simplify life

When you are surrounded by clutter it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering.

Where do you start?  

What do you tackle first?

How do you even begin to organize yourself?

So we try to ignore it instead, make neater piles and suppress our frustration.

The fact is, decluttering is hard.  It is difficult to get rid of stuff that belongs to us.  

And when you are surrounded by a mess it is also difficult to drum up the courage and enthusiasm to clear it out.

Much easier to just force the wardrobe shut or stuff another plastic bowl lid into the corner of the cupboard!

But if you are constantly tripping over toys, struggling to find things or simply feeling emotionally exhausted by the mess around you, it’s time to declutter.  

Let’s look at 3 easy areas you can declutter in a weekend, and still have time left relax!  

Where do you start decluttering in a weekend?

There is no point in spending your precious hours that you want to spend with your family on decluttering, only for the clutter to build up again after a week or so.

I can usually tell how busy we have been by the state that the house is in.  With a toddler and a preschooler around, you can bet there are always things lying around, spills on the floor and at least 3 sticky door handles.

Having a clutter-free home is easier to keep clean AND it makes me feel better. This means  that I have more time to play with the kids, or just kick back and relax, because I am not distracted by the stuff that needs tidying

To have a clutter-free house you will need to change both your mindset and your habits.

Questions to ask yourself as you declutter

As you are going through your things, ask yourself these questions about EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM.

• Do I still use this?
• Is it a duplicate, do I have more of the same?
• Has it expired, is it moldy or dried out?
• Is it broken and can I fix it?
• Does it add value by making my life better or easier?

3 Easy areas to declutter in a weekend

1. Bathroom

The easiest thing to start with is the medicine cabinet.  Clean out all your expired medicines and take them to your local chemist to dispose of for you.  Recycle the plastic medicine spoons or dispensers that you get with liquid medicine.

Remove all empty or almost empty product bottles (shampoos, body wash, lotions, creams, tubes of toothpaste).  Do not buy any more of these products until you have finished any duplicates that you may have.

Tip: Allocate specific places for your medicine, products, brushes and keep like items together.  This way you will be able to quickly see when you run out of something and you won’t end up buying duplicates.

2. Linen cupboard

Over our lifetime we accumulate a lot of linen.  A lot of this we don’t use and it ends up bundled into the dark recesses of a cupboard or drawer.

Start with your towels.  Get rid of the ones that smell like damp-dog when they get wet (no matter how much you have washed it with vinegar).  Also, the ones that are frayed, the ones that feel like steel-wool, and those that simply push the water around your body instead of absorbing it.

Decide on the minimum number of sheets you need for each bed (hint: one on the bed, one in the wash and MAYBE one in the cupboard if you have space) and donate the rest.   

That table cloth with the giant red wine stain that you don’t use anymore but feel sorry for?  Time to let it go…

Tip: Be realistic about how many sheets, towels and picnic blankets you actually need.  Avoid keeping linen that you *might* need one day.

3. Pantry

When dinner time rolls around and you just grab the first thing you can lay your hands on, you’d better hope it’s not a box of stale crackers or moldy cheese.

It’s ridiculous how quickly food supplies can build up in a pantry (or wherever you store your dry goods). And it’s scary how quickly food can turn into a science experiment if you’re not careful.

A friend of mine recently posted a picture on Facebook of a homemade jar of half-full jam which he discovered *somewhere* in his kitchen.  It was dated 1989 #truestory.

A few quick wins when purging and decluttering your pantry include old herbs and spices, rancid oils and those stale crackers.

Discard anything that is past its use-by date.  Check the label to see how long you can use condiments from when you first opened the bottle.  When in doubt, bin it.

Tip: When you open a new bottle of sauce, oil or spread, write the date on the label.  This way you know how old it is.

Easy decluttering steps

When you have a system in place you will find it super easy to declutter each weekend. There are basically 6 steps each time when you declutter.

1 Work with one area or room at a time

2 Take everything out

3 Have 4 bags or containers handy – trash, sell, donate and recycle

4 Look at each item and decide on its future based on the questions above

5 Put everything you are keeping back by grouping items in categories

6 Complete your steps by emptying the trash, dropping off the “donate” and “recycle” pile and placing adverts for the “sell” items BEFORE you move on to the next area.

Keep your home clutter-free

It is possible to create a clutter-free life, even if you are not a naturally organized person. Start small by simplifying a few things and decluttering for a few minutes each weekend.

By clearing out the easiest areas, like the bathroom, linen cupboard and pantry, it will motivate you to create more clutter-free areas in the rest of your house.

You know how sometimes your life runs away with you?

It happens to all of us, we get caught up in everyday living. We get sucked into drama and tension, both at home and at work.

The result is usually that we become reactive. Our responses are automatic, and we lose sight of our priorities. We are triggered by unimportant things and our resilience disappears and our creativity stifled.

Every day we make hundreds of little decisions, whether consciously or not.

Some of these decisions, we make on purpose. Most of them, however, are unconscious actions that come from our ingrained habits, our beliefs and our frame of mind at the time.

Creating intentional living habits could just be the thing that can change your life when you find yourself in reaction the whole time.

What does intentional living mean

Intentional living to me means that I know what is important to me and I make decisions in my life which align with that.

In other words, to live on purpose and to take deliberate action.

Now, it doesn’t always work out like that BUT, I do try to take deliberate action as much as I can.

What I find is that, the more deliberate action I take, and the more intentional I am, the self-awareness which leads to me being able to be more intentional.

Intentional living habits

I wanted to share with you some habits that you can build, to help you get started with living a more intentional life.

Remember though that the trick with any habit is to start small. Otherwise, you overwhelm yourself and it’s easy to give up.

1. Know your values, and let them guide you
2. Declutter your life
3. Learn to say no
4. Say yes to what matters
5. Eat nourishing foods
6. Have regular digital detoxes
7. Create a self-care routine
8. Take up a practice like yoga, meditation or journaling
9. Unfollow people on social media that don’t align with your values
10. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself
11. Go with silence for 15 minutes each day, without music, audiobooks, television or social media
12. Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read
13. Write down your goals and plan your first steps
14. Forgive and release those who have hurt you
15. Focus on living in the present moment
16. Set intentions for your day when you wake up in the morning
17. Spend more time in nature
18. Take responsibility for your choices
19. Stop having a victim mindset
20. Feed your mind by learning something new
21. Take up a daily gratitude practice
22. Stop multitasking
23. Review your spending habits
24. Don’t eat in front of the TV
25. Learn to batch your tasks
26. Take 20 minutes a day to tidy up
27. Make your bed as soon as you get up in the morning
28. Create easy morning and evening routines to ease you into and out of the day
29. When your mind is busy, create a list to help you focus on what is important right now
30. Get enough sleep
31. Learn to have compassion for yourself

Focus on what is essential

These are little (and bigger) habits that will help you to really focus on what is essential in your life.

Whether you are looking for inner peace, less stress, or more abundance, I believe that it is possible to create that for yourself with these intentional living habits.

To declutter your home can be a daunting and overwhelming task for many.

We become attached to our possessions, we are afraid to let them go. We get addicted to the thrill of buying things.

As clutter slowly creeps up we become used to living in a fuller space until it reaches a point where we can’t stand it anymore, and we go on a decluttering spree. What we need are some good decluttering tips and strategies to keep our home clutter-free, so that we don’t have to repeat this process every few months.

I am by nature a mostly organized person. I don’t stomach clutter very well and I have never really had a problem with decluttering and getting rid of things that don’t serve me.

BUT. I used to declutter, and then allow the clutter to accumulate again. And I think that is perhaps what happens to many of us. We are pretty good at organizing and decluttering but that usually happens only when we reach breaking point, and we can’t stand the mess anymore.

As I start to declutter with intention, I see now that many times in the past, I have re-organized items instead of actually decluttering.

That’s part of why I’m looking to simplify my life. I’m tired of spending half my life keeping everything tidy and organized. So I’m simplifying. Less stuff = less work.

So I want to share my thoughts with you and give you my decluttering tips that will help keep your home clutter-free.

Why you should keep your home clutter-free

• The biggest problem with clutter is that it slows you down. And not in a good way!
• A clutter-free home gives you both physical and mental space.
• It allows you to be more creative, as you have fewer distractions.
• It is easier to keep tidy and clean.
• Your productivity and time management improves because you don’t have to spend time having to look for things or trip over toys or bags or piles of clothes lying on the floor.
• A clutter-free home has a better energy flow.
• When your home is clutter-free, your life is more simplified, which leads to less stress and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Decluttering tips to keep your home clutter-free

1. Be willing to give decluttering a try

One of the most powerful phrases to use if you want to implement change in your life, and you are stuck, is to use the words “I am willing”. So my first decluttering tip to keep your home clutter-free is to start with “I am willing to give it a try”.

Then, set a time-frame for yourself. I find that when you start with a new habit, it is easier to commit to doing it for a few months, than thinking you need to change something for the rest of your life.

For example, commit that for the next 3 months, you will declutter your life and keep your home clutter-free, and see where that brings you.

2. Create decluttering guidelines

The second decluttering tip to keep your home clutter-free is to create some guidelines for yourself.

For example, for each new item that you buy (like a pair of shoes or wine glasses or bed linen or clothes), you will donate or sell the older item(s).

Take a hard look at the type of things you spend money on, and ask yourself, do they add value to your life? If yes, how?

Can you *be willing* to stop buying anything that isn’t absolutely necessary or important for your survival?

Don’t wait for the “right” time to sort out your life and your possessions. Understand that there is no such thing as the right time. Commit to making living clutter-free a way of life for a certain time period, and start doing it RIGHT NOW.

3. Change your approach to decluttering

When you look at a cluttered messy room, it is so easy to get overwhelmed and anxious when you think you have to clear it up.

We become attached to our possessions and in many cases, we identify with them. And many of us fear that we might need something again. Hence the junk drawer(s) where everything disappears into never to see the light of day again. Like a big black hole!

So my third decluttering tip around keeping your home clutter-free is to take it slow. Instead of setting a whole day aside to declutter your entire home (who can do that without freaking out?!), rather do a little bit each day.

It helps you in two ways

• you won’t feel so overwhelmed by all of the “work” you need to do,
• once you have decluttered something, be it a drawer, a cupboard or a whole room, it will inspire and motivate you to carry on.

Ideas for doing a slow declutter

• Rubbish makes things look cluttered, make sure you throw things into the rubbish bin instead of leaving it on counters.
• Pick dirty laundry up from the floor and put it into a basket or the machine
• Take 10-15 minutes each day to declutter something (drawer, bookshelf, cupboard). After the time is up, stop and carry on with your life 🙂
• Choose 5 items each day to get rid of. Either sell it, donate it or trash it. That’s 35 items a week or 450 items over 3 months!
• Whatever type of decluttering method you use, finish it. Don’t make 3 new heaps of clutter for everything you are decluttering. You will just demotivate yourself when you look at this new heap of things. Sell what you need to sell, take the donate stuff to the drop-off and put the rest in the trash.

4. Questions to ask yourself when you declutter

If you get stuck on reducing items or decluttering you can ask yourself these questions to motivate you and help you make a decision

• Have you used it in the past year?
• Do you still like the item?
• Does it still fit?
• Do you have duplicates of it?
• Is it broken?
• Has it passed its best by date?
• How does it benefit you?
• Does it add value to your life?

So there you have it, my 4 step strategy with decluttering tips to keep your home clutter-free. I hope this post has inspired you to make living clutter-free a reality for you!

Learning to simplify your life might just be the answer that you need if you are feeling overwhelmed and unhappy by your life.

As I am learning more about simplifying my own life, I am learning that a simple life also means living a slower life. A life of more intention filled with conscious choices.

I noticed in my own life, that when I make things less complicated, less busy, less distracting, and less cluttered, I feel better.

But, as it happens to most of us, I tend to become distracted by all my stuff, which includes physical stuff but also emotional and mental stuff. I use the word stuff because that is the best way I can describe it. Just stuff.

The result is more stress, less connection, and ultimately less inner peace.

What does it mean to simplify your life?

To simplify your life means different things to different people. I don’t think that there is a blueprint for simplicity.

For me, simplifying my life means focusing on that which brings me peace and joy in my life, while removing those distractions (physical and mental) which don’t serve a purpose in my life anymore.

We are all in different places in our lives and to say a simple life has to look a certain way, makes us conform again to societal pressure. I believe this is the exact opposite of simple living.

The challenge when you simplify your life

We hold on to our emotional baggage, our physical possessions, and our fast-paced, stressful lifestyles with all our worth. We fear what our life will be like without it. Who will WE be without it?

We live in a noisy, demanding world. We get bombarded from all sides by others trying to convince us that what we have is not good enough. That who we are is not good enough.

We become slaves to the latest fashion. We hope that buying a new car (which we probably can’t afford) will up our status. Our credit cards are bending under the pressure of keeping us happy.

There is no space for simplifying your life here. Instead of being happy, we are in a constant state of discontent. Always pushing for more and wanting more.

Our society glorifies busyness and hustle and never slowing down.

The subtle message is when you slow down, you stay behind.

The goal to simplify your life

When we start to remove the things that don’t serve us from our lives, we are happier.

Stress, anxiety and overwhelm can be caused by too much mental and physical clutter.

Our physical environments exhaust us because there are too many possessions, too many options to choose from, too many decisions to make.

Mentally, we exhaust ourselves too. We believe that we are not good enough. We compare ourselves to others and we come up short. We delight in telling others how busy we are, how we work ourselves into the ground. We wear our busyness like a badge of honor.

By choosing to simplify your life, you consciously start to create your days, your experiences, your relationships and ultimately your life.

The benefits when you simplify your life

More time

When we simplify life, we have more time for the things that are important to you.

We are freed from accumulating possessions and positions, and instead, we can focus on building relationships. Our attention is no longer diverted by all kinds of distractions which allows us to be more creative.

We have time to explore our inner worlds, we have time for self-care and we have time for living.

When you simplify your life, you can manage your time better. You start to focus on only those things which really matter.

More energy

Mental clutter, negative beliefs, and limiting mindsets are draining.

When you free up your mind and start to eliminate thoughts and beliefs which don’t serve you anymore, you free up space and energy.

You feel more inspired by your life which translates directly into having more energy and ultimately hope.

More satisfaction

You feel happier, less stressed and overwhelmed. This all contributes to you living a more satisfying a fulfilling life.

You will find that when you simplify your life you gain more balance and freedom as you are no longer weighed down by people, possessions, emotions, and behaviors which serve no purpose.

5 steps to simplify your life

Let’s look at a few things that you can do to get started to simplify your life. Now, this is definitely not a “you-must-do-everything-and-you-must-do- everything-perfectly-list”.

Remember our goal – to create a life that is simpler and slower so that we can feel more fulfilled and happier.

Choose 1 or 2 points to start with. I don’t want to give you more stuff to add to your to-do list, that is not the point here AT ALL. Instead, start off this journey slowly! Bookmark this page and come back to it as you work through each point.

1. Decide what is important to you

We want to simplify our lives to those things which are important to us, and to those things we need.

So the question is, how to do you what you need? You can find the answer in yourself by nurturing awareness, and knowing what your core values are.

Our core values are those values that drive our behavior. It is the reason that we do what we do.

How to identify your core values

Make a list of the 5 most important things to you.

There is no right or wrong answer to what should be on your list. Think about the things which give you joy, your reason for living. The things which uplift you, and which make you happy.

Now, think about how you can start to live your life so that it aligns with what is most important to you.

2. Practice being more present

Start to pay more attention to both your inner and outer world. Being present means that you have an awareness of what is going on both inside and outside of you.

Use simple techniques like focusing on your breathing to help you. When you focus on your breath, you automatically bring your attention into the present moment.

Instead of gulping down your morning cup of tea or coffee, sit down when you drink it. Take a moment to savor the flavor. Observe the steam coming off the top of the cup. Feel the warmth inside your chest and tummy as you swallow it.

Make a point of focusing on the here and now at least a few times a day.

3. Have daily routines

You will find that having routines will simplify your life.

If you have ever experienced a crazy morning, either because you overslept, or there was no hot water, or something else out of the norm happened and disrupted your usual morning routine, you will know exactly what I mean.

When you have conscious, intentional and purposeful routines that you practice daily, it will put you in a state of wellbeing.

Start small by creating a morning ritual for yourself. It will help you ease into the day. It doesn’t matter whether you journal, or meditate or whether you do yoga. Even just staring out the window while having your morning cup of tea or coffee will work!

Experiment with a few different things until you find that which soothes you, while it energizes you at the same time.

4. Declutter your home

Now, let’s get a myth out of the way. When you simplify your life, you don’t necessarily need to become a minimalist.

If extreme minimalism is your thing, good on you. However, our goal here is to find ways to soothe us and to simplify our lives. So, decluttering does not necessarily mean a life with almost no possessions.

But, many of us own way more possessions, furniture, clothes, books, beauty products, linen, stationery and everything else that we spend money on than what is necessary. We have some much stuff that we become overwhelmed by the mess.

Think about how you can create a haven in your house. How can you turn it into a space that is tranquil and where you enjoy being?

Instead of trying to declutter your entire home in one fell swoop, start with one room at a time. Finishing decluttering one room will inspire you for the next rooms!

With young children around, your house can quickly be overcome by an avalanche of toys if you are not careful. A good idea that I read about and what I do with our kids, is to rotate their toys every 4-6 weeks.

You’ll notice quickly which toys they are happy to see and which ones they don’t really play with.

5. Get your finances in order

A goal when you simplify your life is to reduce your stress, including financial stress. That means living a debt-free lifestyle.

I can remember very clearly when I decided to no longer make debt.

Many years ago, I got into a habit of only buying on credit. I used store cards and credit cards, and I shopped a lot. I would pay back my monthly repayments, but I kept on buying and my credit limits kept on increasing.

It came to the point where I had to use most of my monthly salary just to pay the minimum owed on each account.

I realized that I couldn’t carry on like this. I started paying back more than I owed where I could, and I stopped buying anything which wasn’t absolutely necessary to my survival.

The big clincher, however, was when I had to use my entire bonus cheque from my 9-5 at the time, to pay off my cards.

I hated how my frivolous living and spending on things that I didn’t need, impacted my life at that point and that is when I decided to stop.

I get it that you might have financial responsibilities in your life that you can’t get away from. But how much debt you have is directly related to the level of financial stress you have.

If you want to start living debt-free, start working on a plan to reduce your debt.

It’s a journey, not a destination

On this journey, you will make a few discoveries along the way.

You will see who you are and what you have is enough.

Your relationships with yourself and your loved ones improve.

Your general sense of wellbeing will improve.

Your stress levels will decrease and your self-love will increase.

There is no final destination where you should arrive when you simplify your life. Instead, it is a way of life.

A way of Being rather than a way of Doing. It is a journey rather than a destination.