We’ve all been there. We’ve all had boxes, packing materials, or storage containers piled up around us, filling up the space where we should’ve had living room furniture and decorations. It’s enough to make you want to give up and just let the containers do their job while you focus on other areas of your life. But you know what? Life is a challenge. It’s never easy, and it definitely has its perks.
Let’s be real for a second. You might not have the money to spend on the designer storage containers you’ve seen on Instagram. You might not even have the space for them. But you can still apply some of the simple hacks and tips discussed below to make your life easier. Or at least a little less chaotic. So let’s dive in.
The 3 R’s
As we’ve established, life isn’t easy. But what makes it even harder is when you don’t know how to effectively pack, store, and reuse items in your home. That’s where the acronym, 3 R’s, comes in. The 3 Rs are essential for anyone who wants to effectively reduce their possessions and simplify their life. They’re not just for the big city folk. Anyone can and should practice these three rules regardless of where you live. And believe it or not, implementing these simple tips and tricks will actually improve your life in a big way.
Reduce
The first step in the right direction is to reduce. Now, you might be asking yourself, “What does reducing have to do with my life?!” Well, a lot actually. Imagine trying to fit all your stuff into a small box. That’s what reducing is. Instead of keeping everything you’ve ever owned, you’re choosing to give away, sell, or throw out items that you no longer need or want. It might not seem like a lot at first, but over time, you’ll notice an avalanche of things disappearing from your home.
There are many benefits to this minimalistic approach. For one, you’ll have a lot more space in your home. If you want, you can even purchase storage containers and shelves for all of your stuff to have the semblance of a storage unit. It’s important to note here that minimalism is not about discarding belongings, but rather about having only what is necessary. So if you’re not happy with your current storage set-up, then it’s time to get rid of some items to make room for the things you love.
Reuse
Once you’ve reduced, it’s time to start reusing. This is where you’ll find a lot of the items you’ve thrown out or sold. When you have more space, you can start creating storage ottomans, a place for everything, and everything in its place. These are great for storing items such as shoes and outdoor gear where it’s easy to reach and organized. You can also use them to create cozy seating areas with a few different textures and colors. Another wonderful thing about storage ottoms is that they provide a place for everything, even if you don’t have much space.
Repurpose
Now that you’ve got your storage ottomans, it’s time to repurpose them. This means taking an existing item and turning it into something new. Most storage ottomans are constructed of wood, metal, or a combination of the two. So if you’ve got an old pair of stools or a small table, you can use it to create a bar or kitchen island. A great place for repurposing items is your garage. Did you know that garages serve a dual purpose? Not only can you store your cars in it, but you can also use it as extra storage space for all of your items.
Whether it’s a storage container or an old piece of furniture, there are endless ways to repurpose items to make life simpler and more enjoyable. So don’t be afraid to try out new things. The more you use them, the more you’ll discover about their unique abilities, which then can be used for other purposes.
The Downsides
While there are many upsides to simplifying your life with minimalism and 3 R’s, there are also some downsides. For one, it can be a challenge to let go of certain belongings. Did you ever wake up and decide you don’t want to sleep in that particular bed anymore? Or do you miss that little dog you had as a child? Maybe you had a good experience with an accessory you bought, but now you feel like you can’t live without it.
The key to overcoming these negative feelings is by being mindful. Ask yourself if you’re truly happy with the way things are. Are you experiencing peace and joy in your life? Be honest with yourself. If not, it might be time to make a change. But, you’re not alone in this world. There are millions of people who enjoy the simple life. And there’s no reason why you shouldn’t, too.
How to Pack Effectively
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to get practical. How do you want to pack? The first thing you should do is make two piles—one for things you need to pack and one for things you don’t need to pack. Anything you bring into your car will be packed once you arrive. You don’t want to bring anything along that you can’t afford to lose or damage. So a good rule of thumb is to keep only what you need. If you have a designated space, such as a storage container or RV, then you can pack whatever you need and leave the rest behind. It’s as simple as that.
Where Do You Want to Stay?
Once you’ve got your belongings packed and stored, its time to figure out where you’ll stay. The first thing you should do is create a travel itinerary. This should include the places you’ve been to, the places you’ll go, and the times you’ll be traveling. This way, you’ll ensure you’ve got everything you need. And as a bonus, it’ll be easier to find a suitable place to stay. If you don’t have a travel itinerary, then create one now. It would be best to update it regularly as your travels change.
Now, you don’t have to stay in hotels all of the time. Many people prefer to stay in Airbnb instead. This way, they can get a feel for the local area. If you’re unfamiliar with Airbnb, it’s similar to booking a room at a hotel, but with the added bonus of interacting with other guests. This can be a great way to get a more authentic taste of what the destination has to offer. If you decide to stay at a hotel, then make sure you have everything you need. Check-in early and establish clear lines of communication with the front desk. Also, make sure you pack things like hand sanitizer and wipes, as well as things like a mini-fridge, in case you get hungry overnight.
Create a Routine
Once you’ve got everything you need, its time to create a routine. Are you going to unload your car and store your belongings in one of the many storage containers you’ve bought? Or are you going to pack them into cardboard boxes and send them off to the recycler? It’s time to establish a routine. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to follow a particular routine. But, it probably means you should create one. Perhaps, you’ll want to unload your car and store your belongings in one of the many storage containers you’ve bought. Or are you going to pack them into cardboard boxes and send them off to the recycler? It’s time to establish a routine. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to follow a particular routine. But, it probably means you should create one. Perhaps, you’ll want to unload your car and store your belongings in one of the many storage containers you’ve bought. Or are you going to pack them into cardboard boxes and send them off to the recycler? It’s time to establish a routine. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to follow a particular routine. But, it probably means you should create one. Perhaps, you’ll want to unload your car and store your belongings in one of the many storage containers you’ve bought. Or are you going to pack them into cardboard boxes and send them off to the recycler? It’s time to establish a routine. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to follow a particular routine. But, it probably means you should create one. Perhaps, you’ll want to unload your car and store your belongings in one of the many storage containers you’ve bought. Or are you going to pack them into cardboard boxes and send them off to the recycler? It’s time to establish a routine.