One thing that can definitely throw off your relaxing weekend after a hard week at your job is realizing that you are absolutely surrounded by clutter. Necessary clutter is one thing, such as furniture in each room and artwork that holds a special meaning to you on the walls but when you notice the amount of knickknacks, old objects, stacks of magazines, and the like lying around? It can increase stress levels and make it difficult to relax.
More people are embracing a minimalistic outlook when it comes to their life and adopting lifestyle practices that reduce clutter and their carbon footprints, so shouldn’t that same philosophy come into play when it comes to your residence? After all, your residence or home should be another place where you can truly relax into yourself and enjoy all your current surroundings without anything that adds to stress or tension levels. It’s your escape from the world and the place where you can truly be yourself without judgement.
Remove the Clutter from the Floors
Removing clutter from the rooms and the floor of your home doesn’t mean remove all the furniture and sit on the floor of your home! It means removing the clutter that comes from a well-lived home. For example, install storage options that get your stuff off the floor and into its own slot. You can take a look at these options:
- Shoe racks in the porch – instead of throwing your shoes on the floor of the porch closet or in a pile in the corner, use wooden shoe racks that can be extended to various sizes to place in-season footwear. Store shoes that aren’t being worn in slim tubs that can be placed on the shelves of the closet.
- Use floor lamps or hanging lights in the rooms of the home instead of numerous lamps on every surface.
- Follow the basic rule of one item in the home, one item out of the home. This prevents an abundance of furniture in each room.
- Choose furniture that serves a purpose while streamlining the room. Instead of having a full living set including a couch, loveseat, chair, and recliner; look at a reclining sectional couch to provide ample seating while opening up floor space.
- Choose furniture that provides more than one purpose. This could be a breakfast nook that features hidden drawers to store placemats, silverware, and serving utensils. You want modern, streamlined pieces that also are storage options without looking bulky.
Remove the Clutter from the Walls
You can further the minimalist look in your home by extending your changes to the walls of the home. How can you minimize the clutter on your walls? Easy:
- Choose neutral bases for the wall colors or if you want to use a dazzling color, neutral accent pieces.
- Remove an abundance of artwork from the walls and instead, place a few key pieces in areas that catch the eye of the occupants of the home.
- Install shelving on the walls of the home to place knickknack objects that hold a sentimental meaning to the occupants of the home. This removes them from side tables and on the windowsills of the home but still allows them to be showcased (and protected!).
Embrace a more Minimalist Lifestyle
You can even start creating a minimalist lifestyle within your home by changing up certain aspects of your life. Start a garden in your backyard, for example, and grow your own vegetables and/or fruits. Invest in solar lights around your patio and backyard to avoid harsh lighting that can create an artificial atmosphere.
Instead of purchasing expensive clothing, why not take a stab at making your own? This includes other fabric items such as pillow covers, cushion covers, and more! All you need is the basic knowledge of sewing, a pattern to follow, fabric, and a sturdy sewing machine. Don’t own a sewing machine? Then check these top sewing machine brands under $200.00 to avoid overextending your budget.
Conclusion
Creating a minimalist home doesn’t have to be something that requires a lot of financial burden or significant amounts of physical effort. It’s something that can be done over time and in small doses so instead of being a project, it’s a lifestyle change for your home. Having a minimalist home also allows for easier and faster cleaning, and who doesn’t want that in their life?
The things you remove from your home during your creation of a beautiful home can then be donated to a local charity or shelter so they can find a new home and second life. If there is none in your area, you can also rent a table at your local flea market or host a yard sale to earn some extra rainy day money that can be then put towards savings. This extra money can even be your charitable donation for the quarter, if you so desired.
Once you find yourself in the minimalist mindset for your home, you will find that it isn’t hard to maintain. This is because you will enjoy and love being surrounded by open space. It’s soothing and relaxing in equal measures!
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