Embracing Minimalism: How Decluttering Transformed Our Family’s Life and Energy

As a mom of six, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of managing a household full of children, toys, clothes, and all the “stuff” that accumulates over time. Years ago, our home was filled with more than just love—it was bursting at the seams with things. We had an entire very large playroom dedicated to toys, closets overflowing with clothes, and shelves packed with books and trinkets. At the time, I thought that more meant better—more options for the kids, more things to keep them entertained, more of everything. But it wasn’t until we sold our house and spent six months road tripping living out of our van-hoping from hotel to hotel with only a bag each that I realized how much unnecessary stuff we had accumulated. And more importantly, I discovered the power of living with less.

The Overwhelm of Clutter

Before our minimalist journey, our house was a reflection of what I thought a “happy home” should look like—full of toys, books, and all the things that would supposedly enrich my children’s lives and ours. But instead of bringing joy, all this clutter brought stress. The playroom was often a mess, the closets were impossible to organize, and the constant need to clean up after the kids was exhausting. Despite having so much, my children were often overwhelmed, and I was constantly stressed about keeping everything in order.

As a mom, I wanted my kids to have everything they needed and more. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that having more wasn’t making them happier. It was just making our lives more chaotic.

The Turning Point: Life on the Road

The turning point came when we decided to sell our house and embark on a six-month journey as nomads, traveling by van. Each of us had only a bag’s worth of belongings—just the essentials. At first, I was worried about how the kids would adapt to having so little. Would they miss their toys? Would they feel deprived?

To my surprise, the opposite happened. My kids thrived. They were happier, more creative, and more connected with each other and with us. Without the distraction of so many things, they found joy in simple activities—playing outside, exploring new places, and spending quality time together. I realized then that my children didn’t need a playroom full of toys to be happy. They needed experiences, connection, and the freedom that comes from living with less.

The Benefits of Decluttering

When we returned to “normal” life, I was determined not to fall back into old habits. I began the process of decluttering our new home, and I’ve continued to do so every three to six months.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Less Clutter, More Energy

   Clutter isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional as well. When our homes are cluttered, it can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm. By decluttering, we free up not just physical space, but also mental and emotional energy. Our home feels lighter, and so do we.

   
   

2. Kids Thrive with Less

   Children don’t need an abundance of toys and stuff to be happy. In fact, too many options can be overwhelming for them. When we reduced the number of toys and belongings, my kids became more imaginative and resourceful. They learned to appreciate what they have and to make the most of it.

   
   

3. Mindful Living

   Decluttering is about more than just getting rid of things. It’s about being mindful of what we bring into our lives and our home. Every few months, I go through our belongings and ask myself: Is this useful? Does it bring joy? Are we really using it? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go—whether that means donating, selling, or recycling.

   
   

4. Creating a Positive Energy Flow

   The energy of our home has a profound impact on how we feel. A cluttered home can feel stagnant and heavy, while a decluttered space allows for better energy flow. This positive energy makes our home a more peaceful and welcoming place to be. The kids feel it too—there’s less stress, fewer arguments, and more harmony.

   
   

5. Teaching Valuable Lessons

   By involving my kids in the decluttering process, I’m teaching them important life skills. They learn to make decisions about what’s important to them, to let go of what no longer serves them, and to appreciate the value of simplicity. These are lessons they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.

   
   

How to Start Decluttering

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering, start small. You don’t have to tackle the whole house at once. Begin with one room, one closet, or even one drawer. Set aside time every few months to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away.

Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Involve the Family: Make decluttering a family activity. Teach your kids how to decide what to keep and what to let go of. This not only lightens your load but also helps them develop a healthy relationship with their belongings.

• One In, One Out: For every new item that comes into your home, consider letting go of something else. This helps prevent clutter from accumulating.

• Donate with Intention: When you donate items, think about where they’ll go. Knowing that your things are going to someone in need can make it easier to let go.

• Focus on the Benefits: Remember why you’re decluttering. A clutter-free home creates a more peaceful environment, allows for better energy flow, and helps your family feel happier and more connected.

  
  

The Freedom of Less

Our six months on the road taught me that less really is more. We don’t need a house full of things to be happy. What we need is to be mindful of what we bring into our lives, to create space for what truly matters, and to embrace the freedom that comes from living with less.

We’ve found a balance that works for us, one that allows us to live with intention and to focus on what really matters—each other.

If you’re feeling weighed down by the clutter in your life, I encourage you to take the first step toward a simpler, more mindful way of living. Your home, your energy, and your family will thank you for it.

Love Always,

Sarah