Disney Tangled Tower- it's kinda like a polly pocket Rapunzel toy. $40. Pieces were too small, and my daughter would get frustrated trying to get the pieces together. Thankfully I was able to FB marketplace that for $10. But- I would LOVE more content on toys. I've been following you for awhile and seen the transformation with the kids' rooms. Do you have more toys stored in the living room by the couch? Or are they all stored in that shelving unit that you used to keep the puzzles? Any thoughts on toy rotations? How frequently are you decluttering these toys? 🧸🧮💕📚👍
My 3 year old loves her baby dolls right now. She has maybe 10 she rotates through, and she always sleeps with one. I regret purchasing anything made out of foam. My 3 year old and 18 month old both went through chewing phases and ate chunks out of it!
I don't really know if I regret Any toys we've bought yet, but I've only got a son that's turning 2 and his brother that will be born soon. We've gone pretty minimal on toy purchases as everyone else wants to buy us toys, too.
Well i dont have kids or want kids but i just gotta say this specific video was so detailed and clearly explained section by section. Im thinking about my stuff too, makes sense why we have drawers cuz thats your limit, if pile of clothes are out of the drawers then thats a sign
I’m so upset that my kids bedroom got so bad that I had to RUclips how to declutter but also very much thankful that you have this video to share with us. I’m ready to get this done right before the holidays.
I'm right there with you. I have twins that are almost 3 with toys EVERYWHERE even with the toy rotation thing (husband brings stuff out and doesn't put it back ever) and a baby coming in a month so trying to pick up everything is really straining my 8 months pregnant belly lol. So now I'm just putting everything in a tall laundry basket and going to just box toys up after bedtime tonight. I thought it would be better to not have toys in the bedroom but I was WRONG wrong lol.
Don't get upset... no one told us that toyroom would be the hardest to clean. And here I am sitting in thw toyroom looking at this video and feeling as if I have done the job !!!😅😅😅
My kids loved going to movies and out to eat with grandma. They don't remember the toys they were given but they do remember that Grandma took them to see Frozen ❤️
My favorite to do with my grandma was cook dinner with her and make a mess of her kitchen lol. It’s been almost 20 years since she taught me how to cook with her but those memories are some of my most prized ones now that she’s no longer with us.
Your mindset on too many toys will be a blessing when you’re a grandmother so your children won’t be overloaded with toys in their home for their children
We opened a college fund for our kids that anyone can donate into so we always ask family and friends to go this route for gifts instead of toys. That helped us keep down the incoming toys
Also parents, do your stuff first! Don't just jump straight into the kids possessions. They'll see how 'easy' it is for you to clean and want the same. Otherwise they will just feel like you are picking on them, it'll make it significantly easier!
The other thing I like about when you've shared decluttering with your kids is how you phrase the question. Instead of saying, "Do you want these?" which is going to end with them saying "yes," you hold up two items and say, "Which one of these do you want to keep, because we can't keep both." I think it forces them to think about their actual favorite things, and I like that :) I'm like "ONE DAY, if I have kids, I want to remember this!" 😂
My daughter will totally stall and say. "But, but, I want both/all of them, I don't want to get rid of any!!!" Every single time. 😬 Not sure what to do here... haha.
One other thing which has really helped me with young kids is rotating out toys. I moved about 75% of the toys into storage bins in a locked closet, and require a different toy set be traded in to take one out. It has really helped cut down on the floor clutter, makes it easier for everyone to clean up, and the "new" toys which they just got out get me a nice bit of time where they're busy playing on their own.
We love our toy rotation. I don't like multiple sets out at once. So it's magnatiles or trains and tracks or blocks or playdoh or a couple puzzles. And when a different one comes out one goes away. Love it
I find if they aren’t playing with it, I put it away unless they ask for it then I give it to them but if it hasn’t been asked for in a week or two of being put away I’ll donate it. Less is definitely better. So much inspiration thank you
Mom of 6 here. I like to declutter toys right before Christmas. I find the kids are more willing to let go of old toys when they know there are new toys coming in. Another sanity saving tip: have your kids clean their room every day at the same time. We do it before dessert every night. No clean room, no dessert. You could use a different reward, but you get the idea. It makes such a difference! No more do I stress out about spilled lego bins... that's the kids' responsibility at clean-up time. To answer the question of the day, I regret buying too many specialty lego sets... Star Wars legos, Ninjago legos, etc. They were expensive, the kids didn't play with them much after building them, and they took up a lot of space on the closet shelf. If they got broken by a little brother, it was nearly impossible to put back together. Some of my kids favorite toys include magnatiles, nerf guns, keva structures, hot wheels, and Thomas trains and tracks.
I have to share this with you as you helped me get here! I started my declutter this month and I started with our garage. It was the biggest burden around my neck. I’m a full time working mom so it took me ALL March and a total of 17.5 hours of labor (I kept track), but I’m so happy. It’s finally done. A pile of chaos that made me anxious is now an organized and fictional space. So happy! Can’t wait to tackle my next project!
One tip I found helpful: start with the big toys they rarely play with: doll houses, kitchen,... i recently sorted out clothes with my seven year old. She was very helpful. I made her try on some pieces so she could see, that they do not fit anymore and she gave them away easily. Might be a good starting point too. And I found out that showing the kids how to do it by decluttering my stuff too helps very much. If mommy and daddy do it, I do it too. We still have a lot of work ahead. We try not to let in many toys. And we vote for smaller things or things to use up for presents.
The MACRO CATEGORIES tip is EVERYTHING! So effective. Thanks for talking about that...it made me realize just how much time I spend “organizing” toys into their original containers/sets. We started making the switch today & I’m already noticing a difference. Always love your ideas!! 💜
I have been loving your messy to minimal series, and I can totally see why you said it’s like a muscle, you need to keep training it! It’s gotten so much easier for me and my 4 yr old son to declutter together, he actually makes wise decisions for himself. He also loves the actual act of donating or selling with me. I’m glad he’s learning this art early on. We’re also moving from a townhouse to an apartment in another city, so I’ve been on a roll. Thanks for making these videos! ♥️
I know this comment is 3 years old but still commenting incase people today reading feel the same. One thing that helps me is if I can donate! The trick is to make sure you have a deadline. If you post online to give it away, people can be flaky, etc so if it's not gone in a day or two just drop it off somewhere that take it or then it's time to trash it for the better od your child(ren)/house!
I raised my kids 28 years ago but I always rotated their toys and we treasured books and utilized the children's library wherever we lived and even going to the local parks - so fun watching this☺️💜
I don’t have kids so apparently I don’t need to de-clutter toys, but I found those tips helpful that I can apply for getting rid of the stuff in my room!
I have been a subscriber for a while, but this video hit the most at home. My 3 year old son is obsessed with trucks and any type of vehicles (and has been since birth - womb is more like it, my hubs would play car videos on his phone and place them near my belly and he'd kick and bounce like crazy)! He has other toys but he loves trucks the most and trying to find a balance when every Birthday, Christmas or just because is a truck! We have a sweet neighbor who almost monthly gives my son a thrifted special truck over the fence and knowing where to draw the line is hard. Thank you for always keeping it real and honest. God bless and off to decluttering! 🚜🚒🛻🚚🚓
For me the issue was Recipients remorse. Feeling like I need to keeps gifts from other people that we never would have bought ourselves. I have had to learned to be heartless about it. If we don't want it in our house I don't try to see if we can learn to love it. It goes straight into the donation pile.
I have this issue. I was ruthless about it for a while. I’d immediately donate it the next day 😂 but when we had two more children, it started to get more challenging. Now I feel buried alive 😮
Toys are definitely the biggest clutter problem in our house right now so this video is much appreciated. It feels like the amount of toys really has a bad effect on my almost 3 year olds attitudes and emotions. Working through them area by area. Also recently decluttered my wardrobe after being inspired by your closet declutter. I'm 4 months post partum and kept feeling like I needed to buy more clothes that I felt comfortable in.... turns out I didn't. I actually just needed to get rid of all the clothes that I was not wearing. I had so many things that did not fit or that I just didn't feel comfortable in. It's so much easier to get dressed now!
I think it’s really important to teach our kids to declutter with us, or else they won’t understand how to practically apply these principles in their adult life. They too can be addicted to stuff, or lay up treasures on earth.. but we can teach them the way they should while they are young. Great video.. 🇸🇿 Africa
I haven't even finished watching this video, but you're so right. I have noticed this about you a long time ago and I admire how you approach your kids and their free time. I love your incorporation of quiet time and that your kids do puzzles and workbooks rather than playing with obnoxious loud blinking toys or having the TV on all day. Calm, creative toys are way better for their mental health. My sister's boys have mountains of toys and have the TV on all day, and they run around like crazy. There's no wonder why! When I have children, I definitely plan to follow some of your methods.
Natalie, you are such an inspiration! I found this channel and am now caught up from your very first video. As a minimalist myself, I’m still learning and decluttering as a Grammy of 2. God bless you and your family.
I love all your videos, it doesnt matter what the content, your videos always put a smile on my face, thanks natalie for being so encouraging. I really need that lately. All of us who watch you do so because you are so genuine. ❤
Thank you for this video! I watch so many decluttering/organizing videos but I literally stopped the video and started going through my kids books and stuffies and felt sooooo much better once I minimized!
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been watching videos on minimalism and decluttering so much, even started doing a little decluttering myself. I’ll be getting married in the fall to a man who has 2 girls. I’ve struggled with how to get him (and them) on board with shifting towards minimalism. I feel this is a video him and I can watch together and it will explain so much to him about how to present it to the girls, and explain my reasoning behind why it’s so important to me. So again, thank you Natalie!
use the container method since you've been calling it a budget of space for so long now. it has helped a lot. i love that the bin is the boundary and not me saying "no that's too much", having something else be the bad guy helps. This helped me too, I've been reorganizing things and I've had too much for my container and I had to go over it again so everything could fit.
Before my first was born, I asked family to limit gifts to 2 items per person for both birthday and Christmas. My husband’s family are big into gifts and this allows for gifts while setting limits on it. It’s been mostly well received and followed.
My girls are 8 and 12. They love decluttering, and we sell their toys on marketplace and they keep the money. They usually want to save it for vacation money! My 12 year old has decluttered her own room to the point where I have to check the bags she's taking out because she'll throw out anything, even if she shouldn't. She wants a clean, open, uncluttered space. Who would've thought 😂
Would absolutely love more minimalist content in relation to kiddo. My littles are several years behind yours, but my little boy is such a little tender hearted and empathic little guy and some of your tips you have previously given in regards to your boys have worked really well with my little boy. So I always look forward to anything you put up in regards to kids, I love being able to snag little tips/tricks/advice for the future!
I have been watching your channel for almost a year now and have gained so much encouragement in my mom life and "tools" to tackle clutter. Thanks for honest and uplifting content--your channel is number one with me!😊
Well said. All of it. 😂 I simplified my kid's room a few months ago and it was such an overwhelming undertaking but it was SOOOOOO worth it. My kids can find what they want to play with easily and clean up is so much less of a battle because it's so much simpler. Like you, with my first kid, I used to want to bring home a little gift almost every time I went somewhere. It brings me joy to give gifts BUT it started to not feel good when my daughter started to EXPECT something every time. Something had to change so I introduced her to a "wish list." A year later my daughter was surprised and couldn't believe I wanted to get her something "just because" and appreciated it. Felt like a mom win. 😂
The varied method works! I sometimes do get my kids involved when deciding which toys to keep and which toys to donate. By explaining to them that their are other kids out there who do not have toys, clothes, shoes etc. Which helps this decluttering process without broken hearts 💛
Love so much about this video, especially you sharing the % that the kids help you in relation to their ages. I’m always wondering how much to expect from my 4yr old.
Sooo thankful for your honesty on don’t go get more toys and wooden I already did that and guess what my kids never even touch the wooden toys I want them to play with! 🤦🏻♀️
Your videos are so inspiring to me, they are real life not irreal perfection and that's great! 🥰 I started my minimalist journey a couple of months ago and you really help me not to give up! My son is 1 year old and we are all enjoying our life owning less..a virtual hug from Rome, Italy❤ thanks for your videos!
What a fabulous subject to do a video on. I don't regret anything I get my kids as I never impulse buy but the Grandparents oh my goodness. They get a bag of toys every visit it seems.
This is so true! The first time I went through my daughters stuff it was heartbreaking, for me of course! Lol now she wants to give some things to bless another kid. She still has way to much but we are making progress for sure.
This made so much sense! Thank you!! They don't need to search through the misfits to find what they want.. Just like I don't want to dig through clothes that don't fit.
@nataliebennett as per usual, you knocked it right out of the park!! Trying to start early with my two year old so I foster this relationship with *stuff* with her early in life!!! Its been so freeing this year decluttering and simplifying our home!
Everything in this video was so beautifully said! ❤️ And it provided much-needed encouragement to start the process of decluttering and organizing the kids' toys. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing! My daughter is 18 months and still has a very short attention span. I’ve kind of always used a container method for her toys, because we have a very small house with minimal storage space. She has three bins in the living room - toys with faces, toys without faces, and blocks - a small ikea book rack (I think it holds 12-15 books which is plenty for her), and a drawer for stuffed animals. She’s currently very attached to a babydoll I passed down from my toddler years, and rotates occasional interest through the other toys. Mostly just dumping them out and putting them back. I also will put toys up and trade them out for toys she hasn’t seen in a while for the “new toy” effect without buying anything new. I think we’re about to hit a developmental stage shift though. She’s expressing interest in slightly more dynamic/engaging toys, like her cousin’s peppa pig figures. What kinds of toys do y’all recommend for a toddler?
This video is perfectly timed. I've been trying to work up the nerve to battle the kids toys because the absolute mess that is left at the end of the day distresses me to no end and there are so many arguments before bed when it should just be a relaxing routine. My 4 year old is at the stage where every toy (and I mean EVERY) toy has to be out for him to play and then he doesn't even play long with it before wanting the tablet, which I assume is because he's overwhelmed, and my 8 yr old doesn't want to have to pick up the mess he didn't make (don't blame him, neither do I). I'm happy to say I've started with a mixture of the same methods you use (been watching your decluttering since you started). I have a group of toys I'm slowly taking out and is going into bags to be donated since they honestly don't break them out till I mention getting rid of the.... and I was able to talk to my 4 yr old about gifting a cousin his Duplos since he's started playing with the big boy Legos with his brother. Like you said, both methods work, just choose your battles. Thank you for helping to give me the resolve this week to get in there and make some changes this weekend.
My days with toys are long passed, but your explanations and ideas are inspiration for minimizing any collections in one's home. I have needed to go through costume jewelry (my toys) and will try to use these tips with myself.
This is the best! I’m planning on going through my daughter’s toys this week. It’s driving me nuts and I can tell she’s overwhelmed by too many choices.
Thank you for this video!! As I am spring cleaning the next couple days, I definitely need this video for my 3 boys. I appreciate the time and effort you put into all your videos, I learn so much from you.
We played the "Keep or Go" game usually right before Christmas so we had room for new toys. The kids did great. Now as 20 somethings they still ask that I help them play the "Keep or Go" game; they say it helps them stay focused. Their toys and clothes are just a little bigger than they were many years ago. Thanks for the video. You have great tips for young moms.
Love this video! I take a very similar approach and it’s been a total game changer! My boys love their toys and actually play with them for hours on end now.
Love the container method. My 8 year old son has an overflowing bookcase, they are piling up on the floor next to it. He's a real book lover though and loves to read his 'too young' books himself for comfort, so I had just accepted it but I'm going to suggest we edit his collection together so that it all fits in the bookcase!
You would make the perfect Snow White actress. Beautiful with a sweet voice! I have listened to endless minimalism channels. This video is up there with Joshua Becker, Minimal Mom, Erica Lucas, Dana K White and Clutterbug. Looking forward to checking out more!
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. I adore the nook you've made for them with their own lights. I will create a space in my girls walk in closet, she's going to adore that! The container limit is something I've thought of today before hearing you say it, so it was a nice confirmation for me to do. Thanks again your amazing! God bless
Oh my gosh. I have never considered the instant gratification part of buying stuff for our kids but you are so right!! I regret getting my daughter so many different types of dolls. I decluttered finally and got rid of all except the Barbies and the baby dolls. She didn't need every brand and every type!
Oh, my, I'm entering my children's playroom as we speak and I wanna declutter ... again! This video is givin me the itch to simplify things even more in their toy collection. I adore this feeling, when I get up and realize there's even more to declutter. Thank you, Natalie for always sharing interesting vids and transformations. Love that it all looks comfy, simple and beautiful, like I could and would wanna recreate something similar in my home.
Thank you for your kind comment! This totally brought a smile to my face because I KNOW that feeling of wanting to simplify and being excited by it! I always want to create a comfy space for my kids that is fun and easy for little brains to clean up at the end of the day!
Thank you Natalie for this video. I can already think about a handful of toys that need to get boxed up. Toys that are just neglected and not played with anymore. My girls have recently discovered more of a love for books. My oldest loves playing with kinetic sand and her baby doll. The youngest loves her legos and making everyone a home, including her only lol doll.
So helpful. Thank you! It’s easy enough to declutter my stuff now but I haven’t touched toys, but desperately need to. Definitely implementing these tips when I tackle the toys!
I always get so motivated watching you!! My question would be, What staple pieces do you think are important to have in your wardrobe? I'm 18 months postpartum and all my clothes are bump friendly. I need new stuff but have no clue where to start!❤
I LOVED this video! I’d definitely watch another one! I for sure have felt the burden of feeling like I need to keep a toy until it gets more use. However I have found that if my son (2.5 yrs) isn’t very interested in a toy I thought he would love, I put it away and try bringing it out a few months later. He isn’t always developmentally ready for it yet! I also keep most of his toys visible (not in bins) because he rarely thinks to look inside the bins. And that also helps force me to keep things minimal so that the rooms doesn’t look cluttered
The macro category idea for toys is great. I’m going to try it out. Thank you.
3 года назад
Just found your channel and am binge watching all of the toy declutter videos 😁 been on the minimalist journey for about a year, toys are definitely the hardest category!! I have 6 year old twin boys too so can relate even more to you 😊
Thank you for letting people know we don’t have to buy special toys. My kids live for Disney, My little pony and Melissa & Doug. We have that Mickey Waffle Iron it has brought so much joy! I didn’t know you have twins we have a set of boys too. Okay the frog looks so fun. My twins expect presents constantly yet we haven’t given them anything since their birthday they are threenagers. The twins don’t care, my daughter doesn’t care but my son is on the spectrum he will not get rid of anything it would cause him trauma. We have told he cannot get anything new and he said he has everything he wants! He has trouble managing his toys! His stuffed animals have to fit in his bed with space for him to sleep.
I have absolutely loved finding your channel. Your also so beautiful inside and out. I am going to have to try out some of your coffee recipes as they look amazing! Wishing your family a very blessed Easter week and weekend.
I've been watching your whole series and you have been such a motivation to me! This video was exactly what I needed to hear! Great advice as always! I would love to hear more advice on decluttering kids toys and keeping them minimal. Thank you!!
Do you post your song choices anywhere? I love your music but have the hardest time finding it after a video. Thanks, your channel is one my ABSOLUTE favorites! Thanks for being a bright spot in my day. 💞
Man, I wish I could watch this with my husband! Especially the part about gifts and bringing new stuff in. I have trouble with getting it out once it is in our home in spite of having a donation box on the go at all times. Thank you for the tips and insights.
“keeping the item that you have guilt around or feel you have to get your money’s worth out of doesn’t put that money back in the bank” 👏🏼👏🏼 It’s not worth the grief.
Really enjoyed your video, your voice is so soothing, you would be a great narrator( I listen to a lot of audio books). When our kids were small and when I was a kid(50's and 60's), very few toys were in our homes. Most of play time was outside with other kids and our imagination, jump ropes, hopscotch, etc. When our 15 grandchildren came along, I bought so many toys for them when they would stay with us . And I have made the mistake of micro organizing and so frustrated when they would go home and all of the toys were mixed up. I see now what I need to do. My purchase regret was the lacing cards. I loved them as a kid and my grands use the laces for tying all the cards together or for tying up other toys, not the quiet time I had imagined, now I can toss them !
This is helpful to me. My husband and I are trying to conceive and I recently took all of my old toys from my parents house and moved them to a storage shed. I can't declutter around my parents because every piece I choose to get rid of makes them sad. But I also dont want to go into starting a family with this mountain of toys they may or may never touch. Now that I have it all in a separate place I can begin dwindling it down.
*Questions of the day: what are some toys that you regret purchasing? What are some of your kids’ favorite toys?!* 😬
Disney Tangled Tower- it's kinda like a polly pocket Rapunzel toy. $40. Pieces were too small, and my daughter would get frustrated trying to get the pieces together. Thankfully I was able to FB marketplace that for $10.
But- I would LOVE more content on toys. I've been following you for awhile and seen the transformation with the kids' rooms.
Do you have more toys stored in the living room by the couch? Or are they all stored in that shelving unit that you used to keep the puzzles? Any thoughts on toy rotations? How frequently are you decluttering these toys?
🧸🧮💕📚👍
@@AmyPatton416 there are ZERO toys stored in the living room, now with the exception of a couple kids books in the TV unit!
My 3 year old loves her baby dolls right now. She has maybe 10 she rotates through, and she always sleeps with one. I regret purchasing anything made out of foam. My 3 year old and 18 month old both went through chewing phases and ate chunks out of it!
I don't really know if I regret Any toys we've bought yet, but I've only got a son that's turning 2 and his brother that will be born soon. We've gone pretty minimal on toy purchases as everyone else wants to buy us toys, too.
Well i dont have kids or want kids but i just gotta say this specific video was so detailed and clearly explained section by section. Im thinking about my stuff too, makes sense why we have drawers cuz thats your limit, if pile of clothes are out of the drawers then thats a sign
I’m so upset that my kids bedroom got so bad that I had to RUclips how to declutter but also very much thankful that you have this video to share with us. I’m ready to get this done right before the holidays.
I'm right there with you. I have twins that are almost 3 with toys EVERYWHERE even with the toy rotation thing (husband brings stuff out and doesn't put it back ever) and a baby coming in a month so trying to pick up everything is really straining my 8 months pregnant belly lol. So now I'm just putting everything in a tall laundry basket and going to just box toys up after bedtime tonight. I thought it would be better to not have toys in the bedroom but I was WRONG wrong lol.
Don't get upset... no one told us that toyroom would be the hardest to clean.
And here I am sitting in thw toyroom looking at this video and feeling as if I have done the job !!!😅😅😅
You’re not alone. It happens to so many of us if not most of us lol 😅😩
As a grandma I'm starting to give consumable items or events as gifts. I sort through the toys and books I have on hand and donate or regift them.
My kids loved going to movies and out to eat with grandma. They don't remember the toys they were given but they do remember that Grandma took them to see Frozen ❤️
Good on ya! ❤️
I love this!
That is an awesome idea! If they're anything similar to my daughter, she just loves going places and putting things together and eating :D haha
My favorite to do with my grandma was cook dinner with her and make a mess of her kitchen lol. It’s been almost 20 years since she taught me how to cook with her but those memories are some of my most prized ones now that she’s no longer with us.
Your mindset on too many toys will be a blessing when you’re a grandmother so your children won’t be overloaded with toys in their home for their children
We opened a college fund for our kids that anyone can donate into so we always ask family and friends to go this route for gifts instead of toys. That helped us keep down the incoming toys
Also parents, do your stuff first! Don't just jump straight into the kids possessions. They'll see how 'easy' it is for you to clean and want the same. Otherwise they will just feel like you are picking on them, it'll make it significantly easier!
This makes a big difference. They are watching us.
The other thing I like about when you've shared decluttering with your kids is how you phrase the question. Instead of saying, "Do you want these?" which is going to end with them saying "yes," you hold up two items and say, "Which one of these do you want to keep, because we can't keep both." I think it forces them to think about their actual favorite things, and I like that :)
I'm like "ONE DAY, if I have kids, I want to remember this!" 😂
Yep, our picking a you can only keep so many of this item like barbies and outfits to go with
My daughter will totally stall and say. "But, but, I want both/all of them, I don't want to get rid of any!!!" Every single time. 😬
Not sure what to do here... haha.
One other thing which has really helped me with young kids is rotating out toys. I moved about 75% of the toys into storage bins in a locked closet, and require a different toy set be traded in to take one out. It has really helped cut down on the floor clutter, makes it easier for everyone to clean up, and the "new" toys which they just got out get me a nice bit of time where they're busy playing on their own.
I’m so glad you’ve found a system that works for you and your family! How cool!
We love our toy rotation. I don't like multiple sets out at once. So it's magnatiles or trains and tracks or blocks or playdoh or a couple puzzles. And when a different one comes out one goes away. Love it
I also started rotating toys and it really is a game changer 😀
I find if they aren’t playing with it, I put it away unless they ask for it then I give it to them but if it hasn’t been asked for in a week or two of being put away I’ll donate it. Less is definitely better. So much inspiration thank you
yes!!! We have 5 of us in a 950 sq ft home. So we have a locked closet too and pull out a couple bins at a time or its mad chaos.
Mom of 6 here. I like to declutter toys right before Christmas. I find the kids are more willing to let go of old toys when they know there are new toys coming in. Another sanity saving tip: have your kids clean their room every day at the same time. We do it before dessert every night. No clean room, no dessert. You could use a different reward, but you get the idea. It makes such a difference! No more do I stress out about spilled lego bins... that's the kids' responsibility at clean-up time.
To answer the question of the day, I regret buying too many specialty lego sets... Star Wars legos, Ninjago legos, etc. They were expensive, the kids didn't play with them much after building them, and they took up a lot of space on the closet shelf. If they got broken by a little brother, it was nearly impossible to put back together.
Some of my kids favorite toys include magnatiles, nerf guns, keva structures, hot wheels, and Thomas trains and tracks.
"Me and the kids were the team against the problem." I needed that sentence so much ❤️
Toys that are obnoxious are on my Decluttering list too. ❤️😂
It can get overwhelming quick!
Those are always the first to go!
@@NatalieBennett yes it can!
I have to share this with you as you helped me get here! I started my declutter this month and I started with our garage. It was the biggest burden around my neck. I’m a full time working mom so it took me ALL March and a total of 17.5 hours of labor (I kept track), but I’m so happy. It’s finally done. A pile of chaos that made me anxious is now an organized and fictional space. So happy! Can’t wait to tackle my next project!
One tip I found helpful: start with the big toys they rarely play with: doll houses, kitchen,...
i recently sorted out clothes with my seven year old. She was very helpful. I made her try on some pieces so she could see, that they do not fit anymore and she gave them away easily. Might be a good starting point too.
And I found out that showing the kids how to do it by decluttering my stuff too helps very much. If mommy and daddy do it, I do it too. We still have a lot of work ahead. We try not to let in many toys. And we vote for smaller things or things to use up for presents.
The MACRO CATEGORIES tip is EVERYTHING! So effective. Thanks for talking about that...it made me realize just how much time I spend “organizing” toys into their original containers/sets. We started making the switch today & I’m already noticing a difference. Always love your ideas!! 💜
I needed this 50 years ago, Natalie.😄 Excellent job explaining how to deal with this problem. 😘
you always have the best ideas nat, and totally been there.
Awww thank you, my friend!!! 💕
I have been loving your messy to minimal series, and I can totally see why you said it’s like a muscle, you need to keep training it! It’s gotten so much easier for me and my 4 yr old son to declutter together, he actually makes wise decisions for himself. He also loves the actual act of donating or selling with me. I’m glad he’s learning this art early on. We’re also moving from a townhouse to an apartment in another city, so I’ve been on a roll. Thanks for making these videos! ♥️
I have such a hard time throwing away/getting rid of my kiddos toys. I need this video right now haha
It can definitely be a challenge! Once you catch that “bug” of the feeling of peace in a simplified space, it DOES get easier!
I know this comment is 3 years old but still commenting incase people today reading feel the same. One thing that helps me is if I can donate! The trick is to make sure you have a deadline. If you post online to give it away, people can be flaky, etc so if it's not gone in a day or two just drop it off somewhere that take it or then it's time to trash it for the better od your child(ren)/house!
I raised my kids 28 years ago but I always rotated their toys and we treasured books and utilized the children's library wherever we lived and even going to the local parks - so fun watching this☺️💜
I don’t have kids so apparently I don’t need to de-clutter toys, but I found those tips helpful that I can apply for getting rid of the stuff in my room!
Regret purchasing Hatchimals! My daughter really loves American Girl, and it’s truly all she needs, everything else is just clutter! Love your advice!
I was the same way as a kid! American Girl for me all the way!
I have been a subscriber for a while, but this video hit the most at home. My 3 year old son is obsessed with trucks and any type of vehicles (and has been since birth - womb is more like it, my hubs would play car videos on his phone and place them near my belly and he'd kick and bounce like crazy)! He has other toys but he loves trucks the most and trying to find a balance when every Birthday, Christmas or just because is a truck! We have a sweet neighbor who almost monthly gives my son a thrifted special truck over the fence and knowing where to draw the line is hard. Thank you for always keeping it real and honest. God bless and off to decluttering! 🚜🚒🛻🚚🚓
I love how open you are about the truth of minimalism
For me the issue was Recipients remorse. Feeling like I need to keeps gifts from other people that we never would have bought ourselves. I have had to learned to be heartless about it. If we don't want it in our house I don't try to see if we can learn to love it. It goes straight into the donation pile.
I have this issue. I was ruthless about it for a while. I’d immediately donate it the next day 😂 but when we had two more children, it started to get more challenging. Now I feel buried alive 😮
Toys are definitely the biggest clutter problem in our house right now so this video is much appreciated. It feels like the amount of toys really has a bad effect on my almost 3 year olds attitudes and emotions. Working through them area by area.
Also recently decluttered my wardrobe after being inspired by your closet declutter. I'm 4 months post partum and kept feeling like I needed to buy more clothes that I felt comfortable in.... turns out I didn't. I actually just needed to get rid of all the clothes that I was not wearing. I had so many things that did not fit or that I just didn't feel comfortable in. It's so much easier to get dressed now!
I think it’s really important to teach our kids to declutter with us, or else they won’t understand how to practically apply these principles in their adult life. They too can be addicted to stuff, or lay up treasures on earth.. but we can teach them the way they should while they are young. Great video.. 🇸🇿 Africa
I haven't even finished watching this video, but you're so right. I have noticed this about you a long time ago and I admire how you approach your kids and their free time. I love your incorporation of quiet time and that your kids do puzzles and workbooks rather than playing with obnoxious loud blinking toys or having the TV on all day. Calm, creative toys are way better for their mental health. My sister's boys have mountains of toys and have the TV on all day, and they run around like crazy. There's no wonder why! When I have children, I definitely plan to follow some of your methods.
Natalie, you are such an inspiration! I found this channel and am now caught up from your very first video. As a minimalist myself, I’m still learning and decluttering as a Grammy of 2. God bless you and your family.
I love all your videos, it doesnt matter what the content, your videos always put a smile on my face, thanks natalie for being so encouraging. I really need that lately. All of us who watch you do so because you are so genuine. ❤
Thank you for this video! I watch so many decluttering/organizing videos but I literally stopped the video and started going through my kids books and stuffies and felt sooooo much better once I minimized!
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been watching videos on minimalism and decluttering so much, even started doing a little decluttering myself. I’ll be getting married in the fall to a man who has 2 girls. I’ve struggled with how to get him (and them) on board with shifting towards minimalism. I feel this is a video him and I can watch together and it will explain so much to him about how to present it to the girls, and explain my reasoning behind why it’s so important to me. So again, thank you Natalie!
The hours you put into editing this video really paid off. It looks amazing with all of the clips you added into it.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
use the container method since you've been calling it a budget of space for so long now. it has helped a lot. i love that the bin is the boundary and not me saying "no that's too much", having something else be the bad guy helps. This helped me too, I've been reorganizing things and I've had too much for my container and I had to go over it again so everything could fit.
Before my first was born, I asked family to limit gifts to 2 items per person for both birthday and Christmas. My husband’s family are big into gifts and this allows for gifts while setting limits on it. It’s been mostly well received and followed.
Thank you for this idea! I was just going to ask for no gifts but I knew that would not go over well.
My girls are 8 and 12. They love decluttering, and we sell their toys on marketplace and they keep the money. They usually want to save it for vacation money! My 12 year old has decluttered her own room to the point where I have to check the bags she's taking out because she'll throw out anything, even if she shouldn't. She wants a clean, open, uncluttered space. Who would've thought 😂
I'm jalous😁
Would absolutely love more minimalist content in relation to kiddo. My littles are several years behind yours, but my little boy is such a little tender hearted and empathic little guy and some of your tips you have previously given in regards to your boys have worked really well with my little boy. So I always look forward to anything you put up in regards to kids, I love being able to snag little tips/tricks/advice for the future!
My kids toy collection is the bane of my existence! So thankful for this video and that container method strategy! I feel hopeful 🙏
I have been watching your channel for almost a year now and have gained so much encouragement in my mom life and "tools" to tackle clutter. Thanks for honest and uplifting content--your channel is number one with me!😊
Well said. All of it. 😂 I simplified my kid's room a few months ago and it was such an overwhelming undertaking but it was SOOOOOO worth it. My kids can find what they want to play with easily and clean up is so much less of a battle because it's so much simpler. Like you, with my first kid, I used to want to bring home a little gift almost every time I went somewhere. It brings me joy to give gifts BUT it started to not feel good when my daughter started to EXPECT something every time. Something had to change so I introduced her to a "wish list." A year later my daughter was surprised and couldn't believe I wanted to get her something "just because" and appreciated it. Felt like a mom win. 😂
You are a wise, smart, loving mother and I love your channel!!!
You have such a gentle, beautiful way of speaking.
I love that you are so honest about the reality.
The varied method works! I sometimes do get my kids involved when deciding which toys to keep and which toys to donate. By explaining to them that their are other kids out there who do not have toys, clothes, shoes etc. Which helps this decluttering process without broken hearts 💛
Love so much about this video, especially you sharing the % that the kids help you in relation to their ages. I’m always wondering how much to expect from my 4yr old.
I loved that the battle was against the books ( task) not each other! Your a team that will only benefit when working together! ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙋🏻♀️💕🇬🇧jane
As always, you are inspiring! You always reassure me that I'm doing the right thing: fewer toys is actually better.
Sooo thankful for your honesty on don’t go get more toys and wooden I already did that and guess what my kids never even touch the wooden toys I want them to play with! 🤦🏻♀️
Your videos are so inspiring to me, they are real life not irreal perfection and that's great! 🥰 I started my minimalist journey a couple of months ago and you really help me not to give up! My son is 1 year old and we are all enjoying our life owning less..a virtual hug from Rome, Italy❤ thanks for your videos!
What a fabulous subject to do a video on. I don't regret anything I get my kids as I never impulse buy but the Grandparents oh my goodness. They get a bag of toys every visit it seems.
This is so true! The first time I went through my daughters stuff it was heartbreaking, for me of course! Lol now she wants to give some things to bless another kid. She still has way to much but we are making progress for sure.
Yes! Progress over perfection!
This made so much sense! Thank you!! They don't need to search through the misfits to find what they want.. Just like I don't want to dig through clothes that don't fit.
Yes! No body wants to waste their time!
Toys are some of the hardest to declutter for me. Not even for my kids...ME! Haha, this video is so helpful. Thank you so much ☺️ ❤️❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@nataliebennett as per usual, you knocked it right out of the park!! Trying to start early with my two year old so I foster this relationship with *stuff* with her early in life!!! Its been so freeing this year decluttering and simplifying our home!
Everything in this video was so beautifully said! ❤️ And it provided much-needed encouragement to start the process of decluttering and organizing the kids' toys. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing! My daughter is 18 months and still has a very short attention span. I’ve kind of always used a container method for her toys, because we have a very small house with minimal storage space. She has three bins in the living room - toys with faces, toys without faces, and blocks - a small ikea book rack (I think it holds 12-15 books which is plenty for her), and a drawer for stuffed animals. She’s currently very attached to a babydoll I passed down from my toddler years, and rotates occasional interest through the other toys. Mostly just dumping them out and putting them back. I also will put toys up and trade them out for toys she hasn’t seen in a while for the “new toy” effect without buying anything new.
I think we’re about to hit a developmental stage shift though. She’s expressing interest in slightly more dynamic/engaging toys, like her cousin’s peppa pig figures.
What kinds of toys do y’all recommend for a toddler?
I appreciate your content so much ❤️ very genuine and helpful! Thank you! I’ll recommend your page any day.
This video is perfectly timed. I've been trying to work up the nerve to battle the kids toys because the absolute mess that is left at the end of the day distresses me to no end and there are so many arguments before bed when it should just be a relaxing routine. My 4 year old is at the stage where every toy (and I mean EVERY) toy has to be out for him to play and then he doesn't even play long with it before wanting the tablet, which I assume is because he's overwhelmed, and my 8 yr old doesn't want to have to pick up the mess he didn't make (don't blame him, neither do I).
I'm happy to say I've started with a mixture of the same methods you use (been watching your decluttering since you started). I have a group of toys I'm slowly taking out and is going into bags to be donated since they honestly don't break them out till I mention getting rid of the.... and I was able to talk to my 4 yr old about gifting a cousin his Duplos since he's started playing with the big boy Legos with his brother. Like you said, both methods work, just choose your battles. Thank you for helping to give me the resolve this week to get in there and make some changes this weekend.
I am not in this season right now but absolutely love all your videos. I recommend you to everyone.
My days with toys are long passed, but your explanations and ideas are inspiration for minimizing any collections in one's home. I have needed to go through costume jewelry (my toys) and will try to use these tips with myself.
This is the best! I’m planning on going through my daughter’s toys this week. It’s driving me nuts and I can tell she’s overwhelmed by too many choices.
Thank you for sharing your real life mess! I love how you show even though you are minimalist there still messes.
Great video, Natalie! I can tell you put a lot of effort into it and it was very well thought out!
I definitely needed this video! I have been so overwhelmed with all the toy clutter everywhere pouring in the living room & in their room!
Thank you for this video!! As I am spring cleaning the next couple days, I definitely need this video for my 3 boys. I appreciate the time and effort you put into all your videos, I learn so much from you.
We played the "Keep or Go" game usually right before Christmas so we had room for new toys. The kids did great. Now as 20 somethings they still ask that I help them play the "Keep or Go" game; they say it helps them stay focused. Their toys and clothes are just a little bigger than they were many years ago. Thanks for the video. You have great tips for young moms.
Drowning in toys! Yes been there and always declutter if them out for our own SANITY❤️😊
Love this video! I take a very similar approach and it’s been a total game changer! My boys love their toys and actually play with them for hours on end now.
Love the container method. My 8 year old son has an overflowing bookcase, they are piling up on the floor next to it. He's a real book lover though and loves to read his 'too young' books himself for comfort, so I had just accepted it but I'm going to suggest we edit his collection together so that it all fits in the bookcase!
You would make the perfect Snow White actress. Beautiful with a sweet voice!
I have listened to endless minimalism channels. This video is up there with Joshua Becker, Minimal Mom, Erica Lucas, Dana K White and Clutterbug. Looking forward to checking out more!
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. I adore the nook you've made for them with their own lights. I will create a space in my girls walk in closet, she's going to adore that! The container limit is something I've thought of today before hearing you say it, so it was a nice confirmation for me to do. Thanks again your amazing! God bless
You’re videos are so informative and you are such a calming and supportive presenter of that info. I always look forward to seeing what your up to!😊❤️
Your video’s are so calm, beautifull and inspiring! Thank you x
Oh my gosh. I have never considered the instant gratification part of buying stuff for our kids but you are so right!!
I regret getting my daughter so many different types of dolls. I decluttered finally and got rid of all except the Barbies and the baby dolls. She didn't need every brand and every type!
Very helpful video. I just needed reassurance that getting rid of stuff was ok. ❤
Oh, my, I'm entering my children's playroom as we speak and I wanna declutter ... again! This video is givin me the itch to simplify things even more in their toy collection. I adore this feeling, when I get up and realize there's even more to declutter. Thank you, Natalie for always sharing interesting vids and transformations. Love that it all looks comfy, simple and beautiful, like I could and would wanna recreate something similar in my home.
Thank you for your kind comment! This totally brought a smile to my face because I KNOW that feeling of wanting to simplify and being excited by it! I always want to create a comfy space for my kids that is fun and easy for little brains to clean up at the end of the day!
Yes post another video on more tips on kids toys . Very helpful video!!
Thank you Natalie for this video. I can already think about a handful of toys that need to get boxed up. Toys that are just neglected and not played with anymore. My girls have recently discovered more of a love for books. My oldest loves playing with kinetic sand and her baby doll. The youngest loves her legos and making everyone a home, including her only lol doll.
So helpful. Thank you! It’s easy enough to declutter my stuff now but I haven’t touched toys, but desperately need to. Definitely implementing these tips when I tackle the toys!
So excited for this! I’ve noticed my sons toy storage growing and I NEED a video like this!!!❤️
Yay! I’m so glad it was good timing!
I always get so motivated watching you!! My question would be, What staple pieces do you think are important to have in your wardrobe? I'm 18 months postpartum and all my clothes are bump friendly. I need new stuff but have no clue where to start!❤
Brilliant tips and great for showing examples, I always love your videos, I love the book nook you created by the way
The best feeling ever is decluttering especially TOYS
I don't have kids but you put up really great points that I would adopt and benefit from even as an adult.
I LOVED this video! I’d definitely watch another one! I for sure have felt the burden of feeling like I need to keep a toy until it gets more use. However I have found that if my son (2.5 yrs) isn’t very interested in a toy I thought he would love, I put it away and try bringing it out a few months later. He isn’t always developmentally ready for it yet! I also keep most of his toys visible (not in bins) because he rarely thinks to look inside the bins. And that also helps force me to keep things minimal so that the rooms doesn’t look cluttered
However, as kids get older and you have more of them, I can see how the bins become more necessary!
Yes!! I’ve been waiting for this video haha! I strive to be this way with my kids toys😍
The macro category idea for toys is great. I’m going to try it out. Thank you.
Just found your channel and am binge watching all of the toy declutter videos 😁 been on the minimalist journey for about a year, toys are definitely the hardest category!! I have 6 year old twin boys too so can relate even more to you 😊
Thank you for letting people know we don’t have to buy special toys. My kids live for Disney, My little pony and Melissa & Doug. We have that Mickey Waffle Iron it has brought so much joy! I didn’t know you have twins we have a set of boys too. Okay the frog looks so fun. My twins expect presents constantly yet we haven’t given them anything since their birthday they are threenagers. The twins don’t care, my daughter doesn’t care but my son is on the spectrum he will not get rid of anything it would cause him trauma. We have told he cannot get anything new and he said he has everything he wants! He has trouble managing his toys! His stuffed animals have to fit in his bed with space for him to sleep.
I have absolutely loved finding your channel. Your also so beautiful inside and out. I am going to have to try out some of your coffee recipes as they look amazing! Wishing your family a very blessed Easter week and weekend.
Very good content being a Grandma to many I no longer buy them toys - I prefer to give their parents the cash to buy whatever they really need
Wow ! Learned a ton . Looking forward starting the process with my Lil toy monster tomorrow
I've been watching your whole series and you have been such a motivation to me! This video was exactly what I needed to hear! Great advice as always! I would love to hear more advice on decluttering kids toys and keeping them minimal. Thank you!!
Do you post your song choices anywhere? I love your music but have the hardest time finding it after a video. Thanks, your channel is one my ABSOLUTE favorites! Thanks for being a bright spot in my day. 💞
Man, I wish I could watch this with my husband! Especially the part about gifts and bringing new stuff in. I have trouble with getting it out once it is in our home in spite of having a donation box on the go at all times. Thank you for the tips and insights.
This is the best toy decluttering video
Here for the tips even though I don't have children because they can easily be applied elsewhere! Thanks Natalie!
“keeping the item that you have guilt around or feel you have to get your money’s worth out of doesn’t put that money back in the bank” 👏🏼👏🏼
It’s not worth the grief.
Really enjoyed your video, your voice is so soothing, you would be a great narrator( I listen to a lot of audio books). When our kids were small and when I was a kid(50's and 60's), very few toys were in our homes. Most of play time was outside with other kids and our imagination, jump ropes, hopscotch, etc. When our 15 grandchildren came along, I bought so many toys for them when they would stay with us . And I have made the mistake of micro organizing and so frustrated when they would go home and all of the toys were mixed up. I see now what I need to do. My purchase regret was the lacing cards. I loved them as a kid and my grands use the laces for tying all the cards together or for tying up other toys, not the quiet time I had imagined, now I can toss them !
Great Wisdom all over this video! You are doing an awesome job 🙌🏻
This is helpful to me. My husband and I are trying to conceive and I recently took all of my old toys from my parents house and moved them to a storage shed. I can't declutter around my parents because every piece I choose to get rid of makes them sad. But I also dont want to go into starting a family with this mountain of toys they may or may never touch. Now that I have it all in a separate place I can begin dwindling it down.
Yes! Knowing WHO to declutter with is so helpful! Sometimes we have to employ that old adage “what they don’t know won’t kill them” 😬