Comments on: the lazy gal’s survival guide : craving simplicity

By: Amye Mae

Amye Mae

Yes! This post definitely resonates. We are in an 900 sq ft apartment right now, but even that can take two adults an entire morning to straighten/clean…and the stuff I know is piled away in drawers and hidden corners causes undue anxiety. A simplified lifestyle is in order going forward. Can’t wait to follow this series!

By: ashley @ the handmade home

ashley @ the handmade home

In reply to Sara Caldwell. Haha AMEN! ;}

By: Sara Caldwell

Sara Caldwell

I have 4 children ranging in ages from 19 down to 7 so we have been through this so many times I can’t count. We’ve tried many different approaches, like the toy storage in the basement where they can only have 10 toys out at a time(too much work for mom), or the “if you don’t put it away mom threatens to put it in a box for a month”, don’t recommend that one either. Anyhow, the best system for us is to simply try to not allow the junk to enter the house in the first place. I realized this past year with my new attitude on “stuff” that if you just don’t go to Target, in return you won’t have nearly the amount of junk. I recommend two books to stay inspired on the war against consumerism, that I have to admit I purchased because I wanted to have them to reread when I needed a reminder. They are Living Simply with Children by Marie Sherlock and Serve God Save the Planet by Matthew Sleeth.
It is very eye opening when you start to go through and purge and I agree with you that it makes you more aware of where your priorities have been and the example that we are setting for our kids.
Thank you for your honesty and for taking the time to tackle this very important task. We are a throw away culture and that needs to change but it has to be stopped at the production line but that won’t happen until a whole bunch of Americans realize that we don’t need so much to live and be happy. Now I sound like the Lorax but hey that book turned out to be strangely prophetic.
Good Luck. I absolutely love your blog!
Sara

By: Kelly Lane

Kelly Lane

I recently found your blog and have been following the lazy girl series. I realized the other day that I don’t so much need to “organize” (well, ok, maybe a few rooms!) but what I want/need is to simplify. Which if you think about it is a lot harder than just getting organized! Anyways, I wanted to tell you that I love your site and your writing!

By: Nicole

Nicole

Thank you so much for writing this! Each and every word here I can relate too –it’s not just the stuff but feeling like you are not being a good role model for our children and helping them learn what’s important in life. This is so very well written and inspiring! I look forward to see how you are progressing and getting started myself with purging! Here’s to a lighter 2013!

By: Ms. Miles

Ms. Miles

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had people call us describing the same exact situation that you’re in. It’s a pretty common problem in houses across the country (at least it seems that way). We’ve heard everything from parents needing to help teach their kids how to clean up after themselves to husbands saying their wives have had enough of their hoarding and they need to get organized. The best solution everytime is to use some kind of containers. No matter where you plan on using them, they can help you get organized in a hurry. It’s a simple way for kids to clean up their toys after they’re done playing, just toss them into a bin and put it back under the bed or in the closet.

By: Andrea

Andrea

I am right there with you on this subject, in fact, I began my little reinvention of myself a few months back by attempting to simplify my life….taking a job that I actually like (maybe will love one day) the kicker…..a whole lotta less money and a real life work schedule….no more saying yes or sure I’ll help….with too many things that I don’t have time for….that take me away from my family….This was so hard for us. to choose to live with a great deal less money…knowing we would sacrifice so much of the stuff that we had grown acustom to…but it is a process. I failed miserably with christmas….buying more than we needed….more than I had committed to….. and now I am recommitting……going drawer by drawer….closet by closet…..giving those things to others that need them…….and buying only what we need. we can live with more. I want to choose less and teach my children that they are more important and people are more important than things. I too am tired of keeping up……glad to see someone else on this journey. I hope to learn from you and gain insight and strength along the way. Thanks for the post……I am again inspired.

By: Lauren

Lauren

I’m right there with you… I’ve been making lists and I’m planning on spending the next two weeks simplifying our home and our lives. Like you said, it’s about so much more than just having a neat and tidy home – it’s a mindset and a way of raising kids. I don’t want my children to place as much value on stuff as our society (and their mom) does. I want them to value the eternal things. Purging our closets and donating toys will just be a stepping stone to that more simplified way of life, I’m hoping.

A new blogging friend sent me your way and I’m so glad that she did!

By: Melissa

Melissa

Oh my – you are my emotional twin right now. I am cleaning (because my in-laws are coming to visit). My home, my life, is filled with stuff. Stuff we may use, stuff we might need, stuff that my be used for crafts, stuff we can ebay, stuff we can consign. Notice a trend….I am filled with stuff I don’t want! The frugal me, save a penny at all costs, has a hard time getting rid of stuff. Want I really want is less, of everything. I want a fulfilling life with my family, not a chaotic life with useless, meaningless crap. Thanks for the motivation to clear the clutter!!

By: Kim @ Plumberry Pie

Kim @ Plumberry Pie

AMEN! I cannot tell you how much this has been hitting home with me lately. You said it all so perfectly, all the thoughts I’ve been having for a few months now. I appreciate you sharing because it helps keep the spark in me to create a change in my own home. It’s so easy to fall off track even after you have the revelation to make a change. I’ll be looking forward to reading about your journey to keep me on task too. 🙂 have a great holiday!!