Your First Place: Plan to Live Simply

Image by Tojosan via Flickr

Why is it that, when we think of our own home, we decide that we need to fill it with so much stuff? We sit down and make long, drawn out lists for each room in our potential new homes. We want our places packed full of things, not even realizing that we will not use a lot of what we acquire.

For some people, it is easy to accumulate all of this stuff. People give you much of what you need, because they want the items out of their own homes. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but stuff can build up to a level that is not necessarily efficient.

So, what can you do to avoid this?

Get the Word Out

The first step is in letting the people around you know that you will be taking a minimalists stance on acquiring things for your home. You want to live simply. Let them know that you want to avoid clutter, and will draw up a list of what items you will definitely need for your first home. Make sure they let anyone else who inquires know what your plans are, and that you are always open to being contacted about items that people no longer wish to keep.

Make Your Lists

Do this by room. Make a list of only what you absolutely need in each room of your home. For instance, the most important items for a bedroom are the bed and a couple of changes of bedding, along with two pillows. A dresser, night stand and coat hangers are also important, as are curtains, a lamp and an alarm clock. Everything else is optional. Closet organizers may be beneficial, as might a chest to hold bedding if there is no linen closet. However, these bedding could just as easily be stored on the top shelf of the closet. Keep it simple.

Stick to Your Guns

People may offer advice, wanted or not, on what you will need or should keep on hand just in case. This harbors a pack rat mentality that you do not want when trying to live simply. Do not listen. Stick to your original plan.

Reassess

Once you are moved in and unpacked, you can reassess what is necessary. Look around your new home. Is there an area that seems overly crowded? Move an item or two to another area, or get rid of them all together. Is there an area that could benefit from something else, such as a hamper for dirty clothes or a cabinet for cleaning supplies?

Keep Up with Your efforts

Set a schedule for going through each area of your home to declutter. Do this each season, twice a year or annually. Items that are not necessary can be sold or donated.

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