I wasn’t always a minimalist. In fact, up until my first baby was born 2 years ago, I actively described myself as a maximalist. But once my son came home and my focus became him, I realized all my ‘things’ were just that – things. So I started a months and maybe years long endeavor to clear our home of the clutter, one room at a time. Doing so has brought more me clarity and future free-time (I can reset my house in 10 minutes) than any mindfulness meditation or organization hack has ever done.
What remains is a home with only those things that add value to our life. Looking through our rooms now, it’s so clear which pieces are worthy to remain in our space, and all of them lend themselves to multiple uses, that will serve us over many years.
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
This classic Norwegian highchair takes you from baby (with the newborn attachment), to toddler, older kid, and finally an heirloom for your adult child. The adjustable height seats can accommodate any sitting height. It’s a beautiful addition to your dining space, and easier to clean up, too.
ViewSonic Projector
We swapped our tv out for a projector in 2014 and haven’t looked back since. With the motorized screen we installed over a bay window, we are able to watch at a much larger size than our living room could accommodate with a traditional television setup. When we’re done and the screen is raised, the room reads as a screen-free zone. I also find it prevents from channel-surfing out of boredom, because without a physical tv staring you in the face, you are less inclined to turn it on.
Sterilite Clear Storage Bin with Lid
The biggest game-changing product when I decided to simplify our home was to invest in one style of storage bins. This allows me to rotate out clothing, toys, and other personal keepsakes without having to overthink things if I’m not ready to get rid of it permanently. Instead of a KonMari style heap of belongings in the middle of the room as I redo it, I stow anything that will be leaving the room without a new immediate home into these bins. They’re all labeled with masking tape and a sharping, and easily accessible in our attic. As the bins are clear, I can quickly find what I need, and since they’re a major brand available at virtually every major retailer, it’s easy to pick up more when I need them and know that they’ll all fit.
