If want to live a simpler life, but have some downsizing and
de-cluttering to do, getting started can seem simply overwhelming. I won’t lie; getting
from the classic American lifestyle to a simpler kinda’ life can take time – in
fact, a lot of time. For some of us, it can take 3 to 4 years to clear out and
downsize a home. So be easy on yourself and start small – take baby steps and
you’ll get there. You may even find that you’ll really begin to pick up
momentum once you grow comfortable with having less stuff. Below are a few easy
tips to help you get started on your journey. We are excited that you are
taking us along with you.
SIMPLIFY MEALS
Simplifying meals is a great first step because you can cut
both shopping and cooking time through simple recipes. Consider tactics like;
- Cooking completely on the grill a few nights a week. If it doesn’t go on the grill, it’s not on the menu. The means you will be more likely to cook with fewer and fresher ingredients.
- Reduce the number of ingredients. When baking chicken are you shaking it in flour, eggs, bread crumbs? Then oven baking in a dish? Consider instead just a bit of olive oil and seasoning tossed on the grill.
- Reduce foods from boxes and cans. Consider trading in boxed pasta for spaghetti squash. You don’t have to eliminate boxed or canned foods all together, but consider where you might be able to cut back. This will also reduce your household waste.
Try googling ‘simplifying meals’. You will find an abundance
of resources, recipes and ideas. You’ll not only simplify meal time, but may
also find you’re eating a bit healthier. With this strategy, you’ll also begin
to notice that many gadgets in your kitchen grow obsolete. After a few months,
mixers, blenders, wiz-bangers, and hoozy-what-its start gathering dust.
In fact, you may find yourself itching to do a ‘kitchen clean out’ before too
long.
STOP BUYING THINGS
The first step in committing to living more simply is getting
rid of the things that we don’t need. The second step is to stop buying more
stuff we don’t need (i.e. you should be getting rid of more things than you are
collecting). This can be more difficult than it sounds. We often don’t realize how
much stuff we buy. Be conscious of how much you are getting rid of vs. how much
more you are bringing home.
GET RID OF CLOTHES THAT YOU DON’T WEAR
Chances are that if you are not wearing something, it’s
because it doesn’t fit, it isn’t in style, or you just don’t like it. Pack all
that stuff up and donate it to charity. Give it to somebody who will actually use
it.
DUMP THAT SPICE RACK
Do you have a spice rack? How many of the spices in the rack
do you actually use? Do you know if any of the spices are expired? Separate out
the spices you use and dump the rest. Dump the rack too. Remember simplifying
meals from above? Well, when you simplify meals, you’ll find that spices and
herbs (not those that are expired, stale, or of poor quality) become a staple
in cooking like never before. Look for a shop in your area that sells spices
and spice blends in small amounts. These stores offer endless possibilities for
spicing up foods on a budget, because when you can buy spices in packages as small
as ½ ounce. In our area, we have Savory Spice Shop, which we love. Look around and see if you have a similar option in your
area. You won’t regret it. You can also order online from Savory Spice. Some of our favorite Savory Spice items can be found at the
bottom of this blog.
START GETTING RID OF DUPLICATE CONSUMABLES
It’s easy to build up a pile of duplicate or triplicate
consumables. Perhaps you’ve been gifted candles, lotions, shaving creams, bath
products etc. Maybe you’ve bought garden supplies, cleaning supplies, hair
product, cosmetics or other items that you didn’t particularly like? Well, now
is the time to start going through the closets, cabinets, dressers, garages and
sheds. It’s time to either begin using those items or get rid of them. And if
you’ve been thinking, “I don’t want to
get rid of that. It’s brand new.”, STOP THAT! You’re about simple living
now, so either use it or lose it.
SIMPLIFY YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES
With all the cleaning supplies on the market, it’s no
wonder that there is nearly an entire isle dedicated to them in the grocery
store. But, do we really need one cleaner for the toilet, one for the bath, one
for the mirror, one for the counter, one for the floor, etc, etc? And many
cleansers on the market are harsh and abrasive which actually damage the finish
on tubs and fixtures. So, consider scaling back and using simpler options.
- Seventh Generation glass cleaner is very nice.
- Water with good old dish soap really makes a great all-purpose cleaner. Add a bit of bleach to clean those germ-y areas.
- A bit of castile soap and vinegar makes a superb all-purpose spray cleaner. If you don’t want to make your own, Method all purpose cleaner is great.
GET RID OF A COUPLE ‘JUST IN CASE’ ITEMS
Keeping something around that you never use, just in case
you might need it? Set a ‘drop dead’ date and if you don’t use
the item by that date, get rid of it. Down the road you might need it, but
that’s ok. Just borrow it. Even if you have to live without, it’s probably
not a show stopper.
GIVE THE LINEN CLOSET THE OL' SNIFF TEST
Linens that never get used can pile up and get musty in the
linen closet. Give your closet a quick sniff test and consider getting
rid of those linens you don’t use.
DESTROY OLD RECORDS
Go through your vital records and begin destroying those
that are no longer needed. Records that no longer have value should be
destroyed for your personal protection anyway.
GO THROUGH SENTIMENTAL ITEMS
Go through items those items that are ‘sentimental’ and give
them some serious consideration. Got memorabilia, children’s art, childhood
memories, etc stored away in boxes? Consider separating out your favorites and
thinking about ways to display them. You favorite items should be where you can
enjoy them and the other items…that are not as meaningful to you…really should
be given away or discarded. The idea of this can be a little painful, but watch
for a later post on ideas for tackling memorabilia clutter.
Good luck on your simple living adventure! Find us on Facebook!
Savory Spice Blends that we think rock
- Indian Black Truffle Sea Salt (amazing on Steak with a butter rub)
- Park Hill Maple & Spice Pepper (great on pork chops with olive oil and shallot sea salt)
- Shallot Sea Salt (Out of this world on veggies)
- Capitol Hill Seasoning (great on salmon or add to greek yogurt with a bit of honey over grilled salmon)
- Beacon Hill Earl Gray Tea Rub (Good on just about any meat!)
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