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HOW LIVING WITH LESS MADE ME A BETTER MOM

Back in 2011, I discovered a way of life that I knew I was meant to live.

Living With Less

I first realized I wanted to start living with less when I read the book Stepping Lightly by Mark A. Burch. This book resonated with me, and from that point forward, I started getting rid of unnecessary items in my life.

I believe this passion for minimalism, voluntary simplicity, and living with less has made me a better mom.

HOW LIVING WITH LESS MADE ME A BETTER MOM

SPACIOUS HOME

I removed furniture from around the house that wasn’t being used, or was too big for the space. Rooms started feeling bigger, more spacious, so much more relaxing with more room to play!

LESS TIME CLEANING

By removing knick-knacks and simplifing my décor, I found that cleaning my home was easier.  Since I wasn’t wasting time moving things to get to the surfaces that needed cleaning, I found that cleaning my home took less time.

LESS DISTRACTION

Clutter causes distraction. Looking around my house, all I could think about was “When am I going to get a chance to clean?”  “Where will I put all this stuff?” “How could I let it get to this?” etc. Once I removed all the clutter from my home, I got rid of the distraction.

LESS STRESS | MORE PATIENCE

I used to feel overwhelmed when I opened a closet, cupboard, or storage room. As I started clearing out the items I didn’t use or need, a sense of freedom came over me.  Because I felt lighter and more at ease, I was less stressed and more patient.

MORE TIME

The less you have, the less time you spend maintaining, fixing, moving, cleaning, etc. This opens up more quality time with your family, allowing you to enjoy life!

CLUTTER FREE KITCHEN

I got rid of everything I didn’t use in my kitchen, and now I have everything I need easily accessible – as well as a clutter free counter top. Just because you use it often, doesn’t mean it needs to be on the counter.  By getting rid of items in your cupboards, you will have room inside your cupboards to “hide” some of those daily needed items.

CONSCIENTIOUS SHOPPING

When shopping, I make a shopping list and follow it. Because I only buy what I NEED, I spend a lot less time shopping.  Avoid dollar stores (unless you have a list of items you need), as you tend to come home with a bunch of items you don’t need (which ultimately becomes clutter).

HOBBIES

Pick one or two hobbies.  I used to collect and buy items that I had great ideas for, but the reality was, time is always at a premium. Limiting my creativity to one or two hobbies allows me to fully focus on those hobbies.

CALMER KIDS

Clutter and chaos creates anxiety in everyone, including kids. Although sometimes it is easier said than done, I try and get my kids to donate items they are no longer using,  Kids are over stimulated enough, so the less stuff they have, the more calm they will be (not to mention how creative and animated they become).

TIDY AS YOU GO

When a mess gets left, it gets bigger and multiplies, so I tidy as I go.  I use a basket and collect things that need to go to different areas of the house. Then I walk around to each room and put things where they belong. Kids are great at this too!

These ideas/feelings are strictly my own. Everyone has a different idea of what “clutter” is, and it’s the way your home makes you feel, and how it affects you and the people around you. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try one of these ideas and see how it makes you feel.

Live freely…live simply!

Are you overwhelmed with too much stuff and don’t know where to start?

Connect with Wendy from  Simply Uncluttered.

You may also like: LESS TOYS, HAPPIER KIDS?

less toys, happier kids - mommymoment.ca

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Anne Taylor

Sunday 12th of March 2017

//////////////////I've been trying to get rid of clutter for a few years now! We've made a dent but have a long way to go!

Nena Sinclair

Sunday 12th of March 2017

I can really relate to this post, because it's what I experienced, too, and I have to say my kids are so appreciative for things where as so many take them for granted.

Nicole Q-Schmitz

Friday 10th of March 2017

I completely agree, and it's SO convenient when you have less stuff with a baby (ie: less to baby proof and worry about!)

Alayne Langford

Wednesday 8th of March 2017

I love that being a minimalist or just removing clutter reduces stress and anxiety in ones life.

June M

Monday 6th of March 2017

Decluttering your kitchen is something I need to do. Especially going through to see which kitchen appliances I no longer need. Great article!