Tag Archives: de-cluttering

Simplify

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Confession: I have a “stuff” problem. So much so that I am CONSTANTLY buying baskets to put my “stuff” in. I’ve come to the realization that I place waaaaay too much importance on material possessions, but they aren’t “important” to me.

I want to live simply…live with less, and do MORE of what I love. Enter my new goal: SIMPLIFY.

I don’t really know where to start, but I do know that I want this to be long term. So, I am going to start slow. If I purge too fast, I know myself well enough to know that I run the risk of going on a spending spree to replace what I purged. Classic Sarah.

My plan is simple. I am either going to donate or sell our “excess.”

I am slowly going through our home (systematically), examining its contents, and asking myself these questions:

1. Do I use/need it?

2. Does it add value (not monetary) or meaning to our life?

If the answer to either question is yes, then it stays. If the answer is no, then I ask myself another question…

3. Is someone likely to buy it? (Yes items are noted for garage sale)

If the answer is no, I ask myself one more question…

4. Could someone else need/benefit from this?

No? Trash. Yes? Into a box for donations it goes.

I am hoping this is just the beginning of something great for our family… time will tell. If you are on a similar journey or already living a “less is more” lifestyle, all tips, suggestions and words of wisdom are much appreciated. 🙂

This is definitely different than any kind of purge I’ve done before so, like I said before, I’m taking it slow. Radical change doesn’t happen over night :)…though my husband might say his Type A wife sometimes attempts just that…

Less is More

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De cluttering can seem overwhelming. A few questions that immediately gave me pause when I started simplifying were: what defines clutter? What if it was a gift? What if I need it again? What if it holds sentimental value? What now?

Well, I have discovered that each one of those questions is (fairly) easily answered.

1. What is clutter? Anything that gets in the way of completing a specific task is clutter, and anything you don’t use or (really) love is clutter. (e.g. a centerpiece that has to be moved every time you sit down to dinner).

2. What if it was a gift? So what. Rest assured, the gift giver did not intend to give you something that would collect dust or that you would keep FOREVER. See answer to question 1.

3. What if I need it again? You likely won’t, but if you are worried put it in a box and let some time pass before getting rid of it. Also, really think about the word “need” as it is often confused with the word “want.”

4. What if it holds sentimental value? Objects don’t hold memories. You do.

5. What now? Donate it to benefit someone else or sell it to pay down debt.

When you are done, you won’t just have less stuff. You will have more time, more money, and more energy to focus on what really matters to you. Less is more.