Minimizing ones home life can be very challenging. Two books that can be helpful with the process are"The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life" by Francine Jayand "You Can Buy Happiness (and It's Cheap): How One Woman Radically Simplified Her Life and How You Can Too" by Tammy Strobel. Both books will make you think about what is needed verses what is wanted, and why you want it. The first book, "The Joy of Less", will guide you through each room in the house and help you to minimize step by step. Minimizing your 'stuff' will help to decrease the amount of stress your life. For example, our new rule in the house is "all surfaces clear." Nothing on tables, counters, the mantle, etc. It doesn't always work out perfect, but when it's time to dust, its definitely easier than ever! I don't stress about it! The same will happen for you too. Check out some of the ways to minimize below.
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Home Size I know, definitely not for everyone. But just think about all the ways that a smaller home can make your life simpler! Less to maintain and heat, which leads to less expenses! Less space means you need to have less stuff and this leads to less stress....the list goes on and on as to why a smaller home is a great way to minimize. How small, well that is up to you. Read more....
Room by Room Minimization We started minimizing with the living room, the most used room in the house, which also included our dining room. Since the kitchen was right next door, of course that was next (and was probably the moRoom by Roomst difficult room to do...think of the junk drawers!). Getting rid of some of our 'stuff' was hard at first, but we did it and we are happier for it too. Read more...
OrganizationIdeas Living in a small home with small rooms requires us to be organized. In fact, the more stuff we want to keep, the more organized we have to be. With hobbies, holiday decorations, etc., we really needed to develop a few strategies and rules to keep the house in shape. Read more...
Household Waste Who doesn't have garbage? Who doesn't want less garbage? In fact, wouldn't it be great to have no garbage? Especially if you don't have local pick-up and need to take it to the dump! Here are some great ways to minimize the amount of household waste you need to dispose of. From recycling and repurposing, to selling and donating, there are some great ideas to work toward having a zero waste household! Read more...