Rule #1 Learn to Love Empty!

I don't know what happened, in this society of ours, but somewhere someone said that every wall, drawer, counter top, and space had to have something in or on it?

And I ask....

WHO SAYS???

and exactly WHY is that the case??

Yet, it really does seem like most people think it's a law.

Does any of this look familiar?

Is your brain screaming TOO MUCH and TOO FULL?

Mine is.

A lot of what causes too much and too full is the mindset that 
"If I have the space, I should put something in it."

But how about a new idea?
Empty.

Empty, or nearly empty, looks so much better...don't you think?

Empty makes your spaces seem more attractive and easy to manage. It is so much more pleasing to the eye and mind. It makes you WANT to be in that space. It makes you happy and feel peaceful. 

ahhhhhh.....that's so much better.

Did you see notice the empty tables? and walls?

and countertops?

It feels like you can breathe, and move, and enjoy when you are in more empty spaces.

Empty is amazing that way.

When we choose empty, 

it makes us feel like we are in control of our stuff instead of it controlling us.

So, rule #1 in the STUFF MANAGEMENT world is

LEARN TO LOVE EMPTY

Empty table tops, windowsills, counters, drawers, shelves and floors.

Get rid of extra lamps, plants, pillows, picture frames, toys and knick knacks. 

Let the coffee table be empty (or close to it).

Let the wall have nothing on it.

Let those window sills be completely "stuff free."

It might feel like craziness at first...

but remember how much you like the living rooms and bedrooms and kitchens in the Pottery Barn catalog or in the Parade of Homes homes? 

I promise, it's partially because they have empty everywhere.

Rule #1

LEARN TO LOVE EMPTY

and LESS!

And...as a BONUS...

while you are clearing off your spaces and making them more empty, consider this challenge:

TRY TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE EMPTY DRAWER OR CUPBOARD SHELF IN EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOUSE.

Crazy, you say?

Try it.

Here are some empty spaces in my home.

master bedroom

guest bathroom

kitchen cupboard

laundry room

master bathroom

Do you know what I say to myself?

I say, "I could put something in that drawer if I wanted to...but I choose not to. I am in control of my spaces and my stuff. It doesn't control me."

A lot of people don't realize that by not having empty spaces, what you are feeling subconsciously is

"I HAVE NO CONTROL AROUND HERE!"

when, really....you do.

You just need to take it back.

Your challenge this week:

After you dejunk your spaces and you are only putting keepers away...try to keep at least once empty space in every room of your house. One drawer, one shelf, one tabletop, one space.

I dare you.