10 Ways to Simplify Your Space 😌

[@MiaDanielle]

Thanks to Ten Percent Happier for sponsoring this video! Get one month free trial to the app at my link www.tenpercent.com/mia

[@melissac.5948]

. Some ideas occurred to my husband and me since we are now old and not as able-bodied as we once were. We have of course decluttered. We have also emptied out our highest shelves. Why should we get up on a stepladder if we don’t have to? We have replaced our ceiling fixtures with LED fixtures that last for a very long time and don’t need lightbulb replacements. We have replaced our complicated fabric window treatments with quality vinyl blinds that we can care for with a long-handled duster and damp mop. We’ve discovered that most everything can be maintained with a long-handled something-or-other. We’ve removed our area rugs. They are trip hazards, they require heavy-duty maintenance, and they aren’t good for allergies anyway. We’ve edited our artwork down to fewer, more manageable pieces. We’ve removed even more of our furniture to allow us clear pathways through our home (something that will come in handy one day if we need to use a walker or wheelchair). No candles for us - we are not as observant and vigilant as we once were. Seasonal decor is very minimal now. We don’t miss all the fuss, and we prefer beautiful seasonal flowers and greenery. It’s more elegant and natural, and doesn’t have to be stored away.

[@veryessential]

Melissa, That sounds like what i need to do. I love Your way

[@melissac.5948]

@@veryessential These extra approaches to minimalism save time and energy, and help keep you safe. I’m sure you will find more that work for you.

[@stacythompson3175]

Thank you for your post. This helps me to think of a few ways to help my parents. I love your idea of seasonal decor and something I can give my parents for Christmas...an arrangement instead of stuff. Heaven knows they don't need more stuff.

[@melissac.5948]

@@stacythompson3175 Hello Stacy, On the subject of seasonal decor, I love the changing seasons and like our home to reflect those changes. I do this by rotating a few extra zippered pillowcases in seasonal colours four times a year. The pillowcases take up very little storage room. Same with seasonal throws. They make a nice change in the living room and bedroom, and take up very little space when stored. When we downsized, we got rid of many paintings, but we kept four principal paintings that each loosely represents a season. We change them out as the seasons change. They, too, take up little storage space. That’s it… no seasonal linens, towels, sofa covers, area rugs, dinnerware, mugs, Christmas trees, garden flags, glassware, cookware, vases, curios, etc. Your parents probably have plenty of pillowcases, throws and paintings to choose from already. Cheers,

[@MrsThollo]

This is my house at 39. Or, should I say small 850-900 sf condo. Currently, I may burn a candle or two on the weekend but I'm constantly checking them so I may get rid of those as well.

[@closeddoors0009]

Totally get you have been decluttering for 5 years only now seeing the progress Don’t use bins shelf’s got shelf’s taken down has I didn’t want the flat surface to put stuff on 😉 Any flat surface was a place for stuff for me

[@MiaDanielle]

yeah, you definitely have to make organizing decisions that work best with your own habits :)

[@ritadyer9295]

I’m wanting to get rid of my kids’ dressers because all they do is create a flat surface for clutter. They don’t need them for clothes. I hang everything and they can keep their chest of drawers; maybe.

[@ValyaDream]

While decluttering, I've put some clothes into a box. Then I understood, that it really is a "time-out box". I ended up putting 1 thing back into closet, understanding that I actually love and wear this piece and it fits me well. I just use it for special events when I need to look a little bit fancier. And I will probably take 1 more piece out, as that thing is kinda seasonal. I put this dress on during cold season for special events as well. So it has no sense to let in hang in the main area 24/7

[@ciannacoleman5125]

My mom always encouraged us to go through our bookcase once every year or two but very little declutter other than that. In my teens I began doing mini declutters of my room every 6mos or so, but my first big one was just over a year ago when I removed 10 paper bags worth of stuff. I was a little shocked that the difference was barely noticeable! Since then I have removed another 5+ bags worth of stuff that has made my space noticeably more "comfortable" visually. I still have several hot spots that need going through or a new containment method, but I have been very happy with my progress. I have learned a lot in the process and think I am better equipped to curate my space in the future.

[@JudelovesRiver12]

I have a system where I keep my cords in a drawer and right near that drawer are outlets near the counter so our kitchen counter can be a charging station and it’s easy to store them away after each use.

[@debcarroll8192]

I thought what you had to say about having more emotionally charged items gathered in one place rather than scattered around was very interesting. That is something I never thought of before.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Step 3 reminds me of how much better I felt letting go of being someone who sews, bakes a lot especially breadmaking. Gardening. I enjoyed each for a season of my life but they became a burden, no longer a sense of joy and accomplishment. I’m still wrestling with letting go of my sewing machine but I have gotten rid of all the fabric and pending projects. It’s there for mending and alterations but it’s on the way out of my life.

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

I understand. I’m slowly getting rid of my cake decorating and cake baking items. It’s not easy

[@MiaDanielle]

I'm so glad you shared this because it's true that some things are great for a season but that season of use doesn't always last :)

[@edennis8578]

I totally get that. I used to sew. I'm just not interested any more. I have less energy, and less incentive. I have had an internet collectibles store for 22 years, but I've lost interest in that, too. With the economic climate, there really is no incentive, and the changing laws and constantly changing rules of my store host is just toooooo much. I'm just starting to adjust to the changes in my life, to be able to breathe without stress! I kind of feel like I'm on summer vacation from school.

[@krtierney]

I love this. My area of clutter in my life is sporting goods and camping tents. Ski poles. Skateboards rollerblades weights, etc.

[@meh5069]

This hits home. I recently got rid of my serger because I used it a whooping 1 time, and it took up space for about 4 years after. Now it’s other craft supplies like a silhouette and vinyl. It was interesting for a time but I’m just not invested! I prefer paper crafts… so time to let go😊

[@carolyn8683]

Have found use sane or similar colour folders and bins apperance is less rather lots of colours that makes iit look more stuff x

[@terkfranks1538]

Thank you. Might I suggest to pin a list of your suggestions. It's just always nice to be able to take a screenshot and be able to refer back to that (screenshot) list... 👍 Thanks again - I have a lot of work to do!

[@mirandaf2112]

Very good list!

[@carinagatta]

Great tips, thank you!❤

[@MiaDanielle]

You are so welcome!

[@laurenmanley4616]

I love these ideas, Mia. We live in a small space after selling our home. I thought I'd decluttered but...wow! We still have so much stuff. Today I needed new dish towels and I haven’t bought any decor because I was decluttering so much of it. So our new space seemed kinda dull but I put the "decorative: into practical items. I bought cute colorful dish towels. They'll get used and add some pizazz. So it didn't add to the clutter but was pretty to look at and functional. Yay! Also, I just wanted to tell you how fantastic you look! Your hair is gorgeous! Hope you're feeling good and baby is doing well too!

[@IntentfulSpaces]

Oh my goodness! Binging on your videos having a chill Sunday and was like oh! Hey! That’s me. 😃😁 Love your content so much. Love your tips! 🙌

[@MiaDanielle]

Yay! Thank you!

[@lubnan08]

Really good advice. Thank you

[@bex438]

Great tips Mia 👍 thanks for sharing 😊

[@MiaDanielle]

Thanks for watching!

[@carolynmcintyre5645]

I worked at a place with all younger people, not ONE clock in the place.Theyd all just pulled their phones out .Drove me nuts

[@lormor460]

I think once I realized that open concept meant “one” unified space, it helped me a lot. I have a small space. They can be their own space but they still have to play nice with each other. You are the first person to mention this. Also, plants, I cannot keep one looking nice so, unfortunately, I have stuck to the most realistic faux plants I can find. I try to stick with florals as they can add color and the look more real. I also hate cords. I do everything I can to hide them! Great video !! Thank you!

[@mariateresarueda4079]

❤❤❤

[@victoriageorgopoulou4292]

hahaha...I empathize with the plants bit....letting them die out snif...

[@courtneybutler4829]

Love your necklace! Can you put a link to where you got it . Thanks 😊!

[@momdaughtertalk8008]

Thanks for sharing!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Lol. Know your limits. Love/hate relationship with refinishing my furniture. 😅😅 I’m now remembering how much work it all really is. I def want to redo a few key pieces and I def want the results I’ll get, but I also tend to go overboard thinking about all of my pieces and their potential. I’m actually donating a couple of pieces that are just going to be too much work for me. Still great pieces but I’m gonna just go ahead and let them be someone else’s project. Ha ha. (Plus yah. One of them is a large chest that also is “too bulky” and also too heavy). 😅😅

[@angelajohnson4245]

I had to pause to say "Thank you" on the grocery portion of this!! I am so guilty of all those aspects. ☹️

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Darn youtube wont let me edit. Sorry. You made a comment that helped me Decluttering a hat that I loved. I had a hard time decluttering it, but you said that it’s OK to buy her some thing and not have to have it. So somebody else will enjoy it because I’m not wearing it!

[@pinayinuk]

So nice

[@ymh1683]

Nice. So nice not to hear the same 10 ways that every other channel puts out.

[@MiaDanielle]

Well, thank you 😊

[@DFBurgermeister]

I love you, Mia, but tech has actually simplified my life. Everything I need for life operations and maintenance are contained within my iPhone or iPad, which are synced with each other. I didn’t understand your example of a power outage causing complexity since a power outage doesn’t affect most technical devices.

[@MiaDanielle]

Oh, I totally agree. In the video, I mention my “simple Systems” video and I shared about all of the tech that’s simplifying things for me :). The “analog” I’m talking about is more related to appliances and extra devices that a lot of people have (with displays etc). It sounds like you’re a bit more modern and don’t have those anyway

[@johnpinion8033]

Tell the truth. You stole that lamp from your dentist's office, didn't you? 🤣

[@koko137591]

🖐🏼🙂