5 YEARS OF MINIMALISM | 80% less stuff! what I’ve learned + how I’ve changed | messy to minimal mom

Hey! My name is Natalie and I love sharing about my life as a mom and homemaker/homesteader. Around here we embrace the coziness in the chaos and the magic in the mundane. I believe simple joys and a home filled with love (not STUFF) are more important than "keeping up with the Joneses." I'm glad you stopped by! I hope you find some encouragement and gentle motivation and a cozy corner of the internet that's full of peace.

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SOME HELPFUL TAGS:
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[NatalieBennett]

Who’s ready for more MINIMALISM/SIMPLE LIVING content in 2025!? What videos would you love to see? Let me know 👇👇👇👇

[Youknowitsjenn]

I HAVE noticed a difference but in the BEST way! I loved your videos before but recently, it feels like a more cozy, relaxed, calming safe space. I can see your personality more, in your editing, content, decor, attire…it has inspired me to find myself more

[LittlesOfOurOwn]

One thing I always run into with my YouTubers is that I find someone I really like, then either my interests or priorities change, or their channel changes soo much that we no longer align. The most common example is they buy a mansion and now their standard of living is just so unrealistic next to mine. I’ve been following you for maybe 5years now(?) and one thing that’s kept me coming back to your channel is that we’ve changed together. For me, you are easy to connect to. You are real. So many other channels make me feel less than or guilty about something or another that I’ve really stopped participating in most social media altogether. But when I leave your channel, and a select few others, I feel uplifted or centered. I like the old videos but I also like the new videos. ❤

[JewelEckert]

I absolutely LOVE your quote… “ my identity is not in items my identity is in the LORD!!! “ 23:35

[MalinaCC]

Your videos are a fresh, calm breath of air. I have noticed you getting more calm and confident over the years. Really so grateful for the time and effort you put into them!

[taylorplourde]

I hope this doesn’t come off too dramatic, but your videos have helped changed my life! I started watching your channel the year before I got engaged to my now husband of 2 years. And because of ideas your video prompted and your encouragement, I have become a homemaker who is comfortable and confident in my role. Seeing to you grow more comfortable in your videos has been a big part of it! You not only talk the talk, but you walk the walk! Thank you!! And may God bless you and your family abundantly this year!

[carolynridlon]

When i was a junior in high school a classmate wrote in my yearbook - basically " you dont need to be what everyone else thinks you should be, be yourself!" No truer words spoken. I've spent many years since remembering these words & it's changing my life. I am Carolyn - who loves travel, sewing, crafts, reading & being a stay at home (retired) homemaker! I take what is enjoyable for our family (hubby & I) - so yes i have grey walls in our home, but lots of color & wood to counter the blandness. The same with my clothes, food, ... I'm simplifying even more but enjoying life (even with dealing with an unknown health issue for the last year - hope to find a reason this year!)

[monicataylor]

Natalie, you have always been a fave of my subs! I wish at 72 I would have had my act together sooner, but I have been decluttering for a few months and its getting easier to toss or donate lately.
I look at you like a modern homesteader and live watching you softly tend your garden, teach your children and love your spouse! Never thought to welcome my husband home until I heard you say it to Weston in a video. I have done it to my husband ever since! So Thank You for that and your beautiful videos ❤

[RelatableMotherhood]

I have noticed your content switch and I actually LOVE it. It makes me feel like I'm watching your vlog channel again, which was a life line to me during my years as a brand new stay at home mom with a baby and a toddler. Your presence on Youtube has blessed me so much ❤

[catsmeow]

love your content Natalie. I would much rather watch someone who is "real" and "imperfect" than someone who is trying too hard to be perfect. keep up the great videos and Happy New Year.

[BelleTeteRouge]

You introduced me to "progress over perfection" and it has changed my life dramatically, in the best ways. I'm eternally grateful to you and this channel. Thank you 💜

[cynthiaslebodnik]

Your #5 lesson is where I am. I am Cynthia, not my husband's wife or my son's mother. Those are true, but people forget that I am my own person, and it depresses me that people expect me to be someone I'm not just because my family is great at a task. Don't put people onto pedestals and expect me to join them. That's not who I am. I'm just Cynthia, and I would like to be accepted as me alone. Thanks for being honest because it helps me to be honest with myself.

[briananddarcie]

I felt so free as a Christian after a church service in which my pastor preached about identity. I realized, I’m a child of God by the will of God. PERIOD so freeing!

[MissHappyNarwhal]

My favorite thing about watching your videos is that they are motivating but chill at the same time. Sometimes i find other channels and youtubers to be obnoxious 😅 you have a very calming presence that makes me feel like im chilling with a big sister.

[stellastar]

Also this angle is so good your home is looking amazing the light that enters it from the space you’ve created removing that kitchen wall is just blessed

[andrea.s.]

When I watch your videos from a couple of years ago, I do notice the difference. You've always been authentic and relatable, but over time I feel you've become more confident, maybe more comfortable within your online community that's supporting you, and you've opened up more. I appreciate that you've grown into your own style of doing things, and as your content changes over time, I feel like we're on this journey of personal growth and development together. So thank you for all of that! ❤

[ErikaAnn]

I've absolutely noticed a shift in your content and I'm so here for it! You're more casual, comfortable, confident, and unapologetically you and it's the best. After so many years of watching vloggers on YouTube, you are the only one I am still subscribed to because I feel like we've evolved together. 🩷

[raspberrychai]

I've been watching your videos since Hailey was about a year old. I have loved the shift in your channel. You are the only Patreon channel I'm subscribed too and my heart does a leap when I see you've posted a new video. I dedos have enjoyed seeing your personality shining more especially through your home decorating and thrifting! Your overall message of contentment is always a balm to my soul.

[sarainfante]

Hey Natalie :) I’ve been watching your videos for over 6 years. I would agree you’re more casual, but I have learned and grown so much with you over the years! We’re about the same age, and it’s so cool how much we can grow when we have an open mind. I feel like we align in our thoughts with minimalism. I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist, but I really strive to be intentional about every item I bring into my home. I have learned so much from you about being intentional as a homemaker and mama. I started watching you before I was even pregnant with my daughter ❤️ I truly appreciate you so much and the incredible content you share with us all!

[sandihumeniuk]

That was a very good observation…Of which I came to the realization recently myself. It’s the clutter not the color! I too went through the stage of trying to make my home all white/beige several years ago along with decluttering. Now I have injected colour and feel more at home along with a simplified minimal-ish home