Simplicity in the Home

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Ahhhhh…..Simplicity!  There is just something about being simple.   Not needing all the extra, not needing all the clutter, just being easy and simple.

Now if you are already simple, organized, and things at your house are all together tidy all the time, then this may not be the article for you. (by the way if your one of those people, please send your suggests…I’m all ears!)  If on the other hand you have issues with too much stuff, clutter in certain drawers, rooms or your whole house then keep reading!

This past month at our house has been major CHANGE!  From doing away with our “school room” to moving our oldest daughters down stairs and rearranging the other kids rooms….there have been apparent signs that we have TOO much STUFF!!!  (I think I’ve known this but when you start moving big objects around it starts becoming very obvious!

This is one closet we cleaned out. Way too many games….time to purge!

Since being married almost 18 years ago this is the 1st house that we’ve lived in this longest.  Going on 7 years!  So in that time…we have accumulated piles, toys, clothes (don’t get me started on clothes), bikes, books, etc.   A lot of stuff has been given to us.  From hand-me-down clothes, toys, furniture, odds and ends, etc.  Don’t get me wrong, we are completely thankful for all that has been provided, but if your not careful…it starts to accumulate.   It becomes overwhelming and it starts to steal your joy!  There is something about living in a home with simplicity and not tons of stuff.

So what do we do if we find ourselves in this place? Do you have clutter, too many:  clothes, toys, decorations, or anything that start consuming our lives and our homes?  If the answer is yes, then it’s something we’ve got to tackle little bits at a time. (Remember it didn’t happen over night…it’s not going to be fixed in a day)

If we are not careful, these “things” can over take you and then you start noticing that your home is not a HAVEN it’s becoming a HEADACHE!

How can I tackle my “stuff” & learn to be more simple?

(keep in mind, the more people that live in your house, the more stuff you are going to have)  I know for this house, having 9 people living here-soon to be 10 it does require more items than most.

• Start  by focusing in on one small area to tackle.  It could be a drawer, a closet, or a desk.  (don’t try to do the whole house at once!)  Watch out, it does become addicting when you see an area or space is functioning more efficiently! 
• Look for things that you can sell or donate to others that have needs.  I made some extra money by eliminating bigger items or books that we just don’t use.  (Craig’s List, Facebook, a yard sale, or word of mouth is great ways to get rid of items)
• Learn to “let go” of things.  For some people this can be hard, but for others knowing their stuff is going to be used by someone else or help someone out makes you feel good.
• Get the kids involved.  Have them go through their toys, collectibles, their clothes (if they are older), shoes, and have them donate.
• Once you gather your stuff, get it out of your house.  Don’t move it to another area of the house with the goal of getting rid of it.  Take it right to the donation center or a friends house your are giving it to, etc.  Your less likely to change your mind!
• Be realistic and go slow.  This is a process and a goal to be obtained through daily or weekly allotted times.  You’ll be frustrated if you try to bit off more than you can chew!

Making our homes a haven takes time and effort.  It takes a conscious effort to keep only what we really need or use.   Don’t allow “things” to over take your house, this only leads to frustration and more time and effort to juggle all of it.   For me, this is my quest this summer to really make things simple…..which leads to a more peaceful home!

How are things in your home?  Do you need to take time to “purge”?   Do you have tips to share with others that have helped you?  Be sure to share!  

 

 

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