The KonMari Method: 'Komono': Toys (Round 2) | HowToGYST

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In this video, I show you how I decluttered my three year old daughter's toys using the KonMari Method, including a time-lapse and 'before' and 'after's.
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Laura

[@mikeandsandybroderick4438]

You DO NOT have to apologize to anyone for anything....you are doing everything right!! What a good Mom! This is a SPOT ON video! Great great video...thanks for sharing!!

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks so much. :D Thankfully I didn't get any grief this time. ;)

[@ACDCBCFamily]

What a transformation! I used to easily declutter toys, but my oldest is now 6, and let's just say she remembers every single toy she has. So it's not as simple now to purge as it used to be. I'm going to look for the book you recommended, though, to get some steam back.

[@HowToGYST]

It's a great book, looking at how children these days are so overloaded with stuff and information, and what they really need is simplicity and room to create and grow and use their imaginations. 6 is definitely a more difficult age. Could you start by saying that everyone in the family is going to find 5 things each to donate to someone in need? It might get the ball rolling, and she might be more inclined to do it if it's a family event rather than feeling like it's just her being "forced" to get rid of things.

[@bcd7560]

Great job, thanks for sharing. On those wooden trains: my 12 year old son Kon Maried his bedroom this summer. Most things he was really sure about, but his wooden train set he looked at for a long time, then said, " I can imagine playing with this with my children," and kept it.

[@HowToGYST]

Wow! Deep thoughts for a 12 year old! Beautiful thought, though, and a great "joy sparker".

[@ninnawiberg4772]

Yay! Congratulations on inspiring your husband to join in on the purge! I can imagine what a great feeling that was. :)

[@HowToGYST]

Still on a high! 😂

[@jeannebowes2898]

Fun to watch. I no longer have the little ones, I miss those days of toys and crafts.

[@HowToGYST]

While I was in the middle of doing it, I wouldn't have believed that anyone could miss it. 😂 But it's so lovely to see her sit at her desk now and happily play away. (Though it's still nice to reclaim a bit of space. 😉)

[@kimzanders9550]

Nice work! I got my 4 year old involved in decluttering her toys and she was 100% on board so I was lucky. Since then if clothes don't fit her well she says "give it to the children with no clothes and toys". Aww😶

[@HowToGYST]

That's brilliant! She'll carry that lesson with her throughout her life. Well done!

[@elizabethbrown504]

I watched a video with Kondo speaking and she even advised not involving children 3 and under, but 3 to 4 and older they are beginning to become aware of what you are doing and want to do it too. They are able then to start making some decisions for themselves. Though I still curate my 5 year old's clothes. :-)

[@HowToGYST]

I'm hoping she'll understand soon. Maybe I should bring her to a charity shop so she can see where everything goes. Or show her some videos of other people donating and helping the less fortunate.

[@Jemmalou]

I started my daughters room yesterday and needed a break......to keep motivation i had to watch 'how to tidy up' videos or my strength would have sank into the sofa. Today........ MY SON'S ROOM ....... this has given me the revs i need. Wish me luck. xxx

[@HowToGYST]

Good luck! You'll rock it!

[@rachelelgersma2941]

You have really inspired me to go through and tackle my children's toys! I am going to say that my girls are 7 and 4 and I do try and include them in the process ... however they don't like letting things go either even though they are older. So I give them 5 items that they can choose to save and I can get rid of everything else.

[@HowToGYST]

It's definitely a judgement call. I think parents usually know what's best for their kids.

[@Lizbetstyle]

Fantastic! We have a finished basement that is completely for the Grandkids to play in (we have them all day 2 to 3 times a week) and they have a Grandma (me) that is way too crazy when it comes to toy buying. I've started to notice that the 5 yr old flits from one toy to another and then is bored by the end of the day. I think the problem is actually too much stuff out instead of too little so I think your idea of storing stuff away and rotating every month is a good idea. Going to try that.

[@HowToGYST]

That's exactly the kind of the thing the book, Simplicity Parenting, talks about. When kids have too many things vying for their attention, they lose the space to create and use their imaginations. Advertisers are very sneaky about making us believe that more toys = more fun and more chances for kids to develop (they'll learn so much from all these different things) but the reality is that kids "develop" by exploring and creating and playing make-believe. The book also makes a very good point about boredom: if we constantly bombard kids with stuff, they won't know how to amuse themselves when there's nothing "immediate" to do, and then they'll become agitated. Allowing a child to feel "bored" (i.e. not overly stimulated) is how kids learn to be curious and industrious. I noticed the same thing in my daughter as you're seeing in your grandchildren. Nothing is ever truly appreciated or loved because it's always "on to the next thing". One example that I've thought of is how, nowadays, kids just rip things apart and move on whereas, years ago, a kid would take something apart and then spend hours putting it back together. That was the fun. That was the learning. That was the future career in building, architecture, engineering, etc.

[@andiwagner2950]

My mom used to pack away some of our toys and bring them out on occasion as we were growing up. We lived in a small space and it helped to keep the clutter to a minimum. We enjoyed it. Also, my Barbie house was the bottom two shelves in my closet. My mom used scraps of linoleum and contact paper to make it pretty. When I was done playing, I just closed the closet doors.

[@HowToGYST]

It's definitely helping control the clutter around here. Just the other day my daughter declared that she wanted something from the attic, and I told her she could bring it down if she chose something of equal size to put up in its place. I'm sure it sounds harsh to some, but I'm hoping it will teach her valuable lessons about the value of possessions, the benefits of an uncluttered space, and that true joy is found in quality, not quantity.

[@marysweet7620]

I tried having my son doing it when he was 2-3yrs old and it was a huge fail... but I retried again when he was 5 and it got a little better and now he’s 6 and just that year difference he goes and gets rid of his own toys on his own. He has his own donate bin in his room and I am so proud of him because now he loves to give to others who have less. 🙂

[@meganverne]

that sweater looks so cozy and warm

[@SuperTech59]

Huge difference! Great job. I'm with you-no way I would let a 2 or 3 year old help in this process. Too young to make good choices :D Your videos really crack me up too.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! Yes, I can't see anywhere near as much progress being made with young children involved. I think some people assume I'm throwing away all her favourite toys or something, whereas I'm actually very conscious of her likes and dislikes, what she's outgrown, what she has yet to grow into, etc.

[@jenna-leachapman3517]

I totally agree with you as my youngest son is 5 and he is so attached to his clothes and toys.He will even notice any broken toys in the bin!Whereas my elder son (11) and daughter(9)asked me if they can lose most of their toys recently knowing exactly how they wanted their rooms now as they are older and were pleased they were going to family and charity :)

[@DS-ed8vs]

I have a sweet, giving, communicative, smart 3 year old son. There is NO. WAY. he is ready to participate in this. You know your child, this is for her benefit, more power to you.

[@charlenebrissette3348]

I absolutely love your videos.

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks so much. :D

[@sylviaw3444]

My daughter is 6 and we did her room together. After dividing toys into categories she picked out her 5-10 favs and donated rest. It was going so well that we did book shelf in living room. A run of toy lighter she rewarded her self w/a handful of mini marshmallows. You win some lose some.

[@HowToGYST]

Wow, that sounds brilliant! Was that the first time you'd tackled them together?

[@olgaortiz746]

Great job.

[@camilleinbookland8732]

It looks great!

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks! I think so too. :D

[@susanpeterson9947]

You did a great job!

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you!

[@AinebeautyBlogspot]

Good job! I need to sort my clothes out quite a bit. I'm thinking I'll do it this weekend as I swap over to my winter wardrobe. This is hard, but it needs doing. That's a huge amount of books for a little person, much more acceptable when you're older...lol

[@HowToGYST]

Ha. It was definitely a lot! Much more than I have, and I'm the bookworm! A good way to ease yourself into decluttering clothes is to try on something you haven't worn in a while each morning when you're getting dressed. If you don't want to wear it, it's probably time to get rid of it. Sometimes you'll find a gem you'd forgotten about but, more often than not, you'll realise there was a reason you hadn't worn it for a long time. Out it goes! =)

[@kuchytapr]

Magical too 🤗. Great video. thanks for sharing. Subscribed.

[@HowToGYST]

Hurray! Thank you! :D

[@astraholmes8751]

Wow, what a difference, you did so well.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you. 😊 It's strange but, when I was finished, I didn't notice that big a difference at all. I was quite disappointed. But then I looked back over the pictures and was gobsmacked! Right now, it's my favourite room in the house. 😁

[@caramoonlynn]

good job! this might be an annual event near her birthday or before Christmas or something. my 16 year old won't let me get rid of soft toys! she said she will take them with her to college...I'm so sure! you are doing great!

[@HowToGYST]

My mother kept a lot of my soft toys and, to be honest, I'm glad she did. They mean a lot to me. She kept my very first teddy. You can see him on one of the shelves in the bookcase. =) I will definitely have to keep a close eye on things though. As you say, I'll be doing a little "maintenance" before Christmas and her birthday to clear the way for the new things.

[@tjoebatjoep]

Lolololol that story about your husband getting rid of some of his stuff! Same happened here. My reaction was playing cool and relaxed, a bit blasé even... But, OMG, inside I was dancing the polka and singing Eye of the tiger. He got rid of eight (8) bags with stuff, hundreds of books and he's still been busy with it!

[@HowToGYST]

😂😂😂 I had to make do with just the one sack of clothes, but it's a start!

[@tjoebatjoep]

My husband has a man cave... I'm not allowed there. I don't WANT to be allowed there because of all the electronic parts, bits, bobs, gizmo's, tools and whateverhecollects. But I'm soooooo anxious now!

[@HowToGYST]

At least it's in a separate space and not taking over the entire house. =) Remember, ignorance is bliss. ;)

[@Visranda]

omg I learned to read on the little miss and mr. books!!! :'-) !!!

[@HowToGYST]

When I was a kid, one of my neighbours had the entire collection and I was so jealous. So I'll admit that I bought those books more for me than my daughter. 😂 She absolutely loves Mr Tickle though!

[@janiceevans1804]

great video! toys area nightmare. wish me luck! and thanks for all the helpful advice. KonMarie should be paying you royalties lol! and fantastic breakthrough re the hubby :) Mine came back from 3 days work away and I was worried about his reaction and he seemed to jump on board Yay! :) and my 5 year old asked me to do her pants and socks drawer "like mummies"! :) She loves rolling up socks, using YOUR method! who'd have thought!?! looking forward to your next video x

[@HowToGYST]

Aw, how cute! My daughter loves helping me fold. Granted, I have to re-fold everything afterwards, but she's learning. 😂 Great about your hubby getting on board. I don't think mine's quite there yet, but I was so delighted he got rid of some stuff. Long may it continue. 😉 Good luck with toys! Don't forget to get rid of the big things early on. It gives you a lot more room to manoeuvre, as well as making a visible difference. A great motivator.

[@janiceevans1804]

Well I download a check list off Google. Kids bedrooms is going to come after the kitchen and utility room, probably, hopefully Xmas time when they're around to help :) we've always started with their rooms in the past, I now realise that this was a big mistake as they get messy again the fastest and our living spaces never get done. Not this time. I'm hoping if they witness the changes around the house they might "catch" the bug and want better for their own spaces. Anyhow, this is the new plan! Wish me luck and I look forward to your next video. You have a great personality and humour and delivery. Thank you. Your videos got me started x

[@HowToGYST]

Great plan! Best of luck. And thank you. =)

[@temporarythoughts]

great tip is to use marked bins - it will reduce visual clutter (which has a great effect on us) and allows you to store things more neatly. ;)

[@HowToGYST]

I agree. I already have a few. Happy to say that this room has stayed this clean. :D

[@bettyo8668]

Great job! How did she react when she came home? Has she even missed the toys? There is no way that a little tyke is going to be able to give up toys....for them its all mine, mine, mine. Best to leave them out of it at this stage. Now just fight the urge to bring more into the house! Looks great!

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks, Betty. =) I just told her I'd "cleaned" everything so she was non-plussed when she saw it. It's been less than a week but I've already noticed a huge change in how she plays -- she's much happier to play by herself now, and she seems to have become much more imaginative, making up little stories and narratives. There's only one thing she's enquired about, and that's the easel. I told her it was in the attic because it was just taking up a bit too much space, but that I'd bring it back down soon. She hasn't mentioned it since. Overall, I love that everything is in one room now. Beforehand, we were back and forth between the living room and kitchen, depending on what she wanted to play with it, and it was a bit of a pain. It also meant that there were toys out in both areas, which was double the cleaning. So far, I think it's my favourite transformation. =)

[@JennHeg]

I know this video is old but I just want to say, you go girl. What? The 90's are back in style. You couldn't possibly include her in the process. Because the minute they are reminded of ownership of an item it motivates them to play with it and the things they actually love gets shoved to the back for a time. You know her best. The only thing I do differently is I keep a pile of items that I am not sure if she'll miss and I hide them away in case she asks for them.

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks Jenn. 😁 Since this video I've actually explained to her that some of her toys are in the attic and that if she wants something from there, she has to choose something else to go up in its place. That's made SUCH a huge difference! Just the other week I went through all her toys with her and she said she wanted to put about 80% of them in attic! I was amazed! She even chose a small handful of things to give away to another boy or girl. (I've kept them hidden away, just in case, but she still seems happy with her decision). But she's now consciously choosing which toys she wants to play with and which she wants to put aside. I think the whole idea that she can still access them if she chooses has made all the difference!

[@AshNEricplus4more]

I have a 15,11,and 6 year old plus my husband. I NEVER include any of them in my decluttering because if I did everything would be in the KEEP pile. I have a large house my sons room is FULL of toys, the attic is full of toys a room in my basement (that could be a bedroom) is full of boxes to the ceiling with toys! I get so overwhelmed with it all. I have started with his room and told my self if I can get two garbage bags a week to donate I will eventually get rid of it all.

[@HowToGYST]

You never know, they might surprise you. If you give them each a black bag, tell them you're about to do a trip to the charity shop, and ask them to fill it up with stuff they no longer want, they might come up with the goods! My daughter's 4 and she's starting to get into the swing of things. Sometimes she'll come to me with a toy and say she'd like to give it to another boy or girl. It takes patience, and they'll probably never fully get on board, but you'll be amazed what a little encouragement and just outright asking can do. 🙂

[@amandawalsh4316]

Your finished project looks wonderful. I've a two year old son and another on the way. We currently live in two bedrooms, literally, while we save money to buy a home of our own. Luckily my son does not get very attached to toys and if it breaks he throws it away on his own. My issue comes mainly from my husband. Every time I talk about our son needing to thin out his toys he goes off with "how can you say he has to much, he barely has any at all". Sheesh, really man? I do like your idea of swapping toys out now and then. Now I just got to figure out where we can store them lol.

[@HowToGYST]

In the local charity shop? ;) May I ask which one of you primarily does the tidying up? Or is it a joint effort? I find it's easy to say you don't have too much of something... until you're the one clearing it away every day.

[@amandawalsh4316]

I'm the one who primarily cleans up everything. My husband has been on second shift our entire relationship so he only has to deal with the mess on the weekends if we are home. He just in the last two weeks got moved to first shift so I think he's starting to understand the struggle. Everything is tidy when he comes home, then a disaster by bedtime.

[@HowToGYST]

Do him no harm to see a bit of chaos. Might change his opinion on the toy situation. ;)

[@shannonc8087]

What a wonderful difference! I totally understand why you didn't include your daughter! My 6&8 yr olds wouldn't be able to part with a single fast food toy, even....

[@HowToGYST]

It's definitely easier. Many disagree, but as long as you're considerate of their preferences, I think it's fine to do it alone. So far, she's only noticed one thing missing, and that's in the attic waiting to be swapped out with something else soon. Otherwise, she's been MUCH better at playing by herself now that she can actually reach things.

[@shannonc8087]

We have kept many of the favoured "cheap" toys to be used outdoors... Since we aren't worried about wrecking or losing them. We have squirrelled some things into storage as well. I think I might have tried rotation of toys when they were younger, but the toys they have now are sets. My youngest has a penchant for stuffed animals and the same train tracks as your daughter! My oldest for books. And both for Lego... Would be hard to disappear any of those. I'm just trying to weed out the "baby" toys, now.

[@HowToGYST]

It definitely gets harder as they get older. The train track started as a small little thing I bought her about a year ago. And then my husband decided to buy a big giant expansion pack for her for Christmas. >.< But she does love it. Like you said, it becomes more a matter of weeding out the toys they've outgrown. But also trying to stop loads more coming in!

[@slashedbeauty]

Question: is the KonMari method supposed to be quicker or more thorough? I would think searching through piles to find whatever subcategory you're working on could take more time than just going area by area.

[@HowToGYST]

Great question. It's supposed to be thorough. The idea is that you go through every single item in your home and she says it takes, on average, about 6 months to complete. So definitely not quick! The reason you go by category instead of area is so that you can see just how much of one item you have. When things are spread throughout the house, it's hard to get a handle on the true volume. But when it's all piled in front of you, it's hard to ignore. And the shock is the push you need to whittle things down! =) What I've started doing (as I've done in this video) is to do one category at a time, but to finish off the rest of the room/area once that category is done. That way the entire space is completed decluttered, not just part of it. That's not strictly in keeping with the Method, but I've found it works well for me.

[@temporarythoughts]

get a wicker basket for your firewood etc - the key is to take it out from its original packaginh - it will look beautiful, you are blessed to have real fireplace, take advantage of it :)

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, I do love the open fire, but my husband is awkward about storage. We already have a storage unit for briquettes but he never uses it (even though he's the one who bought it) -- just dumps everything in front of the fire. It's frustrating but, right now, it's a trade-off for having him be the one in charge of cleaning out the fireplace. ;)

[@slinkyboo78]

Your husband got rid of a bag of clothes how did you mansge that do you have a bag of magic fairy dust. Well done on the declutter I bet your glad its done and over and now you can enjoy the benifits of your work xx

[@HowToGYST]

Ha. I've been decluttering for over a year now, so one black sack was the least he could do. (And it may have helped that he's had a near-constant dose of the sniffles this year and I pointed it out that it may have something to do with the fact that all his stuff is coated in dust.) 😂

[@haphun5076]

You are totally right not to consult a 3-year old. They don`t have the mental capacity to make decisions like that, it only confuses them. You as a parent is the best person to choose what`s right for her while she is still this young so when people are horrified that you didn`t include her in the process; tell them to mind their own business.

[@HowToGYST]

No negativity this time around, thankfully, but the amount of people who had a go at me last year when she was only two! They must have super advanced kids coz mine isn't getting it at all.

[@HolisticHomemaker]

I CAN'T wait until you do the sentimental round 2! Even more so I'm SO excited to see if you hit the click point this time around :) How long until you move now?

[@HowToGYST]

Just completed it last weekend but nope, no click point. :/ Not sure on the move yet. Our initial visa application was declined so we've re-applied. Just a waiting game. Of course, the new President doesn't seem keen on immigrants. :/

[@HolisticHomemaker]

Ooo! I can't wait to see!! Will you be posting a video soon? :D Aww, sorry to hear that! We're in Canada and I think we have a pretty good immigration system from what I hear. ;)

[@HowToGYST]

Sadly, my husband's new job is in Ohio, otherwise we wouldn't be going anywhere! And yes, the video should be up later this month. =)

[@Margar02]

How to Get Your Shit Together holy crap, you're coming to Ohio? did you finally managed to get here? I live in Ohio too- Cleveland.

[@HowToGYST]

We're moving to Cincinnati in about 6 weeks. =)

[@neyda8705]

I love that idea for my 17 months old daughter. I also love the little table, were did you got it from?

[@HowToGYST]

IKEA. =)

[@crystalgraves9325]

what did you do with your child while you tidied?

[@HowToGYST]

If memory serves, she was either in pre-school or my parents were looking after her. Other times I've done it, my husband has kept her occupied or sometimes she gets involved. 🙂

[@jamesbriggs5740]

If you clean behind the TV twice a year it's not too bad. Kathy B.

[@slinkyboo78]

😂😂😂😂I must try that one so no fairies needed just good old fashioned regular dust I see must give that one a go I just have to give him a cold first good idea xx

[@HowToGYST]

Find a snotty child and bring them into contact. 😂

[@slinkyboo78]

Your dead right there are plenty of them around this time of year. By the way hows your little girl is she better now xx

[@HowToGYST]

She is, thankfully. She had a bad dose but she's back on track now. Just trying to get her weight back up.

[@slinkyboo78]

That will come in time a few stews and plenty of boiled spuds (granny food) and she'll be grand in no time xx

[@HowToGYST]

Stop, I'd murder a good stew. 😂

[@caramoonlynn]

you can tell by your body language which books you will keep and donate. I think you turn your back on the books to be donated :-D

[@HowToGYST]

I think it has more to do with the fact that I was just surrounded by them. Ha ha. It's definitely harder with my daughter's things because it's not about what sparks joy for me, it's about what sparks joy for her. And I can't know that about everything she owns (she probably doesn't even know it herself yet), so it makes it a little more difficult. I'm going on a "best guess" basis.

[@crosssheep4708]

Hi great work, but how old is your dother? Sorry im very bad in english, im a german woman. My children are 5 and 8 years old. if i declutteringthere toys, its a very bad thing for there, and my children are very angry. What says your child? Is she nothing missing? Have a nice day and thanks for write back.

[@michaelfensterstock8231]

Love it when we get that fire lit! #declutter and #toypurge!! We can always help if you have extra stuff for kids by storing, swapping, or donating! www.bathwaterkids.com @declutter

[@belmy0836]

My son is 7 and I can't do this with him in the house

[@HowToGYST]

Yup, I think 7 is definitely old enough for kids to be involved. Is he quite good at decluttering or does he want to keep everything?

[@Notthecoolmom]

I know the first portion will need to be mom only, because even dad would want to keep some of the "kids"toys.

[@HowToGYST]

It's the opposite in this house! I'm quite sentimental, whereas my husband isn't, so I found he was very helpful for our daughter's things, particularly with her clothes. I wanted to keep ALL the tiny dresses and sleep suits.

[@olgaortiz746]

Lol

[@shimmeronfoxclaw5549]

Wow little ocd with the pics and #’s 😐