ArcaMax

Would you be willing to accept a reduction in pay if you could work fewer hours to spend more time with your family? It is a lovely thought, but how realistic is it? Working less usually means earning less -- hardly an option for most people.

But that doesn't mean we cannot take small steps to simplify our complicated lives. A little bit here and there, and before you know it your efforts will add up to something significant.

DECLUTTER

Too much stuff leads to more stuff. And even more and more! All that stuff weighs us down and robs our joy and precious time because everything becomes so complicated. Getting rid of clutter is a cheap, fast and effective way to become physically and financially sound. It's also the path to emotional and intellectual happiness. Dejunk your home one drawer, cupboard, closet and room at a time. Expect to experience a new feeling of "lightness."

GIVE EVERYTHING A HOME

We know the rule: Everything has a place. Adhering to that ideal can be quite another matter. But truth be told, once everything has a home, it's easy to maintain a clean and functional space. Cleanup is quick and easy because it's simple. Whatever it takes to reach the everything-has-a-place goal will be so worth the effort.

PHONE CONTROL

Just because it happens to be a convenient time for someone to call you doesn't mean it's convenient for you to answer. Let your calls go to voicemail. Every instant message does not deserve an instant response. Telling your phone who's in charge will greatly simplify your life.

RUN THE DISHWASHER ONCE A DAY

In most homes, the dishwasher has a tendency to fill up quickly. Here's a workable routine that will bring simplicity and calm to your home: Every morning, after breakfast, run the dishwasher and then empty it right before lunch. Now you can put the dirty dishes from lunch and dinner directly into the dishwasher and go to bed with nothing in the sink.

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