Not every one can live in a house that looks like it’s fresh out of a magazine. A clean, organized, clutter free house is one of the most important things in my life. And although I have no children, it is almost impossible to do with them. When I see items I have not used in my home for months or even years (rare to find that in my house) I get rid of it. You can sell or trade just about any item nowadays.
I guess you can say the television show Hoarders really freaked me out the first time I watched it. Although I’ve never hoarded, I did have many items accumulating from years and years of just living. Unused gifts, CDs, clothing that didn’t fit, shoes that were worn out, old purses, costume jewelry, over-expired canned goods and condiments.
When I looked around the apartment I was shocked by how much ‘stuff’ I had accumulated and decided that it was time to go through room by room and tidy up my life. And it was the BEST thing I’ve ever done. I began in the bedroom – old clothing, purses and shoes followed by costumes jewelry, and old bed linens. All items were donated to family who went through and kept what fit or they had use for and the rest went to charity. Some of the clothing still had tags on them.
The livingroom was next. It doesn’t seem like you would have much in the living room but somehow each drawer had things in them that I would never use. Old coin rollers, CD cases, old technology (cell phones), stacks of magazines and in the storage ottomans dog clothes to small or big for Chaya and old Christmas decorations. It all had to go. Why was I keeping it?
The kitchen had old pots and pans, stained towels, old dishes and cutlery, mis-matched glasses, tupperware with no top or matching bottom. A toaster oven I hadn’t used in 6 years stored away taking up valuable cupboard space. Old pot planters, candle containers with no more wax and assorted vases I’ve never used.
Once each room was complete I held a garage sale and sold the items I could. And at the end of the day the rest was donated. I must have cleared 2 or 3 large garbage bags out of the bedroom, 4 large boxes from the kitchen and a couple boxes from the living room. Once everything was out of the apartment it seemed cleaner and stress free. I have more room in my drawers and cupboards for the things that are important to me. And when I get a new item an old one has to go. I practice this at both of my places. This way both places are tidy and need minimal cleaning of clutter. Each item has its space and I know that I use everything I own.
If you’re not sure what is important to you, look around at the items and see if you use it every day, weekly or once a month. If something doesn’t fall in to one of those categories maybe you should consider letting it go. Why are you holding on to that object? Some have memories and I’m not saying throw them out, just pick what’s most important and ask yourself “do I need this ___________ or is the memory of the person who gave it to me enough?”
Just because some one gave you something doesn’t mean they want you to keep it for ever. Maybe it’s something that will only look good for a few months or a couple years. If something is broken beyond repair – cut it lose. Keep what makes you happy, really that is all that matters.
🙂
My Country Farmhouse 