Have you ever think of your home as if it is falling on you and you have too much clutter? It’s just too much of everything, too much stuff coming to you, too much going on everywhere around the house. You don’t feel comfortable and focused.
This is how I felt, so I started to tidy up. First, it was just a nice storage system, to put everything in order to look neat and tidy. But it wasn’t enough. Then thanks to my husband we started to declutter. All empty boxes had to go out. Spare earplugs, cords, samples, magazines, books, … you know it. Slowly we were going through the house. Started to feel much better. So I decluttered everything. Room by room. All the unnecessary stuff had to go. And still, we didn’t finish. Especially with small kids who outgrow their clothes and toys all the time. Don’t expect it to be done quickly it is a process which takes time. But I enjoy it.
Our stuff was sorted in 3 ways. Sell, donate, throw.
Donate:
You should know about me that I am very careful with the money and instead of just throwing things I prefer to donate them. Always I go to family first. I know it is just past down, but if it makes them happy and I don’t love it anymore why not. Just to throw the stuff, is like to throw the money out of the window. But you can donate to people in need or charity shop. It helps someone.
Sell:
This is always the best option to slow fashion and sustainability. If I decide to sell something I like to be a bit creative and give an old stuff a new fresh breath. Make it unique. When you decide to sell anything make sure the item is in good condition, you will be trustworthy and people make a purchase from you again. Win-win.
Throw:
Only items which are in terrible conditions are worth to throw. It was used, which you should appreciate. And this step is necessary to do fast. It goes away from your sign and you will forget it. If you need to replace it, do it, but don’t forget to throw the old one. Keep in mind the rule, one in one out.
I was following these simple rules, and our house becomes much tidier. What about you? Are you minimalist or just like to tidy your house.
Kitchen
is the place where we spent loads of time, we cook every day, it is essential to keep it tidy. And I like to have counter free of stuff. Everything has to have a place. I prepare a shopping list, which means to plan meals for a week ahead, and always try to keep the pantry at the minimum. If I miss something I try to be creative and replace it. Cooking is fun, be creative.
Living room
is the place where we spent most of the time. But what we actually need there to feel comfortable? Sofa, armchair, a few cushions, TV and a few books. But the living room is an office as well, no mess allowed. Just necessities. Bills can be paperless, which is easier. Photos are stored on the hard drive and everything else is in nice folders to use it for decoration too.
Bathroom
I’ve been decluttering for a while now. But the best way I found is to use the same items for a whole family. Of course with small kids, it is not possible yet, but we will get there. All samples are used or trashed, no need to try everything. And the makeup bag is simplified the most. After I turned 30 I know my style and don’t need to experiment with the face. My make up bag holds only basics ( foundation, mascara, blush, brown set, highlighter, and a few lipsticks).
Kids room
was the hardest to declutter. But after a few years finally, I get to a capsule wardrobe, yes even kids can have one. And instead of trash the toys, we buy less of them and put the money on a saving account. One day they will appreciate it more than plenty of toys which they forget about. What helps to organize the kid’s room are small baskets. They can hide a lot, and you can always reuse them later on.
Before
After
Bedroom
is my happy place. It was always cluttered free, but I more focused on my wardrobe. I will take the challenge not to buy any clothes for a year and make it to a perfect capsule wardrobe. You can join me and let me know how it goes. More on capsule wardrobe read here
These are my steps what I did to live a simpler life and spent less time cleaning the house and start saving money to afford to build our own house.
Let me know what do you do to live a simpler life and save more money. And what do you use it for?
This was first published on www.pret-a-collection.com
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