Many of us fill our homes with items that tug at our hearts…childhood keepsakes, gifts from loved ones, vacation mementos, etc. Others load up on “useful” things—extra furniture, kitchen utensils, and the like for when that need arises, someday.
Over time, we can collect so much stuff that it can become overwhelming. Those items that once had function or gave us joy instead bring us anxiety, sucking energy from our daily life. When this happens, it’s time to do some decluttering.
I’ve found one of the easiest ways to declutter is to donate items to a person in need, or even to someone with a mission to repurpose them.
Our feature subject Dr. Jill McTaggart is a master at repurposing things. The Junkstock fan and vintage decor collector finds inventive ways to reuse items, from rusty tin cans to quilts to an old tool box. Gifting items to be repurposed is a great way to keep them out of the landfill and reduce guilt about discarding them.
This issue, we also introduce you to our new columnist, Michelle Horst of @ThymeandTheory. Michelle will share her methods of making her Midwest coastal retreat home work for her family of five. While not minimalist, she does keep decor pretty simple and finds creative ways to hide and store items—an essential skill when you have kids.
The biggest lesson here is don’t get fixated on the things…they can become hurdles in living your best life. Spend your time on activities, people, and new experiences and creating a home that’s your sanctuary—a serene place of peace, not stress.
Enjoy your summer!
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2022 issue of Omaha Home. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
