Sometimes simplifying our lifestyles means thinking outside the box. For example, using a laundromat to wash and dry items even if you have a washer/dryer occasionally is worth it. We recently had a houseful of guests for a week. It was a wonderfully busy, fun time of catching up together. Washing sheets from six beds and then all the towels/washcloths would have been a full day at home of washing and drying. But, I loaded up the linens and headed to my favorite laundromat. The 50 pound washer held the huge amount of towels! My poor Kenmore would have been struggling to hold 1/3 of them. In 1/2 hour they were washed, then dried in another 1/2 hour (in a single dryer.) I took a good book, enjoyed the leisure time, met a fellow laundromat user's service dog, and had the chore done in one hour. To me, that's simplifying!
Recommendations for laundromats:
Don't go alone at night. They can be a bit creepy. Early morning is a good time and not too busy.
Take your own detergent and basket for folding the clean items into.
Find one that has an attendant. They are usually very helpful.
Have small bills so you can get the right amount of quarters needed for the machines ($1, $5)
If possible in the summer, choose one that is air-conditioned. It gets pretty warm around all those machines.
Bring a book to read or something to do. While people watching is very entertaining, you'll enjoy being productive while you wait.
If laundry has piled up because of you being really busy, you could go to the laundromat, use three washers, and then multiple dryers, and have your laundry done in an hour!
Saving time is one way to simplify your lifestyle!
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Past Fads
It is difficult to give away items that impart feelings of nostalgia. The Internet has contributed to that in some ways. On sites such as Facebook or Pinterest, often you will see photos of past fads such as the Fisher Price cash register, wringer washers, typewriters, Swatch watches, etc. In my mind sometimes I think, "Oh, I loved those! Wish I would have saved them." Wait…really??? We can keep things just for the feelings they evoke? Beware of this mindset.
I gave away a desk fountain that had come from a fad…'have gurgling, soothing sounds in your office.' Great idea, but if it's no longer being used, it is clutter and one more thing for which to care.
As you roam your spaces this week, consider past fads and the items you're holding onto. Can the 80's leg warmers go? How about the cassette tapes? Will a photo of the items suffice to bring back memories? Think about decluttering those items.
I gave away a desk fountain that had come from a fad…'have gurgling, soothing sounds in your office.' Great idea, but if it's no longer being used, it is clutter and one more thing for which to care.
As you roam your spaces this week, consider past fads and the items you're holding onto. Can the 80's leg warmers go? How about the cassette tapes? Will a photo of the items suffice to bring back memories? Think about decluttering those items.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Stash Away, Stash Away, Stash Away All!
Drawers are wonderful spots for last minute stashes. They hide lots of items neatly, at least from the outside. They can be stuffed to the gills, and no guest would ever know. Open at least one little used drawer today to see what has been hiding out in that space. Can you get rid of some or all of its contents?
Yes, I realize that thought of "Why have an empty drawer?"
1. It's available to store items you actually need or use; because I have extra drawer space, I can use a kitchen drawer just for small plastic containers, making it really easy to grab a lid and tub for making a portable lunch. Spreading out items you really use into accessible spaces simplifies your life.
2. You could eventually unload a piece of furniture if it was no longer needed for storage, freeing up more space in a room.
Start with one drawer today.
Yes, I realize that thought of "Why have an empty drawer?"
1. It's available to store items you actually need or use; because I have extra drawer space, I can use a kitchen drawer just for small plastic containers, making it really easy to grab a lid and tub for making a portable lunch. Spreading out items you really use into accessible spaces simplifies your life.
2. You could eventually unload a piece of furniture if it was no longer needed for storage, freeing up more space in a room.
Start with one drawer today.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
What Stuff Does To Us
From the book Frugillionaire by Francine Jay, who also happens to be a minimalist (frugality and simplicity sometimes go together), she writes:
"Possessions are like anchors. They tether us to our homes, because moving them makes it a hassle to relocate. They bind us to our jobs, because we must earn the money to pay for them. And they weigh on our souls, because even when we tire of them it's hard to throw them away. Avoid becoming a slave to stuff by owning just enough to meed your needs. You'll not only gain financial freedom, you'll break the bonds of clutter."
These are reasons and motivation to declutter!
"Possessions are like anchors. They tether us to our homes, because moving them makes it a hassle to relocate. They bind us to our jobs, because we must earn the money to pay for them. And they weigh on our souls, because even when we tire of them it's hard to throw them away. Avoid becoming a slave to stuff by owning just enough to meed your needs. You'll not only gain financial freedom, you'll break the bonds of clutter."
These are reasons and motivation to declutter!
Saturday, June 13, 2015
One In, One Out
Holidays, birthdays, graduations, and the end of school can bring many new possessions into our homes via gift bags. We really do love gifts and the kindness behind them. For people committed to decluttering, however, how do we handle the influx?
Consider a one in, one out philosophy. If you have whittled down a room and suddenly have more that needs to be stored, see if the new can replace something you've had a long time. If not, and the new gifts aren't really anything you can use or love, consider the new fad of re-gifting. Just because something is a gift, you don't HAVE to keep it.
"But what if the giver finds out?" There are a couple possible scenarios:
1. The giver will get mad or hurt and never give you another gift
2. The giver will be more likely to get you an experience gift next time or just a thoughtful note. A donation to a charity in your name might be something they do as well.
I really don't ever want to hurt anyone. Another option is to keep the gift for awhile and then make a decision on it. You also can be creative with the gift and use it in a place you may not have considered. Can an extra tote be kept in the car for shopping? The wind chime could be hung for decor somewhere inside the house? You can also give it a home for a limited time frame so it's noticed if the giver visits; later you can donate it elsewhere.
Such a joyous event as receiving gifts shouldn't be stressful, but to people who are trying to unload excess items, sometimes it is tough. Always be gracious and then be creative with your new items. In the times between events, make it known you are paring down, or let your wish list or favorite charity get out there. Again, be thankful, and with YOUR gift giving, try to consider these ideas for your loved ones.
Consider a one in, one out philosophy. If you have whittled down a room and suddenly have more that needs to be stored, see if the new can replace something you've had a long time. If not, and the new gifts aren't really anything you can use or love, consider the new fad of re-gifting. Just because something is a gift, you don't HAVE to keep it.
"But what if the giver finds out?" There are a couple possible scenarios:
1. The giver will get mad or hurt and never give you another gift
2. The giver will be more likely to get you an experience gift next time or just a thoughtful note. A donation to a charity in your name might be something they do as well.
I really don't ever want to hurt anyone. Another option is to keep the gift for awhile and then make a decision on it. You also can be creative with the gift and use it in a place you may not have considered. Can an extra tote be kept in the car for shopping? The wind chime could be hung for decor somewhere inside the house? You can also give it a home for a limited time frame so it's noticed if the giver visits; later you can donate it elsewhere.
Such a joyous event as receiving gifts shouldn't be stressful, but to people who are trying to unload excess items, sometimes it is tough. Always be gracious and then be creative with your new items. In the times between events, make it known you are paring down, or let your wish list or favorite charity get out there. Again, be thankful, and with YOUR gift giving, try to consider these ideas for your loved ones.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Advertisements
A very strange phenomenon occurred when our children were small. We moved and there wasn't a cable hookup where we wanted the TV. While waiting to decide what to do, we got into the habit of not watching any television programs. We found we didn't miss it, so for about eight years, we lived without cable access.
That wasn't the aforesaid strange thing. When Christmas would come around and we would ask our children what they wanted for Christmas, they didn't really know. My husband and I found this very unusual until we figured out that they never saw commercials, so didn't know what was out there. They were fairly content with what they had. At this point, we learned the power of marketing and advertising.
I heard an ad today on the radio marketing a bank's savings account offers. "You'll have money for things you've always wanted…" A woman's sultry voice began, "Like another oven just for baking pies." What??? The minimalist in me recoiled. Why would I want another appliance for just one purpose?
As you declutter, beware of refilling excess into your living spaces. Use a discerning eye and ear when advertisements come on or you see brilliant displays in stores. Do I really need this, or will something I already have suffice?
That wasn't the aforesaid strange thing. When Christmas would come around and we would ask our children what they wanted for Christmas, they didn't really know. My husband and I found this very unusual until we figured out that they never saw commercials, so didn't know what was out there. They were fairly content with what they had. At this point, we learned the power of marketing and advertising.
I heard an ad today on the radio marketing a bank's savings account offers. "You'll have money for things you've always wanted…" A woman's sultry voice began, "Like another oven just for baking pies." What??? The minimalist in me recoiled. Why would I want another appliance for just one purpose?
As you declutter, beware of refilling excess into your living spaces. Use a discerning eye and ear when advertisements come on or you see brilliant displays in stores. Do I really need this, or will something I already have suffice?
Thursday, June 11, 2015
A Common Basket
Growing up, we had the "messy drawer" in our kitchen.
"Do you know where some nail clippers are?"
"Check in the messy drawer."
It contained screws, nails, scissors, tape, nail clippers, pencils, pens, and basically anything that didn't have a home and needed to be stashed quickly. I remember even organizing it several times as a child.
I've taken a similar concept into my home. In one drawer by the outside door in the kitchen, I have a basket with the following: pens, pencils, Scotch tape, scissors, letter opener, glue stick, Sharpie, spare keys. Next to it in the same drawer was a 5 x 7" spiral notebook for writing school excuse notes. With the notebook are mailing labels you get free if you donate to various charities.
Also in the drawer: a roll of stamps, address book, the checkbook, savings account book, a little box of paperclips, and some small notepads for phone messages.
I think everything anyone needs to mail a letter, write a note, open mail, grab scissors, etc. is right there. My "a place for everything" and "the family needs to know where things always are" mantras were legitimized when my husband bought a gift and wrapped it without asking me where to find anything!
It simplifies the entire family's lives if they know where to find essentials.
"Check in the messy drawer."
It contained screws, nails, scissors, tape, nail clippers, pencils, pens, and basically anything that didn't have a home and needed to be stashed quickly. I remember even organizing it several times as a child.
I've taken a similar concept into my home. In one drawer by the outside door in the kitchen, I have a basket with the following: pens, pencils, Scotch tape, scissors, letter opener, glue stick, Sharpie, spare keys. Next to it in the same drawer was a 5 x 7" spiral notebook for writing school excuse notes. With the notebook are mailing labels you get free if you donate to various charities.
Also in the drawer: a roll of stamps, address book, the checkbook, savings account book, a little box of paperclips, and some small notepads for phone messages.
I think everything anyone needs to mail a letter, write a note, open mail, grab scissors, etc. is right there. My "a place for everything" and "the family needs to know where things always are" mantras were legitimized when my husband bought a gift and wrapped it without asking me where to find anything!
It simplifies the entire family's lives if they know where to find essentials.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
School Papers
I read other people's blogs complaining about the end of the school year….teachers asking for donations of party food, costumes for plays, volunteers…gulp. We really don't mean to be insensitive to parents' time and family life; it's just that we're desperately trying to keep 26 children occupied for 6.5 hours a day when their energy level is at a 10 and their attentiveness for academics is at a 2.
Speaking of the end of the school year, I sent home a once inch stack of paperwork yesterday. Since my kids transition to a new school in the fall, my job is to purge the cumulative folders of all the paperwork earlier teachers scrambled to put in (which hasn't been looked at…ever.) There are cute little writing samples from kindergarten, math word problems, gobs of testing data and educational acronyms parents might not understand, but the students get a kick out of reliving their early childhood. I admit that I have a twinge of guilt sending home all those papers. If the parent is not one to declutter, I just added a great deal to the home's chaos.
Think through what to do with all the children's paperwork that comes home. Art projects, written essays, tests, and math papers involve a ton of decision making as to whether to preserve those memories or toss them. I had a box for each child and pulled the things I thought I would enjoy looking over later when they had flown the nest. To be honest, I've never gone through the boxes. I doubt they want the stuff either, but somehow it makes me feel closer to them knowing it's in the attic. I had a little scrapbook with pockets for each year where the children filled in special things about the year and kept a few mementos. Other than that, everything else was trashed. It's just overwhelming.
Someday, I will go through their boxes with them, and after we've all seen the essay on "What I Want to Be" and realize neither is a fireman or a cowboy, maybe then I can toss those pieces I saved.
Speaking of the end of the school year, I sent home a once inch stack of paperwork yesterday. Since my kids transition to a new school in the fall, my job is to purge the cumulative folders of all the paperwork earlier teachers scrambled to put in (which hasn't been looked at…ever.) There are cute little writing samples from kindergarten, math word problems, gobs of testing data and educational acronyms parents might not understand, but the students get a kick out of reliving their early childhood. I admit that I have a twinge of guilt sending home all those papers. If the parent is not one to declutter, I just added a great deal to the home's chaos.
Think through what to do with all the children's paperwork that comes home. Art projects, written essays, tests, and math papers involve a ton of decision making as to whether to preserve those memories or toss them. I had a box for each child and pulled the things I thought I would enjoy looking over later when they had flown the nest. To be honest, I've never gone through the boxes. I doubt they want the stuff either, but somehow it makes me feel closer to them knowing it's in the attic. I had a little scrapbook with pockets for each year where the children filled in special things about the year and kept a few mementos. Other than that, everything else was trashed. It's just overwhelming.
Someday, I will go through their boxes with them, and after we've all seen the essay on "What I Want to Be" and realize neither is a fireman or a cowboy, maybe then I can toss those pieces I saved.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Peaceful
A neat space is peaceful. Even if you can accomplish having one room decluttered, that will give you a relaxing spot in which to retreat. If time permits, try an experiment. Box up everything on the surfaces and floor. Put the boxes elsewhere. Look around. You might breathe a sigh of relief.
Having an organized, simplified space isn't to keep your mother happy anymore…it's for you and your peace of mind.
Having an organized, simplified space isn't to keep your mother happy anymore…it's for you and your peace of mind.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Clearing Out
If you were to repaint or remodel a room, how long would it take you to empty the room, and could you fit the contents anywhere else in your house?
Sometimes questions like this help us clear out clutter and make those decisions to let things go. Decisions made today will help when a move or a remodeling/repainting project comes due.
Sometimes questions like this help us clear out clutter and make those decisions to let things go. Decisions made today will help when a move or a remodeling/repainting project comes due.
Friday, June 5, 2015
Broken Stuff
Today is a day to evaluate anything broken. Sometimes I hold onto things like broken staplers, pieces of a dropped figurine, or a torn piece of clothing for months…maybe years, intending to fix the item.
I like the simplicity of decluttering coming down to decision making. With broken pieces, ask,
"What would it cost to just replace it?"
"Can I schedule in a time this week to repair it?"
"Is the repair something I can do myself, or should I call a friend?"
"If I haven't needed it in 8 months, should I really keep it?"
Make a decision when you come across such pieces.
I like the simplicity of decluttering coming down to decision making. With broken pieces, ask,
"What would it cost to just replace it?"
"Can I schedule in a time this week to repair it?"
"Is the repair something I can do myself, or should I call a friend?"
"If I haven't needed it in 8 months, should I really keep it?"
Make a decision when you come across such pieces.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
European Living
Watching shows like House Hunter's International is very eye opening. At times, it's embarrassing for me to see my fellow Americans making comments on flats in Prague or Paris.
"Oh... this master bedroom is really small."
"Is that the refrigerator? I can't live without a full-sized refrigerator."
"Whoa! There's no way all of my clothes will fit in that closet!"
While I'm sure the producers choose some of these people for effect, it drives me up a wall. SIMPLIFY!! I would have a hard time being a polite realtor on those shows, though maybe the producers would enjoy some extra conflict to air over and over after commercial breaks.
"Aren't bedrooms for sleeping? Do you really need a king-sized bed?"
"In Europe there are many open air markets and you can purchase food daily."
"If your clothes don't fit into the closet, you probably have too many clothes."
After watching the places featured on that show, I infer that clutter and BIG sized items are a cultural thing in our country. Europeans live in smaller spaces, often use walking, biking, or mass transit, and enjoy a lot of out-of-the-house time either in cafes or parks. It's a slower pace with less stuff to care for. To me, it's very appealing.
"Oh... this master bedroom is really small."
"Is that the refrigerator? I can't live without a full-sized refrigerator."
"Whoa! There's no way all of my clothes will fit in that closet!"
While I'm sure the producers choose some of these people for effect, it drives me up a wall. SIMPLIFY!! I would have a hard time being a polite realtor on those shows, though maybe the producers would enjoy some extra conflict to air over and over after commercial breaks.
"Aren't bedrooms for sleeping? Do you really need a king-sized bed?"
"In Europe there are many open air markets and you can purchase food daily."
"If your clothes don't fit into the closet, you probably have too many clothes."
After watching the places featured on that show, I infer that clutter and BIG sized items are a cultural thing in our country. Europeans live in smaller spaces, often use walking, biking, or mass transit, and enjoy a lot of out-of-the-house time either in cafes or parks. It's a slower pace with less stuff to care for. To me, it's very appealing.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Electronics and Technology
As quickly as technology changes, it is important when you purchase a new device to unload the old one immediately. If you wait a year or two, it can be totally obsolete. Trust me on this one. We have a graveyard of old technology at my place. Goodwill does take it and sends it on to be used as parts or for refurbishing, so that is my goal.
The key is, wipe clean your data and let it go within a month of your new acquisition.
The key is, wipe clean your data and let it go within a month of your new acquisition.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Salad Dressings
Every couple of months I give more than a glance to the door shelves in the refrigerator. Usually, we just glance and grab the ketchup or mayonnaise. Looking more carefully, I realize that some of the salad dressing have been with us for a v-e-r-y long time. Not a good thing. Today I cleaned out old dressings and will try to date them when I purchase new bottles; then I can really know how old they are and keep them rotating.
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