I recently read Janet Luhr's book The Simple Living Guide and found myself re-evaluating my relationship with clutter. I have never been drawn to bright open spaces...you know the minimalist approach to style. Rather, I like the well-lived in look that oozes with memories and stories to tell. However, this can become a bit too much when your life gets busy and the clutter begins to have a life of its own.

In an attempt to get a handle on my clutter, I decided to seek some help. I went through a variety of books and magazines, but most talked about "organizing" rather than addressing the emotional attachment to stuff. For those of us who are pack rats by nature, this is the tough part. Everything that has ever been given to me, or that I have purchased, has some kind of story attached to it. As result, I keep everything.

It was only when I read through Janet Luhr's book did I finally find myself able to tackle my clutter in a simple and effective manner. But I had to start by adapting my lifestyle. Her message is rather straight forward - "if you don't like to clean, sort, and fool with stuff, have less of it".

My first step then, was to start consuming less while also learning to use what I have. It has not been easy changing old habits, but I am now starting to see the difference it can make - there is less waste, I am saving money, and best of all there is less clutter.

Before I go out shopping, I now have to ask myself whether I already own something that I can use instead of buying new. This goes for household items as well as clothes and accessories. I am also learning to take better care of my clothes and I have started tackling all sorts of household projects. I like feeling handy in my own home and for the things I cannot fix, I get help. The costs of repairs are far less than replacing them. I have also become more creative in my approach to storage, using old trunks and suitcases - things I have had for years.

I have also noticed that I am going to the library more often, borrowing books and magazines instead of purchasing them. My local library is wonderful, often having a place for recycled magazines that people can take for free. I am also now more careful with my recycled goods, making sure that I know exactly where and how to recycle various houslehold products. I have even noticed that I am a more conscientious food shopper, not buying more than I need and making more from scratch. Cooking with leftovers can sometimes be a challenge, but well worth the effort.

I have a ways to go yet, but I am feeling like I have taken the first important step. This new and simpler lifestyle has helped me to see things differently and I do feel like I have more control over my clutter. The next step will involve sorting through the clutter that I have accumulated over the years.

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