Clutter – That Mama Archives

One thing I’m notorious for is not keeping clutter. I know right… what a thing to be famed and joked for by your friends… those OCD tendencies that you just can’t kick. But seriously…let’s talk clutter. There’s a real reason behind why I just CAN’T do clutter.

Art work by Addy. She calls this, “my family” <3

There’s a mostly unspoken rule in our house that if you don’t touch something for a few months, it goes. I say mostly unspoken, because it’s largely communicated in the fact that I’m ALWAYS purging items. I can’t do clutter. Not physical clutter, and not mental clutter. It affects my being! I began choosing a minimalist and simplified lifestyle before it was “trendy” per se. Though my parents and grandparents largely differed in this aspect, because their generations went through different times and were taught to hold onto belongings, I somehow wound up with a very much “use it or lose it” perspective on belongings.

From my kitchen cabinets to my closet floor, I keep pretty much the same routine. I don’t need multiple items that do the same job just in case others fail, I need a few good items that do a great job consistently. When it comes to selecting items for my kitchen or my closet, I weigh the cost and investment of owning a few great items that are reliable and durable, over a lot of possibly less expensive items that might not do the job as well and be quickly discarded. On a side note, I basically refuse to pay full price for any item and frequent stores with customer loyalty programs that reward the hard earned money spent there (Kohls, Target, and Banana Republic/Old Navy are my top brands for that because I can get items for all my family, and get rewarded while I shop!) If I choose to spend my money wisely, on well made items, I’ll need to buy fewer items in the long run, which makes my heart and my bank account happy. Let’s be honest, I’m a mom, so that means I basically only spend money on things for my kids anyway… right?!

Back to clutter. Clutter can be mental, and physical. And physical clutter can absolutely affect you mentally. I prefer clean slates; I like open spaces that are visually appealing and calming. I don’t think decorating has anything to do with buying items to fill your space; I think it has everything to do with organizing and displaying the items that are valuable and functional to you and your family, in a way this visibly aesthetic. I don’t think you need to purchase more bins to organize or store your belongings, I think you need to closely evaluate the belongings you actually use and let go of what you don’t need. This brings in extra income if you consign and sell those items, and clears space for your home. Overall, organization leads to productivity, so your space should work for you. It should make you feel good. It should make it easier to accomplish whatever it is you need to do in that space.

Are your closets bursting with clothes you don’t wear? It took me three years to get rid of all of my professional clothes from a decade spent in my career before having children. Now? My closet is full of jeans, leggings, and comfy tees, because that’s what I live and raise my kids in, and that’s okay! There’s not one thing in my attic. Seriously. I do have some storage of holiday items and decorations, but outside of that there isn’t one thing I’m saving for a rainy day. The few important family heirlooms I own are proudly displayed where they’re visible to all, because they make me happy. The clothes my kids outgrow? Gone, we pass them to friends and consign/donate what we can’t gift others with. Think of the space in your house where everything that you don’t use gathers. Is it a drawer? A closet? A room?! Go there mentally… how do you feel approaching that space? For me, it’s one notorious drawer that everyone in my family sticks things in and then no one can locate anything. And every time I open it, I feel frazzled. Each space in your home should bring you joy.

You work hard for your home. No matter the address, or zip code, your home is yours. You make and create the space that is there. It should be your refuge, your safe space, the place where you invite all your friends to stay and fellowship for as long as they like, and the place you enjoy the most! So make your space work for you. Get rid of clutter. Get rid of the “maybe I’ll use this one day, maybe I’ll fit this one day, or maybe I’ll repurpose this one day”. If you don’t have an active plan or functional use for an item in your home, you don’t need it. If you have places that make you feel like the notorious overpacked drawer in my home, and like me, it brings you anxiety… decide to tackle them. Start small. One space at a time. You might find you’re happier, more relaxed, and more at peace in your space. You might find that having less brings you far more joy!