If you’re looking for non-judgmental encouragement and motivation for your decluttering journey, then look no further than Natalie Bennett’s “Messy to Minimal” series. Natalie, the original creator of this popular extreme decluttering and home organization series, started her journey in 2020 and has since simplified her home and lifestyle by getting rid of over 80% of her possessions. Her series challenges the idea that decluttering is a one-time activity, especially in homes with young children. Natalie shares her experiences with minimalism, discusses various areas of the house that she has decluttered, and emphasizes the importance of pursuing a simplified and fulfilling life. Throughout the series, she provides non-judgmental encouragement and gentle motivation to help you on your own decluttering and simple-living journey.
In her most recent video, “DECLUTTERING MY ENTIRE HOUSE! Messy To Minimal Extreme Declutter 2023,” Natalie takes viewers through the process of decluttering her entire home. She starts in her ensuite bathroom and moves through various rooms, including the bedroom and office. Along the way, she shares her tips, tricks, and personal experiences with decluttering, while also emphasizing the importance of minimalism as a means to create a home filled with love and simple joys. If you’re in need of some inspiration and guidance to declutter your own space, Natalie’s series is a must-watch.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to decluttering and home organization, Natalie Bennett is the expert. She is the creator of the popular “Messy to Minimal” series, which focuses on extreme decluttering and simplifying one’s home and lifestyle. Since starting the series in 2020, Natalie has made significant progress in reducing her possessions and embracing a minimalist mindset. In this comprehensive article, we will explore Natalie’s journey, her challenges, her motivation, and the impact of minimalism on her life.
Natalie Bennett’s ‘Messy to Minimal’ Series
Background of the series
Natalie Bennett’s “Messy to Minimal” series is all about decluttering and home organization. Natalie, a follower of Jesus, wife, and homeschooling mother of three, started the series in 2020 as a way to simplify her home and lifestyle.
Start year and ongoing journey
Since the start of the series, Natalie has been on an ongoing journey of decluttering and simplifying her life. In the first pass through her home, she managed to get rid of over 80% of her possessions. However, she emphasizes that decluttering is not a one-time activity, especially in a home with young children. For Natalie, decluttering has become a maintenance task to ensure the health and simplicity of her home and family life.
Significant reduction in possessions
Through her dedication and perseverance, Natalie has achieved a significant reduction in her possessions. She has let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring her joy. This process of decluttering has allowed her to create a more open and peaceful home environment.
Shift to maintenance decluttering
While Natalie has made major strides in decluttering her home, she acknowledges that the process doesn’t end there. Instead, she has shifted her focus to maintenance decluttering. By regularly evaluating her belongings and making conscious choices about what to keep and what to let go of, Natalie ensures that her home remains clutter-free and in line with her minimalist ideals.
Challenging the One-Time Decluttering Concept
Importance of decluttering as an ongoing process
Natalie challenges the notion that decluttering is a one-time activity. She believes that decluttering should be an ongoing process, especially in homes with young children. Children’s needs and interests change as they grow, which means that decluttering and reevaluating their belongings is necessary.
Focus on homes with young children
Natalie understands the unique challenges that come with decluttering in homes with young children. Toys, clothes, and other items for children tend to accumulate quickly. She shares her own experiences and provides practical tips and advice for parents on how to navigate the decluttering process with kids.
Dispelling misconceptions and judgment
Natalie aims to create a space free from judgment and misconceptions about decluttering. She emphasizes that everyone’s journey is unique and personal. Decluttering is not about fitting into a particular mold or adhering to someone else’s standards of minimalism. Instead, it is about creating a home that is comfortable and aligned with one’s values and priorities.
Non-Judgmental Encouragement and Motivation
Supporting others in their decluttering journey
As part of her “Messy to Minimal” series, Natalie provides non-judgmental encouragement and motivation to others on their own decluttering and simple living journey. She understands the challenges and frustrations that can arise during the process and offers tips, advice, and words of encouragement to help others stay motivated and focused.
Embracing simplicity and minimalism without judgment
Natalie believes that embracing simplicity and minimalism is a personal choice. She encourages others to find their own version of minimalism and not compare themselves to others. By creating a judgment-free environment, Natalie seeks to inspire and empower others to declutter their lives and create spaces that bring them joy and peace.
Promoting a positive and encouraging mindset
In her content, Natalie promotes a positive and encouraging mindset. She understands that decluttering can be overwhelming at times, but emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and focusing on the positive aspects of the process. Natalie encourages her viewers and followers to approach decluttering with a mindset of gratitude and self-compassion.
Natalie’s Life as a Mom and Homemaker
Finding coziness in chaos
As a mom and homemaker, Natalie embraces the coziness in chaos. She acknowledges that life with children can be messy and unpredictable, but believes that it is important to find joy and contentment in the midst of it all. Natalie encourages other moms to let go of the pressure to have a perfectly organized and minimalist home, and instead focus on creating a loving and nurturing environment for their families.
Prioritizing simple joys over material possessions
Natalie values simple joys and experiences over material possessions. She believes that creating meaningful memories and spending quality time with loved ones are far more important than keeping up with the latest trends or accumulating more stuff. By focusing on what truly matters, Natalie has created a home filled with love and happiness.
Creating a home filled with love
For Natalie, a home filled with love is the ultimate goal. She believes that the atmosphere and energy of a home are more important than its outward appearance. By prioritizing love, kindness, and compassion, Natalie has cultivated a warm and welcoming environment for her family.
The Impact of Minimalism on the Author’s Life
Positive changes brought by embracing minimalism
Embracing minimalism has had a profound impact on Natalie’s life. By decluttering her physical space and simplifying her belongings, she has experienced a greater sense of freedom, clarity, and peace. Minimalism has allowed Natalie to focus on what truly matters to her and has given her the opportunity to live a more intentional and fulfilling life.
The pursuit of a simplified and fulfilling life
Natalie’s journey towards minimalism is ultimately a pursuit of a simplified and fulfilling life. By letting go of excess and unnecessary possessions, she has created space for things that bring her joy and align with her values. Through her content, Natalie inspires and encourages others to embark on their own minimalist journey and discover the benefits of a simplified life.
Decluttering and Organizing in Various Areas of the House
Ensuite bathroom
Natalie begins her decluttering journey in the ensuite bathroom. She takes the time to tidy up and wipe down surfaces, removing unnecessary items that no longer serve a purpose. By decluttering this space, Natalie creates a clean and inviting environment.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, Natalie tackles areas of clutter, such as the bedside table and clothing piles. She shares her process of decluttering and organizing, demonstrating how small changes can make a big difference in creating a serene and peaceful sleeping space.
Office
Natalie’s office is a space where she works, homeschools her children, and pursues creative projects. She declutters and organizes her desk, computer area, and musical instruments, creating a functional and inspiring workspace.
Living room
The living room is a space for relaxation and family time. Natalie declutters and rearranges furniture and removes unnecessary items, creating an inviting and comfortable gathering space for her family and guests.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, Natalie focuses on decluttering and organizing cabinets, drawers, and countertops. She shares practical tips for creating functional storage solutions and maintaining an orderly and efficient kitchen.
School room
As a homeschooling mother, Natalie’s school room is a space where her children learn and explore. She declutters and organizes educational materials, books, and supplies, creating a productive and inspiring learning environment.
Sorting and Donating Items
Finding random items around the house
As Natalie goes through her home, she encounters various random items that need to be sorted. These include broken toys, empty bottles, and unused gadgets. She demonstrates the importance of being mindful of what we bring into our homes and encourages the practice of regularly evaluating our belongings.
Creating donation piles
Natalie believes in the power of giving back. As she declutters, she sets aside items for donation. By donating these items to those in need, Natalie not only reduces clutter in her home but also contributes to the betterment of her community.
Organizing Gardening Supplies in the New Greenhouse
Introduction of the new greenhouse
Natalie shares her excitement about her new greenhouse, a space dedicated to her love for gardening. She demonstrates how organization plays a crucial role in maintaining an efficient and enjoyable gardening experience.
Plans for organizing gardening supplies
Natalie outlines her plans for organizing her gardening supplies in the new greenhouse. She discusses the importance of creating designated spaces for tools, pots, seeds, and other essentials. By implementing effective organizational systems, Natalie ensures that her gardening supplies are easily accessible and well-maintained.
Conclusion
Natalie Bennett’s “Messy to Minimal” series is a testament to the transformative power of decluttering and minimalism. By sharing her journey, challenges, and triumphs, Natalie inspires and motivates others to embark on their own decluttering and simplifying journeys. Through her non-judgmental approach and emphasis on embracing simplicity and love, Natalie provides a roadmap to a more intentional and fulfilling life.