#declutter

[louisa-gc]

how to bring less stuff into your home

don't buy if you already have something similar in function or form — for ex. i already own a pair of boots, therefore any new pair of boots, even if a different colour or a different shape, must stay in the store.

don't buy to store (unless it's on a good sale) — ex. i'm halfway through my favourite serum and already thinking of buying a new bottle, but i'll hold off until the previous one is actually empty, unless i see it in the store for much less than it usually costs. i also used to hoard notebooks and now try not to buy any more until all have been used up.

don't buy what you can reasonably rent or borrow — ex. i barely ever buy books because i can find everything i need at the library (including a ladder and a printer).

don't buy what you truly do not need — ex. did i get a rose quartz roller? yes. did i get it for a purpose? yes, to massage my sore jaw muscles. does it do what i bought it for? meh. is it nice to have? kind of. do i ever use it? not really. so was it a waste of natural resources, cheap labour and my own money? absolutely.

don't buy spontaneously — ex. i went to the store to buy a new bottle of shampoo but ended up with the rose quartz roller too. in the moment, i could easily justify the need for it and a friend even said to go for it (it wasn't expensive either!). now it sits in its box and i only remember to take it out every three months.

don't buy what is not on your shopping list — ex. i needed a new pair of black trousers, and had had them on my list for months already. i found the very best pair i could get on my budget, and going into the store i saw so many beautiful pieces, but kept telling myself i only came in for the black trousers. in the end i left the store with only what i needed, because i knew exactly what my mission there was.

don't buy what won't last — ex. i love to get myself a bouquet of eucalyptus branches every autumn and to let them dry out. i know i can keep those branches for at least a year. while i love fresh flowers too, i know they won't last long. (sometimes i get carnations though, because i know how to keep them going for a relatively long time.) same goes for sweaters: i do not buy acrylic and polyester, simply because i cannot de-pill them the way i can wool.

don't buy what other's have — ex. i've been dreaming of a rice cooker for a very long time, and especially now that many of my friends have gotten one, i can't seem to stop thinking about it. however i know my current kitchen just wouldn't have the space for it, so i stick to cooking my rice on the stove.

don't go into stores if you don't need anything and avoid aisles you don't need anything from — ex. i love this ecological store in town, it always smells earthy and pleasant and has beautiful things inside, but if i enter it without a real need for something, i know i will leave with at least a bar of ridiculously expensive chocolate i wasn't even craving. the same principle applies to online shops!

don't let social media or the people around you create new needs for you — ex. a lot of people on instagram and in my real life are knitting and i would love to do it too! i could easily justify getting all the tools and paying hundreds of euros for wool, but i know i reach for other activities in my free time and that my arms have hurt way too much when i've previously knitted, so it's not for me.

don't buy unnecessary amounts of things — ex. i recently moved to a very small studio. i've previously always had six of each type of plate, because kitchen things tend to be sold in packs of six. this time i just got three of each (three plates, three bowls, three mugs...) and it has been more than enough. i cannot even imagine having to store double the amount of stuff in my tiny kitchen!

[wherechaoswins]

The Art of Less: Finding Everything in Nothingness

In a world that screams more, bigger, faster, a quiet revolution is brewing. It is not about accumulating, but about subtracting. It is the radical idea that sometimes, the most profound gains come not from adding to our lives, but from consciously taking away. Welcome to the art of less, where "nothing" can surprisingly unlock "everything."

We live in an age of relentless addition. Our inboxes overflow, our to-do lists balloon, our homes become repositories of possessions we rarely use. The digital realm amplifies this, bombarding us with notifications, opinions, and an endless stream of information. We are conditioned to believe that more choices, more connections, more stuff equates to more happiness, more success, more life.

But what if the opposite were true? What if the clutter – both physical and mental – is obscuring the things that truly matter? What if by consciously choosing to remove, we create space for clarity, focus, and genuine fulfillment?

Consider the power of subtraction in various aspects of our lives:

1. Digital Detox 📵: Our devices, while powerful tools, can also be relentless attention thieves. Regularly disconnecting – even for short periods – can yield surprising benefits:  

Increased Presence 👤: Without the constant pull of notifications, we become more engaged in the present moment, fostering deeper connections with ourselves and others.

Improved Focus 🧠: The constant switching between apps and tasks fragments our attention. Subtraction here means single-tasking and reclaiming our cognitive bandwidth.  

Reduced Stress 😌: The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the pressure to constantly be "on" can be mentally exhausting. Unplugging offers a much-needed respite.  

2. Decluttering Your Physical Space 🧹: Our homes often become museums of our past selves and aspirational future selves. Letting go of items that no longer serve us creates not just physical space, but mental space too:

Enhanced Calmness 🕊️: A tidy environment fosters a sense of peace and order, reducing visual noise and mental distraction.  

Increased Efficiency 🚀: When everything has its place, finding what you need becomes effortless, saving time and reducing frustration.

Greater Appreciation 🙏: By consciously choosing what to keep, we develop a deeper appreciation for the items that truly hold value.

3. Simplifying Your Commitments 🗓️: Saying "yes" to too many things can lead to overwhelm and a feeling of being constantly stretched thin. The power of subtraction here lies in learning to say "no":

More Time for What Matters ❤️: By shedding unnecessary obligations, we free up time and energy for our priorities, whether it's family, hobbies, or personal growth.

Reduced Stress and Burnout 🔥: Overcommitment is a recipe for stress. Saying "no" is an act of self-care and a way to protect our well-being.  

Increased Impact ✨: Focusing our energy on fewer, more meaningful endeavors allows us to contribute more effectively.

4. Refining Your Thoughts 🤔: Our minds can be battlegrounds of anxieties, self-doubt, and negative self-talk. Subtraction in this context means consciously choosing which thoughts to engage with:

Greater Clarity 💡: By letting go of limiting beliefs and negative narratives, we gain a clearer perspective on ourselves and the world.

Improved Emotional Well-being 😊: Consciously choosing positive and constructive thoughts fosters a more positive emotional state.

Enhanced Self-Awareness 🔭: By observing our thoughts without judgment, we gain a deeper understanding of our inner landscape.

The Paradox of Nothing:

The beauty of this approach lies in its paradox. By consciously subtracting – be it digital noise, physical clutter, unnecessary commitments, or negative thoughts – we don't end up with less life. Instead, we create space for more of what truly nourishes us. We find everything in the intentional act of letting go of nothingness – the excess that weighs us down.

This isn't about deprivation; it's about intentionality. It’s about curating a life that aligns with our values and priorities, rather than being dictated by external pressures and societal norms. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to simply… remove.

So, take a moment today. Look around. What can you subtract? What "nothing" can you let go of to make space for your "everything"? The answer might surprise you.

[gramarobin]

[sweaterkittensahoy]

Before and after on my jewelry table. Special attention to the vintage trinket dish I just got, and the beautiful linen we inherited from Sean's grandmother. I'm very pleased to put it to its intended use of being beautiful and keeping at least some of the dust off that table.

[tarinb]

the big 4 to keep house

its been almost 2 years since I left working outside the home. I've learned a lot about keeping house and managing family life.

I heard on a podcast that if you can move forward with TDL (trash, dishes, laundry) every day, you will be able to maintain a functional home. Maybe not perfectly clean, but functional.

I'm obsessed with figuring out how to spend less time on housework and really just making it more effortless. I want to make progress even if I get interrupted in between tasks (which is highly likely). Here's the order I've been doing these tasks:

Layer #1: trash & recycling. After breakfast I grab a Target bag and walk through the whole downstairs picking up literal garbage. Wrappers, egg shells, paper towels, toddler art (not sorry).

Guess what? If I get interrupted after this layer, at least I'm not living amongst trash.

Layer #2: dishes. This is the one I want to leave for last, but I've realized how important it is. For me, the state of the kitchen is a microcosm for the state of the house. Cooking most meals from home, the kitchen is a war zone. I empty the dishwasher then I collect all dishes from the family, living, and kitchen. After all the dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, I clean the kitchen sink. (This has been the most satisfying result from this whole process)

If I get interruped after this layer, at least I have clean dishes and a place to cook later.

Layer #3: laundry. I've moved to doing one load a day. But not on weekends. I collect the laundry from upstairs, and dirty clothes left downstairs, then put on a load. Then I bring up the load that is dry from the day before and fold it/put it away. It sounds like a lot, but this whole process is probably 10-15 minutes a day.

If I get interrupted after this layer, at least we have clean clothes and don't have dirty clothes laying around.

Layer #4: everything out of its place. I added this layer myself. Now is the time to put the toaster away, replace the couch cushions, help toddler put toys in shelf, etc. This one is honestly my last priority because I know that the main beasts (trash, dishes, laundry) have been slain. But it does feel nice to return everything to order.

I skip some layers on the weekends: laundry and everything out of place. I really can't skip trash and dishes. Without clean dishes, I have no motivation to cook!

This sounds like it would take a long time each day, but each day that I do it, it gets shorter and shorter. Plus, I only do this process once a day. I am not a night cleaner. Morning is when I have my best energy for these types of tasks. I have no qualms going to bed while the house is messy.

What are the tasks you have to do every day to keep your household running?

[zerofuckingwaste]

Easy zero waste tip no. 5: Paradoxically, you need to throw things away sometimes.

When I first went to college, I bought kitchen supplies for my dorm room. When I moved out of my parents' house, I bought some more. When I moved to a house, I bought even more. I was gifted more. I inherited more. More more more.

My kitchen became absolutely stuffed full of things, most of which I either didn't use, couldn't find, or didn't like but dealt with because hey, I already had it and didn't want to buy another.

Eventually, I sat down and pulled everything out of the shelves, the drawers, the baskets, the cabinets, absolutely everything. I was shocked to discover I had dozens of wooden spoons, but no pasta utensil. Seemingly a billion glass containers and only half of their matching lids. Like 6 pairs of tongs? For some reason?

I picked out the things I knew I used, and the things I knew I would use if I actually knew where they were. I was able to sell a few things, donate about half the rest, and the remaining, I unfortunately had no choice but to throw them away. I filled an entire trash bag, and then some, and felt terrible about it.

Then the most miraculous thing happened.

Since then, I haven't bought a single new thing for my kitchen. Meal prep has been easy. Making food in the moment has been easy. I love spending time in my kitchen, it's clean, organized, and fun. There's no stress anymore- and no compulsive need to buy when I couldn't find things, because hey, I know where everything is.

My waste has been significantly reduced by cutting the clutter out. And this is a principle that can apply to every aspect of your life.

Declutter your closet, you'll only wear outfits you love, and you won't feel nearly as much of a need to buy better all the time.

Declutter your bookshelves, and you'll only be surrounded by books you actually love and/or want to read, without feeling the need to buy more that will just end up being tossed out without ever being cracked open.

Declutter your bathroom, and you'll actually use all of the products you have with far less waste that goes bad before you can use it.

Et cetera.

Surround yourself with things you love, rather than just with lots of things.

[bevanne46]

[ahedderick]

Boxes and boxes

My husband has been in "never throw anything away" mode since we were married. In 1995. Last fall he retired, and now that the weather is pretty cold outside he decided to go through boxes and try to get rid of things. My friends. He. Has emptied SO MANY boxes. Old paperwork of all kinds. Outgrown (by two or three sizes!) clothes. Thimgs. Doohickies. Whatsits. I can't even.

I'm glad he's doing it.

[making-mxtakes]

PSA for baby artists and hobby enthusiasts

So I know that a lot of people are constantly on about the fancy markers, the latest Coloring books and how everything needs to be top brand.

I'm here to tell you that it isn't.

Literally use what you can afford.

There is a huge wave that you need to keep up with the latest trend, the latest brand and if we are not using those things, we are not part of the crowd. Just like fashion trends and make up looks, we still fall into this pit and yes it sucks. Remember though that trends change and what you could be left with is a selection of items that you secretly didn't need and hating the supplies we are now swarmed with.

Pick the things YOU want to use. Pick the thing that are in YOUR budget. If you want to level up supplies, you can do that later when it's either more affordable or whether you know you actually enjoy a hobby.

I'm one of those people who will do a refill once a year at the earliest. It took 3 years for me to change up my marker pens and that was because they had become out of manufacturing. I treat myself to colour pencils maybe once a year. Paper... Different story but it's because I used a certain thickness and they never come in more than 30 sheets a time.. colouring book updates? Once a year because you don't colour as many pages as you think you will. A pack of Black Sharpies maybe once a couple of years but that's because I loose more than I use and that's a me issue. Erasers? If you don't loose them, a pack of 5 take about 3 years to use and I know that I heavily use erasers.

Unless you are using your items day in, day out without any sleep, you do not need to keep buying supplies.

[s00mia]

Don't sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out.

Make a change. Smile more.

Be excited. Do new things.

Throw away what you've been cluttering.

Unfollow negative people on social media.

Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce.

Don't gossip. Show more gratitude.

Do things that challenge you. Be brave.

[readersmagnet]

"Why Is My House Always a Mess?" offers a practical, 30-day roadmap to transforming a chaotic home into an organized sanctuary. Discover effective decluttering and storage solutions to conquer the clutter and reclaim your space.

Visit https://www.joanneradkebooks.com/book/ for more information and to claim your copy. Don't wait any longer to create the organized home you deserve!

[simply-passing-through]

I have done a great job.

I’m down to one room that needs sorted and the rest of the house is literally emptied of all superfluous things we don’t want anymore. I’ve even moved stuff around so it fits better and cleaned all the hidden corners. This huge project is pretty much done. So when I pass an item that would fit perfectly in a bare corner of the bedroom, sitting on the pavement, with a sign on it saying…

[custardfist]

‘𝚂𝙿𝙰𝚁𝙴 𝙿𝙰𝚁𝚃𝚂’ 🤷‍♂️📦

Decided to have a lazy Sunday, so here's a little repost.

[maximalminimalist]

Its been a while. I had to be intentional and put “declutter 18 things” on my To-Do list, and that’s what I did!! 18 things down!

I seriously can believe how much progress I’ve made.. But at the same time I started to feel overwhelmed and guilty about the fact that I accumulated so many things. I started to think to myself - I need to stop buying junk, and I can’t keep making impulse buys..

I decluttered my books today and while I was going through them I sat down and read through one of them and came across a part of a chapter that spoke about setting goals as a positive statement.

Instead of saying “I must to stop filling my space with junk”

I should say “I want to make more meaningful purchases”

Instead of saying: “l need to stop leaving my room a mess”

I should say: “I enjoy keeping my room welcoming, neat and organized”

You’re more likely to achieve goals this way because you’re getting what you want vs. restricting and limiting yourself.

It honestly boosted my mood when I began feeling down about all that I’ve accumulated. Made me realize that through my actions I was working towards a life that I want for myself and that setting goals that make me feel guilt is pointless.

[that-girl-lyra]

My Minimalist New Life

Okay so, maybe not so "new" but I haven't posted here in a while, and I really have no better place to post this so. Hiya! Lol.

At the end of 2022, my life kinda went topsy turvy, and in a bid to regain at least some semblance of control I well, controlled that which I could. And that was my stuff. And my GOD did I have A LOT of stuff 🤦‍��️

Weirdly enough, around 90% of it I really didn't need or want. And just the fact that it all existed in my life added to the sense of being overwhelmed all of the time so, I bit the bullet and got rid of...almost everything 😅

A large makeup collection and dedicated vanity? Gone ✨️ Big ass computer that I only used for FL Studio and internet stuffs? Downsized ✨️ Fuck ton of clothes that I hated and never wore? Donated ✨️ And much much more.

Eventually after things calmed down in my world, I packed my bag (only one!) and moved to Northern Ireland. And my God let me tell you, the ability to just throw everything in one or two bags and that's it, is the most freeing sensation I've ever felt. No furniture to haul overseas, no big boxes of junk I don't need. Just everything I need and nothing I don't, all wrapped up in one backpack.

I could go on and on about this but for now, I will leave it at that ✨️ If you're looking to minimize and simplify your life starting with your things, I highly recommend it. In the end I can guarantee that it'll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

Take care!