The simplicity movement (if you can call it a movement) is not just about less 'stuff'. Of course that does feature in there somewhere in terms of streamlining your possessions and being more organised. Less possessions = less things to get lost/find, less maintenance/cleaning, less debt.
But deeper than that is the other things you can focus on once you've stepped back from the 'stuff'. Less commitments, less pressure, less need to work, less pursuit of some ideal life we are under pressure to achieve, less stress. More time with your family doing things that matter, more fun, more focus on people and experiences rather than possessions.
Anyway I've rounded up some good resources on this subject in the links below in case you want to explore further.
Websites
365 Less Things
Unclutterer
Miss Minamilist
Rowdy Kittens
Simple Mom
Small Notebook
Books
The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life
Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life
I'll finish by confessing I'm just on the start of this journey......you see I love 'stuff'. I spent £2 on some shaped elastic bands yesterday for Yoyo for heavens sake (they really were cute, and she was poorly). But I think I'm beginning to realise there could be a different way.............in fact I'm starting a new category label of 'Keeping it Simple'. Watch this space.
I know I know.. but I love 'stuff' too. :o(
ReplyDeleteHowever.. I have introduced a one in one out policy with some things.. like cushions.
I'm checking my wardrobe at least once a month.. and we have a charity bag on the go in the laundry room all the time.
and I've told my hubby.. NO more 'stuff'!!
because he's terrible on birthdays and christmas.
So now we're trying to get each other events instead.. like tickets to a concert or play or a couple of nights in a hotel.
Good luck with the 'project'.. I'll be watching.
Jo xx
Good luck. We're not so good at the less stuff. I am constantly editing stuff and then more comes in from everyone. You should see my garage. It is very embarrassingly crammed with projects and stuff!
ReplyDeleteI've just sent three boxes of stuff to the NCT sale and you can't even see the dent in the piles of rubbish!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeletelove this post have saved all the listed forums to my bookmarks. I am all for less stuff, and that is exactly what it is, stuff!!!
Since we last spoke Gary and myself and Louis of course have moved ourselves to Nashville TN, for two years with Gary's work.
I 4 months ago went through the painful process of selling the house and getting rid of a load of stuff!!!! some sold, some given away, I was totally disgusted with how much we had gathered, it was a disgrace. On the other hand it has made us aware that now we are in a two bedroom apartment what was it all about? Did we need it all?
I do like having less clutter around me and less to clean, when buying furniture for here we have just bought bare essentials as we will have to move it back home, so less is definitely more!!!!!
As we have 9 months of sunshine here we will be out and about more and quality has to be quantity.
Don't get me wrong I love my homey stuff as you know but I will just be more particular in the future,
Love to Queen of clean, love the blog I am on often,
Love Marianne oxo
Thanks all - seems like this has struck a chord at some time with you already....
ReplyDeleteMarianne - I owe you an email x .......will be in touch :) Love to Gary & Louis xx
I look forward to hearing how you get on! Despite my many decluttering sessions earlier this year I keep finding things sneaking their way in. I feel another session coming on soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Shoestring - good to hear from you :)
ReplyDeleteI feel rather determined in this attempt. Fed up of my precious weekends being spent on housework instead of family time!
We shall see.........
Simplifying is an ongoing journey around here, as I think it is for most people. I have been on one for years, but my goodness, things add up on you really quickly if you don't keep at it all the time...especially with a 3 year old. I'm on it again now. My two major areas of clutter are always the attic and the office/ studio- I'd much rather create something than have a good clear out out there if you know what I mean. Anyway, good luck1
ReplyDelete