Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff

Are you thinking of downsizing?  Or maybe you're just tired of your home.  It may be in a lovely neighborhood, with lots of character and good bones, but if it's cluttered with your stuff, it might be really hard to see those assets.  And if you're hoping to sell, you may have to accept a lower price than you would like. Real estate agents almost always suggest hiring a professional stager to prepare a home for sale, but don't worry if you can't afford that.  I've successfully staged my own homes for sale.  I also talked to my friend Tracy, a long-time real estate agent and home stager.  She helped me compile a list of the top 9 things to remove and the top 4 things to add as you prepare your home to be listed. By the end of this process, your house may look better than it has for a long time.  Maybe you'll even decide to stay put! Start with the big stuff. 1.  Exterior The outside of your home is the first thing anyone sees, even if they're just ...

There was a time, more than 20 years ago, when I would go to the mall if I felt bored or stressed or a bit down.  Shopping provided "me time."  I'd wander in search of something to give me a little lift – nothing too expensive, nothing I'd feel too guilty about, just something small like a scented candle, a nice hand lotion, a new top, a pretty journal, or something for my kids.  Or I'd hang out in the bookstore, browse the magazines, and leave with books I could have checked out of the library. I didn't need what I bought, I didn't even feel a strong desire for any of it after I'd bought it.  What I wanted was a little shot of dopamine to make me feel good about myself. Many of these purchases wound up getting donated or regifted.  I'd gotten my high, which didn't last, and now I wanted to remove these sources of clutter ( and debt , but that's another story ).  Clearing out the excess meant I could go shopping again. Shopping and brain ch...

When we adopt a minimalist mindset and lifestyle, we gain more peace and security for ourselves and more to share with others.  Minimalism is good for us, for others, and for the planet too! But streamlining what we own doesn't mean we should let go of essentials.  What are those essentials?  Your answers may vary (my essentials include books, my laptop and phone, a kitchen table with padded chairs, some family photos, and a comfortable bed), but there are some possessions we all need. Emergency essentials I'm not a prepper (not even close), but I know that storms, power outages, illnesses, and breakdowns are not only possible, but likely at some point.  It's helpful to keep some emergency supplies in your home and vehicle.  Don't declutter these items. 1.  First aid kit Create your own or buy one online .*  Keep it stocked, and replace what you use. 2.  Emergency car kit This should contain basic tools, including a jack, lug wrench, and spare tir...

I have a friend who swears the idea of a budget just doesn't work for her.  "There's always some need I don't account for, or I forget to keep track of spending and overspend in some area." It is hard to keep track of every penny.  And sometimes prices go up more than you expect, and then your budget has to be redone.  Just because I've been using a budget for years doesn't mean I never have to make adjustments or that the concept works perfectly for everyone.  So I asked my friend to describe what she does do, since she doesn't seem to have problems with overdrawing her checking account or being late with bill payments.  Whatever she's doing is working well for her, so maybe it's a solution for many people who have had trouble with, or just don't like, traditional budgeting. The 2 step non-budget plan My friend's idea is straightforward and certainly worth trying to see if it works for you. 1.  Pay now. Whenever you get a paycheck, i...

If you're going through a tough time, I hope you have loved ones who are supporting you and giving you reasons to hope.  The reality of life is that we all encounter rough patches.  Illness, grief, and loss are trials we all experience.  In a world where there are wars and tyrants and disease and disaster, it's understandable that we feel appalled, worried, and sad.  We need to recognize these emotions and, if necessary, give ourselves permission to feel and process them .  At times like these, I'm thankful to be a minimalist.  That probably sounds strange, so let me explain how minimalism improves my mental state. 5 benefits of minimalism during hardship Minimalism is a mindset that helps me recognize that I have enough for my needs.  I can be contented with less, no matter how many ads and influencers tell me I need to buy what they're selling. When life is chaotic or worrisome, I know that I can find a peaceful center because most things in my life ...

I have a friend (I'll call her Becca) who really wants to declutter.  Becca grew up with a hoarder, and she has a slight tendency in that direction herself, but has reached the point where she knows she'll be calmer, happier, and better able to handle the details of life if she gets clutter-free. But whenever I visit, there's no discernable progress.  She'll say again how depressing she finds her cluttered house, how much she wants to make a change, but cites busyness at work and a subsequent lack of energy to get anything done. I'm not writing this post to judge or criticize my friend or anyone like her!  If I had experienced Becca's past or her current circumstances, I might be in the same situation.  And knowing the stamina and constant decision-making that decluttering can require, I too feel daunted by the idea of tackling her home. So my intention in this post is to be as empathetic and inspiring as possible as I share one mindset that is making it harder ...