A Squash and a Squeeze

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Have you heard of the children’s book A Squash and a Squeeze by The Gruffalo author, Julia Donaldson?

A Squash and A Squeeze by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A Squash and A Squeeze by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A client made me think of this as she kept telling me that her house was just too small.

But her house wasn’t too SMALL instead it had too much STUFF in it. 

Just like the old lady in A Squash and a Squeeze she wanted her home to feel bigger – the difference was, my client hadn’t filled her house with a cow, a pig, a goat and a chicken – but she did have a lot of furniture; way too many storage baskets; vases in front of cupboards that were themselves crammed full of more stuff; and a wardrobe overflowing with clothes. Life had become stressful and she could not see the wood for the trees. Or even a skirt through all the jackets.

Quite simply, things had to go.  But, if you find yourself in this same state of overwhelm with your possessions - I want to suggest one word: minimalism 

This isn’t a bad word; it doesn’t mean you live in an empty house with only one change of clothes. It simply means planning and thinking about what you need. There is a great article that I came across in The Guardian called ‘I gave away our stuff’: the minimalists doing more with less. In it, Antonia Colins from Balance Through Simplicity explains Minimalism well:


“People think minimalism must mean living like a monk with no enjoyment. But it isn’t like that at all. Minimalism is about being more considered and mindful about what you buy, stopping the compulsive or impulsive spending, which so often leads to debts and stress – and more clutter.” 


You can still have a lovely home, it is just one filled with things that you love, use, and can find more easily – and there is still space to breath. Living in a more mindful way can also help save money, and even bring down debts. 

For my A Squash and a Squeeze client we decluttered and found her space again: in her wardrobe we went through a process of having an outfit or two ready for each occasion: work - whatever dress code is appropriate - but perhaps a good pair of jeans or dress-up trousers with three or four tops that can be rotated; a nice black dress and / or trousers and top for going out; a comfy but smart pair of trainers and some nice high heels (not ten pairs you never wear ;) Obviously, this can be translated for men too, and it will vary - it is a case of having a cluster of outfits you love, and will wear rather than a wardrobe bursting at the seams with items for 'just-in-case’.

With Christmas less than two months away, now is as good a time as any to declutter and reassess your relationship with STUFF. It is a gradual process but it can begin now, a room or even a corner of a room at a time - clear out the things you no longer love or use and create that much valued space. 

Here are some benefits of reclaiming space: 

  • You will feel more relaxed - space induces relaxation

  • And in turn you will feel less stressed and anxious 

  • Space helps you be more organised as it will easier to find things 

  • By recognising the freedom you have created it will – hopefully - make you reluctant to buy more stuff (that you don’t need)

  • Decluttering just one thing can set you on your way to a more relaxed life: a more organised wardrobe is a good place to start. 


Good luck and please get in touch if you need help or advice