We are a minimalist family and yet we have some stuff. But minimalism is more about habits than stuff. I consider our family minimalist, but I've been told I'm not a real minimalist. I guess I missed the memo on who can join the club. And while the "average American home has over 300,000 items,” we do not. So that's a good place to start. Of course, there's no checklist that works for everyone. But as I studied our home, there are things we do intentionally that make a difference. You will find these habits helpful as you declutter and simplify. Trash Throw away trash immediately. I’m not talking about messy stuff. I mean annoying stuff that accumulates like receipts, wrappers, mail, and packaging. We pick stuff up off the floor, immediately. I recycle as much as possible including junk mail, toner cartridges, and plastic bags. Trash will clutter a flat surface quickly. Guard your flat surfaces because clutter attracts more clutter! Don't forget about the …
Living Simply
3 Habits To Combat My Struggle with Screen Time
1 house, 3 people and 17 devicesI have three devices. Eight more screen-like devices, belonging to my husband and son, are available for my use. And let’s not forget three TVs, two gaming systems and an Apple TV.Seriously?Thankfully, our desire to simplify encourages conversations about what we really need. (I use that term loosely). Because each device has a cost long after their initial purchase including subscription services, protective cases, chargers, accessories, data plans, replacement, and maintenance...just to name a few.5 years ago, we cut the cable cord. Initially, it encouraged us to be intentional about TV watching. And with so many streaming services and advertisements for new shows, our streaming costs could exceed the former cable bill if we didn't follow a budget. When was the last time, you checked in on your subscriptions?Thankfully, I'm not much of a TV person. My best guys, on the other hand, can binge-watch like it's their job. But I have my own issues with …
[Read more...] about 3 Habits To Combat My Struggle with Screen Time
5 Minimalist Gift Ideas for a Clutter-Free Valentine’s Day
Did you know that the Valentine’s Day tradition of giving candy started in the 1840s by Richard Cadbury, a descendant of a British chocolate manufacturing family? With a new chocolate-making technique, Cadbury seized the opportunity to sell chocolates as part of the beloved holiday. And so began the love holiday celebrated with chocolates, flowers, and oversized teddy bears. But I must remind you that $16 billion is wasted on unwanted gifts every year. So, before you click add to cart or order over-priced flowers, let's consider some clutter-free and inexpensive options that won't ruin your budget. Make Dinner At Home During college, I waited tables at a local restaurant, as did my future husband. That's where we met and we could tell you a tale or two! As a result, we do NOT recommend eating out on Valentine's Day. Service is bad, food quality suffers, and restaurants are overcrowded with the goal of getting you in and out fast. Don't do it. Also, Valentine's Day …
[Read more...] about 5 Minimalist Gift Ideas for a Clutter-Free Valentine’s Day
3 Easy Ways to Recycle Old Trophies
Kids collect trophies, ribbons, plaques, medals and paper plate awards by the buckets! My young son’s collection is manageable but we are less scheduled than your average family. Fewer activities definitely means fewer items to display and store.Inevitably, empty nesters and their adult children will find themselves digging through boxes of ribbons and trophies wondering what to do with old trophies. And what I usually hear is that no one wants the stuff. Especially the children who actually earned the awards. As an organizer and minimalist, I encounter this often with my clients. And it tends to be more difficult for the parents to part with the items. If you find yourself struggling to let go of these items and with adult children who just want you to throw it all out, take a breathe. I encourage you to respect their decision and give them the items to handle as they see fit. And yes, that may be the trash can.Sentimental ItemsWhen it comes to all sentimental stuff, like trophies, I …
How Many Vases Do You Really Need?
How Many Vases Do You Really Need? Well, that depends. I love spring and summer when all the flowers are in bloom. It's a beautiful time of year and a welcome break from winter. While it's nice to display flowers in vases, I really prefer to enjoy them outside. (And so do my allergies!) During the winter I find myself drawn to candles, but just a few, more than flowers. Set a Boundary Over the years, I've worked in many garages, basements, and kitchens and routinely find enough extra vases to supply a large wedding reception. Vases are an item that people accumulate without much thought. Flowers arrive. Flowers die. Vases are washed and put in a cabinet. It doesn't seem to matter if its a vase you like or have room to store. The default response is to keep all the vases we've ever received and find space to store them throughout the house. And this is why I suggest setting a boundary for every category throughout your home, like dishes and books. When it came time to declutter my …
Empty Nesters: 10 Simple Tips to Help You Declutter and Downsize
Almost Empty Nesters We'll be empty nesters next year. As our son enters his final year of high school, I realize how quickly this is becoming a reality. And now that he's driving and doing things on his own, I often joke that we're practicing being empty nesters. With this experience, I feel even more connected to my clients who are already empty nesters. And to those who, like me, can see that their kids won't be living under their roof much longer. I think I always knew that the "days would be long and the years would be short." But I guess I just didn't realize how very short they are. I have sincerely loved every phase of raising a family and building a career, two careers actually. But I firmly believe that living a life with less stuff and more contentment made it all the better. So as we embark on our third act of life, I plan to declutter and downsize even more. And help as many empty nesters and working women as I can along the way. Decluttering …
[Read more...] about Empty Nesters: 10 Simple Tips to Help You Declutter and Downsize