clutter-free

5 Minimalist Gift Ideas for a Clutter-Free Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2026 by Amy Slenker-Smith 2 Comments

Did you know that the Valentine’s Day tradition of giving candy started in the 1840s by Richard Cadbury, a descendant of a British chocolate manufacturing family? With a new chocolate-making technique, Cadbury seized the opportunity to sell chocolates as part of the beloved holiday. And so began the love holiday celebrated with chocolates, flowers, and oversized teddy bears. But I must remind you that $16 billion is wasted on unwanted gifts every year. So, before you click add to cart or order over-priced flowers, let's consider some clutter-free and inexpensive options that won't ruin your budget. Make Dinner At Home During college, I waited tables at a local restaurant, as did my future husband. That's where we met, and we could tell you a tale or two! As a result, we do NOT recommend eating out on Valentine's Day. Service is not at its best, food quality suffers, and restaurants are overcrowded to get you in and out fast. Don't do it. Also, Valentine's Day is …

5 Effective Habits of Clutter-Free Families

May 6, 2024 by Amy Slenker-Smith 10 Comments

Fighting clutter can feel like a losing battle. After all, there are 300,000 items in the average American home. But decluttering is more about habits than ones ability to get organized. My first piece of advice for clutter-free living is to stop shopping. Stop the inflow. Consider a Shopping Moratorium for 30 days. Experimenting with less reveals how little we really need. Living with less also creates a peaceful sanctuary in our homes. A calm environment at the end of a workday and a place where our eyes can rest, clutter-free from distractions. If you'd like to calm the chaos in your home, start with these 5 habits. Protect Flat Surfaces Flat surfaces attract clutter. And clutter attracts more clutter. The largest flat surface in your home is the floor. Don’t mistake it for storage. Adopt the habit that only furniture belongs on the floor. Pick up trash when it falls. If you have hardwood floors keep a dust mop handy for a quick sweep. Go through the mail outside by …

How to Improve Your Sleep with a Clutter-Free Bedroom

February 13, 2023 by Amy Slenker-Smith 3 Comments

We travel a fair amount. Often sleeping in a spare bedroom and living out of suitcases. But when we return home, I sleep like a baby! Clutter and Noise While away, we often sleep in rooms with clutter and little free space. Excess furniture lines the walls of the room. Knickknacks cover the dressers, affording no room for our stuff. Often the knickknacks rattle during the night and I can never find the culprit. And with all the furniture and our suitcases, a trip to the bathroom in the dark is treacherous, to say the least. Having time away is something to look forward to, but I realize how blessed we are to have a clutter-free home. A clean and calm space to come home to every night. Additionally, we find our home to be a place of rest, with a bedroom that feels like a true sanctuary. The bedroom is uncluttered and peaceful. We can close the armoire doors and block light from the television. In the future, we plan to remove the TV …

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