Episode 12 is out now! :)
Ko-fi Account:
https://ko-fi.com/alittlebitoflagom Your support so appreciated so much!
I just want to say a massive thank you to you lovely people who have been listening to the podcast and sending such kind messages and feedback, it really means a lot and it’s so nice to hear from you and your thoughts on the episodes.
A Couple of Shout Outs:
A shout out to Beth who said “I loved all the tips in the second episode, you had a great ratio of facts to things you can do” thank you for that. Beth is actually a good friend who I haven’t seen for a while so its so lovely to know you’re listening and I’m sending lots of love your way!
A lovely message from Tammy who says “I love your podcast, you have such a lovely podcast voice and it feels so personal I love it” so touched to hear that, especially because getting over hearing the sound of my own voice was a big obstacle to me starting this podcast so that feedback is really appreciated. Tammy and I trained at the same dance school and in fact share the same Birthday, little fun fact! Thanks so much Tammy I’m wishing you all the best.
The last shout out for this episode today goes to @pandapanda_social. They said:
“You bring a brilliant visual aspect to your stories and your passions clearly come through. The balanced view you bring is really nice. The message of no one is perfect, but small changes help is really great. I really look forward to following your sustainability journey”
Thank you guys so much, I’m really glad to hear the balanced view and message that small changes can make a difference resonated with you.
The Panda Panda Instagram is run by 4 friends who all work in sustainability and have started their account to try to simplify really complex topics around sustainability, as well as discussing the socioeconomic aspects of sustainability which is super important. They share incredibly useful and insightful information so I’d definitely recommend checking them out @pandapanda_social on Instagram. Thanks again for your kind words!
So, in this episode I want to talk about clutter, how to de-clutter, and how to actually differentiate your clutter from your belongings – things with a purpose and a place.
Although I don’t buy a lot of new stuff, I find it very difficult to part with the old things. Whether it’s fear of forgetting memories, having sentimental attachments, or the irrational belief that one day I may need the unfamiliar cable for which I have no idea what it’s for…. Or the random item of clothing I’m convinced one day will come in handy, although in the past 6 years that day has never come.
Clutter is something that definitely causes me some stress, and ironically, more clutter seems to be present the more stressed I’m feeling.
A key focus within Lagom surrounding belongings is Functionality and sustainability – having things built to last.
‘Respect for materialistic things is directly linked to their price’ – which encourages you to fix as opposed to replace. Whereas when things are cheap, the easy option is to dispose of and replace – very wasteful.
What’s my approach to this?
What’s deemed expensive is very dependent on personal situations, for example there are times I see something as expensive which may be a moderate price for someone else or vice versa.
I definitely can’t often afford high quality, expensive items, but there’s definitely something in this idea of price/quality of an item and a link to its life span.
I know if I’ve saved for something, and then purchased it, there is more incentive to look after it because it’s not easy to replace, but I also find this with sentimental items, or second hand items that feel more one of a kind as I would be unsure where to find a similar item.
For me, it’s more linked to the uniqueness as well. My general approach to items does feel linked to making things last rather than having a sense of disposability.
If there’s something you need, you can save for it, buy good quality and make it last if you’re in the position to do so. I and I’m sure many others aren’t always in a position to do this, but luckily there are alternative options!!!
I tend to go 2nd hand and find good quality items without such a steep price tag. You can find so much in charity shops!!! Clothes, furniture, jewellery, kitchen things. More sense of uniqueness, better for the environment and a more reasonable price without meaning lower quality.
DON’T FALL FOR BARGAINS
Would you have been prepared to save for it if it was more expensive? Or are you buying into the deal mentality??
Try to avoid spontaneous ‘convenience’ buying – seeing something, thinking "it’ll do" and not having much appreciation for it. This will likely get disposed of quickly, you may make less effort to look after it and repair rather than replace.
KEY TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Repair over replace!!! Most sustainable option is using what you have, and only buying what you need, and making careful, considered choices on what you do buy.
Linking to repair and making things last, upcycling and creativity has a strong value in the Lagom outlook – although there is no point keeping the things you no longer want or need, rather than throwing them away, think how you can turn them into something you will use.
For Example:
-Old clothes into kitchen cloths, patchwork blanket out of sentimental t shirts, clothes swaps, save wooden tooth brushes to make a soap dish, old shoes into outdoor plant pots. So many ways to upcycle, get creative!!
-Learn how to sew – Great for fixing and upcycling. Fix things when they break, turn items e.g. trousers into a pair of shorts for example. Great skill to have and so many tutorials on Youtube (scroll down to the bottom of this post for some links).
Linking to repair, valuing what you have is a super important message.
SLOW SHOPPING MOVEMENT
“Research shows that the happiness that comes with buying things is exceptionally short lived” Linnea Dunn
Shopping should be more about the experience than the end purchase. Taking time to find the right thing for you, mindful purchases are likely to be valued and looked after, not soon after disposed of.
For me – charity shops, clothes swaps with friends for example are much more enjoyable experiences than ordering online, or going to high-street brands. Not only is it more enjoyable, but it is also better for the planet, as it is more sustainable, and also you avoid supporting fast fashion, which is so unethical in many ways.
STORAGE AND DE-CLUTTERING
Swedish design is known for minimalism and clean lines, storage and de-cluttering are crucial components. Since Lagom is a Swedish concept, it’s no surprise that storage plays a big role in helping to de-clutter your space.
“Open surfaces provide a sense of space, not just in the literal sense but for your mind too” Linnea Dunn
I relate to this so much – I can feel my thoughts getting more muddled and chaotic when the space I’m in is cluttered and messy. Clarity in the space helps with clarity in your mind.
Spacious room, spacious mind. For calm, productivity and positivity.
How to know whether something is of use or clutter
Do you use it often? Do you notice it every day or most days? Why are you keeping it? If you can give what feels a valid reason to this question, then chances are it’s something you may want to keep for now, until the answers to these questions change.
Some habits I’m trying to make to help de-clutter getting rid and organising what you have:
-10 mins every night to put things back in their home. Play a podcast or some music at the same time, start winding down for bed.
-Make your bed first thing in the morning – I was chatting with my sister about this – no matter how bad your day is, you know you can come home and get into a bed that’s already been made for you. It’s a small act of kindness to yourself which can really mean a lot after a bad day.
-Habit I’ve had for a while but seems even more important when living with a few other housemates, can quickly become a MESS!!! Wash up as you go along while cooking, don’t let it build up as harder to get round to afterwards.
-When it comes to getting rid of things, tackle one part of a room at a time, don’t try to do too much at once!! De-cluttering can be a long process, but is much more manageable in small chunks. What’s annoying you most at the moment? Desk, wardrobe, kitchen cupboard, bathroom cabinet? Pick one and start there.
Wardrobe for example:
I go through my clothes, and anything I haven’t worn in the last 6 months goes in a bag under my bed (out of sight, out of mind). If I go to reach for it to wear, I know to keep it, but if a few months pass and the clothes have stayed in the bag under the bed, it’s time for them to go. And it’s almost always the case.
You can do a similar thing in other areas of your house, once you’ve decided what you will keep, what you don’t need, any maybe’s can be put out of sight and then see if you ever go back to them, if not, time to find them a new home (charity or friend), upcycle, recycle if possible.
Give yourself time before buying something – do you really need it? How often will you use it? Can you see yourself keeping it for a long time?
SCRAP PAPER – write it into a notebook specifically for odd things to remember, or make a note in my phone. BUT then don’t forget to de-clutter your notes!! I ended up with 370 ish at one point, and going back through was tedious!!! And half of them made no sense looking back….
Digital de-clutter – Organising files on computer – really therapeutic. Tackle one bit at a time or may be too much – photos, word docs, applications, videos etc.
Sorting notes, unfollowing any accounts that are sharing content damaging to your well-being. Apps organised, photos backed up.
EMAILS - flagged emails etc. helps you feel more on top of things.
When getting rid - LAST RESORT!! Reuse, upcycle, donate, these options far before throwing away.
Recycle if you can but make sure it’s actually recyclable!!! Take a look at plastics episode for plastic recycling tips, in future episode I can talk about what can and can’t be recycled.
REMEMBER WHAT THE THINGS ARE YOU THROW AWAY TO TRY NOT BUY THEM AGAIN!!!
Popularity of minimalism – you don’t have to throw away almost everything– it’s not about throwing away things you value, or care about. It’s about becoming aware of what are the things you have that really bring positivity or are useful in your life, and what’s just taking up space unnecessarily that could go to a good home.
It’s a constant process, as you grow and change, so will the value that certain items in your life hold. So taking time to be aware of what’s around you, and whether it still feels important to be in your space. Reevaluating what you need, appreciating what you have before buying anything more.
“Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.” Christina Scalise
“When home feels out of control, no matter what the reason, unsettledness and anxiety can seep in, and then the chaos becomes internal as well as external.” Myquillyn Smith
“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” Gretchen Rubin
I think there’s definitely some truth in organising/de-cluttering space to help calm the mind.
Also, realising you need less than you think to feel content, helps to push back against materialistic, disposable society we are dragged into through media and advertisement.
Unnecessary and mindless purchasing is harmful for the planet, and often others through the exploitation that results from ‘convenience’ goods not built to last.
I hope this has helped you start thinking about your belongings in a different light, and will inspire you to consider where clutter might be seeping in, how you can start to de-clutter and be more mindful when considering any future purchases, valuing what you already own, and questioning whether a potential purchase is something you really need, and will keep long into the future, or whether it is something that maybe you have been convinced you need when in fact you may not need it at all.
If you have any questions, any thoughts or information you’d like to share, you can email me at alittlebitoflagom@gmail.com, or send me a message on Instagram @alittlebitoflagom I’d love to hear from you.
Sewing Youtube Tutorials:
Decluttering tips: