An Experiment in Minimalism

"Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art and music, where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features." 




I thought I would extend this concept to the giant hoard of toys my children have accumulated over the past 4 years. Why? because I noticed a few things. First, my kids really only play with certain fundamental toys. Sure they might take out a different toy and leave it out on the floor, but they don't spend a lot of time with it. Second, I am tired of picking them up all the time. 


Before

MESS!

Toys, Toys, Toys
So slowly over about 2 months, I started taking toys down to the basement. I had expected a huge revolt, but they didn't even notice. I KNEW IT! The final step in my minimalism experiment was last week. I have taken ALL of their toys to the basement except three baskets. I figure one for each child. One holds books, one holds cars, the other animals. Oh, and our wheely bugs. 


After



These are all of the toys we have out now, in the whole house. You know what? they didn't care! I rotate the book selection every few weeks, just to mix it up.  So now I have a basement full of toys. I think it is time to call our local charity for a pickup. Love it.


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19 comments:

  1. TanyaJanuary 17, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I've been considering the same thing. My boys birthdays are in December and January, and when you add Christmas between them, it's an onslaught of toys. They're ALWAYS on the floor, but seem to be stepped on more than used. I'd like to keep their play kitchen, toy cars, small train set, building blocks, books and a ride-on toy for each...they spend hours every week on those ride-ons...Mama's not willing to give them up!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Hi Sarah! You're one clever little Mommy! I so remember those days of toys! :) You've brought back some sweet memories. I remember always stepping on tiny little pieces of leggos or something in my bare feet - ouch! :) It's funny how our kids are! Thank you for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  3. PanamamamaJanuary 17, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    So awesome! Mine are into Legos and they take over. I think I'm gonna try your approach and see what happens...

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  4. Judy @ In His GripJanuary 17, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    This was a continual thing in my house too years a go when I had little ones. The amount of toys kids accumlate just happens, but making them a part of choosing to take them to a local charity is a way of helping them know they can be a part of something that can help kiddos their age. Now there are times when I wish those toys were scattered about my house again:o)

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  5. StaciJanuary 17, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    I had moved all of my boys' toys to our well lit basement and hadn't ventured down there ofr quite some time. Apparently someone had decided that NOTHING should be in a container, and EVERYTHING was dumped on the floor so you couldn't even wlak. We had each of our 3 boys choose which toys meant something to them, and we sorted through it all - placing the flotsam and undesirables in a giant box. When a few weeks had passed an no one had touched the things in the giant box - out it went. Best thing I ever did.

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  6. UnknownJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Sarah, thanks so much for stopping by my blog this week! I love your experiment in minimalism. I have 3 boys that are past the 'toy' phase and I completely agree with you (you should have asked me before you bought them all!)... I think we buy these toys for our kids to please ourselves! The best thing we can do for our kids is to teach them to learn how to accept the word "NO" when they ask for things. It's hard to do - but just like taking the toys down to the basement and them not missing them - they get over the "NO" factor pretty quickly too if you say it often enough (kind of like letting them cry to sleep through the night when they were babies? it was so hard at first but after a few nights - everybody's sleepin' like babies!).

    Michelle
    www.newengland-style.com

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  7. ARKJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    I am SOOOOOO with you!! The basement needs a cleanout now :)


    ...loving your blog and relating so much to you...my boys are 4,2 and almost 1 :) ...definitely following you now :)

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  8. Angie HoldenJanuary 18, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Toys are my pet peeve!! After three kids it seems that the toys are multipling!! I took some off last week and I am in "organize" mode. Crossing fingers it looks as good as yours when I am done!!

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  9. Francie...The Scented Cottage StudioJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Wow...that looks great and what a brilliant idea !
    I remember those days too.
    (())

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  10. Sandy Jenney - Organize with SandyJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    lol.. I know boys! I had 4 of them and married a man with 3 more! Love the playroom..you did a great job.
    I found you from Organize and Decorate Everything.
    I would love for you to link this up to my Organizing Mission Monday link party! Hope to see you there.

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  11. Organize with SandyJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my link party.

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  12. JaniceJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    I'm trying to do this too, and I'm impressed with the fact that you have kept only three bins out!
    I'm expecting baby #3 and will have three girls. I think it's time for me to do a toy cleanse. I don't have a basement though, so the toys might go right to donations. I thought that would create a lot of rioting, but you have made me think otherwise, thank you!

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  13. Kelly~ Wave of Life Surf StudioJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    I have 2 littel ones & I so need to get organized! Hi I am your newest follower from the blog hop & would love it if you stopped by and returned the love :)

    http://waveoflifesurfstudio.blogspot.com/

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  14. Becky@OrganizingMadeFunJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    I absolutely agree! I guess I'm not the only parent who feels that limiting them to just a few toys is best! My daughter pretty much only has American Girl and Barbie to play with - a few costumes, but we gave most of them away! My son is the same way! Only three different things he plays with - knex, Legos and trains! I love to organize, so if you ever want more inspiration, please feel free to visit!

    Becky B.
    www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com
    Organizing Made Fun

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  15. LeanneJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:36 AM

    That's awesome. It's so true about playing with only a few of their favorite toys most of the time. I love the baskets you've used. Thanks for linking to We're ORganized Wednesday.

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  16. ErinJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    I love this idea. I am here from CSI link party. Now a follower, really like your blog!

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  17. Lisa at Paint in my HairJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    I do this too! The best part is, if you get sick or just need a day "off" sometime - just bring up a few things they haven't seen in a while and they play happily all day long.

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  18. MonicaJanuary 22, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    I rotate toys for my boys. This is impressive, though! I've never managed to get so few toys out at a time.

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  19. Megan @ Megity's HandmadeJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    SMART! I'm trying to figure out my kiddies right now. My daughter is hoarder like no other. When I give up and clean out her room, it's loads of crayons, papers, clothing, play food. Thanks for the inspiration!

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