Hello 2020 ~
Are you one who makes resolutions or goals for the new year?
Over the past year or two I have been on a journey - one that embraces the simple and slow. I say it is a journey, because it really never comes to an end. You can make changes to your home and way of living, but it's an ongoing cycle of learning and taking steps to keep things simple.
As I have progressed on this journey of keeping less stuff and being more simple, I have felt so much joy in being home. I realized how much of a minimalist I am, and how peaceful and calm that makes me. I make simple meals. I enjoy the calm and clean environment, which nourishes my soul. I do not feel overwhelmed by clutter and things that take up all the space in my very limited closet and storage. It also means less to clean, which is a wonderful side effect.
I have learned so much, and I thought I would share just a few things I have learned over time:
Reduce clutter and keep things tidy
As I have sorted through cabinets, drawers, and shelves, I noticed that I had kept things for 15 years and never used them. Or used them once. Why would I keep something, which takes up precious space in my tiny tree house home, that I never use? When you think about it, it does not make any sense. So, if it's not something I use regularly, or doesn't fit my home style, etc. I say goodbye.
Of course, there will be some things that you don't use regularly, like books. You cannot possibly use all your books regularly, however, my rule with books (and I sort through them regularly) is to ask if I am going to read it again, or will I reference this book again? Much of the time, I will read them again or reference them. Many times, I know I will not, so I remove them from the shelf. It is an easy way for me to determine which books I take over to the library to donate for their book sale. It allows another reader to enjoy something that I will not read again.
Keeping things tidy all the time is my goal. That means less time spent cleaning messes everywhere at the end of the week. When I am done using something, put it away right then. When I am done eating, wash dishes and put them away. When I get home and check the mail, open it all immediately, toss it if junk mail, or address it if needed (don't let a stack grow on the kitchen table). It is pretty simple, actually, and it is the kind of stuff we learned as children (before you get out a new toy, you have to put the one you were using away), but for some reason as adults we forgot?
Less is more
When we think about everything we own (or if we start to go through everything), we realize we truly need way less than we have. When I went though my dishes, for example, I realized there was no possible way that a single person (or even if I was married) could ever use all the cups and plates that I had. It was ridiculous. Cabinets were stocked full with mugs I never used, and even baking dishes piled up that I pondered if I had ever used (I am not a baker, so it might be different for you). I thought about the items I used regularly, and it was very few pieces, so I donated all those extra things that took up so much space. Now, it is refreshing to open a cabinet and see just those lovely pieces that I love to use everyday, and enjoy using.
For clothing/shoes, I have adapted a mindset of wearing better quality, ethically produced items and not buying any fast fashion anymore. Sure, that means I spend more on anything I buy, but I buy less altogether (I think it has been two months or more since I bought any clothing item), and the clothing/shoes/bags last for years and years, not just one season. I also keep to one colour palate and buy classic items (not trendy), so everything matches everything and no time is wasted trying to put together outfits. My closet is organized and not jammed packed, and I love it. Packing for trips is also so much simpler.
Do you try to keep things more simple? What have you implemented that was helpful?
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