My husband and I are always looking for ways to simplify. That may mean having minimal possessions, yes, but it also means simplifying the many processes fill our days from the menial tasks to how we think about them. When you simplify some of these tasks, you may find that you can focus more on your priorities. Here are some tips that may help you, if only a tiny amount. You probably do many, if not all of them already. Disregard them if you choose, or add some in the comments if you’d like.
-Put a basket or hook by the front door to put your keys in when you come home. You will always know where they are.
-Keep a basket on top of your washing machine- this is to toss dish towels, cleaning rags, and sponges into, which typically come from a room that does not have it’s own laundry basket, like the kitchen or the bathroom.
-Keep a recycle bin in your kitchen, preferably next to your garbage so your recyclables have a place to live that isn’t the countertop or in a pile by the door.
-Keep medicines and “sick foods” (ginger ale, saltine crackers, and other items that you can have in the pantry that don’t spoil) on hand so you are prepared for when you get a cold or flu and don’t have to run to the store while you or your loved one(s) feel awful.
-Have flashlights by your bed in case the power goes out- you’ll always know where to find one if you need it.
-Have wrapping supplies and greeting cards on hand so you don’t have to worry about getting them when you buy a gift. And don't forget to reuse the gift bags that are given to you on birthdays or other celebrations.
-Clean as you go- be it doing dishes, hanging up or putting away clean laundry, cleaning up with your kids, etc. Then you don’t have to stare at a giant mess at the end of the day when your energy is already low.
-Follow a cleaning schedule. I have a list with one chore each day except weekends. Monday is vacuuming, Tuesday is dusting and cleaning surfaces, Wednesday is bathrooms, etc. Just find what works for you and your home will always be clean and ready for unexpected visitors.
-Do a load of laundry every day or every other day. One load a day seems like a much easier task that one day of 6 or 7 loads.
-Please, oh please, put your DVDs/CDs/records back in their correct cases. Self-explanatory, but saves you a lot of trouble and time.
-Keep a small toolbox in your closet- just having the basics on hand like a flat-head and philips screwdriver, a hammer, and a pair of pliers means that you are able to fix things immediately rather than setting them in a pile until you remember to get your tools out of the garage.
-Keep a stash of batteries and light bulbs on hand so you can replace them as needed instead of running to the store every time you need them.
-Put a grocery list in your kitchen (we use a chalkboard). This way you can write things down as you run out of them (don’t forget household items) rather than standing in the aisles of the store wondering what you are forgetting.
-Keep a donation box in a closet so you always have a place to put unwanted items until you actually take your donations somewhere. My husband and I agree that this one is a game-changer. It’s two-fold because you have a spot at your fingertips to put unwanted items, but it may also become the encouragement you need to actually get rid of things you don’t use anymore. There is something very satisfying about filling a box and passing on its contents.
-Keep your chargers (phone, iPad, laptop, etc.) in the same place. Always put them back when you are done so you aren’t looking all over for them when they’re needed.
-Menu plan- weekly, every other week, or monthly; it doesn’t really matter- whatever is easier for you. You’ll never have to wonder what’s for dinner, and making your shopping list as you plan will make for a very easy trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market.
-Clean out your email inbox each day and respond to what you can immediately so your emails don’t stack up. Some of you may have a job that makes this impossible, so feel free to skip it.
-Keep a monthly family calendar posted somewhere in your home (we put one on our fridge) so you can each jot down important thinks like appointments, meetings, visitors, and fun outings that you have planned. This will help eliminate schedule conflicts at the last minute.
-Stay organized and keep clutter to a minimum. Clear surroundings can mean a clear mind.
-If you’re a parent of young children, find another family with young children that you can swap childcare with. You’ll always have someone you can call, and they will too. Win-win.
-I am a huge supporter of online shopping that ships products right to your doorstep, but especially the Honest Company. They have helped simplify my life tremendously. I get the diapers/wipes bundle delivered to my front door every 6 weeks, and the essentials bundle comes every 4-6 weeks with items like baby care, body care, and household cleaners. They also offer a wellness bundle. That’s right, they're not JUST for families with children- anyone can use their products. You can choose what you need each month and you can choose when it is delivered. The prices are better than you may think for what you're getting, and they take awesome care of new and existing customers. Plus, the quality of the products and the safety of the ingredients is eases my mind so much. Another plus- their delivery boxes make awesome on-hand donation boxes…double duty. Here's a picture of our latest essentials delivery:
-Shop for gifts online. Save yourself the hassle of driving out, fighting crowds, and not knowing where to find what you’re looking for. A lot of retailers offer free shipping, and you can find nearly anything on Amazon. And since you already have a stash of wrapping supplies and cards (wink, wink) you are all set.
-Make a budget that is below your means, then stick to it. Take it one step further by getting your emergency fund set up in a savings account (according to Dave Ramsey, that is six months’ worth of expenses). You could even start a savings account for unexpected expenses, like medical bills or car repairs. Want to go one step further still? Set up a savings account for blessing others- friends in need, causes you support, etc.
-Slow down and enjoy the process, even if the process is just cooking, washing the dishes or folding laundry. If you’re not in such a rush, you may find that these little tasks are not so bad, especially when they are shared by the whole family. And go ahead- play your favorite music while you work…you’ll be glad you did!
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