Clutter

Save Money with a Minimalism Mindset

Published on by Lyn Bailey
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An effective way to save money with a minimalist mindset is to focus on experiences instead of material things. Of course, you don’t need to forgo all your possessions and live a life of austerity. It’s just about making mindful decisions to spend your money on experiences that will bring you lasting joy instead of things that will quickly lose their appeal.

But there are numerous ways to save money with a minimal mindset. Here are a few:

  • Start with your wardrobe — Most of us have clothes we never wear. Go through your clothes and remove anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Donate these items to a local charity.
  • Cut back on eating out — It’s easy to spend $50 or more when you go out to eat. Instead, cook at home more often. You’ll save money and likely eat healthier as well.
  • Cancel unused subscriptions — If you have magazine or newspaper subscriptions, you no longer read, cancel them. The same goes for any streaming services or memberships you’re not using.
  • Give back to your community — Volunteer your time or donate money to a worthy cause. It feels good to help others. You’ll also save money by avoiding costly nights and accumulating more material possessions.
  • Get rid of your car — This one may not be possible for everyone, but if you get rid of your vehicle, you will save on insurance, gas, and maintenance costs.
  • Use coupons and shop sales — Look for coupons and deals when you need to buy something and only shop when you’ve planned.
  • Reduce your energy consumption — This could mean turning off lights when you leave a room, turning down the heat, or investing in energy-efficient appliances.
  • Live in a smaller home — If you own a home, consider downsizing to a smaller one to reduce your mortgage or rent payments and save on energy costs.
  • Make time for the things you love — If you’re passionate about something, find ways to incorporate it into your life without spending a lot of money. For example, look for free trails near you instead of a gym membership if you love hiking.
  • Spend time with loved ones — One of the most precious things in life is time, so make sure to spend it wisely. Instead of buying them material gifts, spend time with them instead. Go on a walk, have a picnic in the park, or stay in and chat. These are the moments they’ll remember and cherish, not the things you bought them.
  • Get rid of your debt — This is an obvious way to save money. Pay it off as quickly as possible if you have high-interest debt, such as credit card debt. I got rid of my credit cards a couple of years ago. It has saved me an enormous amount of money! Now, I have to think twice about spending, as I can only spend what I already have, not my future earnings.
  • Invest in yourself — This could include taking courses to improve your career prospects or investing in a side hustle, but it can also be about experiences. For example, take a cooking class, learn a new language, or pick up a new hobby.
  • Automate your finances — Set up automatic payments for your bills and savings to let go of a bit of mental clutter and make it less likely to miss a payment or forget to save.
  • Make a budget – Review your expenses, make a budget, and stick to it. Budgets keep you on track with your spending and saving goals.
  • Save for retirement — If you don’t have a retirement savings account, start one as soon as possible. It will add up over time, even if you can only save a little each month.
  • Invest in memories, not things — Instead of buying new car or designer clothes, put that money towards a once-in-a-lifetime trip or an unforgettable experience. You’ll be much happier looking back on memories than material possessions.

By focusing on experiences instead of things, you can save money, declutter your life, and live a more fulfilling existence. So next time you’re tempted to spend money on something that will quickly lose its appeal, consider investing in an experience instead.

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Minimalism Habits to Adopt

Published on by Lyn Bailey
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There are many ways to live a minimalist lifestyle. Some people choose to live with less stuff, while others focus on simplifying their daily routines. Regardless of your approach, there are several key habits that all minimalists should adopt to simplify their lives.

1. Let go of stuff you don’t need

One of the most critical minimalist habits is letting go of items you no longer need or use. It’s easy to accrue a lot of stuff you don’t need. Getting rid of these items can declutter your home and simplify your life.

2. Don’t be afraid to say no

Many people feel like they have to say yes to everything. But this isn’t always necessary and can lead to an overly complicated life. If you don’t want to do something or don’t have the time, it’s okay to say no.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Another essential habit is not being afraid to ask for help when needed. Many try to do everything independently, but this isn’t always possible or necessary. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a friend, family member, or professional for assistance.

4. Be patient

Patience is hard to come by sometimes. People often want things immediately. But sometimes, good things come to those who wait. So instead of rushing into things, take your time and enjoy the journey.

5. Be organized

Being organized doesn’t mean that you must live in an immaculate home with hotel vibes. But it does mean taking the time to declutter your space and put things in order. In addition, being organized helps you save time and stress because you don’t have to waste time looking for stuff.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Some sound advice for wannabe minimalists is not to sweat the small stuff. In other words, don’t let the little things stress you out. If something minor goes wrong, don’t dwell on it. Just let it go and move on.

7. Live in the present

Instead of focusing on the future or dwelling on the past, focus on the here and now. Living in the present will help you enjoy your life more and reduce stress.

8. Be grateful

Build a habit of gratefulness for what you have instead of worrying about what you don’t have. This will help you appreciate the good things in your life and be more content with what you have, which will possibly help make it easier for you to stop buying more stuff.

9. Simplify your wardrobe

Instead of having a lot of clothes that you never wear, focus on quality over quantity. Keep only the items you love and know you’ll wear. Consider choosing only two or three colors so everything matches or learning about capsule wardrobes.

10. Enjoy the journey

Minimalism is said to be a lifestyle, not a destination. Therefore, focusing on the end goal instead of what you are doing right now is a mistake. Instead, focus on enjoying the process. Appreciate the simplicity of your life and the things you can do because of it.

Adopting these habits will help you simplify your life and live a more minimalist lifestyle. But remember, minimalism requires that you enjoy the entire journey of your life in all areas of your life, not just the part where you accumulate stuff.

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Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Improve Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism is a movement not advocating for doing without and suffering. It’s more about keeping only the things around that you really need to reduce clutter – in your mind and your environment.

Minimalism benefits relationships in many ways. Besides freeing up time to be together because neither of you is chasing more stuff, minimalism and living a decluttered life are many ways to improve your relationships.

If you are ready to take your first step to minimising your life, then click HERE to access your  FREE checklist –Embracing Minimalism for a More Organized Life

Follow it and you will start to see immediate changes in your life and relationships.

1. You’ll have more time for the people you care about.

When you’re not held down by stuff, you can focus on the things that really matter, like your relationships. Spending more time with folks you care about will help to strengthen those bonds and make them even more special. Almost nothing can replace time as a relationship builderImprove Your Relationships by Embracing Minimalism

2.You’ll be less stressed.

Money issues often cause stress. If you have less stuff, you often have fewer money issues. When you’re not constantly worrying about your property, you’ll have more energy and headspace to focus on the essential things in life. This improves your relationships because when you can focus on the relationship, stress is reduced, and you’ll be more present and available for conversations and quality time.

3. You’ll be more mindful.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, which can be challenging to achieve when you’re bogged down by worrying about stuff. However, minimalism promotes mindfulness, as it encourages you to focus on the things most important to you – typically your relationships. Being more mindful in your relationships leads to more meaningful conversations and connections with the people in your life.

4. You’ll be more grateful.

Gratitude is another crucial aspect of mindfulness, and it’s something that can be difficult to cultivate when you’re surrounded by clutter. However, when you declutter your life and get rid of the things you don’t need, you will start to appreciate the things you do have. This includes the people in your life who are always there for you. Showing gratitude makes your relationships better and makes them even stronger.

5. You’ll be more authentic.

Many people put up walls because they’re afraid of being hurt or rejected. However, these walls can end up hurting your relationships because they’re not authentic. When you’re honest and authentic with the people in your life, you create more profound and meaningful connections with them. Minimalism allows you to be more authentic by freeing you from the things holding you back and homing in on what’s important – people, not things.

6. You’ll have more fun.

When you’re not weighed down by stuff, you’ll be able to enjoy activities and experiences with the people you love. This creates lasting memories with loved ones and deepens the bonds between you and those you care about.

Minimalism is enormously beneficial, but one of the best benefits is that it will improve your relationships. If you want to declutter your life of stuff and start fresh, consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle. You might be surprised by how much embracing a minimalistic lifestyle improves your relationships of all kinds.

If you are ready to take your first step to minimising your life, then click HERE to access your  FREE checklist –Embracing Minimalism for a More Organized Life

 

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How Minimalism Can Make You a Happier Person

Published on by Lyn Bailey
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There are many ways in which minimalism makes people happier. For one, it can declutter your life and help you focus on what’s important. A minimalist lifestyle can also simplify your life and help you save money.

Additionally, minimalism can help you appreciate your things and find contentment in a less materialistic way of life. Many people think having more stuff will make them happier, but this is often not the case.

In today’s highly advertised world, people are constantly bombarded with ads and material possessions. It is hard sometimes to differentiate between needs and wants because advertisements rain down on you no matter where you are.

However, despite the ads, more and more people are finding that minimalism – living with less – can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people with fewer possessions are less likely to experience anxiety and depression.

Minimalism can lead to greater happiness in several ways.

• You’ll have less to worry about — When you have fewer possessions, there’s less to keep track of and less to worry about keeping safe.

• You’ll have more time — With less stuff to take care of, you’ll have more time to focus on the things that are important to you. You can spend more time with family and friends, pursue your hobbies, or relax.

• You’ll save money — When you live minimally, you naturally spend less, and you won’t have the urge to keep up with the latest trends or buy things you don’t really need.

• You’ll be more organized — With fewer things to keep track of, you’ll be more likely to stay organized. You won’t have to search for things as often, and you’ll have more space to keep things tidy.

• You’ll have less clutter — Clutter can be a source of stress for many people. When you live minimally, you’ll have less clutter in your home and your life.

• You’ll be more mindful — Minimalism encourages you to be more conscious of your possessions and how you use them. As a result, you’ll start to appreciate the things you have more.

• You’ll be less stressed — With less to worry about and more time to relax, you’ll likely feel less stressed overall. Minimalism can help you to lead a more peaceful life.

When you declutter your life and live with less, you’ll be surprised at how much happier you are. When you have more time and energy for the things you love, you’ll be less burdened by material possessions.

Plus, there is scientific evidence to support the idea that minimalism makes people happier, so why not embrace minimalism to become happier? You don’t have to do without to be more of a minimalist. Minimalism is not about doing without in any way. It’s about finding and using the right resources and tools and keeping them organized and ready in a clutter-free way.

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Handy Products for Organizing Your Home

Published on by Lyn Bailey

Handy Products for Organizing Your Home

Storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves are very handy for keeping your home organized. Baskets are great for corralling smaller items like gloves, scarves, and hats, while bins and shelves can store more oversized items like blankets, towels, and out-of-season clothing. Let’s look at how you can use various products to organize your home.

Baskets

Using baskets is a great way to add additional storage space to your home.

  • For storing blankets, throws, and extra pillows
  • For corralling toys in the living room or playroom
  • For holding laundry that needs to be put away
  • As a catchall for items near the front door

You can designate some baskets to organize various items or use a different basket for each room to gather all the clutter that has escaped its home and return it.

Drawer organizers

If you have drawers to put things, you know that they often become a mess when you look for something. With organizers, you can prevent everything from getting messed up to the point you lose things by adding spacers and organizers.

  • For underwear, socks, and other small items in the bedroom
  • For spices, oils, and other cooking supplies in the kitchen
  • For office supplies in a home office or craft room

You can use drawer organizers to store items such as silverware, dishes, and glasses, so they stay organized and don’t get jumbled up. Use drawer organizers to store cleaning supplies, such as sponges, scrub brushes, and cleaning solutions — keeping supplies organized and within easy reach.

Under-bed storage

You can raise your bed to give yourself some practical storage underneath if you don’t have a bed with space under it. If you create that space, it can be used to store things you don’t use as often.

  • For winter clothes that aren’t being used
  • For extra bedding, towels, and linens
  • For out-of-season clothes

If you aren’t using the items daily, under-bed storage is a great place to keep the things out of the way and ready for use when needed.

Hooks

When you lack space, consider taking things to the wall with hooks. Hooks let you hang up things in sight that need to be handy. Consider putting hooks in any area you need so your stuff is within easy reach.

  • For coats, hats, and scarves near the front door
  • For bags and purses in the bedroom or closet
  • For towels in the bathroom
  • For aprons and oven mitts in the kitchen

If you live in a rental, you can use command hooks, and if you follow the directions, you can create space without messing up the walls.

Nails/tacks

If you live in your own place, you can put nails and tacks on the wall without worrying about your property owner. Nails and tacks are great for hanging things out of the way, not just your artwork.

  • For hanging pictures, artwork, and wall decor
  • For hanging coats, hats, and scarves near the front door
  • For hanging towels in the bathroom
  • For hanging mitts, aprons, and other tools in the kitchen

Consider using double-duty artwork that acts as something beautiful to look at that’s also useful, like shelves, cabinets, and cute places to hang your hats and scarves.

Pegboard

Julia Child used pegboards in her kitchen to organize her pots, pans, and tools for cooking. You can use them for the organization in any zone of your house, which also looks incredible.

  • Organize tools in the garage or shed
  • Can also be used to organize office supplies
  • Great for craft supplies
  • Fabulous for kitchen pots, pans, and utensils

You may be shocked at how awesome peg boards work. The great thing about them is that you can move things around on the pegboard; it doesn’t always have to be the same organization.

Anyone of these organizational products will help you create a space that works for you. Consider writing down all the activities you do in every zone of your home so you can determine what you need to get organized.

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How Clutter Impacts Your Mental Health

Published on by Lyn Bailey

How Clutter Impacts Your Mental Health

Whether it’s a messy desk, a crammed closet, or a pile of unopened mail, clutter makes people feel stressed, anxious, and even depressed.

But did you know that clutter can also seriously impact your mental health?

A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that rats exposed to cluttered environments were likelier to be anxious and stressed than rats who lived in clean, organized spaces.

And it’s not just rats. A growing body of research suggests that clutter can harm our mental health, productivity, and relationships.

How clutter can impact your mental health:

Clutter can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you’re constantly surrounded by piles of clothes, papers, or other belongings, it can seem like you will never get it all under control. For some people, clutter can be a trigger for anxiety and depression.

If you’re already struggling with mental health issues, the last thing you need is to be surrounded by reminders of your chaotic life. This can lead to anxiety and stress, impacting your mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

Clutter can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.

If you like holding on to stuff “just in case” or because you feel guilty about getting rid of them, then clutter can make you feel even more shame and guilt. These negative emotions can further add to stress and anxiety and may lead to procrastination.

Clutter interferes with focus and productivity.

If your environment is chaotic, it can be challenging to focus on anything else. Unfortunately, this can make it hard to be productive or accomplish essential tasks. That’s because all that visual clutter can distract and make concentrating difficult.

Clutter can make it difficult to relax.

When your home is full of clutter, finding a place to relax can be hard. This can lead to feelings of frustration and irritability. All that mess can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed.

Clutter can impact your sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, clutter could be to blame. A cluttered environment makes it hard to relax and wind down so you can sleep soundly.

Clutter can cause physical health problems.

If you’re constantly tripping over things or moving things around to find what you need, it can lead to physical health problems like back pain or muscle strain. Did you know most older adults who fall usually trip over something at home? It can happen to anyone, so organize and clean up to prevent accidents.

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If you felt shame and embarrassed about the clutter, it makes it difficult to entertain guests. This leads to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Plus, if you’re constantly arguing with your spouse or partner about the state of your home, clutter likely is to blame. All that tension can take a toll on your relationships, including friends you never want to come over.

Finally, if your environment is full of clutter, it can feel like your life is out of control. This can impact your self-esteem and leave you feeling overwhelmed. What’s more, if you have young children, clutter can make it difficult for them to focus and behave. A messy home can also be dangerous for young kids, who are at risk for injury if they stumble upon something sharp or poisonous.

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Common Causes of Clutter

Published on by Lyn Bailey
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Common Causes of Clutter

With more and more stuff to keep track of, it’s no wonder most people feel like they’re constantly swimming in a sea of stuff. But what exactly is clutter? And what are some of the common causes of clutter?

Clutter, according to dictionary.com, is defined as a collection of things that are in disarray or that are not organized. Clutter can be physical or mental. Physical clutter is the stuff that takes up space in your home, office, and car. Mental clutter is the stuff that takes up space in your head – the to-do lists, unfinished projects, and unmade decisions.

Several factors can contribute to clutter. For example, you have too much stuff, your stuff is not organized, and you procrastinate on doing what’s right for your life.

You simply have too much stuff

With the abundance of stuff available, it’s no wonder it’s so hard to keep homes, offices, and cars free of clutter. You buy things you don’t need. You keep things you don’t use and hold on to things you don’t love.

The sad truth is, having all this clutter around will diminish the value of your stuff more than it will add to it. But, in contrast, if you are really particular about what you bring into your environment, each item will have much more meaning.

Disorganization

When you’re not careful about where you put things, they can quickly become lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, this usually leads to clutter in every corner of your home, office, and car. In addition, disorganized people are much more likely to waste money rebuying the things they can’t find or forgot they already purchased.

Procrastination

The clutter can quickly pile up when you put off making decisions or acting on projects. You may tell yourself you’ll get to it later, but later never comes. The problem with this is that once you start procrastinating, you are allowing your mind to be cluttered, so now it’ll be even harder to be productive.

Thankfully, you can prevent clutter from taking over your life. One of the best things is to be mindful of the stuff you bring into your home, office, and car.

Ask yourself these questions before bringing in more stuff:

  • Do we really need it?
  • Will we use it?
  • Do we love it?

If your answer to whether you need an item is no, it’s probably best not to purchase it. Instead of letting clutter take over your life, commit to being more organized. By taking the time to put things away and having systems in place, living an organized life will be much easier–and less frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Finally, make a conscious effort to avoid procrastination. When you take decisive action on the things that are important to you, you’ll be less likely to let the clutter pile up.

When you’re mindful of the stuff you bring into your life and committed to being organized and taking action, you will reduce the clutter in your life. What’s best is that this commitment will create more space for the things that matter most.

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