Simplify

Simplify your home in the New Year

simplify your home
~ Megan

As the new year approaches, I have been pondering some of the changes that we as a family have gone through in 2019 and what my personal plans and goals will be for 2020. One of those goals will be to create a new home in the new year. A much more organized, paired down home. A simple home.

My minimalist journey began 9yrs ago however life changes and things accumulate, then before you know it your home is not so simple anymore. Maybe you feel the same way? If so, it’s time to hit the reset button and simplify your home in the New Year.

Re-evaluate where you are at and where you want to be

Wherever you are at in your simplifying journey, whether contemplating living more simply or an experienced declutterer?! It is always good to re-evaluate where you are at and where you want to be. For me, as a stay at home mum, home is the center of my world. It’s the hub for most other things in my life, where I homeschool, work on my buisness, eat my meals and of course sleep!

I know that when my home is in order I am less stressed, more energized, more productive.

Simplifying the home is life-changing

Whether you work outside of the home or work from home, home will affect how you function on a day to day basis. That is why it is life-changing when we simplify, organize and prioritize our home and schedule. It will have a ripple effect in whatever else we are doing. I know that when my home is in order I am less stressed, more energized, more productive. A better wife and mother! Just happier overall.

So if you have been feeling the desire to simplify the home, the New Year is the perfect time to start or to re-set. Start off small, one drawer, one bag, one shelf. Let’s get started!

3 ways to help you simplify your home in the New Year

  • 1.Choose a word, verse or phrase to help keep you motivated

It’s a good idea to have a simple word, verse or phrase to remind you of your goals in regards to simplifying. This could be a family motto or a personal one. Something that reflects what you would like your home to feel like such as ‘clean & minimal’ or ‘serene’. Or “I want my home to be ordered with everything having a place.” A relative of mine wanted her home to be “guest ready”. As per my blog, I’ve chosen the words calm and orderly for the year and I am aiming for more organized and less effort maintaining.

What is it that you wish your home would be but isn’t due to clutter?

What is it that you wish your home would be but isn’t due to clutter? Adding a picture of how you would like it to look is also helpful if you are more visual. The point is not to have a show home but a home that serves you and your family. It helps when you get stuck on an item to ask “does this item fit with my ideal home”? You can then refer back to your picutre or motto.

  • 2. Decide where to start and focus only on that first

Deciding to get your whole house in order can be overwhelming, even if you have been decluttering for some time. The best way is to chose one spot to focus on only and stick with that until it’s done. As above, just start off with one drawer, one bag or one shelf. If you are feeling braver or have less stuff to purge then you could start off with a room. The Kon mari method works on categories, books, clothing etc. Do what appeals to you.

Sell, donate, trash

 Once that is done you will likely have momentum to go to the next spot. The 3 box method seems to work well. Sell, donate, trash or something similar. Putting items in these marked boxes as you go means you will clearly know where everything is going. Some people find selling stuff and making some extra money is a great motivator and others love to give away items. Do what works best for you and don’t keep that stuff hanging around! Remember your goal.

  • 3. Celebrate your new home as you go

You won’t have a new home overnight but you can celebrate and enjoy your progress as you go along. So if you have simplified your living or dining room and your goal has been to entertain more this year, then start inviting people over now. Don’t wait until your whole house is done. If you have worked with your children to downsize the toys then reward them and yourself with a fun outing or family activity. This will reinforce the value of living with less stuff.

Once you start you will gain momentum and your New home will begin to shine through from all that clutter.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Need more help to get started? Check out this great post from ‘Apartment Therapy’

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/11-things-you-should-declutter-and-donate-after-christmas-238807

What is a minimalist toy collection?

~ Megan

What is a minimalist toy collection?

What is a minimalist toy collection and what are the benefits is owning less toys? As my minimalist journey began just prior to the birth of our first daughter, I began to wonder how many toys a child really needs to thrive and be happy.

Between wanting to give our child the very best and yet wanting to maintain a clutter free home, I began to consider my options when choosing and allowing toys for our baby. You may be at various stages as a parent and asking the same question.

There are no rules when it comes to creating a minimalist toy box. It is simply a carefully selected group of toys. I would describe it as non-excessive and non junky! Toys with a purpose. The Montessori method really appealed to me as I am a big fan of natural materials and simple handcrafted toys, rather than a bunch of noisy battery-operated, name-brand toys.

Toddler books

Children don’t need a lot of stuff to be content, less toys is better

Children naturally tend to gravitate toward exploring and playing with objects in their surroundings anyway. So with that in mind I began to take note of what is truly needed for natural development. I found that there were many benefits to a carefully curated toy selection that I have continued to implement in the following years.

Some of the benefits to keeping the simple toy box, were a calmer more engaged play time. (Studies have shown that when children have less choice and distraction they focus and play better.) More interest in books and creative play as well as a tidier home!

As children grow up it does get a little harder to keep toys in check. Mainly due to the influences around them. I have found that limiting and monitoring screen time goes a long way. Basically advertising is the biggest threat when it comes to keeping toys to a minimum.

Recently I went back to our old method of storing and swapping. Basically we have a box or a couple of bags of toys that we swap around every couple of months. It means easy clean up and the kids feel like they are getting a new bunch of toys each time.

Some of the ways I keep toys to a minimum

  1. Learn to love your local library

A minimalist’s best friend when it comes to books! (We go weekly). Only keep books which are age appropriate, are re-read often or have sentimental value. (Truly special books only).

2. Set limits

Make a limit to how many specific toys can be kept per child. We have a rule of 5 stuffed toys/dolls to be kept in the bedroom at a time. If they love collections then you may want to set a limit on that also. Once they reach the limit or maximum for that collection then they need to let go of the least favourite ones. If this is too hard then you could store some of the collection away and rotate.

3. Create set categories for toys

If your kids have a number of small toy selections or lego blocks etc, limit the number of categories that they can keep. eg: five storage tubs or containers for lego, wooden blocks, train set, dolls, cars. Take out toys that don’t fit in these storage categories. This helps with those random toys that end up found lying around because they don’t have a set place to go.

4. Opt for pre-loved eco-friendly toys

Children outgrow toys pretty quickly so we rarely buy new toys for the kids when they are younger. There is a lot of great pre-loved toy options out there. We shop at charity stores, facebook market-place or ebay. I avoid cheap plastic toys at all cost and this helps in a number of ways. Firstly they don’t break quickly and need to be discarded. Wooden or handmade toys that are made to last means longevity and less waste. When our children outgrow them we can pass them on to others. As a minimalist I have found that things stay tidier with well made toys rather than lots of small plastic pieces which end up scattered all over the house. Not to mention that plastic toys are no the healthiest choice for children to play with.

5. Designated areas for different activities

(Similar to above). Have designated areas for certain activities such as arts and craft, games,perhaps a book corner or kitchen play area. Only toys or materials relevant can be kept in those areas. This way you can quickly see what is getting out of hand or when you are accumulating too many things in one area.

We have a homeschool cupboard which has drawers for set subjects and then shelves to keep board-games/puzzles or science kits. Toy baskets for toys go in the bedroom, books on a book shelf, lego in the lego tub and stuffed toys can sit on the bed or in a set basket. Once a container, shelf or cupboard is full, it’s time to purge.

Our 1 year old’s toy collection

A minimalist toy collection is good for kids

Setting limits and having fewer kids toys available may feel mean and like deprivation! Let me assure you that it has been a huge blessing for our family especially our daughter. There is no more nagging from me, or dread on my daughter’s part when it comes to tidying up her room or space. In fact she enjoys seeing how fast she can clean her room!

There are set places for everything and everything fits! Its quick and easy. There is actually time to play games and use what is readily available.

A really important lesson is for children to learn that they don’t need so much stuff. Having less options makes it easier for children to play and create. It’s not overwhelming and they enjoy what they have.

My conclusion has been that limits for children even in the area of toys and activities is a good thing. Give it a try and let me know how you go. 🙂

Still not convinced? Check out this post from Becoming Minimalist:

Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids

What makes a house a home?

What makes a house a home
~ Megan

As a home-maker who seeks to live a simple life, with less clutter and less distraction, I sometimes worry that my simple de-cluttered home, won’t be homely enough.

Growing up in an inexpensive, yet beautifully furnished home, I have grown to love and enjoy an interior design that fits my budget. (Hence, my side business of vintage furniture restoration.)

Our surroundings can nourish the soul, help us feel comfortable and at peace. A place to connect and relax with your loved ones and for numerous other purposes. So I wondered, is there a danger of over-simplifying within the home? What makes a house a home?

A home should reflect your style and values

I don’t believe that there is a simple answer to this question (Pun intended). What may be homely to one person, maybe over-crowded and cluttered to another? We all have our taste, values, and style. Although I love French homes and their classic vintage pieces, I enjoy minimalist spaces too. However, what I wanted, is a home that reflects us as a family, as well as what we value.

Impressive vs. functionality

At some point, I had to ask myself what am I striving for a home which will impress people? Or am I seeking a home that works for us? A simple and clean functional home. Did we need any extras? (Actually, the excess decoration pieces were annoying me!)

Going through the process of simplifying, you too may be wondering what others will think when they visit. Are we moving to? Have we fallen on tough times?

Honestly, there are chances that they will probably be impressed by how clean and tidy your home looks. Yes, they may also comment on the limited stuff, but most likely that won’t be their first thought.

What makes a house a home?

There is this saying, “home is where the heart is”. That seems to be true. What makes a house a home? If you think about some of your best memories with family and friends, home decor and color schemes most likely didn’t come into play. What truly nourishes us is Faith, Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, and Care. In short, Relationships. (Amongst other things). Not materialistic things!

We can make our home cozy and inviting with the help of blankets, pictures, flowers or candles. But we should be creating a home that is based upon our intentions and based upon our values. I want our family and visitors to feel welcomed, well-fed, heard and loved. Maybe share a few laughs…

https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/a21761238/makes-a-house-a-home-survey-homeowners/

Perhaps make a list of your values and intentions. Think of what’s close to your heart. Who knows, when it comes to creating a home, maybe your stuff is more of a hindrance!

Share your thoughts on your best ways to create a home.