Embrace Simplicity: Declutter Your Home and Transform Your Life | simple living series part 2 of 4
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Do you find yourself constantly searching for lost items or feeling like you're drowning in possessions? If so, it may be time to consider decluttering your home and embracing a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle.
Picture this: You’ve got a storage unit full of furniture you don’t use, blankets are overflowing out of the basket next to your entertainment center, and any flat surface has become the catch-all space for things you don’t know what to do with. it’s time for you to do some decluttering & simplifying your home and you’re ready to let me lead the way.
Mind-blowing Statistics About Cluttered Homes in America:
The median single-family home is 2,355 square feet (in 1950 it was 983 square feet and in 1970 it was 1,500 square feet). (source)
9.4% of U.S. households rent a storage unit. (source)
25% don’t have room to park in their garage at all. (source)
The average adult aged 25-34 spends $161 per month on clothing. Adults aged 35-44 spend $209 per month. (source).
80% of the items people keep are never used. (source)
54% of Americans are overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have, but 78% have no idea what to do with it. (source)
Womens’ stress levels are directly proportional to the amount of stuff in their homes. (source)
People are more productive, less irritable and distracted in a clutter-free space. (source)
The data clearly shows us that clutter is a problem many people are struggling with. With House sizes are growing, people are saying lack of space is the issue for an untidy, unorganized home but it’s not.
The problem is that we’ve got too much stuff. So no matter what size your home is, reducing clutter should be a priority for you.
But let’s be real, decluttering your home can be a daunting task. however, it will be so beneficial for you & your family. A clutter-free home can reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity and creativity, and even save you time and money in the long run. Plus, it can help you appreciate the things you truly love and cherish, instead of being weighed down by excess stuff that you don’t really need or use.
Get started with decluttering
Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey to a clutter-free home:
01. Start small.
Choose one room or area to focus on at a time, rather than trying to declutter your entire home all at once. We did this when we were downsizing from our 500 sqft apartment to our 77sqft van & it helped sooo much! It also removed the overwhelm of knowing where and how to start.
02. Sort items into three piles.
Before you dive into purging your possessions, make piles for items you want to keep, donate/sell, and toss. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and what you can live without. You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll sort your items.
03. Consider the 80/20 rule.
This rule suggests that we only use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time, meaning that 80% of our possessions are rarely used. Keep this in mind as you sort through your belongings. For example, do you really need an 8-piece mixing bowl set when you really only use 1 or 2 of them?! Nope, minimize your possessions. Keep what you use & get rid of what you don’t.
04. Maximize storage space.
Invest in storage solutions that help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible, such as shelving units, storage bins, and closet organizers. Ikea is my favorite place to find space-saving ideas! For example, check out this reel of me using these Ikea organizers to declutter my van wardrobe.
05. Be mindful of what you bring into your home.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need or love the item. If not, consider passing on it. I like having the rule for myself that I have to get rid of an item when I buy a new one. Its a great way for me to be mindful about my purchases.
Like I shared in part 1 of this series, I’m all about simple living. So, decluttering your home is just the first step in embracing a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.
additional ways to simplify your life:
01. Practice gratitude.
Take time each day to appreciate the things you have, rather than focusing on what you lack. I love practicing gratitude in the mornings after I meditate and journal! I even created a guided mediation in the yoga club that you can use to focus on gratitude.
a mindfulness + wellness community by ally lauren for all levels, all bodies, all genders. gain access to our yoga flow library, guided meditations, & so much more! pick your plan, your place, & your pace.
02. Simplify your schedule.
Say no to commitments that don't align with your priorities and values, and make time for the things that truly matter to you. Time is one of the most precious resources we have. In a world where busyness is the norm, slowness is a superpower. Lean into the slowness and free up your schedule. You’ll be surprised how much this will positively impact your mental health.
03. Disconnect from technology.
Set aside time each day to unplug and be present in the moment, whether it's going for a walk, meditating, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. Doing this in the afternoons — reading and having a snack — after I finish work has become one of my favorite daily practices.
04. Focus on experiences over possessions.
Instead of buying things, invest in experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as travel, learning a new skill, or spending time with loved ones. I cannot express how much this shift for me & Andrew has changed our lives! We’ve gotten to travel across the country and be in the most amazing places because we prioritized experiences over possessions. Its so much fun having these kind of memories to look back on.
Remember, embracing simplicity & practicing simple living is a journey — not a destination. It takes time and effort to declutter your home and simplify your life, but the rewards are incredibly worth it. When you let go of excess and focus on what truly matters, you can create a life of greater joy, meaning, and purpose.
ally’s simple living resources
Is clutter taking over your home?
Ally, a simple living expert, shares practical tips to help you declutter your living space and simplify your life.
From tackling your closet to maximizing storage space, learn how to create a clutter-free home today.
This guide is for my girls who are tired of feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home & find yourself constantly searching for lost items or feeling like you're drowning in possessions.
The time has come to consider decluttering your home and embracing a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle.
In this guide, you'll find a list of 56 items you can declutter in your home today.
So download the guide, grab a cup of coffee & let's get started it!
Whether you're looking to simplify your wardrobe, save time and money, or make more sustainable fashion choices, a capsule wardrobe is a great solution. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know for how to create your own capsule wardrobe!
Press play to this playlist when you’re ready to declutter — its been a fave & it will definitely get you in the mood to tidy your home!
