I got rid of 75% of my clothing. EXTREME CLOSET DECLUTTER + Minimalist Spring Capsule Wardrobe

[@NatalieBennett]

Thank you all for the love and support! As many of you know (if you follow me on Instagram) our family went through the tragic loss of my sister’s baby girl last week. We are completely devastated and are grieving this shocking loss. If you’d like to send my sister Kristina and her husband Jake some love here is their support page: www.mealtrain.com/trains/o9o4d1 This video was filmed and uploaded in advance of this situation. I will be taking next week off (at least) from uploading and appreciate you understanding during this difficult time.

[@lylagray9669]

I am so sorry for your loss 😞 Praying for you, your sister and her husband Jake.

[@barbaradevaney4904]

So very sorry for your loss especially for your sister and her family😢

[@bri-aunnarau8303]

Praying for your family...so so sorry 😢

[@Mama2Gingers]

Praying for you and your family 🙏

[@susieadams1553]

Oh Natalie I am sorry 😢. Sending you and your sister and family big hugs and much love. Take as long as you need away xx

[@cadencehogge8528]

Thank you for addressing clothing limitations based on chronic pain! Most of my wardrobe has to be designed around my chronic arthritis issues in my legs--and it is so refreshing to see someone online talk about how clothing can seriously impacts your health, pain, and well being. Sometimes we can't all just wear what we think is cute!

[@valorielynwhitman8531]

Natalie, my heart goes out to you in your afflection. I was born with a spina bifida occulta, which was not diagnosis until I was 40 yrs old. My back, at times of flare up, will not allow me to have anything touching it, including underware. I try extremely stretchy pants, but most of the time I must use dresses. I recently decluttered my wardrobe down to 6 dresses, two everyday, three go-to-town, and 1 dressy, 4 tops, 2 pants and 1 pair of jumper pants, kinda like bib overalls. It has made my life so much easier. I feel blessed that I can live and move, so this disability is easier to bear. I hope and pray for your health and mindset. With loyal regards, your 70 yr old friend!😊

[@mmL16]

I am so tremendously sorry for your family’s tragic loss. Just wanted to say that I’d watch a whole 35 minute video of you just singing and would enjoy every second. You have such a beautiful voice. Your family will be in my prayers. 💕

[@janicerepass6996]

Oh my gosh. You have an absolutely gorgeous voice. I am very sorry to hear of your family's heartbreaking loss. Praying for peace for all of you.

[@kathryn583]

Wow… I can’t believe sometimes how in sync many of us are. First of all, what a lovely voice you have, of course. I too enjoy singing while cleaning and decluttering but the reason I started a comment was to mention that I’m grateful that you said it’s important to remember to be grateful. Just yesterday I said to myself “I am alive. I can move. I have love in my life and no matter what type of pain I’m dealing with on a day-to-day basis, ultimately, I have a good life.“ so thanks for that little pearl. 💜😉

[@teresalowe6566]

GIRL! I feel ya! As a person with fibromyalgia, I am very sensitive to everything that touches me, down to showstrings! I recently did a huge declutter of my closet and donated a whole contractor size bag of clothes.

[@erikahyman8611]

Hi, I used to suffer chronic pain everywhere & it was thought to be all the damage in my spine. It took over ten years to figure out, but it was a gluten sensitivity. If you haven’t tried, go 3 days without gluten & see how you feel.❤️

[@lauriefillman307]

My heart goes out to your sister. I lost late term baby 25 years ago. It still feels like yesterday some days.😢

[@iamlea7905]

Oh, Natalie- thank you for talking about chronic pain issues & how clothing affects us! During my flare ups, the nerves around my waist & down my legs can be triggered by waistbands. I have found the only pants I can comfortably wear are Victoria Secret's fold-overs because they have no elastic that digs into my nerves. I also have a bin for when I'm "miraculously cured".🙃

[@pathtowellnesswithmiriam1371]

I totally understand your wardrobe problems. I don't have abdominal migraines but when I'm pregnant I get so nauseous if I wear anything tight. I have to wear dresses or really loose pants hanging off my hips.

[@Kris2397]

I’m sorry for your loss! 👒 I also wanted to say thank for you for sharing the battle and frustration with chronic pain! It’s nice to feel less alone in that regard. I’ve a chronic pain diagnosis and with that, I’ve lots of stomach pain and bloating. It’s so hard to find clothes that works with me instead of against me😅

[@brendaramsbottom8693]

I did my closet and my dresser and my summer clothes my 3 bags of donations has already been delivered!

[@peaceblossomvalentin667]

Very nice. Also may I say your thumb nail photo makes you look like a Disney princess, big eyes, small nose and big smile. So cool.

[@snollber]

I would love to hear you sing more in your videos. You have such a beautiful voice. It’s healing.❤

[@aprillorraine2485]

Natalie you seemed so authentic in this video, thank you for sharing the good and the bad as you always do, the good moods and the bad. Let's us other moms know we are not alone. ❤ love you and your Chanel!

[@mayranava7595]

Natalie I also have chronic pain and tight clothing really triggers me. One thing ive done is get sweatpants 1-2 sizes larger. It should slide off of the waist. The you can roll the waistband down bellow the belly to wary up. Makes it super comfy and wear with a long shirt

[@RVthereyetmemaw]

Well, you are amazing! I just got rid of 75% of my clothing I would say…. We moved into a Class A Motorhome, an are full time as of Oct 2022. You inspire me to do better! Thank You

[@mmL16]

I love those red pants on you for all seasons, but especially spring. Like a tulip! Please keep them if they’re comfy 💕

[@sherrydaut4910]

The worst possible thing parents can go through. It certainly makes us more aware of how blessed we are and how we need to show and tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. Prayers for comfort and peace.🙏😪

[@Dashzap]

There are a lot of cute sewing patterns for overalls you could make in linen or soft cotton.

[@its_a_new_day_890]

Oh Natalie. This video came at the perfect time. I was just crying out of frustration that all of my clothes hurt. I have fibromyalgia, IBS, PBD, and Mast cell activation syndrome. Waistbands and bra straps are all so painful. I was just praying and thanking Jesus that he is carrying me through this season and I'm not alone. Then your video popped up and I'm reminded that I'm not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating this video. ❤

[@rebekahf723]

I also found when I am so willing to declutter, that my husband is now starting to get on board and also let me help him declutter some of his items. Thanks for being an example! Your gentleness for declutter it is an example I follow and it works!

[@dianebeulke3274]

👒 so sorry for your loss. Blessings and prayers for you and your family. Love to watch your channel and the process of minimizing and donating. You and Dawn, the Minimal Mom, have inspired me over the past couple of years. Thank you!

[@jennburk]

I love your honesty and authenticity here, and I'm so inspired to really pare down my closet for spring too! For dresses, I HIGHLY recommend Wool& (based in Portland). They have a lot of swing dresses that allow for breathing and belly room, and they last forever - I wore mine for the 100 day challenge and it still looks brand new.

[@misilein22]

I was going to suggest this too! I bet they'd love Natalie to take on their 100-day challenge. I'm not a dress person myself but am considering trying one of theirs because I love their other wool pieces.

[@emmidoerr1803]

Thought I’d add a clothing brand suggestion for chronic pain : smash & Tess. They have lots of options: dresses, rompers etc

[@catr3526]

This is the first of your videos I’ve seen, and I am very inspired by you! I’m not familiar with abdominal migraines, but there is an anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome that can cause pain when clothing presses on the front of the abdomen. I’ll be praying for you and your sister’s family.

[@debbiemclean1090]

👒 you've inspired me to do my wardrobe and drawers, put the clothing away and get stuff ready for the charity shop xxxxxxxxx I hove fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so everything takes a while but it does get done eventually. I work with your mantra "progress over perfection" xxxxxxx

[@angelhowell5420]

I found some super cute cotton jumpsuits last summer and I love them! Still pants but one piece like a dress.

[@BarbaraZiska]

"That's the way the pickle squirts!" I just can't get over that comment. Great video. Well done cleanup.

[@dianavillarreal2271]

I loved that clip of you just on the floor tired! That's real, thank you for sharing, I also deal with chronic pain and it's hard. But you seem to have a very good attitude about it, and that's what I have found to be very important.

[@marcydean390]

Thank you so much for sharing about your chronic health issues. I’m so sorry you have to deal with that, however it is super encouraging to me when you share because I struggle with very similar issues. Waistbands and even bras can trigger my stomach aches and bloating so much that I have to lay down until the episode is over which can be majority of a day sometimes. Having to deal with diet as well as clothing restrictions can be so discouraging sometimes especially because a lot of people just don’t understand the struggle. But I find all of your videos super inspiring and motivating. Thank you for having such an open and sweet heart and blessing us with your videos ☺️ I am so sorry to hear about your family’s loss 😞♥️

[@lornatw]

👒 I've been moving between houses so much since leaving uni and it's made me realise how much I don't really wear including some essentials! I'm so attached to the items though because I've not got a stable living space. 😬

[@theexhaustedflamingo]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need to grieve. It’s tough. Chronic pain is tough because you really are grieving the person you used to be. So you have a lot to work through these days. 😢🤗 and prayers.

[@abigailg9188]

I’m not quite to the two minute mark on this video as I type. Thank you for being so real! You’re, from my perspective, such a great minimalism-minded person and I’m trying to get there. That this happens to you too was very freeing of false guilt for me at this moment! ❤

[@dcworking777]

I totally agree...I've been minimizing our space for 4 years...last weekend my hubby and our 12 yrd took it upon themselves to purge and minimize their clothes! Win!

[@lillianlowe6846]

Your family has been in my prayers. I also wanted to say thank you for the reminder that taking care of yourself doesn't always mean spending money. It can also mean parting ways with things that do not serve us.

[@sanne3288]

"That's the way the pickle squirts" had me wheezing! Gonna use that from now on 😆

[@noelakine]

Not a huge waistband girl myself and loving flowy Jumpsuits like the Mina style which the Austrian label Dariadéh will be launching soon. Can't wait to add it to my summer wardrobe!

[@kathyabram5993]

I am not on Instagram and very rarely on Facebook. I lost my breath when i read of your message. I am over the moon sadden for your sweet family loss. Yall are in my prayers for peace and comfort. Big hug through the screen!

[@Singingdoctora]

I can completely relate!! I have a chronic condition too and clothes and shoes simply hurt my entire right side from the waist down! Maybe TMI but the underwear thing is 100% true!

[@haleyphillips220]

I made a capsule for my maternity clothes because having to constantly try things on every day hoping it fit was really wearing on me! Best decision ever 👒

[@jaelreimer5702]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Natalie. I have been watching you since I was 13 years old (and the boys were just newborns) so I feel like I have been along the way to watch yours and your sisters families grow and evolve. Keep your eyes on the Lord as we head into this Easter season, and take all the time that you need. ❤

[@idid138]

Sorry about your sweet baby niece. Prayers God comforts all of you. 🙏

[@OSarahKate]

Sending your entire family prayers and love during this extremely difficult time.

[@NatalieBennett]

Thank you so much!

[@angelicajones3958]

Natalie, As far as clothes that you can wear for your stomach issue, have you considered one piece rompers or jumpsuits? They wouldn't be binding. You can always wear a tee shirt or blouse under them if they are the spaghetti strap style.

[@lea3355]

Dear Natalie, i am so sorry for your familys loss! Hope to support you with my comment. Take your time off, wishing you all the best ❣

[@ArtLeeG]

It is so refreshing to hear someone else cannot handle waist bands!! I don't have the exact diagnosis but wearing practically anything with a waist band is 1,000% not possible anymore. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@deborahschmitt143]

Loved the declutter. ❤️ My friend’s daughter had abdominal migraines that the neurologist prescribed oral vitamin b 2 for, which resolved the problem. I tried it for my cluster migraines. It did not help for that but maybe something you can ask your specialists about if you have not already tried it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@UCanCallMeJesus1]

20:00 definitely yes to that for me. I’m shocked how often I start cleaning or decluttering and then suddenly my family started doing there own 😂❤

[@rebeccahaynes420]

I so relate to being over chronic illnesses. Sweet heart I’ll put you on my prayer list. I get over mine too. It seems like every time I get better from something. something else happens but I know you can relate. Except I’m way older than you.😊 but in the process of raising my fifth child. Love your content.

[@jsmiles1991]

I'm grieving with you and your family! Praying for peace that passes understanding to comfort and sustain you all❤

[@mtorres9069]

I am sorry for your loss. I know it is hard. God is with her now and I know that you can find comfort in this times.

[@Jeannette.akaJnett]

Love Dawn. I will get there one of these ages. I can relate to the immune disorder. I suffer from fibro, skin hypersensitivity, calendar headaches and barometric migraines among other things. It's been over 55 years since I've been free of pain. I'm currently getting infusions every 12 wks for the migraines and though not gone, a major improvement. No head in the bucket in months. The infusions work on the nerve endings, in layman's terms it short circuits the receptors (calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor) from attaching itself which causes the pain - not a good explanation. Has anyone ever brought it up? Just a thought. You did a great job on the declutter. Blessings.

[@Felicia594]

Wow, I was impressed with your singing, I think that was you!? ❤ to watch closet clean outs.

[@Casey_Barrowman]

So sorry for your loss, I'll be praying for your family. Can we talk about that VOICE though! You better sang sis!

[@alexandralarco]

Sending your sister and her husband strength for this tragic lost. As you mentioned your niece will reunite with them in the other side! 💙

[@therealhatfield96]

👒These are my favorite videos of yours!! A video like this of yours a few years ago got me to start a capsule wardrobe. Since then, I have had 2 children and nurses them and my body has changed a ton and I’ve gained several pieces since then to keep up with what seems to be a never changing body. Time to declutter! 🎉

[@emilysmith2784]

👒 I totally get where you are coming from. I get cervicogenic headaches so have to be really careful about pressure points on my back, neck and shoulders. Wearing bras and anything with narrow straps is so difficult. Not to mention backpacks and handbags. I hope dresses work for you. I highly recommend some decent hold ups. Also have you tried looking into historical fashion? I have found lots of solutions there as clothes was often designed to last a lifetime, including pregnancies so was massively adjustable. 18th century petticoat style skirts have changed my views on modern clothing to the point I’ll never buy a modern skirt again. Elastic is the devil 😂

[@lexiswanson8112]

So for that green silk skirt, have you considered going in and cutting he waistband? I've done that a couple times and it helped me MONUMENTALLY! Just have to break a couple seams to provide just enough room for a pair of small scissors to go in and cut the band and throw in a couple stitches to close it up when you're done :) I LOVED this video! I need to tackle my family's clothes 'XD

[@NatalieBennett]

I have! Unfortunately it needs to be snug enough to still stay up which is another reason why skirts are just not a great option for me!

[@tracyilsley523]

Dungarees and body suits. No waist bands.

[@sarahjost9826]

LOVE those linen pants! So cute and fun and a little different! Since waistbands are a no go would you consider trying those jumpsuit type things that don’t sinch as a “pants” option? They could give you the look of pants without the pain. But also a dress and sneaks with a little denim shirt is so cute and casual for everyday and you’d totally pull off rocking a dress on the daily!

[@Jojo13Lorin]

Yeah, like the really loose overalls style that's popular now!

[@haileymagallon458]

“That’s the way the pickle squirts” 😂😂😂 I’ve never heard that before! Made me laugh out loud! Praying for healing❤

[@sarahhh9770]

👒 I needed this video! We have a tiny 2 bedroom house. We had a surprise baby who is now 8 months old, and I am halfway through my second pregnancy. The little ones will eventually share a bedroom, but the problem is my husband uses the closet in the nursery because our bedroom closets are tiny! Little one just has a couple drawers in his dresser but as his clothes get bigger and we have another baby’s clothes to factor in, its time to redo the closets. My husband will move into the bedroom, and my closet is moving to the one in the nursery. I have already gotten rid of SO much clothes, shoes, ect. But I need to declutter SO much more. The goal is to only take up about half of the closet, have the kids share the other half. I need this video to help inspire me haha

[@adayalavi1]

Dear Natalie, I'm following your channel, I'm so sorry for your loss and sending my condolences to your sister and family at this very difficult time.

[@reenahrune5992]

All of your little sayings and metaphors are so cute and absolutely make my day! Love your videos and hope you and the family are doing well

[@kimberlylamitie2869]

I’m not a big dress person either but tee shirt dresses are my new best friend. I wear them with loose cotton bike shorts.

[@laurasimpson7650]

I'm so sad and sorry to read about your fam's loss. 🙏 for all

[@charlottesteed1026]

I'm not sure if they would work for you or not, but my first thought when you said you were having trouble with waistbands was jumpsuits/overalls. I know some are comfier than others, but they might be worth a try if you're more comfortable in pants.

[@kimesch9698]

I have nerve pain from a cavernous angioma in my cervical spine and a failed surgery to remove it. I have become the lady who walks around in a house dress! Never thought I’d see the day. 😊

[@sharalynnaef3272]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your niece! My heart is broken for you all. Praying for you and your family!

[@girl_getahobby]

Thanks for being so honest and open about your chronic condition. I have MS and love decluttering and organizing content but sometimes it can be hard to relate to. This was refreshing and wonderful to watch 💛

[@karenthomson9278]

LOVE those red linen pants!!

[@ellahopkinson]

I love seeing a creator talk about the clothing problems that come with chronic illness! Thank you for sharing ❤ also, do you think you would like dungarees or jumpsuits? That way you get the pants you like with the comfortable no waistband issue of a dress 😊

[@dianevoysey9665]

You have the best singing voice ever!

[@rebeccab_bwlt]

So inspiring! I think olive could be fun with the poppy, but I wonder if you might dye them if they aren’t quite your color way? 👒

[@MsDianaJean]

I recently found your channel thanks to your closet decluttering & outfit of the week videos. I’ve watched them all multiple times now! Have you ever heard of Jennifer L Scott & the 10 Item Wardrobe? She has a YT channel & a ted talk in the subject. I think you’d really resonate with her philosophy. I know I like hearing other people with similar philosophies bc it’s affirming & encouraging. According to her method you’d either have a 9 or 12 item wardrobe depending on how you categorized your quince tanks. It’s fun to play with minimal wardrobes, isn’t it?

[@barbaradevaney4904]

👒really need this today. I struggle with clothing - mostly stuff that will fit if I lose some weight 🤪 will try again even if it’s a couple of items. Thanks for sharing ❤❤❤

[@NatalieBennett]

The struggle is real!

[@sarahkost8549]

I have Crohn’s Disease and a very sensitive GI tract. When I tell you that I’ve never related to a video more in my life… I mean it! I too struggle to find clothing that doesn’t send me into a flare. You are not alone and I thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@welchtribe1424]

Explaining to people that I can’t wear xyz because I will have an endo flare is so difficult.

[@megancraig8145]

I just received my fist order from Quince! I got a pair of joggers and sports hoodie. I have never felt such quality clothing for the price I paid. They are buttery soft! I cannot wait to wear them! I wish I could convert my wardrobe to all Quince! Over time, little by little! Definitely will be ordering more! Love and prayers your sweet family! ❤️🙏🏻

[@willswifey2006]

Prayers for peace that passes understang for you and your family.

[@willswifey2006]

Love the red Old Navy pants.

[@Zeevah-x5g]

👒I am so terribly sorry for your loss. May you all be surrounded with love as you grieve and mourn.

[@louisefriisp]

Those red pants are amazing on you!❤🤩

[@jennifermccraw7687]

Natalie, so sorry about your abdominal migraines flaring up lately. Just wondering if "stretching" from your waist causes them too. I'm seeing you reach up and reach up for your hanging clothes. I could never do that. Sometimes not even once. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with Hypermobility. So my chronic issues are from not resting and from reaching, stretching, sometimes sneezing. Haha But I've learned little things over the years that help me stay put together and out of pain for long periods of time. Only out of trying to offer help, maybe get yourself a chest height or waist height hanging bar for your clothes. Let Tally Tallerson Hubby have those top bars! Haha (That's what I do). Because what if waist movement makes your nerves angry and that reach up could be a thing. Maybe? And, I mean, "I'm redoing my closet" content sounds golden! Love your work and your heart and stay well my friend. Prayers for you from fellow mom of three.

[@unakeane532]

So sorry for your sister’s and brother in laws loss. Sincere condolences to your family on the loss of your niece

[@jessicaf7476]

Ugh ya I have endo and I haven’t been able to wear jeans in years. I do have these yoga pants that have a 8 inch waist band. It seems to help avoid putting all the pressure on one spot. I didn’t like parting with my favorite outfits but I’m grateful I can keep up with my kids because the pants I gave up allowed me to have less “bad days”.

[@Kimmy-rh1ry]

My closet was a hot mess too. Years of accumulation of just stuff. Last year I bit the bullet. Got 30 wooden hangers and said b that's it. Only 30 items. Not including jammies, shorts and workout clothes. Used those 30 hangers to get down to 3 sweaters, 3 leggings, 1 jeans, 3 tanks, 3 blouses, 3 dresses, 3 cardigans, 2 zippy sweatshirts, 1 raincoat, 1 winter coat , 1 hat, 1 gloves, 1 scarf, 1 robe with 3 hangers to spare. This method worked well. I now thrift clothing and if I bring an item in, I donate 1 item. Thru all this I donated 15 bags of clothing. Side note: I reduced my handbags to 1 tote, 1 crossbody. 2 sneakers, 1 boots, 2 sandals, 1 slippers

[@taniasnyman9602]

Wow, I had to stop right away after this clip of you singing and say: you have a beautiful voice, wow!!! Please sing more in your videos 😊

[@heathersalter882]

👒 Happy Spring from Minnesota, we still have feet of snow in the back yard 😂

[@conniesmith3922]

God bless you all at this time of loss. Hugs and prayers for all. 💕💕👒

[@ianibrown8103]

I have been watching you for quite a while and I am just starting my decluttering journey ….Thank you for your inspiration ❤

[@sarahrichardson7866]

So inspiring Natalie! Thank you so much for the video!

[@OMGitsaClaire]

I am a big fan of overalls and jumpsuits. I especially love my Lucy and Yak ones. Absolutely no waistband and a nice loose fit. Make me feel like a giant toddler when it comes to comfort.

[@sissyrouse1473]

Try basic t shirt dresses for around the house. They're inexpensive, comfy, and come in lots of colors and patterns.

[@uma8874]

👒 I do struggle with clothes too! A good alternative for me are jumpsuits!

[@ohsolovelymrs]

I’m so sorry you are having to deal with a chronic illness. It’s such a frustrating process and I went through something similar almost 10 years ago and like you, I’m over pants. You’ve inspired me to try to wear dresses more because I don’t feel my best in pants and I’ve tried them alllllll. Also so sorry for your recent loss. Sending lots of love and support!

[@Julie-si3hi]

👒Best thing I did was a huggggeee declutter of clothes...now everything fits in the wardrobe and I know what we have ...which is definitely meaning less stress!

[@senseijoyner]

👗 I'm right there with you on the waistband vs. dress! Different reasons though. I spent a lot of time last year looking for just the right dress for everyday. Missky brand on Amazon has a short sleeve t-shirt swing dress that is sooo comfortable, no waist detail to irritate me or make me look pregnant when I'm not, (thanks a lot diastasis 🙄) and can easily be dressed up with accessories or cardigan/vests, while still being serviceable around the house. PS. I was not expecting "that's the way the pickle squirts" and had a nice laugh 😆

[@oliviaalfrey]

❤❤thanks for all your videos Natalie. They are my support system and motivation. “That’s the way the pickle squirts!” 😂

[@NatalieBennett]

You are so welcome!

[@Jojo13Lorin]

oh my gosh that saying killed me. lol

[@deidrecampbell9454]

I think the Marie Condo method of pulling out every single item in a category works very well for clothing. I feel inspired to go through my wardrobe now!

[@carolynridlon3988]

Sorry for the loss in your family 😢 I keep thinking about the type of jumpsuit that was popular in the 80's & early 90's (adult baby romper style) - at least you could wear them for your outside work and not worry about windy days wearing a dress.