Becoming less....

As I sat awake last night, I did one of my two favorites middle of the night activities: surfing the blogosphere for new favorite blogs (the other thing I love being reading....just regular books...)

I was rewarded with finding this new blog: Becoming Minimalist.  I find myself drawn to organizing, decluttering, "reducing stuff " blogs lately.  Living in an organized space starts with knowing what you have, knowing where it is, and keeping it organized.  Organizing is easier with less.

Now, I have no plans to become a minimalist, or ideas that my family would even go along.  I like my things as much as the next person; I'm just finding that I'm happier with less "stuff".  This article from Josh Becker at Becoming Minimalist entitled "Clutter Busting Routines for Any Families" is very good...and very reasonable!  He's not suggesting you clean out your entire house (although he did make big changes!), but these ideas are workable.

My favorites, and ones I adhere to already:

• Throw away junk mail immediately: I sometimes do this at the outside trashcan: it never even enters the house.
• Remove articles of clothing from your closet today: I do this on a regular basis; it really makes a difference.
• Finish a magazine: Recycle immediately.
• Keep flat surfaces clean: I'm good about this in the kitchen; working on it elsewhere.
• Fold clean laundry and put away right away : HAH! Just kidding! OK, this is not one I adhere to at all!  I have a laundry routine that finally works for me, but this isn't it!

I hope you enjoy his article.  Even if you add one or two of his ideas for reducing clutter (not just organizing it, but reducing it!), I think you'll see the benefits. 

It's a great website, full of support and encouraging ideas for living with less. 

As his quote says: "Becoming Minimalist: 'Cause the best things in life aren't things".