Many people struggle with clutter because they just don’t know where to start. Here's an easy list of things that you can get rid of today to jump start your decluttering journey!
As temperatures begin to change, many people swap their seasonal clothing. This is a great opportunity to assess what you didn’t wear in the previous season or to address any missing buttons, pulled threads or otherwise worn-out items. If you really love a piece, make a plan to fix it in the off season, otherwise it is time to get rid of it!
2. Chipped dishes, mugs, serving ware
Most homes have an over abundance of mismatched coffee mugs and other cups. If you have any that are chipped or cracked, the decision to pare down your collection becomes easy! The same goes for dishes and serving ware. If you have anything in your kitchen that is broken or worn beyond use, maybe now is the time to add a new one to your holiday gift list (if it is something you will actually use and need to replace) and discard the old one.
3. Old catalogs, newspapers and magazines (and sometimes new)
As is the case with many, I have been inundated with catalogs lately, and after a cursory glance through, I put them straight into the recycling. If you haven’t had the chance, make time this weekend to go through your stack(s), make note or take pictures of anything you feel the need to keep for later reference, and then toss/recycle! If you have the time, most catalogs have an option to unsubscribe from receiving them in the future by visiting their website.
4. Out of date reference materials
Did you finish school more than 5 years ago? If yes, most of the reference material you have kept is very likely to be referenced again. Textbooks are regularly updated with the latest information, and in most cases, you can get the relevant information online or from the library. The same applies to materials from conferences or professional classes.
5. Expired food/medications/makeup
While these items won’t necessarily hurt you to use them, they lose their efficacy and/or flavor over time. You COULD still use them, but when you are cooking a dish or fighting a cold wouldn’t you want these items to pack the full punch of their intended purpose?
6. Broken or toys with missing pieces
Cars with missing wheels, Battleship without the battleship? Now is the time…
7. Unwanted/never used gifts
As Marie Kondo says, “The true purpose of a present is to be received” and now that you have done so graciously, you do not need to feel bad passing it along to someone else who will be able to use it and appreciate it.
8. Outdated manuals and warranty information
Every year or so, you should go through your stash and make sure that you still have all the relevant items associated with these. Honestly, most of the information can be found online, so you could probably get rid of most (if not all of these).
9. Anything that makes you sad
On more than one occasion I have had a client question holding on to something from an ex or family member that simply makes them sad to look at, but they don’t want to part with it because it is “nice” or expensive. Here is your permission to let it go! If it is something of considerable value, go ahead and sell it, but there is no reason to invite sadness into your life every time you come upon it.
10. TRASH!
Straight up garbage can sometimes sneak in and around the house, empty all your trash cans, clear off the counters, and check all the hidden spots that things naturally collect.
Are there any other areas that need a refresh in your house?
I would love to help you get your house organized for the holidays!
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