The Minimal Mom

Background and Early Life

Dawn Madsen, known professionally as The Minimal Mom, has built a significant following as a content creator focused on minimalist living and decluttering strategies. Born on September 23, 1982, she is an identical twin who grew up on a farm just outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota^[1]. She earned a degree in marketing from the University of St. Thomas before embarking on her career^[2].

Madsen's journey into minimalism began during a particularly challenging period when she had four children under the age of four. The overwhelming nature of managing a household filled with possessions led her to discover the concept of minimalism through Joshua Becker's podcast, which became a turning point in her approach to family life^[3].

Professional Journey and Content Creation

Before becoming a full-time content creator, Madsen worked at a radio station and later transitioned to real estate while building her online presence^[4]. She began her YouTube channel in November 2017, initially as a side project while balancing other professional commitments^[5]. Her content focuses on practical decluttering advice, home management strategies, and making minimalism accessible for families.

The Minimal Mom YouTube channel has grown to over 829,000 subscribers with more than 156 million total video views as of June 2025^[6]. Her content reaches over one million people monthly, demonstrating significant influence in the minimalist lifestyle space^[7]. The channel features 877 videos covering topics from quick decluttering tips to comprehensive home organization strategies^[6].

Content Strategy and Engagement

Madsen's videos typically run around 25 minutes in length, longer than many similar channels, and maintain strong engagement with an average engagement rate of 5.14%^[6]. Her content is characterized by practical, actionable advice delivered in a relatable manner that resonates with busy parents and homemakers.

The channel's estimated monthly earnings range from $2,000 to $6,000, though this represents lower revenue compared to similar channels in the lifestyle category^[6]. Her content creation extends beyond YouTube to include a companion podcast channel and active social media presence.

Published Works and Educational Resources

Madsen has authored multiple resources to support her audience's decluttering journey. Her primary publication, "Declutter Your Home in 15 Minutes a Day," is a 168-page workbook designed as a step-by-step guide through each room of the home^[8]. The workbook emphasizes low-stress tactics and provides clear guidelines for decision-making during the decluttering process.

She has also created "Decluttering by Faith," a 12-week devotional that connects Biblical principles with physical possessions and the pursuit of contentment^[8]. This 187-page resource includes weekly decluttering goals and access to a six-week video group study, demonstrating her approach to connecting spiritual wellness with home organization.

Collaborative Projects

Madsen has partnered with other prominent organizers in the space, including Dana K. White and Cas from Clutterbug, to create the "Take Your House Back" course. This comprehensive program combines their different expertise areas, with Madsen focusing on making minimalism practical for real-life situations^[9].

Business Model and Community Building

The Minimal Mom operates a membership community that provides ongoing support for individuals working to declutter their homes. The membership, priced at $22 per month during promotional periods (regularly $45), includes daily strategy videos, live guided decluttering sessions, and weekly household planning meetings^[10]. Members also receive access to body doubling sessions, monthly themed challenges, and a supportive community environment.

Her brand partnership approach is selective, focusing on products and services that align with simplified living principles. The partnerships typically include home cleaning and organization products, DIY projects, meal preparation tools, and family life resources^[11].

Social Media Presence

Beyond YouTube, Madsen maintains an active Instagram presence with over 174,000 followers, where she shares daily life glimpses and quick tips related to minimalist living^[12]. Her Instagram content complements her longer-form YouTube videos with bite-sized advice and behind-the-scenes content from her rural Minnesota home.

Her social media strategy focuses on authentic connection with her audience, often addressing common struggles and providing encouragement for those beginning their own decluttering journeys^[13].

Personal Life and Recent Changes

Madsen is a mother of four children, currently aged 10 through 15, and the family has practiced minimalism for nearly a decade^[14]. The family previously lived in rural south-central Minnesota, where they embraced a simplified lifestyle that became central to her content creation.

In January 2025, Madsen announced her divorce from her husband Tom after 16 years of marriage, a significant personal change that she addressed openly with her audience^[15]. Following the separation, she relocated to live with her parents while maintaining her content creation schedule and business operations^[16].

Impact and Recognition

Madsen's work has gained recognition beyond YouTube, including features on mainstream media outlets. She has appeared on the Today Show, demonstrating the broader appeal of her practical approach to minimalism^[7]. Her influence extends to helping families reduce overwhelm and create more manageable home environments through systematic decluttering approaches.

The Minimal Mom ranks among notable minimalist influencers, with her focus on family-friendly minimalism distinguishing her from others in the space who may emphasize more extreme reduction approaches^[12]. Her content consistently emphasizes that minimalism should enhance rather than restrict family life, making the lifestyle more accessible to mainstream audiences.