20 1-Minute Habits to Keep Your Home Clutterfree

[@TheMinimalMom]

Get a 7-day free trial and 25% off Blinkist Annual Premium by clicking here www.blinkist.com/theminimalmom or scanning the QR code. Thank you Blinkist for sponsoring! And thank YOU for watching!! Have a great day, Dawn

[@maribelquesada5651]

I saw your AirPods on the tray, do you have a specific spot to charge your phone. One of the Minimalist keeps his cell phone in one spot always like a old school landline

[@carriemills6931]

P

[@Debberdoon]

The biggest thing that cut down clutter mess in our home was adopting the mantra “put it away, not down.” It’s amazing how those five words can clean up your home.

[@petmomful2260]

I agree. McDonald's calls it, "clean as you go."

[@judithhaberland8571]

@@petmomful2260McDonald?

[@judithhaberland8571]

Googling

[@Donna-C]

Peter Walsh Organiser: “Don’t put it down, put it away”.

[@gonzalvc9332]

Yes!! And when everything has a home it makes it so much easier to put away.

[@marijowakley7770]

One thing I always do: when leaving a room, I ALWAYS try to leave it in better shape than when I walked into the room. I may just pick up a magazine, fluff a pillow, or carry out a coffee cup, but it adds up during the day. Thanks, Dawn, for your wonderful posts. Very inspiring.

[@susan5661]

You are so kind to credit other minimalists. Whenever you mention someone new to me, I check out their channels too.

[@simply.clutterfree]

I think it's important to note when another creator has inspired an idea. Kudos to Dawn for making sure to always credit where the idea originates from. Joshua is a favourite of mine. I interviewed him too and he's seriously so nice. 😊

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

I agree.

[@JamieM470]

@@simply.clutterfree Joshua got me started on simplifying my home and looking for more information, which is how I found Dawn. His garage-cleaning story hit home so hard, spending time cleaning and re-organizing clutter when he could have been spending that time on the important stuff---like his kids. It was so eye-opening. I'm forever grateful to him for that.

[@MissMolly75]

For a donation bin, I use my kids' old toybox in our master bedroom. It's a sentimental item that belonged in my husband's family. My in-laws refinished it for us when we had our first child (26 yrs ago). I never wanted to get rid of it, so it now has a wonderful use AND is a sentimental piece. The whole family uses it. Anything to donate, goes into that toybox. When it's full, I pack it up and donate it (probably 4 times a year). My oldest is moved out and married now, my youngest is 22 and home with us still and she still throws her donations into it. It's a wonderful thing to do with an old wooden toybox that has a lot of sentimental value.

[@ellacall]

I love this idea! We have a similar toybox that's been handed down in the family on my DH's side. I haven't wanted to part with it, but also am not ready to pass it on. We only have 1 grandbaby at the moment & still of 2 of 6 kiddos at home. So I don't want to automatically give it to the first grand. They always get the initial sweep of heirlooms to be passed on. I'm sure I'd be filling it more like monthly at least at first. This is my year (starting Oct basically) to really tackle routines & our home. I think my original plan to place it in the mudroom is still the right location. That way it's easy to pack up & get out of the house, but can double for a bench for waves of grand LO's of the future. Thanks for sharing!!!😉

[@abc-wv4in]

Great idea! I just can't get rid of sentitmental things that should stay in the family.

[@katc6938]

Instead of a plastic bin for toaster, I use an older metal cake pan. This way, I don't have to think about it melting and I can plug it in while in the metal pan. Plus, I can shake the pan for crumbs for easier clean up. It's great that you're able to show a variety of ways for easier maintenance. Thankful for your videos.😀

[@Macsrus5]

That was my first thought! It was gonna melt the plastic😬 I love the idea! Now let’s see how many times WE ALL get asked, “where’s the toaster?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Lindster2012]

🤯🤯🤯

[@sarahroberts7374]

Is there not a potential, albeit small risk, of electrocution using a toaster in a metal pan?! I just put the toaster straight into the cupboard when it's not being used, although being British the toaster does get used a lot 😂 so some days it stays out.

[@michellechouinard4958]

Love this!

[@thatsfunny2051]

Amazing idea

[@Jodi9810]

A game changer for me was to run the dishwasher every night (we set it on delay to run after midnight) and unload it first thing in the morning. Unloading it takes about the same amount of time as waiting for the pot of coffee to brew, so perfect! Then dirty dishes have a place to go throughout the day rather than accumulate in the sink or on countertops.

[@mayam6678]

Doing the dishes right after eating does not only contrubute to a clean/uncluttered kitchen, it also does leave the kitchen smelling clean and not stinky.

[@jennyh4025]

I agree, even though my „doing the dishes“ is usually just putting them into the dishwasher. 😉

[@susanprice3377]

Important for ant season, too. Clear, wiped counters and no dirty dishes = much less insect problem ... and same goes for mouse-type critters!

[@abc-wv4in]

I don't hand wash them but put them in the dishwasher. I live alone and only run it when it's almost full, but that works well.

[@susanpeterson9947]

Excellent ideas here, Dawn. I’m a senior citizen who lives alone and I’ve acquired some bad habits…like not dealing with junk mail until it’s a big stack (which I despise!). Also I find myself not putting things away right away because I’m the only one who’ll see it (as if I don’t deserve a tidy home [😵!]. Several of your categories apply to kids, not an issue for me, but I found myself substituting other little chores easily enough. So now I have written out my own list of 20 more or less 1 minute chores for myself and am eager to jump in. Thanks, Dawn!

[@charannhare4369]

I’m relating!!! I live alone and have gotten into some bad habits! I’m celebrating 🎉 my new life! I have an out of state friend that needs friends too. I’m learning how to eat healthier foods. The results are amazing. My body reversed the cancer, then chronic kidney disease, and osteopenia. There’s more. Fasting is a game changer too. Which came first? The house habits or the nutrition habits? Probably equal. 😇🇺🇸😇

[@DianEnglish56]

Another good advice video! I’m someone who grew up in a cluttered home and swore I wouldn’t live like that. Videos like these are helping me to declutter and see that I’m not alone.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

You and other Minimalists have taught me well. The truth is, it works. The house stays clean almost by itself!….. well almost…. The final and hardest thing for me to conquer was mail, but even that I finally have under control. My mother kept a clean, organized and clutter free house, when she passed, everything we needed to do was written down. I want that for my children. Living an organized, clutter free lifestyle makes everything so much easier and enjoyable. Thank you Dawn for all your inspiration.

[@rivasoucie]

I would love to hear some of your mother's tips

[@janetstonerook4552]

The health benefit of washing your dishes and doing a brief kitchen clean up after dinner for me is important. Not only is it easier to clean up before food mess gets stuck on and makes the next morning more pleasant ...but it helps with my slow digestion . Moderate movement for 15 or 20 minutes after dinner is better than just plopping down to watch t.v. or getting on line immediately!😘👍

[@lauriedupont507]

Thanks for your videos. I’ve been watching you for less than a week and I’ve already implemented many of your suggestions. I started by decluttering my kitchen. I threw away all of the expired food in our pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. I have four shelves in my small pantry, I use the top one for breakfast foods, the 2nd one for lunch and snack foods, the 3rd for dinners for the week, and the bottom one for basically potatoes, onions. I removed all but three plastic storage containers, and I kept eight glass storage containers. They all have their lids on them now which freed up the drawer that I was keeping the lids in. During this video I put away my sweater that was on my couch, picked up several books I wasn’t reading, finished loading my dishwasher and started it, and emptied my trash cans. My goal is to declutter every room in my house and make 2024 the beginning of my minimalist lifestyle. Thanks so much!

[@lizzibriggsriesco7604]

I homeschool my kids and I think I may start to show your videos and call it "Home Ec" my girls are young but teaching them simple little tricks to stay tidy can only help!

[@dawntalley5910]

❤

[@abc-wv4in]

Great idea! Kids need to learn these things and things like how to manage money, etc. It should be part of the public school curriculum, although as a teacher I know there are not enough hours in the day with all the required state curriculum. Home schoolers can move along as soon as they've mastered a concept but with two dozen students it takes more reteaching.

[@jennifereddleman6656]

Love that idea! ❤

[@Mlspky]

This is my first video of yours I watched. Enjoyed your 20 tips for decluttering. I’m now a 82 yr old widow. I had two babies before I was 25 yrs old after I married, and worked in an office 5 days a week. It was a struggle for me keeping everything going. I had five younger brothers and my Mom was a stay at home mom. She was always organized. Early on she gave me advice like “don’t lay it down, put it away and when you come back into room it will be tidy.” It only takes a few seconds to put things away. I started doing this before I left for work. Then when I came home my house was neat. When my girls were small I’d tell them to pick up their toys and put in toy box OR if I have to pick them up they go in the trash can! One evening my smallest one didn’t pick up her doll so I just picked her doll up and put in trash! She could not believe it and went to get it out. I wouldn’t permit her to get it. She cried and cried for several minutes. Then I had a talk with her about picking up her toys or paying the consequences! Before bedtime I got her doll out of trash and gave to her. After that they both were eager to pick up their things. You have to teach them young. Now that I’m older and not physically able to keep things as tidy as I once did I try and remember what my Mom said, pick It up and put it away and when you come back in room it will be tidy.

[@abc-wv4in]

I'm not tough enough to throw a loved toy away, but putting it up for a week or two will accomplish the same thing with young children, maybe not with teens but by then their habits are probably set until they fully grow up.

[@burghbrat3319]

The 1-minute 'rule' is gold. One of the best tips I've ever learned (don't remember where I heard or read it) is to take a second, look around, and identify anything you can do in one minute or less -- and then do that, right now! Yep, we really CAN get 10 things done in 10 minutes. These are all great ideas, thank you!

[@Paleo-mama]

Dawn, I just had my 4th baby! (our oldest is 4) I’m so glad I found you (about 2 years ago) I was looking at old photos and I felt overwhelmed and depressed when I saw ALL THE STUFF we used to have. I’m just so happy with where we are right now. It makes the newborn stage so much easier!

[@kathybullmer8884]

I usually wash the dishes and pots and pans after each meal that I have cooked. I love having a clean kitchen.

[@LouLou-22]

I had cleared my kitchen cupboards, I had cleared out all the expired food and cleaned it all (wiping it all down). It makes me feel relaxed every time I go out too the kitchen!!!

[@linzy_pinzy]

My "optimizing my time" declutter moment is dealing with all my phone pictures while waiting at an appointment (ex: dentist). I also take care of organizing my bookmarks and saved pages too. Its a bonus that it occupies my mind so i dont stress too much about the appointment either!

[@StitchesByRamona]

WOW OH WOW. I LITERALLY stopped the video at the " don't leave out bathroom toiletries" section .... a MORNING and NIGHT bin!!! Freaking brilliant!!! Off I went to reorganize my shelf and under the sink and drawer areas. BRILLIANT I tell you, just brilliant!!! Thank you for this tip!!!! Ramona

[@nogames8982]

Getting a designated donation box was one of the best things I ever did. I only have one, I have a very small house. I throw things in there as I go along and when it's full, I take it to Goodwill. I almost never take anything back out of that box. In fact, I usually don't even look at it again once I throw the stuff in there. 99% of the time I don't miss anything that I donate or throw away

[@jennifereddleman6656]

Great idea! Thanks for posting!

[@jenniferduarte-hernandez775]

Great garbage day tip! Hubby & I have been clearing just a few things in the garage every Sunday (garbage day is Monday) & I can’t believe how much it adds up! Next is my Monica’s closet!!! 😉😂😂🧹

[@indijen]

I have a couple of ideas to add to your tips. On step 3, mail, I take only enough time to triage the mail into three piles: junk, immediate attention, and the rest. The junk goes in the recycling bin, the immediate attention gets, well, my immediate attention, and the rest goes in my Sunday basket (which I process on Saturday😊). That way I don't break my stride unnecessarily. Step 5, having clothes on furniture, I have a designated spot for clothes that are clean enough to wear again, but not necessarily clean enough to put back in a closed drawer (a.k.a. needs a little airing). It keeps my furniture clothing-free.

[@tgayer1]

I hang my clothes back up, but turn the hanger backwards. I’m pretty good at remembering at the end of the day if it’s the second wear and needs to go into the hamper.

[@abc-wv4in]

I too do not like to put clothes away that have been worn but are clean enough to wear again. I leave them out to air although it doesn't look tidy. If I don't wear them again in a day or two I just wash them. Exceptions might be things like cardigan sweaters that aren't worn next to the body. Air them a little and then put them away.

[@planetpony5183]

Hey Dawn - you can repurpose the cut down cardboard boxes in your garden. Check out the UK's Charles Dowding's No Dig Gardening method where he blocks the weeds with flattened cardboard and grows crops in compost on the top of it.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Recycle them is what we do. Cardboard attracts termites.

[@charlottehatch6696]

​@@rg-mi5hhOnly if stored in dark, moist areas such as basements or damp attics. Cardboard in gardens is beneficial on many levels. It decomposes into great organic matter. It encourages earthworms to leave behind rich nutrients, improves garden drainage, prevents unsightly weeds which take time to maintain and is cheaper than mulch. Adding under flower beds is also a wonderful option.

[@rg-mi5hh]

You are entitled to your opinion. I respectfully disagree.

[@Liz-uo4wb]

I'm doing an overhaul of my entryway and I removed the bench that has been there for years. I noticed that my boys would come in the door and dump everything on it (including coats, even though the hooks were directly above the bench!). My older son walked in yesterday with a handful of items and remarked "oh, yeah, the bench is gone" and then took his things directly to his room! After watching many videos about tidying/organizing/minimalism, I realized one key to keeping tidy is to reduce horizontal surfaces. It's easier to put things away if there is no place to put it down!

[@serenasaystoday]

I recently started emptying my whole bag every time I get home. I first heard of this from Marie kondo and I thought it sounded nuts and that I would never do that. I'm so surprised at how much this habit has improved my life because I always know where my important things are and I only bring things out with me that I need. I find myself rooting around in my bag a lot less.

[@Rugirl97]

So happy to know someone else airs out their bed before you make it. Thanks for all the great tips! I enjoy you and your content!

[@abc-wv4in]

Yes, I have a problem with confining worn clothing (still clean enough to rewear), shoes, and bedding immediately. All these things need to be aired out before putting away. Shoes might be stored in a way they can air out stored, but if not, let them dry and air out awhile.

[@ТаСу-ю3л]

Dawn, you are such a great presenter! I've been watching you since 2020 and you are just getting better and better in every way! 👏

[@stampedinhisimage1]

Dawn, thank you for telling us that you process your laundry right out of the dryer!!! I have made that a rule for me and I am praying that the rest of my 11 person household catch hold of this concept. It really is wonderful to FINISH every step of a job to feel the peace that it brings to our home. We have had so much clean laundry hanging around the unused card table until it is worn again that I am almost crazy over it. It isn't mine and waiting for the proper person to do it makes me nuts. You, Cas and Dana have been my new best friends and I watch the ones that the three of you sometimes introduce like Joshua Becker. What a life changing group of people you are, THANK YOU.

[@juliekonigskind6434]

So true Dawn!!!! I started watching on the couch, but jumped up about two minutes into the video and started working on some things I had let pile up. By the end of the video my house already looked so much better.

[@peggyprose]

Another game-changer is having a "No food in the car" rule. It's amazing how clean the car stays!!😁

[@JamieM470]

Yes! I did this with my children and grandchildren both. They could have all the water they wanted in the car, but no sticky beverages and definitely no food. My cars always stayed clean and nice, and the kids were happy. We used to stop & get burgers sometimes, or on hot days shaved ice or ice creams......but we always sat at a table outside, or even in the grass. Talking and being silly while munching on goodies, then getting back in the car and going on our way was so much fun! I've never understood the mind-set of people who have sticky, stained, filthy car interiors full of fast-food garbage "because I have kids!". Even if one must feed their children in the car, there are back seat covers that are pretty inexpensive.

[@sarahv8176]

I have a kid who gets hangry, so it's just not a fight I'm willing to fight in this season of life 🤷🏼‍♀️ I'd rather toss him a granola bar and have peace than have a hungry monster in the backseat while we're trying to rush home after a long day. I don't let my sticky car make me feel bad, I know it'll get better in time 🙃

[@Veronica_Esterhuyse]

​​​@@JamieM470we grew up like this too. I do let my kids eat in the car, but we deal weekly with crumbs, wrappers(there is a designated space for these) and spills on car seats etc. As we wash the car outside, we clean out inside too. Having kids definately is not a reason for a filthy car

[@JamieM470]

@@Veronica_Esterhuyse So true! Just in case you're interested, Amazon sells nice, machine-washable back-seat covers (waterproof layer underneath) for 12 to 15 dollars. Would save you some scrubbing 😃

[@kait1291]

My children get in the car filthy/muddy after hikes and playing in the creek. Even if they change clothes before hopping in, the car gets dirty. It's fine. We have fun. But the snack crumbs aren't a big deal at that point. We vacuum it out.... occasionally. But yeah, that's the mindset behind this person with a dirty car. I just don't prioritize a clean car.

[@lawaincooley6788]

I'm nowhere near a minimalist but I love the tidying tips. I took your advice and took an extra chair (surface for clutter) out of our master bedroom. It became a "wear-it-again" clothing rack. Thank you Dawn!!

[@janeschmidt9611]

Thanks for the tips, Dawn! Another tip that works for me is to do the laundry as soon as there is a load. There are only two of us but I find that if I do a load from start to finish (putting away), it won’t get out of hand. 🥰

[@lesliewhite388]

Yes! There are two of us left in the house so it's easy to go from start to finished.

[@margaretpare8206]

My friend taught her kids (and husband!) To take off their clothes and put them in the washer. No laundry baskets! Straight to the washer. Like running the dishwasher she does a load every night. No dirty laundry in her house!

[@ilanapeters4239]

Yay a new video! Thanks to you and similar youtube minimalist creators, I've managed to downsize from three two-door closets to two (with all my clothes, linens, craft supplies, memory box, suitcases, etc etc). So grateful for more air and light and SPACE in my apartment, and my sister is very grateful for a free, good quality closet :)

[@tedilojewski9607]

Thanks for another great video! Okay, Dawn - although we hand wash dishes right away, we don't put our dishes away immediately after washing them. We live in an arid Colorado climate, and it actually saves us time to let them air dry. They are ready to put away in about an hour. I have read that air drying dishes is more sanitary than towel drying them. And we don't have to dry them later!

[@divalicious541]

Your advice of decluttering on garbage day has been so helpful. I thought I was just going to find a few things and ended up filling a bag.

[@JuneOHearn]

Love this video! So far, other than breaking down cardboard boxes, I'm doing great on all of these. Regarding picking up toys, here's the method I used when my kids were little and it worked seamlessly. Every night, before our nightly family reading time, we did a 10-minute tidy (modeled after the 10-second tidy we saw on a children's show). We set the timer and ran around singing and acting silly while everyone put away their own toys and items. When the buzzer sounded, any items not picked up were put into the Sunday Box. The Sunday Box was a clear bin that sat on a high shelf in mom & dad's closet; it could easily be seen but not reached by littles. On Sunday, everything in the box was returned to its owners. We used the Sunday Box only TWICE while raising our three children - it was that effective!

[@andreawales1938]

I have a similar story: When my children were little, we would often do the 10-minute tidy, based on the 10-second Tidy featured on the children’s show “The Big Comfy Couch.” (While watching, we’d do the 10-second Tidy, too, and it was pretty funny!) Like you, I would NEVER get rid of my children’s items without their consent because those items belonged to them, not to me. Another reason was that they would miss out on opportunities to learn and practice how to pass along what they no longer needed to someone who needed it. Because little children often get distracted, I would also sit in their rooms while they cleaned their rooms. To keep them on task, I would ease them into different decluttering, organizing and cleaning activities, especially quick wins like grabbing items off the floor. When working with children/grandchildren, I like to use the Socratic Method. Because it is based on asking questions about what they already know, it allows them to come up with the answers on their own. (The Socratic Method is also wonderful for tutoring, especially math and science, because the students come to the right conclusion on their own!)

[@DFBurgermeister]

You always have the best videos. You don’t just talk to the camera, but show clips of you cleaning, decluttering, and organizing, which is much more motivating to me. My Mom always let the sheets air out before making the bed. I have the same ‘habit’, waiting at least 1 hr after getting out of bed. Love the idea of a bin for day and night beauty routines. I also use mealtimes for tidying, but it’s my dogs’ mealtimes - while they eat, I tidy.

[@deenahaines200]

This last week my girls and I have been doing Dana K White’s five minute pick up every evening (only we do ten minutes). It’s been a game changer! It’s amazing how tidy things can get in just ten minutes

[@Conval-wi5eh]

This. When I first started to implement an evening routine in my early twenties, it consisted of doing the dishes and tidying for ten minutes. I don't time my evening pick up anymore, but I am pretty sure it rarely takes me ten minutes to reset my space (I don't have kids yet). It makes a huge difference.

[@jemjustme]

Thanks soooo much Minimal Mum, my sister has got me hooked on your videos, and, for the first time in my life I've found a positive and motivating way of tackling our clutter. It's always made me feel depressed and exhausted and guilty, but now, I'm just itching to get to the next thing to organise and declutter. Our house is slowly but surely transforming and it's really cool. Thanks sooo much for you vidéos, just positive and guilt free tips that have already started to reshape my whole way of thinking about my clutter and my house. 🥰

[@gopugmama4408]

I'm actually folding laundry while I'm watching this vlog . . . such awesome ideas. Tidiness is a good habit like anything else. The more you do it the more it becomes a habit. Thanks, Dawn!💗

[@Rosa-kf6yy]

Wow, I've never thought of that great bed tip. It makes sense. I make my bed immediately. It just gets my day off to a good start. I'll try leaving it until after I have my coffee. It's a start.

[@sarahko2014]

I often leave my blankets down until after my morning shower...then I pull them up to make my bed.🪴

[@sandrapride1046]

I just got home from a trip. I took a quick nap, sorted the mail, and unpacked everything.

[@byupunk01]

My bathroom counter has stayed clear for 3+ years thanks to my "get ready bin." It's not fancy or pretty (just a shower caddy from the dollar store), but I feel so proud that this simple habit has stuck!

[@saraholson5946]

For keys, I recommend carabiners. You can just clip them to your purse. Unclip when in use then straight back on to your purse. I never lose them or need to dig around for them

[@laurennguyen1008]

I love that you say this season of life because keeping things from the past or possible future is my main issue.

[@5Ducklings]

Love your videos! Remembering my own childhood, I found picking up toys was often overwhelming because my little hand could pick up, for example, three lego pieces. An adult's hand can pick up so much more. So, I always helped my kids pick up their toys. In return, they helped me with my work. At 18 months, they were putting away clean spoons. It was a sorting game! By 3, they were mopping floors. At 5, when they could be trusted not to leave the oily rag on cloth, they helped dust. So it balanced out. I helped them, and they helped me, and they loved it! :)

[@janadirksen7251]

I’m not the problem 😇 It’s the other 9 family members in my house that need the improvement! I love you Dawn! I’ve been a subscriber since the beginning 😘

[@samanthacostello3792]

LETS GO DAWN!! Caught me right in the middle of decluttering! ❤

[@simply.clutterfree]

awesome place to be! 😊

[@bellaluce7088]

I lost some of my good habits like sorting the mail and putting shopping away immediately due to health challenges that sometimes make it hard to stand. Clustering tasks into mini house blessing sessions with my beloved Time Timer visual timer ; - ) 2 or 3 times a day when my energy is highest has helped enormously. Also "Temptation Bundling" with things I enjoy and already do regularly like KZbin or TV. : - ) Thanks, Dawn!

[@marybroderick4323]

Dawn love the way you just get to tips straight away and no long tedious build up ! Great advice too 😊

[@abc-wv4in]

Yes, thank you for getting to the point! I don't watch these videos to have faux social time, LOL.

[@cltinturkey]

Thanks for your tips, and double thanks for covering these in a condensed period of time! It's disheartening when someone presents only a few tips in a long video. You always get to the point and give us useful ideas. Cute top too! Hope you'll enjoy a wonderful fall.

[@abc-wv4in]

I agree. Many decluttering videos have too much wasted chatter. I don't have the patience to sit through a long video that only presents tips that could be covered in ten minutes.

[@jennifereddleman6656]

Totally agree! ❤

[@Sistergoldengirl]

Love your cute top! It looks great on you. Thanks Dawn for all these great and easy tips!

[@rg-mi5hh]

On the end table by our couch, I keep a couple of things that I want to use up. Lotions, etc. That way I remember to use them. Little by little, extras are going this way.

[@debmarrett212]

My mother-in-law always told me that her mother-in-law often said, "Never make a hot bed." It made sense to me. I workout, do hair & makeup, and eat breakfast. Then i make the bed when I'm doing the last get-ready tasks...jewelry, shoes, hairspray.

[@supergran1702]

I had never thought of a nighttime "get ready bin". I need this, because my night routine gets longer and has more products the older I get. 😅 Iam going to implement this one right away.

[@SpicyBricy]

The blue color top looks so good on you! Very good color for you. ❤

[@sanchezhandymen3444]

During the kids summer break my city has an xtra trash day! So I have been taking advantage of throwing away everything I can get my hands on. We went from a large family to now just two of us. Watching your videos has helped me so so much in letting go of things! My mental health thanks you!

[@loganfunk7897]

As a lover of history, literature and reading actual books, there is no way I could ever do blinkest or substitute apps etc in place of books. One because I love the whole process of holding the hard copy in my hand as I read. Two, most of the books I own are out of print or as early editions I can find... 3... I homeschool. But now I have found a purpose... I have been helping a couple of homeschool moms curate their curriculum etc. When they cannot afford or are too overwhelmed to go to actual stores to find what they need.

[@mcdc101201]

Love the blue shirt! :) I appreciate your graciousness with those that done think the same as you.

[@simply.clutterfree]

I'm a "naturally messy person" like you Dawn! Lol. But I definitely find that Minimalism has made all the difference 😊

[@karenrich9092]

I like the garbage day tip. It's great for people who live alone and don't have a lot of garbage. I recently had to empty the cupboard uner my kitchen sink because the plumber was coming. Now I have a donation box of vases I don't use and room for a recycle bin under the sink! Tomorrow I'm buying the bin. The get ready bin in the bathroom is next. I'll put in what I use most and take it all out first, then as I use it, it goes back in the bin. When the counter is clean I know I'm done. This also works great for baking; no forgotten ingredients.

[@jaokeki]

You have great energy, I keep coming back to your videos because you are so informative while also being soothing. Appreciate you!

[@junelovvorn3221]

Great video!!! I'm kinda stuck in my decluttering journey. I've got to start decluttering hard again. I just need a major push. Love you Dawn.

[@shelleykapp9637]

Same here ❤

[@daisybuchanan5378]

I love the “5 minutes matters” advice. Just start with 5 minutes.

[@klmjtr]

Definitely going to implement a get ready bin and a night time bin! No idea why I’ve never thought of that! Genius! 🤓

[@littlewillowhomestead113]

We’ve been washing every dish after use and no longer use our dishwasher.. feels so good to hv a clean kitchen.. we minimized down to one place setting per person which has really helped.. my 6 year old washes her own dishes and puts them in the strainer..

[@suec8179]

Your videos are so encouraging and such a great pick-me-up. Yours is one channel that I consistently feel energized, empowered, clearer thinking and ready to work! I love it!! Thank you! I want to try blinkest now, but I gotta plug using your public library!!! -LOVE letting them store my books for me😁

[@kimh1686]

Dawn! I have a request: I would love to hear you talk about digital minimalism in regards to photos and home videos! I’ve been trying to take your principles and apply them to photos (Especially, “look for gold”) but I wonder if we need to start at an even further level and try not to take so many photos in the first place? once I have them there is so much work to maintain, curate, store them. I’m not good with technology so the metal cost of storing them and trying to make backups or copies is getting extremely hard. I want to live more in the present moment and enjoy my children in the present. Maybe being more minimal in photos could help? What do you think? I’ve always been a hoarder of memories, and I’ve been realizing that I don’t think they even make me happy! Looking back at photos makes me so emotional as I see things and people have changed. I enjoy having a small representation of the memories but having so much… I wonder if it is not good. God didn’t design us to remember everything in such extreme detail. Maybe it’s better that way? Anyways I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on memory hoarding. Specifically photos and home videos. Thank you so so much for your channel! Your videos have been life-changing for me and my home. My kids always say while I’m watching your videos “oh is that your friend, Dawn, mom?” 😊

[@supergran1000]

Hi Kim. So funny you should post this, because I've been going through my home videos today, trying to sort them out. Old VHS tapes, even cine! A local business can transfer all these old mediums on to DVD, so I've been going through them trying to decide which ones to have transferred. It'll cost a fortune! And that's quite apart from all my old photographs and old slides. I dread to think how many photos I have on my camera and laptop! I quite agree that it's completely overwhelming, and wonder why we do it to excess. It's so bittersweet looking at photos, and particularly old home movies. Interesting point about God not designing us to remember everything. On the one hand, it's a wonderful thing to capture a memory, but it can overwhelm us. I'm as much at a loss to know how to "declutter" as you are. An idea is to get rid of photos of "views", and ones of, say, animals in a zoo. If we want to see an elephant, we can look in a book! Lol. Just keep photos of our loved ones, and throw away duplicates or ones very similar. Hard, I know. Oh, and always write on the back who they are and the year. Our kids will thank us. Best wishes from the UK.

[@countrychickbrews4640]

These are really great tips! I have a tip I used with my grandchildren when they were younger. I gave them one hour play segments. They could make as big a mess as they wanted but after the timer went off it was clean up time. Then they could play with one or two things for an hour until the timer went off again. Depending on how long they were over the cycle would repeat. If they were over for the night the cycle would end with a one hour quiet play to help them wind down before bed. My biggest issue is getting my hubs to keep his work clothes in one location. He works second shift so when he comes in around 10 pm he just drops everything on his way through. Then in the morning he gets everything back on to leave again. It may be a small thing since the mess is only during the night but tripping over his clunky work boots is painful. Love him dearly (37 years worth ❤) but really despise tripping over his mess until he gets ready for work. And don't get me started on his side table by the sofa. Lol But seriously I appreciate these tips. I do some of them but could probably be better. My kids are grown but the two of us could definitely be better at keeping picked up after ourselves.

[@deltorres2100]

I’m on my 2nd round of decluttering ..I’m so proud of my self …plus still working on a small diy paint .. but it’s a slow progress when you have a really bad wrist, I have my wrist in a sling But it will get Done ..it’s a lot of work plus I’m gonna do a reset on my dining room

[@imajenn3006]

Key tip. Many ADHD & Autistic folks Can Not Form Habits...All that stuff that eventually becomes Auto-Pilot? Not for us (and many don't know... and then we feel Bad for 'failing') especially late diagnosed. I use your stuff, but I also use the book Keeping House while Drowning which is for ADHD, ASD & others that struggle with energy &/or executive function problems. If I take my shoes off in the hall 500x, I sill have to actively remember each time, same with keys, face routine. Neurotypicals brain eventually runs a script & the brain... just does it🤯 With Nerodivergent folks... you basically have lines of code show in your screen & you have to read & do each one, and hopefully not miss.

[@melissahuntsman1799]

I think I’m going to have to watch this multiple times and take notes👍🏻

[@waikykymergaite]

Get ready and before bed 🛏 bin idea was a game changer for me!!! Thank you so much for your hard work! My life is getting easier all thanks to YOU!!! ❤ LOVE from Nalchik.

[@devinfarrelly3768]

Dawn, then take Back Your House course with you, Dana and Cass was so very helpful for me. I recommend it to everyone. I also find my laundry straight out of the dryer. Closing the loop, finishing one job start to finish really satisfies our brains and is more efficient than multitasking.

[@angeliquereischman4195]

Definitely check with your food bank on expired food! Ours 100% takes expired items (to a point…). Their guidance is that expired canned goods are fine for three years past the expiration, other boxed / packaged items for 6-12 months past the expiration, etc.

[@SheLightsUptheDark]

As a new stay at mom of two just learning the juggling act of all things home and family you are my hero!

[@Bob-wr1mn]

I’m so happy to say I’m doing almost all of these wonderful tips already.THANK YOU

[@TheGymnast71]

I do love living in a tidy house. I feel overwhelmed some days and have decision fatigue. I need to sometimes just do it and get rid of stuff and then I get rid of it. Love your videos they keep me motivated.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Lovely coloured top on you, Dawn. Love thd videos. G Ire

[@astridteeuw2374]

Along the same line, I always try to unpack and put away our lugage after a trip or holiday. This takes more than 1 minute 😅, but it feels great. It helps when gear and lugage have a clear and reachable home.

[@abetterlife5120]

As always, Dawn, such helpful tips to keep a tidy home. For me the challenge is finding a permanent home for items-which then leads to decluttering and deciding what to declutter. It’s definitely going to take some time but I’m determined to have a neater home! ❤🎉

[@abc-wv4in]

Finding a convenient permanent home for things is a struggle for me, too. I only have four kitchen drawers (flatware, utensils, dish towels, "junk" that I really use), for example. My charger cords won't fit in them so I have to find another place nearby which doesn't seem to exist!

[@sandradomanusz7943]

I like the idea of a morning bin and a night time bin. I'm definitely going to do this!

[@addywell3100]

That is true. My grandmother was college educated back in the 1920's. She became a teacher. She also shared this with me a long time ago. You are not to make the bed until the heat disappears. She was taught that doing this did not allow for bacteria to grow from your body's warmth and moisture. Also dust mites on any fabric are killed by contact with direct sunlight. The van...when we took 2 years off from homeschooling and took our children to a Christian school a ways away were determined to keep the van clean. We decided to stop at a car wash every Friday on the way home and had a routine where the twins took out all the car mats and shook them, our son gathered up all the loose papers and snack mess and then we would clean empty and vac out the van and it would be clean for the next week. Missing those days :) They are all graduated now. Very much appreciate the loving nudge and encouragement.

[@TerriMaglott]

I bought First magazine, and you’re in it right now. 9-23. I love your ideas.

[@LouciferFlump]

Re the toaster thing: I saw this tip somewhere else and have been using an old washing up bowl to house my toaster for about a year. It’s genius! 😂 I used to have a fancy, expensive, aesthetically pleasing toaster. It was always out coz it looked nice and cost a fortune. It wasn’t as reliable as its price suggested and broke relatively quickly. I was thinking about whether to get a cheap toaster (that would look dreadful out) or buy another pricey glamorous one. I saw this tip and thought I’ll go “cheap” and just hide it away…best decision ever coz this toaster has already outlived the £150 one and it only cost £20!! Go figure…🤷🏻‍♀️

[@naomielliott3563]

So that was very productive! I set myself the challenge to respond immediately if any of the points you made was true of my home! So I would keep pausing the video, complete that task, and then continue with the video.

[@Katzeyes65]

We just had help with flood damaged bottom room. Feels so good.

[@Gus9891-n5v]

Thanks so much for all of your videos, Dawn. I have just recently discovered your channel. I watch you and Clutterbug now on a regular basis. I have learned so much and your suggestions are spot-on. My house stays much cleaner now for much longer, now that it is decluttered. You have a lovely family, and peaceful and encouraging videos. Thank you! ✝👍❤

[@kortneyreinitz1952]

A game changer for me was creating an "In Between Bin" which is a small laundry basket where I keep pajamas I've worn once or twice and anything else that isn't dirty but isn't clean enough to go back in a drawer.

[@goldieh7121]

Great tips, thanks! Fyi, when I donated unexpired canned and boxed food to a food bank a little while back, they did tell me that they don't always go by the sell by date. They have a list provided to them with extended dates for some non perishables. Jic you have some food items that aren't too far past the sell by dates.

[@brachastolov4864]

All fabulous ideas. I actually do many of these. Another one I do as a teacher is go thru my different bags. Clean out receipts and papers not needed anymore. Thank you! Love the housekeeping tips especially for kids.

[@Wannabecrafting247]

8:23 We had a “toy jail” which worked wonders! And one year for Christmas they just got their toys out of jail and one very small item. (And a trampoline) which they didn’t see at first because we had celebrated while we were in the mountains. As sisters-in-law, we planned this together as our families celebrated together in the mountains. The kids later said that was a great Christmas! Great tips! Thank you!

[@abc-wv4in]

I love the idea of the toy jail! I couldn't throw away my kids' beloved toys, but putting them in jail for awhile would accomplish the same thing, especially when they are young. Great suggestion!

[@Kreinhardtfam]

Fresh dishes are so much easier than stale crusty dishes. And using your kitchen is so much more functional without them piled up. It takes alot of motivation somedays, but I never regret doing the dishes right away.

[@organizedchaoslife]

Awesome tips and reminders Dawn! We also use the rule if Mom or Dad cleans it up, we put it away for a while. 😉 That gives a little extra motivation.

[@anne-mareefalzon3579]

Dawn, you look gorgeous in blue! If you were looking for one colour to wear pick blue. It lets you shine 🤩

[@kimhouchins8653]

I agree! Blue looks great on you Dawn!😊

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

Yes

[@brendapearce8473]

Omg! Empty all the trash cans when they are full. I have my son go outside and take all the trash out. This always helps my husband keep his work shed cleaned up.

[@denisemckinney3973]

Great ideas and habits. At first people teased me for my clean the car every trip habit. But now when they ride with me they always compliment how clean and comfortable my car 🚙 is. 😊

[@lizwertz1910]

Hey there Dawn! I hopped on to see if anything is different and what you’re up to. The blue top you are wearing looks awesome!

[@SusanneStampsScraps]

I have heard almost all these tips before from you, but the morning and nighttime bins sounds like something I will try to implement. Right now I keep all these out in a basket on the vanity and it's not quite big enough, so I do lots of rearranging to make it all fit. 2 bins that could fit inside a drawer would be great. Off to clear that drawer of other stuff so I can try this. Thanks for the tip.