• Start Here
  • Blog
  • The Book
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

Raising Simple

By Zoë

It’s Ok to Stop Filling All Your Space

Filed Under: Blog, Family, My Minimalism Tagged With: home, minimalism

When I purchased my first home, I had big ideas. I wanted my home to be inviting, beautiful, safe, and comfortable. It was a simple ranch style home in Abilene, TX. Not too big. Not too small. The house ( and its storage space) was just the right size. Or so I thought. Until the filling began.

This article contains course Amazon affiliate links, which means Raising Simple makes a small commission if you purchase through the link. I’m thankful to share this message with you!

When we have space, we’re likely to fill the space.

Slowly, the excess snuck in. Ok, I brought it in. The shelves in our pantry became filled to capacity. Our bedroom closets were brimming with clothing and other items that required out of sight storage. The built-in shelves in the living room were quickly filled with decorative items, and soon there was decorative furniture to fill in nearly all space that was not required as a pathway. This was just the beginning of setting up our home.

We need a lot less stuff than we think to live a happy and fulfilling life. 

As the demands of managing our stuff, moving in the military, and becoming a mother unfolded, so did my big ideas and sanity. Seven years ago with a 5 and 3-year old, I had that “what on earth am I doing with all of these things?!” moment. Or, if I’m honest, it was more like “Why in the hell do you have all of this stuff, you’re an idiot!”. (Please don’t call yourself an idiot. You’re not.) We do the best we can until we know different, right? From that point on, I’ve worked hard to reduce the clutter and noise that is a distraction to living our best life.

Just because we have the space, doesn’t mean we should fill it.

Recently, a repairman arrived at my house. He came to fix a hole in my bedroom ceiling that was damaged when they replaced our roof. As we walked through my house, I noticed him looking around more than the typical guest. “Would you like some water,” I asked him. “Sure, that would be great.” We continued talking as I reached for a glass. But Instead of looking at me he turned his eyes to the opened cupboard, and he took what seemed like a long look. Was there something scary in there? Did he like the color of cabinets? Did he want to choose a specific cup to use? 

Note: I think there were about seven cups in the dishwasher when I took this photo.

Sometimes things aren’t what we think.

We made our way to the bedroom with the hole in the ceiling. As he began working, we talked about life, kids (and their toys!), and busyness! He was an outgoing, chatty man. About 10 minutes into the conversation he paused for a moment. He had a question. I was sure it was going to be about my home. It was.
 
“Umm…So are you moving?” he asked with hesitation. His tone and body language implied he was concerned I’d feel insulted. I mean, who wants to be asked such a question with no packing boxes in sight? Isn’t that usually a bad thing?
 
I smiled, “No, I’m not… I’m a less-is-more kind of person. I don’t like feeling stuffocated. You know…the feeling of being suffocated by stuff? Plus, one under-appreciated benefit of minimalism I love is the ability to walk confidently through my bedroom with the lights off!” — Joshua Becker in The Minimalist Home. He laughed, “Oh I know just what you mean!”.

He asked me question after question. How long had I lived this way? How did I get my kids to give some of their stuff away? Do other people ever ask me if I’m moving (the answer is yes!)? By this time, he was finishing up the repair, and it was almost time for him to go. So I handed him a copy of Minimalism for Families (my affiliate link <3) and ensured him, “It’s ok to stop filling all the spaces.”
 

It’s ok to stop filling all your space.

If you love the idea of more freedom from stuff, here are some perspective changes to help you experience this in your own home.

1. Just because you have space doesn’t mean you should fill it. Having an empty space is better than filling it with clutter. And by clutter, I mean anything that doesn’t serve a positive role in supporting your priorities. 
 
2. The best time to declutter your home was yesterday. The second best time is now. No sense in wallowing in guilt and regret. Now is a great time to move on.
 

3. You can be abundantly hospitable without the abundance of stuff. You don’t need a different dish for every possible occasion. If you need nice things to impress your friends, maybe you need new friends perhaps you should reevaluate your perspective. Is it possible we’ve believed we need nice things to impress our friends when they don’t feel that way themselves? It doesn’t matter what everyone else is filling their homes with. Be true to yourself. 

4. Possessions don’t make our house a home. People do. 
 
I’m not saying you shouldn’t purchase that fluffy pillow or a couch for your people to sit. I’m just saying we should ask ourselves which possessions will help us thrive with the people we love. 
 
Home is where the heart is, not where our stuff is. Let’s not spend so much time and energy acquiring and possessing that we neglect what we’ll wish we had more of — Laughter, joy, love, and healthy relationships with the people we love. 
 
Changing directions in life can feel downright uncomfortable. And simplicity isn’t always straightforward. I don’t think it ever is. But it is worth it! As you declutter, and empty spaces arise, give yourself permission to leave them empty. If there isn’t something that adds value, (not just a spot filler), then the value is in the empty space.

It’s ok to stop filling all your space.

Ready to kick-start your decluttering efforts? Registration for the  Uncluttered course has begun!  Registration closes Sunday, October 13—so don’t wait if you want to join us.  Be sure to sign up with my friends and family discount (use code FF25 at checkout for 25% off!) through my affiliate link. Also, you can read how the Uncluttered course has changed lives! It is amaaaazing!

Like this post? Pin it!

**This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which means Raising Simple makes a small commission if you decide to register. All opinions are my own. I’m thankful to share this message with you!

LET’S SIMPLIFY HOME + FAMILY

Join over 25k families who are reclaiming their living space. Receive a Free chapter from my book, Minimalism for Families and our weekly newsletter.

Previous Post: « Why Your Space May Be Better Empty
Next Post: Why Kids Need a Minimalist Closet + How to Create One »

Footer

All you need is love. And simplicity. Must have must simplicity.

Let's Connect
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Healthy boundaries. 
They are your best friend. 🙌🏽💫 
.
.
.
.
.
#selfcare #emotionalwellness #boundaries #bemorewithless #familywellness #raisinghealthykids #raisingsimple #simpleliving #simplicity #whitespace #minimalism #minimalist #minimalismwithkids #minimalismforfamilies #growthmindset #healthyminds #mentalwellness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthtips #feelfreefeed #selfrespect #youareworthy #innerpeace #intuitiveliving
Throwback to the summer of 1990 when I had like 20 Throwback to the summer of 1990 when I had like 200 stuffed animals. Pretty sure I spent most of the money I earned being a papergirl that summer on stuffed animals 🧸 😆
If your kid(s) struggle to let go of their excess or see the value in owning less, keeping planting seeds through your daily conversations. Create a home for their items to be stored. Allow them decide which ones stay in the designated space and which get donated.
My kids have a large basket 🧺 to store their stuffed animals in. They can keep whatever stuffed animals they want that fit in it.
.
.
.
.

#declutteryourlife #simplicityparenting 
 #simpleliving #simplicity #whitespace #minimalism #minimalist #raisingsimple #minimalismwithkids #uncluttered #minimalismforfamilies #declutter #tidyhome #farmhousedesign #realsimple #positiveparenting #simplefamilies #modernfarmhouse #lessismore #declutteryourhome #boundaires #minimalistmodernfarmhouse #farmhouseinspiration #urbanfarmhouse #raisingsimplehouse #childhoodmemories
Anyone else love a good afternoon nap!? 😴 🙋🏻‍♀️. 
.
.
.
.
.
 #simpleliving #simplicity #whitespace #minimalism #minimalist #rest #raisingsimple #restisgood #minimalismwithkids #intentionalliving #minimalismforfamilies #farmhousedesign #modernfarmhouse #minimalistmodernfarmhouse #farmhouseinspiration #magnoliahomes #urbanfarmhouse #raisingsimplehouse #unbusy #sleepisimportant #familywellness
Your bedroom should be the antidote to stress, not Your bedroom should be the antidote to stress, not the cause of it. 
💫
Are you ready to make your home an antidote to stress?
The uncluttered course is open for registration until this Sunday! To learn more and sign up tap the link in my profile! I co-hosted the Uncluttered course with @joshua_becker in the past and I highly recommend it! Message me any questions you have. I’m happy to help.
.
P.S Be sure to use my friends & Family discount code (FF25) for 25% off!
.
.
 #farmhousedesign #modernfarmhouse #minimalistmodernfarmhouse #schoolhouseliving #uncluttered #atlantahomemag #raisingsimple #farmhouseinspiration #urbanfarmhouse #raisingsimplehouse #simpleliving #simplicity #whitespace #minimalism #minimalist #minimalismwithkids #mywestelm #decluttered #tidyhome #cozybedroom #minimalistbedroom #mysimplestyle #atlantahomesmag #schoolhouseelectric #declutteryourlife #minimalismforfamilies #mydomaine
Are you dieting this year? I’m not talking about Are you dieting this year? I’m not talking about the kind of diet where you watch, weigh, or count what you eat. I’m talking about the kind of diet where you watch what you allow into your home, heart, and mind. Be mindful. I know it’s hard. 3 steps forward, two steps back. 
Don’t let all the junk in this year. You deserve peace, happiness, and joy.
😘 ✌🏼 ✌🏽✌🏿
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #minimalism #minimalist #raisingsimple #minimalismwithkids #raisingsimple #minimalismforfamilies #simpleliving #simplicity #whitespace #intentionalliving #decluttering #declutteryourlife #emotionalwellness #healthyliving #healthyboundaries #simplifyyourlife #inspirationalquotes #atlantablogger #bemorewithless #lessisnow #theleasofnow #uncluttered
My best friend asked. And I said Yes! 
#engaged 🙌🏼
.
He’s a comedic encourager, relentless dreamer and doer, amazing dad, professional cleaner, and the most authentic life partner. Thanks for being you @iammattpaxton
.
#mattpaxton #mybestfriend #lifepartner #parentingpartner #simplicityduo #raisingsimple #minimalismforfamilies #intentionlliving #minimalism #minimalist #habitandhome #gratitude #bigfamily
More of a good thing is not always better. How man More of a good thing is not always better. How many toys or activities actually benefit a child? The answer to that question is not what’s important. It’s asking the question in the first place that matters. 
If you’re ready to simplify your home the uncluttered course is now open for enrollment! Link in bio to learn more and sign up! #thevalueofenough.
.
.
.
 #minimalistkids #simplicityparenting #intentionalparenting #dailyparenting #habitandhome #mytinytribe #minimalism #minimalist #raisingsimple #minimalismwithkids #lessisnow #minimalismforfamilies #simpleliving decluttering #minimalistbedroom #simplicity #whitespace #uncluttered #unclutteryourlife #unclutteryourhome #positiveparenting
  • Disclaimer + Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About

Copyright © 2021 · ·Beloved Theme by Restored 316