“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ― Confucius
I used to really look forward to the weekend just so that I could “catch up” on some downtime to relax and refresh. The problem was that there was usually so much to do that there never really was any real time to catch up. What does that even mean anyway?
I knew that activities which were not scheduled wouldn’t get done and rarely did I actually schedule any time to just relax. That concept was not a conscious part of my thinking or planning.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get hooked into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are constantly bombarded with information, social media notifications, and the pressure to keep up with the latest trends. It’s no wonder that many people feel overwhelmed and stressed out.
The Benefits of Simplicity
Living a simple life can have numerous benefits for your mental and physical well-being. Let’s talk about a few them.
Less Stress
When you simplify your life, you reduce the number of decisions you have to make on a daily basis. This can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on what’s truly important in your life.
More Time
By cutting out unnecessary tasks and activities, you free up more time for the things that matter most to you. This could be spending time with loved ones, pursuing your passions, or simply taking a moment to relax and recharge.
Greater Clarity
When your life is cluttered with unnecessary distractions, it can be difficult to see the big picture. Simplifying your life can give you greater clarity and perspective, helping you to make better decisions and achieve your goals more easily.
How to live a simple life
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, it may be time to simplify your life. Give some of these ideas a try.
Declutter
Start by decluttering your living space. Get rid of items you no longer need or use, and organize the things that are left. A clean and tidy living space can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Focus on the Essentials
Identify the things that are truly important to you and focus your time and energy on those. This could be spending time with loved ones, pursuing your passions, or working toward your goals.
One activity that works well for me, is to head over to the pool and swim a couple of thousand yards. I take it nice and easy and don’t allow any thoughts in my mind which may cause stress or anxiety.
Be sure to make time for leisure in your daily schedule. It won’t happen unless you dedicate the time.
Say “No” More Often
“Real freedom is saying ‘no’ without giving a reason.” ― Amit Kalantri
Learn to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities or goals. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that your time and energy are valuable resources.
Simplicity may not be easy to achieve in today’s complex world, but it’s worth striving for. By simplifying your life, you can reduce stress, gain more time, and achieve greater clarity and perspective. So why not give it a try?
Have you ever packed a lot more than you needed? All the while, dragging your luggage around only to find that you only used half of the items that you packed?
Oh yes, we’ve all been there.
Imagine having just the right amount of stuff and not feeling like you’ve missed out on something.Sounds amazing, right? Let’s look at how you can accomplish this.
Dave and I are planning a three week trip to Italy in the fall so let’s talk about packing. Your physical baggage can become a real headache while you’re on the go if you’re not mindful of how to pack properly, so it’s important to just pack just what you need.
Are you tired of lugging around a heavy suitcase every time you travel? Do you dread the thought of packing and unpacking all your belongings? If so, then it’s time to embrace a minimalist packing philosophy.
Minimalist packing means traveling light and smart, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Here’s how to pack like a minimalist and make your next trip stress-free.
The less cluttered and more prepared you are for travel, the more relaxed you will be while on vacation. This also comes in to play if something comes up and you need to make changes to your travel plans. Less is more, right?
This applies to your suitcases too. We are traveling to Italy with just our carry-on bags. I learned a long time ago that checking luggage isn’t for me. This is where packing light becomes essential.
Just pack what you need
Separating what we want to bring from what we need can be a real challenge. Minimalist travel is about living simply and comfortably and is something that takes time to get used to.
Packing smarter will make you more comfortable on the road, help you avoid lost baggage by keeping it carry-on only, and it eliminates the wait you’d normally spend at baggage claim.
It may be difficult not to overpack and include things you think you might need, but in the end, traveling light will make your trip much easier.
Leaving behind the unnecessary and embracing minimalist travel will add to the freedom you’ll need to travel at your leisure. The best part is that there isn’t a set of strict rules that everyone needs to follow to achieve this when they pack.
Consider these questions before your trip
The first step in minimalist packing is to make a packing list. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Start by making a list of all the essentials you need, such as clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Then, go through the list and eliminate anything that is non-essential or can be easily replaced.
There are a few key questions to ask yourself as you create your own travel packing list so that you can reduce the amount of stuff you decide to take with you. Look at everything and ask yourself:
Do I need it?
Will I use it?
What items can be multi-purposed?
What can I use repeatedly?
Let your need for particular items outweigh the number of things you simply want to bring along. Prior to your trip, make a list of the things you actually use on a daily basis. It may surprise you how short this list is.
For example, you needwalking shoes but you want to bring three pairs to give you more options. This one’s a no-brainer. Just bring one pair of each type of shoe you’ll be needing, rather than bringing multiple pairs that all serve the same purpose.
Also, consider those items which are provided for you. Do you really need to bring a hairdryer when most hotels provide them?
The same rule applies for clothing, accessories, and your technological devices.
The right luggage is crucial
The key to minimalist packing is to choose the right luggage. A small, lightweight suitcase or backpack is ideal for minimalist travelers.
Look for luggage with multiple compartments to help you stay organized. Avoid large suitcases, which can be difficult to maneuver and can quickly become heavy. Investing in a nice piece of luggage, with good wheels, really simplifies your life.
Now for the packing
Choose what’s practical and consider designing a capsule wardrobe. Capsule wardrobes are made up of a few pieces of clothing that can all be mixed, matched, and worn for any occasion. This not only frees up space in your bag, but it also phases out the hassle of planning each individual outfit.
Stick to a neutral colors which will allow you to mix and match your outfits, so you can pack less and still have plenty of options. I generally pack basic colors like black, white, gray, and navy blue. This will also make it easier to pack and unpack, as all your clothes will match.
If you’re planning a multi-city trip like we are, who will be the wiser if you wear the same outfits over and over again? It’s important to be comfortable and make it easy on yourself by traveling lightly.
Thinking about bringing your journal, a few books to read, or a dozen extra camera batteries just in case? Minimalist travel takes every “what if” and “just in case” out of the packing process altogether. These phrases may seem thoughtful and cautionary, but they generate more needless clutter and disorder than you’d think.
Keep striving to eliminate these hypotheticals from your packing method and you’ll eventually get pretty good at distinguishing between necessary and unnecessary. It will become a habit that will become natural for you.
Developing a more minimalist mindset toward toiletries can be a daunting task as well. Toiletries can quickly take up valuable space in your luggage. To minimize the amount of toiletries you need to bring, consider purchasing travel-sized containers or using multi-purpose products. For example, a moisturizer with SPF can replace both your moisturizer and sunblock.
Also, at this phase of life, there is peace of mind in knowing that if I forget something essential, I can easily just pick up a new one. If you would like to see a sample list, head over here to my blog about the minimalist packing list and take a peek.
Less is more…enjoy the journey
Packing like a minimalist is all about traveling light and smart. By choosing the right luggage, sticking to a neutral color palette, and minimizing your toiletries, you can pack less and still have everything you need. With these tips, you’ll be able to travel stress-free and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
What does it mean to live a “minimalist” lifestyle?
“I am a minimalist. I like saying the most with the least.” ― Bob Newhart
A minimalist lifestyle is a way of living that focuses on simplicity, reducing clutter, and living with only the essentials. Minimalism is not just about decluttering your physical space, but it also encompasses simplifying your life in all aspects, including your finances, relationships, and daily routines.
The Benefits of a Minimalist Lifestyle
Living a minimalist lifestyle has many benefits. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
Less Stress
Minimalism can help reduce stress levels by simplifying your life. With fewer possessions, you have less to worry about and can focus on the things that matter most to you. You can also free up time and mental space by eliminating unnecessary tasks and commitments.
More Financial Freedom
Minimalism can also help you save money and reduce debt. By purchasing only what you need and eliminating the desire for material possessions, you can save money and use it for experiences or investments that are more meaningful to you.
Improved Relationships
Minimalism can help improve your relationships by allowing you to focus on the people and experiences that are important to you. By eliminating distractions and simplifying your life, you can spend more quality time with loved ones and build stronger connections.
How to Adopt a Minimalist Lifestyle
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle may seem challenging, but it is easier than you think. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Declutter Your Home
The first step to living a minimalist lifestyle is to declutter your home. Get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. Start with one room at a time and be ruthless in your decluttering. If an item does not bring you joy or serve a purpose, it is time to let it go.
Simplify Your Finances
To simplify your finances, you can start by creating a budget and sticking to it. Eliminate any unnecessary expenses and focus on saving money. Consider downsizing your home or car to reduce your expenses even further.
Simplify Your Schedule
To simplify your schedule, start by eliminating any unnecessary commitments or tasks. Focus on the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Learn to say no to things that do not align with your values or goals.
That’s it in a nutshell
A minimalist lifestyle can help you live a simpler, more fulfilling life. By focusing on the things that matter most to you and eliminating distractions, you can reduce stress, save money, and improve your relationships. Start by decluttering your home, simplifying your finances, and streamlining your schedule. Embrace minimalism and enjoy the benefits of a simpler life.
Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. You never want to forget anything, but at the same time, you don’t want to bring too much. That’s where a minimalist packing list comes in handy.
With just a few key items, you can travel light and stress-free. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need for the ultimate minimalist packing list.
The Benefits of a Minimalist Packing List
Before we get into the specifics of what to pack, let’s talk about why a minimalist packing list is so beneficial. First of all, it saves you time. When you have fewer items to pack, you spend less time packing and unpacking.
Additionally, it saves you money. When you pack lighter, you can avoid baggage fees and other extra costs. Finally, it saves you stress. When you’re not lugging around a heavy suitcase, you can focus on enjoying your trip.
What to Pack in Your Carry-on Luggage
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, a minimalist packing list means sticking to the basics. Bring versatile items that can be dressed up or down. Stick to neutral colors so that you can mix and match easily. Here’s a list of what to pack:
2-3 pairs of pants or shorts
4-5 shirts
5-6 pairs of underwear and socks
1 dress or skirt (for women)
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 pair of dressier shoes
1 jacket or sweater (wear your heavy items on the plane to free up space in your suitcase)
1 bathing suit (if needed)
Toiletries
When it comes to toiletries, it’s easy to overpack. Stick to the essentials and remember that most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Here’s what to pack:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Sunscreen/Moisturizer
Makeup (if needed)
Electronics
Electronics are another area where it’s easy to overpack. Stick to the basics and remember that most hotels provide hairdryers and irons. Here’s what to pack:
Phone and charger
Laptop and charger (if needed)
Camera and charger (if needed)
Headphones (if needed)
Final Thoughts
A minimalist packing list is a great way to travel stress-free. By sticking to the essentials, you can save time, money, and stress. Remember to pack versatile clothing, essential toiletries, and only the necessary electronics. Less is more…enjoy the journey!
Downsizing your home can be both an overwhelming and an exciting time, and it’s one that generally comes with a big lifestyle change. People downsize for many reasons; perhaps they no longer need as much space, they want to save money, or they’re entering a new phase of life and they want to change their living situation.
Whatever your reason, this piece may help you learn how to downsize in an organized and stress-free way, with tips and tricks on everything from how to make decisions about what to keep and what to declutter and how to deal with sentimental keepsakes.
“Much of what we acquire in life isn’t worth dragging to the next leg of our journey. Travel light. You will be better equipped to travel far.” ― Gina Greenlee
Downsizing is moving from a larger house to a smaller one. It typically involves getting rid of possessions that are no longer needed or that will not fit into the new place and it can be a big lifestyle change.
Dave and I are good examples of boomers who downsize. First, we moved into a smaller home in the same town, after our children moved out. About three years later, we moved into an even smaller home in another state when we retired. We made these two moves over the course of about seven years. I hope you can learn a few things from our experience.
The key to downsizing is to start early, pace yourself, and remain focused, and to remember that what may seem like tedious and time-consuming tasks will save you time and effort once you get to your new home.
Packing your home for the move
1. Get an early start
It’s a good idea to reset your mindset and adjust the way that you think about your current home and belongings as soon as you decide that downsizing your home is in your near future.
This doesn’t mean you need to start packing and organizing right away, but you can start making lists of everything you have and stop purchasing items you know you don’t need and probably won’t ever use. Use this as an opportunity to begin to declutter as the seasons change.
This way, you can begin to prepare yourself and your home for the process of downsizing and you won’t be under a lot of stress when it’s time to really begin. In my experience, it was a lot of work to sell a home, downsize, and buy a new home within a very short period of time. We did it all in about 45 days. If you have the time, I strongly recommend that you pace yourself.
2. Know what you have
While it may seem tedious, taking inventory of everything that you have is an important pre-packing step. There may be possessions you forgot you had, things that are broken and need to be thrown out, or multiples that have accumulated over the years.
This will also give you an idea of how many boxes you will need and how much time you should give yourself for the packing process. This is also a good time to measure furniture to see what will fit inside your new home and what won’t. While you’re measuring, also consider the bulkiness of the pieces of furniture you plan to move, especially if the rooms are smaller.
For example, we moved a very nice couch with a pull-out bed in it for use in a guest bedroom. We measured carefully and although it fit, it was very bulky and just wasn’t right for the room. By the time the cushions were removed and the queen mattress was pulled out, the room felt “full.”
I want our guests to have plenty of space and to be comfortable so we donated that pull-out bed couch to a needy family and replaced it with a Murphy bed, or wall bed, which is only pulled down when guests are visiting and it is the perfect solution for us.
If we had considered how much space that pull-out bed really consumed and how bulky it was, we never would have moved it from California to Arizona.
3. Sort and declutter
To stay organized and focused during what may seem like a very overwhelming task, come up with categories to sort everything. For example, set up separate boxes for items you will keep, donate to charity, toss, sell, or give to other people.
This way, as you go through all your possessions, you can ask yourself which of the categories the item falls under, then either place it inside the designated box or, if it’s too large, place a label on it.
4. Oh, those sentimental items
Going through your things and deciding what to keep and what to toss can be challenging and emotional, especially when it comes to sentimental items and family heirlooms.
There are several ways to approach sentimental items; if you have boxes and boxes of old photos but don’t have the room to keep them all, digitize them. Keep the originals that have most meaning and value to you if you must, then go through and scan all the rest.
This way, you can still enjoy all your pictures, they just take up much less space. The same applies to postcards, greeting cards, and other things, like concert tickets or playbills, that you may have kept as souvenirs.
As for items such as a piece of furniture or an accessory like a statue or a painting, evaluate how much it means to you personally and whether you would have it out on display or if it would just sit in a box stored away.
If the answer is the latter, consider giving it to a family member or passing it down to a child or grandchild. This way, the item stays in the family, and you can still see it, just not necessarily in your own home.
5. Getting rid of stuff
Even when it comes to items that are non-sentimental, deciding what to hold on to and what to toss can be difficult and overwhelming. To help you with the process, there are a couple of questions you c an ask yourself as you evaluate each item.
Have you used it in the past year? Do you see yourself using it in the future? Do you have space for it in your new home? Do you have duplicates of it? Is it in working order, or is it broken?
Thoughtfully considering these questions will help you remain focused and make the hard decisions easier. I thought I did a pretty good job of this, but the fact is, I still let that “what if I need this some time in the future” thinking paralyze my decision-making process at times. Consequently, we still moved a lot of things we had to get rid of once we got here, which is both expensive and time consuming.
6. Don’t do it all at once
Under most circumstances, downsizing is a process and should be treated as such. You didn’t collect all your belongings in a week, so expect that it will take longer than a week to go through them.
Giving yourself time is important so that you can keep your momentum going before you even get to your new house, and so that you can stay organized and do as much sorting and purging as is necessary.
No Regrets
Devise your plan and divide tasks over a period of time. Recruit help if need it. Others may not be able to help you decide what to keep and what to donate, but they can help you clean, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, carry boxes from room to room, or prepare items for donation.
If your move to downsize also involves a major lifestyle change, such as becoming an empty nester or retiring and moving into a much smaller home, considering your new lifestyle will help you make hard decisions.
For example, if you don’t need more than one vehicle, you may want to consider selling one of your cars. Now that we are retired, we realize that we don’t need two cars. This saves you time, money, and a opens up a great deal of space in your garage.
As long as you give yourself plenty of time and get started early, remain focused and organized throughout, and are willing to get rid of everything that takes up too much space, the downsizing process can be surprisingly smooth and simple.
“When your intention is clear, so is the way.” Alan Cohen
One Room at a Time
Are you feeling uncomfortable with the amount of stuff in your house? Are there areas where clutter has totally taken over and you aren’t sure where to even begin decluttering? Decluttering and organizing your home might seem like an unnerving task, but you’ll be amazed to see just how much better you will feel once the job is done.
Clutter can have a negative impact on our well-being, and it can cause needless stress and anxiety. Your home should be a calm, relaxing space. When you focus on your end goal and why you want to achieve it, it can help motivate you throughout the decluttering process.
How does clutter affect your life?
Clutter is defined as a collection of things lying about in an untidy mess.
Examples of clutter include books and magazines, sports equipment and games, sculptures and baskets, a stack of papers on your desk in need of attention – anything that could be left out of place and considered unorganized.
Most of us have some kind of clutter in our homes. Whether it’s a kitchen counter that’s covered in stuff, a “junk” drawer that’s become a dumping ground for things that don’t have a home, or a garage that’s become a place to stick things you don’t know what to do with.
The best place to start is with a plan. Focus on one room and then one space within that room at a time so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Make Your Bedroom a Relaxing Retreat
The bedroom is an easy space for clutter to accumulate for a few reasons. Aside from sleeping, most people don’t spend too much time there. It’s also a space that most people generally don’t invite visitors into so it can be an easy place to hide clutter.
1. Clear out your closet and dresser drawers
Empty the closet and drawers and get rid of socks that don’t have a match, things that no longer fit, and anything else you don’t need to keep. Only put back those things that you actually wear or are using. Don’t give in to the “I might need this sometime” mentality. That kind of thinking is what got you in this situation.
2. Don’t forget your bedside tables
Why do bedside tables have a tendency to accumulate clutter? I’m not sure why that is, but they do. Determine what doesn’t belong there and find appropriate homes for them.
3. Take a good look at your bed
Your bed should bring you a sense of comfort. It’s your place to relax and refresh. The right bedding can make all the difference. Choose fabrics which are appropriate for your climate so that you sleep comfortably.
Be sure to make your bed when you get up in the morning and don’t use it as a place to stack things. Remember, your bedroom is your retreat.
Declutter Your Bathroom and Just Keep the Essentials
The bathroom is another hot spot for clutter. Drawers and cabinets make it easy to keep clutter out of sight and out of mind, and bathroom counters can quickly become inundated – especially in a shared space. Here’s how to begin decluttering your bathroom.
1. Clean out cabinets and drawers
No doubt, you’ll find expired medication, old makeup, broken or damaged items, and plenty of other stuff you won’t actually use again. Get rid of all of it and just put back the items which are essential for your use.
2. What’s on the counter top?
Keeping lots of stuff on your bathroom counter is sure to make the space feel cluttered. And after you clean out those cabinets and drawers, you should have extra space to put some of that stuff away. Get in the habit of putting things away when you’re finished with them.
3. Just the essentials
As you declutter the bathroom, focus on just the essential items that you use regularly. This perspective shift of keeping your mind on the things you love can make it easier to let go of the things that aren’t getting used.
The Kitchen and Countertops
Whether or not you enjoy cooking, the kitchen can easily become a spot where clutter accumulates because people enjoy hanging out in the kitchen. Also, lots of counter space means plenty of room to let clutter stack up.
Much of this clutter does belong in the kitchen – spices, fruit bowls, utensils, cutting boards, and small appliances that take up a lot of space but don’t see much use.
Other times, that clutter involves things like keys, mail, books, water bottles, and random stuff that shouldn’t even be in the kitchen. Here’s how to begin decluttering your kitchen and give yourself the peace of mind clear countertops bring.
1. Sort through each of your cabinets and drawers
Make room for storage by getting rid of anything that needs to go, like expired spices, food storage containers without lids, chipped glasses and dishes, and duplicates of utensils you don’t use. Get rid of those spoon and spatula sets you purchased…you know you only use your favorite one!
2. Clear the countertops
Find storage spaces in your cupboards for anything that doesn’t truly need to be kept out in the open. Toasters, blenders, crockpots, mixers, and other bulky countertop stuff can be kept elsewhere and brought out when needed. You’ll love the feeling of clear countertops. You’ll be amazed at what a huge difference it makes. The kitchen will feel bigger and you’ll see how much more workspace there is.
3. Moving on to the pantry
If you have a pantry or larger food storage cupboard, when was the last time you really checked what’s inside? Pull everything out, check the expiration dates, and get rid of stuff that’s expired.
And for the rest, ask yourself if you’re really going to eat that. If not, donate it to a food bank or to your favorite charity.
Most likely, now you will have plenty of extra space to store some of those small appliances you rarely use.
Make Your Living Room a Space You Love
The living room is the heart of many homes. With so many family members passing through and spending time in this space, clutter can quickly pile up.
Fortunately, with a little effort, you can take care of that clutter and transform your living room into an organized space that you love. Here’s how to begin decluttering your living room.
1. Clean up the coffee table
Like many of us, if your coffee table has become a hotspot for clutter, clear it off. If it’s one that comes with drawers for storage, go through that too. Get rid of everything that does not belong there.
2. Clear out the general clutter
Is there stuff on the floor? Stuff on the couch? Things shoved on shelves that don’t belong? Start from one corner of the room and work your way around, removing all of the clutter that crosses your path.
3. Evaluate your media collection
If you keep shelves filled with DVDs or Blu-ray discs in your living room, you may want to consider paring down your collection or storing them in media binders which can be tucked away in a cabinet.
You may just want to keep your favorites and sell or donate the ones you won’t watch again. Now that most everything is available through the cloud, you don’t really need to keep as many physical copies of movies anymore.
Benefits of Decluttering
Decluttering your house will have a positive impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it brings other benefits, too! Here are just a few of the ways in which you may benefit from decluttering your home.
Save Time
The little moments you spend looking for stuff and moving things from one pile to the next really do add up. You’ll be surprised to see how much time you save when you live in an organized space, with every item in it’s place.
Save Money
Have you ever bought something that you knew you already owned but simply couldn’t find? A tool, an appliance, a piece of clothing? That won’t happen if you live in an organized house – at least, it’ll happen a lot less!
That isn’t the only way you’ll save money. By keeping a clean and organized kitchen, you may be more inclined to cook instead of ordering delivery or takeout. And by making your home a relaxing, organized space where you enjoy spending time, you might save on going out.
Sleep Better
Trying to sleep in a cluttered place can be challenging – consciously for some people, and subconsciously for others. By decluttering and organizing your bedroom, chances are you’ll find yourself resting better at night.
Less Stress
Clutter can stress us out and make us unhappy. By eliminating that source of stress, you’ll find yourself more relaxed, in a better mood, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.
Decluttering can be Liberating
You’ll be amazed to see just how much better life can be when you aren’t living in a cluttered space. Make a plan to declutter your house room by room, and once you start seeing the progress you’ve made, you’ll be even more motivated to keep it going.
“One-quarter of Americans admit to having a problem with clutter.” – NBC News
Clutter is a huge problem for a lot of people and comes at a pretty high cost in many ways. Think about it. In January 2023, the U.S. population was over 334 million. One in four Americans equates to 83.6 million people in the U.S. who have a clutter problem.
You don’t have to look very hard to figure out why. With the ease of online shopping and the median American home size of 2,400 square feet, you have your answer. We have more space for stuff which can be delivered to our doorsteps with a simple click of a button.
Hold on though, not only do we have more space, but about 10% of Americans also rent a storage unit for the items they can no longer store at home. Costs for self-storage varies of course, but an average cost is $180/month. That’s quite a chunk of change to store items you rarely use.
These are just a few of the alarming statistics about clutter. Are they enough to get your attention and make you ask yourself if you need to start decluttering?
What is Decluttering?
Decluttering is the intentional act of identifying and removing items that are no longer useful or necessary.
It is much more involved than just straightening up and putting things away. It’s about letting go and getting rid of the things that don’t serve you in a positive way. It involves permanently removing those items from your home so they aren’t likely to resurface again.
Where Do I Start Decluttering?
There are a lot of obstacles which can keep you from decluttering, but one of the most paralyzing is simply knowing where to begin.
The fact is that you can begin anywhere you like. The ‘where’ really isn’t important as long as you actually start. Without taking that first step, you’ll never make any progress.
If you really can’t select an area or room, begin right where you are. Whatever room you’re currently standing in is your starting place.
How Do I Declutter My House?
Now that you know where to start, you need to know how to declutter your home. I find that a room-by-room approach, focusing on one room at a time, works well. Here are some basic suggestions to help you get started.
1. Determine WHY you want to declutter
Why do you want to declutter your home? Think about how you accumulated all of this stuff, then think about how your life will be different when you have less clutter. Knowing your WHY makes it easier to make those “toss or keep” decisions. It can also help you work through any emotional attachment you have to sentimental items.
If your Why is that you’re tired of seeing piles of stuff and having no space in your home, you might just need a more efficient system of organization to keep put away.
On the other hand, if your Why is that you’re downsizing to a much smaller home, you really need to think about getting rid of unnecessary duplicate items and only keeping what is absolutely necessary.
Knowing your Why will make a huge difference in your decluttering progress.
2. Change your Mindset
Every challenge in life is a matter of mindset and perspective. Decluttering is no different. Changing your mindset is just looking at decluttering from a different perspective.
Instead of thinking about what you’re losing or letting go of, start thinking about what you’re gaining by those things being gone. Stop thinking about how much you paid for something and start thinking about the precious time you’ve wasted organizing, moving, and storing something you never use. Remember, the unwanted items you donate to a charitable organization, may be a blessing to others. Find joy in that.
Don’t feel guilty because you don’t want something you received as a gift. Appreciate the gesture and let go of the actual item. One thing I had trouble getting rid of was my son’s artwork. I had a whole box full of it. What purpose did it serve sitting in a box? None. It did not enrich my life stored away in that box. He certainly didn’t want it, so, I took pictures of the pieces that I loved, then let it go.
3. Start with the Easy Stuff
The best way to tackle any project is to start with the easy part and let the successes help you build momentum and keep you motivated to want to continue. Some of the decluttering dilemmas you encounter will be challenging, but the momentum from the small successes will help you in your decision-making process.
Start with the obvious items which are damaged or not functioning properly, then move on to the tougher decisions. Save the really hard to part with items for last so they don’t stop your progress. Don’t get hung-up on an item. If you really can’t make a decision about it, set it aside and move on.
4. Dump the Duplicates
Duplicates are the enemy of a clutter-free home. Yes, it’s nice to have a “spare” if something breaks or is dirty, but if you never use it, it’s taking up valuable space. One of the best ways to combat clutter is to stop bringing it into your home.
For example, when was the last time you checked your linen closet? I realized that I had a real issue with bedding! I had quite the collection. Most of it was rarely used, but I thought I needed spare sets of bedding, just in case. How many sets of sheets do you have for your bed? If you have more than two, it’s time to declutter.
5. Don’t touch that
One of the most important decluttering rules for success is to only declutter your own stuff. The quickest way to an argument is to start getting rid of somebody else’s stuff before they’re ready to let it go.
Think about how you’d react if your spouse started decluttering your closet, or worse yet, your kitchen! If your spouse has a lot of clutter, offer to help, but don’t just start decluttering for them.
At the end of the day, remember, it’s all just stuff. In order to break the cycle and live simply, you need to stop accumulating random things. Never acquire an object you don’t really love or have a specific need for.
One of the best ways to combat clutter is to stop bringing it into your home. Be intentional about your purchases. Otherwise, you’re just accumulating clutter.
Please feel free to join in on the conversation. I look forward to hearing about your journey.
Advice for boomers ready to unload family treasures
If you are blessed with parents who are still living, now may be a good time to discuss how you plan to handle their belongings once they pass away. It’s not an easy discussion, but it is an important one. I wish I’d been able to have those talks with my parents, but sadly, they both died rather suddenly from a rapidly growing, insidious cancer, within six months of one another. They lived just down the street from me and I became their caregiver. Caring for their basic needs became a full-time job and it never really occurred to me to discuss this while all of our energy was focused on helping them to just make it through another day.
They had “everything” written in their Trust, which was a huge leather-bound binder, and they really believed that’s all I would need in order to handle their estate upon their passing. According to them, their affairs were in order.
Having a Trust is absolutely essential and I recommend all Boomers have one and that you be sure to discuss it with your loved ones. The Trust documents certainly relieved a great deal of pressure for me as we went through the process of settling their estate. But it is literally the tip of the ice burg when you find yourself in this position. It’s difficult to describe it because you’re in mourning. It’s one of the worst times in your life to have to make important decisions.
Once the “big” stuff is handled, the house, cars, etc., you are left with a lifetime of “STUFF” which needs to be dealt with. And guess what? NOBODY wants the prized possessions of your parents, not even you or your children.
Many boomers are charged with having to dispose of your parents belongings. Once you’ve been through this process, you realize how important it is to get your stuff in order. Don’t repeat this process with your children or family members. Start now. Go through one drawer, cupboard, closet at a time. If something is valuable to you, ask your family members if they would like to have it and make a note of it in your Trust binder. Here are a few simple ways to begin the process.
Steps to Begin Decluttering Your Home
Dedicate some time to focus on decluttering
Organizing and straightening up your space takes time. If you’re ready to make some real progress on decluttering your home, schedule a block of time to get started. Make it a priority and stick to it.
Keep only what you’ve used in the last year
Do yourself a favor right now and let go of the mindset “maybe I could use this item in the future.” That kind of thinking isn’t going to work if you want to make your home clutter-free. If you haven’t used an item in the last year, it needs to go to a local donation center or to the curbside in your big trash can.
The timeframe of a year works well because it gives you opportunities to make decisions about seasonal decorations and other rarely used items. Over the course of a year, you will have the opportunity to use every item in your home. If you don’t use something during this time, it’s time to simplify.
One is good, so more is better? No, get rid of duplicate items
If you have multiples of an item (unless we’re talking practical storage items like batteries or lightbulbs) then it needs to go. Sometimes we forget we have something, so we buy it again. I will have my son, Ryan Robinson, address his particular topic in a guest post one day. He has first-hand experience with this issue from having to settle his father’s affairs.
Sometimes we upgrade, but still hold onto a less-useful, lower-quality item.
Why do we do that? It makes no sense to keep the inferior item if we replaced it intentionally. This is especially true when it comes to decluttering and organizing your closets and drawers. Trust me, you do not need ten grey sweatshirts. Sort through your multiples—pants, tops, shoes, and other items. Decide what fits well and which items are in good shape. Keep the best of and donate or trash the rest.
Create a designated spot for items you keep
Everything needs a home. EVERYTHING. Even if it’s going in a drawer. Use containers for drawer organization to help you maximize your storage space. Create ways to house and hold all the stuff you want to keep. And remember, if you don’t use it, toss it.If it’s a product which has expired, toss it.
Cut back on paper clutter by digitalizing your photos
We all have hundreds, if not thousands of photos. Here’s the good news. We live in a day and age where we can store all of them on our computers and in cloud storage.It may be a bit frightening to discard those treasured items, especially if you’re new to digital storage, but once you see how much it cuts back on paper clutter, you’ll be convinced.
It is very time consuming in the beginning if you have lots of photos, but I find that I actually look at the photos more often now that they are digitized. I scanned or took a picture of the original photos and stored them in a “family album” on my computer and backed it up to the cloud. This way, all of us may access them anytime we like. The best part is that I no longer have to store bulky photo albums and/or boxloads of old photos.
Decluttering your home is just the first step. Keeping your home organized and decluttered is where the real challenge comes in. With a little self-discipline, you can train yourself to take the extra step to return an item to it’s “home” immediately after you use it.
Shift your mindset to simplicity and incorporate simple living into your daily life. Remember, less is more. More time, more space, more peace. I am doing this because it makes our life better. Everything in our home enriches our life. A side benefit, which is huge, is that our children will be eternally grateful to us for having the foresight to create a simple life so that they won’t have a huge mess on their hands when our time comes. Hopefully this will help you get started and in my next post, I’ll explore this topic in more detail.
I described what it means to be a “Boomer,” but what exactly is a Minimalist? Minimalism is about having a clear understanding of what you value most in your life and removing anything that distracts you from it. This can mean identifying things that take up your valuable time and space, then intentionally removing these things in your life that get in the way of what you value most.
Basically, minimalism is being intentional with the way you live your life. Allowing what aligns with your most important values will help you live a more joyful life.
Using this definition, minimalism looks different for everyone. If you ask fifty different people to describe what is minimalism using this definition, you will end up with fifty different descriptions.
Since our values are personal and unique to each of us, this allows you to create whatever works best for you. The only key is that you decide what is most important to you, and then remove anything that doesn’t line up with and support your values.
A Few Common Misconceptions– What Minimalism Is Not
There are a lot of common misconceptions about minimalism. Ideas that make minimalism seem hard to relate to, undesirable or out of reach for the average person. By addressing some common misconceptions, I hope to show you that minimalism is attainable for and can benefit anyone.
ONE: Minimalism is about getting rid of everything you own
A big part of minimalism is about removing things from your life. But the focus of minimalism shouldn’t be on what you are getting rid of. Rather, the focus should be on the benefits of letting go of the things that don’t bring value to your life. Instead of focusing on what you’re getting rid of, focus on what minimalism gives you more of. More time, more space, more joy, more freedom. Minimalism is not about deprivation. It is about intentionally choosing to live with less in order to free up the time and space to do more of what you enjoy.
TWO:Minimalism is so rigid it makes life harder
A common misconception is that minimalism makes life harder because you live with so little. That being a minimalist means getting rid of everything but the essentials, including things that make life more convenient.
Life as a minimalist is simpler in many ways. You spend less time cleaning, looking for things, and maintaining and organizing your stuff. After adopting a minimalist mindset, many people see those things they thought made life easier, are actually robbing them of their time and energy.
Minimalism is not about getting rid of something if you use it often and it makes your life easier. It’s about getting rid of the things that aren’t used or needed and are just cluttering your home.
THREE:Minimalism only applies to your stuff
Getting rid of the excess stuff in your life is a big part of the process in the beginning. But “stuff” is only one part of minimalism. In fact, a big part of embracing a minimalist lifestyle is changing how you think about the “stuff” in your life. It’s more about learning to challenge and change your relationship with what you own and why you own it. Once you have started living with this idea, you will see that a minimalist lifestyle goes far beyond just decluttering your house. It can be applied to how you spend your time, what you eat, how you exercise, how you budget your money, and many other aspects of your life.
FOUR: You can’t have collections or hobbies if you are a minimalist
Another common misconception is that minimalism means you can’t keep the things you love. Or you can’t have a collection that brings you joy or a hobby that requires equipment or supplies. Again, minimalism doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything you own. It simply means being intentional about what you keep.
The key is moderation. Rather than having several collections, decide to keep one or two you really enjoy. That might mean narrowing your collection down to only the best pieces so you can enjoy each of those pieces and not lose them in an overgrown collection. For example, I love crosses. They bring me joy. I designated a small wall in my home to display them and it’s in an area in which I spend a lot of time.
If you have a hobby that requires equipment or supplies, designate a space to keep your supplies and be intentional about limiting what you keep to that space. Inventory what you have and keep only the supplies you will use, rather than stockpiling supplies that are never used. This saves you time, space and money.
FIVE:Minimalism is simply a tool, not the end goal
Minimalism isn’t about owning less for the sake of less. Instead, it is a tool that can help you create the life you want and give yourself the freedom to live that life. It’s a tool to help you live intentionally, so you can focus your time, space, energy and attention on what matters most to you.
At the end of the day, minimalism is just living simply. You’ll find that you have what you need and you will actually use what you have. My motto has always been, “If I haven’t touched it in a year, I sure don’t need it!”
Now that I’ve embraced minimalistic living, I have no trouble getting rid of items I don’t need and it feels great.
In my next piece, I want to discuss the peace of mind a minimalistic lifestyle brings not only to you, but to your adult children and other family members. If you’ve ever had to deal with the distribution of your parent’s or another loved one’s estate, you will definitely want to join in on this discussion.
I began downsizing seven years ago with the sale of our home. This was the home in which we raised our family and it was an emotional process. We realized that we were truly “Empty Nesters.” I felt that downsizing was more of an ongoing process than an event and because we were building a much smaller home to move into, it was fairly easy to get rid of much of the excess furniture and items which simply would not fit in the new house. Yet, I avoided removal of all those cherished possessions that were taking up my emotional time and space. So, we moved these boxloads of items we just couldn’t part with to the next house and placed them in the attic, where they remained untouched, for the next three years, until the next move.
This time, I began thinking about why it was hard for me to remove items from my life that I know I didn’t really want or need. Gifts from family, purchases that I really didn’t like or need, clothes I didn’t wear, items I thought were too sentimental to part with, etc. It was all just stuff. Very little of it enhanced my life or well-being. Most of these things were items I deemed important at the time. They served a purpose but they were no longer needed and just caused me stress. At the same time there can be an anxiety about letting go of certain things and it feels like a loss. That is when I started thinking about what that meant in my life today. Was I really emotionally attached to objects? No, I knew it wasn’t that. But why was it so difficult to get rid of some “stuff” that clearly didn’t add joy to my life?
This is when I started reading more about minimalism and how it is much more of a mindset than a physical activity. Decluttering and organizing are ways to manage your belongings and assist you in living more simply. For me, simplicity is the key. I’m in my 60’s and my husband is in his 70’s. Life is more precious than ever, and I want to make the most out of this amazing phase of life.
Every day I am on the lookout for another area to simplify. Is it a basket of books in need of a new home or a shelf that has gotten too cluttered? Whatever it is, I just take care of it.
All the little things add up to the big things in your life. Are you ready to make room in your life for what really matters?
