I’ve come to realise that one of the main benefits of being away on holiday isn’t the sea, the eating out or the attractions (though of course these are all AMAZING), but for me one of the single greatest wins is simply cutting out the distractions.
I had previously thought that leaving behind day-to-day responsibilities (be they chores or commitments etc.) was uppermost on that list of distractions, but it dawned on me recently that it’s actually a whole heap of unwanted baggage that is weighing me down.
Even though I’ve spent time decluttering our ‘stuff’ at home over the past year or so, it was when I took the holiday washing out to the garage (where our washing machine resides) that I was overwhelmed with the sheer volume of ‘things’. Many of those things were so familiar (as part of the backdrop to the garage for some months) yet having lived in a spacious and minimalist house whilst I was away, I felt them hit me like a bus. I felt the same when entering my boys’ bedrooms too; tonnes of belongings crammed into space that could surely serve us so much better.
I could spend forever clearing and sorting and worrying about getting rid of things that might be missed. I also worry about being wasteful, but then I think back to the holiday, on which we took the following:
- A box of lego
- Colouring books
- Reading books
- 2 board games
- 3 card games
That was plenty for us and we used them all; probably because we weren’t bamboozled with too much choice.
We also had so much clear space around us whilst we were away. Space to enjoy reading a book or a playing a fun game. It helped us focus on these lovely, enjoyable and present situations. When you go away you see the wood for the trees. Your mind is clear because your space is clear.
Don’t get me wrong. Of course the change of scenery, both inside and out, puts a different slant on your perspective; but I honestly believe that if you were to stay in a beautiful holiday home, yet one that was filled to the rafters with ‘things’, then surely if would make for a significantly lesser experience.
So in these days that follow our holiday, whilst it is still fresh in our minds, I am making an effort to clear more ‘busy-ness’ that forms from excess. I want to see if I can continue to make our home* more of a calm and clutter-free zone; one that the whole family can benefit from.
NB. I feel I should clarify; my house is not a tip – promise!
I’d love to hear if you can relate to any of the above?
Jo – I struggle with clutter so much.
It’s like a big fuzzy brain to me – it creates fog, it makes me feel hemmed in and overloaded.
I live in a big house by choice, large spacious rooms, tall ceilings and just the right amount of furniture.
It helps me manage my days, I don’t feel overwhelemed in a space I spend oh so much time in – alone!
I’ve just emptied my wardrobe (again) as it was stressing me out – my local charity shop gets so much from me!
Books though – I pass these on to my mum, who passes them on to someone else, who passes them on… you get it – book swaps are the right way to offload too many books!
GREAT blog x
Oh Nicky, I’ve just come back from a wonderful networking event this morning so am on a lovely high, and then I see that you have read my blog and I’m so chuffed! I LOVE your words here and thank you for spending the time sharing this with us. Well done you – its great to hear how you find and make space. I agree, we really don’t want to feel overwhelmed in a space we spend so very much time in! I love your books idea too … noted! Jo x
Love this! We recently
decorated our bedroom – being one of the last of the whole house to do. We had a rail and now have beautiful spacious wardrobes. But it’s the space we now have! All our belongings were in two chest of drawers and a rail and now it’s all neatly put in the wardrobes, nothing else on show. It’s so much better for my headspace and is one step towards the hotel feel I aimed for. Just need to do the rest of the house – eek! Good luck with yours x
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this Emma. I love your story, and with our bedroom needing a makeover I am rather inspired as it sounds like you have made such a difference. Well done with the rest of your home too – it will be amazing I’m sure! Jo x
Love the blog Jo, honest and relatable as always. I really relate to the clutter issue, it really affects my mood at home when there is too much stuff around. I religiously twice a year do a clear out, all of our clothes, toys, and paperwork that accumulates. It is so cathartic to clear out.
Thank you so much Storm – I’m so glad you can relate! Love the idea of your twice yearly clear out – such a great idea! Jo