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Use the Snowball Method to declutter your life

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In the ever-evolving world of decluttering strategies, where sparking joy and minimalism have become household phrases, there’s a method that adds a touch of introspection to the mix – the Snowball Method. It’s not about creating a blizzard of chaos; instead, it’s a deliberate and thoughtful approach to clearing out the unnecessary flurries in your life.

Let’s break it down: The Snowball Method revolves around conscious awareness. Instead of mindlessly tossing items into the donation bin, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, asking the pivotal question, “What is it about this item that makes me want to declutter it?”

Imagine standing in front of your overflowing closet, eyeing that neon-green sweater you haven’t worn since the early 2000s. Instead of simply relegating it to the discard pile, you pause and reflect. Is it the color that assaults your eyes? The questionable fashion choices of your past self? Or perhaps the fact that it’s become a symbol of sartorial decisions better left in the past?

Armed with a newfound awareness, you use this clarity to guide your decluttering mission. It’s not just about discarding that one sweater; it’s about identifying its companions in clutter – those scarves, hats, and accessories that share a similar fate.

The snowball effect kicks in, and you find yourself effortlessly parting ways with items that no longer align with your present self.

The beauty of the Snowball Method lies in its adaptability. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach but a personalized journey through the snowdrifts of your possessions. Each item becomes a gateway to understanding your evolving preferences, values, and lifestyle. It’s like conducting a KonMari session with a side of self-reflection.

As you navigate through your living space, each chosen item serves as a breadcrumb, leading you deeper into the labyrinth of your own decisions. Suddenly, decluttering becomes less about the physical act of getting rid of stuff and more about the mental and emotional process of understanding why certain things have overstayed their welcome.

Now, let’s add a sprinkle of humor to this mindful mission. Ever found yourself holding onto that chipped mug because it reminds you of a college escapade? With the Snowball Method, you don’t just toss it aside; you acknowledge its role in your past caffeine-fueled adventures and decide whether it still deserves a spot in your present-day kitchen cabinet.

The Snowball Method encourages a deliberate and conscious approach to decluttering, transforming the process into a journey of self-discovery. It’s about understanding the reasons behind your choices and using that knowledge to create a living space that reflects the person you are today. So, the next time you embark on a decluttering escapade, ask yourself, “What is it about this item that makes me want to declutter it?” – and let the snowball of mindfulness guide you through the cluttered landscape of your possessions.

Made popular by Jennifer Burger of Simply + Fiercely from her Instagram post.

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5 Must-Know Secrets to Turning Your Suburban Home into a Profitable, Sustainable Homestead

If you’re dreaming of creating a self-sufficient homestead but feel limited by your suburban setting, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that homesteading is only for those with acres of land, but the truth is, it’s entirely possible to transform your suburban home into a profitable and sustainable homestead. Whether you’re aiming to cut grocery bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or even earn some extra income, here are five must-know secrets that will help you turn your suburban space into a thriving, sustainable homestead!

Maximize Your Garden Space with Vertical Growing

In a suburban backyard, space can be limited, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow a bountiful garden. Vertical gardening is the key to utilizing your space more efficiently and maximizing your yield.

You can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs vertically by using trellises, hanging planters, and vertical garden towers. Plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and beans do especially well when grown vertically, as they can be trained to grow upwards instead of sprawling out.

Secret Tip: Consider using vertical gardening methods for food that you and your family consume regularly—like herbs, lettuces, and even strawberries—so you’ll have a fresh supply right at your fingertips. Not only does this save money, but it can also reduce your grocery bill over time.

Incorporate Small Livestock for Eggs, Meat, and Manure

Raising small livestock like chickens, rabbits, or even bees can greatly contribute to your homestead’s sustainability and profitability. Chickens, for example, provide fresh eggs and natural pest control, and they can even be kept in smaller, urban-friendly spaces.

Secret Tip: Chickens are relatively low-maintenance, and with a well-designed coop, they can thrive even in a suburban backyard. If you’re interested in expanding your livestock options, rabbits can also be a great choice. They reproduce quickly and offer meat that is lean and nutritious. Plus, their manure can be composted and used to fertilize your garden!

Profit Tip: By selling eggs, surplus poultry, or even honey from your bees, you can generate some extra income. A small side hustle like this can help pay for your homesteading supplies or even turn into a full-time business over time.

Harvest and Store Water with a Rainwater Collection System

Water is essential to every homestead, and one of the easiest ways to become more self-sufficient is by harvesting rainwater. A rainwater collection system can help reduce your water bills and ensure you always have water available for your garden, livestock, and even for household use (if treated properly).

Secret Tip: Set up rain barrels or a larger rainwater collection system with gutters to capture rainfall from your roof. The collected water can be used for irrigation, washing your car, or even cleaning outdoor spaces. Just make sure to use a proper filtration system if you plan to use it for drinking or cooking.

Profit Tip: Rainwater harvesting also reduces your dependence on the local water supply, which could be especially beneficial during dry spells or in areas with water restrictions. You’ll save money while helping conserve natural resources!

Implement Solar Power to Cut Energy Costs and Increase Sustainability

If you’re serious about sustainability, investing in solar power is a must. Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy costs, and depending on where you live, you may even be eligible for tax credits or rebates to offset the installation cost.

Secret Tip: Start small by adding a few solar panels to power outdoor lights, a small garden pump, or a shed. If your energy needs grow, you can gradually add more panels to your home. Some homeowners even sell excess energy back to the grid, which can help offset the cost of installation and lead to potential income!

Profit Tip: In addition to cutting your electric bill, generating your own solar power means less reliance on external sources of energy, making your homestead more resilient and eco-friendly.

Monetize Your Homestead: Sell Homemade Products and Services

One of the best things about turning your suburban home into a homestead is the ability to generate extra income from the hard work you put in. Whether it’s selling homemade preserves, eggs, flowers, or even hand-crafted items, there are plenty of opportunities to profit from your homesteading efforts.

Secret Tip: Start by making small, high-demand products like jams, pickles, or soaps and selling them at local farmers’ markets or online platforms like Etsy. If you’re raising livestock, selling fresh eggs or meat can also be a great way to earn some cash.

Profit Tip: The key to monetizing your homestead is to identify products or services that you can consistently produce and that have a steady demand in your area. Your local community may be looking for fresh, local produce or sustainable, handcrafted goods—and you can meet that demand while earning a profit!

Turning your suburban home into a profitable, sustainable homestead doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By using smart space-saving techniques, raising small livestock, harvesting rainwater, and implementing energy-saving solutions like solar power, you can reduce your reliance on external resources and create a thriving homestead right in your own backyard.

And don’t forget the potential to monetize your homestead! Whether you sell homemade products, eggs, or garden surplus, there’s money to be made in homesteading.

Start small, take it one step at a time, and before you know it, your suburban home will not only be more sustainable, but it will also be a profitable, self-sufficient homestead!