I Decluttered 90% of My Kid's Toys...here's what happened

[@Hewillreturn777]

My son is an only child, he gets soooo many toys for Christmas and his birthday, it is overwhelming. Most of them have never even been played with or even opened, I give them to my neighbor next door that has 8 children, they hardly have anything. Now I tell people if they want to give my son a present please buy him a soccer ball, basketball, or give him money so he can save it for himself. I do NOT want anymore inside toys, he doesn't use them, he would much rather be outside playing soccer or riding his bike.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

The massive amount of clutter is over simulating to children. They just aren't able to understand or express it in a productive way.

[@margaretmatheny]

Totally agree, Victoria! I saw that play out with my children for sure.

[@daveandlizhudson1331]

Yes! My 6yo just said, "Mommy, there's too many toys, can you help me?" She's really enjoyed the pared down toy selection and how easy it is to keep her room clean❤

[@KinyaMelvin-r1t]

There a pressure to have all this stuff to give your kids the best but I just realized to today if My husband and I didn’t have to clean all this everyday we could go outside even more, to parks libraries, museums walks wherever

[@hilaryjeb]

You're videos are helping to remove the imagery of chaos that surrounds modern parenting, thank you xx

[@margaretmatheny]

So so so welcome

[@christiesivewright8229]

So relevant. So helpful. So encouraging. So peaceful. I actually feel excited to tackle the chaos of a toy cupboard I have created by putting this off. Thank you ♥️

[@acrobaticanna]

Watching this as my living room feels overwhelming.

[@rebeccarussell9618]

I did this a few years back, we never looked back..life changing

[@kheziaabigail6663]

Same 😭

[@lilroselar24]

I'm 8 months pregnant & I'm really enjoying learning from you, as you are an experienced momma! ❤️ Love your videos in general xoxo

[@sarahwarren4253]

I found her several months after I had my first, and I've been following ever since! She's so lovely and has been such an encouragement through my motherhood journey 🤍 Congratulations on your little one!!

[@Livingthefreelife]

Thank you Margaret!! ❤ you answered my question, I recently did a toy declutter while my son was at his grandma’s. I bagged up everything I wanted to get rid of a left it in the airing cupboard for a while, he never asked for a single thing so I got rid of the entire bag. My son just turned 3 and mainly plays imaginatively with every day objects 😂 I genuinely think I could get rid of everything. We love magnet tiles too though. He basically only plays with those and cars. I really enjoyed this video thank you so much. 🥰 your kids are extremely lucky to have you as a mama 🥰

[@markayejohnson3454]

I have always lived by this! Even with my own stuff! My two year old plays so much better without a million things to choose from- we’re all happier and less stuff means more meaningful time together, and less stress!

[@SarahHannah91]

Can’t believe I’ve just found you! Loving your content. I’m a mum of 4 from the U.K. x

[@danni9867]

It has come to the point where I dread the holidays because all my decluttering to this point will be challenged again with more useless stuff. I grew up in a small 2 bedroom apartment and shared a room with my sister. If we could fit everything in our tiny home, we can all still do that today. I don't recall ever feeling like I never had enough. It's just too much now a days. Things have changed for sure. My advice? Grab some black garbage bags and toss everything they don't play with. Then reorganize and put something in every space so nothing looks to be missing. You will be shocked at the positive response you get from your kids. Good luck!!

[@annashieldss]

Couldn’t relate to all that you shared more! Also have 2 boys & they’re so destructive 😂 Recently started our minimalism journey & love all of your tips!

[@jaimebh30]

Awsome video! So glad I am not the only one not ready to paint with young kids. I have a 5yr, 2yr, 1yr, and a baby due in Febuary. I want to get in the habit of give away toys and get a new one once in a while.

[@-living4jesus4ever-]

We have no TV in our kids use every single toy in the home. 😂😅 It’s sure worth it though and they are so creative with their deep play even with the extra piles.😊

[@laurenriley8519]

Thank you for sharing ❤️I have been hearing this for a long time but it’s so encouraging to hear from someone who has a similar size home and similar age children. I have been looking for the answer to spend more time with my kids and lessen the feeling of being behind all the time and I think this is it. I am just struggling especially with gifts. Thank you for your videos!

[@CarolynnMarkey]

nesting :) I relate! we just did this a few months ago and I couldn't be more pleased

[@lauralu04]

If your kids are to the addition stage, we like playing War with dominos. It's just like the card game War, but you add the two numbers on your domino as you play. :)

[@anioretta]

I decluttered with my kids, and they still miss what they tossed, 6 years later. Just because decluttering makes you feel good doesnt mean it does the same for your kids. My kids would be devastated if i threw out their stuff on the sly. They are incredibly creative and focussed and play together well, even with a lot of toys. One size doesnt fit all.

[@autobotdiva9268]

got a box right now of toys to "donate". im over it!!!

[@willowgirl2635]

We took our sleeping bags out of their ridiculously small covers and put them in a pillow case which is stronger and more roomy.

[@dptfo]

I love this idea. Sleeping bags are so stressful

[@Mallorymomoftwo]

My mom Loves buying stuff for my kids and then trying to convince me to keep everything. It’s hard to stand my ground! Also my kids are little 3 and 5 months and they can’t really help me declutter. I also feel like I have to hold on to things to sell them and make money back. It’s hard to just get rid of toys for me. Plus, what if My baby likes some of the things my daughter didn’t like? Ugh help!

[@mommalion7028]

Unless you’re living in your moms home she doesn’t get to tell you what to keep and what to regift/throw away. I also struggle with this. My mom and mother in law both have shopping addictions and so much clutter flows down to my home. I never get to buy my kids any toys I’d like to play with them because they’re drowning in the ones from grandparents :(

[@EricaB310]

Maybe it’s just me but I find that the volume of toys we have is just so overwhelming because I have all daughters and they play with dolls that have accessories and things that go with the actual toy and no matter how much I try to scale back there’s just so many bits and pieces for things 😭

[@jessicaderstine4061]

Keep going. Scale deeper maybe. You don't have to keep sets! That piece was revolutionary for me. Keep byhthe bits they use, declutter the ones they don't.

[@rawcuisine7034]

Same here...not that we have so much different toys but those we have have so much peaces (Lego, Duplo, Puzzles, Tiny animal Family dolls...) and they play with it a lot but they are everywhere...

[@jennylhenry78]

Don't be afraid to break up sets. I really like sets. And used to buy things just because they went together even though I didn't need all the pieces. For toys I definitely get rid of the small pieces that they don't use. I know if my son uses the tiny little spiderman pieces that his 12" doll goes with, but he never did besides the once it came out of the package. Those just can go. My daughter has baby dolls and she had 3 bottles. We just kept 1. We also had a little package to hold 4 small bunnies but she never used the case (which was supposed to be their home) so that went and we just kept the small animals. Put what you're not sure in a box in the basement or garage for 3-6 months and if they don't ask for anything by name you know after that time you can get rid of them.

[@amberdecerio]

I get rid of any small pieces. If it’s at the bottom of the toy box, more than likely they don’t use it. I put them in baggies off of Amazon, let them know they’re in there and see if they use them. If not, declutter!

[@candycandyissodandy]

You can get rid of sets! Big deal deal for me: my son played with his trains and never the train tracks so I ditched the tracks! Amazing!!

[@tiffanywilliams7183]

The more shit I throw out the less depressed I feel 😊

[@vcook9710]

This is great advice,but all circumstances and kids are different. I just wish this worked for mine! 🙁

[@ERICA850]

I got rid of most of my kids toys and they still fight over whats left. I literally just want to bag up everything else and see if they miss it haha

[@san1695]

My toddlers current favorite is the ottoman, his halloween skeleton, and his train whistle while we play Halloween chuchu train 😂

[@fh4595]

We dont have a lot of toys , but our livingroom contains A LOT of art supplies and other things that we use for homeschooling. (Ages between 2 and 11) just that alone is enough to fill up half our livingroom 😅 Also toys for outside, i always love to encourage outdoor play! Trampoline, slide, bicycles, balls etc. They dont really use other kind of toys… except of dolls. Do others notice this too?? That children will leave other toys untouched?

[@jennylhenry78]

Not just your children, ours break so much stuff too. ☹️ And even things in our sometimes too. 😫

[@Faithfulthroughmotherhood]

How do you go about watching tv with the kids?

[@oliviarucker5013]

I love your idea of taking a toy and getting a toy!

[@1213LB]

I got rid of any stray golf balls because we have cracked our sliding glass door twice from them bouncing into it!

[@knicoleyao]

If you ever come out with a merch, I bet high that "pay attention" is gonna be on that shirt haha

[@alexis-jeannoble5394]

My son was diagnosed with autism not too long ago and his room has become so cluttered he doesnt really go in there to hang or play or even watch a lil tv; I decided that I need to get in that crazy room of his and get rid of majority of toys, sort & donate his clothes, get rid of majority of his 50 blankets and just make it more comfy and easier for him to be in HIS room. I want his room to be a place that he can go to take a breather or separate from whatever might be too stimulating or just uninteresting for him. But I am a hectic cleaner and go from one place to another, then start on the bathroom, back to his room, then mine, etc etc. so Im hoping this vid helps lol. Anyone else in a similar situation that has already done the cleaning feel free to leave me any tips. Thx

[@Belpz4]

I love your ottoman! Could you please share a link to it? Also, you def got me out of bed lol loved the video. Decluttering now! Thank you.

[@margaretmatheny]

Ottoman is from Albany park!

[@margaretmatheny]

And hahaha, so glad I could get you out of bed!!! Happy decluttering!

[@jenniferstevens9314]

Where are those kid lanterns from? My boys would love those!

[@lmagas-om9dp]

Do you think you will homeschool your boys?

[@christineg6123]

I made a comment about suggesting how to maybe find a remote for that truck and now its not showing? It wasnt hate or anything.

[@margaretmatheny]

Oh, hmmm that's strange. Maybe reply to this response here!

[@christineg6123]

@Margaret Matheny oh it happened again. You must have the word amaz0 n filtered or something. Suggested maybe you could get a remote from there for the truck ?

[@SOwen-s2r]

this has probably been asked a million times...but could you share your beautiful wall color? Thank you.

[@IzziesSimpleLife]

I always thought that my kids have no toys but after seeing your video I have to realise that they have way to much. 😅

[@zoepoeloe]

Where and what is the drawer that you put the toys in

[@zoepoeloe]

How big is the drawers

[@ally33799]

I want to do this so bad but I am scared of the judgement from my parents (we are renting from them til we build our home.) I feel like I'm going to feel like a bad mom or that my daughter doesn't have enough because of comparison and judgement, even though I know she has more than enough. We have a low income and are in college so I'm scared people are going to think we don't have enough for her if that makes sense? I need to push past it and just do it but this anxiety of being a bad mom or judged is holding me back.

[@kempfreehold9450]

It's about what is best for your child. If someone thought your child should have drugs, would you fight tooth and nail? Of course you would. Over stimulation from toys is the same. No one has the right to tell you how to raise your child, not even if they are grandparents, not even if you are renting from them. You can talk to them about the research on how beneficial this is for children, but ultimately, it's no one's business

[@caitlin9823]

I feel so bad when Mimi and Poppy come over and notice I’ve gotten rid of stuff they’ve gotten. Also my 3 year old is VERY observant and is mad at me when I get rid of her stuff. Help!

[@margaretmatheny]

I always tell my children it's okay to feel frustrated, but we open the conversation to the things that matter in life and talking about quality time with mom always helps the conversation!! Experience and quality time are what they crave most, even if they don't know it. Hope that helps!

[@acrobaticanna]

Ask people for clothes rather than toys as gifts. It saves money on buying them clothes!! And brings less toys into iur homes.

[@am9719]

❤

[@emiliakohut7595]

Next step: how many did you buy next year? 😆

[@NeverTooLateForAchange]

Dear Margaret, before you declutter everything which boys are not playing with please put on hold because you are going to have another little one and will be just a year when he will start playing with thugs which you kept (like this little wooden drum 🥁). I done it and then I regret it 😳🤭😅

[@jessicah3003]

Love love love your videos!! Can you do a video on your must haves for babies? What you plan on reusing and what you plan on buying?

[@valerieelias5606]

Totally agree with you!!! I’d love to see her “toy list” for the first year or two. What did you save? What will you buy? Or what’s worth buying again in your opinion? I think it’s hard to be a new mom with “Montessori” marketing being shoved down our throats. Do we really need EVERY SINGLE toy?

[@lithopheliax61x5]

is mine the onlykidwhoplays with his toys?

[@ronjab4586]

That's what I'm always thinking watching these videos. I'd love to declutter more of their toys but our kids play with all of them. We don't have anything they don't at least play with weekly (and those are the wooden blocks, everything else is much more frequent). They play independently for hours, coming up with all kinds of creative scenarios. They are 4 and 2 years old, know where everything is and clean it up (or no screen time). So I just can't find it in me to declutter just because it's more than my personal clutter threshold would prefer 😂 so I keep watching these kind of videos hoping to stumble upon some helpful advice for my situation just to always be surprised that other kids don't play with their toys. And that all the toys did not facilitate deep, creative, independent play when it definitely does for us 🤷‍♀️ Oh and for reference, we have A LOT of toys - guests always remark that we should open a daycare 😂 no toy rotation either - I tried and it failed due to the same reason as decluttering further, because they play with all their toys. And it was so disruptive for their play when I tried to rotate random things (when they play with everything mostly equally, rotation becomes tricky), always "mommy, where is XYZ". But for us, every toy has a home and all the containers aren't even half full and all are shallow, so easy to see everything in it (shallow trofast bins). We have different "stations" throughout our apartment (dolls, small world & building, puzzles, play kitchen, dressup & pretend, gross motor, games, arts & crafts, books), so the different categories don't get mixed up with each other which makes cleanup a breeze, even for small kids. So I wonder if the overwhelm from too many toys comes when they are all crammed in one spot and they cannot find what they want and all categories are mixed together. We live in a 2 bedroom apartment in a horrid humid climate in a major city and we only have one car, so I am often without in a city with poor public transportation - so we go outside in the mornings for a couple hours before it gets hot but it's just not feasible to be outside more than that. Their play was just so much less independent when I tried fewer toys, so while we are minimalist in everything else, I just don't see a way around keeping the toys or I'll loose my sanity - independent play is more important to me than enforcing my clutter threshold on them. And what she says regarding helping, I think doesn't have anything to do with toys. Our kids always loved helping in the kitchen and cleaning. They always come running to the kitchen the moment the lights go on in there, they love being kitchen helpers, from making pancakes to empanadas. They also love cleaning with me. The 4 year old is responsible for Dusting since she wanted her own chore that only she does 😂 and they both take turns when we mop. But I can see that if there is overwhelm for the grownup with toys, that there is more urgency to be done fast with these kinds of things and not to involve the kids. But as long as you take the time to involve the kids, no toy in the world will keep a kid away from helping, especially in the kitchen. Sorry, that got long. Your question just really resonated with me - it's what I always wonder 😊

[@tigerauge7025]

Nope 😂

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Wish I had learned this lesson when my son was a year old. It stayed out of control until he graduated highschool!

[@hollyann2606]

Hi, new to your channel! I have 7 boys and yes the indoor trampoline is wonderful! Also you don’t need to fold your sleeping bag, just shove that thing back in the bag! And now I’m going to go and declutter…..again. Thank you for the motivation!

[@jenAKnND]

Yes on just shoving the sleeping bag back into the bag. It’s so cute Margaret how you fold it. 😘 Impressive that it worked too.

[@hannahbentson9374]

I did something very similar this past fall and it was the bestttttt thing ever! Clean up is so easy now and my kids are way more creative!

[@mommalion7028]

8:38 my grandma got my son a toy that beeps loudly and has a big complicated process the first time you use it involving liquid and smoke and it takes up tons of space. It’s like anxiety in a box 😂

[@sanne8210]

i don't have any kids, neither do i aspire to have any kids. but that didn't stop me from watching and enjoying this video 😊 thank you!

[@bygraceandmercy]

90%!!!! I definitely need to do the same. I also have a tucked away trampoline that the kids could enjoy. It's a daunting task but you've inspired me i✨️

[@jennylhenry78]

We actually bought a queen size top sheet from a thrift shop as a fort blanket. 👍🏻

[@ameliawinship5399]

I really try with this with my four year old after four children I have finally learnt but myhardest is a giant barbie house in the landing a Christmas present never touched but how do I get rid it was expensive it was a gift my daughter will notice

[@Hillside-Hive]

Sell it and let her keep the money for future 'wise' purchases. Don't beat yourself up over it, we've all made big purchases that didn't work out 😊

[@jennylhenry78]

Suggesting the same thing, have a conversation with her that she doesn't use it and that if you sell it she can have the money to buy something else she will use. If she likes and uses the furniture, she could always keep what fits in a shoebox size bin with a lid. That way she can still use dolls with furniture wherever she wants to play.

[@dptfo]

I thought this too, it’s so big, they’ll definitely notice. But they Didn’t notice it was missing. They noticed how much space they have now and they were excited and bewildered and they were actually completely blind to the things that were taking up all that space. Haven’t asked for it, not even once and it’s been months

[@galina_niyazov]

Thank you!! And you're so pretty and wise

[@silmuffin86]

My 7yo notices if I get rid the tiniest thing 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@SamanthaKirk-mz5ct]

Those swords! Where did you get them?!

[@daniondrachek7333]

Love your videos. You inspire me to live a more minimal life

[@kristigeiger3680]

I know that you have multiple children, as do I. I've heard a question from moms of just 1. They get concerned because their child doesn't have a sibling to create with and play with. They worry that they will get bored and bug them all the time. Do you have experience with maybe friends or family who has done the simplifying and seen the same results you have with just one child?

[@margaretmatheny]

I only had 1 child for the first 3 years before we welcomed our second, but at that time we were living on the road for my husbands job and we honestly couldn't pack many toys at all. So I can only speak to the first few years, but we played outside all the time, went on walks, hikes, he cooked with me, and adding more toys into his life when he was older didn't make him "less bored". It just make him distracted and wanting more....that's from my perspective! And all I can share are from what I've experienced in the first 3 years with him. I just read so much about how children don't need toys to fulfill them, and I'm seeing it with my children and it's amazing. I hope some other mommas with one child will share their experience, I'd love to hear. thanks for bringing this up!

[@kristigeiger3680]

@Margaret Matheny this is so good. I am just embarking on my journey and learning as I go, but I find myself having these kinds of conversations with other moms. I'd like to have some more insight to maybe help and encourage them to start too.I love how you always emphasize the special time with mom. Them helping you with things because they're not distracted with toys and TV all the time. They're spending good quality learning and fun time with mom. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@bobbiefarrar3036]

My daughter introduced me to Quick Zip sheets all the way from cribs size to king size. Kids can make their beds; seniors like my husband and me can make our bed without lifting a heavy mattress or tucking in a sheet against a wall. I enjoy your videos - you have lots of good advice!! God bless you and yours.

[@KinyaMelvin-r1t]

My kids NEVER play with the crap. I hate cleaning them up because all they do is throw them around and go to the next room literally. We enjoy going OUTSIDE more, I rather spend all day at the park than inside picking up toys that have been thrown and stomped around lol