Keeping It Simple and Sane with Kids and Chaos!
Hello world, it's Nathalie here, navigating the fabulous forties with a business, two teens at home, and memories of a bustling household that not just included 5 kids but also our brave moms in their battles with cancer. These years have taught me a lot—especially how to find joy in every day and the art of turning chaos into coziness. Let's dive into my top five rules for living minimally (without losing your mind or tripping over a computer wire in the process).
1. Embrace the "One In, One Out" Rule
With five kids, the house can quickly look like a toy store after a Black Friday sale. To combat the clutter, I swear by the "one in, one out" rule. New soccer ball? Time to say goodbye to the old one. It’s like musical chairs for stuff—everyone keeps moving until the music stops, and there's surprisingly less to clean up!
2. Bins and Labels are Your New Best Friends
Imagine finding everything you need in seconds. Sounds like a dream, right? Enter bins and labels. With these, even the wildest of teenage dens can turn into a navigable nook. And yes, this even works on husbands and dogs (though, admittedly, the dogs are better at following directions).
3. Designate a "Drop Zone"
Every home has a Bermuda Triangle where things mysteriously disappear. To counter this, set up a designated "drop zone" for keys, backpacks, and alien spacecraft (or so it seems). This way, you save hours not having to turn the house upside down looking for lost items—or teens!
4. Weekly Purge Rituals
Keeping a home minimalistic isn't just about setting up systems; it's about maintenance. Once a week, I rally the troops for a "10-Minute Tidy." Everyone grabs a bin and fills it with things to toss or donate. It’s like a sport, and let’s just say, the competitive spirit really lights a fire under the boys!
5. Find Your Cozy
Minimalism isn’t about having stark, white rooms that echo when you sneeze. For me, it's about creating a warm, inviting space that's easy to care for. Invest in cozy blankets, cushions, and maybe a few strategically placed baskets to hide those mysterious teen snacks. It’s all about making your space feel like a home, not a surgical suite.
As a kid, I lived in a house so tidy it felt like it was holding its breath. Now, I aim for a home that breathes easy, laughs often, and welcomes the whirlwind of daily life without holding onto all the physical baggage.
So, here’s to embracing minimalism with a healthy dose of humor and practicality—because if you can’t find a place for it, maybe it’s time to let it go (and yes, that might include the pet rock collection from 1995). Happy decluttering!
The pictures are taken with my IPhone, coaches in the city was a part of my business years ago.
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