If you use social media, (and let’s face it, who doesn’t), you may have noticed a growing trend over the last few years for more minimalist living, smaller homes and a clutter-free life. You might think that this sort of lifestyle is hard to achieve when you have young kids – everyone knows they need all kinds of equipment and endless toys surely? – but it is still possible to achieve the minimalist look with a family.
In this article we’ll give you a few starting points that should act as food for thought if you’re thinking of clearing out some of life’s clutter.
Decluttering as a family activity
One of the first steps to creating a minimalist home is decluttering. With kids in the house, it’s easy to accumulate toys, books and clothes that they’ve outgrown or no longer use. Make decluttering a family project by setting aside time each weekend to tackle one room at a time. Talk about why you’re decluttering to help your kids see the bigger picture and get them involved in donating or selling unwanted goods too. The more agency they have in the process the more they will buy into it.
Downsize your home
You may have noticed that we all have a funny way of filling up the space, no matter how big it is! Perhaps in the past you’ve moved to a bigger home, thinking it will help you stay organised, only to find you grow into it like one of those expanding flannels. Try it the other way round instead – downsize to a smaller home and force yourself to keep less stuff. Cash property buyers like We Buy Any Home can help here, offering a quick and hassle-free way to sell your home on your timescale. Whether you’re moving to a smaller home or just want to avoid the stress of a traditional sale, this service allows you to focus on what matters most: your family and your new, clutter-free life.
Streamline your storage solutions
Once you’ve cleared out the junk, it’s time to think about smart storage solutions that work for your family. Opt for multi-purpose furniture like ottomans that double as toy chests or wall-mounted shelves that free up floor space. For inspiration, tools like the IKEA storage planner can help you design a layout that keeps things tidy while making the most of your available space. Remember what your Granny used to say? ‘A place for everything, everything in its place’ is exactly what we’re aiming for here.
Create calm spaces
A minimalist home isn’t just about reducing physical clutter, it’s also about creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Picking the right colours can help prevent you feeling overwhelmed, so pick carefully – a neutral palette is best for walls and furniture, and also means that the items you’ve chosen to keep, the ones that really spark joy, can have a chance to shine and be appreciated every day. If you’re unsure where to start, try the Dulux colour ideas tool – it has loads of inspiration for colours that could work well in each room.
We hope you enjoy your new minimalist space!
Thank you for reading.
