Let’s all take a collective deep breath.
Here we are nearing the end of January, and it’s not too late! For what? To make subtle shifts to our systems, tweak your habits, and practice letting go of excess. We can approach this new year with a fresh start while still being kind to ourselves and our homes.
Ready to take the pressure off?
I can personally admit to buying into the excitement and hope that a new planner, to-do list, or weekly schedule will transform my life completely. It’s not that these shifts and changes don’t “work”, it’s just that we also live real & messy human lives. So instead of embarking on a life overhaul, let’s start small.
SHIFTING OUR SYSTEMS
Each time you fill up on gas, do a quick trash sweep of your car. Use a car headrest hook to hold a grocery bag to gather trash while on the go. If it’s in the budget, schedule time each month for a car wash - it’s all about tending to what you have.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by various piles or drop zones, implement a basket/bin. Basically use a container to create a boundary and a singular “spot” for all the things. Create a designated drop zone for specific categories of items or sort by the people they belong to.
TWEAKING OUR HABITS
If you are tired of feeling rushed or behind when trying to get out the door in the morning, consider moving some of your morning tasks to the evening before. Try to add a couple of morning prep tasks (making lunches, picking our clothes, packing your gym/work bag, etc.) to your evening shut down routine to make your morning load lighter. Imagine sipping your coffee slower or taking a longer shower to ease into the day. Your morning self with thank your night before self.
Sometimes a long and varied to-do list can feel extremely daunting. Instead of focusing on EVERYTHING AT ONCE, set a 10 minute timer (or even 5 min if that’s all you have) and stay in that one space and handle as much as you can in that time block. You might be amazed at what you can get done when you stay focused in a specific space for even a short amount of time.
LETTING GO
Incorporate a bag or bin in your closet (or wherever you get dressed each day) to practice gradually collecting the items of clothing you aren’t quite ready to donate but you aren’t totally sure if you still love. As this bin fills up, schedule a quick try on with a trusted friend and make some decisions about what you are ready to donate.
If you want to feel “lighter”, challenge yourself to thin out the items you have multiples of. Often these items may be spread throughout your house, so gather them up & take inventory. How many _______ do you actually need/use?
Suggestions to start with: umbrellas, coffee mugs, tote bags, beach towels, half used candles, sets of sheets, extra pillows, random tupperware, unused picture frames, etc.
PSA: If you haven’t bought a fancy new planner, or committed to an intense fitness routine, or designed your ideal day/week with strategic time blocks… you can still have a very Happy New Year, by tending to what you have and starting small.
If there’s a space in your home or an organizing project you’d like guidance and support on, reach out to us! We love coming alongside you to help you love where you live by restoring order.
