to start so I avoided it altogether. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation. 😋

[@danithegirl86]

I needed this video today! Thank you, Dawn! ❤️

[@brendaryan306]

This is so helpful. I tried your method and I got stuck with all the little things and remembered what you said. I'm not gonna miss it. Clutter clutters my mind and bogs down my energy.

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Thanks Dawn. Removing the things that go somewhere else, and returns is key. I force myself to process returns immediately because I’ve been guilty of letting them stockpile because I just didn’t want to deal with it. Now I remind myself, I get my money back if I do this one thing now.

[@jennywoods9122]

Great video! I cleaned out the mess at our side entrance while I listened/watched your video. I put some window washing product in the basement and made a note on my calendar to use the product next week. As well as all the other items back to their proper home. Feels good! Thanks for inspiring me!