In late 2016 we went through a major purge. We had no idea as we tackled each room, attic, cabinet, and space how much unused stuff we really had. We were selling our house and starting our journey of RV'ing full time, so as you can imagine, going from a 1700 sq ft house to a 2011 TIffin was quite the task.
Heck, just this weekend I cleaned out an old camper full of old junk. It took me a day but I can say it feels good to only have what I need right now in my life. ( And of course my sentimental items like cards and photos, awards, my sons schoolwork and more.)
It's so easy to fill our cupboards and closets with things that we *might* need for that special someday or event or occasion but what I have learned and realized more than ever is that if we are saving it for someday vs living and using it now, it is just taking up space and preventing us from feeling peace and joy. It can cause stress and anxiety because you can begin to feel like you're just managing your stuff instead of enjoying it.
Here are some ways to do that needed purge and create a simpler, cozier space. I hope it helps your shoulders feel lighter, your mind clearer and your heart more at rest. LESS cleaning and dusting!
So lets first decide the HOW then the WHAT and WHERE.
Set a Timer on your phone for 30 minutes. Start with one room at a time and divide things into 3 piles:
* to keep
*to donate
* to throw out
Bedroom: Go through old bedding and donate what you don't want anymore to a shelter or a local thrift store. Sort through old socks and see if you have any pairs that don't match up. Toss. Donate any clothing that no longer fits or if your style has changed. Go through any seasonal items that no longer serve you as you bring out the incoming season and pack up the season that is ending. Sort through shoes, jewelry, jackets, hats, sweaters, and underwear. If there are any storage containers you no longer need or knick-knacks, give them away. You could also host a yard sale and make some extra money ( which does take planning) or you could host a fun clothes swap party with friends! For kids rooms, go through old toys, schoolwork and projects craft stuff and simplify.
Bathroom: Under the sink and those medicine cabinets can be the worst culprits of clutter. Get rid of half-opened bottles of lotion, shampoos and conditioners, creams, old razors and anything you never use. Donate old curling irons and hair dryers. Old makeup? Toss it. Get rid of old expired medicine bottles. Never flush pills down the toilet since it can end up in the water supply. If you've received beauty baskets of mini gift bags with lotions, donate them to charity.
Kitchen: Everyone has that dreaded junk drawer that needs cleaning. Tackle that first and save only what you know you'll need. Go through kitchen utensils and donate old items. Clean out the refrigerator and toss out expired food. Sift through your pans, pots, silverware, towels, cleaning supplies, rags, mugs, cups, plates, bowls and Tupperware.
Living Area: Sort through old movies, books, CDs, newspapers and magazines and switch to online versions instead. It'll save you money. Donate any furniture you don't want or need. Pillows, throw blankets, home decor, frames, art, things like that. Family games and puzzles can be given to charity. You can even swap them for some "new" games to play!
Don't forget you can shred or burn any business files older than 7 years. Toss out old statements and bills.
Alright... ready, set, GO! You've got this mama!
xo
erika
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