Giving minimilism a try...

I ran across a post on a minimalism blog the other day titled, "7 common problems solved by owning less." It struck such a nerve with me, that I ended up browsing their site for the rest of the evening. I couldn't help but relate with how freeing it must feel to get rid of so much unneeded stuff! Don't get me wrong, I had my doubts and reservations, but they were quickly thrown out once I read just how practical it could be! Read the blog below if you wish:

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2012/04/16/7-common-problems-solved-by-owning-less/

1) First of all, the thought of getting rid of 80% of my wardrobe freaked me out at first, because I am so frugal that I hate to think that I would be getting rid of something that I may have to go repurchase someday, but once I really thought about it, it seemed like such a great idea! I hate the feeling every morning of being reminded of how much of my clothes still don't fit me almost a year after having my son, but in reality, they hardly even fit before. If I can slim down my closet to only the items that fit me fabulously, or will fit fabulously with minor to moderate work, I think I would be so much happier. And when, or if, I ever slim down enough to get some new threads, I can go buy a few key pieces that I can wear long term and look great!

2) I will be the first to admit that I am not the greatest housekeeper. I get so overwhelmed with all of the "stuff" that is needing to be washed, cleaned, dusted, swept, mopped, scrubbed...you get the picture. And this crap just keeps accumulating and causing me more stress! I look at some of my friends' houses and their stuff looks so nicely arranged and decorated, and I get frustrated with how much clutter I have lying around. One of my main problems is that I am way too emotionally invested in my things. I have a really hard time discarding items that were gifted to me or remind me of someone special. The passing of my mother has sent me over the edge and I have a hard time getting rid of anything now, in fear that I someday will miss that item and how much it meant to me. I have decided that my sanity is not worth salvaging these items and I really need to come up with a way that I can maintain my memories and still function in a clean home. I think I will devote a spot in my home to keep my most prized possessions from my mother and display them proudly. I think I will also keep a small box somewhere that I can keep some other more personal items that I can look through when I need to. Hopefully, that will be the first step to detaching myself emotionally from my things and focusing on more important ways to spend my day! Here are some great ways that I can honor my mom's memory while simplifying my stuff: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2010/09/29/how-to-simplify-your-stuff-and-honor-your-memories/

3) I think when you see how little you actually NEED, your priorities shift to the most important things in life. I read a quote somewhere that said something to the tune of, "What's easier than wishing that you had things that you do not have, is to not want them in the first place." Maybe my need for stuff, and my dissatisfaction for not having them, would be lessened if I could learn to be happy with less. And the idea of not spending so much time, energy, and money on things I don't need will really motivate me to spend more time, energy, and money on the things that to matter. Here is another post from their blog that talks about easy ways to get started becoming a minimalist: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2011/12/05/sample-living-with-less/

4) Trying to baby-proof for Hudson and thinking of the lessons I want him learning as he grows up has also made me want to really start trimming down on some of the stuff we have lying around. I don't want him having so many toys that he is overwhelmed and has a hard time occupying his mind without something stimulating to do it for him. I want him to be creative and rely on his own imagination to keep himself busy. I think it is natural for a new mom to want to buy all of the latest gadgets for their new little one, but I have quickly learned that not only is most of it pretty useless, but it is so quickly outgrown! I could have saved a lot of time and money by borrowing items or by just being creative and doing without, and he would have been just fine. Here are 7 ways to prepare for a new baby without shopping: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2011/11/08/7-ways-to-prepare-for-a-new-baby-without-shopping/
I also want to limit the amount of cupboard locks I put on things and allow him some freedom to explore and discover the house. One item in particular has been on my mind lately, as I have been trying to find a new home for it since he now knows how to open the lower cupboard doors. It is a small hand-held mixer that I use occasionally to mix up scrambled eggs. It is actually quite a cool contraption, but since it has a sharp blade, I cannot leave it in his reach anymore. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that I really don't need it. It is one of those "time saving" devices that is supposed to make my life easier, and while it does a fabulous job of beating my eggs, and is a bit faster than using the traditional fork. the time I spend afterward to take it all apart, wash it, dry it, and put it away, it really is not that time saving!!! Not to mention all of the stress of having to dig past it to get to something that is further back in the cupboard! I have decided that it will be something that will have to go!

5) And finally, living with less ties in perfectly with the goals I have for getting out of debt and living a more peaceful life. I am drooling right now at how much fun it will be to have the garage sale of all garage sales this summer and make some cash to put toward our home! I am also getting excited about adjusting my priorities to try to live on even less than we already are. I think I will love the home I am in even more if there isn't so much stuff piled in it to wash and clean and maintain. It will be a good excuse to focus less on going crazy for holidays and parties, and focus more on the real reason that we are celebrating. I am excited to be able to SLEEP on black Friday instead of standing in the Oregon rain to buy a bunch of crap for people that they don't need. I am excited to be able to look in my closets and cupboards and be able to see what I need and what I already have! I am just so excited to see how these changes in my life can really make it more relaxing, rewarding, and stress-free. Are there any ideas that you all have for learning to live on less? I'd love to hear them!