"Maybe I should just save this for a rainy day?"
"Maybe I can just fix this and it will be okay?"
Are you asking yourself these questions?
Let me ask you this...Why do we live under such clutter and pressure over someone else's collections or over broken things?
No one needs to decide this for us more than ourselves.
Our joy is not defined by stuff. It is with experience. Besides who likes dusting it all and organizing all the time?
Wouldn't it be great to just start clean and fresh? Have a simpler life? It really is easier than you think!
Today is the day that you can simply start.
Here are some of the steps that we took to clear the clutter from our life and open up opportunity for joy and creativity.
1. You are the one deciding! - Remember Grandma Joyce no longer owns that silly set of salt and pepper shakers that are cluttering up the cabinet. She isn't the decision maker for your space. You are. If you don't want them donate them!
2. If it doesn't bring you joy DO NOT hang on to it! - When it comes to collectibles this is the way to go. If you just really don't care for the set of porcelain dolls your great Aunt Gertrude willed to you then sell them! Let them collect dust in someone else's home. Use the money to help someone in need.
3. Take a picture - If the items are sentimental and it is just taking up space, remember it through a photo. Photos can do a lot of good. Make a scrapbook so your kids can see what you used to have if it is that sentimental. Donate the item and print a picture. It takes up way less space.
4. Multiple Items - How many curling irons do you need? Have a huge drawer of makeup? Start with the things that are expired and throw them out! Next pick the shades that you love and stick with the natural. When you go to purchase makeup again look for something that is natural, organic and eco-friendly, or better yet... Don't wear anything! Ladies, I speak from my heart and experience, your ultimate beauty shines through when you de-clutter.
5. Broken Items - If it is broken and you aren't able to fix it right away don't keep it. I broke my door handle to my car the other day. I ordered a new part on online right away and will fix it again as soon as it arrives. As soon as I take the broken piece off I will throw it away. Don't keep the spare parts.
6. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Stop buying trendy items, the less you buy the less they produce (It takes a mind shift but it is possible). Avoid packaging, bring your own bags and containers to fill up at the bulk bins. Reuse things- plastic bottles your agave syrup came in. They are great for sauces, dressings, etc. Hand down clothing to others. Swap clothes with a friend. Its fun and its free. When you can't Reduce or Reuse, Recycle. Check where local facilities exist. Push recycling in all areas. We owe the world this. (Can't wait to do a blog on this alone)
7. Give/ Donate- Have some items you have been saving for someone else? Make up some bags/boxes (I use paper sacks or re-useables and put their names on them. I toss the items they can use in the bag and plan to deliver/ship at the end of the week. I also keep a bag close to the front door for donation items and take it in to the local center once a week. Its awesome to keep the clutter at bay.
I have some many more ideas that can help your minimalism journey improve daily. Some of the ideas are borrowed and some I have come up with from trial and error. There are several more items that I would love to share with you in regards to minimizing clutter but this will get you on the right path for a successful START.
Remember this: If you didn't get rid of very much this time, you can always go back and go through it again. I still do this and find items I missed. If it doesn't bring you joy... it isn't worth keeping.
Happy Freeing!
Jaime
No comments:
Post a Comment