Simply Blooming Grace

Are we working backwards and making it harder to enjoy our simple homes? 

Stress is on the rise in our houses according to a recent survey.

“Worrying their home isn’t clean or organized enough is the 5th most common stress trigger for Americans. 47% say this caused stress within the past month,” stated Huffington Post, 

Many feel organization needs to be in a certain form with a layout of the house—or the original utility of the space. It can also be overwhelming with how to manage the stuff that seems to always be out without a permanent spot . Throw in the fact that different people have different organizing styles— did you know that? It’s true!

Head spinning? Mine too.

“25% of Americans have admitted to having a clutter problem in their home. The average American home has an estimated 300,000 items or more,” stated the LA Times.

I started diving in and researching minimalism, but after I had simplified our home over the last four years…there was still something missing. Cleaning wouldn’t take as long, and that part made sense. 

“Getting rid of clutter can eliminate 40% of housework in the average home,” stated the National Soap and Detergent Association.

But what didn’t make sense? 

Coats and backpacks would still end up on the floor. Or they would beg me to help them find the misplaced item. I wasn’t the only one looking for something— and spending valuable time. Americans would be shocked to know how much we are looking for items…even the ones we need.

“Americans waste more than nine million hours each day looking for lost and misplaced items,” stated Ottawa Citizen in their research. 

And then my brain was blown further when Professional Organizer, Cas Aarseen broke the rules of standard organization by replacing them with her own: 

1. Organizing would be simple if you put systems in place by where you put it down or naturally go to look for that item. 

1. It has to be as easy to get out as it is to put away.

I observed what solution I currently needed the most—coats and backpacks specifically for the kids off the ground and out of the way.

They always threw them on the ground by the door as soon they walked in. I’d ask them to go hang it in the garage, but it was extra friction. They had to walk farther making it not easy to put away— and only the oldest had the ability reach the hooks. 

It wasn’t practical for this season of life. 

Hooks at the correct height would be easy for the kids— and allow them to accomplish it themselves releasing myself from nagging and extra cleaning.

I was up for the challenge. 

First, I pulled the shelves, the door, coat hanging rod, the craft box, and family games all out. 

Then I repainted the adjoining wall and the now open closet a neutral color that would be continuous throughout my house. Making paint fixes and refreshing down the road extra simple. 

Overall, the project took a weekend. But I’d say it was worth it— and seemed to remove stress. 

With many still holding desire for a relaxing environment in their simple home, having stress removed from now being able to find organized items or decreasing the amount of inventory isn’t only going to improve our homes—it might also improve our health!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did a study where they found 80% of our medical expenses are related to stress— and clutter is a contributor!