Every day I think of more and more things I want to eliminate from my home and life. The goal is that eventually my “stuff” will be getting less of my attention, but right now I’m still on a journey toward less. I watch the bags and boxes leave my house to be donated and feel like a weight is being lifted from me. Every item I sell on Kijiji means less I have to deal with later. I left the packrattery of my childhood behind years ago, but I’ve been amazed to see how much can still easily be eliminated.
In some ways it’s addicting; the more I get rid of the freer I feel and so I want to delve further into this experience. What if my kids could grow up not needing to spend valuable Saturday time cleaning? What if a quick tidy at the end of the day was enough, simply because there wasn’t the mountain of toys to be organized? What if my seasonal wardrobe change didn’t involve trying on 40 different shirts to see which ones fit? What could this new life be filled with instead?
There are a few things we really value as a family- time together, adventure, and helping others to name a few. All of these things we value are hindered by having things tie us down (although my husband would argue that his extensive tool collection is paramount to helping others). If I know that 4 loads of laundry and a disaster of a kitchen are looming over my head, I’m less likely to be up for a spontaneous hike when my husband gets home early from work on a Thursday. If I’m so over-committed myself, I have no free time for a friend who needs help planning a party. I don’t want those hindrances to define me and my time.
Here are some of the main things I’ve found helpful in my journey so far:
This is a big one! Once our closets only contain items that we know fit and we love, deciding what to wear takes only moments. No more pile of discarded outfits each morning in the search to find something that both looks good and feels comfortable.
2. Meal plan
Once your meals are planned for the week ahead and your fridge is full of ingredients that will actually make those meals, the guesswork of supper is eliminated. This alleviates the stress of having to come up with a meal idea when you’re busy with other tasks in the afternoon. Coming home from work with no idea what you’ll be making for supper often leads to unhealthy quick meals or expensive restaurant/fast food options.
3. Declutter the toys
This can be a tough one, especially with gifts, hand me downs and the strong emotional connection many kids seem to have with every sticker, rock, and gimmick toy that comes their way. Despite this, children thrive in an environment where they can be creative and this happens best when they aren’t overwhelmed with options and distractions.
4. Clear the counters
Anything you don’t use often should be put away. Our mind is less distracted when we walk into a room and aren’t bombarded with things out in the open. Also, clear counters are easier to keep clean!
5. Exercise
It’s soooo good for us, and yet so many of us struggle to make this a part of our weekly routines. Stop the excuses, find what works for you and MAKE IT A PRIORITY!
6. Identify your values
You can simplify your life, but unless you identify what it is that you want to do with that newfound time and space you will find yourself frustrated again and Netflix bingeing. Write it down – what do you value, what do you want to focus your time on? What is the reason for why you want to simplify? Figure this out and as you find you have more time and space, fill it with these things.
7. Organize your email system
Even though we don’t physically see it all the time, many of us are bombarded constantly with emails. Your inbox should NOT be a place to store thousands of unopened emails. Delete the unnecessary, unsubscribe from mailing lists, deal with what can be taken care of in under a minute and file information you may need for future use. What you’ll be left with is a short to do list of emails you can take care of when you have time.
8. Have less to do
I used to have to do lists that would fill an entire page of paper. I married someone who had very different ideas about what was important. His laid back attitude has helped me in realizing that not everything needs to be done. Save the to do list for the few things that really need to get done today.
9. Be grateful
If our life is simple, but our attitudes suck I don’t think we’re any further ahead. Learn to be grateful for what is good in your life.
10. Be kind
If relationships are something you value, kindness should be in the forefront of all your interactions. Nothing is gained by snide remarks and misplaced criticism. Positivity attracts positivity, be someone you’d want to spend time with.
11. Carry less
I used to always carry a purse. It was not large, but I would make sure to always pack it incase of ANY possible situation. I carried my very full wallet, keys, phone, glasses, lip gloss, hand cream, pocket knife, pens, Kleenex, keychain, hair accessories, MP3 player, headphones – you name it, I had it! I now leave the house with my phone which holds my credit card, debit card and driver’s licence. If I’m driving, I also take my keychain which has 5 keys. That’s it. I also bring a small backpack with wipes, change pad, 2 diapers and a kid’s water bottle if I’m going to be more than 5 minutes away from my home or van. I feel so light, all the time!
12. Pack less
In 2011 I went on my first backpacking adventure. It was AMAZING! Everything I brought with me I had to carry on my back. This made me incredibly cautious of what I packed. And guess what? I didn’t miss anything! In fact, it was so nice that I’ve carried some of the same principles into packing for everywhere else I go!
13. Question every purchase
The less you bring into your home, the less you’ll have to later declutter/clean/maintain/organize. There’s nothing wrong with buying something, but make sure that it is necessary, of good quality and will add to your life positively.
14. Organize finances
Our finances can be such a big stress. The more we learn to live simply and be satisfied with what we have, the less we will have financial worries. Find a budgeting system that works best for you and enjoy the ability to use your money for experiences instead of things and to be generous.
If you’re seeking simplicity in your life, don’t become overwhelmed by trying to change everything all at once. Pick one or two areas of your life you can start to work on today. Remember, this is a journey. Enjoy!
