10 More Ways to Start Simplifying

You’ve read books, listened to podcasts and watched documentaries.  You’ve decided its finally time to simplify your life.  But you’re stuck.  Where the heck do you begin?  Getting started is sometimes the hardest part…

I shared 10 ways to start simplifying your life a while back and thought I’d give you 10 more ways to start simplifying today.

1. Switch to natural home products-ditch the chemical-ridden cleaners and opt for simpler, multipurpose, healthier ones that are gentler on you and on the environment.  You don’t have to go switch them all out today, instead, as products run out, simply replace them with better options.  You’ll have fewer items to store and you’ll be creating a healthier environment.
2. Switch to natural toiletry products – just as you’re doing with your home care products, choose healthier options for your skin and body.  If you want more motivation, check out the documentary, Stink. I also like this store for natural beauty products.
3. Recycle your instruction manuals – I know you have them stored away, taking up at least one file drawer worth of space. I’m giving you permission and gently nudging you to let them go.  IF you still have those items and IF you ever want to refer back to the manuals, you’ll find them with a quick Google search.  My husband tested this theory with our two file cabinet drawers full of instruction manuals when we simplified, and he found all but one of them online.
4. Recycle empty boxes and packaging – I know, you’re keeping them ‘just in case’ you need to mail something, your child has a school project or you need to repack items next time you move.  My general rule of thumb is to keep boxes from electronics for the length of the warranty then let them go.  All other boxes and packaging can go immediately.  If you do have children in school and know of upcoming projects that require boxes, choose 1or 2 to keep with your art supplies and craft projects then let the rest go.
5. Wear an analog watch – How many times have you grabbed your phone to check the time then realized a while later that you’ve been scrolling Facebook and you completely forgot to look at the time?  Sometimes multi-purpose items are helpful, other times, they’re a distraction.  Wear a watch and save yourself the distraction.
6. Stop watching the news – Get past your FOMO (fear of missing out) and trust that if you really need to know about something that happened, you’ll find out another way.  The news creates mental clutter that you don’t need.  Save your time and energy for something more valuable (even if it’s just sitting in silence instead).
7. Buy reusable shopping and produce bags and keep them in your car – less garbage, especially plastic, is always a good thing, right?
8. Clean out your reusable container cabinet – recycle pieces that missing their lid or bottom, items that are stained and items that are not BPA free (verify recycling requirements in your area first). Replace them with glass containers and jars of varying sizes.
9. Toss unread magazines and catalogs – Toss all magazines you've had for more than two months. If you no longer want to continue receiving the magazines, cancel your subscriptions.  If you want to stop receiving catalogs, either contact the company directly or use DMAchoice to opt out.
10. Plan ahead with greeting cards - Make a list of the birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations you know are coming up in the next six months.  Next time you’re at the store, purchase all the greeting cards you need for that time frame.  Use a sticky note to mark who they’re for along with the date to send them then store them in date order wherever you pay your bills. Batching the purchasing process saves time and energy and helps you get the cards out in the mail timely.  You could also opt for an online service like Postable and plan ahead using their service.

Choosing one of these ways to start simplifying can get you over the hurdle of actually starting and it can be just the momentum you need to continue moving forward.  I’d love to hear where you start and how it goes for you-let’s celebrate your progress!

To Simplicity & Joy,

Lisa