Decluttering my Home | minimal + simple living

SIMPLIFY TO THRIVE COURSE | A step-by-step approach to simplifying your life -- get to know yourself on a deeper level, rid your home of stress-inducing clutter & start thriving again |
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I was feeling so overwhelmed. That's what stuff(too much of it) does to us. I need more outdoor time with my loves and less cleaning...that's when I'm my happiest and most fulfilled. I started out angry at myself, "how did this happen"? But after moving, family moving(and dropping tons of stuff off), birthdays, vacations, and less storage space, things just piled up. So here we go.
Don't forget to L I K E and S U B S C R I B E. Thank YOU for all your support. Means the world!
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LINKS *disclaimer: I make a percentage of anything you buy below, thanks!!
Araza: arazabeauty.com
Beautycounter: www.beautycounter.com/margare...
Amazon: storage bins, kids books, minimal home decor, etc: www.amazon.com/shop/margaretm...
Boll & Branch Bed Blanket + Bedding: bollandbranch.me/MargaretMatheny
*use code MARGARETM20 for 20% off your purchase “See site for details” OR “Exclusions may apply”
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Music by Mr. Jello - Yes No Maybe - thmatc.co/?l=18C059FD
Adrian Walther - Still You're Here - ABBFG8RAPEDOEPBQ
Music by Mark Generous - Meganne - thmatc.co/?l=75CCBE86
Alsever Lake - I've Been There - R21LZIIPPOLPBBIE
Music by Goosetaf - Bumblebee - thmatc.co/?l=D85D7726
Music by MYSM - Soft Cream - thmatc.co/?l=26941D39
Music by G Voz - Sunlight - thmatc.co/?l=73C2CDB6
Music by Damien Sebe - equinox - thmatc.co/?l=A82EB1CC
Music by Gil Wanders - Dreams - thmatc.co/?l=B8BB8B53
Elements - Emorie (Instrumental) - IPOCBHF69UFXZDVO
Music by Joey Howard - Moment (Instrumental) - thmatc.co/?l=A3F73E88

[@LoveAtHome]

There’s a huge sense of joy and accomplishment in decluttering not because we enjoy throwing things away but we get rid of things that are wearing us down.

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes so well said!!

[@cozyhousechronicles7105]

Oh my goodness that is the perfect explanation. I needed that. Thank you!

[@LoveAtHome]

@@cozyhousechronicles7105 you’re welcome! I needed this too to remove my guilt of letting things go.

[@Teenytinybudget]

Agreed!! I’ve been getting rid of stuff in increments because I don’t have a lot of time to do any big decluttering but each time I donate a bunch of bags or boxes it feels so freeing!!

[@danyelledoux3614]

My tip on knickknacks that they get from random places: I have a bin at the top of a closet and I just toss all the little toys up there all the time when I’m purging and when we go on a road trip those are the only toys that I bring. they are so excited because everything feels new and exciting and if they lose it or break it it doesn’t matter.

[@KelsLynn26]

Thank you Margaret for the calm beautiful content. You inspire us all to do better for our selves and our families.

[@jennylhenry78]

So much nicer to get things out and back under control. That deep breath that we get after doing this and no longer feeling overwhelmed is so nice!

[@maranathamama]

I have only 3 KZbin channels I watch consistently and you are one of them. Being a minimalist even in social media diet, that says a lot to me! The Lord is doing a good work in you in areas seen & unseen. Thank you for your content - from a mama across the Pacific 🙂

[@leastidyworld4365]

I really like your decluttering videos. You’re at a stage in the journey that I need to learn from and I don’t find many people at that stage, all their houses are too perfect already. But you’re still far enough ahead of me that I can learn from it.

[@konstantinetransit]

I’d really love to see a thrifting video from you for stuff you need, especially clothes for your boys! A thrifting series would be awesome. I’d also love to see more about your storage closet.

[@margaretmatheny]

Oh on it!!!

[@Jo-hello]

I wish I knew I could let things go earlier on in motherhood. I just didn’t know! that sounds crazy but no one ever showed me it told me. I was brought up to hang on to everything. I have since removed 1000’s of things from our home but am continually looking to simplify and reduce for the sake of my health and or family’s wellbeing. I’m so glad you are modelling letting go ( both to your family and all of us on KZbin) it’s so helpful to see that it’s ok! Thankyou so much ❤️

[@jamieweymouth2101]

It did look beautiful and organized after! Thanks for sharing real life in a positive and encouraging way. ❤️

[@tomaszwyszkowski2253]

We always have bag or box by the entrance door and as soon we are done with something, we put it there, when it's full, we donate it.

[@lizpetruzzi7700]

Love your videos inspire to reach higher....better than declutter is the process. I loved how you defined what you want for your children then kept the items that fit your criteria. Intentional living - so much better than an overwhelming pile of stuff!

[@HerCupOfCOZY]

Hi Margaret, I've been struggling with anxiety recently, and I'm ready to declutter too!!🥰🙌

[@everydayminimal]

This was so great!! So satisfying! I would declutter for my daughter when she was your boys ages and even a bit older. Honestly back then she had WAY to much and never knew when anything was gone. She was so simple and played with only a few things as she preferred to be outside and creative! Now as she is a teen, she likes to collect a few things but she is very good at decluttering too! :-)

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

Thank you for sharing, it cannot be easy especially when there is so many judgemental voices out there, and changing how we deal with decluttering has been one massive journey, for me, i personally think each method has its pro,s and con,s, it never ceases to amase me how much we accumulate, but i think i have got it down to once a year and thats it. i have got rid of so much i will not put myself through that ordeal financially or emotionally or spiritually again. Less on my plate my new go to phrase, is what i and this is what i am working with and thats more than good enough. In the past Enough was my go to word, God is enough, I am enough, I have enough and enough is enough and that helped me so much. xxxxxxx

[@roclem7318]

Thank u for sharing this. Made a lot of sense to me👍🌹

[@wendyinegbenedo1307]

I put down a big paper bag when cutting watermelon, canteloupe, or pineapple and it helps contain the juices from running all over the counter. I also use them when dropping donations off. I know a woman who lives in a rural area and they burn their trash in brown paper bags in their burning barrels.

[@akdupay1]

Yas!!! I always click so fast when I see a new video from you! ❤️

[@margaretmatheny]

hahaha so so grateful for that!!! Thanks for your support.

[@tinymouse.travel]

For make up check the use by symbol (if they have them). In the UK there are little symbols to say how many months its okay to keep once opened, mascara is only 3 months.

[@margaretmatheny]

So helpful, thank you!

[@brookeparler7452]

Girl. Always so encouraging! The toys. Always my least favorite thing but one that makes the biggest difference! That's all gotta feel so good!

[@margarethalstead3625]

I feel so good about how many toys you had to declutter 😆😆 we have minimalistic principles we follow in our family, but with four kids and family members who love to give my kids toys, it's so easy to get out of hand! We spend a ton of time outside so we don't need lots of toys, but the ones we do enjoy the most foster creative play. All that to say, they somehow still pile up and I have to declutter a couple times of year! My child that used to hoard things under her bed is getting older (she's 7) and she actually communicated that she appreciates having a clutter free room so she can enjoy her play time more and now she helps me declutter!

[@margaretmatheny]

Yes! I was literally shocked at how much we collect. From in laws, to hand me down, to earning money/toys with chores, etc. I'm so glad I'm not alone in this!! That gives me so much hope too. Thanks for sharing!

[@hannahgrinder4486]

I feel like I could have made this video! I love how real and raw and simple it was. You're great!

[@judihulslander298]

Good video! You are an inspiration! Just a couple ideas. When you are decluttering, you could use those paper bags to put donations and trash in AS YOU WORK,,, Then you would not have to pick them all up again..... I have also learned to keep a donation box in an out of the way, but convenient spot to toss in things I come across on a daily basis that I realize I no longer need. It needs to be a box that itself is donatable, so you need not handle the things again. This idea is from Dana K White....A Slob Comes Clean.....

[@valerieclaire7261]

Love this! You could use the brown paper bags as gift wrap during the holidays. That's what I save mine for! :)

[@Mrssupermumm]

hi Margaret. I really loved this vid. i really believe that decluttering your kids toys "behind their backs" is a great idea. i think as parents, we know whats best for our kids and we are often the people who bought the toys in the first place and we have the right to decide what belongings they should have access to, just like we decide what food is best for them to eat. don't get me wrong, i would never throw anything that i know they loved but in that, i also know what they don't love and act accordingly.

[@audramichie3129]

Thanks for more inspiration to dig deep and decide what earns a place in my house and what needs to move on! My kids have pretty much outgrown toys, they are 19 down to 12 years old, but I spent a lot of time over the years going through toys. We prioritized creative/building toys especially ones that could be added to for birthdays and Christmas. The only problem I found was that those toys generally had a million pieces. Legos!!!! I don’t regret being vigilant to keep out useless plastic junk toys. Thanks for the video!

[@SunshineBloom777]

You always point me back to Jesus and reflect Him so beautifully! I loved hearing your thought process on decluttering the kiddos toys & how you intentionally are raising them to be - they are so loved & cared for 🌱🤍

[@arianam4208]

Always look forward to watching your videos. Love your content! 🤍

[@samnieto6463]

On another Margaret video binge since I’m due for a declutter. Your channel has fast become one of my favorites. I love your videos. And trust your perspective as a sister in Christ ❤

[@errodig]

I love all of your videos! They keep inspiring to continue living minimally and intentionally 💗 can’t wait for the next video! Hope you and your family are all happy + healthy!

[@DBanksofKC]

Regarding the tablecloths you decided to throw away because they had stains on them -- please consider giving such items to Goodwill. Goodwill will accept fabric items which are stained or even torn -- they can resell it to a "rag" company by the pound, which is better than putting it into a land fill.

[@nikimccartney4688]

I love your content! Thank you! ❤️👍🏼

[@margaretmatheny]

Thank YOU. Thanks for watching

[@christinathorsen4274]

Loved it! Real. Motivating. Love your videos 🙌❤

[@amyclark959]

For me, I like a few paper bags, but I am normally keep 5 or less and has never been an issue. I just watched a segment from But First, Coffee and she talks about those "just in case" scenarios. It really helped my mindset in some things. Also, I think with kids toys, it depends on their ages and if they can process. My oldest is 8 he can tell me whether or not he wants something, and generally the stuff he gets rid of he never played with or hasn't in a long time. He is also creative and makes a lot of things for enjoyment rather than buying or wanting things. My other kids are not at a point that they can emotionally deal with stuff. I will ask my 5 yo on some things and make the decision on most things. Good luck on your journey!

[@KateWiium]

I declutter my home so much and my boys 5 and 7 years old now love to do it we are at the point where the 7 year old is more into pokemon cards now and less into big toys and he has a folder with those, some books and one white basket where he keeps his "toys" those are all random and more sentimental things that he likes, for example a pop it toy, he has a shell collection, he keeps this end of a curtain rod that he took with him to the house we were at when we were renovating our home that we are now back in but I didn't even know this but he missed our home so he has kept this it's very cute, so honestly it's more the kind of small figurine age where he displays a few on a shelf and a few are in his basket. they share magnetic tiles they are the living room the only toy that is there and we have some puzzles and board games in a the "art" cupboard (I have a basket for paper, colouring, colouring books, scissors, tape etc. and another one for "art" that's like googlie eyes, clips, glue gun, pearls stuff like that that I like to say if they can use or not cause it can get messy) then the 5 year old has a little more, he enjoys his toys a bit more, he has two baskets, one with his randoms which are mostly paw patrol puppies and animals he love his animal toys, those hard ones that last forever, he uses them with the magnetic tiles houses he builds it's very cute, then books and a small thing of playmo that he usually only uses the people with the animal play our "big" collection is stuffed animals :') they LOVE them, my 7 year old has every panda he can find and he has a 4 cube kallax that is all stuffies, I am unable to declutter stuffed animals for both of them :') but that's fine, I loved mine for a long time as well.

[@Abeautifulmundanelife]

Thanks for this being realistic and motivating me to do what’s best for our family! Also, I’m going to look into your makeup recommendations as I slowly make healthier changes. I have appreciated you sharing the health bloggers you follow as it’s helped me to improve my health. 😊

[@kristencurry2966]

Love the video! So excited to see a video from you and then to see it was about decluttering :) I also think I spotted Ikea striped cloth napkins in your video-I have so many of those, they are the best!!

[@1Lightdancer]

Lovely upkeep video - this is something we just need to do at times! When my kids were young, I attended a great little workshop by a much more organized than I ever was! One of her practices was to rotate their toys (she had a garage!) she'd go through and prune (some would go away, others in storage) and shed switch the. Out at times! She also had low shelves organized similar to my grands' Playschool - accessible shelves & bins, labled (pictures on a tag) so they could quickly pick up and stash I find the extra B Paper bags good for donations!

[@paulinacomesclean]

I have to say, I LOVED that cream blusher stick from Beautycounter, but have fallen in love with the new compact too. Plus, I love that it's refillable!!

[@maryssaann]

I recently minimized my youngest son’s bedroom to give him his own half. We’re welcoming baby boy number four in November! They will share once he’s sleeping through the night but I’ve started the nesting early it seems and our youngest will need room for our mini crib and changing table. I decluttered toys, moved his dresser to the closet and pared other things down. He doesn’t seem to miss anything and I’ve loved having his things in a more condensed way to get to things faster. It’s been wonderful. Staying on top of kids’ items is always where I run into issues. They acquire so much out of nowhere it seems.

[@evalindell2757]

Brilliant and inspiring as usual 🌹

[@wendykuiper6438]

Your thought about how you want to raise your kids and how thats connected with the toys.. wow! I knew that I want to get rid of so much toys (most because I do not want to tidy everything, every day!) Thank you for making it so much easier to start getting rid of so Many!! Tnx!

[@SunshineBloom777]

Being a MO girl, I relate to you so much! I feel like we’d genuinely be the best of friends in real life LOL! I so appreciate you and your channel! Brings me such joy!

[@kseniakirpu1341]

Thank you for that video! The motivation that I really need right now 😅 Love your channel! ♥️

[@sharniejaeschke52]

Love your videos and your philosophy on life ❤

[@jennyjenkins877]

Awesome video! I'm watching this too late to declutter but I'll definitely go make some herbal tea afterward.

[@jelenauskokovic1925]

Your videos are healing. As if I drank a herbal tea after being sick. Thank you so much!

[@theharvestpodcast]

This is so relaxing to watch

[@DC-tc4xc]

Awesome I wish I did this when my 6 kids were young and I homeschooled.People would come in and say they would have thought there were more toys for 6 kuds but to tell you the truth it was still too much.I'm sharing this with my younger daughter who is now a stay at home mom who is going to s5art homeschooling thisyear Keep the vudeos coming

[@smokingrooves1]

When started simplifying my home a few years ago, when I decluttered toys with the kids we called it “Giving it to the Babies”. 😊

[@Jen-zi1dy]

Love that and will use it

[@szuszisz]

I can totally get what you are saying about stressed and being upset about the home when it is full of stuff that we dont need or when it needs a big clean up. Actually, your video just made me realised why I feel soo down today 😅

[@analiachyrnialisnichuk2125]

Real and inspiring

[@emilykochco]

Personally for me, keeping things for later and putting them in a closet has not turned out well for me. I just found 20 paper bags and like 40 plastic bags in my closet plus the ones I was saving because I thought I didn't have a lot lol. To me it always just stays in my mind. Im sure you could buy 1/2 if you needed them to start fires. I was watching a decluttering show (I think the home edit) and she said you can either have the stuff or have the space and time, So I just ask myself that now

[@TheImperfectReader]

Sound advice thank you.

[@20032003felix]

I like your videos very much, Felix from Switzerland 🇨🇭😀

[@charliechaos6904]

Brown paper bags are one of those things I do hang on to "just incase" because if I dont end up using them I can add them to my compost

[@Teenytinybudget]

I agree 100% that having a billion toys won’t make kids happy. My MIL doesn’t understand that and is already trying to give my 4 month old wayyyy more things than she needs. She only needs a few things but most of all she needs love and care!

[@budgetingdaddyuk6761]

Great video.

[@ma-b6020]

Hey, thanks so much for your videos- I really enjoy them! 2 q.s 1. What did you use to set up and organize your pots and pans cabinet? 2. where are your kids when you declutter , do you do it at night when they’re asleep or have a sitter stay with them?

[@wearesojourners]

My kids have the baskets but they each have only one type of toy in each. So they know where to put them back rather than a ton of random toys. So Legos in one, blocks in one, cars in one, and computer type toys in one. It helps for sure

[@ingrid2134]

Liking before even watching the video cuz I know it will be good

[@margaretmatheny]

hahaha! What?! You're so kind!!

[@itoshiibaka8267]

Loved your video. I will just say that I don't think my son would understand those categories, so it might help to get your kids to choose the categories to make it easier for them to put things away in the "right place".

[@jokjl]

Those tablecloths with stains can be used as a fabric to make something or as a runner with bowls on top etc... Always try to donate if some needs it before throwing it out to become just waste. :)

[@raheelazam6385]

Hi beautiful awesome work❤💖💝💝💜💞💗💝💝

[@rochelesajdak]

Do you have a link for the baskets that you use for toys in the cubed unit? I clicked the Amazon link but could not find them in any of your categories there!

[@sharonm4528]

Really enjoying your channel! Was wondering how you organize and minimize photos and videos you take of you kids and family. How do you store, archive and deal with them all. I really struggle with that.

[@oliviaclark4536]

Love the video! Where did you get ur comforter?

[@Kelfieb]

I also save the brown bags but I just had to put a limit on how many I save.

[@antekpiekutosky818]

Beautiful clip ! ❤ Very nice Vlog, Can You make clip.. Organisation, cleaning desk in pld Papers, documents, mails - Organization Declutter - sorting ripping..normal speed?

[@GoingGreenMom]

Just a thought on table clothes if you for some reason didn't toss them yet. There isn't much difference between tablecloths and sheets, they can go to humane societies if they don't have long running stitches on the back (sometimes seen on fancy weaves for patterns and such) and they will use them for bedding in the cages so the kitties and dogs have something other than metal or concrete.

[@jc70017]

Wonderful video as always! They are so motivating and relaxing to watch. I was wondering if you knew where the long sleeve shirt your wearing is from? It looks so nice and comfortable!

[@tinymouse.travel]

Watch out for Just incase items. Put them in a quarantine bin (with a use by date) if you don't use them let them go

[@JoceBoogie]

If you don’t mind my asking, if friends and family aren’t interested, where do you drop off + donate your items?

[@jenAKnND]

Very motivating video! 👏🏻 I appreciate how real you are about basically everything. I do have a question though… I see a lot of videos with your hair clips. Can you tell me where you get them? I had ONE and it broke today. 😩 I have thick hair so it’s hard to find ones that hold well. I like how you have different colors too.

[@TW-er4gy]

Love your content chick! Also, your long sleeve tees! Where is this one from?!

[@marinelamms8310]

You can give old towels or table cloths to animal shelters

[@alainahodges3891]

Honestly thank you for the *permission* to declutter on behalf of my kids. My oldest is so put off by the idea of getting rid of things but I’ve found that simply removing it from his play space without him is something he doesn’t even notice. Clearly not a needed item, right?

[@niksbudgets]

Where do you store your kids stuff/clothing when they out grown them? I have so much stuff from my daughter that she’s out grown to save for a future child but I’m running out of space 😂😭

[@ia432]

I use the brown paper bags for donations:)

[@brittany5891]

Did you keep the new toys from family members?

[@lynettecorle8391]

Could you please provide a link to the blanket? TIA!

[@margaretmatheny]

linked!!

[@margaretmatheny]

bollandbranch.me/MargaretMatheny

[@angelikaf.7594]

My daughter is 16 months. She has only one box of toys and she doesn't play with any of it 😂😂😂 Your boys probably don't need that much 😉

[@margaretmatheny]

I don't disagree at all. It's been about a week since the declutter and I'm wanting to down size it even more!

[@angelikaf.7594]

@@margaretmatheny That's a great idea. I think children need time and attention. Not toys. But I haven't been a mum as long as you have 😉

[@haleyjo6662]

Where’s the dress from?

[@ndj9376]

Where is your cream blanket from?

[@margaretmatheny]

Boll and Branch!! I linked it below

[@ndj9376]

@@margaretmatheny thank you 😊

[@lsuzinwellness8996]

i would love to know why you wear dresses - like you said in your last video

[@rougeylenia]

I do really love your videos and your style of life, but I have a question. I don't want to complain, I'm just curious. When you declutte things that are not yours, I don't know like your kid's toys. Do you ask them which are the toys they really wants or you decide for them?

[@normatobias1495]

Va sa c

[@markg.3171]

Just declutter your kids

[@yvettevalmond2757]

ONCE I DECLUTTERED ALL THE STUFF I DIDNT NEED I REALIZE HOW HAPPIER I BECAME.I HAVE EARNED MORE QUALITY TIME WITH MY CHILDREN.AFTER I ORGANIZED ON A MININALIST WAY SINCE IT ALSO DECLUTTERD MY MIND TOO.I ENSURED THAT THE REMAINING THINGS AND ENSURED THAT EVERYTHING HAD A HOME WHICH IS CRITICAL.I DREADED DOING THE DISHES BUT SINCE NY MINIMALIST JOURNEY IT HAS DEFINITELY SHIFTED MY PERSPECTIVE.I FIND IT LESS OF A TASK BUT TAKE PLEASURE IN CLEANING AND PUTTING THEM AWAY SINCE THEY SERVE ME DAILY.WITH LESS THUNGS IT DEFINITELY CUT DOWN ON MY WATER ,GAS AND ELECTRICITY BILLS.I ONLY BAKE AND COOK RED BEANS ON SPECIAL ACCASIONS.I PACK AWAY THINGS I USED OCCASIONALLY.WE HAVE OUR BACKYARD GARDEN SO IT SAVES US ON VEGETABLES.WE TAKE COMPOSTING VERY SERIOUSLY .WE KEEP OUR YARD CLEAN LSO ,WE EMPTY OUT THE TRASH DAILY TO AVOID STINKY.I AM STILL A FOOD HOARDER I ALWAYS COOK EXTRA BUT NOW I JUST USE THE LEFT OVER TO PREPARE A NEW MEAL LIKE LEFT OVER RICE AN DLENTILS I JUST MADE A BAKE RICE AND ITS DELICIOUS ND WE SAVE MONEY TOO.