I found a solution for all those papers and items that I need to deal with but don’t a space for (or don’t feel like dealing with) and it’s the Sunday basket. Lisa Woodrow came up with it and she sells them, but all I’ve done is found a nice basket that I keep in living room. I throw mail, small returns, receipts, anything I need to deal with but don’t have to immediately. Every Sunday or whatever day works for you, you go thru it and deal with each items. This keeps things tidy and I know where things are if I do need it before my weekly clean out.

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Wow, such a great idea. So just a basket that holds paper and a little self-discipline to go through it each week. Love this so much. I'm going to bring it up to my husband!

@karenc1733

6 ай бұрын

Such a good idea!!

I love that you tell people not everything needs to be aesthetic. Using what you have is perfectly fine.

Thank you for “normalizing” normal life 😂. I don’t know how else to say that. On social media everything you see is so curated that it leaves many of us feeling… well less than in some ways and that we don’t measure up. I appreciate how hard you work to stay minimal and decluttered. I don’t have kids and I applaud you!! You’re doing great mama! ❤

#1. Get a Grow Into Bin for each child. So things that do not fit are not hanging in the closet as options that aren't really options. (I want to get those recycle bins from IKEA bc they stack but have a diagonal front flap so you literally just toss in the clothes to the right bin.) #2. I keep only 8 tops and 8 bottoms for boys. Plus 2 church outfits. I have a 3 drawer dresser so that the top is for underwear, socks, and undertanks. The middle drawer is for tops and PJs (which I keep 2-3 pairs). The bottom drawer is for bottoms. Also, I do the no fold method so that my children can simply toss in their clothes and we are done. 🙌🏼 #3. And bc you have 3 boys use the dot system. Make 1 dot on the tag of your oldest. Make 2 dots on your second (and when he grows into your oldest 1 dot clothes add a second dot). And when your third gets his older brothers add a third dot. So easy to tell who's is whose when sorting out of the dryer. 😅

@Jo-hello

7 ай бұрын

The dot system was such a game change for me! I just sharpie a dot onto the inside back of each garment and it’s even easier because you don’t have to search for the label. Genius idea whoever thought of that! I can’t remember where I saw it, somewhere on KZread years ago I think! Also one type of sock for each kid. Apart from my boys who are close in age and size do they share. 🙂

Oh yes! The best advice I got when my third was born was to have my older two repeat clothes (assuming they weren't filthy). Wear the same outfit Mon & Tues, a new outfit Wed & Thurs, and another outfit for Fri & Sat. Then a dressy outfit for church on Sunday. My girls got away with only 6 bottoms and 6 tops, 2 church dresses, and 2 PJs for a long time. (now they're 11 and 13 and want to have more choices, but they do their own laundry so that's fine.) This cut down on so much laundry! And it's something we still try and do 7 years later.

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Wow, that's such good advice! I'm going to try to implement that in some way here soon. Thanks for sharing this!

@Jo-hello

7 ай бұрын

I agree! Spot cleaning should be normalised! It uses a huge amount of water, detergent, energy and my energy to was a top that has a smudge of yesterdays mud or toothpaste on it! It’s ok to just dap that little bit off with a damp cloth and get a second day out of clothes!

Neeeeded this video today! Currently 30 weeks pregnant and ALL I SEE IS CLUTTER :D I'm a super organized person and clean out all the time. But now that baby two is on the way I just want to reduce more stuff we simply don't EVER need. Thanks for the inspiration!

You can purchase replacement lids if your Tupperware brand is known. I just ordered a Pyrex lid today to replace a lid I have that’s broken! Way cheaper than replacing the whole thing and prevents tossing good glass

Your videos always give me this kick in the butt that allows me to give myself permission to get rid of things I just don't wear or use, saving pieces for a "what if" moment. I recently moved out of my family's house (I'm 24) and in with roommates. I love the independence but my closet and shared space are much smaller and I'm using the tiny closet as a challenge to truly get rid of things I don't reach for or don't fit my lifestyle. Ex. I'm finally decluttering this black "basic" cardigan I thought I could use for work....but i've never reached for it once in the past year...hahah so clearly I don't use it in my wardrobe!

Margaret….so lovely to see you in such good form and enjoying your life. Rory is adorable! Enjoying your videos!!

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Thanks, Christine. That's so kind of you to say. I hope you have a lovely day!

So glad you're back. Your videos always calm me down

I have 3 boys and due with my 4th in a few months. My goal is to do a whole house declutter BEFORE baby gets here. Thanks for the motivation!!

I’d love you to do a video talking about decluttering your every day life! Like what do you stay away from, what used to clutter your time and days!? Like what is your daily life literally look like like 24 hours! What is your to do list like - that day, that week, that month? I have a never ending to do list and when my days aren’t spent doing I can feel so guilty and ashamed and get so down on myself! I am so hard on myself! As a homemaker, a stay at home wife, I have so much freedom and flexibility and WANT so badly to live a slow life but don’t want to seem lazy. My days are spent talking with my hubby, walking our pup, talking with neighbors, water aerobics, spending time with family, and I feel like I don’t “do enough” - it’s so hard to not let the current culture and societal pressures of what matters get me down. Would love your insight!!! I want to see someone who has been walking this journey a while live out a slow day, like show their exact reality! If I know I’m not alone it will help encourage me lol!

I bought clip pant hangers for my younger 7 kids the older kids do their own laundry and on saturdays we pick out the weeks worth of outfits and it all going on one hanger(pants shirt undies socks) they grab there hanger and it’s all there. Super simple no fighting and I’m ready for those school dress up weeks!

Your decluttering journey is so satisfying to watch! It's inspiring to see how much progress you've made. Keep up the fantastic work, and thanks for sharing these valuable tips! 🏡🌟

thank you margaret, your videos are always so relaxing and inspiring to me ❤

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

I'm so glad! I really enjoyed making this one, declutters are my favorite!

Hi Margaret! I just want to say thank you for your inspirational videos in regards to contentment, nutrition, motherhood, etc. I am actually from the STL area as well and find you to be so relatable and helpful. I used to feel like I was a little extra in regards to toxins, emf from phones, chemicals, etc but you talking about it has really validate me that we should be thinking about this stuff. Your videos are helping me to live a more simple lifestyle that I know is the right path to head down. Anyway I really appreciate you, thanks for always keeping it real ❤

Yay another Margaret video! I have your videos on in the background when I'm cleaning and decluttering my home. You are an inspiration -- your positively fuels me and your wisdom of how to reframe life is helping me a better version of myself.

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Ah, thank you so much for these kind words. I'm so honored and touched that my story can support and encourage you!! Happy cleaning:)

Absolutely loved this video Margaret!

That was just the push I needed to get some stuff decluttered. I excited!!!

OMG I was laughing so much at the red bikini top part!!! That is so me :D

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Margaret! Love your videos! They are very inspiring.... I'd love to have a video about your book collection!

I love you saying that 2, 3, and 4 year olds can't declutter yet because it reminds me of asking my 4 year old to find 2 things she doesn't play with anymore to throw away. She threw away her 2 most played with toys! I had to get them out of the trash. 😂

Great motivational video! Thank you!! It's amazing how fast babies grow!! Rory is so cute!! God Bless you and your sweet family 😊

Oh my goodness I loved this video so much ❤️ Instant sub! I decluttered my kitchen drawers whilst watching you 🥰 Thanks for sharing 🥰

Yay! I love your video days. Praying over younand your family and the newborn transition ❤

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Jessica!

That is such a great book. We love it

I have four boys ages 1-7 and nephews older than them, so I can so relate to the clothes thing 😅 we have probablly 7-8 diaper boxes of clothes that either dont currently fit any of them or are out of season. Ill be going through, sorting and hopefully decluttering some next week

Love this video!!

❤❤❤ I love these videos. So motivating. Thank you. I am also a fellow minimalist and mama of 3 boys! My mother gave me that liturgy book for my birthday and I enjoy it!

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

You're welcome! Love to hear you're in the same boat as me. It's such a fun, wild, challenging and bright season of life! And yes, I'm so glad to hear someone else knows about the Every Moment Holy. It's just so grounding.

@A107S

6 ай бұрын

@@margaretmatheny Raising 3 men is an honor God gave us. How amazing. It’s the best being a mama of 3 sons. And you’re right, a wild time! We homeschool and that liturgy book we read daily during our Bible time at breakfast. It was fun to see you enjoy it too. Sometimes I don’t know how to put my heart into words and this book helps.

I vote to have a dedicated video of your books!!!!

I love Every Moment Holy. One of my most favorite books!

Yes please show books!❤ Love your declutters. You look so great!❤

I would love to see your book collection!

Margaret you inspire me thank you❤❤❤❤❤❤

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

So so so welcome

I’m having my morning matcha 😂 watching this. I feel for you, you’re decluttering for the whole family and that’s hard. I’ve done it for friends and it’s hard. It’s also amazing how much we don’t need and don’t miss it or remember we even had it after we get rid of it…😂❤

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Yessss for the matcha! And yes, right?! I rarely remember and my kiddos rarely remember too!

The wires! My parents have cord wraps and they tape a little label on them so they know what they’re for! I thought this was such a great idea; I need to do it!

The pique matcha IS good!

Do you have specific workouts you do or do you just make it up as you go along? Currently 3.5 months postpartum with my first son and looking for a small movement routine to do at home - love your content!

I can’t wait for that day too. To have matching dishes. Haha… my kids are too little for “nice dishes.”

so inspiring

Inpiring ❤️

What is collection of your books. Do you have a favorite book list.

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Most of my favorite books are on my Amazon storefront! Just thought of that, haha! You don't need to buy any, but they are all listed there.

I love books But i fight guilt mentality. So ive chosen 1 author and the Bible. I picked Francine Rivers

IKEA sells only lids and you can see if they have what matches yours Tupperware so you don’t have to get rid of those glass ones ♥️

10:35 his hand 🥺

❤❤❤

What's that orange clothing you hsve on?

You could always order a replacement lid.

I would suggest more than 1 bin for clothes they don't fit right now for different sizes. Because you may think you have a lot in one size but don't bc the bin is so full. For my youngers I have per size but as they get older I just have one bin for them.

@margaretmatheny

7 ай бұрын

Totally get that! That's good advice. My boys clothing doesn't last for many years though, they wear and tear through them like it's their job, haha.

I know you didn't ask but I have bins for each of my kids with their name on it for artwork, pictures, any memorial type thing that I can place in there! It makes me feel so much better taking it off the fridge, bulletin board, or even accepting it and wanting to just trash it sometimes lol! I just toss it in and know that it will be there later for their joy and mine.

Confession: my toddler wears the same clothes for like 2-3 days at a time (……..sometimes more…….). She literally sleeps in them. Obviously we don’t do this if they’re stained or dirty in any way, but she’s not sweaty or smelly. Most of the time, there’s no need for a new outfit every day. She has great skin, never has had any diaper rash, has had one cold in nearly three years, and is healthy and happy. Laundry is totally painless. The key is comfy, plain cotton clothes. Nothing with synthetic ruffles, lace, zippers or buttons, stiff decals or unbreathable material. All cotton, navy leggings, comfy tops. People compliment her clothes every time we go out and I’m sitting there thinking she literally woke up like that.

📚 books please!

I still remember when I just took on my swimsuits and just throw them away I held on a held on and then I was just done and you know what I’ve never look back

How old are you?

Why do minimalists try to minimize stuff but have a bunch of kids seem contradictory

@mellowmusic1372

4 ай бұрын

First they are parents, then minimalists… I only have one pair of jeans in my possession, but I splurge on my dog’s stuff. Minimalism and “kids” are not exclusive

Too much time on tea.get with the program!!!!