Need motivation to declutter, organize and simplify? Here are the 7 things that I was surprised to learn when I purged our home of over 168 things!
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Last fall I did a four week decluttering challenge where I purged our house of over 168 things! I’ve always been more of a “stuff” person, so this was kind of a big deal to me.
And while it felt like a big task in some ways (mostly because as I purged, I ended up reorganizing), I soon realized that there are a lot of benefits to living with less stuff and decluttering.
In fact, I loved the results so much that I’m hoping to do another big purging session this spring!
Here are the things that help give me motivation to declutter.
7 Reasons to Live with Less Stuff and Declutter
1. Saves Time
I’ve become increasingly aware of how much time we waste because of all of our stuff. The more stuff you have, the more maintenance you have, the more time it takes to clean and organize and the easier it is to misplace something.
I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather use my time for things that I actually enjoy!
2. Easier to Be Organized
You know the saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place”? Well, if you have a ton of stuff, it’s really hard to do that and you end up losing things, wasting time looking for things and buying things that you really don’t need because you can’t find the one you already own.
I’m finding that the less I have, the easier it is to stay organized. I know that is kind of obvious. But really, I truly didn’t realize how much of a difference it makes!
3. Refreshes
There is something about having lots of stuff that just zaps the energy right out of you. Everywhere you look you see something that needs to be put away or that needs to be fixed or folded or whatever.
It’s much easier to manage and take care of just a few things. Plus, visual clutter is just tiring. There is something about clean, open spaces that are refreshing and energizing!
4. More Inviting
Clutter makes your home look messy, full and, well, cluttered! And there is simply nothing inviting about that!
By decluttering and keeping only the things that you really love and use, you create a space that is much more welcoming. Remember what I said about open spaces being refreshing and energizing?
5. Saves Money
If you are simplifying and living with less, not only will you save money because you won’t be buying as much stuff, you will also not have pay as many late fees and overdue fees because you will likely find it easier to be organized.
And I know there have been times that we simply haven’t been able to find something and ended up spending money to replace it, only later to come across the original item.
Obviously, had we been more organized, we could have saved ourselves that money!
Tip: Want to make money selling your clutter? It’s really quite easy!
6. Helps You Appreciate What You Have
I’m not quite sure how to explain this, but when you have less stuff, somehow you just appreciate the things that you do have more.
I’m finding that the less we have, the more I’m grateful for what we have and the more I try to take care of those things.
7. Allows You to Focus on What Matters
You soon start realizing that stuff is just that: stuff. While things are nice to have, you can’t take them with you when you die and they so quickly can be lost through theft, fires etc.
There was something about the process of decluttering that made me realize that again in a new way. I’m not against having material possessions, but I don’t want those things to keep me from living life to the fullest.
For myself, I feel like having less stuff allows me to be able to focus on the things that really matter like my family, friends and the things that I really truly enjoy doing.
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Jennifer
These are really good points. I find that decluttering absolutely makes staying organized a lot easier. Plus it means there’s less to clean!
ThriftyFrugalMom
Exactly, Jennifer!
Holly
Hey there! I loved this post. I began my Minimalism journey 3 years ago and it’s been such a great change for me. All of your points here resonated with me.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Thanks, Holly! I agree that it’s a great change and I keep gradually becoming more and more minimalisitic…..it’s just such a refreshing, freeing way to live, for sure!
mommabee
I tried to declutter my closet. I really did. But in the process,I just couldn’t let go of clothes that fast. So, I put them in a bag and placed it in my cellar. You know that saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Well, I now use only what’s in my closet. I will go through the bag at a later time but if I wanted to, I know I can live without it. Having a capsule closet is pretty nice.
Now,if only the kids felt the same way…..
ThriftyFrugalMom
You know, I’ve done that same thing numerous times and every single time, I’ve ended up realizing that I never miss the stuff that I put away! You’re comment about the kids made me smile. I only have young ones, but I’m sure there will be lots of opinions about clothes in a few years!
Jennifer
I’m with you on clutter! It drives me crazy. And you are correct on stuff just getting overwhelming. What we think is a blessing turns in to a curse.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Exactly! I’ve been realizing that our place is due for another decluttering session. I’ve just been getting that overwhelmed feeling a lot lately when I’m looking for stuff in cupboards and drawers. Not good!
Michelle
Eliminating clutter is so freeing. We renovated part of our home and our storage area had to be reduced. The amount of stuff “stored” was ridiculous. Now, we only have the stuff that we love or use. If we do not use it we lose it. It has also helped me with my buying decisions. I don’t need 2 of anything. If I have something then I don’t buy it until it breaks or wears out. Great post on de-cluttering.
ThriftyFrugalMom
Yes, so freeing! And I hear ya….I think we are doing pretty good but then sometimes when we go to move stuff to remodel or rearrange a room I realize that there are still things that we could eliminate. And I’m sure if we ever move I’ll realize it even more. It’s a constant battle to keep up with getting rid of unneeded things, although it definitely helps if you are mindful of not bring extra clutter in too!
Angela
i agree and have steadily cleared away stuff I don’t need and a weeks holiday away from my home and visiting an amazing textile exhibition that really inspired me, has helped clear my mind on sorting out my sewing and mixed media materials. I am looking forward to going home and having a grand sort out. Excellent blog