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As a busy mom, life often feels like a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. Amidst the chaos, creating a simplified home can seem like an impossible dream. But with a few practical steps and mindful strategies, you can transform your living space into a place you can't wait to come home too.
Here’s how to get started:
The Overwhelming Truth: Why We Need Simplicity & a Simplified Home
Before diving into the how-tos, let’s take a moment to understand why simplifying our homes is so crucial. Here are some eye-opening statistics that may resonate with you:
Clutter Overload: According to a study by the National Association of Professional Organizers, 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have. Another statistic states that the average household has 300,000 items in it - it's no wonder we're overwhelmed!
Time Spent Cleaning: The American Cleaning Institute reports that the average American spends about 6 hours a week cleaning their home. For busy moms, this number can be even higher.
Stress Levels: Research from the University of California, Los Angeles, found that mothers in cluttered homes have elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
These statistics highlight a common struggle among many moms: the need for a more manageable, stress-free home environment. Now, let’s explore some practical steps to achieve this, that I have implemented personally.
Step 1: Declutter Ruthlessly
The first and most crucial step towards a simplified home is decluttering. This means getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Here’s how to do it:
Start Small: Begin with one room or even a single drawer. Trying to declutter your entire home at once can be overwhelming. Grab my decluttering guide here if you need a full breakdown on how to declutter your home in 30 days.
Use the Four-Box Method: Label four boxes as "Keep," "Donate," "Sell," and "Trash." As you go through your belongings, place each item into one of these boxes. Often times, I don't find it worthwhile to have a "Sell" bin. If you choose to have one, ensure you give yourself a time frame. If it hasn't sold (ex. within one week), you donate it!
Be Ruthless: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, chances are you don’t need it. Sentimental items can be the hardest to let go of, but remember, memories are in your heart, not in things.
Understand that everything in your home is something you have to manage: you have to clean it, care for it, maintain it. Choose wisely.
Step 2: Organize Efficiently
Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to organize what’s left. The #1 thing people get wrong with simplifying their homes is they try to organize first, without decluttering. Make sure you declutter before moving onto step 2. Efficient organization can save you time and reduce daily stress.
Create Zones: Assign specific areas for different activities. For example, have a designated homework station for the kids and a separate area for work-related tasks. Have a prepping station in your kitchen, and a cooking zone. Break up the rooms to function for you and your family, right now, during this season.
Use Storage Solutions: Invest in storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves to keep everything in its place. Clear containers are particularly helpful as they allow you to see what’s inside without rummaging. You can grab my favourite affordable organizing containers here.
Label Everything: Labeling helps everyone in the household know where things belong, making it easier to maintain order. I love using this to label maker. Now, there's no questions as to where things go!
Step 3: Simplify Your Schedule
A simplified home isn’t just about physical space; it’s also about having a manageable schedule. Here’s how to streamline your daily routine:
Prioritize Tasks: Focus on the most important tasks each day. Use a planner or a digital app to keep track of your to-do list.
Learn to Say No: It’s okay to decline additional responsibilities or social engagements that add unnecessary stress.
Delegate: Share household chores with your partner and children. Even young kids can help with simple tasks like setting the table, picking up toys, making their beds, and putting their laundry away! The American Psychological Association reports that 60% of Americans feel their schedules are too busy to enjoy life. Simplifying your schedule can help reclaim time for yourself and your family.
Step 4: Embrace Minimalism
Adopting a minimalist mindset can help maintain a simplified home in the long run. This doesn’t mean you have to live in a sparse, stark environment. Instead, it’s about appreciating and making the most of what you have, and being intentional with what you allow into your home, moving forward.
Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality items that you love and that will last longer, rather than cheap, disposable products.
Mindful Consumption: Be intentional about what you bring into your home. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need and will use. This will also prevent buyers remorse.
Regular Maintenance: Regular decluttering sessions will prevent accumulation of unnecessary items. If you see an item that should go in the trash, take it there right then and there. If you have a drawer that's been bothering you, take 15 minutes to empty it out, and do a light decluttering session. Decluttering is not a one and done thing. Again, everything in our home is something we must manage, and regularly decluttering helps keep the clutter at bay!
Step 5: Create a Calming Atmosphere
Finally, make your home a place where you can relax and unwind.
Use Soft Colors: Choose soothing colors for your walls and décor to create a calm environment. For me, that's white. We chose Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore for our ceilings, walls, and trim. After 9 months of living in our new (old) fixer upper house, I have yet to hang things on our walls. I'm almost ready to start decorating and hanging things up, but I want to be very intentional about the decor I buy and put out in our home.
Incorporate Nature: Add plants or flowers to bring a touch of nature indoors. Studies have shown that being around greenery can help to reduce stress. We have a houseplant in almost every room. You can go faux, or grab some real plants. My two favs (that are almost impossible to kill) are snake plants and pothos.
Personal Touches: Display items that bring you joy and make your home feel uniquely yours, such as family photos or favorite artworks. You can do this in a cohesive or unique way, whatever feels special to you.
Final Thoughts
Creating a simplified home may seem daunting, but with these steps, you can make your living space more organized, efficient, and peaceful. Remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. Start small, be consistent, and enjoy the process of transforming your home into a calming place you can't wait to come home too.
By taking these steps, you can reduce the chaos, reclaim your time, and create a home that nurtures both you and your family. Happy simplifying!
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