the more of less
written by jessica braff
Hi friends! I hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer; we certainly are (although it got really hot a little early, but it’s okay-that’s Texas for ya). Now that you have heard a little of my story and how we got here, let’s dive into some of the practical ways we can do “less”. To read our story you can go back and find it on the blog here. The title for my little corner of our blog is “the more of less”.
Now I know this may seem ridiculously early-but I’m getting ready for the new year. Let me explain... the start of the school year is one of my favorite times, and as a homeschool mom and organizing nut school-supply shopping is one of my most favorite things! When we made the decision to homeschool our oldest (this fall will be our third year) I got very excited to get my “classroom” supplies together (though I was terrified of the actual schooling part lol). This is where I will insert a little encouragement to anyone on the fence about homeschooling-we love it! It has given us freedom in so many ways and has been a huge blessing for our family! This was not something I really ever imagined or pictured doing, and to be honest I was worried I wouldn't be able to give our oldest what he needed on my own. With the encouragement of other mommas who have done this before me and all the amazing resources I have found it is so doable!
Anyways, back to school supplies…We had started the journey of “less” when we moved to our farmhouse just before Beau’s kindergarten year. I bought way too much (I mean, how could one ever have too many folders and composition books I thought to myself while in Target buying all the things). I realized one of my several errors in judgment when I got it all home-I had no place to put it. So in organizer fashion, I started to clear space, and in doing so created this big mess. The story is now funny, but at the time not at all (remember tiny farmhouse). Though very frustrating I learned a great lesson- MAKE SPACE FIRST. Go through what you have and make a plan for what you need; clean out to make space then go to Target!! I had so much more fun shopping when I knew I had space cleared for the supplies and organization tools I was buying.
I have now learned to carry this strategy of “make space first” to lots of other areas of my family’s life. Kids’ birthday coming up? Go through their toys and clean out beforehand. Going shopping for new school clothes for your kids? Go through their closet and try on and clean out before you go. It’s amazing how much less extra junk I have accumulated and how much more budget-friendly I have become because I knew what we needed before shopping.
In closing, just a little encouragement…As you are gearing up for your next thing (back to school or hosting a bridal shower) plan ahead! Go through, clean it out (if you don’t use it donate or toss it), then add in the new. There is so much freedom in not over-stuffing the drawer or being overwhelmed with where to stash stuff. I’ve learned that better planning for the practical frees us up for the important. So now-pick one thing, one space…
You got this!
-Jessica