How to Declutter: The Onion Method (Minimalism Basics)

Today we're talking about the good old onion method for decluttering. This is the exact system that I used to declutter our house down to the point of minimalism (but you can stop wherever you feel comfortable!). In my opinion, the onion method is the most effective and practical way to declutter!

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:: T I M E S T A M P S ::

00:00 What is the onion method for decluttering?
01:43 Why you can't declutter your house in 2 weeks
02:33 The layers of the onion
04:55 The huge surprise in the middle of the onion
07:51 How to get through the onion quicker
09:41 Focusing on the end goal
11:19 Putting a price on peace of mind

:: C U R R E N T L Y R E A D I N G ::

:: M O S T P O P U L A R O N O U R B L O G R I G H T N O W ::

#minimalism #familyminimalism #minimalist

:: M O S T P O P U L A R V I D E O S R I G H T N O W ::

📺 :: P O P U L A R R E L A T E D ::

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[drewconway]

Onions make me cry. Decluttering… also makes me cry.

[brittanys.]

The core of the onion is where it sprouts! So when you get there there is new growth. New growth is symbolic to the new life you achieve by gaining FREEDOM!!!

[kathleengarness]

At first I was just thinking of the onion method and working on containers, such as laundry hampers, drawers, book shelves, cabinets, and file totes, but today I just had an 'aha' moment today regarding the most important container. Time is a container all its own! I realized I have a 'time container' called sleep, one for work, one for meals, and several 'time containers' spread out among friends, family, volunteer work, writing, and artwork. Seeing those clearly as containers is helping me focus what can fit in them, reasonably, and more importantly, what's truly essential. And not filling every container to the brim is important too. ;)

[mrsducky]

Hubby is so funny. When I put the spatulas / utensils in the quarantine box, he'll ask, "where's the spatula with the wooden handle?" So I explain where the quarantine box is. He goes and gets that spatula, then the next time he unloads the dishwasher, every utensil goes into the quarantine box, he just dumps everything in there lol 🤣😆🤣😆 then he says "oh, I thought that's where we keep all the utensils now" 😅😂😅😂😅😂

[dlarsen]

I've started looking at my decluttering as gifts I'm giving people so they can use them. It makes me feel so good ❤️

[Lantanana]

My house is now fully functional, 2 years after my move. It took that long due to 2 reasons. (1) I am disabled and had to have help, and I could only afford help about 2ce a week. So only a few hours per month. and (2) I can only gradually emotionally let go of stuff. Most areas got sorted through 3 or 4 times. My home is now 100% functional. HURRAH! I believe everything needs to be sorted 1 more time, but I can now do that gradually, as I have the time the interest. It is such a relief to have my entire home available to me again!

[lindamarsden]

We all love you too! Selfishly, I am grateful you were an overwhelmed, messy mother and wife and I'm so very thankful that you have taken us along on your journey. Your ability to teach and connect with your audience is an incredible gift. Every day you make a difference in my life and for so many others. God bless you and your family. '💖

[kathyengland]

I think being honest with "what season are you in" is very impacting--It gives me more to ponder.. Because of you and Dana and Cass, I actually get excited when I find something to toss or give away. I will continue peeling that onion! Thanks for the encouragement.

[Siures]

After minimizing I actually made sewing a priority. Everytime I have some extra time ( and bad weather) I sew, mostly clothing for my kids. I finally finished my wedding book. And I started skateboarding again (yes, as a adult woman of 30). I did not get rid of these things because I missed being creative and doing sports before. Instead I stopped watching TV. There are different priorities to each of us. It’s important to recognize this, too. I regret a few decluttering decisions I made because everybody gets rid of XY or wants the shelves to look a specific way. But even in comparison to you I am very minimal in clothing and bathroom utensils. For me the most important was to have finally the time and energy again to be political active and at the same time doing my hobbies. Mostly it works.

[angelasnodgrass]

I watched several of your videos this morning and decluttered more stuff. That makes me so happy.

[rachaelsnyder]

Dawn I had no idea how much decluttering and living a minimal lifestyle could change my life! I’m two months in of hardcore decluttering. Ive gotten rid of 25 trash bags of stuff, many boxes and big items too! And so much to still go through!! I’m able to keep a routine better, we can find the stuff we actually need I have seen more counter space that I have in the past seven years!
Your channel is so inspiring a truly you are a blessing from God to our family!
I felt I needed to comment and share with you the impact you’ve made on our families life!

[FrenchCruller]

I love what you said about sewing. I have the same thing with projects. And I always have this thing where I look at a project and think, "If I just get the rest of this room decluttered maybe I'll have time to do the project, " when the project really is the biggest clutter item hanging over my head and causing me guilt.

[sarahroberts]

In the middle of an onion you often find a little sprout. I love that metaphor that once you get to the middle of the onion you are ready for new life 😊❤

[renitalucas]

I'm 63 and my daughter has let me know I'm a pack rat of everything. I love your help and I'm starting in the office and going to keep growing...thank you

[chloestruse]

With your help Dawn I am finally at the middle of the onion!! I didn’t think there were any more benefits to be had or any further to go but I’ve just really tapped into my “savage mode.”
For anyone reading this who feels like it’s too hard or they can’t keep going… Keep listening to these videos and keep at it, the peace of mind is priceless! Few things are as transformative as simplifying your life down to what truly matters.

[rmdewberry]

After a little over a year, we are getting through someday items and down into occasionally use. I just went thru a wooden chest of old blankets that I told myself last year, if we hadn't used them in a year, they would need to go. These blankets also freed up a spot for a down winter comforter that we do use and now it has a better, more functional storage home until winter.

[audreyschmitt]

Opportunity cost, you've figured it out. You find more value in having freedom rather than stuff.

[fionascheibel]

Yep. Decluttering or housework or anything like that definately makes me think of onions because it always involves me crying. I have found some great hints and techniques to make it less hard. But it is still always just something I soldier on through for however long I can manage as often as I can manage. I admire people who enjoy this decluttering or even feel better after it is done. I don't really. But watching people like The Minimal Mom and A Slob Comes Clean and ClutterBug has helped me not feel like I need to be "perfect" at this stuff.

[bth]

I love the idea of viewing life in seasons. This perspective has been helping me so much with not only decluttering but also in deciding what to bring into my home or commit to adding to my calendar. It’s a total game changer!

[MsGinahidesout]

Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. I got divorced from a 35-year marriage and now I'm living in a smaller space. I'm using the onion method to declutter and reorganize this house.