Did you make a resolution to declutter this year? Have you started? It can be a daunting project, I know.
Here are a few suggestions:
- For each new item you bring into your house, find one you can toss out (and by toss, I mean recycle if possible). You buy a pair of new sneakers. Get rid of the old ones. New dish towels? The old ones go.
- Don’t shop the sales. It’s too tempting. Shop for what you truly need. And purchase quality goods. A lot of the time, stuff is on sale because it isn’t selling – clothes that are out of style, linens that are of inferior quality.
- Say no sometimes! If it’s difficult for you to turn down requests for your time, then no wonder your life is cluttered! I was that person, but I’m learning. I can’t be everything to everyone everywhere. I used to feel as though I was letting people down when I said no. But I’m doing better.
- Get rid of one thing every day. I find this to be one of the best tips, especially if you’re overwhelmed with the prospect of decluttering. Just one thing each day!
- Don’t set a time frame. Yes, I know this series is my year-long blogging project, but I’m not going to stop living this way just because I’ll stop blogging about it each week. For me, it’s like Weight Watchers – a lifelong journey of trying to do better. I stumble plenty of times, but I always come back to trying.
So the beat goes on. This week I was triumphant against the temptation to buy stuff we surely didn’t need. Besides, I never would have heard the end of it!
For my clothes, I am definitely now at the one-in-one-out stage. I like to take part in running events, and most of them come with a free T-shirt. Some of those, sadly, need to go!
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Those are fantastic tips!! Thank you. They make it seem possible!
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Baby steps! Ongoing project for me. xxx
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I want you to know that I enjoy reading this blog every week. You have great advice that I am trying to live by.
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Thank you so much, Michelle. I’ve learned a lot, too!
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So I sent my son and daughter-in-law a box of Christmas ‘stuff’ and some Chinese porcelain figures that i had. My son said his wife wants to buy me something. I said NO. Everytime I get rid of something, a new item arrives. What’s a Mom to do? LOL
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Oh, that made me laugh, Denise!
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