Clearing Physical Clutter, for Life's Sake

We started walking down the road to a more minimalistic lifestyle in 2015, not that we wanted to. The circumstances of life brought us to an abrupt shift and we had to make quick decisions. It was worth it though - as it prepared us for the next decade and all it would bring.

At the time we decided to sell our Tennessee home and move to Florida, Seth had been struggling to find a good job for around 7 months and we had one option left; to sell our home. Our son Foster had been a sick baby and failure to thrive is probably the best way to summarize that season. We were all "failing to thrive" in one way or another.

Let me add here for context - I was raised saving everything. I had lost so much that I believed holding on to "memories" would keep me connected to periods of time and people I could never get back. Literally. For me to let go of "things" when I saved every little thing, was a big deal. I wasn't a natural purger...I was a collector...

This is where the story gets good! Once we knew we were selling our home, in a mere 48 hours we managed to sell or donate about 85% of all we owned (in a 2,755 sq ft home and two car garage + large attic). I'm talking 20 boxes of Christmas decorations and 5 Christmas trees (which I adored) narrowed down to one box and no tree. The baby room that I had dreamt of having a few more grow in: I sold the furniture along with many of the items I had treasured and kept for another baby. Foster's situation was extremely hard to walk through and our geneticist said the chances of having another sick baby was highly likely, so we let go of the dream and the stuff tied to it. This was a RADICAL shift, and having to do it hastily proved to be the best thing for us.

The pain and frustration of this season soon became the catalyst for the next: less stuff, more LIVING. We allowed ourselves to let go: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Did you know that many emotions can be tied to objects in our home? I'll be writing on that more in the future.

Life can throw us some doozies...sometimes one devastating problem after the other. It's our job to seek the Lord in our pain, and ask Him for wisdom and help. He will help you through, but it doesn't always look or feel good. Ahem...like letting go of stuff.

Maintaining a lifestyle that is more minimalistic will not only help you and those who are close to you, but it will help set the stage so that no matter what life can bring, you'll be ready and able to keep pressing through. The end goal: to set you free of every weight that keeps you from fulfilling your God-ordained purposes; to make simple what feels overwhelming. Keep in mind, everything you keep (whether it's in your attic, or on your kitchen counter) requires you to manage it. Even those hidden or stored items talk to you, telling you to feel guilty that you spent all that money and haven't yet used it, reminding you you haven't lost those 5 pounds to fit in those jeans...you get it. It's true. Everything we own speaks to us in one way or another. Life is too short to be nagged by what we can so easily change, and be set free from.

NOW - Let's get to the practical tips for decluttering:

Watch free videos!  It doesn't have to cost anything to declutter. We are all capable of doing it and there is so much online help out there. When you put on a video (even if you aren't watching it), and do the same thing they are - for example, decluttering while you listen - it becomes a motivational tool and can give you the momentum you need to start and keep going. Again, this one is FREE - why not try it and see for yourself?

My Favorites: Dawn the Minimal Mom and Joshua Becker. YouTube has been the best way for me to watch or listen to their insightful videos.

Don't fear what you don't know! So often we put things off because they overwhelm us or we feel incapable. Trust me, you CAN do this. Even 5 minute increments will make a HUGE difference in your life and home. Every small step will eventually lead to one giant step. Give yourself time. Don't stress over it. And for those ready to go all in like we did, watch the videos if you want some expert tips, but other than that, entrust your decisions to the Lord and know He can make this into something beautiful for you and those who love you! It actually becomes really fun when you start experiencing the burden - LIFT.

Get a helper! A friend, family member, or professional can help you and sometimes it makes all the difference to have someone assist you in defining what matters and what can be replaced. Check out ways to book me if you're interested in a class or at home decluttering session.

Take a quick before and after pic! This one is to remind you that even if you spent 5 minutes in a drawer or closet, changes were made for the better! It will give you momentum once again when you look back and see that photo. Life is seasonal, and sometimes we press into the goals more or less. Those photos can jump start you back into the groove of letting go.

Start with YOU!  Some of you are thinking...there is no way my spouse will go for this, I'm stuck and that's just the way it's going to be. This couldn't be farther from the truth and most of the time, our spouse doesn't agree with it. You have to start with YOU. Even before you start with your kiddos...unless they are young enough to not realize what you're doing. ;) If they are little still, this is the perfect time to set their future up for success by minimizing their clothing/toys/etc. and teaching moment by moment, the value of time together and with others vs. one more toy.

Favorite Tips for Speeding Up the Process - if something costs $20 or less to replace it and you are stuck on it...let it go. It's not super expensive to replace and most of the time you won't remember that you had it anyway.

If you still feel hesitation - put it in a "Time Will Tell" box. I love these! Any indecision can go into this box, just make sure you pick an amount of time you will allow it to sit...and then when the date comes up, if it's not been needed or missed, don't look back - let it go!

Have I ever regretted getting rid of something? Yes. But I can't remember what it was... ;) You get the idea already, don't ya?!

Wanna know how applying this changed my life and the lives of others in my community? Because we had already done so much of the hard work of letting go, we were prepared to stay committed to something God started in us when our world came crashing down. January of 2021, we started a local ministry called Community Bridges where we covered over 200 officers locally with cards and gift cards over the course of a couple years. We also regularly brought them goodies and sometimes meals...always serving them on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a breakfast for all working. Seth's health declined April of 2021 just 4 months into our new ministry. We had every reason to not fulfill the task we had committed to. But instead of allowing the hardship and overwhelm of that season to be our excuse, we were able to press forward and do it in spite of the challenges! This isn't to brag on us, but brag on our God who can do so much with our "little." I would be at the hospital while Seth was in a surgery or test and writing letters of encouragement to our officers going through horrible challenges of their own. Praise God! THIS is what I want for the Body of Christ. That no matter the season, we can be effective for Christ! And you know what, we gained the blessing far more than we were able to give. These officers have become our friends and part of our forever family. They have loved us through all of this and taken care of us in so many ways. They even raised funds to help our family with medical expenses. This is God's economy. And one more bit, I can't tell you how much it helped my own heart hold on to hope as I grieved so many losses with Seth's health. When we encourage others in our time of grief, God moves mountains and we gain beauty for ashes.

Please feel free to reach out to me for help. Send me your questions! I also book sessions with groups or churches. If it's a large enough event, travel arrangements can be made. Let's make it easier to say "yes" to what really matters - together!

My Prayer for You

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to build healthier lives by letting go of clutter. Forgive us for allowing the culture around us to dictate how we spend or make a living. Forgive us for pursuing the things of the flesh and building up our own kingdoms instead of building Your Kingdom. Thank You for the stress relief we experience when we let go of worldly expectations for more. Thank You for the peace that comes from living simply and purposefully. Only You can bring Your people to a place of authentic worship and true prosperity. Help us desire You and Your purposes over every fading earthly pleasure. In Jesus name, amen.

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