Posted on Leave a comment

The Great Purge: How a 2-Week Declutter Changed Our Lives

“When we decided to move to Wyoming, we knew our 2,100 square foot home’s worth of belongings wouldn’t fit into our new 980 square foot space. What we didn’t know was how quickly and dramatically we’d need to downsize – or how liberating it would turn out to be.

We had just 2-3 weeks to decide what would make the journey with us to our new life. It sounds overwhelming, right? But sometimes, a deadline is exactly the motivation you need to make tough decisions. Our method was surprisingly simple: if I hadn’t touched something in six months or needed it in the past year, it had to go.

The process taught us some unexpected lessons about possessions, stress, and what really matters in a home. Here’s what we learned:

Time Is Your Truth-Teller

Looking at a box or item and honestly asking ‘When was the last time I opened this?’ became our decluttering north star. Six months became our cutoff point – if we hadn’t needed it in that time, we probably didn’t need it at all. This simple question eliminated countless hours of agonizing over individual items.

Kids and Clutter: The Stealth Approach

One of our most successful strategies, especially with kids’ belongings, was what I like to call the ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ method. We discovered that if we sorted and removed items while our children were at school, they rarely remembered or missed what was gone. It’s fascinating how many toys we think our kids ‘need’ when they actually don’t even remember having them.

The Kitchen Reset

Perhaps our boldest move was completely emptying our kitchen. We knew we had a budget from our home sale to replace essentials, and we were committed to transforming our eating habits. This clean-slate approach meant every new item in our kitchen would be intentionally chosen for our new lifestyle. Surprisingly, there hasn’t been a single kitchen item we regret letting go of.

The Fast-Track Farewell

Without time for a traditional yard sale, we got creative with distribution. Local Facebook groups, generous gifts to neighbors, and yes, several trips to the dump helped us quickly pare down our possessions. The time constraint actually worked in our favor – it forced quick, decisive action instead of prolonged deliberation.

The Lasting Impact Months later, this massive declutter has completely changed how we approach possessions. Before making any purchase now, we ask ourselves:

  • Do we really need this?
  • Do we need it right now?
  • Can we find it locally?
  • Could we borrow it instead? (Having family nearby is a bonus here!)

The most profound revelation? The less physical stuff we had, the more our stress levels dropped. It’s not just about having fewer things to clean or organize – it’s about the mental clarity that comes with living more intentionally.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed by their possessions but nervous about letting go, here’s my advice: your life will feel less stressed if you just let go. We’ve experienced firsthand how reduced physical clutter leads to reduced mental clutter, and ultimately, to greater happiness.

Remember, everything you own demands a piece of your attention, your space, and your energy. Choose wisely what you allow to take up residence in your home and life. Sometimes the best path to peace is through the donation box.

Starting fresh in Wyoming with less stuff has given us more of what really matters – peace, happiness, and family connection. And isn’t that what home is really about?”

About the Author: If you’re new here, check out my first post about our family’s journey from Utah to Wyoming and how downsizing changed our lives. When I’m not writing about our adventures in simple living, you can find me in our cozy kitchen, reinventing comfort food classics into healthier versions.

Stay Connected on Our Wyoming Adventure

Join our growing community of intentional living enthusiasts. Get fresh content about our Wyoming adventure, simple living tips, and upcoming recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime - but we bet you won't want to!

Please wait...

You're in! Thanks for joining our journey. Watch your inbox for fresh content about intentional living, great recipes, and more!

Posted on Leave a comment

Reinventing Fast Food Favorites: Homemade Square Burger Patties

🍔 Square burgers, anyone? We’re taking a classic fast-food favorite and giving it a healthy twist! 🌿

Coming soon on the blog: Learn how to make delicious, grass-fed beef square patties that’ll hang over your bun just right. Perfect for busy weeknights and guilt-free indulgence!

Stay tuned for our step-by-step guide and pro tips. Who says you can’t have your burger and eat it too? 😉

#HealthyEating #HomemadeFastFood #SquareBurgers

Posted on Leave a comment

Reinventing Fast Food Favorites: Homemade Square Burger Patties

“Who says healthy can’t be square? 🍔 Coming soon: Our family’s journey to reinvent fast food favorites using top-quality ingredients. Get ready for grass-fed beef patties that are perfectly portioned, freezer-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Stay tuned for the full recipe and pro tips that’ll change your burger game forever! #HealthyEating #HomemadeFastFood #ComingSoon”