🛍DECLUTTERING GIFTS & Things GIVEN To Us! 🎁 (Minimalist Living 2019)

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Күн бұрын

Simplifying and decluttering gifts is not easy!! We never want to offend anyone or hurt their feelings! Today lets talk about how we can still transition gifts we aren't using out of our house and preserve our friends and family's feelings!!
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Пікірлер: 390

@angelahenson7813 5 жыл бұрын

I started telling everyone I give a gift to that they are free to let it go when it no longer serves them. No strings attached. After awhile, my family and friends began telling me the same thing. Doing this worked because then everyone had ‘permission’ to release all the stuff they didn’t want, too!😉

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Love this Angela!!!! ♥️👍

@lindam7518 5 жыл бұрын

I like this. Wish I could have done this when my kids were young.

@marihoverson 23 күн бұрын

I wish my mom didn’t hold me hostage to be sentimental and a hoarder like she is. She sends so many things for us and our baby for a year and a half since she found out I was pregnant. I hope this isn’t the rest of my life, even though I made a list for her of the things I’d like for our future toys and homeschool things for our family

@21earlthepearl 5 жыл бұрын

My worst case scenario isn’t the judgment or gossip, it’s hurting people’s feelings.

@diellensy27 5 жыл бұрын

I cleaned out all three of my kids' rooms this past weekend. The last child was so sad to wait her turn because she saw how spacious and calming her brother and sister's rooms were. I did not expect that reaction! She was all about getting rid of stuff and she's only 5.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Looooove this Diana!!! Way to go!!! 👍♥️

@stacyhigginson170 5 жыл бұрын

That's awesome!

@bluesouthpaw6326 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! That's great. Kids get stressed over clutter too. They just don't know it.

@familyadventuretv978 5 жыл бұрын

So exciting!

@LindsayDroke 5 жыл бұрын

yes we just moved our kids into different rooms and simplified the rooms and they are like I love going to bed at night. made me feel so good.

@beverlyfagan4150 5 жыл бұрын

I tweaked a Kondo technique to fit my beliefs-I don’t thank the inanimate object but I do thank God for the person who gave it to me and/or I thank Him for the blessing of the object, whether it was functional or decorative or entertaining or whatever it might have been. I was honestly amazed at how much easier it was to then send that object on to its new home-expressing gratitude released any hold it had on me, like having closure.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Ah, I LOVE this Beverly!!! Thank you for sharing!! ♥️

@bernandettemartinez6264 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful way to see it! Will try it. And share this concept. Love and Blessings, Bernandette.

@jjhouse6810 5 жыл бұрын

I agree it’s felt kooky to me to thank the objects so I too thank God for the blessings he has giving me with said object and find it easier to pass it on.

@katic266 5 жыл бұрын

Love this idea!!!

@jennytaylor3409 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! I love this too!!! Great twist on the Konmari method.

@barbarajohnston7642 5 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your videos!! I think I've watched everyone of them, but this one may be the best, because I am the grandmother who is always taking useless trinkets and "stuff" to the grandkids. It was wonderful getting to see a Mom's perspective on trying to manage all the junk that comes into your house. Even though I'm a minimalist myself, I've imposed my "need" to indulge my grandchildren in stuff they don't need. This video has completely changed my philosophy on future purchases for the children and grandchildren. THANK YOU!!

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Wow Barbara, this is cool to hear, thank you for the kind words, and way to go being open to change!! You must be a really awesome Grandma!!! ♥️

@lisaharr1477 5 жыл бұрын

I am a new Grandma and I am trying not to bring gifts every time I walk through the door to see her ! She actually has 4 sets of grandparents and she already has way too much stuff and she is only a year old ! I have told my daughter in law about you so I hope she will begin to adopt this way of life ! Thanks for all the great advice !

@justsayin3647 3 жыл бұрын

When my niece was little and I would visit my sister, I would stop and pick up a Yoo-hoo drink on the way.

@teriw56 Жыл бұрын

I was that grandma that way overboard with gifts ie: stuff. I now am the grandma that gives experiences instead, best memories for them and me. Plus less inventory.

@quinnmcadams9733 5 жыл бұрын

I read in a book once to put gifts from Grandma, etc in totes. When that specific person comes over, let the kids play with the items in that tote. When the person leaves, put the tote away. It's a win win, the person is happy to see their gift being used, the kids get to play with "new" toys every so often and then the toys are put away when the person is gone. I know not everyone has room to do this in their house but it's an idea 👍

@user-jk7qx7kz8i 3 жыл бұрын

I was wondering if you still keep that system, Quinn? And do the kids want to keep those toys out when the person is gone?

@quinnmcadams9733 3 жыл бұрын

@@user-jk7qx7kz8i I actually don't keep this system at all 😊 I do put my son's extra toys in totes but that is about it. I don't have the room for a system like the one in the comment or the need for one. I was just trying to be helpful to others!

@cindybills677 5 жыл бұрын

With a little bit of discussion grandparents and other relatives can buy gifts that will be welcome in children's homes. I ask a couple of months ahead for our grandkids and by doing so have helped to purchase a new bed for one, music lessons and fun crafts for both, and to do online clothes shopping at sites my kids like to use to buy good quality children's clothing that will last for more than one child. We give cash sometimes for them to use with the kids for experiences, if we can't take them ourselves. Research has shown that children with a few sturdy toys will use their imaginations more and are less stressed. Piles of toys all over = a lot of stress for children and parents. One of my grandkids lives five hours away. I've gone to the library and checked out more than a dozen books to take for longer stays. They are new to my toddler granddaughter (who loves books) and we read them all, finding favorites to read over and over. Then the books come back home with me. No mess and new books can be promised for the next time! Just a few fun ways to make for less clutter in their lives while still having the joy of bringing things to do with the kids you love.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

This is awesome advice Cindy!!! 👍♥️

@pathtowellnesswithmiriam1371 5 жыл бұрын

There are experiences that we would love our kids to have but they don't fit in our budget. We are currently saving up for an organic mattress for one of our kids. I would love for these things to be gifted instead of more toys that just clutter the house.

@truthinlovemama 5 жыл бұрын

Love the library book idea! What a fun tradition... something for you and your granddaughter to look forward to on visits. Without leaving a clutter aftermath!

@carolg.6838 5 жыл бұрын

The library idea and gifting experiences is super. I have fond library memories as a young child. Could take out as many books as I could carry. And your choosing the books is a new surprise each time. However it reminds me of a birthday where someone gifted the rental of one of those inflatable jumping things. The birthday boy was young enough that he cried when it was picked up...he thought IT was his gift. But kids understand what libraries are about.

@komisch521 3 жыл бұрын

My grandmother paid for our gymnastic lessons instead of toys and it was so cherished !

@bluesouthpaw6326 5 жыл бұрын

Oh your poor kids have nothing 😆. Yet they have it all! People just don't understand. That color green looks great with your blond hair. Keep it!

@jennamartell3910 4 жыл бұрын

We did the "keep it at your house so they have something to play with when they visit" thing which worked great. Amazing how they didn't want a ton of toys building up in their house either lol! The other thing now is the family gives "experience" gifts instead of toys or clothes to our 3 boys. Gift cards for activities we can do as a family or my sister will have them for their "birthday sleepover" where they do things tailored to each boy's likes, play a favourite game, help make an extra fancy breakfast, watch a movie, bake cookies. That is the best! They look forward to it each year and wonder what they'll do this time! Very special memories made!

@KristenHuckeba 5 жыл бұрын

One thing that we’ve implemented this year is experiences as gifts. I told everyone upfront that this was my plan for this year. So instead of a big birthday party with a lot of gifts to clutter up the house, we gave my daughter an overnight trip to a water park that we’ve been wanting to take for a while. That was her party/present from us. We did buy a $5 cake from Walmart and brought it on the trip with us to celebrate. She also got to open one gift- a lunchbox that she actually needed for school. My other daughter will get a trip to Dollywood next week for her birthday and a pair of shoes that she needs. In December, we will take my 2 year old to ride the polar express train for his birthday. My kids have taken to this change very well (I used to throw huge parties) and we may even continue the birthday trip as a tradition! Another example is that for Mother’s Day, instead of a physical gift, we gave both of our moms a gift certificate to get their hair highlighted and cut. I got a text from my MIL yesterday when she left the salon thanking me again for the much “needed” gift.

@ericafurches7762 5 жыл бұрын

I just love you and Dianna. I wish we could be friends in real life because you are both so encouraging and authentic. I'm honestly praising the Lord that I found your channel. Simplifying has made such a difference for my family.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you so much Erica, we really appreciate that!!!♥️😊

@mktay2067 5 жыл бұрын

It may sound mean but I found it too that as you minimize our lives it seems to help weed out narcissists in our life too. I think part of it is we can feel the ability to stop behavior that wasn't good to begin with. Maybe it is because we are actually learning how to say no in our own lives so we can then say it to others. Whatever the reason it can sting like you said but I have felt so much better with less and stuff we enjoy instead that is is very worth saying no. Of course disclaimer to do it gently and lovingly but I just don't need to enable others in my life I have learned.

@jeancaldwell5391 4 жыл бұрын

A few years ago I realized I didn’t know what my nieces and nephews wanted or needed, so I started giving them money. This way they can get something they want and not be burdened by something they have no need of. I admit I still tend to feel guilty about doing this because it feels like I’m not putting in the effort to find something for them. Thank you for this video. It is relieving my sense of guilt. I am now more aware that they know what I’m going to give them and count on that, planning what they want to use it for.

@laura.redfield 5 жыл бұрын

It’s a matter of respect and healthy boundaries. Define your boundaries & communicate your boundaries. Some people won’t respect those boundaries which means they don’t really love & respect you... and they don’t really deserve respect & consideration from you either. The strength of your relationships can become really clear when you introduce boundaries where there weren’t any before. 😅

@MsJennifer576 5 жыл бұрын

This year, we gave each of our children **experiences** rather than **gifts** for their birthdays. They did not miss the gifts at all!

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Yes! Love this!! ♥️

@lindenpeters2601 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, a word about giving experiences...make sure it's something successful, and something you can actually afford. Our experience is that having friends over for cake and snacks is memorable and much cheaper than a special outing, unless the stars align and you can get free or cheap access somewhere. For our son's 8th birthday, we went to an experience that was overpriced and not quite what we thought it would be. And it was freezing cold the night we went in December. We tried to make it special, but I think the kids could tell my husband and I were a bit disappointed in it. So be judicious in what experiences you choose for gifts for your kids, especially if it's in place of a party! (We had just moved, he didn't have any friends to invite, yet, and I prefer to invite people whose phone numbers I have).

@akihicks5702 5 жыл бұрын

I love your comment about how not sharing your efforts at first meant your family was unknowingly working against you. So true.

@caitlinrl630 5 жыл бұрын

We just used "let's keep it at your house" last weekend 👍🏻Works like a charm!

@haircuthunny26 5 жыл бұрын

I have a box to bring to family's house !:)

@teriw56 Жыл бұрын

Especially those really noisy toys!

@michellechouinard4958 Жыл бұрын

I do this with my FIL, but it doesn't stop him... lol. Means he actually visits to bring his gifts.

@rousingmama6468 5 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate this, you are the first person that I have seen talk on this subject that realises that its not that simple. so many think its black and white but its not, it takes work.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

For awhile I thought I was the only one 😉♥️

@cobysmith3179 4 жыл бұрын

My son is 12 now, but for most of his life we have asked grandparents to give experiences or consumable gifts to limit the amount of stuff. Over the years this has included yearly memberships to the zoo or a local amusement park, tickets to shows like cirque du soleil, paying for a month of music lessons or gymnastics, or even just a meal out. My son enjoys spending time with his grandparents so much more than the 5 minutes he would play with a toy from them. I find these types of gifts provide much more value to all of us. If they really do want to give something more tangible then I figure out something he really needs. He has never been one to keep his stuff anyway. When he was 7 he held his own garage sale to get rid of toys!

@alysonteal9705 5 жыл бұрын

As someone who is viewed as "younger" and "hasn't been a parent as long as they have and their kids turned out fine"- I totally love what you said right around the 8.35 min point!! I have found that redirection like "Hey the kids love baking cookies with you could you bring cookie stuff?" sort of distracts my family from bringing other things that we may not want cluttering the floor of the kids bedrooms. It doesn't work 100% of the time, but even working one out of three times is a success to me. And like you said- I wouldn't want to create problems when I can easily pass on a toy once the family member is done visiting.

@susanbrumbaugh5509 5 жыл бұрын

Maybe it could be helpful to think about love languages in this situation. If giving gifts is a person's love language, rejecting the gift might feel to them as if you are rejecting the love. Remembering to acknowledge the love and thought behind the gift would be important, and (like you said) suggesting gifts that make you or your family feel loved in a gentle way could be as important as explaining why you don't want more possessions. Speaking in that person's love language instead of your own.

@slowslug3247 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, my sister does gifts and there is no way around it and I’m not going to push any father with her. She gifts to the kids so I just don’t buy my kids toys anymore, they get plenty from her. We grew up in an abusive home and communication was not aloud, kids were to be spoken to but not to speak. We are the only people we have left and I’ve tried to talk to her about minimalism but i can tell it hurts her feeling. Of course I don’t make this exception for everyone, and her gifts are new and usually my kids love her picks

@vivianthong5656 3 жыл бұрын

@@slowslug3247 You can always send a wishlist her way. May decrease clutter and sounds like she’d be happy to give them

@richlynourished2119 2 жыл бұрын

Well it's one thing to thankfully accept a gift and appreciate the thought. It's another to keep it forever. You can appreciate someone's sentiment without having to keep it. Obviously don't toss it out in front of them, but we aren't obligated to treasure something someone gave us indefinitely.

@susanbrumbaugh5509 2 жыл бұрын

@@richlynourished2119 That's a good point!

@cjordan919 5 жыл бұрын

I love your ideas for redirecting gift giving, especially bringing baking ingredients, popsicles, and crafts. I also like to gift movie tickets, museum/aquarium/zoo tickets, theme park tickets, or school supplies.

@janhansen4128 3 жыл бұрын

So, a year ago I downsized from my home of 30 years; the house where I raised my kids , you know... it took me a solid 4 months to get thru my ranch home. I sat with a keep box, a goodwill box, and a garbage. I need to adhere that I had a HUGE library. 18 months later I’m in my 2BR condo, I’m very happy here, but I’m still accumulating and need to de clutter again. I’m having the realization that it’s a life long job, I’m so much better at it now than I was , but you have to stay on top of it! You’re videos really help me to do it a bit at a time, not to get overwhelmed with the entire house, take a bit. I also love your positive attitude! I also really like when you’re husband is involved, you appear to be a great team; you like to work together and you still like each other! I’ll keep watching, thanks!!

@getliftedup2905 5 жыл бұрын

Literally one week ago, I felt overwhelmed with housework and crippled by low energy. After praying and getting advice from wise friends, I took my little girls on a 30 minute stroller walk, and this surged me with energy all day long to then clean! I reached out for help, and two of my organized friends came over and helped me declutter two rooms in an afternoon. I have such peace now! Also, I found my decluttering is usually a multi-step process, where I declutter, and then I get more detailed. With the second time through, and it is usually at a place a minimalism and peacefulness the second or third round. With a three-year-old and an eight month old, that is what is working well for me now. Stay encourage friends, the freedom that comes with it is magnificent! For, with my home being so easy to manage and keep tidy now, I felt led to spntaneously invite a friend over for a tea party, with 30 minute notice! I could NEVER do that before. Jesus' love for us, guidance, strength and power through is is extraordinary!

@pamschott941 4 жыл бұрын

The idea of sharing experiences instead of toys is brilliant!!! Kids remember this so much better and they ALL have too many toys!!❤️

@MsPapersquirrel 5 жыл бұрын

I found it helpful to tell the insistent gift-givers what they CAN give. I ask for experiences or gift cards. I then make a point to share a picture or story from me/us using the gift.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Yes!!! That is awesome!!! Thank you for sharing!!! ♥️👍

@Patricia-lg8vg 5 жыл бұрын

I agree! my sweet mom is always dropping things off and I have to say no thank you and I love the minimizing.

@nemo7782 3 жыл бұрын

I'm an absolute LOVER of gift cards! They recipient can buy exactly what they want and it does NOT waste your time and money trying to decide.

@funnygirl3444 5 жыл бұрын

It is sooo nice to hear u vocalize what I have thought for YEARS!! My family has always been horrible about getting upset if they don’t see something they bought u (whether clothing or a home item). I love watching your videos and u r motivating me greatly to improve my home and honestly mentality!! Thank you!!!❤️❤️

@samanthauk.tx.uk.3257 4 жыл бұрын

My mother in law bought us an Air fryer and she sounds very similar to your family, she would get very upset. She was in Aldi and said that they were on offer and that she was buying her self one. I had said no to her and then she continued to say, it’s on offer, it’s healthy etc. I’m like, thank you but no thank you. Then continues to say I will pick up both and when you next come over you can have a look at it. Lol We went to her house and left with the air fryer. I told my spouse on the drive home, that we would have no use for it, because it works just like a convention oven and we don’t need it, it will take up too much space. Two weeks later it was regifted to another family member. My mother in law still asks about what recipes we use and how great it is. My spouse is like, when my mum does come over, it will be the first thing that she looks for. We regifted it to my spouses dad (mother in laws ex husband but they are still friends) because we knew that he had been talking about getting one. Neither of them know the story of this air fryer. How do I/we tell her that we gave it to someone else and that it is no longer in our home, before she next comes over? P.S. Continue to watch and love your videos for practical and helpful advice on decluttering confidently.

@annahammond9905 4 жыл бұрын

I have given it all to a school they loved it all, craft bits, toys, games, clothes, files, ect there so many schools need things

@annw1395 5 жыл бұрын

I think it is vital to inform family members of your new policies. As a grandma, I spend a lot of time and effort into finding gifts that my grandkids truly do enjoy, and I'm on a limited income. If someone wasn't planning on keeping my gift, I would like to be told ahead of time what they WOULD like to receive. Also, the grandkids are at my house all the time; so I can take that toy(s) back to my house bc they need toys here, too. I like the idea of the parents checking with the gift-giver to see if they want that item back. Definitely suggestions on what to give (specific toys, experiences, etc) are much appreciated by me, as a gift-giver. No one wants to throw away their hard-earned money.

@LadyJennivieve 5 жыл бұрын

Saying no, you don’t want something if they offer is hardest and the most empowering the first time you say it.

@francescachecchin6191 5 жыл бұрын

You convinced me: I will never spend my money, my time and my energy for buying presents any more, I don't want to cause problems to others: better for me and better for others!

@janeeliz3565 5 жыл бұрын

Your delivery on this topic is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

@christenhodges9883 3 жыл бұрын

My mom had shifted really well to giving my kids experiences WITH a small momentum of that experience to come. For instance when she gives a zoo membership she give the child a stuff animal, book on animals, or zoo magazine (these could even be from the Dollar Tree). If she is going to pay for 1-2 months of gymnastics lessons she might give a leotard (even from a consignment store). When she is going to pay for them to play a season of soccer at the Y, they might get an Academy Sports gift card so she can take them shopping for cleats at the beginning of the season. Then she is giving them something to open And something to look forward to. They are blessed and we are blessed!

@barbarafrancis8870 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dawn! You've been of great help this past two weeks !! Still in the process of getting the useless stuff out! Much love to you.

@shannontorrens1 5 жыл бұрын

Omg I have actually had family say those things lol. Someone said, I know your just going to get rid of this. I honestly think we just have to do what makes us happy. You are right that we see what our kids are playing with, why keep things we don't use.Great video

@carlavallee3527 5 жыл бұрын

Speaking to my soul in this one. I appreciate your honesty in this one!!!

@klwilliams7553 5 жыл бұрын

I feel called to add a public comment. I am a long time watcher but I don’t think I’ve ever commented before. We’ve been minimalist for a while, and I began very strict. I became very judgmental about what my in-laws chose to give for gifts as it was always over the top and trinkety. I was struggling around my kids birthdays this year (they are all within 1 month so we have a party for all). In my feed I saw a video from a channel I don’t even watch about the love languages. And that gifts is about giving and receiving. God really spoke to me about receiving my mother in laws gifts as her giving and showing my children love. After that, I feel so much gratitude towards her and really try hard to gift her with unique and special items. Gifts is definitely her love language. Just puts a new perspective on the love languages for me.

@daniellekirkland6033 4 жыл бұрын

I feel so dumb, but I’ve literally cried about some of the things I’m letting go! I’m so deeply thankful for your work and for sharing these videos! 💕🙏🏻💕

@laurendaugherty6963 5 жыл бұрын

This video came at the perfect time! My husband and I love your channel. Thanks for showing us that family minimalism can be done. We are definitely loving our simplified home. 💕

@cristin794 3 жыл бұрын

This video really highlights how many of us (and possibly women in particular) prioritize other peoples' visions for our lives ahead of our own. Thanks so much for showing me that so clearly.

@MissDeb-jq6nz 5 жыл бұрын

Best gift... fancy soap! Use this gift and it self erases!

@Romans828girl 5 жыл бұрын

My kids have watched my struggle as I try to minimize the impact my hoarder husband has on our home (he's worth it, but it takes constant vigilance)...and they've figured this out. They've started giving me fancy soap, fancy chocolate, flavored teas, and gifts of service (my youngest spent Mother's Day weekend disassembling, cleaning out, and changing out the hard drive in my laptop). It's wonderful!

@brennanphelan1797 Жыл бұрын

It’s so difficult because you don’t want to appear ungrateful, and but it hurts to feel like you’re not heard or understood, especially from parents and in laws who you want on your side. Thanks for your videos. They really help!

@margaretfinney6546 5 жыл бұрын

Your house looks so good, good job, and good for you for keeping your stand.

@jennymartin2278 5 жыл бұрын

I love watching your videos. You have made me feel so confident to simplify our life. After watching your video on simplifying kids wardrobes I did it for my 3 boys and they loved it. Fewer clothes = less laundry and less mess all over my house! Thank you so much for making minimalism achievable for families!

@barefootangel3634 5 жыл бұрын

Love your videos, I’ve started simplyfying things late in my life, my children are in their twenties, I felt overwhelmed with all our clutter for years , but with the help of you tube and videos like yours I’ve learnt how to declutter, it’s feels so much better, my rule is if we don’t love or use it then it goes, I am still learning, your videos are so helpful, I am grateful, I am in the U.K. so our houses are lot smaller than American houses, I would love to live in America, thanks again x

@ally3929 5 жыл бұрын

We have been in a lull with our journey of letting go of the stuff , it's good timing to rego over the process and reason s for it ,.

@amandavia6671 5 жыл бұрын

I have that parent that just keeps buying, and I have learned to just appreciate the gesture & then pass along! Also... that green color looks stunning on you, Dawn!

@sherrillperez9796 4 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite things to do while growing up was getting rid of 'old' clothes and toys that I either outgrew or didn't use anymore. I also liked rearranging the furniture although that required a little more help. I haven't changed. It's still my favorite thing to do. So freeing!

@stephaniechesser902 5 жыл бұрын

I love that let love grow sign so cute

@conniesoares157 5 жыл бұрын

I am really enjoying your videos. Today I took a box of items to the thrift store today which was amazing. It feels so good to be able to clean the kitchen quickly and even made a meal and cleaned up before going to work, which in the past the items would have gone to the sink for later cleaning. Thanks for being so real....also love your Sunday morning times with your twin sister!

@kristinlininger1024 5 жыл бұрын

You’re so well spoken. I hope someday I can explain this way of life as well as you do. I’m just starting and my husband is NOT on board with it, so I can only do so much.

@MsAwesomeGiraffe 5 жыл бұрын

So sad that your husband is not on board, I haven't told my yet, he thinks I'm 'Spring Cleaning' LOL 😁

@HolisticHomemaker 5 жыл бұрын

You’re really hitting it out of the park with these videos! 👏🏻 Thank you so much!! ❤️

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jeannette, I greatly appreciate that!!! 😊♥️

@jjhouse6810 5 жыл бұрын

I’m so excited to have found your channel. After showing a few videos to my husband he jumped right on board and we have begun the long process of clearing things out. We made a few rules that work for us- we never get rid of someone else’s stuff- he touches and decide his and I do mine. Big stuff is always decided together. Two couches have now been put in our garage sale pile. Our kids were forced into this but are starting to come around as well. Our oldest daughter shed some tears over a housecoat and some stuffies that held some pretty special memories but we talked about them being great memories that still happened even if we no longer have the objects. We are pumped to continue our minimalist lifestyle. We are having one major garage sale at the end of June here and pricing things to move then whatever doesn’t sell is being driven right to the thrift store without any guilt. Thank you for putting yourself out there to help the rest of us feel empowered to follow in your handy footsteps

@21earlthepearl 5 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. I’ve read and watched a lot of minimalist content and I love that you have a different perspective and way of saying things. And also nice that you have the perspective of a mom managing a home and family, which I can relate to!

@tanya2269 5 жыл бұрын

My daughter has a aunt and uncle that give the most amazing gifts. They are all educational and she always loves them the most. Those are the kinds of gifts I would like her to get the most. Plus crafting gifts, once she's done with it it's easy to throw out and if it's something she really wanted she will make again.

@harmonymiller7999 5 жыл бұрын

You are so much fun to learn from! My mom told me about you and your channel last month and I’ve been binge watching your channel! My mom spent the night last night and we were talking about you and she said “if she lived near us we would be friends!”😍 I’ve been implementing SO many things that you’ve mentioned!! One of my favorites has been having ONE bin for my boy’s underwear and socks and ONE bin for my girl’s panties and socks. I put it in the laundry room downstairs so they don’t have to go back upstairs every morning! Time saver and SO much easier to sort with it being right next to the dryer!!

@SJ-cd4gx 5 жыл бұрын

Thank-you for sharing, definitely can relate with your video regarding people reactions! Well done for gaining the confidence!😊

@MarielaMerino 5 жыл бұрын

once i became minimalist, I love giving and receiving expediences as gifts! the best things in life are not things :)

@LadyBeeSting2434 5 жыл бұрын

I love this video! You are right about the friend. They would have found something else to get offended over and not be friendly with you. Gifts are hard for me but then I just use it and pass it on. I think it hurt my family when I got rid of some gifts that were obvious like wind chimes but I kept my favorite. They never said anything to me but I haven’t received anything from them in a long time which is okay with me because I kept telling them, “ quality time with you is all I really want”. They finally got it :)

@TiffanyAlaniz 5 жыл бұрын

Gifts may be their love language which make it very hard for them to see their gifts given away. But yes! You are correct in giving things away if you don't need or want them anymore.

@richlynourished2119 2 жыл бұрын

These videos have come at such a perfect time. I'm so thankful you made them. Thank you!

@lydiahiott6164 3 жыл бұрын

I am just now going through four households! The sentimental things are the most difficult to deal with so thank you❤️

@elizabethnichols2284 3 жыл бұрын

I love this video so much! I've been trying my mom about how many clothes we have and how I've even put things back in the attic for the next kids(we have four boys!) And each time I do a big clean, how excited I am to give away x number of bags! It may not totally drive the point home, but I hope my relatives are getting the message that I'm happier this way and that my kids and husband are happier too!

@katuni08 5 жыл бұрын

I remember at the start of my minimalism journey that my husband and I went from accepting all of the hand-me-downs to maybe taking one item per box. I was so shocked when my aunts started teasing me, calling me “little miss picky” and “Mrs. MoneyBucks!” I suppose it was just a reaction to my sudden change, and they came around once I started posting photos my donation piles on Facebook.

@Greenwings701 2 жыл бұрын

That just seems plain unkind of them. If you're taking items just to keep from hurting their feelings, realize how quickly they say cutting, taunting things about you when you declined clothing you did not need, even when you did it graciously. It was really all about them.

@Julie-ok5fr 5 жыл бұрын

I like that, "worst case scenario" concept. I think I might naturally just do that already. You are right though, it isn't always that simple to let physical things go (without wondering about the giver's feelings.) Even if your family does understand why you are simplfying, communicating that to them may still leave them in disagreement. But, I do think they would want us to be happy and in the end, a gift is just a gift and once given, is entirely up to the recipient as to whether or not it is kept or not. Once again, you have dealt with this topic with much grace and wisdom😊

@kathy3178 5 жыл бұрын

These videos have been great. I like your approach to sentimental and gifts. Growing up, I was taught to give away a gift meant that you were unappreciative, which made it hard to part with things.. I am teaching my daughter different. It is okay to part with something you don't want or need. It doesn't mean you don't appreciate it. Just means that you are not the right home for it.

@karenvivian2194 3 жыл бұрын

I had to find this post and let you know my husband got a birthday gift last night and it’s in the donation bin today. It was a completely not personal item, just a thing to put somewhere. It’s not him, or us, or our home. This is really making me rethink my gift giving that is to come over the next few months.

@24get24give 3 жыл бұрын

one of the few good things my malignant narcissist mother gave me was the knowledge that "those who gossip with us will gossip about us" this has allowed me to cull a small but awesome group of friends that I can completely trust and count on which is priceless

@debramackinnon8094 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dawn for your encouragement. I am taking two more 13 gal bags to goodwill tomorrow

@nechamatovey2762 2 жыл бұрын

I have been watching your videos all month, and have found them extremely inspiring and empowering. Decluttering tip: I took all of the 0-3 year old toys and put them into a suitcase. Whenever a relative or friend visits with young a child, I pull out the suitcase for them to play. If the chid wants to take something home with them… great! I font hold onto more 0-3 year old toys than what will fit in that suitcase which is kept in a closet.

@denisekennemer1991 2 жыл бұрын

I so appreciate your channel and your sharing! I have a group of friends who have gone through a series of gift giving guidelines to accommodate . Now we can opt out of gift exchange in advance. We also ask that all gifts given are consumable items (or gift cards) for gourmet snacks and drinks, event tickets, etc. Some people (not me) just enjoy shopping for and giving gifts.

@michellethompson75 5 жыл бұрын

These are great ideas thoughts. I have also seen that people add suggestions to a party invitation. They may state, no gifts necessary, bring a book, or bring your favorite drink to share, or snack to share, or something along those lines.

@bshows14 5 жыл бұрын

I just took a huge van load in to donate today! Felt so good. I had been packing it in the garage and adding and adding to it until it just got in the way. I always have this momentary delay when I drop everything off hoping I'm not getting rid of something I "need." That has yet to happen so, I just keep on donating. I'm hoping to get through my basement gradually through the summer! Our hope is to move one day and then I won't have to move all of this clutter!

@sallyy6748 5 жыл бұрын

I really feel that things are for a season. I tell my kids that sometimes the excitement is all in the receiving and it’s ok to let it go. If the gift gave them joy for an hour, that’s great, but let’s share that joy with other children. When my kids had huge parties, I would ask if there were some gifts they really didn’t like or think they would like to play with and I would regift them unopened.

@cheriejordan8326 4 жыл бұрын

One of the things that we have done for many years now is to ask everyone that we buy gifts for (close family members) to give us a list of things they want or need in all price ranges. That way they know they will get something that they have on their list but they don't know what we will choose to get them. It works really well. Sometimes we get them stuff that's not on their lists but usually they get at least one thing off the list.

@lifegivingnook7464 4 жыл бұрын

One of my granddaughters is at our house a lot. We got her a woods cleaning set. brooms, etc. We keep it at our house. She loves using it at grandma's and so do the other grand-kids.

@geektesse 5 жыл бұрын

I have a feeling that if that particular friend sees *this* Video he/she will start not talking to you again ;-)

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

My understanding is that they don't watch anymore, so hopefully we won't have to cross that bridge again!!!

@Katy_living_simply 5 жыл бұрын

It's ridiculous that people are so immature that this is something we have to deal with... in reality... it sounds like Dawn is better off without them. Sometimes we have to minimize relationships too, And sometimes it's best when they minimize themselves... something less to deal and put up with.

@thalialei4599 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheMinimalMom I agree with everything you said in the video. It does sound like your still holding resentment. F2F Confrontation is uncomfortable, but it can clear the deck and allow for personal growth (hers) forgiveness (yours) and allow opportunity for a true relationship. (Even undesired) I won't speak to your growth, because your miles ahead of me and I am instructed and inspired by every video you release. Thank you for that!

@Pocahontas502 5 жыл бұрын

Ive started this journey about a year ago and its been awesome. Less spending money on unnecessary THINGS, the house is always clean and we have more time for God and each other. Love the videos and all your great advise.❤

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

Amen!!!! ♥️ And thank you!!!

@anitadally8991 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the videos on your channel. I am starting to declutter stuff in my house and your videos are very helpful and encouraging especially when I feel like I’m suffocating in stuff!

@melanielester2106 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent video as usual Dawn! Me, my twin sister and our brother always ask our families if there is anything they would like (including 'other halves' and children). They may just want a grouped family cash gift at Christmas for example to go out for a family lunch or whatever (rather than bringing unwanted toys into the home). As the children got older we have done cash gifts for them personally and they can choose what they want. Same process for birthdays - we just ask each other. X

@lynnecunningham6986 5 жыл бұрын

Great ideas! Experiences do mean way more that gift that will wear out or that they will grow out of!

@graysthenewblonde177 5 жыл бұрын

Lynne Cunningham agreed!....my kids and I do that for eachother on birthdays and then you have some great memories but no things cluttering your house

@kromero2863 5 жыл бұрын

I think that it truly depends on the person. How much thought and work it took that person to make or buy the gift. My grandma gave my cousin a single set of fine silverware for years when she was growing up. It was all my grandma could afford and planned for years that by the time my cousin was married she would have a full set. My cousin sold it after she got married and my grandma saw that it was gone when she flew out to visit. My grandma was beyond hurt and offended then went around the house and made a list of everything else she could remember she had given her family and left the list of missing things out on the counter before she left. That relationship has never been the same. I have a hand carved trunk that my dad gave me, it has always been difficult to find a place for it wherever we have lived and doesn’t match our style at all. There is no way I am going to get rid of it though because I respect how much time and effort he put into making it for me. Every time I look at it, it’s my reminder to be thankful.

@Skittl1321 5 жыл бұрын

I really hate that people wasted money on gifts that I then don't want to keep. That's one of the hardest things about getting rid of gifts. I wish there was a way to get people to stop buying the stuff. Because like you said, it keeps the kids attention for five minutes and then is forgotten about.

@nicholleperez8959 5 жыл бұрын

Very helpful way on how to handle this when it comes up with family. I've learned a lot with your videos. Simple and straight to the point.

@africasun 5 жыл бұрын

I don’t comment much but I LOVE your videos. I love the way you share with us, and your beautiful personality and spirit is just awesome. Thank you. Much love and blessings to you and your family. 😘

@shilohsimage2537 4 жыл бұрын

When I stumbled onto your videos I was elated. You gave language to what I needed to hear. This video is wrecking me deeply, as when we started going through this process about 16 years ago I didn't really know what to tell anyone. Hubby and I were in agreement and began working on our stuff (after having six kids and raising another who are ages 7-27 I'm nearly done with getting rid of clutter) we really didn't talk about it with loved ones. We tried a bit. Doing what I needed to (I also homeschool all of the children and we live in 800" feet "tiny" house for 8 of us), I found I could not keep up with communicating the why behind the what. Severe relational and family breaches are our life now and my decision to focus on what is right for us has meant others just needed to ...I dunno....live without us in their lives. I appreciate your "going there" and brining it up...I think I'll show my husband this and maybe it will help us get some words for reconciling (as far as we can on our part) with our extended families. We didn't have language for what we were doing in ways that made sense to them and we didn't have the energy to fight it all. Yes, fun events and making memories is what we wanted all along. Thank you Dawn for SIMPLIFYING all this and taking your time to share it. SO appreciate it. Our family life here is getting better all the time. Hoping to get a grasp on this too. Blessings to you all. Kate near Lake Michigan

@carris3ringcircus390 5 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. What I've learned over the years is when people ask what the kids want for Bdays and Christmas. I'm honest if they don't need any toys or if they could use a few books or shoes or gift cards to the ice cream place. Because when you don't tell them they go to the toy isle and waste tons of money. Like my 7 year old asked for rain boots and new fishing pole. So everyone bought him fishing gear. He was so happy and it's things he loves and uses. 👍

@melanieclark7949 5 жыл бұрын

Decluttering gifts IS really difficult, especially things my husband gave me. "I bought that for you, are you getting rid of it?" As though it means I love him less.

@jacklynnsmith5668 2 жыл бұрын

I am very blessed that my Mom in Law asks for suggestions for Christmas for our child. :) She does give some "extras", but is really great to give them anything practical that I suggest, as well as a Zoo membership this past Christmas. 😊 Experiences are great!!

@cmck2021 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate this topic!!!

@MonaLisaSuperSize 5 жыл бұрын

I really feel that I enjoy gifts more when I am not drowning in stuff. It used to be, I would get "nauseous" when I would get a gift, now that I get rid of stuff, I toss the old and use the new. 👌 FYI your videos are really helping me. I wish I would have done this when my kids were home. I have one home now, but she has been trying to get me on board. She will be happy when she comes home from grandma's.

@MirandaLeacock 2 жыл бұрын

A HUGE thing I've found besides just telling your family and friends that you don't like clutter is to give them actual ideas when they ask what to get you for a gift (it helps a lot if they can shop for the items). I like consumables like boxes of chocolate and bubble bath, popcorn seasoning.. but even upgrades like a new blanket or better quality can opener, then you can declutter the one that's worn or not as good.

@verrau6176 3 жыл бұрын

I love love love your channel!! thank you so much for helping me to declutter! Although I have watched many videos about minimalism and decluttering, somehow I could never manage to got through with it. Watching your videos is so much fun and inspirational to me. Thank you so much!!

@jukes243 4 жыл бұрын

I accept gifts graciously and then either re-gift them or donate them to a favorite charity. For re-gifted items I tell the receiver to feel free to pass it on. Eventually, that item will find a good home.

@kelseyd4196 5 жыл бұрын

We are JUST moving into a new (to us😊) home this month! And man---I really thought I'd minimized pretty thoroughly over the last 6+ months! But now seeing how much we STILL have sitting in our garage at this new place is pretty overwhelming! We have the BARE essentials in the house right now and I really like living "vacation home" style! But I know we gotta get through all that stuff out there. Maybe you could do even more videos on minimizing shoes, dishes, and office supply (aka "junk drawer craziness") kinda stuff! I wish I'd kept a log of what we've weeded out so that when my family says, "Oh great, I needed the .... but you donated it!" they could see how FEW items we've actually needed vs the hundreds of things we've donated since last fall! Gonna keep weeding through and building my "minimizing muscles"!!

@cmck2021 5 жыл бұрын

I agree on dishes. I purchased a very large set over 10 yrs ago. Never had anyone over to eat. Just my child and I. It's going once I find a smaller set or go to Goodwill lol.

@TheMinimalMom 5 жыл бұрын

I love the log idea!! Personally, I'd leave as much stuff from your old house boxed up as long as possible and see what actually gets missed!! But maybe you need the garage back!

@kelseyd4196 5 жыл бұрын

@@TheMinimalMom Great idea Dawn! I just told the fam today that if anybody brings anything in from the garage to make sure it has a designated place and purpose in the new house! If it's a duplicate, rarely used or kinda messed up--we're gonna make a "maybe donate" pile right in the garage.

@MsAwesomeGiraffe 5 жыл бұрын

I did the same, moved a year ago and all the stuff from the spare bedroom wardrobes, attic and shed were stacked in 2 spare rooms; one supposed to be an office, the other a guest bedroom, but I refuse to fill the wardrobes with boxes just to store again! Sadly (?) we don't have an attic or garage and only one tiny store cupboard (3' X 3' and 5' tall!) I have gone looking for stuff in there (and in the process trashed the place 😱) but now most of it is boxes to be donated, even have most my pictures from the old house as I've hung only 2; we have more windows here and it would look cluttered to just hang them for the sake of it. Good luck with the clear out and watch out for those 'sentimental items' that try to trip you up! 😉

@FluffyFibers 5 жыл бұрын

I love your final tip on big toys and saying "they can keep it at your house!" 😂😂 Thank you Dawn for all of your videos, they have been so helpful. My kids and I have been donating so much lately and it has felt wonderful both for them and for me! Have a lovely lovely day!

@tawnytuppence5573 5 жыл бұрын

Gifts should be given no strings attached, and you should be able to assume full ownership and declutter them if you want to. Unfortunately, someone I know no longer speaks to me because my decluttering threatened this person’s controlling grasp on me. It is a symptom of a much deeper syndrome of problems in the relationship. Decluttering will definitely weed out negative energies from your life, and sometimes those are in the form of toxic relationships.

@chandaharkins4418 5 жыл бұрын

I've found that minimizing starts to apply to all areas of life.

@eileenlester3313 5 жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@DaintyStoneGallery 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with this so much!! When a gift is conditional it really isn't a gift at all.

@kayla3618 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this comment. My family has very disheartening opinions about my decluttering, while they sit in very cluttered, chaotic homes.

@MsSusieStone 3 жыл бұрын

Kayla D my Dad is just the same. He gives me a Box of stuff I definitely can use (I don‘t 😅) or can give away to others because I live in a bigger city. But Most of the stuff is just in a bad condition it totally outdated - therefore it‘s trash. But he can‘t toss it. So I‘m tossing it at Home. He doesn‘t know about it. But That’s the easiest way to deal with it 🤷🏼‍♀️ I‘m enabling him kind of but I can keep my peace of mind because I know he is no longer hording that stuff/trash.