The Surprising Truth I Discovered After Getting Rid of My Stuff

[@bev.albright6873]

I donated $94 in honor of my Aunt Dorothy who just went home to Heaven. She was an incredible woman who loved people and always honored God. She would be thrilled to be a part of this mission! God bless you and Happy Birthday!!!

[@TwistedSisttaa]

That's a beautiful way to honour her. I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤

[@lisameloon1516]

That is such a sweet tribute to your aunt! Praying you all feel the Lord’s comforting touch in the coming days, weeks, months ahead.❤

[@christinequintana881]

Sorry for your loss.

[@sharonmckissick2411]

Six years ago my husband was going to be gone for two weeks. I hauled seventeen (yes, 17!!!) file boxes of pre-digital photos from the basement, and began to sort them on the dining room table. I literally spent 8 hours a day sorting. Each child got a pile as well as one for me. I had a large black trash bag by my side. By the time the two weeks were over, I had photos organized for albums for each child and my husband and me. Five small piles of photos. I took a few more weeks to assemble the albums. Seventeen boxes reduced to four special Christmas gifts, and a keepsake for us! We'd moved those boxes from house to house at least 4 times. Getting started seemed overwhelming at first, but the satisfaction of having it done- priceless!

[@janethunt4037]

It's amazing how much can get done with husbands out of the house.

[@vikieierdam5516]

Congratulations!!!

[@tgayer1]

Way to go! That’s a project I need to start, but have been putting off.

[@21cormorants]

That’s so sweet! I don’t have any childhood photos except one; my parents have them all and I’m nervous to ask for some! 😅 What a kind gift to create and curate!

[@ppia5700]

I need to do this!

[@BastianHelena]

I just donated, Dawn. A professional organizer in my area is minimum $1200.00. The amount of times you have helped me begin to take control of my house for free is priceless.

[@SF-ru3lp]

That is humongous, crazy money! G Ire

[@lauranewman564]

Happy Birthday! Regarding the people who give you a hard time regarding kid's toys, ignore them. Kid's don't need toys. Y'all have dogs, chickens, trees, gardens, rentals to fix, camping trips to take, mission trips to make, bundts to make, chocolate cookie bars to make, schoolwork to do, hugs to give, and boxes to create army barracks out of. Your children are not deprived in any way! ❤❤❤

[@CCS1780]

Dawn - you are so likeable. You’re relatable and come across as authentically kind. I’ve learned so many things from you. Love from Australia.

[@bonnierainwater4484]

One of my favorite quotes from Peter Walsh is “If EVERYTHING is special, then NOTHING is special”. That had to sink in…now I’m trying to get my sister to grasp this.

[@brendabradney8362]

Happy Birtlhday to you and Diana!!! Today, September 24th, is my birthday. I am 71 years old and thanks to you and your KZbin channel I am becoming a minimalist. Looking forward to learning more and more. Even an old dog can learn new tricks.

[@ingmariohman8242]

🎉 ❤ 🎉

[@kitterkadinks286]

Happy birthday 🎉

[@EmilyWorthen]

Your video was only posted 20 hours ago and has already raised ~$30,000!! Amazing! Happy birthday, Dawn, and thank so much for all you do!

[@noreenp.9858]

When my now 26 year old daughter turned 16, we had a pool party for her. I talked to her about how blessed she is and she didn’t need any gifts. She asked her guests to bring a monetary donation for her charities if they wanted in place of a gift. She gave money to a local soup kitchen and an organization lead by high school age kids who’s mission is to promote being drug free. (She now works as a drug and alcohol counselor)

[@dee5433]

I love this❤

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

What a beautiful heart your daughter has always had! She obviously learned or inherited from you.

[@dinarubin4828]

Happy birthday Dawn and Diana. I count it a privilege to have both of you as “online” friends. You are both full of wisdom and generosity for all.

[@Maeve2001]

Happy Birthday. Something struck a cord with me when you asked “ if you’ve ever gotten any value from my videos” and I can tell you that I have 💯. I’ve been watching you since the days on the couch talking about kids toys and I have completely changed my thought process when it comes to possessions, clutter, and how I want to live. I want to personally thank you for all of the valuable lessons and gifts you have given me personally over the years. I would feel honoured to donate towards something you hold near and dear.

[@evelynkow]

Same!! I was already planning to donate, but when she said “if you’ve ever gotten any value from my videos” it really struck a cord! The value she provides is priceless!! ❤

[@inspiredcamel]

Thanks for being someone I know I can trust about charitable giving. I gave just a small amount, but those bits from many people will add up. Thanks for doing this.

[@julieschreiner2373]

Hi Dawn, I'm a September, too. I don't need my birthday to be a big deal either, but it is nice when this close to me acknowledge it. I spent my birthday with a good friend so our kids could play together. A week later my work colleagues threw me a surprise party, and that was pretty awesome especially because that kind of thing never happens for me.

[@jameskeating4719]

I got your gift also 😊thanks for all the help single father disabled veteran crushing it appreciate yea

[@Zeevah-x5g]

Happy Birthday, Dawn! My 60th birthday is on the 27th. I want a nice, simple day.... sleeping in, no housework, no cooking, no laundry... but a whole day spent sewing! My husband is aware, and has already decided to do take out. I am so very good with that!

[@Chantelle456]

Ahhh!! I came to watch my Tuesday dose of the minimal mom only to find a 1 hr treat 😂❤ I feel like it’s my birthday! Happy Birthday Dawn

[@babytexan3038]

Same! I love Tuesdays 😊

[@sj6728]

Same here🎉

[@marieavila870]

Every single time I watch one of your videos I clean through something. My husband gets so excited when he hears your voice. I have gotten rid of 2/3 of my clothing after my closet literally collapsed after one of our moves. Thank you so much from a fellow Minnesotan. ❤

[@ReneeDennis-x8h]

Dawn, you’re right, DIANE IN DENMARK 🇩🇰 is definitely worth watching on you tube, she is joyful & her cleaning tips are great plus she does NO advertising. She is going to move to a small apartment soon so her downsizing has begun.

[@crd05]

Thanks for giving us a chance to celebrate your birthday in a meaningful way! Love what Dorothy's House is doing.

[@jaymilisa]

I just donated $100 directly to Dorothy's House because of your video. So happy to help! Love you! Keep up the amazing work! 💗 Happy 42nd Birthday to you & Diana!🎈🎁👑🎂🥳💗

[@DebMitchell-hx8xb]

Happy Birthday,Dawn!! You have been such a blessing to soooo many people! Thank you!!🎉🎂🎈

[@susanaustin4809]

Happy Birthday. I couldn’t donate much but I did donate…. Thank you for helping “ Dorothy’s House”.

[@vikieierdam5516]

@susanaustin4809 That is awesome! You completely get the heart behind giving; it's not the amount, it's the action.

[@TGYtco]

My son was born in September. The nurses in the hospital were so super busy. They asked each other, "What the heck was going on 9 months ago??" From the depths of my labor pain, I said "It was New Year's Eve." 😂

[@gretaeder5996]

🤣 yep, fall babies are super popular…you have all of the major winter break holidays plus Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day as the bookends!

[@lindarivera584]

Happy birthday! My only sister died april 25,2024. From pancreatic cancer. She had 15 months I went completely off the deep end .I bought her every single thing that was supposed to help her.She didn't want to die and I was a crazy cheerleader. If she mentioned something I was on it. After she passed her husband looked at me and all the stuff. We donated everything. Her death rattled me really hard but I'm glad I was there for her.

[@JillSwords]

I am so sorry for your loss. 😢

[@dianasimplifies]

I'm so sorry that happened to you and your sister. My brother died of Pan Can when he was only 41. Over 20 years ago. 😢

[@LindaSnow-hw4hv]

I am so sorry for your loss! What a loving sister you are!

[@lindag5076]

I’m sorry about your loss. I was my sister’s cheerleader also. She had AML and only lived a year after diagnosis passing in the April 2023 . Then I lost another sister in August this year. I miss them so much.

[@carrieperrigo2319]

I am so sorry! My mom has been battling pancreatic cancer since March 2023. We cherish the moments together!

[@NovasYouTubeName]

10:12 yessss Dawn! I’m doing things I only dreamed of because I have space in my life now that I’m not overwhelmed with my house ❤❤❤ thank you infinity

[@gf8958-p7p]

You are so generous to offer your downloadables. I’m thrilled to contribute to such a wonderful cause. Thank you for being you and taking us along on your journey. ❤

[@jessicafurrey1644]

In the 3.5 years since I found you, my life has changed so much! In honor of my 44th birthday next month, I made a $44 donation to help Dorothy. I already have both books (they are great!), and love being able to support such a worthy cause. Thank you Dawn for everything you do!

[@susanclauer2650]

When my inlaws had both died we put all the pictures they had on a table and people went through them and could take any they wanted. At the end of day we got ride of the leftovers. We all had so much fun looking through them.

[@susanclauer2650]

I may do the same thing with all my pictures but think I'll do it at our family Christmas party this yr.

[@elizlom]

Happy Birthday Dawn! It's wonderful that you use YOUR birthday to help these women doing such important work. thank you!

[@melodylewis1354]

Happy to you both my birthday was the 23rd. Just happy to still be here since I’m battling cancer but God isn’t finished with me yet. Have a wonderful day

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

This was a beautiful talk.

[@NaturalWifeyandMamaBear]

Just donated!!!! 😁🙏 I have the most amazing grandma Dorothy who’s with Jesus ⛅️ and so this is in memory of her! She was such a servant, living for Jesus. An angel. Always helping at the church etc. I could’ve seen her doing what this sweet Dorothy does ❤ beautiful. Love that I’m helping out to a good cause that I can trust will actually get the money and it’s going to be used for good! Happy Birthday Dawn (my gpa, gma Dorothy’s husband was Don too 😊 and Diana (my mama’s name ❤) I love you ladies!! Such a blessing to all of us!!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@SamCurtis-yk8cv]

I always do thumbs up before watching too. lol. I don’t want to forget. You are a treasure 💜

[@Chrisplainjane]

I am focusing so hard on my budget but we made a small donation because it’s a worthy cause. You, your family & community should be so proud of all the money & work you have raised for a worthy cause. ❤ Happy Birthday 🎉

[@homemadehouse777]

I'm 15 I've been a minimalist for 2 years recently I got into hardcore minimalism mattress on the floor type of stuff 😂 I kind of have ADHD and it helps me focus when my space is clear I watch your videos for motivation the rest of our house is quite cluttered I've been trying to convince my mom to get rid of stuff 😂

[@susanfrick8016]

Happy Birthday, Dawn! Since my husband retired a short time ago, we find ourselves with pretty decent finances, so I love when I come across legitimate opportunities to donate to! I have followed your story about Dorothy and am happy to help further the work she, and you do for such a hardship situation. Thank you for sharing your kind soul with your followers. 😊👏🏻✝️🥳

[@Mayfrancisxavier]

Glad Jacob asked! My husband is great for the first 2 steps of Dana’s process. I’ve sent him into our garage, basement, kids rooms etc. to get rubbish and Duh Donations out! He is more ruthless than me and it gets the ball rolling. I’ve now done everything in our house except the sentimental items and our clothes. We each will do our clothes and I’m going to see what he wants from sentimental and most likely get rid of the rest. He is a big help!!

[@kaylajohnson7458]

Happy Birthday! 🎉 Mines the 15th! September my purge month 😂 not a big fan of birthday it’s another day but if I get my favorite coffee or dinner I am good for the day. Long as I’m not adding to my house.I love your videos. Always helpful and getting me motivated. For those who hate donating to good will. Donate to blessing boxes in your community could be found at a church, school, and police station. Clothing drive at pediatrician, church or local thrift store. Buy nothing group in your community or maybe start one. Place at end of driveway. I can’t tell you how many times I think I am good decluttering then hearing someone in need makes me look again realize we have too much. It’s ok to donate good stuff. It’s ok to let go. It’s ok to close your eyes and throw it away. It’s ok to say no to family members when it comes to your kids. You do you. You have to live with the stuff in your house. You pay the bills. Is it really worth your time and energy? You got this! It does get better for anyone just starting out or in the thick of it! Have a great day! 😊

[@Shell-w4k]

Whatever you do, celebrate every b'day as a gift you've been given. It doesn't have to draw attention - I understand that - but you are such a gift to so many, and God blesses us because of you.

[@ChristysChannelYall]

Thanks Dawn and Happy Birthday 🎉 I’m turning 52 in two weeks and I’m just happy to still be alive and healthy. I don’t have a lot, but if I can buy an occasional ridiculous $5 coffee, then I can give a little here. Looks like you are almost halfway to the goal. Yay!! Come on everybody, you know you got $10.

[@kimdavies9364]

Happy Birthday!!!! You never ask us for anything…this is the least we can do!

[@tonimcmorris5603]

I couldn’t help but cry hearing you talk about Dorothy’s house and how they need so little to make such a huge change in people’s lives. What a great birthday gift to request to donate to such a deserving grassroots cause!

[@KimberlyJK-l9s]

Happy Birthday Dawn & Diana! I just made a donation! Nice to know I've helped out with this worthy cause! I was blessed to be born on Christmas, so love my festive birthdays!

[@howletthome5910]

This was such a coincidence. I woke up this morning, 25th of September, Australian time and saw that you had streamed this 2 hours ago and couldn't help but laugh over the thumbnail as today was my birthday.

[@DRUMMER-j-u2x]

Thanks for the gift downloads, Dawn! Very much appreciated. Happy Birthday!!

[@kerripainter8555]

Today is my birthday and I gave to thank you Dawn for all of your encouragement and help. You and Diane have given hope, help and entertainment in many ways! Thank you!

[@mikitaylor7074]

Happy birthday week ❤️ It’s a pleasure to donate to Dorothy’s House ! Thank you for bringing attention to the need . And thank you for the your positive videos ! Wishing you a wonderful 42 year !

[@emotionalstability]

You’re such a sweet and inspiring person Dawn. Thank you for this opportunity and for the gifts! Happy birthday! ❤

[@mj482]

Happy bday to you 🎉 I justs spend the last 3 hrs rewatching the take your house back and listening to you guys I was able to get 4 bags out and decluttered my pantry and my whole kitchen. 😅 cant wait to keep watching the rest. ❤

[@lennyburdick3192]

Less than 24 hours and your goal has been blown through!! Awesome sauce!

[@melindafurr2098]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite twins 🎉😊

[@angelainsull4634]

I used to hate attention on my birthday but as im decluttering im getting better at accepting nice treats on my birthday. Its definitely not a coincidence. Thank you for your help Dawn and this is a wonderful cause and you are really amazing at getting the message across 🤩🤗

[@kellismith7126]

Hi Dawn. Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Fellow Sept baby here. Also raving fan of everything you’re doing and course completed and member of the mentorship group. I’d been minimizing for years and the course really helped me get to another level and learn some much needed boundaries and tools that truly are life changing. Thank you so much!! Hope your next year is so wonderful! 🎉❤

[@andrearoose5919]

Dawn.....watching the progress of the donations!!❤😭❤

[@raquelnewby6580]

Donation made! The amount of money I spend on myself doesn’t go as far or do as much as what this money does. Thank you for this opportunity.

[@julieshannon4368]

Happy birthday, Dawn and Diana! Thanks for the downloads and thanks for what you do for Dorothy's House! 🎉❤

[@uteme]

How marvelous it is to age with God as our Father, Christ in our heart & the Holy Ghost whispering to our soul, "I love you." Happy Birthday...♡

[@heatherhaars5545]

Wow awesome to see how much the total has increased in a few hours! ❤❤❤

[@meganhamlyn1694]

You started my decluttering journey for me. My house is much calmer and easier to maintain! I donated❤

[@janetmann3557]

Happy birthday Dawn and Diana. I am honored to be friends with you both! Will be donating again!

[@analuisakishbaugh3970]

Thank you for doing this for people in Mexico. That is very generous of you.

[@janine5757]

Happy Birthday 🎂 Dawn 💙🎂🎂

[@maureenreinhart1335]

I love celebrating my birthday…we didn’t have much growing up but my mom always made a big deal about our birthdays. 🎉 I continued that when we had children 🎉. Happy Birthday Dawn and Diana 🎉🎈💐🥳

[@roxanneforsberg1877]

Happy birthday, young lady! Greetings from Edmonton Alberta Canada!

[@moonbmr325]

Hi Dawn, happy birthday! You are so likable and I feel like we’re friends even though we’ve never met in person along with your teammates, Cass and Dana. I just made a donation because my mother‘s name is Dorothy and my husband and I spend most of our free time volunteering. I grew up in San Diego and live in Encinitas so if you ever come out this way to go down there, please let me know. We would love to accompany you. Dorothy’s mission is something near and dear to my heart, which is why I felt compelled to donate to her cause. Thanks again for all you do and all the lives, you touch.

[@JayneCameron]

I just made a donation to Dorothy’s House …. A wonderful place doing such great work!!! Dawn, your videos have inspired me and kept me company, feels like you are a good friend. ❤❤You are loved!

[@susielynch8330]

Happy Birthday Dawn. I hope you feel the love today and always. This was very kind of you to give the downloadable copy. Thank you 🎂🍨💕

[@Pinklily-r4h]

Happy birthday sweet Dawn ❤ I love you and am so thankful for you 🙏🍂🍁🍂

[@dorindacain8352]

Happy Birthday Dawn! I am leading my second small group "Decluttering by Faith" using your book. The ladies love it! Thank you for writing it! Sending love from all of us at Church of the Highlands in Alabama!❤🥳😁✝

[@charlenemartin3212]

Happy birthday! God's blessings for you and your family.

[@angierichert7986]

Happy and blessed Birthday Dawn! Thank you for your generosity...always happy to help Dorothy's House and so glad that you asked and showed photos of the future apartment. What a great experience for you and to share with your children to go to help others. We often gain more than we can ever give.

[@evelynkow]

Dawn! Happy Happy Birthday!! I have always considered myself a neat and organized person, and I know you used to consider yourself a messy person - but I want you to know that you have helped me transform my house from stress inducing to (mostly) calm!! I’ve told anyone who will listen that you are my favorite minimalist KZbinr and that they need to follow you! You are making such a positive impact on this world, and I love your heart!! The work you have done with Dorothy‘s house is so inspirational! I just went to donate and you are already over your goal (!), but I donated anyway! I have gotten so much out of your videos, I can’t express to you how much I appreciate you! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and beyond!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@carlidoepke5131]

Wow! Just a few days later and over double has been raised! Love it!

[@kimbers1238]

I just donated but wow. I cannot believe how much was raised. Keep letting us know what their needs are. We know u and u know her which makes us feel very comfortable that our money is going to a good place

[@wandrousvindella716]

Happy Birthday ! and thank you for the downloads. I paid for the recipes & now can't find the file, so this was a nice bonus. Landmark birthdays do help us to reflect. My husband kept telling me he felt "invisible" when he turned 70. And then this summer I realized what he was feeling. I turned 65 and for the first time I do feel "invisible". No invites to extended family events. No thank you notes written when you gift. Then I realized it's not about me, it's about the season of life I'm in. And I'm fine with that ~

[@mariahwilson6505]

Happy birthday! We’re always happy to support Dorothy’s work ❤️

[@alohananimassage2055]

If you are getting negative comments, that’s a good thing. It means you are getting attention. It helps the algorithm. It helps you. Don’t worry about it. They must be getting something out of your videos, otherwise they would not be watching.

[@mariellenthilesen9136]

Happy Birthday Dawn, you are by far my most favorite influencer. You have motivated me to clean up my house and declutter to make life easier. I am still (and probably always will be) a work in progress but because of you I am kind to myself and continue to learn from you every day. I also love watching Diana...you are both as familiar as a friend...and I feel grateful that you both share your wisdom, faith and love with all of us. Thank you.

[@margaretschepis5673]

They always say the reason for September having the most birthdays is because of the Christmas and New Year celebrations at the end of December!!

[@tammyblankenship6786]

You and Diana have an amazing day celebrating the life God gave to both of you!

[@JacquelynSpeaks]

Happy birthday, beautiful Dawn (and Diana!)! You have been SUCH a blessing in my life. Thank you so, so much for giving us a *specific* way we can give YOU a gift (by donating!). At the end of EVERY video you always say, "I love you," and Dawn, WE LOVE YOU BACK. 🧡

[@DaveBoehm-p1p]

Love you and all your advice. Decluttered my photos last. Got rid of all photo albums except for our wedding photos and our children's wedding photos. Bought 4 plastic bins about 12" long. One for each child and 1 for family photos. Got rid of 2112 photos. Enough room in each bin for each of our children and even the grandchildren. Pictures are organized and take up so much less room. Feels so good but you need to be ready to do it. Gerrie

[@jenniferbarney4220]

Happy birthday, Dawn and Diana!!

[@debdutch1520]

I just had my 65th birthday and I like quiet birthdays.

[@pollymcfadden1405]

Hi Dawn. Great video and great fundraising project. I am happy to be able to help. You've been a huge influence on my life, encouraging me to declutter and learn what's really important and what isn't necessary. I find it easy to declutter and have recently cleaned most of my house and craft supplies. There's more to do and I look forward to doing it. Thanks again and I hope we surpass the $22K figure. FYI: You've also inspired me to search out local shelters for women to see what I can do to help. Thz!! And happy birthday.

[@caitlynmckenna2531]

Just donated! It's awesome to see how much you've been able to raise for such a great cause! Happy Birthday Dawn and Diana!!

[@homeliving6275]

Happy Birthday. Donated to a great cause.

[@gabe8213]

Donated. Thanks for the work you do Dawn

[@4TotalHealth]

HaPpY, happy birthday to you, Dawn and to Diana, too! 💖💖 I was blessed to find you a couple of years ago. Last weekend my sister and I had a garage sale/estate sale for my parent's things. I don't think I could have let go of so much so fast without learning and practicing with my own things first! I did shed a few tears, but what a relief to not have a storage unit full of "things!" You are a BLESSING to me and soooo many! Thank you! And now we are passing on your love with a little gift to Dorothy's House and those women. Continue to be blessed as you bless us!! Air hugs from Oregon. 💝 Janice B.

[@sherryjackson4696]

Happy Birthday ❤🎉 you have helped me so much with my house it is gift enough it has really changed my life I appreciate you so much . May God bless you and keep you

[@lindamcadarra402]

Sending you birthday blessings Dawn!!! May Our Dear Lord continue to bless you and your family and friends ❤🙏🌹

[@Zuzia-l5b]

Dear Down, you are my twin. I never met someone who I had so much in common. You look beautiful today. Happy birthday.

[@noreenp.9858]

Happy Birthday! What a beautiful story about Dorothy. God can call you to do great things at any age….we only need to listen to Him.

[@stephanieeverett8143]

Immediately stopped mid-video and donated to you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give back to a great cause and support you. Thank you for all the joy you've brought through your videos. My birthday was Monday and cannot think of a better gift ❤🎉

[@brendagriffin8210]

Love the work that Dorothy is doing. I'm glad I can help even if it's in a small way. Thank you for all the context you post. I'm on my way to getting rid of stuff and already I'm enjoying my home more and more. Have a blessed birthday.

[@kimberlylittle1]

Dawn, I am so thankful for your videos and the time I get to spend with you. I always put your videos on while I’m cleaning my kitchen or tidying up and I actually look forward to that time now just to hear from you. Happy Birthday! I hope it is a wonderful day for you. ❤

[@claudia_christianmommy]

Happy Birthday Dawn! What a beautiful soul you and Diana are!! ❤️🥳 I am happy to donate to this wonderful organization. 😊

[@nicolaappelbe8505]

Happy Birthday Dawn and Diana! I have watched you, Dawn almost every day for 3 years as I've verrrrry slowly decluttered our home. My husband and I are older and have been married 7 years. We both had tons of stuff not only of our own, but also that belonged to lots of people - several now deceased. I'm beginning to work harder because in three years we will leave to start an orphanage in another country. We want to be very "light" when we leave. According to the law of "sowing and reaping" we have made a donation to Dorothy's house, believing it will be a blessing for Dorothy and the women and children she helps, as well as being a "seed" for our ministry. Thank you for all your hard work on your videos and for helping Dorothy's House. We are two of the MANY you, your family, and Diana have helped. P.S. I subscribed today too. You are the very first person I've subscribed to.

[@janetstrandberg7876]

Thank you for everything you do Dawn! Have a very happy day 🎉😊. I donated 👏

[@aprilvilla8319]

Happy birthday Dawn and Diana!! You both have been such a blessing to me in many ways. I hope my small donation helps a little. Thank you both for being awesome.