Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living

208 Pages·2010·2.3 MB·English

by  Tsh Oxenreider

Organized
Simplicity
The Clutter-Free Approach to
Intentional Living
by Tsh Oxenreider
Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living. Copyright © 2010 by Tsh
Oxenreider. Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any
form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without
permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
The content of this book has been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy. However, the author and publisher
disclaim any liability for any damages, losses, or injuries that may result from the use or misuse of any
product or information presented herein. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to read and follow all
instructions and warnings on all product labels. Published by Betterway Home Books, an imprint of F+W
Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236. [phone]. First Edition.
Other fine Betterway Home Books are available from your local bookstore, or online, or
direct from the publisher. Visit our website, www.fwmedia.com.
14 13 12 11 10 5 4 3 2 1
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Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Oxenreider, Tsh
Organized simplicity : a clutter-free approach to intentional living / by Tsh Oxenreider. — 1st
ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-4403-0263-3 (hardcover : alk. paper)
eISBN 13: 978-1-4403-1360-8
1. House cleaning. 2. Storage in the home. 3. Time management. I. Title.
TX324.O79 2010
648’.8 — dc22
2010019266
Edited by Jacqueline Musser; designed by Clare Finney; production coordinated by Mark Griffin. Photos on
pages 36 and 186 by Tsh Oxenreider. Photos on pages 12–13, 96 and 118 by Angie Warren. Photos on
pages 166 and 167 by Rachel Meeks.
About the Author
Tsh Oxenreider is the creator of the popular blog SimpleMom.net and is the
founder of SimpleLivingMedia.com. She is passionate about simplifying life and
eliminating clutter so that the truly meaningful things in life can breathe. Tsh
spends her days with her husband and three young children — exploring the
world, reading and learning, and being inspired by whatever surroundings their
travels take them to. To learn more about her projects, visit TshOxenreider.com.
Dedication
To Kyle — I wouldn’t want to live life with anyone else.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to F+W Media for taking a chance on a first-time blogger-turned-
author, and to my editor, Jackie Musser, for your ongoing support and
encouragement.
Thanks, also, to the many fabulous people I’ve been blessed to know online and
who contributed in some way to the crafting of this book (even indirectly, just
through their encouragement): Corey Allan, Maya Bissineer, Lisa Byrne, Mandi
Ehman, Kara Fleck, Katie Fox, Barbara Jones, Marie LeBaron, Lisa Leonard,
Shannon Lowe, Jamie Martin, Rachel Meeks, Melissa Michaels, Nester, Crystal
Paine, Charlie and Sarah Park, Meredith Pelham, Heidi Scovel, Amanda Soule,
Megan Tietz, Ann Voskamp, Emily Walker, Aimée Wimbush-Bourque, Alli
Worthington, and the many others with whom I am honored to share the
blogosphere. I am better because of you all.
Thank you to Cheryl Carrell, Ali Glass, Lisa Henke, Kerin Hurley, Natasha
Kohlmann, Heather Lewis, Melanie Lloyd, Rachel McAdams, Meena Matocha,
Kristi Naizer, Clarisa Rhodes, Amy Scott, Ginny Tittel, Lisa Van Allen, and
Brooke Wagen for your ongoing friendship. If I had it my way, I’d put you all in
one room and give you a giant group hug. I suppose that will have to wait until
Heaven.
Thank you to Hannah Wheeler, who watched my little ones so that I could
scribble away on this book. My kids love you, and because of you, this book
actually happened.
Thank you to all the readers of SimpleMom.net, for providing me with a writing
platform miraculously equipped with speakers. I am honored and humbled
beyond measure that you would spend some of your day with me. I am so
grateful for you.
Thank you to my family — to Mom and Dad, to Josh, Joan, Nellie, Holden, Ed,
Linda, Darren, Carly, Aaron, Ashton, and Carsyn. I am blessed beyond belief to
have a family as supportive as you all are. Thanks for your encouragement, for
your interest in my work, and for your inspiration. And thanks for loving me as I
am.
To Tate and Reed, my little darlings who make me laugh, cry, and stand before
God in awe: Thank you for the awesome privilege of being your mama. It is
truly the best job on Earth. And to the little guy kicking inside me as I type — I
can’t wait to meet you. You are forever welcome in this family.
Finally, to my biggest cheerleader, chef, chauffer, admin, comrade, friend,
confidante, and life mate: Kyle, I still can’t believe how blessed I am to be
married to you. Thank you for your nonstop support as I wrote this book and put
other things to the side for a season. You are a gift, and I love you.
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Living Simply in the Real World
1: Stuff: Our Modern-Day Slave Master
2: Simple Living: Discover a Definition that Works for You
3: A Family Purpose Statement: Make Simple Living Personal
4: Time Is a Tool: Use It Wisely; Enjoy It Thoroughly
5: Money Is a Tool: Steward It Well
6: A Gathering Place: Create a Home Management Notebook
7: Savor the Little Things: Rewards of Simple Living
8: A Home That Works: Create Your Family’s Haven for a Simple Life
Part 2: Ten Days to a Simpler, More Organized Home
9: Day 1: A Fresh Start, a New Direction
10: Days 2 & 3: The Living Room
11: Days 4 & 5: The Kitchen
12: Day 6: The Bathrooms
13: Days 7 & 8: The Kids’ Rooms
14: Day 9: The Master Bedroom
15: Day 10: Entryways and Coat Closet
16: Simple Living: A Journey, Not a Destination
Appendices
A: Recipes
B: Inventory Templates
C: Home Management Notebook Templates
D: Choices for a Simpler Life
Resources