5 Things It’s Important to Declutter BEFORE Christmas (& tips to do it QUICKLY!!)

By Dawn, Christmas, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I know what you’re thinking – I don’t have any extra time to declutter right now!

You might be thinking, Check back with me in January when I have a little more time, now is not the right time! And normally I would probably agree with you.

But.

There are 5 things that I think are actually really important to declutter now BEFORE the holidays that not only can give you a little peace of mind and free up a little space in your house, but can actually help others in need too.

So that’s why I think it’s important to tackle these 5 things this time of year. I’ll tell you how to do it quickly & easily because I know you don’t have a lot of time or mental energy right now to dedicate to it.

Or watch this video on YouTube here!

#1 – Kids’ Toys

Right now our kids are hoping to get more toys for the holidays, right? So this is the absolute best time of year to declutter some toys!!

There are a few fun ways that you can do this with your kids:

Santa sacks – You can buy pre-printed sacks or simply use a pillow case. Get a FREE printable Santa sack letter & explanation here!
Fill a laundry basket – You can also use a laundry basket and this printable to use with it.
Bag of bows – Have a bag of bows and let the kids put bows on some of their toys and put them back under the tree so it feels like they’re giving a gift to another child.
Fill a box – Or just get straight to the point and tell your kids, “We need to fill up this box with toys if you want other toys.”

Do whatever works best for your kids! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get rid of toys that your kids have not been playing with in the past year.

#2 – Winter Wear

It obviously depends on what kind of climate you live in, but in our area there is often a shortage of winter coats. For these items, just do a quick scan through your closet or storage and quickly grab anything that you’re not using.

I know sometimes we keep extra jackets, scarves or hats on hand because we just don’t know. We might want them for that dressy event or they go with a certain outfit.

But if you have not used these things in the past year or two, wouldn’t it be best to let somebody else use them? They might wear them every single day — and may not have a coat at all. Isn’t that better than keeping it in our closet for someday??

I used to think that I wanted options. I wanted to know that I had a dressy winter coat, a casual winter coat, a vest …. Having all those options meant that I was prepared for any situation that came up.

But what I’ve come to realize is my brain functions much better when I have very few decisions to make on a daily basis and a winter coat can be one of those.

If I have just one, or maybe two coats, when it’s time to go, I reach in the closet and grab it and I’m out the door without anymore thinking or without having to take up extra space in our closet.

So I’d encourage you to do a quick scan through your closet and donate your extra coats, hats, mittens, blankets, boots — any of that cold weather stuff that your family just isn’t using!

#3 – Christmas Decor

Maybe by now you have put up your Christmas decorations and inevitably there is stuff left at the bottom of the bins.

I know how it goes — we’ve simplified our Christmas stuff to one tote, and there are still some things in the bottom that we don’t put up!!

So whatever is left at the bottom of the bin, donate it!! I’ve said this many times before, but if you haven’t used it in the last year, 2 years, 5 years — what’s going to change next year that you’re suddenly going to start using it?

We’re creatures of habit. If we’re not using it this year, it is highly unlikely that we’re going to use it next year.

And the other thing to remember is that a lot of donation centers do not take Christmas items at other times of the year, so you have to donate it now — right before Christmas or during the Christmas season — in order for them to take it. That’s the best place to get rid of it, and for there to be hope that somebody else is going to use it this Christmas season.

So please do not pack that stuff away! Whatever is left at the bottom of your bins, donate it now and stop carrying it over from season to season to season!!

#4 – Unused Electronics & Appliances

This is a great time of year to post your unused electronics and appliances on Facebook Marketplace.

Many people are looking for Christmas gifts right now, and a lot of people don’t mind buying used items to save a bit of money. You’ll be able to help somebody else out this Christmas because they get a deal but you’ll also get some extra money to put towards Christmas presents as well. Win-win!

#5 – New Items for Shelters

In our area, a lot of the shelters are asking for new items. This is the perfect time to take a quick scan through your bathroom cabinets, linen closet and your own closet, and see what new items you might have in there that somebody else could benefit from.

If you have extra hair products, make up bags or trial-sized things that you get with your purchases, this is the perfect time to get rid of those, knowing that they’re going to a really good cause!!

And if you’re not sure where to donate in your area, usually a quick Google search will turn up quite a few results.

So you see? That wasn’t so bad!

Most of this stuff doesn’t take long to declutter, you just need to give yourself permission – If I haven’t used it, probably I’m not going to use it moving forward.

Many of these things I could repurchase for myself if I really needed them, so if I’m not using them I might as well pass them on to somebody who could get a lot of use out of them this time of year.

And the other great thing is that this is going to give you momentum heading into January!

I’d love to hear, are there any other things that you’re thinking of this time of year might be a really great time to part with?

And if you have an Elf on the Shelf and you’re thinking it’s time to do something a little bit different with him, here is a great idea of how he can help you declutter too!

Here are some other Christmas & decluttering resources you might find helpful!

Free Printable Guided Christmas Wish Lists for Kids!
Pre-Christmas Worksheet to reduce Stress & Anxiety
5 Creative DIY Christmas Gift Basket Ideas for friends, family & office!
Decluttering Questions to ask Yourself (FREE Printable!!)

Save this to Pinterest!

The Minimal Mom Private Facebook Group

By Dawn, Dawn's House, The Minimal Mom

Looking for support on the decluttering, simplifying & minimizing journey? Need some extra encouragement to reach your goals?? This might be for you!!

First,

I’m honored that you’re here! It would be MY PRIVILEGE to help & support you. I know it isn’t easy, but simplifying our home is the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done for my family and for myself.

Below, I’ll share more details about what you can expect from the group. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below (often others have the same question!) and I’ll get back to you!

All my love,

Dawn

THE MINIMAL MOM PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBERSHIP

WHAT: This is a private Facebook group that can be joined by paying a monthly membership fee

COST: $11/month (cancel anytime!)

BENEFITS:
– Support for those going through the simplifying & decluttering process
– Daily posts by myself with encouragement, tips & behind the scenes (Diana & Tom will pop in as well :)
– Weekly group challenges with prizes
– The ability to share your progress & wins (we CAN’T WAIT to celebrate with you!)
– The opportunity to ask questions specific to your process (post pictures, or just describe the dilemma and we’ll all offer ideas & support)
– Twice monthly Facebook live Q&A sessions (usually 9:00am CST on Saturdays — replays available for those unable to view live). Questions may be submitted prior to the session or during it.
– Weekly highlight emails so you know that you didn’t miss anything important :)

WHO:
This is best suited for:
– MESSY PEOPLE!!! Ok, you don’t have to be messy, but if no other “program” has worked for you, I think we could be friends :)
– In Process: Those currently going through the decluttering process looking for support & community from like-minded friends
– Through the Woods: Those who have gone through the process and would like to share what they’ve learned by supporting & encouraging others.
– Supporters: Anyone who would like to support our channel (whether they use the group or not :)

FAITH ASPECT:
While this isn’t a faith-based group, we want to be upfront that we may mention our Christian faith from time to time. We want this to be a safe place for friends of all faith walks to discuss how their beliefs impact the decisions they’re making and motivation for simplifying. If this would turn you off, it may not be the right fit!

Join the Waiting List:

Our membership group is now closed, so complete this short form to join the waiting list and we will notify you when a space opens up:

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**Note: This is an ongoing monthly membership for $11/month (cancel anytime), but we continually do different games, challenges, book studies & areas of focus to keep momentum going & get a TON done!

AND, with the support of this INCREDIBLE community behind you, we know you’ll be successful — even if you’ve failed at simplifying and decluttering in the past!

I truly can’t say enough good things about this kind and encouraging group. If you need someone to cheer you on and provide support, we’re here for YOU!.

Cancel Anytime! Join, take a look around. If you like it, keep it. If not, cancel ANYTIME! No hard feelings ;)

March Madness Book Study & Decluttering Calendar

Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Begins: Monday, March 1, 2021
For: Members of The Minimal Mom Membership Group
What: Over the course of 4 weeks, we’ll go through the book Essentialism together and also have weekly decluttering goals with the March Madness Calendar Challenge!

We’ll hold you accountable, cheer you on, have prizes and celebrate your victories with you — it’s going to be awesome!

**While you’re welcome to buy the book, many libraries have it so you may want to see if you can borrow it!**

Click HERE to join the waiting list.

Follow-up Foster Care Q&A

By Dawn, The Minimal Mom

I know we don’t “have” to answer these questions, but believe they are motivated out of genuine care and concern for our family and the foster kids who will potentially enter our home– we appreciate this and are happy to do so!

Questions from our latest video:

In our video today we talked about the need to get our house ready for the home study for our foster care license. We’ve recently been assigned a case worker who will be visiting our house this coming Thursday.

He isn’t able to come inside our home, but wants to meet us and talk through the licensing process.

Here are the questions that came up:
– Should we really consider foster care if Tom isn’t on board
– WHERE will foster children sleep?
– What ages will we consider?
– Do we have any plans to finish the boys’ room & get Gage out of a CRIB??? ;)

Here are our answers:

*If you can’t see the video right above here it may be because you have an ad blocker! :)

We genuinely appreciate your support and care for our family. We know this is not going to be “easy”, but also believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s what our family is called to.

THANK YOU and we love you!

Dawn & Tom

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Minimal Mom Homeschool Update (Year 1, Week 1)

By Dawn, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

Tom and I made the decision to homeschool last year, prior to our world getting turned upside down. Facilitating public school at home was frustrating for all of us and I couldn’t imagine another year of that!

If you’re helping your kids with school at home I pray extra grace and patience over you and your household– it was NOT easy!!

Homeschool Update

What you’ll find in this post:

How I tried to get the year started off in a creative way
Curriculums we’re using
Our weekly schedule & how much time I plan to spend on schooling each day
My low expectations for the year ;)
Tom’s role in homeschooling

I have to say, that so far, switching from public school to homeschooling four kids has been fairly stressful. There has been a lot for ME to learn about how curriculums work and selecting the right one for each child. I can see how it gets easier over time (and maybe even fun)…but I’m definitely not there yet and that’s ok!

Video Update of Homeschooling

If it seems like I don’t care right now: I do care a lot about our children’s education, but I care more about preserving all of our sanity!

Main curriculum we’re using

We’re using Gather Round for our main curriculum (is that the right term??? :) I chose it because we can teach all of the kids at the same time. I just print off a workbook specific to their level.

We’re about 7 lessons into the Earth Science unit and so far I like it. I have absolutely nothing to compare it to, so my endorsement means nothing at this point! But, it has been straight forward and easy to use, so I appreciate that.

Adeline (5th grade) said that some of her workbook pages felt a little easy for her. And while it includes reading skills in the pre-reader notebook, it seemed a little advanced for Gage (kindergarten). But, overall, I think it will be easy to make adjustments as needed.

Math Curriculum

For Maggie and Adeline (4th and 5th grade) we’re using Masterbooks. We’re ordered the workbooks that corresponded with there current grades and they seem to be about right with where they were at coming from public school.

With Gage & Corbin (K and 2nd grade) we’re using Math U See. Some love it and I’ve heard others say that it wasn’t right for their child. I like that it comes with a DVD with lessons since I’ve never taught math before. We’ll give it a try and see how it goes!

Reading Curriculum

This is perhaps what I’m most excited about! My friend Janet introduced me to EZ Reading. She is an educational therapist, dyslexia expert and homeschooling mom and helped design this curriculum. It is meant to be fun and engaging and stress free.

I’ve just started to watch the instructional videos (which are very helpful and make it super easy to understand), and feel very empowered and capable to teach Gage how to read and to help Corbin build on the skills he’s already learned.

Tom’s Role in our Homeschooling Day

In my perfect world, since Tom works from home, too, I would have him teach math and help with field trips. My only hesitation right now is him having proper expectations with the kids (and I know I’m not alone in this ;).

In his perfect world, he would teach something once, a light bulb would go off over the child’s head, they would smile and happily complete their problem with no further instruction. Wouldn’t that be awesome if it really worked that way!?!

Decluttering Questions & Forgiving Ourselves

Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

We often think decluttering should be cut and dry.

Easy peasy.

But then these feelings and emotions start to sneak in. Guilt. Shame. Remorse. Regret. How did I let things go this far? Get this bad? WHY did I buy that? Why do I always do this? Why, why, why.

Which then leads to negative thoughts about ourselves.

“WAIT!! I was just going to declutter this room, why am I left feeling like crap about myself???”

So what do we do when we can’t move forward because we’re overwhelmed by GUILT and FEARFUL of making a wrong decision?

I’m glad you asked!

Dealing with Guilt

Often when our mind is swirling with these emotions of guilt, remorse & shame we are caught up in the right side of our brain.

However, action takes place from the left side of our brain. This leaves us feeling stuck, unable to do the simple tasks we know we need to.

Try these to get moving again:
1) Just. Do. Something. You could literally get two things off of your kitchen counter and put them away. Start a load of laundry. Put shoes away in the entry way. It DOES NOT need to be a large task, it just needs to require movement.

This movement engages the left side of our brain and helps us to balance our thoughts. From here it’s usually easier to do another action and then another.

2) Forgive yourself. Easier said than done, right!?! Oprah has this to say about forgiveness — it’s “giving up the hope that the past could be any different.”

We can’t change the past, we can’t undo our purchases or go back in time to prevent our house from getting cluttered up. But we CAN acknowledge that it can’t be any different. However, the future is wide open.

3) Take a break from social media. We all know that social media can (and often does) increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Mindlessly scrolling on our phone causes us to stay caught up in the right side of our brain, stuck in comparison and feelings of self-loathing.

YUCK.

If you feel overwhelmed by your decluttering projects, try taking two full days off of all social media and try to limit other screen time as well. Does this help you feel more grounded? More present? And more capable?

Dealing with Fear

The second common emotion when we start to declutter is fear: What if I make a wrong decision? What if I need that item in the future? What if I have to buy it again?

So how do we combat these concerns?

1) Recruit the help of a friend or loved one. Sometimes we need someone else to help ground us. They can help ask these decluttering questions.

It could be a friend, a spouse or a child. Even our 10-year-old can be helpful with this process. We just need someone to talk these decisions through with.

The good news? It gets easier as you go and you gain more confidence, so you won’t always need a partner in crime to get decluttering done!

2) Think about what is most important to you RIGHT NOW. What has more value, the item in front of you or a peaceful home?

If you donate that item right now you NEVER have to handle it again!! How great would that feel? It is no longer part of your mental load!

On the other hand, if you keep it, it is guaranteed that you will be right back in this same situation down the road. Why do that to yourself? :)

These are big emotions we’re talking about and I don’t want to brush past them or oversimplify this process, but the best thing you can do when you’re feeling stuck with decluttering is to just. do. something.

Even the smallest task can be a catalyst for the big changes you’re hoping to make in your home!

Again, you can find the Printable Decluttering Guide HERE!

I believe in you! It is difficult at first, but it does get EASIER!! You can do it!!!

Books I love:

For more tips on decluttering, check out these recent posts!

How to Declutter WITHOUT Making a Bigger Mess (Bonus Videos!)

How to be a Tidy Person (Bonus Video!)

Guided KITCHEN DECLUTTER: Use these principles to simplify your kitchen quickly & easily

6 Week Lazy Genius Book Study (Outline)

By Dawn, Effective Living, The Minimal Mom

Welcome to The Minimal Mom Members book club for fall 2020!

Book: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
Begins: Monday, Oct. 5 – Nov. 15, 2020
For: Members of The Minimal Mom Membership Group
What: Over the course of 6 weeks, we’ll go through the book together and also have weekly decluttering challenges and games that correspond with what we’re covering.

Printable Weekly Guide: Here is a printable list of the chapters & challenges for each week!

We’ll hold you accountable throughout the study, cheer each other on, have prizes and celebrate the collective victories– it’s going to be awesome!

The Lazy Genius Way

About the book:

Being a Lazy Genius isn’t about doing more or doing less. It’s about doing what matters to you.

The chorus of “shoulds” is loud. You should enjoy the moment, dream big, have it all, get up before the sun, track your water consumption, go on date nights, and be the best. Or maybe you should ignore what people think, live on dry shampoo, be a negligent PTA mom, have a dirty house, and claim your hot mess like a badge of honor.

It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by the mixed messages of what it means to live well.

Kendra Adachi, the creator of the Lazy Genius movement, invites you to live well by your own definition and equips you to be a genius about what matters and lazy about what doesn’t. Everything from your morning routine to napping without guilt falls into place with Kendra’s thirteen Lazy Genius principles, including:

• Decide once
• Start small
• Ask the Magic Question
• Go in the right order
• Schedule rest

Discover a better way to approach your relationships, work, and piles of mail. Be who you are without the complication of everyone else’s “shoulds.” Do what matters, skip the rest, and be a person again.

6 Week Study Outline

WEEK 1 | Oct 5 – 11

Main Objective: Decide Once

There are too many to do lists, too many activities, too many bins filled with stuff, and our brain just. can’t. take it anymore. Let’s decide once and for all:
– what is MOST import
– and if these things in our house are helping us with that or not

Chapters:
– Introduction
– How to Think Like a Lazy Genius
– Decide Once: Principle #1

Corresponding Podcasts:
#170 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/anything
#102 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/makeadecision
#147 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/capsule?rq=Question

Corresponding Blog Post: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/hamburgerhelper

WEEK 2 | Oct 12 – 18

Main Objective: Ask the Magic Question

“What can I do now, to make ______ easier later?” Ask yourself things like, what can I do now to make dinner easier later? What about that big project coming up? What could I do now to make decluttering easier later?

Chapters:
– Start Small: Principle #2
– Ask the Magic Question: Principle #3
– Live in the Season: Principle #4

Corresponding Podcasts:
#124 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/weeklyplan
#128 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/fallfrenzy
#153 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/timerevisited
#93 https://feedyourfamilytonight.com/episode-93-lazy-genius-dinner-with-kendra-adachi/

Corresponding Blog Posts: Monday Morning’s Magic Question https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/36pphfyngr1q56wx6mj65gvoxlaxoe

WEEK 3 | Oct 19 – 25

Main Objective: A place for everything!

Chapters:
– Build the Right Routines: Principle #5
– Set House Rules: Principle #6
-Everything in its Place: Principle #7

Corresponding Podcasts:
#172 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/routines
#123 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/afterschool
#163 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/relax
#155 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/livedincleaning
#156 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/livedincleaning2

WEEK 4 | Oct 26 – Nov 1

Main Objective: Essentialize

What tasks in our life and items in our home can we batch? Picking out outfits for the week, cooking, laundry & putting like items with like are all ways that we can cut down on the different directions we have to go each week!

Chapters:
– Let People In: Principle #8
– Batch it: Principle #9
– Essentialize: Principle #10

Corresponding Podcasts:
#144 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/girlsnight
#75 https://thelazygenius.libsyn.com/75-the-lazy-genius-stocks-the-kitchen

Corresponding Blog Posts:
ttps://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/ricebeefbowls
https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/foodprep
https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/essentialkitchen

WEEK 5 | Nov 2 – 8

Main Objective: Be kind to yourself.

This is huge! How often do we beat ourselves up? “How did we let our house get this way?” “I’m so lazy.” “I’m so unorganized” and on and on. It’s time we treat ourselves nicer!

Chapters:
– Go in the right order: Principle #11
– Schedule Rest: Principle #12
– Be Kind to yourself: Principle #13

Corresponding Podcasts:
#76 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/mealplan
#77 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/rest
#157 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/takecare
#43 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/selfcare

Corresponding Blog Post:
https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/sauce

WEEK 6 | Nov 9 – 15

Main Objective: How to live like a Lazy Genius

This chapter brings all of the principles of the book full circle!

Chapter: How to Live Like a Lazy Genius
Corresponding Podcasts:
#36 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/ceremony
#177 https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/dayplan

We’re excited to go through this book with you!

Everything is better when we do it together! We’re excited to go through this journey with you and for the small, sustainable changes that will come from it!!

Visit our Minimal Mom Members group to join in the conversation!

Dawn

The Minimal Mom