Nothing has been a bigger game changer for my life and my motherhood than finding specific ways to simplify so that I have more time (and energy) for what matters most.
These 5 things I’m about to share with you have come after nearly 8 years of motherhood. I’m hoping they will save other younger mamas lots of time and angst. Let them encourage and inspire you to make your own simple changes, too.
This isn’t an all inclusive list. What is your favorite way to simplify to create more time for the things that matter most?
Pssssst…. You can listen to the companion podcast episode HERE.
Let’s dive in…
1.) Declutter Everything
And I mean absolutely everything. All of your physical surroundings, but also your brain, your schedule, your priorities, right down to the number of tabs you have open on your computer. Everything. No man left behind.
Beyond the obvious decluttering Marie Kondo-style, here are a few ways I’ve also found to simplify my life via decluttering:
- Toy rotation. Yes, this is even for you if you consider yourself fairly minimalist already. The basic idea is to have specific storage areas for toys. Ours are an IKEA system in the kids’ room, a cedar chest for their train set, a hall closet that contains all their art and games and puzzles and then a coat closet we’ve transformed into LEGO storage. Then each child gets a bin (right now the two boys share one) that houses “extras.” Every month or so we rotate, one for one style, so that old toys feel new again and there’s never too much down at one time. Listen to the podcast on taming the toy chaos HERE.
- Eliminate pain points. If I find that a particular area (example: our laundry room/mud room) is causing me particular angst then I focus in there. I declutter, rearrange, rethink so that it starts working for us again.
- Remove duplicates. I don’t have two of very many things at all. I keep my favorite, the very best and let go of the rest. The only exceptions are seasonal items.
- Cut down on repetitive actions. One example from my personal life are throw pillows. I love a good throw pillow. But just not on our couch. I had them there for a while and found I was picking them up off the floor literally half a dozen times a day. Nope. Don’t need that in my life. So I moved them to our bed and they fit perfectly. Problem solved.
2.) Automate and Delegate
Two of my favorite words in motherhood. Ha. But truly, they are key to simplifying and saving your sanity.
Here are a few ways I apply them to every day life:
- Get the kiddos involved. Kids love to feel needed (who doesn’t), but even if they’re not thrilled at the idea of helping, involve them anyway. I am always telling my kids, I am just one person. There are five of us in the home. We are all a team and we all have to pitch in order to be successful. We each have to do our part. My seven year old cleans the kids’ bathroom, folds laundry, empties the dishwasher, makes simple meals, pulls weeds, waters the garden, etc. My almost five year old helps with the laundry as well, emptying the dishwasher, vacuuming, pulling weeds, etc. Even my two year old puts away silverware, puts his clothes away, sweeps up small messes, etc. It may not seem like help at first, but before you know it, your kids will be helping to lighten the family load.
- Find a reliable babysitter. I know this can feel so overwhelming. I am very picky about who watches my kids, so not just anyone will do. I start by asking someone I trust who they recommend. Word of mouth always wins for me. We currently have a sister duo who the kids love and I can trust.
- Utilize grocery delivery or pick up. Seriously. I rarely step foot in a grocery store anymore. There’s no need to if you live in an area with grocery delivery and/or pick up options. Yesterday I had Instacart deliver groceries from my local market and Costco with in 15 minutes of each other. Fridge cleaned out, restocked, done for the week. Praise.
- Set up intentional subscriptions. I used to resist them, but now they are my best friend. The trick is only setting up subscriptions for items and services that you already use on the regular. If you find you’re not using it, simply cancel. I keep a running list of my current subscriptions so I can monitor them. Here are some of my tried and trues: Branch Basics for non-toxic cleaning supplies, Butcher Box for the best meat, my local CSA for fresh, seasonal veggies, fruits, dairy, and baked goods, Honest Company for diapers and wipes, Mary Ruth’s Organics for amazing supplements for the entire family.
- Automatic bill pay. Not much more to say here. I have all our bills set to automatically withdraw. I still get paper statements and review them, but don’t have to worry about missing payment deadlines.
- Invest in a robot vacuum. I mean, you can invest in a house cleaner, too. I just haven’t made that leap yet because I honestly find cleaning therapeutic AND it’s hard to find a house cleaner who will use my non-toxic products. SO, a robot vacuum is one of my biggest hacks (besides the one load, one space rhythm). I’ve had this basic robot vacuum for almost two years now and it is still going strong. I run it a few times a week and am always amazed how much it picks up.
3.) Create Rhythms
This is a constant refrain of mine, but for good reason. Rhythms have completely changed my motherhood for the better.
Here’s why: they provide a flexible framework for each day, week, month, season so that I can stop reinventing the wheel.
I’ve written in depth about rhythms and share how to create them HERE.
4.) Don’t Over Think Meal Time
As mamas, planning, prepping and providing meals for our family is a huge part of our day to day life. So, I’ve done my very best to simplify the process as much as possible.
Here are a few ways I do that:
- I make a meals idea list at the start of each week. I list seven breakfasts and seven dinner ideas based on what I have in the fridge and pantry. Generally it’s the same basic seasonal meals on rotation. I might throw in a new recipe now and then. If I do, I pull from my Food + Drink Board on Pinterest. This gives me the flexibility of choosing what I make on any given day, but I have the framework of “what” already laid out.
- Lunches around here are almost always “board style.” Meaning: I grab a cutting board, pull out all the random odds and ends in the fridge and create a mix of healthy fats, protein, and carbs. Super simple. No plates. Everyone is happy.
- I use a meal delivery service. I’ve been trying out Hungry Root for a week each month (not sponsored). I plan to use them more heavily during postpartum. I get a box with basic ingredients for 2-3 breakfasts, dinners and snacks, high quality ingredients that I would normally choose. It’s really helped simplify the whole meal process and takes a load off my “plate.” Ha.
- I do my best to focus on simple, high quality ingredients. You can make a pasta with olive oil, olives, tomatoes, parm and Italian sausage taste like a $20 meal if you use really good ingredients. Even a salad tastes world class when made with simple, high quality ingredients. Don’t over think it. Buy what’s in seasons, buy local. Don’t get locked into the main course, side dishes, three hours of prep mentality.
5.) Capsule Wardrobes for All
Seriously. This has simplified my life in so many ways. And capsule wardrobes don’t have to mean only a certain number or items. Or all neutral. Or that you wear the same three things every day of the week. It can look however you need and want it to look.
For me, capsule wardrobes has significantly cut down on the amount of laundry we have for five people. They have cut down on decision fatigue because we only have what we love and actually wear.
I find my kids gravitate to the same few pieces just like I do. So capsule wardrobes just make so much sense.
I talk more about capsule wardrobes and how to build one HERE.
And I can’t not share my favorite clothing companies that focus on the capsule approach:
Listen to the companion podcast episode HERE.
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Let’s care for ourselves,
Hannah
