There is a bit of a trend going around now. Minimalism is doing the rounds, seeing people who previously collected ornaments and decorations for their homes clearing them off in a hurry with a desire to fit in. There is not much bad about this style for your home; it offers a lot more space, gives you the chance to declutter your home completely and gives a bit more of a blank canvas for you to work with for further designs. However, what do you do with the stuff that you are getting rid of – and what lesson does this teach our children?
Arrange
Most of the time, it is just a simple rearrangement that will leave you feeling happier with your home. Investing in more storage solutions can often be just the thing that needs to be done to get all of the possessions that are lying scattered on the floor courtesy of the little ones in your life safely – and neatly – packed away. If they are old enough, get your children to help you with the clearing up process to encourage them to make less mess in the future. Once they realize how much time it takes up to get everything tidy, they will hopefully be less inclined to go overboard with getting everything out.
Gift
One of the best things that we can teach our children is compassion, especially for those who are less fortunate than us. Organizing bits and bobs to be put to one side that we do not use anymore can be great fun, and they could then sell these possessions to raise money for a charity. Check out the No Birds Bash website for an example of a charity that you could choose to support. Donating your old possessions to those who are in need of them or giving the money that you get for them could change a life more drastically than you will ever know.
Reuse
There are often things hidden behind the backs of sofas or in the bottoms of drawers that we have completely forgotten about. If you are considering it and can actually put the item to good use, then why not? Reusing things that you have got in your home will save you from going out to buy them again (if you have not already) and is a great way to curb your spending.
Recycle
What is your trash could potentially be another person’s treasure. If you know that you cannot make good use out of something that you are going to chuck away, find somebody who can. Even things like milk cartons and egg boxes can be recycled at a school for their crafting and art lessons.
Rejuvenate
Is your furniture just lacking in a little oomph? Do not throw it out just yet – you could rejuvenate it. Simply grab a can of paint if it is a wooden object to turn it into a different color that is more suiting to your theme. If it is a sofa or fabric-coated piece, you could get it recovered for a fraction of the price of shelling out for a new one.
