“By simplifying our lives, we’re making space for what matters – to hear God more clearly, to give more wholeheartedly, and to place our energy in people and hearts rather than in things. Ultimately, simplifying allows us to slow down enough to savor this life.” Emily Ley
If you had to identify one specific thing that often keeps you from opening up your home to others what would it be? I’m going to say for most people, it’s not time, money, or even square footage, it’s the condition of our homes. It’s the stuff, the piles, the cleaning, the kids toys, and the endless piles of laundry that have to go somewhere. When our homes feel overwhelming, so do our hearts. I think many of us desire to be people whose homes are open and marked by hospitality. We want to open our front doors to the last minute play date, guests for dinner, or neighbors stopping by, but how can we ever have a home that’s ready for unexpected guests at the last minute?
I’d like to encourage you to consider making this the year you take on a decluttering challenge.
“Decluttering is not cleaning. Decluttering is not organizing. Decluttering is paring down and getting rid of things you don’t use or need to create a more pleasant and more useful space.” Stephanie Cowan
Before you start tackling any of these challenges, it might be helpful to read this article on 10 Decluttering Tips.
3 Spring Decluttering Challenges
1. Mika Perry 30 day decluttering challenge
What I like about this one…
If you’ve never done any kind of decluttering challenge and the very thought of decluttering makes you want to cringe, you can totally do this one! I like that you’re not being asked to tackle an entire room at a time, but rather small, simple tasks (everything from emails to purse to makeup to your phone.) You could also easily double up on items and complete several at a time over the weekend. This is also a great option for those of you who declutter every year but want something new!
2. Emily Ley’s 30 Days to Simplicity
What I like about this one…
This is more than just getting rid of things for 30 days. Emily Ley also encourages you to ADD IN more of the right things (think rest, getaway with your spouse, birthday cards for friends, meal plans), and helps you walk through simplifying your life by working through different areas of your home. I think this is one of the more creative lists I’ve seen over the years. If you’re currently in a busy life season but want to do something, this could be a great fit for you.
3. Ruthless Decluttering Challenge
What I like about this one…
This is for those of you who want to do your entire home but just don’t know where to begin. This guide offers you the options of decluttering everything in 1 week or breaking it down into 4 weeks. It will literally walk you through every room of your house, give you step by step directions, and ask you questions to consider as you look through your possessions. If you decide on this challenge, I would highly encourage you to grab a friend for accountability and do it together! This was one of the first decluttering challenges I completed 3 years ago and can honestly say it transformed my home.
2 Things I’m Loving
- Struggling with fear and anxiety? I think we all do at some level. I’ve really been enjoying the new series on Fear by Risen Motherhood and noticed the Gospel Coalition’s Lets Talk Podcast recently tackled the subject as well.
- These mini meatloaf muffins. Even my kids will ask for seconds or thirds so these have stayed on our meal repeat list this winter. Tip: I found mine stuck too much to my muffin tins so I just bake mine in a 9×13 pan. This is also a great recipe to double and freeze half!
1 Quick Thought
“I always wanted to be a hero–to sacrifice my life in a big way one time–and yet, God has required my sacrifice to be thousands of days, over many years, with one more kiss, one more story, one more meal.”
(Sally Clarkson)
Little Roots Co. 