Simplicity at Home

As the weeks of winter wane, there is a feeling of anticipation and a call for rejuvenation. The color schemes of our homes shift to hues of blue and the greens of spring. Change emerges by eliminating clutter and chaos room by room, one drawer, cabinet or area at a time. We can use the remaining dark days to prepare our indoor and outdoor spaces, organize for a stronger sense of tranquility and peace, so as the weather invites us outdoors more often, those days of spring can be guilt free, filled with fresh air, long walks, time spent preparing the deck or patio for spring plantings and joyful gatherings.

Physical spaces that are clean and organized bring a semblance of calm — places that entice us to relax, breathe, reflect and plan. Many organizational approaches exist to assist us in these endeavors. Author Marla Cilley, also known as The FlyLady, offers “Sink Reflections” and “Chaos to Clean in 31 Easy BabySteps,” books that offer strategic steps for decluttering and deep cleaning, making them easier and more approachable as we work these essentials into our already busy schedules.

An idea that appeals to those of us whose days are already filled with family and activities is going through one or two drawers or cabinets at a time. This method has served me well in my efforts to make the spaces of my home clear of clutter and organized for functionality as well as thoughtful clarity.

'By striving for order and continuity in our sense of style and design, we are creating lives of simple abundance leaving room for gratitude, conversation, reflection and love.'

When our surroundings resemble the remnants of a tornado, no one breathes easy and even the most menial task can seem overwhelming. If one area at a time doesn’t appeal to you, another easy idea is to use a timer. Choose a room in which to concentrate your efforts. Designate a time frame. Focus and work until time is up, and then treat yourself to an ice tea or a cup of coffee. Completion of a task and time spent on improvement deserve a reward.

Another tool to consider is the creation of a donation box. As we pare down, we can share with others. Consider eliminating five unwanted or unneeded items each week. In the span of a year, there would be 260 items available to donate or share with friends. As we seek out these items, our closets, laundry rooms, kitchen drawers and cabinets evolve and become what we always hoped they would be, clutter free. 

Once we have devoted time to organization, we can more easily consider the visually appealing elements that signal a change in season. Easy additions include pillows, throws and candles. Pleasing aesthetics in a similar color palette add to the style and visual simplicity that we are seeking. By striving for order and continuity in our sense of style and design, we are creating lives of simple abundance leaving room for gratitude, conversation, reflection and love. Courtney Carver, another author who shares tips to find tranquility at home offers this: “Simplicity is the way back to love. It’s the way back to people you love, work you love, and a life you love.”