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