simplifying

One of my goals this year has been to simplify my life. I believe I have come a long way in just 7 short months. I think the more you cut out, the more addicting it is. I am doing less, taking more time to smell the roses, relaxing more, reading more, spending hardly any time on the computer.. blogging less, cleaning more- and more efficiently, cooking all the time, watching practically zero tv, teaching my kids the important things, and enjoying the now. Life is really good. I know that in 3 months everything will change again and I am just enjoying the simple life while I can.

Several months ago, I found myself frustrated at all the STUFF I had in my house. Since then, I have had no problem clearing out everything unnecessary. And believe it or not, after giving away 1/2 of everything, we still have way more than we need.


This is the boys' closet. We moved their dressers into the guest room (which are still empty) and decided to do closet dividers for their clothes. I am really surprised how well it's worked out. This has been especially helpful for Zack. He has access to everything and doesn't have any excuse to not fold and put away his own clothes. Yes, three year olds (even crazy ones) can put everything where it belongs. This also allows Ben to stay as organized as he needs to be-- and he is punished if I catch him folding or putting away his brother's clothes. They are all old enough to do it themselves..

I set limits on their clothing items. They still have more shirts than they currently wear, but if it doesn't fit in the cubby, they either have to get rid of it (or have to fold the items better so they all fit.) It has really simplified life for everyone. And as long as I keep up on laundry (which has always been one of my secret talents) they have more than enough.

And as much as I loved having lots of Sunday outfits, we gave everything away except for one white shirt each and one pair of church pants. That's all they really need-- and even though it's not as "fun" to dress them in their cute vests and sweaters, they still look handsome on Sundays. And they always know what they're wearing... simple.


Since I mentioned my lack of style (and clothing) last week, I am including a picture of my closet.. it's obviously nothing exciting, but it's definitely enough for me. Yes, these are ALL of my shoes. (Actually, I have a pair of sandals that I keep downstairs and my white moon boots are stored in winter bin.) I realize I have no style, but it is what it is.

A little while ago, Aaron's parents came to stay and his dad mentioned something about feeling sorry for me after seeing my side of the closet. That made me laugh because maybe it would be depressing for other women to be lacking in the clothes/shoes department, but honestly, I have way more than I need. Granted, I wished that it fit better, but all in due time. What would really make me happy is to get nice matching hangers. Eventually when we're rich, I will buy them... and a nice shoe rack. I've had that thing since jr. high.

One thing I have found is having a place for charity items in each closet has really worked well for me. I used to have a bin in the garage, but the items never actually made it out there. We have given away SO many toys, household items and clothing. It's addicting, I am telling you! And the more you give away, the less you feel like shopping or buying anything else.

So-- my question is, what organizational/simplifying tips do YOU have? I know hundreds still read everyday. Any good ideas to share with the rest of us? Do tell.