How To: Love Life and Not Stuff

I've been reading through The Power of Less, by ZenHabits blogger Leo Babauta. Wow. Can I say that again? Wow. As a blogger/writer myself, I often catalog daily design finds that I think are inspirational, innovative or simply... pretty. And although I rarely purchase the things I find, I often crave them in a manner not unlike a 4-year-old craving attention. The collecting and craving go hand in hand, and if I'm not careful, I could own a home full of stuff. And I don't like stuff. More to dust, more to keep track of. Eh.

Leo has a few recommendations for learning to love life and not stuff, and I thought it would be fun to add some of my own to the mix:

1. Take a walk throughout your home. Are there items you don't necessarily need that are just taking up space? For instance, I've kept an old Houdini trunk that I thrifted when I lived in L.A. and there is simply no need for it. Because it's filled with drawers on the inside, the storage is minimal and awkward, and the surface area is too damaged to serve as a coffee table. For some reason, I couldn't bear to part with it...until now. And man, did it feel good.

2. Examine your schedule. How much time do you spend at home? Are chores taking over your life? Or, on the other hand, are you finding yourself spending all of your time outside of the home and simply using your bedroom as a crashpad at night? Perhaps your home is too large for you. Consider downsizing your clutter. You'd be amazed at how little square footage you actually need to live, and perhaps a move to a smaller home is in your future. The benefits? Less mortgage, less time spent cleaning and less money furnishing the home -- all which add up to more time for you.

3. Unplug. Spend a day or night with the ones you love; no TV, phone or Internet allowed. Read a few books, take a walk, or spend time on the back porch with some iced tea. You'll quickly realize that it's not your possessions that make you happy, but your loved ones.

4. Start a conversation. Are family dinners plagued by silence? Ask questions and initiate a conversation (and no, weather patterns do not count!). You'll be surprised at how quickly your discussion will turn from everyday duties into re-connecting with each other.

Want more simple living tips? Here are a few great reads on my bookshelf:
-The Simple-Living Guide, $16, Amazon
-30 Days to a Simpler Life, $11, Amazon
-Clutter Control, $8, Amazon
-Living Simply, $11, Amazon

Or, check out Unclutterer and ZenHabits for everyday ways to simplify your life.

Read More:
-DIY: How to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Carpet Tiles
-Chores Made Easy: Clean Out Your Fridge
-Be Back-to-School Ready at Home