Clutter Prevention

There is no point de-cluttering if you will replace those things and end up back where you started. The key to maintaining a simplified home is preventing yourself from reaching that point again.

Here are some tips on how to keep your home free from clutter:

• Establish a "clutter reserve" - like wildlife reserves, these are limited areas where clutter may live freely, so long as it stays within boundaries. In a bedroom, for example, a chair becomes a clutter preserve. A kitchen junk drawer can house vitamin bottles, rubber bands, cut out recipes, coupons, shopping receipts etc. 
• Have a “do not buy” and/or “do not keep” list. If during the de-cluttering stage you found that you have multiple numbers of the same items, add them to your list and keep it in your purse/wallet/phone.
• Have a waiting period before you buy new things. If not being able to stay away from the shops is a big issue for you, consider having a ‘cooling off’ period between desire and purchase. Keep a wish list where you note things you want to buy but wait a week (or longer) and see if you still want any of it after some reflection.
• Borrow rather than buy. Things like DVDs, CDs, Video Games and books can be rented cheaply these days either online or your local library. If you only need an items rarely or as a one-off, ask to borrow from a family member, friend or neighbour (i.e. tools). Alternatively you could buy it together and share.
• One in, one out. Whenever you buy a new thing (i.e. new top, magazine, crockery etc.), at least one old one must be discarded, recycled or donated. Adopting a one in, one out rule keeps the level of stuff below the clutter point by limiting total numbers.
• Limit clutter gifts. If you don’t need anything, let people know. Tell them instead that you would love an experience (i.e. theatre tickets, concert tickets, a day at a spa, a trip to the zoo, cinema vouchers etc.) or get them to make a charitable donation to a charity of your choice. If it is presents for your children, tell them to give them money for their savings account instead. On the other hand, if you do have needs or wants, let people know. Some people insist on giving gifts, even if you say no so it is better to get them to buy something you actually want or ask for gift vouchers. I really like fresh flowers and it is a treat I rarely buy myself so it is always a special gift!

Image courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/explore/exposed-brick-kitchen/

Sabine

Simply De-cluttering - Part Three

Depending on how much needs to be tackled in your home, the de-cluttering process is unlikely to be accomplished in a week. 

First of all, you need to know what clutter is. Only you know what your clutter is – what looks like clutter to one person is someone else’s treasure! 
In general, though, clutter is anything in your life that you don’t love, use or hold dear – or anything in the wrong place in your home.

To start de-cluttering your stuff, you will need five boxes/baskets/bags with the following labels:

·         Other rooms

·         Sell

·         Donate

·         Recycling

·         Rubbish

      

Image courtesy of http://edmonton-home-inspections.ca/planning-sell-home-declutter/  

Pick one area – this could be a whole room or, if that is too overwhelming, a cupboard or drawer.

Start with your chosen room/area and don’t move on until you have finished – don’t get sidetracked!

For every item that you find, ask yourself whether you want to keep it or get rid of it. Then put that item in the appropriate box/bag. Using the box method means that you can focus on one thing at a time and at the end of the session, simply do what needs to be done with each box.

Sabine

Simply De-cluttering - Part Two

Taking steps to de-clutter, organise and order your home can positively impact our lives in numerous ways. Freed from chaos and distraction, goals will seem clearer, energy levels will rise, we will have more time, we will feel better about ourselves and our homes will be a lot healthier.

Image courtesy of http://www.housetohome.co.uk/house-tour/picture/step-inside-this-modern-country-house-in-west-sussex/4

However, there are a number of reasons why we don’t want to get rid of our stuff.  For example:

• Sentimental reasons
• "Just in case" we need it again one day
• Difficulty in making decision (procrastination)
• Lack of organisation
• Fear of letting go
• Feeling wasteful by throwing stuff out
• Security (safety in holding on)
• Things given as a present

Think about the real reason why you can't let go. If it is for sentimental reasons, try creating a memory box which can hold small items. For bigger items, take a photograph and keep that instead. (See for example:http://www.organisemyhouse.com/how-to-organise-your-memories-creating-a-memory-box/)

If you haven't used an item for the last 12 months and it isn't really of any use to you anymore, ask yourself: "What is the worst that could happen if I throw this away?"

Be OK with the fact that there is a slim chance that you may need the item in the future – but the pay off from more space and less clutter is worth the sacrifice of not having the item to hand.

There is safety in holding on to things and a big clear out means change which can be frightening for people. Try to see change as exciting and not scary - imagine how good you will feel when you finally let go of all those things that weigh you down!

Image courtesy of  http://www.organisemyhouse.com/my-top-10-clutter-quotes-from-pinterest/

Sabine

Simply De-cluttering - Part One

For a lot of people, January means starting life with a clean slate. This could mean eating more healthily, drinking less / no alcohol, exercising more or simplifying our homes. 

Simplifying our homes starts by de-cluttering our stuff so that our home supports our vision of life and only keeping the things that we love or truly need. In return,  our homes will be more welcoming, easier to maintain and more calm.

Image courtesy of http://www.housetohome.co.uk/house-tour/picture/step-inside-this-white-industrial-style-victorian-terrace-in-northwest-london?slideshow=

Don’t worry though, this can be achieved without taking extreme measures – utilitarian and minimalist are not the only definition of simple! The trick is to find a happy medium where you are organised to the level you want to be and have your home as tidy as you want it to be.

Reasons to de-clutter:

• Save time & money by being more organised
• Less stress
• Mental clarity and better emotional health
• Increase space
• Reduce workload
• Uncover hidden income by selling unwanted / unused items
• Create a good impression
• Reduce allergies

Image courtesy of http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/top-5-strategies-for-de-cluttering-a-small-space-167741

Once you have made space in your home, you can look at it with new eyes and it will give you the opportunity to have a make over to express the new you!

Sabine

Simply Winter Cosiness

With the Christmas decorations packed away, our living spaces can feel a little bit bare and cold. And even though thoughts may (very optimistically) turn to thoughts of spring already, for many there are still many months of darkness, wet, cold, snow and ice ahead.

Time to return to winter cosiness! Try adding more of the following elements to add more layers of warmth:

• Faux fur and knitted pillows
•  Extra cosy throws and blankets
•  Textures like baskets and natural winter decor like sticks and pine cones etc.

Image courtesy of http://www.lights4fun.co.uk/the-blog/a-cosy-sofa-in-5-easy-ways/#jp-carousel-4795

• Warm rugs on tiled or wooden floors
• Extra layers of blankets on beds   

Image courtesy of http://www.therelaxedhome.com/a-whiter-shade-of-pale-cosy-white-bedroom-ideas/

• Additional table lamps for warm mood lighting
• Groupings of candles on mantels, dressers and console tables

Image courtesy of http://www.elle.com/culture/g9149/best-winter-candles/

Keep warm!

Sabine

Simply Christmas Decorating

Simplicity in decor is what I'm naturally drawn to and this certainly also applies to Christmas decorating. Little touches of Christmas in every room rather than going over the top – whether inside our out!

Image courtesy of http://www.tipps.net/weihnachtsdeko-fuer-aussen-8-selbst-gemachte-ideen-fuer-wenig-geld.html

 This can easily be achieved by using, for example, festive table runners, tea light holders, star motives, plenty of candles, pine cones and fresh greenery such as holly and ivy.  Try to co-ordinate your Christmas decorating with the colour scheme of your house.

Image courtesy of http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/country-christmas-christmas-table-decorating-ideas-christmas-dining-room-christmas_155496.html

The goal is to create memories for our family at home, not creating or maintaining a show house! 

Image courtesy of http://www.hearthandmade.co.uk/2013/12/perfectly-styled-christmas-vignettes.html 

When I was a little girl growing up in northern Germany, we didn’t put our (real!) tree up until Christmas Eve. We would decorate it in the morning and then the door to the living room would be shut for the rest of the day whilst my parents would get everything ready. We would go to church late afternoon or early evening and when we got back from that is when we would be allowed to see the tree lit for the first time. Simply magical!

Image courtesy of www.songbirdblog.com

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sabine

Simply Seasonal: Decorating with Natural Elements - Part Two

While bringing natural finishes into your home isn’t a new concept. The concept of bringing nature to every room of your interiors is a game changer for many homeowners. Whether you look to organic sheets and bedding in your bedroom adorned with birds and rustic leaves or you enjoy a bubbling Zen fountain in your home office, nature can find itself into any space of your life. Design your room around what makes you emotionally charged, excited, calmed or soothed and feel how nature plays a role in your interiors. 

Image courtesy of http://munahome.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/creative-decor-ideas-for-winter-homes-using-sheepskin/

With the re-emergence of green living and conserving the Earth’s precious resources there has been a renewed interest in homeowners finding building products that have been recycled and used in new ways, reclaimed from other building projects or re=purposed into new functions. From old wood railroad ties being used in ceiling support beams to give a rustic appeal to your room to lumber yards supplying contractors and builders with reclaimed and locally sourced wood products – think of these ideas when remodeling your home.

Image courtesy of http://www.ironaccents.com/178-rc4bcrm.html

Sabine