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Home ยป Blog ยป 40 Days Tips and Tricks: House Love

40 Days Tips and Tricks: House Love

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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Do you want to love your home?

I think I’ve found the secret to house love: stop comparing your house to other homes…just pay attention to your house, wherever you may be right now, whatever it might look like, and work at turning it into the

coziest, cleanest home it can be.

In a little notebook I sometimes jot my  “rules” for life I once wrote these things:

-Clean and everything will look better to you.

-Order=sanity.

-Less toys, furniture, clothing, junk is always better…keep a SIMPLE house…get rid of stuff

constantly. Or better yet, don’t buy it!

-Don’t ask for endless opinions…you’ll get too many ideas…stick with what YOU love.

-A small change, that usually costs pennies… flowers, a pretty plant, etc…makes a big difference.

-Don’t copy anyone’s style…find your own and stick to it.

Today there are tons of ideas and images out there from just about everywhere..magazines, (and I’ll

add now- blogs!)…I find for me that it is a waste of time to constantly be on the search for the perfect idea, or to constantly want/need change. I want to be content! I find that when I mind my own home, with what I have on hand I achieve contentment.

Sometimes this means: I NEED TO STOP LOOKING!

Sometimes I feel we have so many, TOO many, chances to want, want, want. Or to wish, wish, wish.

What if we just tried contentment? What if we accepted our homes as they are, linoleum, old cabinets,

tiny closets, squeaky doors, hand-me-down sofa, and worked with and learned to love what we have right

in front of us? I think our grandparents did this much better than we have ever done. Most of them lived

in the same home for their lifetimes, and took such good care of what they had, whether it was the “in”

thing or not.

I really have found if I clean, everything looks fresh and new to me. It’s a little miracle, with no money and some elbow grease I can transform my home and my attitude towards it.

And have you ever noticed on those home make-over shows the biggest change is that the rooms once filled with “stuff”, are just emptier and cleaner?  That costs nothing!

Sometimes I catch myself thinking, “Oh, I need a change in here.” And that change always means more money, more searching (time wasting searching), maybe an errand, something new.

BUT I find when I just give that room a good old fashioned cleaning I feel so differently…that’s all that was needed. Dust those shelves, buy some tulips or pick some branches from outside to put in a vase, scrub, scrub, scrub, wash the windows, move things around, and purge all that clutter. Fill the air with the fresh scent of ‘clean’ and I love my home again.

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,

be it ever so humble,

there’s no place like Home.

– T. Howard Payne

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March 17, 2014 ยท 23 Comments

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  1. Traci says

    March 17, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    This is such a good message for today. We are so brainwashed to always be thinking up upgrading these days. My grandmothers didn't ever feel the need to do big renovations. Their homes were very outdated but were completely functional. I was watching a show on hulu called Loving Spoonfuls, where this young guy was visiting different grandmothers while they cook a meal. Anyway, I noticed that they had older kitchens, tin foil under the stove burners, etc. I loved that it was all about the company, the food, and the love that goes into the food. Personally, I like decorating my home too and I just want to find a middle ground.

    Reply
  2. Kathy Olson says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    I ALWAYS enjoy your take on all things to do with home!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    Sarah, I'm 12 bags into my 40 bags challenge,and can I just tell you– it. feels. SO. GOOD!!! Certain areas of my house are cleared out (sparse, really), and it makes me so happy. I cannot tell you how calmer I feel walking into a room that is in good shape. I've got six kids at home and number seven is on the way, and I know I can't expect perfection, but I can look at a room and say, we can get this in tip top shape in five minutes flat. And knowing that it won't be long because it isn't covered in clutter means I can expect more from my kids to help clean up, because I'm not asking them to work on an overwhelming project. Its amazing how the more people we have in the family, the less "stuff" we know we need in the house. I've been reading your blog for ages because its such an inspiration to me to live more simply. Thanks so much for that!
    Anne McD

    Reply
  4. Unknown says

    March 17, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Hi Sarah! I just discovered your blog through another blog the other day, and can't stop thinking about the post I read. Today I came back and read this post. Another Great one! I really enjoy your attitude and take on life. I love seeing that you have 6 beautiful children and hearing about your experiences. So glad I found your blog!!! Very inspiring! xo

    Reply
  5. Traci says

    March 17, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    So true Sarah! So true!!!

    Reply
  6. Simply LKJ says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    I love this Sarah!!! I agree…so many times I see things (either on other blogs, pinterest, magazines, other friends homes) and think…I need a change…I want that…but do I really??? No. I have more than enough now!!! I am about to embark on once again cleaning/weeding out, and agree I always feel better and content once I have done so.

    Reply
  7. Madeline says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    SO TRUE! I love my quirky little mismatched hand-me-down furnitured house. Because of all those reasons!

    Reply
  8. Magnolia Verandah says

    March 17, 2014 at 10:23 pm

    The old saying "eanliness is next to Godliness" could be true. Contentment is such a wonderful thing. I have a little change around with furniture and things feel so much better.

    Reply
    • Magnolia Verandah says

      March 17, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      Sorry that should have said Cleanliness!

      Reply
  9. Claudia C. says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    I appreciated this post so much today. I just deleted a bunch of different people I follow on Instagram for "inspiration" oh home decor, style in makeup which I very much love. However it was only a couple of days ago that I realized I am in a different place than those I follow and need to re-invent myself according to not only what I can afford but also the kind of life style I live.. Surprisingly enough. I always find myself back to the people who to me feel more real and more like me, which are my three favorite bloggers. You being one of them. I spent too much time looking for inspiration while breastfeeding my baby and I just figured out that instead of helping me feel inspired, it only makes me feel crappy.

    As always… you are a very wise woman Sarah.

    Reply
  10. Holly says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    Thanks for such a good reminder! I always appreciate your way of phrasing things so it seems perfectly obvious without being condescending.

    Reply
  11. Erin says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:29 pm

    Could not agree with you more Sarah! SO true. I love your house contentment posts. Years ago while we were looking for homes a similar post of yours resinated with me so much. It helped me be content in the home we were in. And it inspired a major cleaning spree! Which like you said – always makes you love your home more. Thank you always for your inspiring posts that help us all focus on what matters. Love you!!

    Reply
  12. Megan @ Chicago Girl says

    March 18, 2014 at 2:15 am

    So true. I always get an itch to do something, and then I do the 40 bags in 40 days, or just clean. I also treat myself to pretty candles or flowers, and it is amazing what a cozy day at home can do!

    Reply
  13. Kathy says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:27 am

    Such Good, Good advice.

    Reply
  14. S says

    March 18, 2014 at 10:54 am

    I am slowly very very very slowly clearing out the clutter and junk….and it feels GREAT when it happens. It's going to take a long time but each step brings me closer to loving my home and making it EASIER to clean and tidy. I love your advice. I have a really good friend who has the tiniest ever home – it is truly itty bitty and filled to the brim with her family and love and care. She doesn't have a lot of money, and what she has goes back into her family, but she has a wonderful eye and her home is full of loving details. I truly am amazed when I go there because it's so beautiful and homey. She and her family live in a very expensive community where her house would fit in most garages and still have room for a car…but it doesn't phase her, or her kids – because they have a home that is sweet and cozy and welcoming. I want my daughter to go there with me one of these days so I can show her big doesn't always mean better (she is always complaining how she wants a bigger home). I would LOVE my home to have a different layout, but I am hoping by clearing out the clutter and making our existing space, which is definitely fine for us, just not the IDEAL layout, much more useable.

    Reply
  15. Denise says

    March 18, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Great advise, as always. It's so easy to get caught up in the bigger, better, newer, more mentality. I am trying to remind myself daily to be grateful and content with things as they are, not how I think they need to be.

    Reply
  16. Amber@Munchkin Land says

    March 18, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    I love contentment, it is a "lost" feeling in our world today- the thought of bigger, "better", etc is what now consumes the world. While I love contentment, when it comes to my home I do love seasonal change. I don't want my home to ever feel stagnant. Change to me feels like my home is a "living" with us. I love to have a sprinkle of spring when it's spring, summer when it's summer, etc, etc. I love cozy, inviting, comfortable. I want anyone to walk into my home and want to snuggle up in my chairs or on the couch. I want them to feel like they can walk into my kitchen and help themselves without asking- that is my all-time goal when I manage my home. I truly love it but I believe you can do it on a dime without having to spend much money at all. For me it's balance and I truly believe I have found that. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  17. Matt and Becca says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  18. Matt and Becca says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    Amen to every last word! I am a mother of a large family in a very small home by todays standards and these principles ring so true to me, my family, and my contentment! Thanks for sharing truth!

    Reply
  19. HeidiPoo says

    March 19, 2014 at 5:42 am

    Loved this post!

    Reply
  20. Sarah Craft says

    April 7, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    We live in a gorgeous old house that sometimes feels a little too old. But when I am down about something falling apart or another needed repair I remind myself how "romantic" an old house feels. Old charm. Lots of history. And subsequently lots of love. It always brings me back to the positive. Good post.

    Reply
  21. Tammie Anthony says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:48 pm

    I love those tips and tricks. I think that is the one that is missing to me when I'm cleaning our house. Thank you very much.

    Industrial Cleaning

    Reply
  22. Laura Lane says

    March 9, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Thanks for the advice.

    Reply

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Welcome!

Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. ๐Ÿƒ
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
๐Ÿƒ
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
๐Ÿƒ
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
๐Ÿƒ
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
๐Ÿƒ
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
๐Ÿƒ
Clip on bed lights save space. 
๐Ÿƒ
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
๐Ÿƒ
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
๐Ÿƒ
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
โ˜€๏ธ
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
โ˜€๏ธ
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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