We have no money, I can't risk needing to replace these things! (Q+A)

[@gwenj5419]

My mom had all these collectible dolls that she thought were worth a lot of money. They weren't, they just cost a lot of money. I had to donate them to thrift stores.

[@beckyshell4649]

So many things that are labeled as ‘collectible’ are no more than clutter. I worked in retail during the era when the holiday Barbie collecting was so popular. My friend was crazy about the hunt for beanie babies,she had 3 huge plastic totes full . She has spent thousands of dollars on them and she would be hard pressed to get $100 for the lot. She also has a big porcelain doll collection that she spent a few thousand on that probably would go for a couple hundred dollars at most. If you like something that is fine ,collect it but don’t go into collecting expecting the value to go up.

[@vikieierdam5516]

My BEST minimalist tip: I have been minimalist since 2000. I go to thrift stores regularly to remind me how easy it is to re-buy SO MANY items and how silly it is to buy most anything new. It reassures me so much.

[@melissathorson9459]

What has really helped me let go of a LOT of different kind of things (clothes, art supplies, household items) is to imagine the things actually being used by someone who genuinely needs them, rather than sitting in a box "just in case" I happen to need them someday (which, realistically, I never will). Giving them to someone who will be thrilled to have them, even via thrift store donation, takes away all feelings of regret at "wasting" things.

[@babytexan3038]

Yes! And this helps ease my guilt if I'm sharing an unneeded gift. Would make it easier to explain if my unlikely nightmare comes true of being asked about the gift by the giver. Like if I gave it to someone who really needs it.

[@dawnwilson8017]

I know how you feel. I once donating a stack of fancy tops to my local thrift store. The woman that runs the store told me a woman came in and bought all of them. She was so excited, she’d wouldn’t have been able to purchase them at retail.

[@Mrs.J.D.B]

I really like what you said here. I think this will really help me. One thing that is helping me right now is knowing the lady that owns the small thrift store in the little town I live near. She is a mom to 6 kids and knowing that my donations help to support her and her children, makes it easier for me to get rid of stuff my family isn't using. I make sure I only give her stuff that is in really good shape so she can actually make some money off of it and doesn't add clutter to her store.

[@kensiblonde4203]

Thrift stores landfill 90% of donations. Stop buying things!

[@veronikab1607]

Yes, best on local giveaway groups - really nice to meet people picking things up:)

[@sarahouser3100]

Years ago my identity was that of a baker and a crafter. It was an evolution to downsize those hobbies that no longer interested me. My new joy is walking and being outdoors with friends. It’s simple, healthy and free. Love Minimal Mom!

[@judithlund1346]

This is so good to read! Thank you for sharing...inspirational

[@dakotacabn]

I gave all my yarn to a yarn group and trashed all my scrapbooking supplies. My new hobby is decluttering.

[@SuperLonglocks]

As I QUIT scrolling Pinterest I was able to let go of more craft supplies and avoid repurchasing things I don't regularly use. It's almost like looking for ideas leads to a lack of satisfaction in my core crafting types that actually regularly bring me the most joy.

[@snana9665]

My mom & Dad moved in with us about 8 years ago. She never throws anything away. Now my daughter & hers girls are moving in, so I’m emptying out a room that my mom no longer uses. I found approximately 30 pairs of sheets. 😮When I suggested donating them she freaked out on me. She hasn’t even been in that room for 5 years or so. She’s 83 years old. I’m actually very sad for her. She grew up very poor, and I guess having extra gives her comfort but geesh 😢

[@momtrck]

There was a tipping point for me with my fabric (quilting) when I decided to move the supply along. The freedom I felt looking at the empty shelves was wonderful but would have haunted me if I had done this purge a year ago. When the time is right it will be the Right time.

[@juliab8992]

Well said! My first time will tell bins got 6 month expirations, and even then I would occasionally "save" an item or 2, but the "time" has decreased as confidence increases. 3 years later - my husband "surprise" helped by taking "donations" before I had to ask him.... But it was actually my fresh time will tell bin!! ... I took a second to think, and as I couldn't remember what I had even had in it, I just shrugged it off!!! I can't miss what I don't remember! 😊

[@grutarg2938]

That is a goid point. And you don’t need to start by decluttering the hardest stuff. If you start in other, easier areas then you can get to the tougher stuff when you’re ready.

[@lauramitchell6725]

I knew a woman who was trying to a help a young “mother to be” acquire baby things. She went to a community yard sale which closed at noon and took note of the addresses with baby clothes,etc. She went back to those sales at noon and almost everyone gave her the leftovers for free.She filled her car and it saved those people the trouble of donating it.🙌🏻

[@miriameleanorhall7505]

You are such a refreshment Dawn. We can get so bogged down by society and the rat race . You help us to see clearly and get back to basics! Thank you!

[@teresarose7524]

Our parents were collectors. People now, not so much. Unfortunately collections that were once worth something are worth nothing now. It is wprth value only to those who made the collections and to us who try to remember them.

[@glendawalker3056]

I have to say it...Such a cute sweater you have on ! 🙂

[@lindatawera8013]

An upturned pot plus wooden spoon makes a drum; stacking plastic bowls from kitchen and other simple things can entertain kiddos.

[@chrisk4053]

I love your comment. My best memories are of my daughter babbling and sitting on kitchen floor with a wooden spoon and pots and pans - loving her “toys”

[@sgallant2107]

This is so true! My son sat in a laundry basket to bang on pots - hung low on a pegboard for that purpose. HIS toddler loved stacking all sizes of funnels and measuring cups, and to "shop" among small (tightly-sealed) plastic spice bottles - left within reach on a low shelf; shaking and dropping them into a small basket. 😊

[@artmakeslifemeri]

My babies loved that too! Stacking empty containers and lids made cool towers!

[@ladyb5888]

WE JUST LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU, DAWN! ❤❤❤😊

[@babytexan3038]

Yes!! You're my favorite, Dawn!!

[@cynamun467]

I paused this video because I've been wanting to start a craft. My daughter does cross-stitch and I was jealous because my jigsaw puzzles have to stay at home. After some Googling, I learned about needle tatting, a craft that requires just a needle and thread. I bought some used tools on eBay and am on my way to a portable, minimalist hobby.

[@marianneford8551]

Nursing homes, assisted living and memory care facilities can often use donated craft supplies

[@pippas5808]

With leisure/hobby supplies, I've found it really helpful to look at the amount of resources consumed per hour of activity and then to look at how many 'hobby hours' my resources would fill. I used to struggle with getting rid of books (because I read - and reread - a LOT) until I looked at the number of books I read in a year, and realised that even if I did nothing but reread books I already had, it would still take me over three years to read all the books I had on my shelves. Since around 3/4 of my reading is new material (mostly sourced from the library), it would take me more than a decade to reread my entire library at the current ratio of new to old material. This helped me cut down quite a bit!

[@karenflom9352]

Don't forget about the local library instead of always buying just toys for kids. There are often creative kits you can check out, as well as story-times, special crafting activities/projects or learning sessions where you they provide the supplies and you don't need to have everything in your own home.

[@lizzabbott]

Wonnnderful, Dawn ! I just did what was for me, a radical decluttering. Some “identity” / fantasy - self stuff that used to be more relevant in my life but after some honest soul-searching, I admitted was not in my current season. So I sold my keyboard. “But I want to have it handy for when I want to play”. And it IS fun to play. But I never did it consistently in recent years. Umm… instead, most of the time it kinda taunted me : that I didn't play it enuf, didn't put the time in. I also felt a little badly about the fact that since I hadn't kept up over the years ( new life seasons, not even having a keyboard much of the time, & some serious illness & injuries) , I don’t master something as well or as quickly. So I sold it, at a “loss”. But … not a loss at all. I freed up space ! Plus, I had originally gotten it new for a bargain. If later, I have the time & energy & household space ( music room?) to prioritize it, I’ll get a new ( & even better) keyboard. It’s been an adjustment, but I don’t regret it. The freed up space is so liberating! I also gave away my sheet music cabinet - & most of my sheet music. Again, clearer space after having it for 25 years ! And another eliminated thing no longer creating distraction / extra , unnecessary mind chatter on that pesky “silent to-do list”. I took a photo of my sheet music books B4 letting it go, to lower my resistance haha. Plus , I had sold some to a music store some months back, too . All in mint condition. So … didn't stop there : a clothes donation ( once again…. Haha not at ALL my 1st decluttering rodeo!) , nick knacks donation, & more followed. More is by the door ready to leave in the next few days. Thx, Dawn ! I’ve been pretty good at decluttering clothes , toys, kitchen stuff, papers, furniture, books, VHS, CDs, DVDs & photos etc over the decades, but somehow always needed ( & need) to do more. It’s ongoing even after downsizing a few xs ! Itz work & sometimes maybe a bit if a struggle, but inevitably a JOY & an accomplishment to be proud of. xo Liz

[@MamaTracyAnn]

Dawn, I think you are just amazing. You can tell you truly have a heart of gold and care about helping others ❤

[@verodomurat-tostado3079]

Hi Dawn, You have no idea how much you have truly helped me. I’m not a minimalist and I wish I was since I know that would be a solution to a lot of problems but I can tell you that I think of your words a lot when decluttering or purchasing items. I do want to live a more simple life and some days I feel closer to it and guided by you. Your knowledge has touch deep in a way that I question how I live and how I was raised. A lot of internal thoughts. My girls are impacted by you too. I’m very proud of them as I know they are grasping your knowledge. With my youngest we still deal with a lot of toys but we had reduced a lot trust me. I’m still holding to a few baby toys and clothes but I got rid of all the big baby equipment which I thought I never would. So thank you 💞I could go on and on telling you how you helped me.

[@joanneconnor4319]

I have cleaned out my craft supplies heaps, and I also was painting rooms in the house, and collected some driftwood on the beach and shells that I was going to make something with. This was all in the garage and back shed, and every time I went in the shed "it looked at me" and I felt so bad not doing the projects and it was always on my head I had another job to do. A couple of months ago, I put the driftwood in a bag and put it in the shed that we hardly visit for a short time and if next time I haven't got back to it, I will declutter. As for the paint, I moved it out of the garage and in to the back shed and I will do another room when I have time. These were just two extra things I felt were calling me to do and I just didn't have time. Now I can't see them I feel so much better. Best wishes everyone. Jo from Australia. xxx

[@2rhythms]

I am struggling when it comes to decluttering clothes because I find it difficult to find clothes that fits me. Most of them are just the wrong proportion. So I hang on to those that is the right proportion even if they are a bit too big or too small, because my weight goes up and down. I do found myself wearing them again in 1 - 2 years. I learned that knowing myself to be the key in effective decluttering.

[@livingthedream923]

Same. The way I found that works for me to keep it under control is to have separate “size” sections in my closet. I keep all of my larger clothes on the left and smaller clothes on the right. When my weight is up, I choose from section on the left and when I’ve dropped some weight, I move over the the section on the right. It makes it easier for me to find the right clothes that fit, and I don’t have to dig around.

[@Chantelle456]

I’m so thankful for you!!! God truly brought you into my life a year ago after much prayer about being overwhelmed. I never would have thought declutter if was the answer. I have a long way to go, but I wanted to say THANK YOU!!!! I am planning to ask for the take your house back course as an early Mothers Day gift. May God richly bless you and your family ❤😊

[@colleenfaitro613]

About 2 years ago I found you on utube. From that day forward I have donated about half of my home. I think we have felt so much better living clutter and junk free. We haven’t missed anything that we got rid of. We are retired and by realizing what we have gotten rid of we are spending maybe 90 percent less. We don’t want to do this a 2nd time. We will continue to purge our stuff regularly. (With the cost of living we are spending 50 percent more on electricity, gas etc.) But not impulse buying 😊

[@abigailmuser5871]

Your makeup is fancy on this video! You look very nice! I think you look beautiful normally, but I just wanted to say I noticed the new eye makeup, and it looks very nice!

[@krissyk9767]

With craft stuff it helps to set limits or boundaries. I have all my sewing supplies in one tub. So I don't let myself buy any more fabric for example, until I have completed my current projects and there is space in the tub for more.

[@theresahanson-rf4id]

My decision to reduce crafts to just scrapbook and donated/tossed /gave to friends my craft supplies and stampin up stamps Now I’ve been reducing scrapbook supplies and use what I had to save money. So now when I buy, it’s not just because. It’s true to have others to do craft with is fun

[@gizmoenterprises3467]

I buy supplies for current projects. If I have leftovers, I tend to donate them to schools afterwards. I keep the tools, as the projects I do tend to reuse many of the same tools for very different crafts. Still not sure what is going to happen with the fabric hoard I inherited, but it's been fun having to come up with projects that involve buying nothing.

[@Kanne60]

The only craft I do any more is sewing. I sold all my card crafting items and scrapbooking items. It feels so good to have said goodbye to these items.

[@rebeccakessler4417]

We moved to our home 4 years ago. I’m already pretty on top of regular declutters. We’re having our first garage sale, and looking through the house with the intention of eliminating for the sale has been so motivating. I starting asking a question I’ve heard from you “could I get rid of more?” It was so freeing. And I found a Facebook free local group so after the garage sale it’s all getting taken or trashed. None will be re-entering our home or staying in the garage.

[@cynamun467]

This is literally the only thing I miss about Facebook. But I don't miss it enough to install the app again.

[@bryonyvaughn2427]

SABLE: Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy Evaluating one’s crafting supplies in terms of SABLE can make it easier to prioritize what one wants to keep. A yarn shop near me used to have an amazing annual garage sale. Customers would bring what they didn’t want, labeled & priced, and staff would run the garage sale in-store during regular hours. Instead of getting the money for their fiber and accessories, they’d get STORE CREDIT for what they sold. This helped cover staff expenses during the sale while the sellers got to turn what they no longer wanted in for smaller amounts of things they valued. People like me were able to get yarns & accessories I could never afford otherwise. I was also able to get rid of a lot of yarn I no longer wanted by donating it at another yarn shop. One state prison was running a program whereby prisoners were taught how to crochet. They’d crochet stuffies that first responders would give to traumatized children they came across in the course of their duties. Years later I witnessed firefighters get into a car three children were locked in on a summer day. The kids got a stuffy each while the paramedics checked them out. Taking home something soft and cuddly had to have been something positive to contrast their very bad day.

[@sarialtman1172]

You sound like you might have a little cold. I hope not. Thank you so much for all that you do. My mom passed away suddenly on February 7th and packing up her house is so emotionally overwhelming. Have a wonderful weekend.💜

[@MyFocusVaries]

I'm so sorry for your loss 💜

[@WorrierKitten]

I'm so sorry for your loss 💔

[@hrh4773]

I had a little giggle seeing the two piles of books behind you Dawn. There are two books with the same title…… ‘The Comfort Crisis’.

[@juliekonigskind6434]

What a great episode. I truly enjoyed all your input and am so thankful to have found your channel a few years ago! I am always looking forward to your new videos, because no matter how many times you tell me "permission to let it go", it still feels like a huge relief every single time! I love you Dawn. All the best to you and lots of love from Germany

[@kakylong2]

Dawn, Awesome podcast. When I was decluttering my craft room, I set limits on the amount of stuff I could keep. Also, I had things spread out in different areas of the tiny room & when I went to put certain collections back, I realized how much I really had. I was dumbfounded, to say the least. I have a friend who teaches Art & I gifted her a ton of items. She loved it & I know the kids will too. 😊

[@Genie519]

Most libraries have knitting groups that would love to have donated yarn. Just an idea to pass on the joy of the hobby😀

[@joanneconnor4319]

You may find that the collectibles are not worth anything these days. I have my grandmothers miniatures (I'm talking five full shelves of tiny miniatures - vintage and antiques) she collected for years and years. Unless you can find the perfect place to sell to, or a person who wants them, you may find you are stuck with them for a long time and no sale. My aunty just asked for them back and I gladly gave them to her, as it was worrying me what to do with them. Best wishes. Jo xx

[@sherylmccrystal3804]

Agreed. Younger people are just not interested in what we have collected and enjoyed. A friend of mine has come to the same conclusion. She has brought her collections to dealers and no one wants them. So…. It is hard but let them go if they don’t easily sell. I place the more valuable items for sale. If they don’t sells we bring them to the Salvation Army. That way we are helping others even if we don’t get money for the items.

[@jonelledavenport8701]

Thank You❣️ As always it's such a pleasure to visit with you.

[@hrh4773]

Extremely wise words Dawn with regards to the craft supplies.

[@carollane7938]

Great show topics. You are so correct. Baby clothes do deteriorate over time.

[@Kat-e1x]

Love this podcast format. It's great to only listen while decluttering. Less screen time, too. I am really trying to reduce screens - I mean, it's a real goal😂 is this on Spotify too? This way I can just have a black screen and listen. Thanks Dawn, you keep me motivated.

[@AmySimmonds-luv4Jesus]

This is great, practical advice. Thank you.

[@aliciapearsall4099]

❤ as always such amazing topics thank you 💞 for all you do. So good to hear all the questions.

[@bobbigoff8088]

I love this. I was so excited when I found out I was having a 2nd boy in the same season at my first. Kind of funny story here, my oldest son and middle grew differently so I ended up having to buy almost all new things for my 2nd. They were about the same size at birth within just weeks of each other. They still grew differently.

[@susannekoster511]

Dawn your hair is so beautiful! I love the cut! You look fantastic! Thanks for doing what you do. ❤️

[@highenergyjenny]

Thank you so much for answering my question!! Such great advice, as always!

[@Giannina-LoveThemAll]

That pink is so nice on you 💗 thank you for more advice! This is helpful for my paint and sewing supplies.

[@marlenegearon4709]

If you have an excess amount of craft supplies do classes for children, seniors, family members and donate the needed supplies.

[@4mandysake]

That PINK SWEATER looks GREAT on you❣️🥰

[@karengibsonruhl563]

Do I see two copies of "Comfort Crisis" on the credenza?

[@rhonmarquess3146]

Hi Dawn, thank you for all your inspiration. I've lived alone for the past almost 4 years and off & on have been doing the onion method with decluttering, usually based on different motivation. I'm not in the messy middle, but I'm in the decluttering fatigue middle. I want so many things simplified or gone, but I've run out of "bandwidth" 😉 & energy. Any ideas for a boost? I've tried 5 minutes, 1 drawer, body doubling, etc, but I'm just stuck. Thanks 🧡

[@babytexan3038]

Best wishes! I think what would help me in that case is looking around with an eye to what could be really helpful to a person in need in my community--someone who needs the thing more than I do and can't afford it. Helps me let go of unused clothes etc.

[@bellaluce7088]

I really struggle with energy too. In case it's helpful, here are some things that have really helped me. Good wishes to you! 😀 1) Remembering to Temptation Bundle FUN things with decluttering 🤩 This has been such an essential tool yet I forget sometimes to use it! Podcasts and music while decluttering + something rewarding immediately afterwards that I already do often (e.g. having a meal or cup of tea or watching TV or a KZbin video) have helped so much! 2. Letting (a bite-size chunk of) the mountain come to me. ; - D I have health issues that affect my energy and can make decluttering physically painful, so instead of bending, squatting, or standing next to the clutter, transferring a do-able chunk to a bin and sorting it on the couch with the TV really helps. (I also love Angela Brown Cleaning's suggestion of dedicating a table just to sorting when you have a large ongoing project, although I don't have room for that yet!🤪) 3. Keeping a Metacognition Journal about decluttering Having a place to work out what might be blocking me and remind myself of my Whys, the progress I've made, and what's helped in the past has been invaluable! 🤓 4. Taking lots of before and after photos so I can SEE that I've made progress and reviewing them for inspiration when it feels like an endless slog 5. Looking at a "before" photo instead of the actual stuff to more easily identify what can go. I don't know why this works, but it's helped me so much with decision fatigue and being overwhelmed by not knowing where to start. 6. Reminding myself how GOOD I'll feel just for taking action, and *giving myself praise and credit* during and afterwards ❤😃❤ Noticing what I'm doing RIGHT and celebrating small wins has made a huge difference in *many* areas of my life! 7. Putting reminders of my "Why" directly in my eye line from wherever I'm decluttering 8. Using a vision board or reviewing an index card deck (or other format) of Goals, Whys, and Encouragement, including *Evidence* that things are possible (my past successes, character traits I have confidence in, *reminders of my progress,* stories or images of people similar to me who've achieved the things I want to... ) Actively cultivating BELIEF that I really can accomplish big or very longterm goals is an *essential* part of finding the energy and will to act for me. Things that feel doable inspire me to do. 9. Using Pretty Home Power! Prioritizing decluttering and prettifying the areas I see most from where I spend the most time in my house has helped motivate me to keep decluttering even when it feels it will never end. It really is amazing how a cleared countertop, TV stand, or dresser top with simple pretty touches (a framed photo or plant, flowers, etc.) *continually* make me feel good, so adding more areas like that as a sub-mission of my decluttering really adds fuel to my tank. I realized I also get a boost from adding pretty touches WHILE I'm decluttering, so even just taking a moment to really appreciate something as small as how neat and organized the half of a shelf I've completed looks before stopping for a break or the day helps me find energy to continue. (Cas from Clutterbug has a great video about this. : - ) I've noticed that when I feel demotivated to clutter clear, there's often stuff accumulated in at least one of these previously prettified areas, and that giving them a little TLC and maintenance helps reinspire me to tackle other areas. - I'd love to hear other people's energy and motivation tips! Good luck and godspeed! 😃💖

[@janicebrown8589]

@@bellaluce7088 what awonderful post so many great ideas and inspirational post thank you

[@bellaluce7088]

@@janicebrown8589 Aw, that really makes me feel good! ☺Thank you! : - )❤

[@autobotdiva9268]

donated 2 boxes of halloween decor today. all that is left is what will fit on my mantle. thats it!!

[@ramonawhisenant2045]

Love you, Dawn!! I can hardly wait to hear about y'all's trip to Mexico!!

[@joycemitchell2092]

Great video! ❤️

[@zephirinedrouhin3735]

I’m sorry that you are dealing with a cold (or allergies?), I can hear it, you sound stuffy. Hope you are better again soon!

[@-AuburnWaves]

😢 yes she looks quite ill here to be honest. I feel she should have granted herself some time off❤

[@lucystrider728]

Anyone else have trouble parting with finished projects like paintings and it is not just the supplies but the finished projects that overwhelm our home? The thought of never again seeing something I made and like is upsetting and a block. However, I think I hate clutter more than I like keeping things. I think the new question is am I ok with continuing to create things knowing I have to sell or donate them..ideas?

[@babytexan3038]

Could have a box or area where you store finished projects, and when it gets full, pull out your least favorite to make room for the new. 🤷🏻‍♀️ And you could offer it on Buy Nothing or something to bless someone else with it, not throw it away. That's a tough situation. Good luck!

[@sandyseffrood4384]

My aunt creates watercolors and pastels- she has been framing them and offering them to family. She has the funds to do the expensive part of framing, love being able to pick decor for our home for free and have my aunts artwork!

[@tinalay5334]

This was a great episode! Now I need to get to work. Could you please tell us where that beautiful sweater came from? Thanks so much!

[@Karen-pe6oc]

Craft and hobby supplies are so hard to declutter! Thank you for the guidance. I have been paring down with guidance from TYHB and all 3 of you independently and it has gotten easier to discern. I am enjoying less, for sure. Unrelated, why are there 2 copies of "The Comfort Crisis" behind you? I have been scanning my own things for duplicates, so it stands out 😅

[@frozenjonesfam]

Ooooh, I love the differentiation between minimalism and poverty.

[@arizonashopper5095]

Baby clothes Mama is definitely Aussie. 1,000% 😊

[@veronikab1607]

About kids toys: pur Kindergarten removes all toys for a month each year. Some kidsneed time to adapt but all thive in the end!❤

[@hannah9235]

Community, I have a unique situation. My childhood home burned down 5 years ago. We will be done rebuilding in about 1 year. (Terrible permitting issues here in CA). I obviously lost everything and had a clean slate (I was living at home at the time, now I’m married and we have our own condo). I’ve been pretty good about keeping my current condo on the more minimal side (I’ve learned a lot losing it all). But now that I see furnishing a house on the horizon. I’ve been keeping a lot of good quality stuff in storage for the new house. (Which my dad will move into and I will live in part time - he is letting me handle filling it). Since we’re talking such a large amount of money will be spent on filling the new house (think kitchen items, furniture, etc.) I am having a hard time of feeling guilty for holding onto things in my storage (storage doesn’t cost extra, I have space). I guess I’m asking for how you would feel in this situation or just venting to a community who understands. I think because I’ve been more minimal I feel weird keeping things for the future, but there will actually be a future in this case. 🤷🏻‍♀️🙈

[@toomanymarys7355]

If it's a real future, keep it. I keep old clothes for younger kids. And we use them.

[@babytexan3038]

Best wishes figuring it out, and I'm so sorry you've gone through that loss. When I had a house under contract but wouldn't be moving in for a few months, I started collecting items for that future larger space. I'm glad I did. But I'm glad I waited till we had something official coming up soon instead of starting before I was sure what we'd be moving into.

[@susannekoster511]

I'm sorry about your home. I don't think you should feel bad for keeping essential things in storage. Once you move in you can always downsize the amount. Good luck.

[@kensiblonde4203]

Do you have a Buy Nothing group in your area? Ask for what you need. At least where I am people give away furniture, clothes, appliances, everything.

[@lisab9541]

I would feel good about having those things ready for the new house. Maybe just wait until it is finished to purchase more. As long as there are beds, linens for it, and a couple bath towels, everything else can be added after you move in things already stored. Then you can see what you actually need. Do basics first.

[@robingage2855]

This episode was outstanding!

[@marlenegearon4709]

I was telling my sister about Helix mattress for the camper/Rv that you previous mentioned, do you still offer a coupon code??? Thank you.

[@roberleneb.5702]

Great episode

[@bonnieupton4114]

Our world is changing kids. Are you aware the inflation is just beginning..... maybe you should hang on to things that you may very not be able to buy again. Anyone here know how deeply in debt this country is in? And how fast that is growing daily? When so many cant even afford a place to live? How many people have less than $400 put away for emergencies? Have you seen even McDonald's prices lately ? I hope that you all aren't just throwing away anything someone else could use. At least donate to your local pantrys! Camping is fun.... but you are not really living a life of it. Trust me its not fun on a full time life.

[@shellydavis4157]

I can’t be the only one who is upset by the salesman voice breaking into your answers and advice. It changes everything from you giving advice to your friends to a sales method. Please think about getting rid of that. I have followed you for years and truly love listening to you.

[@dianasimplifies]

It's brought up every week. Please feel free to fast forward. ❤

[@cynamun467]

@@dianasimplifiesI think the real problem is the change. There would probably be fewer complaints if Dawn did it herself in between answers. (Honestly, I hate the voiceover. It's jarring after Dawn's sweet soft voice.)

[@MyFocusVaries]

It's been mentioned, and Dawn obviously likes the voice, so I think it's time for folks to let it go.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@MyFocusVaries 💯

[@dianasonabudget]

It's a dear friend of hers, so she likes having him on here. ❤❤

[@kristinpetersen5709]

Omg that impersonal voice INTERRUPTS our intimate conversation with Dawn😢

[@alwaysenough5965]

Should I keep HS yearbooks?!?

[@andreawales1938]

Keep yearbooks! They’re fun for us and for our children, and they will come in handy “reviewing” before class reunions!

[@Maiju86]

Tom should do the male voice! 😁 I wish you wouldn't say this is all just for WOMEN all the time. 🙈 I assume this is for all people; women, men and other. I am trying to push my husband to listen your podcasts and even it's a tiny thing, it seems weird that you keep saying "I want to help WOMEN". Just women?

[@tialemon26]

Still not a fan of the male voice over... he sounds fake

[@MyFocusVaries]

It's a professional voiceover style. It's been mentioned many many times and Dawn continues to use it. I think at this point people need to let it go.

[@magoostranded6964]

It truly shows who the OG followers really are. She used to work with this man when her and her sister had their radio show years ago. He offered his professional services to Dawn when she first started her channel and was transitioning from her start as a blogger at ithinkwecouldbefriends and became the Minimal Mom and started using the KZbin platform.

[@elizabethsydnor5247]

It's so easy for people with plenty of money to tell other people who don't have plenty of money that they can replace it if they need it again.

[@dianasimplifies]

That actually isn't what she ever says. She says its easy to come by baby items or kid clothes and she means second hand at a much reduced cost. Also only rebuy a very minimal amount. As far as decluttering items and the 20/20 rule goes she mentioned that you almost never feel you need to replace the items.I have personally found this to be true in my own life. I can't think of anything I've had to go out and re buy. She did a video one time about things she regretted or had to go out and buy again and I think it ended up being one cord for one camera and it was less than $20. She says borrow if you need to or find a way to get around it by using something different. She actually said that again in this video I believe or maybe it was in Tuesday's video on the main channel.

[@babytexan3038]

I think time/effort is another aspect of this. Like if you'd have to take little kids on public transit to the thrift store and keep them from running around the store etc it adds to the overall replacement "cost." Or if they have barely any time to shop at an online thrift store and do returns. But everyone can factor things in according to their circumstances.

[@MyFocusVaries]

She says more about using alternatives and using our imagination to not replace the item. And how realistically we don't actually end up replacing items we declutter. It's fear that stops us decluttering, not a reality that we'll ever need the item.

[@bellaluce7088]

I discovered the Minimal Mom while unemployed due to health issues and still have huge anxiety about my ability to ever work full time again. Thinking through what it would actually take to replace or borrow something if I really needed it again has helped me defeat "just in case" clutter paralysis even with ZERO income coming. And that feels so empowering! 🏋‍♀ As with any advice, I think the key is taking what works for you (or modifying it) and leaving the rest. ❤ Going through the process of decluttering has helped me realize how little I actually need and use, and ironically, that's helped me feel MORE secure even while unable to work. Having less STUFF weighing me down is also reassuring in case I have to downsize to a cheaper living space or move for a job. Plus, it just *feels GOOD* to live in a less cluttered space. 😃 And when you're dealing with financial struggles or any challenge, that's simply a nice thing to give to yourself. : - ) For me, the peace of a decluttered home is *definitely* worth some hypothetical time or money I *might* have to spend someday if I end up needing one or two items out of the HUNDREDS I've given myself freedom from. 🌈🌱🌿🍀💐💖

[@extrememinimalistparent]

I have been a minimalist with a kiddo for 8 years. The only baby or toddler items I have ever had to replace was things that broke, stained, lost. Otherwise we've been okay. My kiddo loves adults kitchen stuff, so we changed our bowls and plates and cups as they got too stained or broke to stainless steel so I'm not having to worry about it. Same with toiletries, I just use theirs too expect for a toothbrush and toothpaste. You don't need kids bedding or toddler size beds, use what you already have works and a mattress on the floor works very well. You don't need a chest of drawers and a wardrobe, one or the other will be okay. A pack of 12 pens, 12 pencils, 8 crayons and chalk if you want and water colouring paint sample size, if you dont mind it has been fine. A pencil case with all that stuff in is more than enough. A3 or A1 paper and then a lil notebook for on the go works. Fidget cubes or pop it's, maybe a play phone lol and then a hot wheels is good for everyday commutes. We don't need much for them.

[@ninnymuggins5159]

Dawn, we love you and your voice, so you can ditch the announcer!

[@andreawales1938]

I love you, but I hate that you have a male narrator. His voice takes away from your message.