Some things I have gotten rid of over the past few years ...clothes, shoes, kids clothes, responsibilities, monthly bills (i.e., Netflix and the like, not the electricity :), rugs that wouldnt lay flat and always needing vacuumed, paperwork, broken crayons, cleaning supplies, tupperware without lids, pots/pans that were scratched, dvd/cd's we didnt watch (or shouldnt), decorating stuff, Christmas decorations, books I had already read ...I use this strategy alot.
Getting rid of stuff is the easiest for me ...here are some rules I go by when it comes to getting rid of physical things...
* if you dont LOVE it, or NEED it..then get rid of it!
This applies to every area of your home from closets, kids closets, kids toys, living room furniture, kitchen gadgets, clothes in closet, organizing aids in the house, to backyard toys and smelly good stuff in the bathroom.
* If you have lots of something..then get rid of some of it!
Looking around the house you can find LOTS of areas to apply this. Its amazing how things collect and you buy when you have some of it already because you have so much you cant see what you have!
Get HONEST about whether you need so many of of a thing..you may be surprised what your answer may be!
* If you cant remember WHY something is sentimental..then get rid of it.
How often do we hold on to stuff because so-and-so gave it to us? Obviously there are exceptions to this rule. Generally, if someone spent time making something or they have alot of attachment to my having it, I hold onto it. But, I couldnt tell you most if any of the gifts I have given to anyone in the last 5 years ...so if I gave you something, and its causing you stress..GET RID OF IT!
* If its broken or doesnt work..GET RID OF IT!
Adrian and I often disagree in this area. He wants to put it aside to fix it later. Some stuff we do that with, but I have gotten to the point that if I didnt LOVE it or USE it in the first place, it gets trashed.
*If you havent worn it, used it, or played with it in the last 6 months...GET RID OF IT!
This is a GREAT rule. I use it ALL the time. I use it especially in my closet and my kitchen. These are two areas where things seem to multiply unfettered.
* If you feel bad about throwing it away..GIVE IT AWAY
I have found that there are some things that I dont want any more, but that I cant just throw away. Its much easier for me to pass it on to someone who could use it (less guilt).
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Getting rid of the some things in our life that arent as easy as packing it up to the Goodwill (i.e., thoughts, relationships, etc). But, the benefits are just as freeing if you find a way to get that stressor out of your life.
Sometimes, you dont have a choice about whether to get rid of something or not (like laundry..blech!)..sometimes you have to apply a different strategy to that stressor. We will look at Get it under Control next!
What can you Get Rid Of this week?
I love this strategy, and I use it quite often. In fact, my children know my motto I use while we are cleaning out a drawer or closet....when you are trying to decide if you want/need it...."When in doubt, throw it out"!
ReplyDeleteOver a year ago I went through my kitchen drawers and cabinets and boxed up two VERY LARGE plastic rubbermaid type boxes of utensils, coffee cups, water bottles, containers, serving pieces, etc. that I never used. I didn't give them away. I stored them in my basement storage room just to see if I would miss any of those items. Well after a year, I HAVE NOT GONE THERE NOT ONCE TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING. In fact, I had forgotten all about those two boxes until I was straightening the storage room recently. So I guess it is time to give those boxes to goodwill! Well, I will take the items out of the nice boxes before I give it away! Or maybe not!
I love it. I am needing to go through my closet and clean out the clothes that I don't wear anymore. I have lots of perfectly good clothes that fit me...and yet, I NEVER wear them. Instead of letting them sit there and clutter my closet, I really need to give them to someone who needs them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration, Courtney!