Minimalism is a hot topic right now, and in a Facebook group that I help run, it is frequently mentioned as the cure all for a messy house. At right around 1100 square feet, we have a smallish house for six people. And while we try to keep things minimalistic, minimalism doesn’t make our house clutter free. We definitely have areas clutter builds up. We have messy floors when we go to bed. We almost always have dishes in the sink.
We could get rid of some more things, I know, because every time we go camping, I think about the fact the everything we are using fits in our two vehicles. But while it is fun for a week or so, it would start to get aggravating after that. Anyways…we have minimalist wardrobes {check out what a newborn’s minimalist wardrobe can look like!}, we limit toys, are constantly culling through books, etc. so why doesn’t minimalism make our small house clutter free?
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So why doesn’t minimalism make our small house cleaner?
Here are some reasons why minimalism doesn’t make our house cleaner, and some things I want other mommas who think they are failing in the housekeeping department to know.
1. We have chosen to homeschool our children.
Because we are homeschooling our boys, we are home many daytime hours and we have schooling books accumulating. We do try to keep our school routine simple, and combine grades on subjects like history {we love Story of the World!}, science, and health. We love using our library for books and do so often, but there are many that I want to keep around. If you are a homeschooling momma who wonders why her house isn’t clutter free even though you keep things minimal, think about how much space your school books take up. Remember that you have chosen this option because you feel it is best or your child, and someday you will be packing up school books and giving them a new home.
2. We use the same living space most of the day.
The messiest area in our house, is the area that we spend most of the day in, so obviously it makes sense that it is the dirtiest. I laugh sometimes when I hear people say that minimalism means that it is easier to have a clean house, which is true- it only takes about 20 minutes for a quick clean up and the whole house can look great, but using the same small area for four boys plus myself means that there are usually 3 types of toys out, books for schoolwork, piles of laundry, and lots of other things. Like I said, the good news about minimalism and small house living is that within a few minutes you can have a clean home, it just probably won’t be clutter free.
3. Our boys are learning to be responsible around the house.
It takes them longer to do their chores, then it would if I did everything. But chores build their character and self-esteem, and also use up some of that boy energy in the winter. They NEED chores! We used to use these chore cards to help dole out chores, but now with three who can do chores we are looking at a new system. I’m currently working on a chore chart for them that will give them different tasks each day. What kind of chores are my older two doing?
- Washing dishes
- Drying dishes and putting them away
- Folding Laundry
- Vacuuming
- Wiping down the Bathroom
- Burning the trash
- Bringing in wood
- General straightening and clean up
The three-year-old usually just helps out wherever he is told, but he actually found those cards mentioned above a couple of weeks ago and likes to use those as well.
Because it takes the boys longer to do their chores, it does seem like the house is messy more often than not, but that will improve as they get more competent. {The house is also cleaner in the warmer months when we are all outside more often.}
4. Moms need Islands of Peace {aka breaks}
Our Islands of Peace look different from each-others, but every mom needs them. You need to take care of your mental and physical health, and islands of peace are the perfect way to do that. By fitting two, three, four, or more, blocks of time through out your day to rest, refresh, and recharge, you are showing your children that you are more than a housekeeper. So, hide the to-do list for a bit, grab a cup of tea, and sit down and rest. {For those of you who can’t rest ‘til the clutter is cleared, schedule a fifteen minute clean up before your break, and then send the littles to their room, or outside!}
We do clean the house every day, but as I mentioned before, if you were to stop by unexpectedly right now, there would be toys on the floor, a sink full of dishes, and laundry on the couch. This is life for us right now. It is the season we are in.
Something more important than Minimalism and a clutter free house.
Now, please don’t think that I am advocating hoarding, or that you don’t ever need to clean the house, or that being a homeschool/stay-at-home mom gives you permission to have a really dirty house. I just want you to remember that having a clean house isn’t the most important thing in the world.
Minimalism isn’t salvation. A house without clutter doesn’t mean that we get special points with God. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is NOT a verse in the Bible. A clean house can definitely be a tool to bring others closer to God, but it isn’t the Holy Spirit, and it doesn’t mean that your children will turn away from the truth because their house wasn’t spotless growing up.
Your work as a mother: building relationships with your children, using your hands for ministry, showing your family what it means to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and live out your faith, these are the things that matter. And none of them depend upon minimalism or a clean house.
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Minimalist Lifestyle Glorifies God
Changing Sizes and Seasons with a Child’s Minimalist Wardrobe
How Minimalism Changed My Schedule
