Do you really need a new car? Let’s start there. Do you REALLY need a new car? Has yours died? Do you need to switch to a 4 door to make room for baby? Do you need to trade in your motorcycle for a family car? Great! You are getting a new car! OR do you just really really want a new one because yours is ‘annoying.’
So many people, when beginning their car buying journey forget about the most important detail: Cars are freaking expensive! We are talking about more than you make in a year, expensive. And the salespeople are more than willing to help you get a ‘deal.’ When you first start the process, it’s easy to get caught up in all the gadgets and pretty colors (that aren’t tainted by rust). But inevitably, when it comes down to it, you may experience a mild panic attack when handing over your hard earned money. Or even worse, when you decide to go even deeper into debt. No matter what your situation, you are going to feel stressed about car buying and in my opinion, you should. This is a huge purchase. Probably second only to your home. I would be more concerned if you signed up for a car loan and didn’t feel anxious about it. So what rules do you follow when buying a car? Let me be the first to say that when it comes to car buying, everyone is going to do their own thing. Some people swear by leasing. Others have planned to have a car payment in their monthly budget. But here’s my advice. Debt Free Living It is my philosophy that it’s best to live a debt-free life. Other than my mortgage, I don’t have a single debt. No credit cards, no car loans, no student loans. I recommend this method of finances because you always know exactly where you stand. My paycheck comes in and I know where it goes. Some to retirement, some to savings, some to charity, some to the household bills and then fun and food money. I don’t have to pre-calculate every single dollar to make sure I can pay off things I bought two months ago. I just pay for what I need when I need it. It still requires a detailed plan to make ends meet, but it’s wonderful. My opinion on debt-free living still applies when buying a car. Here are the Dave Ramsey Rules of Car Buying. Dave Ramsey Guide on Car Buying “Unless you're filthy rich, you cannot afford a new car! New cars drop in value like a bag of rocks. A new car loses 60% of its value in the first four years. Save up money and pay cash for a used car. “It's much easier to save $400 a month (the average car payment) for 10 months and buy a used car than to sign up for a payment plan and pay thousands of extra dollars for several years! Remember, the purpose of a vehicle is to get you from A to B. When you are working, playing with your children or helping a friend, you are not thinking to yourself, ‘Man, I am so happy since I have a new car. Life is beautiful!’ The key to happiness is not a new car, so don't pay for it like it is!” -Excerpt from daveramsey.com: Dave Ramsey teaches that the total value of all of your cars should not exceed half of your annual income. We had bought Ben’s car (a hand me down) for $1,000 so we could easily purchase the CRV without hitting that benchmark of 50% of our income. Of course, it does take time to save up for a car. My History with Cars My first car was a hand me down because I was a poor college sophomore. I paid $1000 to my sister for it. When it finally died I sold it for a few hundred to a mechanic. My next car was about 17 years old. My father-in-law helped me find in at a dealership in town. And we paid cash. The cheaper the better and drive it ‘til it dies! That has been my philosophy. My New Car Recently, I got a new car. Did I NEED one? No. However, my eyes have been set on a beautiful White CRV for 10 years. That’s right, exactly ten years ago to the month my now in-laws bought a 2007 Honda CRV. It was beautiful. Heated seats, GPS, a great view for longer car rides. My husband and I have borrowed it many times on short road trips. I decided over that past few years that one of my goals in life is to own a CRV. This spring, my in-laws decided to upgrade and sell their 2007 CRV. The opportunity presented itself and I could not turn down. After a few months of debating it, I let Dave Ramsey’s rules of car buying convince me to go ahead. Car Buying Checklist
We participated in a “year of savings” in 2016 where we bulked up our account in anticipation of buying a new car. We worked hard to build our savings up and will need to do so again, but I don’t have any debt and I definitely don’t regret the purchase. I feel like a million bucks in my new ride. So there you have it. My advice on car-buying. It has served me well and I don't plan to change it. Buying a new car isn’t minimalist. But the way I bought it was. Finding a reliable used car and paying cash. Good luck!
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This Spring my sister got married! It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun. Did I mention it was in Disney World? Happiest place ON EARTH! Weddings are amazing, especially if you are in the wedding party. But destination weddings are more than just a wedding, they are a vacation. Going into this trip, I knew I wanted to try something a little different. This week for Fancy Free I was wondering how someone takes a vacation on a budget. What does a Minimalist trip to Disney look like? Some would say a camping trip is minimal. Or a weekend in the Dells. But I am going to Orlando whether I like it or not. And so, my version of a minimalist vacation was going to Disney without visiting the theme parks. The Disney World Resort offers a TON of activities and entertainment outside of the parks. So my husband and I decided not to go into the actual parks this time around. It’s $107 a day, people. That wasn’t in my budget this year. So we are making it work. Minimalist Accommodations There are many ways you can save a buck on your stay. You could stay off-site or bunk up with family to reduce costs. We chose to do both (at least for the first part). Rather than rent a hotel room that we wouldn’t really be spending time in for the first 4 days, we decided to go in on a shared condo with my whole family. It’s not exactly relaxing, but it’s cheap! We then moved into a Disney Hotel room for the last 4 night of our stay for some alone time. Also, always look to see if you can find any bonus discounts. I used to work at a Marcus Theatre. Even though I spent my Friday nights selling popcorn, I could get super cheap rates at any Marcus Hotel in the nation. Do your family members get any good discounts for work that they can share? My sister works for Disney so she was able to help up get a deal on the room. Don’t assume the online price is the only option. Minimalist Entertainment We went to Disney World without going to the parks. Let’s let that sink in for a moment. Do we regret it? Actually, no. We really enjoyed taking our time rather than rushing through crowds and eating $8 hot dogs. We spent most of our days riding the free boat transportation to and from Disney Springs. It’s a major shopping center. Even though it’s anti-minimalist to go shopping 3 days in a row, we actually didn’t feel tempted to buy anything. Months before the trip I made a plan. There was one specific thing I wanted to buy for myself this trip: a charm for my new purse. And that’s all I got! Next up? Monorail Crawl! The Monorail system between the Magic Kingdom Resorts is free to ride. You don’t have to stay there and you don’t have to enter the park for access. We took the free bus to get there and spent one afternoon visiting all 3 resorts. We walked the grounds, explored the lobby, looked at the artwork, and went to the lounge of each resort. At each of the 3, we visited a lounge and bought a snack and drink. Yes we paid for the food and drink, but we didn’t add any clutter to our luggage in the process and we had a blast. Afternoon tea anyone? Another great experience! We went to afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian. It was romantic and super fun. This was one item that had a price tag, but it was still cheaper than going into the parks and was just as fun. I even had the chance to re-wear my bridesmaid dress that day. :) Other days, we toured our resort. We stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter. This resort alone has two giant campuses. A lot to see and do! They offer fishing, pool party games, hot tubs, spa experiences, bike trails, horse drawn carriage rides, and free lounge entertainment in the evenings. All just at our resort. And Disney World has 29 different places to stay. (Including campsites and family cabins if you are into that kind of travel). Minimalist Transportation Drive if it’s close, fly coach if you must. Stay at a place with free transportation. (Disney will take you to and from the airport and between all of their hot spots for free.) I have two more vacations coming up that I am planning to do Minimalist-Style. My other sister’s wedding in Charleston, SC and I hope to visit my third sister, Mary Ann at her place in LA sometime. Lots to look forward to! Fancy Free Vacations I spent money on my trip to Disney. There is no denying it. BUT I spent a lot less than I could have. There are a ton of great things you can do for free or cheap when on vacation and it’s up to you whether you need expensive things to make you happy. If you are trying to get out of debt, but dying for a vacation. Find something close to home, or something where you can get free access to lots of entertainment. |
Designer I pared down the selections to three designers I liked. Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Calvin Klein. I browsed the Hilldale boutiques many Saturdays in a row and found these three designers most appealing. I liked the Kate Spade most. I loved Michael Kors, except for the iconic little lock. Not quite my style. Eventually I got down to two bags. A gorgeous ‘Toasted Wheat’ Tote from Kate Spade and a super cute Soft Pink Tote at Macy’s from Calvin Klein. | |
My New Purse And here she is! My new beauty. In theory, this is one piece that will elevate the rest of my style. A plain white T with well fitted jeans and this bag take me much farther forward in the fashion world than I have ever been. Although I don’t care to be a materialistic diva, it feels nice to know that although I only have one bag, it’s a quality item I can treasure and care for for years to come. I waited 2 weeks before making the final decision. The frugal shopper in me prevailed. Instead of spending $378 on a Kate Spade, I spent $50 on an extremely similar Calvin Klein. I liked that the Klein had a longer strap for a more comfortable fit around my shoulder, and a little more bling with the gold chain. Take a look at the three bags on the right. The well-trained eye can tell the difference in quality and expense. Can you? |
How I Got the Deal
On February 18, the purse rung up in store at $178. So I waited. On Monday, February 20 (Presidents’ Day) it still rang up as $178. BUT online it was on sale for $100.13. Because it was the same store and the same exact bag, I got that price in store at Macy’s that it was going for online. How did I drop it another 50%? I had saved up a gift card from a student. So that was another $50 down. Finally, instead of a physical gift, I had received some cash from a grandparent at Christmas. So I gave the cashier the cash. My account balance changed by $0.00.
And THAT is how you buy a designer purse, minimalist style.
On February 18, the purse rung up in store at $178. So I waited. On Monday, February 20 (Presidents’ Day) it still rang up as $178. BUT online it was on sale for $100.13. Because it was the same store and the same exact bag, I got that price in store at Macy’s that it was going for online. How did I drop it another 50%? I had saved up a gift card from a student. So that was another $50 down. Finally, instead of a physical gift, I had received some cash from a grandparent at Christmas. So I gave the cashier the cash. My account balance changed by $0.00.
And THAT is how you buy a designer purse, minimalist style.
Every time a new phone is released by apple, people flock to the stores to secure their piece of trendy hardware. It’s smaller now! It’s better. It’s larger now! It’s better. It’s magical now!
On and on it goes. Now, I don’t mean to insult anyone who is iPhone obsessed, instead I want to offer a few tips to help you enjoy the luxury of a smart phone without dropping hundreds of dollars every time there is a new release.
My Phone of Choice?
The iPhone Free. I’ve been an avid iPhone user for about 6 years...and I never paid a dime for one. Here’s how.
Finding a Quality iPhone F
Unless you work at home or actively avoid conversing with anyone in the outside world, you will constantly be in contact with iPhone users. Often, you will know at least 2-20 people who get a thrill out of buying the new one each time. If you would like to have an iPhone, but don’t feel comfortable spending a ton of cash, pay close attention to those conversations you have regarding the iPhone. Next time someone says “I can’t wait! I ordered my new iPhone 10!” Ask them a simple follow-up question: “What do you plan to do with your old one?”
There are a few possible answers. They may be in a lease so they have to return it to the phone company. They may plan to donate it. Or recycle it. Or they may plan to keep it and let their kids use it as a toy. BUT, if they aren’t sure. Here’s your chance! Ask them politely if you could maybe have it. It might work out in your favor!
This has been the case for me. My sister Janelle just got a free iPhone 7 by switching phone companies, and then generously gave me her older iPhone 5. YAY! Free iPhones all around.
Things to Watch Out For
Make sure that when you get your new iPhone Free, it has been completely erased. Have your friend or relative go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase all Content and Settings. If you don’t do this, your friend’s iCloud info will still be linked to the phone and you can’t get it off without their password. Plus, you may accidentally end up linked to their photo stream. Awkward! Make it a clean start.
Apple store help will also be tricky. If you need them to remove content or help you clear a passcode, they require a proof of purchase. They won’t reset a device unless you can prove it is yours. This keeps people from stealing one and using it as their own.
How to keep your old iPhone from slowing down
There is a theory out there that insists Apple intentionally develops technologies that will become ineffective after a few years, thus making it necessary for you to upgrade to the new model. While it is unlikely that Apple intentionally sabotages their own product, there is some truth in the theory. It all comes down to the relationship between new software and old hardware. Apple releases a new operating system upgrade every year. While each one is supposedly better than the next, some of the older phones and iPads are not able to perform as efficiently with the new OS.
What does this mean for the old iPhone user? If your OS is working, don’t do the upgrade. Installing the new OS will likely cause more harm than good. The downside is that some apps require the latest OS, limiting what you can download. So at this point, you need to reflect on your priorities. Will the world end if you can’t play Pokemon Go on your iPhone 4? Will having an outdated model keep you from becoming addicted to the latest version of candy crush? And in the end, does this really matter to you?
Minimalist Life vs Tech
One of the largest elements of the minimalist lifestyle is toning down your technology addiction. A simple life involves one where we appreciate our time. We dedicate it to things that matter. Less TV, more crafting. Fewer hours gaming, more hours with the family. Less Screen time, more walks with the dog.
Although ideally we want to try to find proper focus and balance, it is also a significant convenience to carry a smartphone. Day-to-day tasks can be enhanced through technology. But as you excitedly pull out your new phone, try to find a balance. I’m working on it one day at a time. I find no shame in owning a smartphone. I can be a minimalist, and still love Apple.
And Don’t forget!
Avoid clutter. The second you get a “new” phone, recycle or donate your old phone, case charger and any other miscellaneous supplies or boxes you acquired for it. Get rid of them now or they will forever be in the junk drawer.
BIG shout out to my sister Janelle for generously giving me her hand-me-downs!
What is Fancy Free?
Click Here!
On and on it goes. Now, I don’t mean to insult anyone who is iPhone obsessed, instead I want to offer a few tips to help you enjoy the luxury of a smart phone without dropping hundreds of dollars every time there is a new release.
My Phone of Choice?
The iPhone Free. I’ve been an avid iPhone user for about 6 years...and I never paid a dime for one. Here’s how.
Finding a Quality iPhone F
Unless you work at home or actively avoid conversing with anyone in the outside world, you will constantly be in contact with iPhone users. Often, you will know at least 2-20 people who get a thrill out of buying the new one each time. If you would like to have an iPhone, but don’t feel comfortable spending a ton of cash, pay close attention to those conversations you have regarding the iPhone. Next time someone says “I can’t wait! I ordered my new iPhone 10!” Ask them a simple follow-up question: “What do you plan to do with your old one?”
There are a few possible answers. They may be in a lease so they have to return it to the phone company. They may plan to donate it. Or recycle it. Or they may plan to keep it and let their kids use it as a toy. BUT, if they aren’t sure. Here’s your chance! Ask them politely if you could maybe have it. It might work out in your favor!
This has been the case for me. My sister Janelle just got a free iPhone 7 by switching phone companies, and then generously gave me her older iPhone 5. YAY! Free iPhones all around.
Things to Watch Out For
Make sure that when you get your new iPhone Free, it has been completely erased. Have your friend or relative go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase all Content and Settings. If you don’t do this, your friend’s iCloud info will still be linked to the phone and you can’t get it off without their password. Plus, you may accidentally end up linked to their photo stream. Awkward! Make it a clean start.
Apple store help will also be tricky. If you need them to remove content or help you clear a passcode, they require a proof of purchase. They won’t reset a device unless you can prove it is yours. This keeps people from stealing one and using it as their own.
How to keep your old iPhone from slowing down
There is a theory out there that insists Apple intentionally develops technologies that will become ineffective after a few years, thus making it necessary for you to upgrade to the new model. While it is unlikely that Apple intentionally sabotages their own product, there is some truth in the theory. It all comes down to the relationship between new software and old hardware. Apple releases a new operating system upgrade every year. While each one is supposedly better than the next, some of the older phones and iPads are not able to perform as efficiently with the new OS.
What does this mean for the old iPhone user? If your OS is working, don’t do the upgrade. Installing the new OS will likely cause more harm than good. The downside is that some apps require the latest OS, limiting what you can download. So at this point, you need to reflect on your priorities. Will the world end if you can’t play Pokemon Go on your iPhone 4? Will having an outdated model keep you from becoming addicted to the latest version of candy crush? And in the end, does this really matter to you?
Minimalist Life vs Tech
One of the largest elements of the minimalist lifestyle is toning down your technology addiction. A simple life involves one where we appreciate our time. We dedicate it to things that matter. Less TV, more crafting. Fewer hours gaming, more hours with the family. Less Screen time, more walks with the dog.
Although ideally we want to try to find proper focus and balance, it is also a significant convenience to carry a smartphone. Day-to-day tasks can be enhanced through technology. But as you excitedly pull out your new phone, try to find a balance. I’m working on it one day at a time. I find no shame in owning a smartphone. I can be a minimalist, and still love Apple.
And Don’t forget!
Avoid clutter. The second you get a “new” phone, recycle or donate your old phone, case charger and any other miscellaneous supplies or boxes you acquired for it. Get rid of them now or they will forever be in the junk drawer.
BIG shout out to my sister Janelle for generously giving me her hand-me-downs!
What is Fancy Free?
Click Here!
Source:
Stenovec, Timothy. How Apple Gets You To Buy New iPhone Over and Over Again.
Stenovec, Timothy. How Apple Gets You To Buy New iPhone Over and Over Again.
You've decluttered your home, but you still want nice things. Now what?
Recently I asked a group the question: Is it anti-minimalist to own nice things? (A nice car, a designer bag, an iPhone) And what if I got said-purse and iPhone for free? Am I encouraging consumerism by having these items, even if I didn't spend money on them?
In the past, my shopping experienced were particularly thrifty. I would come home with 2 bags of clothes for only $20! It was a fantastic deal. Now, as I strive for a life of less, I wonder: If I have less, am I allowed to have better?
At a family lunch a few weeks ago my Uncle-In-Law saw me pull out my phone to take photos. I have an iPhone 5 with a super sparkly case. “That phone doesn’t look very minimalist, Kendra.” He commented mischievously. (Shout out to Rod!). I insisted that it may appear fancy, but the phone was free!
Being Minimalist is about being mindful of what you bring into your life. Searching for things that bring you joy, without the clutter and without ridiculous expense. So how do we get a glamorous life without the clutter and debt? I give you: Fancy Free. Tips and Tricks to acquiring high quality items for little or no money.
Over the next few weeks I am going to really dive into finding ways to acquire items like an iPhone, designer purse, vacation, new car, etc either for free, or on a budget. Stay tuned. :D
It was earlier this year that I realized an important detail about keeping up with my home. I was bragging about how clean we keep our house to my husband. “There’s nothing on the counters! And the floor of the bedroom is clear. We always keep our house so clean!”
And then my husband brought me back to reality. “True,” he said, “But there is a difference between decluttered and clean.” OH. Yeah... I guess we hadn’t vacuumed in a while...or dusted...or cleaned the bathroom. Oops. It was sort of a wake up call for me.
Now before you go judging my husband for being critical of my housekeeping, you should probably know he is a bit of a clean freak. Dog hair on the floor, spots on the counter; they bother him. And so, he is pretty on top of cleaning things when the weekend comes. He really goes above and beyond when it comes to keeping up with housework.
My post this week is simple. Over the last month I have been undergoing an intense decluttering and spring cleaning of my home. First, I organized my clothing closet and donated bags and bags of unused clothing. It was so liberating! Next I tackled the kitchen, and finally the bathroom. Although there are more projects I need to address around my home, at this point I plan to save those for summer.
As you may recall, 2017 is a year where I am giving minimalism a try. I'm not a well-versed expert in the lifestyle. My first step in that venture was decluttering. Now that the stuff is gone, I can actually focus on the real cleaning my house needs and minimizing other areas of my life. Although I have not mastered the art of maintaining a spotless home, here are some pieces of advice that I am using to maintain the progress I've made and really get things clean.
Tips to Maintaining a Clean Home
Thanks for following me on my Spring Cleaning adventure! Now onto the next challenge of adapting the minimalist lifestyle. Stay tuned!
<3 One Midwest Minimalist.
And then my husband brought me back to reality. “True,” he said, “But there is a difference between decluttered and clean.” OH. Yeah... I guess we hadn’t vacuumed in a while...or dusted...or cleaned the bathroom. Oops. It was sort of a wake up call for me.
Now before you go judging my husband for being critical of my housekeeping, you should probably know he is a bit of a clean freak. Dog hair on the floor, spots on the counter; they bother him. And so, he is pretty on top of cleaning things when the weekend comes. He really goes above and beyond when it comes to keeping up with housework.
My post this week is simple. Over the last month I have been undergoing an intense decluttering and spring cleaning of my home. First, I organized my clothing closet and donated bags and bags of unused clothing. It was so liberating! Next I tackled the kitchen, and finally the bathroom. Although there are more projects I need to address around my home, at this point I plan to save those for summer.
As you may recall, 2017 is a year where I am giving minimalism a try. I'm not a well-versed expert in the lifestyle. My first step in that venture was decluttering. Now that the stuff is gone, I can actually focus on the real cleaning my house needs and minimizing other areas of my life. Although I have not mastered the art of maintaining a spotless home, here are some pieces of advice that I am using to maintain the progress I've made and really get things clean.
Tips to Maintaining a Clean Home
- Have a set schedule. Wednesday morning is dishes and trash day. Saturday morning is vacuum and bathroom cleaning. Sunday is Laundry and Bedroom. Whatever works for your schedule, write it down and stick to it.
- Do a mini clean up before bed and before work each day. When you leave in the morning, make sure all dishes are in the dishwasher. Same thing at night. Make sure the bedroom floor is clear before you go to sleep. We don’t need any grave injuries when you get up for a drink at 1am.
- Always keep your jacket and bag in the same spot. It isn’t on the floor or the chair, it’s in the closet (I’m working on this one!)
- Keep floor mats near doors when weather is spotty. It will keep the mud off the carpet.
- If one comes in, one goes out. Keep clutter away for good. If you get anything new, you need to donate, sell or recycle a different but similar item.
Thanks for following me on my Spring Cleaning adventure! Now onto the next challenge of adapting the minimalist lifestyle. Stay tuned!
<3 One Midwest Minimalist.
Christmas is now 3 months past and all traces of twinkling lights and pine needles have been washed away with the spring rain. While the decorations may be packed away in storage bins, we still carry the memories of how we celebrated; how we took the time to appreciate the people in our lives. It is a beautiful thing, that come December every year we are overcome with the spirit of giving. But while all other remnants of the holiday are gone, there is very likely one place in your house where holiday clutter lingers: the bathroom.
Why the bathroom? Pause for a moment and reflect on the thoughtful little “Advent Angel” and “Secret Santa” trinkets you received. See where I’m going with this? Homemade soap, lotions, perfumes, peppermint Chapstick and body wash galore! So often the appreciative little gifts equate to a cluttered bathroom come the new year. And why not? It’s a useful gift that is easy to pick out. Everyone uses soap. And if you live in the midwest, you are going to need lotion. The bitter wind is enough to make anyone’s hands chapped. It’s the perfect gift! So what happens when after 5 years of Advent Angels you have an entire linen closet stuffed with leftover holiday toiletries?
This week, I decluttered the bathroom and my most overwhelming task was sorting through extra self-care items I’ve accumulated through gift giving. I don’t want to come across as ungrateful. I really do appreciate it when someone takes the time to pick something out just for me. It’s such a kind gesture, but how long do I hold on to these items, knowing I may never use them?
Why the bathroom? Pause for a moment and reflect on the thoughtful little “Advent Angel” and “Secret Santa” trinkets you received. See where I’m going with this? Homemade soap, lotions, perfumes, peppermint Chapstick and body wash galore! So often the appreciative little gifts equate to a cluttered bathroom come the new year. And why not? It’s a useful gift that is easy to pick out. Everyone uses soap. And if you live in the midwest, you are going to need lotion. The bitter wind is enough to make anyone’s hands chapped. It’s the perfect gift! So what happens when after 5 years of Advent Angels you have an entire linen closet stuffed with leftover holiday toiletries?
This week, I decluttered the bathroom and my most overwhelming task was sorting through extra self-care items I’ve accumulated through gift giving. I don’t want to come across as ungrateful. I really do appreciate it when someone takes the time to pick something out just for me. It’s such a kind gesture, but how long do I hold on to these items, knowing I may never use them?
The Miscellaneous Bath Products
This first step is the largest category, but I tackled them first anyway. Before you even pull out all of the items, I recommend the “List it, Keep it” method. Take a seat and record what you need in your bathroom in terms of daily self maintenance. What is your favorite shampoo and conditioner? What body wash do you use? Do you need a special face wash? What about toothpaste? Is there a particular brand of moisturizer you use daily?
Don’t worry about makeup yet. We will get there. For now, just list the basic self-care supplies you need. Then go into the bathroom and pull out EVERYTHING. Only replace the items on your list.
What I kept:
- Tresemmé Shampoo and Conditioner
- Dove Bodywash
- Clearasil Face Wash
- Bath and Body works Sweet Pea Lotion
- Crest Toothpaste
- Deodorant
And that was all. All together, about 9 items. Let me tell you how many items I had left...over 100. I’m not kidding! So many different varieties of body wash and moisturizers. How many bars of soap from Disney World with imprinted Mickey’s had I collected?!
Those that were unopened and high quality I donated. The rest went to the trash.
Styling Products and Makeup
The next largest category I sorted out was makeup. A true minimalist probably doesn’t use any makeup or styling products. I’m not there yet. Again, I used the “List it, Keep it” method. I sat down and thought about my daily routine. What do I use to get ready?
Here is what I kept:
- Liquid to Powder Foundation
- Blush with Brush
- Eye Liner
- Mascara
- Eye Shadow (one multi-color pack)
- Hair Mousse
- Hairspray
- Hairbrush
- Comb
- Lipstick (2 colors)
- Chapstick
- Bobby Pins
- Hair ties
It may sound like a lot, but it all fits in two tiny drawers in my bathroom. I didn’t keep 5 colors of blush and lipstick. Just those that I use everyday. The one exception is that I kept 1 bright red lipstick that I often use when acting in a community theatre production. The rest was tossed. It was way beyond the expiration mark anyway.
Bathroom Appliances
Tied into a beauty routine is bathroom appliances. Really think about everything you need for your hair. Do you really have to style it every day? If so, great! Do your thing, but maybe you can pare down the items a bit. It turns out I had three curling irons. Three!
What I kept (Mostly only used when I have a show I’m working on):
- 1 Curling Iron
- 1 Straight Iron
- 1 Hairdryer
Linens
The easiest category to sort was the linens. Luckily, my aunt Kathy got me a set of turquoise bath towels for my birthday this fall. So, I kept that set and maybe 3 extra towels and the rest I donated! Now my linen closet looks wonderful! I kept a variety of washcloths that I use for cleaning the house in a small turquoise bin right next to the towels.
What I kept:
Miscellaneous
When cleaning out your bathroom clutter, you will of course come across other items. After all, you probably have to share the bathroom! My best advice is to keep storage separate. I have three drawers, my husband has three. Maybe one shelf in the linen closet is for you, one is for your kids.
The Shower
One last reminder. You don’t have to keep a million different cleaners on the edge of the tub. If possible, come to an agreement and have everyone in your family use the same shampoo and body wash. Or, have each member of the family use little shower caddies with their supplies. Growing up with 3 sisters, there were always WAY too many bottles of shampoo in the shower. We probably should have gone with a bring-your own in and out or share the one kind method.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
The easiest category to sort was the linens. Luckily, my aunt Kathy got me a set of turquoise bath towels for my birthday this fall. So, I kept that set and maybe 3 extra towels and the rest I donated! Now my linen closet looks wonderful! I kept a variety of washcloths that I use for cleaning the house in a small turquoise bin right next to the towels.
What I kept:
- 6 Turquoise towels
- 2 Beach Towels
- 6 turquoise /teal washcloths
- Variety of cleaning cloths
- 2 White decorative hand towels
Miscellaneous
When cleaning out your bathroom clutter, you will of course come across other items. After all, you probably have to share the bathroom! My best advice is to keep storage separate. I have three drawers, my husband has three. Maybe one shelf in the linen closet is for you, one is for your kids.
The Shower
One last reminder. You don’t have to keep a million different cleaners on the edge of the tub. If possible, come to an agreement and have everyone in your family use the same shampoo and body wash. Or, have each member of the family use little shower caddies with their supplies. Growing up with 3 sisters, there were always WAY too many bottles of shampoo in the shower. We probably should have gone with a bring-your own in and out or share the one kind method.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
We’ve all seen it: The tupperware commercial where the woman gets attacked by dishes. And we’ve all experienced irrational rage when drawers get clogged with tangled spatulas and measuring cups. So how do you keep a fully functional kitchen without all the crap? Well friends, this is what I’ve learned so far when it comes to a Kitchen Clean-Out.
Those of you who know me might be skeptical of this post. ‘You don’t cook!’ You might be saying. Correct, I didn’t cook. BUT, did you see the salmon I whipped up this week? Delish! Just because I’m not an expert cuisine artist doesn’t mean I don’t use my kitchen.
Those of you who know me might be skeptical of this post. ‘You don’t cook!’ You might be saying. Correct, I didn’t cook. BUT, did you see the salmon I whipped up this week? Delish! Just because I’m not an expert cuisine artist doesn’t mean I don’t use my kitchen.
Where to start?
Mugs and Miscellaneous Cups
When cleaning out my kitchen, the first to go were the mugs. Disney world mugs, gifts from students, gifts from other teachers, cups from the Overture Center, cups from the Badger games, etc. I had a double cabinet worth of unused mug-like cups.
What I kept in the end:
Next Up, Everyday Dishes
I had one rule when I cleaned out my kitchen. Everything must coordinate. It looks better and feels better. So I have enough dishes to serve 4 and enough glasses to serve 6.
What I kept: (See the Slideshow below for pictures)
Then, Pots, Pans and Baking
I don’t cook a lot, so I can get by with very little. I don’t have special pans and pots for every delicacy. But I found I did have way too many of some items. Do I need three 9” pans? Do I need 3 griddles? I love grilled cheese! But I never make 6 at once. So they went to the donation center!
What I kept: (See the Slideshow below for pictures)
All of these items fit in the drawer under the oven or in my white drawers.
Mugs and Miscellaneous Cups
When cleaning out my kitchen, the first to go were the mugs. Disney world mugs, gifts from students, gifts from other teachers, cups from the Overture Center, cups from the Badger games, etc. I had a double cabinet worth of unused mug-like cups.
What I kept in the end:
- Personalized Glass Wedding Gifts (Do I really use them? No, but they are really nice and thoughtful).
- 1 Travel Mug. Take your coffee with you every day? Maybe keep two. And then wash them when you need another. Do you really need 5 coffee mugs cluttering the sink all week. Or your car? Or your desk?
- 2 Disney Mugs (one for me and one for my husband)
- 4 Matching coffee cups. There are two of us. We rarely host. We can get by with 4 mugs. And who says you can’t drink coffee out of a traditional class?
Next Up, Everyday Dishes
I had one rule when I cleaned out my kitchen. Everything must coordinate. It looks better and feels better. So I have enough dishes to serve 4 and enough glasses to serve 6.
What I kept: (See the Slideshow below for pictures)
- 3 Microwave-safe bowls (One is mismatched since one of the set broke)
- 4 plastic bowls
- 4 small plates
- 4 salad plates
- 4 large plates
- 6 short glasses
- 6 tall glasses
- 6 nice goblets
- 6 plastic cups
Then, Pots, Pans and Baking
I don’t cook a lot, so I can get by with very little. I don’t have special pans and pots for every delicacy. But I found I did have way too many of some items. Do I need three 9” pans? Do I need 3 griddles? I love grilled cheese! But I never make 6 at once. So they went to the donation center!
What I kept: (See the Slideshow below for pictures)
- One small pan
- One large pan with cover
- One griddle
- One small pot with cover
- One large pot
- One large skillet with cover
- Two large cookie sheets
- Two small cookie sheets
- One muffin pan
- Two rectangular cake pans
All of these items fit in the drawer under the oven or in my white drawers.
The Most Important De-cluttering Category
Appliances
The true secret to a clean kitchen? Fewer appliances! Nobody needs a food processor, smoothie maker AND a blender! You don’t have to have 4 crock pots. You don’t need a rice cooker if you have a pot. It’s that simple. And two microwaves? Really? Is that necessary?
Sort out what you really need.
Clearing out the appliances will clear out the kitchen. As you look at each one, ask yourself: What do I cook in this? And, can I cook the same thing in a different item I already have? Some examples: Instead of a panini maker and a countertop grill, compromise with a George Forman. Instead of a pizza cooker and a toaster oven and a 4 piece toaster, keep the toaster for bread, use the real over for the pizza and small dishes. Do you eat waffles every saturday? Fine, keep the waffle iron. But could you make due with pancakes on the griddle?
Store what you keep.
The best piece of advice I received about keeping a clean kitchen is so simple and so obvious. Once you have decided what to keep, find a cabinet to store it in. The toaster is in the small cabinet with the spices. The blender and the George Foreman are on the bottom shelf in the pantry. The crock pot is in the hidden cabinet on the other side of the peninsula because I only use it once or twice a year. The hand mixer is with the baking supplies.
As soon as I am done using the item and it has been cleaned, it goes into the cabinet. It doesn’t live on the kitchen counter, ever. The only one that I keep out is my Keurig, because I use it so often. It has it’s own little counter beside the fridge; a space I never use for cooking prep because it’s opposite of the stove.
Other Items in the Kitchen
Food
Sorting out your non-perishables is going to be easier than you think. Here’s what to do:
Linens/Paper
Keep a nice decorative basket in the pantry or in a cupboard to keep hand towels, dish rags, bibs, and table clothes. If you stack them up on the shelf they will inevitably fall over and look terrible.
Also, designate a drawer for important mail like bills and W-2s. Never leave it on the counter. When you get the mail, toss the junk and keep only what you must in the drawer. When the drawer is full, it’s time to sort through it all.
Kids Stuff
I am not a mom, so I don’t know what it’s really like. But is it possible for your child to use the same plastic bowls you do? Do you have to have 10 sippie cups or would 3 do? And do you need to keep all the kiddie dishes and utensils once they get to 4K? They use metal in the cafeteria at that age.
The advice I found that made sense to me was this: Designate a kids drawer. Preferably one of the larger bottom ones to keep all of their items. That way you don’t have to try to fit them in the nicer cabinets with your good dishes. (And they can start putting their own dishes away because its in their reach!)
Appliances
The true secret to a clean kitchen? Fewer appliances! Nobody needs a food processor, smoothie maker AND a blender! You don’t have to have 4 crock pots. You don’t need a rice cooker if you have a pot. It’s that simple. And two microwaves? Really? Is that necessary?
Sort out what you really need.
Clearing out the appliances will clear out the kitchen. As you look at each one, ask yourself: What do I cook in this? And, can I cook the same thing in a different item I already have? Some examples: Instead of a panini maker and a countertop grill, compromise with a George Forman. Instead of a pizza cooker and a toaster oven and a 4 piece toaster, keep the toaster for bread, use the real over for the pizza and small dishes. Do you eat waffles every saturday? Fine, keep the waffle iron. But could you make due with pancakes on the griddle?
Store what you keep.
The best piece of advice I received about keeping a clean kitchen is so simple and so obvious. Once you have decided what to keep, find a cabinet to store it in. The toaster is in the small cabinet with the spices. The blender and the George Foreman are on the bottom shelf in the pantry. The crock pot is in the hidden cabinet on the other side of the peninsula because I only use it once or twice a year. The hand mixer is with the baking supplies.
As soon as I am done using the item and it has been cleaned, it goes into the cabinet. It doesn’t live on the kitchen counter, ever. The only one that I keep out is my Keurig, because I use it so often. It has it’s own little counter beside the fridge; a space I never use for cooking prep because it’s opposite of the stove.
Other Items in the Kitchen
Food
Sorting out your non-perishables is going to be easier than you think. Here’s what to do:
- Put everything out on the counter and kitchen table. EVERYTHING.
- Toss everything that’s expired.
- Combine doubles. 3 opened bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips? Combine them into one or toss the ones gone bad.
- If you bought it more than 2 months ago and you haven’t eaten it, donate it to the pantry or eat it TODAY.
- A million types of cereal or pasta? Have a taste-test and decide which brand you like. From here on out, only buy that one.
- Gift food goes. You know what I mean. The cute gifts of hot cocoa mix. The homemade granola that’s been on the shelf for 5 months. Use it TODAY or get rid of it.
Linens/Paper
Keep a nice decorative basket in the pantry or in a cupboard to keep hand towels, dish rags, bibs, and table clothes. If you stack them up on the shelf they will inevitably fall over and look terrible.
Also, designate a drawer for important mail like bills and W-2s. Never leave it on the counter. When you get the mail, toss the junk and keep only what you must in the drawer. When the drawer is full, it’s time to sort through it all.
Kids Stuff
I am not a mom, so I don’t know what it’s really like. But is it possible for your child to use the same plastic bowls you do? Do you have to have 10 sippie cups or would 3 do? And do you need to keep all the kiddie dishes and utensils once they get to 4K? They use metal in the cafeteria at that age.
The advice I found that made sense to me was this: Designate a kids drawer. Preferably one of the larger bottom ones to keep all of their items. That way you don’t have to try to fit them in the nicer cabinets with your good dishes. (And they can start putting their own dishes away because its in their reach!)
How is your closet clean-out going? Need some extra tips? Here you go!
To review from Tuesday's Post, there are 4 primary methods you could use to guide you on your quest for a clean closet:
1. KonMari Method
2. Capsule Wardrobe
3. Project 333
4. Plan it on paper
I used the plan it on paper method. Now that you may be mid-way into your closet purge, here are a few bonus pointers. Have fun decluttering!
Basic Closet De-Cluttering tips:
Happy Spring Cleaning!
To review from Tuesday's Post, there are 4 primary methods you could use to guide you on your quest for a clean closet:
1. KonMari Method
2. Capsule Wardrobe
3. Project 333
4. Plan it on paper
I used the plan it on paper method. Now that you may be mid-way into your closet purge, here are a few bonus pointers. Have fun decluttering!
Basic Closet De-Cluttering tips:
- Beware of socks and other laundry clutter. I had no idea how many socks I owned until I got them all on my bed. It was RIDICULOUS. I’m talking about a full garbage bag of ratted socks thrown out and still enough to last me 2-4 weeks.
- Not sure about a few items? Put them in a bag in the basement or side closet for the season they are appropriate for. If you don’t go pull an item from the bag, you can donate them when the seasons change.
- Do laundry more often. You need fewer clothes that way.
- Look into the KonMarie method of folding clothes. It’s a life-saver.
- Repeat From Entry #1: Actually glance at each item. I had a huge duffle bag of clothing that I hadn’t touched in a year. I decided to just toss it all because I didn’t even know what was in there. For the most part that is fine, BUT I think I discarded my garter from my wedding, which of course my sister, Janelle now wants to borrow for hers. Oops. It may not have been in there, but it might have. Until the garter shows up, I’ll assume it’s lost forever.
- Work your way towards having fewer items, but of higher quality. This is one of my goals this year. To build a fashionable wardrobe without breaking the bank or cluttering the closet.
- Feel free to place off-season items to the side for now. It's hard to judge which shorts and swimming suits you want to keep when it's 30° outside.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
Spring cleaning time! Next Monday is the official first day of Spring. Let's get our butts in gear and declutter the house together. For the next month, I am going to tackle a new area of the house each week. Wish me luck! Let me know how your de-cluttering mission is going in the comments.
What is a minimalist wardrobe? What does a well-organized closet even look like?
These were the questions circling my mind as I browsed the internet, reading endless blogs on minimalist living. My philosophy on buying clothes up until this point in my life has been: ‘the cheaper the better.’ Thrift stores have been my specialty. After all, I was paying off those student loans! But now I see the flaw. When you buy cheap, you buy a LOT. Basic fact: I have too many clothes. And they aren't even high quality!
There are a variety of approaches to clearing out a cluttered clothes closet. Everyone has a method they swear by. Below are a few of my favorites.
4 Methods That Helped Me Clean Out My Clothing Closet
1. KonMari Method: The first step in Marie Kondo’s method is taking everything out of your closet and drawers. Build your own clothing mountain. Then, carefully select each item from the pile one-by-one. Hold the piece in your hands and ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy? Does this item fit?” Ask yourself, “Will I wear this in the next month?” If the answer to any of these questions is no, it goes to the donation center. (http://tidyingup.com/)
2. Capsule Wardrobe: In the blog Unfancy, I learned about this method of keeping your clothing quantities under control. Developed by Susie Faux, the idea is to build a small wardrobe of clothes that all coordinate together. The original idea was to build 5 outfits out of maybe 12 items and that’s it. Others have expanded this limit but the general rules still apply. Rather than a closet of 10 colors, you build a small collection of neutrals with 1-2 accent colors. Or if you love color, you choose a few to focus on and choose pieces that go well together. In all, you have only about 30 items and they all coordinate in a variety of cute outfits. (http://www.un-fancy.com/)
3. Project 333: Similar to the capsule wardrobe, you commit to wearing the same 33 items for 3 months in a row. First, pick your 33 items. This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, and shoes. Then, put everything else you own away. Lock it up, hide it away. Project 333 is more of a therapeutic and eye-opening experiment since Courtney from Be More with Less doesn't demand that you donate everything else immediately. (http://bemorewithless.com/project-333/)
4. Plan your ideal wardrobe on paper: This was my method of choice. Without even opening your closet or a single drawer, make a list of what you would include in your ideal wardrobe. Split it into categories: What dress pants do you need? What jeans? What dresses? What undergarments? What casual clothing? Write it all out and feel free to add details of specific items from your closet that you know you want to keep. Once you are done documenting everything you feel you need in your wardrobe, begin the purge.
My Closet Clean-Out
I originally began sorting my closet using the KonMari method, but it wasn’t working. I still had too many things! So I switched to the “Plan your wardrobe on paper” plan. And I loved it!
More detail on Method #4:
Once you have created your list of ideal items for your wardrobe, take a deep breath and open the doors to your closet to see the wonder of a mess you have created. Take it all in. Appreciate that your closet will NEVER have to look this messy again.
And begin. Move everything out of the closet and place it on your bed or in piles on the floor. (This is a good time to dust and vacuum that closet, BTW). Once you have removed every stray sock, replace the items on your list. ONLY the items on your list. No cheating! I recommend printing out your list so that you can mark things off as you go.
One by one, put the articles of clothing in their proper place. Once everything has been carefully hung and/or folded, take a look at the mess still cluttering your bedroom. You will be amazed by the number of items left over.
Of course, at this point in the clothing purge process you will inevitably come across an item or two that pull at your heart. You immediately gasp as you grab a particularly sentimental item, “Oh I LOVE that shirt, I can’t give it up!” And you clutch the beloved item to your chest.
But let’s pause. Ask yourself, if you love this item so much, why did you forget to add it your list? And when is the last time you wore it anyway? If you really do wear it all the time and want it, keep it in there. It’s your closet! It’s your choice. But really consider each extra item carefully. (This may have been the Lorillee Lippincot method but I can’t quite remember where I the initial idea came from. http://lovingsimpleliving.com/)
What is a minimalist wardrobe? What does a well-organized closet even look like?
These were the questions circling my mind as I browsed the internet, reading endless blogs on minimalist living. My philosophy on buying clothes up until this point in my life has been: ‘the cheaper the better.’ Thrift stores have been my specialty. After all, I was paying off those student loans! But now I see the flaw. When you buy cheap, you buy a LOT. Basic fact: I have too many clothes. And they aren't even high quality!
There are a variety of approaches to clearing out a cluttered clothes closet. Everyone has a method they swear by. Below are a few of my favorites.
4 Methods That Helped Me Clean Out My Clothing Closet
1. KonMari Method: The first step in Marie Kondo’s method is taking everything out of your closet and drawers. Build your own clothing mountain. Then, carefully select each item from the pile one-by-one. Hold the piece in your hands and ask yourself, “Does this item bring me joy? Does this item fit?” Ask yourself, “Will I wear this in the next month?” If the answer to any of these questions is no, it goes to the donation center. (http://tidyingup.com/)
2. Capsule Wardrobe: In the blog Unfancy, I learned about this method of keeping your clothing quantities under control. Developed by Susie Faux, the idea is to build a small wardrobe of clothes that all coordinate together. The original idea was to build 5 outfits out of maybe 12 items and that’s it. Others have expanded this limit but the general rules still apply. Rather than a closet of 10 colors, you build a small collection of neutrals with 1-2 accent colors. Or if you love color, you choose a few to focus on and choose pieces that go well together. In all, you have only about 30 items and they all coordinate in a variety of cute outfits. (http://www.un-fancy.com/)
3. Project 333: Similar to the capsule wardrobe, you commit to wearing the same 33 items for 3 months in a row. First, pick your 33 items. This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, and shoes. Then, put everything else you own away. Lock it up, hide it away. Project 333 is more of a therapeutic and eye-opening experiment since Courtney from Be More with Less doesn't demand that you donate everything else immediately. (http://bemorewithless.com/project-333/)
4. Plan your ideal wardrobe on paper: This was my method of choice. Without even opening your closet or a single drawer, make a list of what you would include in your ideal wardrobe. Split it into categories: What dress pants do you need? What jeans? What dresses? What undergarments? What casual clothing? Write it all out and feel free to add details of specific items from your closet that you know you want to keep. Once you are done documenting everything you feel you need in your wardrobe, begin the purge.
My Closet Clean-Out
I originally began sorting my closet using the KonMari method, but it wasn’t working. I still had too many things! So I switched to the “Plan your wardrobe on paper” plan. And I loved it!
More detail on Method #4:
Once you have created your list of ideal items for your wardrobe, take a deep breath and open the doors to your closet to see the wonder of a mess you have created. Take it all in. Appreciate that your closet will NEVER have to look this messy again.
And begin. Move everything out of the closet and place it on your bed or in piles on the floor. (This is a good time to dust and vacuum that closet, BTW). Once you have removed every stray sock, replace the items on your list. ONLY the items on your list. No cheating! I recommend printing out your list so that you can mark things off as you go.
One by one, put the articles of clothing in their proper place. Once everything has been carefully hung and/or folded, take a look at the mess still cluttering your bedroom. You will be amazed by the number of items left over.
Of course, at this point in the clothing purge process you will inevitably come across an item or two that pull at your heart. You immediately gasp as you grab a particularly sentimental item, “Oh I LOVE that shirt, I can’t give it up!” And you clutch the beloved item to your chest.
But let’s pause. Ask yourself, if you love this item so much, why did you forget to add it your list? And when is the last time you wore it anyway? If you really do wear it all the time and want it, keep it in there. It’s your closet! It’s your choice. But really consider each extra item carefully. (This may have been the Lorillee Lippincot method but I can’t quite remember where I the initial idea came from. http://lovingsimpleliving.com/)
Reality Check
Does my closet actually look like this? Most of the time, yes. As mentioned in Entry #2, I am still having trouble getting my laundry routines under control. Usually for a few days there are a few extra items on the floor to the right of what you see in the last image. And I still can't bring myself to actually fold my pajamas after every use. I'll get there.
My name is Kendra and in 2017, I'm giving minimalism a go. Follow me as I work to declutter my house, my diet and my finances.