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Clutter in the Home
By Debbie
Moving into our new home was an incredible experience. After living in a one-bedroom apartment with a son, husband and myself the extra space was most welcomed. I did not realize how much stuff my family truly had. Much of it was hand me down for my son from my sister and boxes of our past. I have stuffed animals that I cannot bare to say goodbye to. They have a hold on my heart as if by giving them away I am giving a part of me away. Much of the items are neatly tucked away in labeled boxes in the basement. I am not one for clutter but I do not see why I have a basement full of items that I may need one day. All the children items stay for the future children but the rest is just sitting waiting to be used. All these years I selfishly held onto items that less fortunate children and adults could use.
To begin uncluttering your home you need to first rethink the importance of stuff. For too long I felt if I gave it away I would need it tomorrow and would have to waste money purchasing a new one. I have items that have not been used in 5 years or longer. I now see stuff as a nuisance if it has no purpose. My winter jacket needs to be stored for future use but the sweater my mom brought home from Spain in the eighties is just wasting space in my home. It has finally gone to clothe some other girl who one day will grow out of it as I did.
Clutter affects our lives to many degrees. You go into the kitchen to make lunch and you are falling over appliances and plates and all man made conveniences. There is a small space left on the counter for you to make lunch. You get frustrated and decide to drive to the local fast food restaurant. Less stress for everyone involved. A couple of years ago, my husband and I were asked what wedding gifts we would like. I declined fancy crystals and fine china and all the other items that are stored for 364 days a year. I asked for items that I could use such as bed linen, towels and any item that has a purpose 364 days a year. I never understood the need for a china cabinet, and fine silver. The kitchen is full of clutter, try and say goodbye to at least 1/3 of the items. The less you have the cleaner the home and the less work you have to do.
Children’s toys clutter the entire home. Our home is full of toys but we have purchased less than 10%. My son was born after my sisters’ three sons. They outgrow their toys and my son loves to bring them home. I did not want a home where toys were strewed all over, I had a basket for toys in the living room and the rest were in his room. I labeled boxes for crafts, legos and trainsets that were not used on a daily basis and they are stored in his closet. The battle of picking up his toys began to exhaust me. I now box all the toys left on the floor and lock them away for a week. His favourite Spiderman and Batman sit unused in the hall closet. After one week he is given the toys back and the cycle continues. It is difficult to give away toys because your child will tell you why each one is important and why he needs it. If your child is responsible with his toys allow them the privilege of all. In time they will outgrow them and your child may give them to the less fortunate.
Clutter is a big problem in most homes. Moving to a bigger home will not declutter your home. You must be willing to let go of items from the past that has become useless to you and your family. I hope this helps you to start getting rid of all those boxes of stuff.
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Debbie’s Bio
I have many roles but my favourites are being a mom to my incredible two year old son, an aunt to my wonderful nephews and a wife to an awesome husband who encourages me everyday. I love being at home with my son and to be able to watch and participate in many of his life journeys. I enjoy taking long walks in forested areas and grabbing a free minutes to write in my journal. I am a woman that dives into many new adventures. I love to sing and dance but many walk out the door with my singing performances.
As well, I love to participate in activities that energize the mind, body and spirit. My desire to write simple living articles was the lack of information on natural homemade products. I did a great deal of searching and experimenting before I felt confident to write about alternatives to commercial products in the home. This search has been great and continues to feed my mind with wonderful ideas to decrease commercial products in the home and increase products made from nature and the heart.
