Episode Title: Do You Have Too Much Stuff? Simplify Your Life Through Decluttering and Minimalism | Robyn Buchanan of Minimalist Home
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Lisa Bass
Guest: Robyn Buchanan, Creator of Minimalist Home

Introduction

In Episode 268 of the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast, host Lisa Bass welcomes Robyn Buchanan from Minimalist Home to discuss the profound impact of decluttering and minimalism on simplifying life. As the season shifts towards the holidays—a time when many consider organizing and decluttering—this episode provides invaluable insights for listeners aiming to create a more manageable and peaceful living environment.

Guest Introduction

[03:24] Lisa Bass: “Welcome back to the Simple Farmhouse Life Podcast. Today’s guest is Robyn Buchanan of Minimalist Home. Robyn, it’s wonderful to have you here!”

[03:24] Robyn Buchanan: “Thank you for having me, Lisa. It’s always a pleasure to connect with your listeners.”

Robyn introduces herself as the creator of the Minimalist Home YouTube channel, where she inspires people to embrace a simplified, minimalist, and healthier lifestyle. Her mission centers around helping individuals reduce clutter to enhance their daily lives.

Understanding Chaos and Clutter

[04:48] Lisa Bass: “I think the vast majority of people live with chaos, especially women juggling motherhood and work. Signs include cluttered surfaces, constant stress from untidy spaces, and feeling too busy to enjoy family time.”

[06:17] Robyn Buchanan: “There’s a difference between natural movement in a household and the chaos that feels overwhelming. Clutter can make even well-organized efforts seem futile.”

Robyn elaborates on how clutter not only occupies physical space but also mental space, leading to feelings of stress and burnout. She emphasizes that organizing without decluttering is ineffective because excess items continue to demand attention.

Decluttering Methods and Common Mistakes

[07:07] Lisa Bass: “One of the things I love is the Mighty Method—triage, simplify, thrive. It starts with assessing what's causing the biggest problems and addressing them first.”

[10:40] Lisa Bass: “You cannot organize clutter. You have to remove what you don’t use. Trying to organize clutter is like moving chairs on a sinking ship—it’s pointless.”

Robyn agrees, highlighting common mistakes such as over-reliance on storage solutions and sentimental attachments that prevent effective decluttering. She introduces practical tests to decide what to keep, such as the “thrift shop test,” where if an item wouldn’t be bought at a thrift store for $5, it should be discarded.

Psychological Aspects of Decluttering

[23:59] Lisa Bass: “We have a psychological attachment to our belongings because they are part of our identity. Letting go requires shifting our mindset from valuing possessions to valuing experiences.”

[24:12] Robyn Buchanan: “Our relationship with stuff is complex. We often see our possessions as extensions of ourselves, making it harder to let go. Practices like thanking an item before discarding it can ease this process.”

Both hosts discuss the emotional challenges of decluttering, acknowledging that possessions often hold memories. They suggest alternative methods for preserving memories, such as taking photographs of items before letting them go, thus maintaining the emotional connection without physical clutter.

Dealing with Kids' Artwork and Sentimental Items

[32:48] Robyn Buchanan: “Kids’ artwork can be overwhelming. My system involves displaying a few pieces, taking photos of them, and then recycling the originals. This honors the creation without allowing it to take over the space.”

[34:20] Lisa Bass: “I keep a small box for each child to store the most meaningful items. It’s about balancing sentimentality with practicality.”

Robyn emphasizes the importance of having a curated collection of sentimental items. She advises against keeping everything, suggesting designated spaces for displaying and storing cherished pieces, thereby preventing clutter from accumulating.

Starting Point for Decluttering

[51:42] Lisa Bass: “When every room feels too cluttered, start by identifying the area that causes the most frustration. For me, it’s the kitchen because it’s central to daily life.”

[53:03] Robyn Buchanan: “Break it down further—one drawer, one shelf, one surface at a time. Decluttering can build momentum, making the entire house more manageable.”

This segment provides a strategic approach to decluttering by focusing on high-impact areas first. By tackling one small section at a time, individuals can create a sense of accomplishment that fuels further progress.

Systems and Routines for Maintaining a Minimalist Home

[44:40] Lisa Bass: “Creating systems is crucial. For instance, washing dishes immediately after use prevents them from piling up. Batch prepping meals can save time during busy weeks.”

[46:27] Robyn Buchanan: “Streamlining tasks like laundry and cleaning can significantly reduce daily time spent on chores. Implementing routines helps maintain a clutter-free environment.”

Robyn and Lisa discuss the importance of establishing consistent routines and systems to sustain a minimalist lifestyle. They highlight practical tips such as time-blocking for household tasks and involving family members in maintenance activities to distribute responsibilities.

Listener Questions and Practical Tips

[42:56] Listener Question: “I thought I decluttered enough before giving birth to my third. I'm finding that all my systems and routines take too long. Any tips on how to reduce time on tasks done every day so I can better enjoy time with family and other postpartum minimalism tips?”

[44:40] Lisa Bass: “Assess where your systems are breaking down and simplify those areas. Focus on essential tasks and remove any redundancies to streamline your daily routines.”

Robyn offers tailored advice for new mothers struggling to maintain systems amidst the demands of a growing family. She emphasizes flexibility, allowing for adjustments as family needs evolve, and encourages focusing on essential tasks to reclaim time for family interactions.

Conclusion and Resources

[57:19] Robyn Buchanan: “For those looking to simplify their homes, I offer a simplifying your home and life challenge starting January 7th. You can join through my blog’s 'simplify' section.”

[57:52] Lisa Bass: “Robyn’s challenge is a great opportunity to create a personalized decluttering plan using the triage, simplify, and thrive framework. Check out MinimalistHome.ca/simplify for more details.”

The episode concludes with Robyn promoting her upcoming challenge designed to help listeners implement the discussed strategies. She provides resources for further learning, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards a minimalist lifestyle.

Notable Quotes

• [06:17] Robyn Buchanan: “There’s a difference between natural movement in a household and the chaos that feels overwhelming. Clutter can make even well-organized efforts seem futile.”

• [10:40] Lisa Bass: “You cannot organize clutter. You have to remove what you don’t use. Trying to organize clutter is like moving chairs on a sinking ship—it’s pointless.”

• [23:59] Lisa Bass: “We have a psychological attachment to our belongings because they are part of our identity. Letting go requires shifting our mindset from valuing possessions to valuing experiences.”

• [32:48] Robyn Buchanan: “Kids’ artwork can be overwhelming. My system involves displaying a few pieces, taking photos of them, and then recycling the originals. This honors the creation without allowing it to take over the space.”

• [42:56] Listener Question: “I thought I decluttered enough before giving birth to my third. I'm finding that all my systems and routines take too long. Any tips on how to reduce time on tasks done every day so I can better enjoy time with family and other postpartum minimalism tips?”

Final Thoughts

Episode 268 of Simple Farmhouse Life offers a comprehensive guide to decluttering and embracing minimalism with expert insights from Robyn Buchanan. By addressing both practical strategies and the psychological hurdles of letting go, Lisa and Robyn equip listeners with the tools needed to create a simpler, more fulfilling home environment. Whether you're just starting your decluttering journey or seeking to refine your systems, this episode provides actionable advice to help you achieve a clutter-free life.