Posts Tagged ‘minimalism’

Have you heard of a “Capsule Wardrobe”?

Posted on: April 13th, 2017 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Cathy MendlerSpring has sprung! Easter weekend will be here in a couple of days. It’s nice to see sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Last month I talked about Minimalism. This month I’ll introduce the idea of a Capsule Wardrobe. Have you heard about this concept?

Wikipedia tells us “[t]he term ‘capsule wardrobe’ was coined by Susie Faux … in the 1970s to refer to … essential items of clothing that would not go out of fashion, and therefore could be worn for multiple seasons. The aim was to update this [wardrobe] with seasonal pieces to provide something to wear for any occasion without buying many new items of clothing. … [It’s] an especially important tool in a recession as it allows people to look good on a small budget. This is perhaps part of the reason that the idea has endured.”

Creating a capsule wardrobe is not complicated. Wikipedia provides some General rules for creating one.

Courtney Carver’s “Project 333 is the minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.”

Here’s more food for thought. Joshua Becker of becomingminimalist tells us:

  • The average American woman owns 30 outfits—one for every day of the month. In 1930, that figure was nine (Forbes).
  • Americans spend more on shoes, jewel[le]ry, and watches ($100 billion) than on higher education (Psychology Today).

In “Get the Associate Scoop” below, Linda Samuels (an organizing colleague) shares her “Learn One Amazing Secret That Helps You Let Go.” Thanks Linda!

As you declutter your closet this spring, keep these statistics in mind. Is the capsule wardrobe something you would consider?

Contemplate the benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle.

Get started and turn over another leaf!

Until next month,

a new leaf-cathy.png



Minimalism

Posted on: March 17th, 2017 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Cathy MendlerIt’s March!

I know most of you have been thinking that spring is just around the corner. The snow and strong wind outside today are telling me the opposite! Remember, “Good things come to those who wait.”

On the weekend I purchased a new computer. It was time. The faster speed is wonderful! The learning curve figuring out how to do things differently and things not working as expected is not so much fun. I’ll figure it out one way or the other. In a few months, I know it won’t seem so difficult.

This week started off on a sad note when I learned of the unexpected death of a client. She wanted to make sure she had things in good shape. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to make that happen. I will remember her great smile and congenial personality.

As you age, most people come to the realization that material possessions don’t make you happy. Often they start sorting through their belongings, so their chidren won’t have that onerous task in the future.

MINIMALISM

Minimalism is one of the latest buzz words. What or how much do you know about minimalism?

Dictionary.com defines minimalism as “design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect.”

I saw the Minimalist documentary twice last fall. Each time I watched it, I learned more. The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, help people live meaningful lives with less. “Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom.” Your ideas about material possessions will be challenged in ways you can’t imagine.

While the minimalist lifestyle may seem extreme, there are steps everyone can take. People are starting to embrace the concept of minimalism in ways that make them comfortable.

Joshua Becker of becomingminimalist tells us:

  • There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times).
  • $1.2 trillion is spent annually on nonessential goods—in other words, items they do not need (The Wall Street Journal).
  • Some reports indicate we consume twice as many material goods today as we did 50 years ago (The Story of Stuff).

After reading these statistics, all I can say is “WOW!” In some ways, it’s hard to believe. In other ways, it’s not. Do you think that more is better?

We’ll discuss Minimalism more in a future issue. If you have young children, check out SimpleFamilies.com’s Getting Started with Toy Minimalism. After all, children receive toys all year–not just during the holidays.

Think about the enormity of these statistics:

  • British research found that the average 10-year-old owns 238 toys but plays with just 12 daily (The Telegraph).
  • 3.1% of the world’s children live in America, but they own 40% of the toys consumed globally (UCLA).

Consider the benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle.

Get started and turn over another leaf!

Until next month,

a new leaf-cathy.png



Get Motivated by Joshua Becker

Posted on: June 21st, 2016 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Writer Joshua Becker, who is interviewed in Minimalism, shares 10 Images to Help Inspire Simplicity in Your Life.

Please share your favourite with us on our FACEBOOK PAGE.



MINIMALISM

Posted on: June 9th, 2016 by Cathy Mendler No Comments

Cathy Mendler SUMMER’S ALMOST HERE!

Who doesn’t love the warm weather? It’s hard to resist the temptation to be outside when it’s nice.

On the May 24 weekend, I was able to enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation at a friend’s cottage on beautiful Lake Temagami. It truly felt like summer!

The first day of summer is just about here. Kids are getting excited about the last day of school. People are trading in their socks and shoes for sandals or flip flops. The good weather never seems to last long enough in Canada. Enjoy it when you can!

So what do professional organizers do for fun? Last week my local POC chapter learned about apps to help our clients organize their lives. (I’ll share more about those apps in future editions.)

MINIMALISM

After our app learning session, we headed to downtown Toronto to attend a screening of “Minimalism: A Documentary About The Important Things” in which Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus discuss living a meaningful life with less stuff. They sum up minimalism as “a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important–so you can find happiness, fulfillment and freedom.”

Josh and Ryan made a conscious decision to quit their high-paying corporate jobs, pay off their sizeable debt, consume less and pursue their passion. Embracing minimalism has enabled them to find “lasting happiness…through life itself.”

How much does it cost to keep up with the Joneses? Did you know that advertising/marketing budgets directed at children has reached 2 billion dollars per year. That’s downright frightening!

Every day consumers are bombarded with messages to do this or need that. You have the power to determine how your hard-earned dollars are spent. Are you a mindful consumer?

As a professional organizer, I’ve witnessed clients who feel so much better after reducing the excess in their homes. It’s like a burden has been lifted off their shoulders.

What can you do? Ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I living my ideal life?
  • What’s most important in my life?
  • What can I simplify?
  • What can I reduce or eliminate?

Take some time to reflect–either by yourself or with those closest to you–and unearth your true purpose.

There’s no time like the present to lighten up your life!

Until next month,

P.S.  Do YOU or someone you know need a professional organizer? TAKE OUR TEST and find out for yourself today!