For the last few years, I’ve been on a mission to simplify my life and declutter my home. I wrote a little about this in a past post of mine called Creating Quiet…about clearing out the unimportant, whether it’s activities or clutter, and focusing on what’s really important. I’ve made good progress, although I still have a ways to go!
Decluttering and simplifying are definitely easier when you know others who have the same goal. I have some friends and co-workers who are also on the journey toward clutter-free living. We encourage each other by sharing tips and books to keep ourselves motivated.
The most recent book I’ve read on the subject is called Clutter Free by Kathi Lipp (thanks to Jami for letting me borrow this!). Published in 2015, it’s not a new book, but it’s a very good one. I was kind of experiencing a lull in my decluttering efforts, and reading this book got me motivated and back on track. In fact, every time I read a few chapters, I thought of more things I didn’t really need and could give away or donate.
I jotted down some thoughts I liked from this book to share with you. Maybe some of these words will motivate you to do a little decluttering yourself!
When we spend all of our time working to acquire clutter, organizing clutter, and then working to pay for bigger houses to house all that clutter, it steals us away from the relationships in our lives. Clutter keeps us from connecting with those we love.
The best organizing tip: own less stuff.
When your home is more open [less cluttered], you are more willing to open your home to others.
When decluttering, ask: Do I currently use it? Do I really love it? Would I buy it again?
Get rid of clutter and make room for the things you value.
The easiest time to say no to clutter is at the store. The hardest…is once it’s crossed the threshold of your front door.
Clutter keeps talking to us, weighing us down, and keeping us from living the life we were designed to live.
Scale down to only what you need, and then add a bit of what you love.
When we surround ourselves with less stuff, we can have more of the things that matter: His [God’s] presence, peace, contentment, and joy.
With all the decluttering I’ve done so far, I can definitely say that I’ve never missed anything I’ve given away or donated! It really is freeing to get rid of things you don’t really need. And I love the lighter, more open feeling my rooms have when there’s less “stuff.” Are you on a journey of decluttering too?
NancyC 
14 responses to “Clutter Free”
I get to work with Nancy and she’s truly amazing! Now she’s inspiring me to declutter my office…which may take awhile! Keep pestering me Nancy!!!
LikeLike
You can do it, Linn! 🙂
LikeLike
I’m working on it, too, but we still have a long way to go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ll just have to keep on encouraging each other to keep at it! 🙂
LikeLike
Sooo totally agree, I have been doing this for about 4 years and LOVE IT!!! If something comes in ; something goes out. Easy once you get the hang of it. Great for easy dusting as well. I go through every few months and pitch!!! Or donate which ever it warrants. So happy I have done this. You soon realize it really is not about “THE STUFF”. Just feels like a weight lifted and really seems to just free your mind. More time to just enjoy and relax, no worries about items!! My husband lovingly teases our beautiful yellow lab . He says watch out Dee Mom is “decluttering today” she may declutter you. LOL ( he knows she would be the very last thing to go)) LIKE NEVER!!!! Anyway ladies and gentleman TRY IT you’ll like it!!! Blessings to you all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m all for easy dusting! 🙂 “If something comes in, something goes out” is a great guideline to follow, too! Thanks so much for sharing, Denise! 🙂
LikeLike
When we moved from New England and downsized to a much smaller home in Florida, I think I left most of my treasured collections behind. Do I miss them…maybe a few but it is interesting what you don’t miss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it sure is! And then we wonder why we’ve held onto some things for so long!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a great topic for a book (and a blog post!). My brain works so much better in wide open space.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So does mine, Michele! Having less clutter definitely makes me feel more relaxed and peaceful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am always trying to declutter, but with the belongings of nine people, I can only get rid of so much.
LikeLike
Wow, that would definitely be a challenge! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. But I keep trying! Every bit helps. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, it does! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person