Want to change your home for better? Learn my journey from a creative upbringing to applying minimalistic principles in my house.
I Was Brought Up In Creative Atmosphere
In my family, all the women found no greater joy than creating something beautiful with their sewing, knitting, or embroidery skills. My mother, grandmother, and aunts were all exceptionally creative. Whenever they gathered, they brought their craft projects, spending evenings working on beautiful pieces while sharing experiences and ideas.
Growing up in this environment deeply influenced me, making it seem natural for a woman to craft something beautiful with her hands, whether for herself or her home. I began around the age of five, making outfits for my dolls. Gradually, my mother and grandmother taught me various crafts.
I cherished these projects, and even now, I find great value in creating handmade pillowcases, curtains, kitchen towels, and cross-stitched pictures for my home. To me, these items have a significant impact, adding a personal touch that makes my home feel truly mine.
Contradiction: Beauty Without Beauty
However, for many years, I struggled to keep my house clean. It was somewhat clean once a week, but I didn’t know how to maintain cleanliness and tidiness consistently. Most days, I would have been embarrassed if someone had unexpectedly visited.
There was an obvious contradiction: I worked hard on craft projects to beautify my home, yet it often appeared messy. Despite this, I couldn’t see the inconsistency.
I justified the lack of cleaning by claiming I didn’t have time, as I was always immersed in crafting, which I enjoyed most. I was so busy creating new things that I neglected the basic tidying up. The truth was, I was indeed busy, but my priorities were misplaced.
How Decluttering Changed My Home
Over a year ago, I learned about minimalism and decluttering. I embraced the concept and began eliminating excess, including my craft supplies. Since my identity was closely tied to sewing, embroidery, knitting, and crocheting, letting go of these items was the most challenging part of decluttering.
Even now, after significantly downsizing my belongings and experiencing the benefits of owning less, deciding to part with fabric and yarn—materials full of potential—is still the hardest for me.
Prioritizing Cleaning Over Crafting
Now, I prioritize cleaning and tidying because I’ve realized that these practices keep my home cozy. Craft projects remain enjoyable, reminding me of my childhood and the cozy, creative atmosphere that comes with making things for my home. However, I’ve come to understand that a clean house is more important, as other efforts are not fully appreciated in a messy space.
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