Because You Have Too Much Stuff
1. 1.4 million Americans suffer from chronic hoarding & clutter.
2. People burn 55 minutes a day looking for things.
3. 80 percent of what we own we never use.
4. 1800GotJunk.comPay someone else to take out the (big, cumbersome) trash.
5. Publicstorage.comLock it up in more than 2,100 locations around the U.S.
6. redshield.orgSchedule a pickup with your local Salvation Army.
7. earth911.orgFind local recycling and reuse programs for all kinds of household items.
Because It's Fun
8. 127sale.comSet up shop at the World's Longest Yard Sale, August 2-5, along 450 miles of Highway 127 in the southeastern U.S.
9. Or peddle your wares in your own front yard on National Garage Sale Day, August 10.
10. Swaporamarama.orgAttend nationwide clothing exchanges and do-it-yourself alteration workshops.
11. Wildzipper.comWatch as a pile of your favorite old T-shirts is converted into a quilt.
Because Someone Else Needs It
Cell Phones
12. Verizonwireless.comPut a refurbished phone (of any brand) into the hands of a domestic violence victim.
13. Eco-cell.comOr let its sale benefit an environmental charity.
14. Care.orgSend a phone to the field staff of a poverty-fighting mission.
Digital Cameras
15. Operationhomefront.netHelp keep service members in touch with their families.
All Technology
16. Rethink.Ebay.comWork with charities to find homes for consumer electronics.
17. youthfortechnology.orgPut scanners, computers, and cameras in the hands of deserving, impoverished kids around the world.
Air Miles
18. Redcross.orgFor Red Cross staff and volunteers
19. Heromiles.comFor deployed soldiers
20. Marrow.orgFor transplant patients
21. Childrenscancerassociation.orgFor terminally ill kids
Furniture & Appliances
22. excessaccess.orgMatch your household items with a local non-profit's wish list.
23. help1up.orgFurnish homes for disaster victims.
24. dressforsuccess.orgGive interview and work clothing to disadvantaged women.
25. makingmemories.orgDonate a wedding gown to benefit breast-cancer patients.
26. www.operationfairydust.orgSend formal wear to teenage girls who need help getting to the prom.
27. onewarmcoat.orgA free coat to anyone who needs one.
28. boulderrunning.comShip shoes and sportswear to struggling athletes around the world.
Other
29. Suitcasesforkids.orgSupply children in foster care with luggage.
30. Uniteforsight.org & givethegiftofsight.orgSend eyewear to men and women in underdeveloped countries.
31. Savethechildren.orgConvert American Express credit card points to cash donations.
32. Cartalk.comDonate a used vehicle to support your local public radio station.
33. Booksforafrica.orgGive everything from storybooks to encyclopedias.
34. Cap4pets.orgSend towels and newspapers to animal shelters.
35. Goodwill.orgFund job training programs and social services.
36. Freecycle.orgPost donations for charities (and regular folks) to claim.
37. Habitat.orgDonate leftover building supplies to Habitat for Humanity's ReStores.
Computers
38. Cristina.orgTechnology and training for the disabled and disadvantaged.
39. Sharetechnology.orgConnecting donations with charities across the U.S.
40. Worldcomputerexchange.orgSend computers to more than 50 developing countries.
Because It Can Be Turned Into Something Else
41. Nikereuseashoe.comRecycled footwear materials become sports and playground surfaces.
42. Patagonia.comDonated Capilene base layers become polyester fibers for new Capilene garments.
43. Pangea organics' packaging becomes an herb garden when planted in soil.
44. Cargo cosmetics' PlantLove lipstick tubes come in plantable boxes that sprout wildflowers.
45. Pencilthings.comOld newspapers become colored pencils.
46. Vivaterra.comRubber tires become sleek purses...
47. Passchal.com...or rugged iPod covers.
48. Gaiam.comPlastic soda bottles become durable hammocks.
49. Recycline.comYogurt containers become colorful plates, flatware, toothbrushes, and razors
Because It Will Make Your Life Better
50. Getting rid of clutter will reduce housework by 40 percent.
51. Erase a $10K credit card debt (with an average interest rate) 65 percent faster -- and pay 75 percent less total interest -- when you pay double the typical minimum monthly payment.
52. Download security software like Stopzilla to keep a lid on computer pop-ups.
53. Around 23 percent of people pay late fees on bills they cannot find.
Because You Can Get Something Back
54. Return six MAC Cosmetics containers to any MAC store and receive a free lipstick.
55. Trade in an old iPod and receive a 10 percent discount on a new one.
56. Coinstar.comEasily convert spare change into "real" money.
57. Craigslist.orgSell it to your neighbors.
58. ebay.comSell it to anyone.
59. giftcardbuyback.com.Get cash for gift cards you'll never use.
60 Paperbackswap.comTrade the books you have for the ones you want.
61. Peerflix.comTrade the DVDs you've seen for the ones you haven't.
62. Spun.comClear off your CD shelves, and make money in the process.
63. Titletrader.comThe great entertainment exchange: books, music, movies, and games, all swapped in one place.
Because It's Old/Expired
64. energystar.govReplacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones saves money and fuel.
65. Running shoes should be retired after 300 to 500 miles in order to prevent injuries.
66. Deep-six your toothbrush every three to four months.
67. Swap your pitcher's water filter every two months (or as directed).
68. Change out disposable air conditioner filters once a month during cooling season.
69 Replace the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year.
70. foodsafety.govFind the USDA's recommended storage limits for refrigerated and frozen food.
71. Throw out mascara and moisturizer after three months.
72. Discard foundation and sunscreen after six months to a year.
73. Keep concealer, lipstick, eye- and lip liners, fragrances, powders, blushes, and shadows for only a year and a half to two years.
74.-76. Say goodbye to the dried-out remnants of your favorite no-longer-available lipstick, and check out threecustom.com, T.J.Maxx stores, or Lancome's beauty bye-bye program for replacements or duplicates of discontinued cosmetics.Because You Don't Want to Suffer from "Stuck Song Syndrome"
77. And these five tunes are among the most persistent: Chili's "Baby Back Ribs" jingle, "We Will Rock You," the "Mission Impossible" theme, "YMCA," and "It's a Small World After All." (Tip: Try drowning them out with classical music, which is less likely to haunt you after it's turned off.)
Because the Last Thing You Need Is More Paper Lying Around
78. File your taxes through an authorized IRS e-file provider.
79. Eliminate paper statements by banking and paying bills online.
80. Call 1-888-567-8688 to stop unwanted credit card solicitations.
81. Opt out of mailing and telemarketing lists by logging on to dmaconsumers.org.
Because There's a Better Option
82. Search for phone numbers online instead of storing bulky Yellow and White Pages volumes.
83. Lose the road maps and get a GPS system to download up-to-date travel guides.
84. Read "Dating Up: Dump the Schlump and Find a Quality Man," by J. Courtney Sullivan (Warner Books, $14, 2007).
Because You Don't Want to End Up Like Them
85. Miss Havisham in "Great Expectations"
86. Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale in "Grey Gardens"
87. Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple"
88. The family in the documentary "Packrat" (packratthemovie.com)
89. The Bronx, New York, man who, in 2003, was trapped in his home under an avalanche of books and newspapers for two days before being rescued.
Because If They Said It, It's Probably True
90. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo da Vinci
91. "Less is more." -Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
92. "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." -William Morris
93. "You've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative." -Johnny Mercer
94. "The joy of giving is indeed a pleasure, especially when you get rid of something you don't want." -Frank Butler and Frank Cavett, "Going My Way"
Or Just Because...
95. It has no value, sentimental or monetary.
96. It hasn't been used in over a year.
97. There is no logical place to keep it.
98. It doesn't work.
99. An ex gave it to you.
100. And what's the worst that can happen if you throw it out?
Marthastewart.com
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
My Decluttering Steps
There are many ways people declutter. There are many different "programs" and "techniques" to follow. They work for some people, but for others, like myself, I end up falling on my butt only to say "What!!!!! I just decluttered and it looks like i I did nothing!" I think the steps you take to declutter and simplify depend on your personality. Some people like to get it done and over with. Soem like to take their time adn plan it out, step-by-step. Others like to reminese about fond memories of said object. While some just toss it in the box without a care in the world. I think I may have finally found MY way of decluttering.
1. You never need more than 1 of anything.
2. Who cares if it's a set. I only use the cups from it. The rest can go.
3. I'm pretty sure that 1 big bookcase is enough. If I want more books, there is always the library.
So far, that's as far as I've gotten. I have to ease in and find my decluttering, simplifying niche and run with it. I have to test the waters to see if it's the right fit.
1. You never need more than 1 of anything.
2. Who cares if it's a set. I only use the cups from it. The rest can go.
3. I'm pretty sure that 1 big bookcase is enough. If I want more books, there is always the library.
So far, that's as far as I've gotten. I have to ease in and find my decluttering, simplifying niche and run with it. I have to test the waters to see if it's the right fit.
Quiz: Clutter Impact
Adapted from The Lilypad List, by Marian Van Eyk McCain (Findhorn Press, 2004).
Let’s face it: some of us wouldn’t be comfortable living a stripped-down, minimalist lifestyle--we prefer to be surrounded by beloved stuff. But others of us can feel pretty claustrophobic in an untidy or cluttered space. Where do you fit on the spectrum?
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Take this short quiz to see how much of an impact clutter may be having on your life. Could you use a little simplicity overhaul? Find out:
1. Do you ever feel burdened by your possessions and wish you could ditch half of them?
2. Do you feel a huge sense of relief any time you take a pile of stuff to the dump or donate it to your local thrift shop?
3. Do you detest having surfaces in your house that are cluttered with ornaments, knick-knacks, or piles of paper?
4. Do you gaze longingly at pictures of Japanese house interiors with their clean lines and empty surfaces?
5. Do you admire plain, simple furniture/architecture/clothing and dislike ornateness, rococo designs, frills, and bows?
6. Does having an untidy desk make it harder for you to work?
7. Do you ever feel as though broken appliances, unpaid bills, and unfinished projects have voices and are clamoring as you walk by them?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to divest yourself of many of the ornamental things you have surrounded yourself with, but keep the really useful ones. Aesthetics--and creating a life less filled with “things”--may need to be a high priority for you.
Let’s face it: some of us wouldn’t be comfortable living a stripped-down, minimalist lifestyle--we prefer to be surrounded by beloved stuff. But others of us can feel pretty claustrophobic in an untidy or cluttered space. Where do you fit on the spectrum?
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Take this short quiz to see how much of an impact clutter may be having on your life. Could you use a little simplicity overhaul? Find out:
1. Do you ever feel burdened by your possessions and wish you could ditch half of them?
2. Do you feel a huge sense of relief any time you take a pile of stuff to the dump or donate it to your local thrift shop?
3. Do you detest having surfaces in your house that are cluttered with ornaments, knick-knacks, or piles of paper?
4. Do you gaze longingly at pictures of Japanese house interiors with their clean lines and empty surfaces?
5. Do you admire plain, simple furniture/architecture/clothing and dislike ornateness, rococo designs, frills, and bows?
6. Does having an untidy desk make it harder for you to work?
7. Do you ever feel as though broken appliances, unpaid bills, and unfinished projects have voices and are clamoring as you walk by them?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to divest yourself of many of the ornamental things you have surrounded yourself with, but keep the really useful ones. Aesthetics--and creating a life less filled with “things”--may need to be a high priority for you.
Monday, May 21, 2007
12 Strategies for (finally!) letting go of stuff you don't really need
It’s ok to keep the things you really appreciate, this process is more about discovering what you love and separating those things out from the overwhelming mass of “stuff” in your surroundings so you can have more freedom to enjoy your life.
When you are ready to start, I recommend you take a deep breath, be thankful for your willingness to do this difficult work, and enjoy the process! Set aside a short period of time and identify one place to start—one cabinet, one drawer, one closet, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Keep in mind why you are doing this; to clear your energetic field of the things that no longer serve you and to discover who and what you are truly about. There is a freedom in this process that will deeply release you. Make it fun! This is not torture, this is you taking care of yourself.
1. Clutter is nothing but unmade decisions...so make sure you touch everything in the zone you are working in. Don't put things off because it is too hard to decide. (see #12) You can always come back to the decision before the end of the session, but decide TODAY, so it's done. The burst of energy comes because you are released from the bondage of attachment, I promise it gets easier the more you let go. I PROMISE.
2. If there is something that you are sentimentally attached to because of the memory or person it reminds you of but you don’t love the item, consider taking a photograph and then giving away or tossing the object.
3. Try to set a numerical standard for your environment, such as, “I will only keep things that I consider more that an ‘8’ [or whatever number feels right for you]”. As you sort through your things, assign them a number, and stick to your policy. It is amazing how well this works for some people!
4. As you have your hands on the item, simply ask yourself, “do I LOVE it?” If not, let it go. Most people never ask themselves that question, and end up surrounded with things they don’t even want, need or care for.
5. Make a policy for your collections, such as magazines, i.e. I will only keep the issues from the previous three months, or I will donate or give away any clothing that I haven’t worn in the last year.
6. Create a “memorabilia box”, and keep only your most prized treasures there. This way, you can consciously choose the things you love the most and let go of the rest.
7. Use the mantra, “I can keep the memory, and let go of the thing.”
8. Ask yourself, “why am I keeping this?” and really listen for the answer.
9. Choose a friend or family member you trust to assist you for this process. For many people, letting go is easier with someone close by as support.
10. Literally KISS the item goodbye. If you used to love something, try giving it a goodbye kiss just before letting it go. Somehow, this closes an energetic door with the item, while acknowledging your feelings about it.
11. If you find yourself attaching the feelings you have for the giver of the gift to the item, and therefore have a hard time letting go of such things as Aunt Mary’s orange, yellow and brown crocheted afghan, try “breathing in” all of the energy of Aunt Mary from the item, and the see how easy it is to let go! [ok, I know this is 'woo woo', but it works!]
12. Create a “decompression chamber”—a shelf or drawer near where you are working, for the “maybe” items. Tell yourself that this chamber can remove the emotional charge you have on the item from the item itself. In a few hours, go back to the item and see if you still want to keep it, once it has been “de-charged”. It’s amazing how effective this can be!
Many people think of letting go as having less, but actually, there are many things you will have MORE of: freedom, peace of mind, ease of access. People are amazed at how much more abundance they feel when they start letting go of the “too much” in their lives. Try it—it’s catching!
And keep in mind: it’s not clutter if you really love it.
http://www.its-not-about-your-stuff.com/2006/08/12_strategies_f.html
When you are ready to start, I recommend you take a deep breath, be thankful for your willingness to do this difficult work, and enjoy the process! Set aside a short period of time and identify one place to start—one cabinet, one drawer, one closet, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Keep in mind why you are doing this; to clear your energetic field of the things that no longer serve you and to discover who and what you are truly about. There is a freedom in this process that will deeply release you. Make it fun! This is not torture, this is you taking care of yourself.
1. Clutter is nothing but unmade decisions...so make sure you touch everything in the zone you are working in. Don't put things off because it is too hard to decide. (see #12) You can always come back to the decision before the end of the session, but decide TODAY, so it's done. The burst of energy comes because you are released from the bondage of attachment, I promise it gets easier the more you let go. I PROMISE.
2. If there is something that you are sentimentally attached to because of the memory or person it reminds you of but you don’t love the item, consider taking a photograph and then giving away or tossing the object.
3. Try to set a numerical standard for your environment, such as, “I will only keep things that I consider more that an ‘8’ [or whatever number feels right for you]”. As you sort through your things, assign them a number, and stick to your policy. It is amazing how well this works for some people!
4. As you have your hands on the item, simply ask yourself, “do I LOVE it?” If not, let it go. Most people never ask themselves that question, and end up surrounded with things they don’t even want, need or care for.
5. Make a policy for your collections, such as magazines, i.e. I will only keep the issues from the previous three months, or I will donate or give away any clothing that I haven’t worn in the last year.
6. Create a “memorabilia box”, and keep only your most prized treasures there. This way, you can consciously choose the things you love the most and let go of the rest.
7. Use the mantra, “I can keep the memory, and let go of the thing.”
8. Ask yourself, “why am I keeping this?” and really listen for the answer.
9. Choose a friend or family member you trust to assist you for this process. For many people, letting go is easier with someone close by as support.
10. Literally KISS the item goodbye. If you used to love something, try giving it a goodbye kiss just before letting it go. Somehow, this closes an energetic door with the item, while acknowledging your feelings about it.
11. If you find yourself attaching the feelings you have for the giver of the gift to the item, and therefore have a hard time letting go of such things as Aunt Mary’s orange, yellow and brown crocheted afghan, try “breathing in” all of the energy of Aunt Mary from the item, and the see how easy it is to let go! [ok, I know this is 'woo woo', but it works!]
12. Create a “decompression chamber”—a shelf or drawer near where you are working, for the “maybe” items. Tell yourself that this chamber can remove the emotional charge you have on the item from the item itself. In a few hours, go back to the item and see if you still want to keep it, once it has been “de-charged”. It’s amazing how effective this can be!
Many people think of letting go as having less, but actually, there are many things you will have MORE of: freedom, peace of mind, ease of access. People are amazed at how much more abundance they feel when they start letting go of the “too much” in their lives. Try it—it’s catching!
And keep in mind: it’s not clutter if you really love it.
http://www.its-not-about-your-stuff.com/2006/08/12_strategies_f.html
Good Rules of thumb for Declutterers
* get rid of anything that requires you to purchase some kind of organization item for it. chances are, you don't need that crap to begin with.
* anything that ends up covered in dust--if you really loved it that much, it would get more attention.
* anything you can always find at goodwill for under a buck that you hardly ever use anyway.
* Get rid of duplicate things you have from when you got married that you thought you'd keep both of in case one broke
* Get rid of that box of stuff you might try to sell someday.
* get rid of stuff that just never seems to find a "home".
* get rid of "some day" things, as in "SOME DAY I'll use this for xyz".
* Get rid of things you would NOT want to pack up and have to move if you were moving to a different home.
* get rid of all of the boxes that haven't been unpacked yet from the last time you moved.
* things that "can be fixed" -if you haven't fixed it by now, it's probably not going to happen.
EMOTIONAL/SENTIMENTAL:
* Consider taking a photograph of a momento then getting rid of the actual momento.
* Get rid of ANYTHING that does not bring you some joy when you see it or use it.
* Get rid of gifts you don't like and things you keep out of guilt or obligation
* Get rid of anything that reminds you of someone who doesn't make your life joyful
* Get rid of thank you cards, birthday cards...that don't really have special meaning
* Get rid of things that make you feel like you're not the person you want to be (those reminders of things you'd love to do but never have time to and that only drain your spirit/energy)
* Get Rid of Anything You Don't Need or Love, things that aren't "you".
* If you pick something up and wonder whether you need it, you don't. The things you truly need and love - you know that without hesitation.
* Ditch all your dried flowers.
* Get rid of balloons that no longer stay afloat
KITCHEN
* Get rid of kitchen appliances you use less than, say, once a month
* Anything in the kitchen cupboard (dishes, canned goods, utensils, you name it) that haven't been used in a year. (Other than the forspecial china and silver).
* Get rid of all but four pot holders
* all the extra measuring spoons and cups
* All those knives that don't really do it. you only really need 2.
* the cookie cutters that are never used.
* Get rid of food in the pantry that has sat there for a yr (find a new owner or toss it with an expired date)
* most of the tupperware can go
CLOTHING/LINENS:
* Get rid of clothes you don't look good in, don't fit right, or you don’t love.
* Ugly, stained, ill-fitting, maybe someday I'll wear it again, itchy clothes. (keep one set for painting and crud)
* Get rid of clothing I won't wear or haven't worn in 2 yrs
* Get rid of the orphan socks and pairs of socks with holes in them - they're useless!
* Undies with holes even if they will last another year
*Get rid of all towels that are holy or frayed or excess (keep enough for 2 per person and 1 for the pets)
*Get rid of all bedding sets (keep 1 for myself and 2 per child)
* Get rid of your fat clothes, your skinny clothes ... dress the body you have and love it
*Get rid of hand-me-down clothes that you don't even like!
* Get rid of the 8 or 9 boxes of fancy baby clothes that will never be used
HOBBIES/MEDIA:
* Get rid of books/magazines you don't read all the time, will never read again, or no longer interest you (what's a library for after all?)
* Get rid of outdated reference materials
* Get rid of pictures and artwork you have no place to put - if you like it, then find a place for it - take something you like less down, but if it doesn't have a place what good is it?
* decorations you don't love
* craft supplies you aren't using
* Get rid of scrap wood from that last project, unless you have an actual plan in mind for it.
* Get rid of scrap fabric.
KIDS STUFF:
* all the extra markers and crayons. keep one set of new.
* Get rid of dried up play dough.
* Get rid of happy meal toys, toys that are overflowing out of the toy bins, toys the kids don't even know they have, noise-making toys that require batteries!
* all but 25 favorite toys for each kid (sets count as one thing). This one is hard.
* Stuffed animals. They are nasty and collect dust. Keep one or two special loves. but not 50.
* Get rid of poorly written, insanely annoying or duplicate kids books.
* Get rid of broken crayons (yes, I know you can melt them to make block crayons. If you were going to do that, wouldn't you have done it already?).
* Get rid of things you have been collecting to do "recycled art" with your kids, unless you actually plan to do it this week. There will always be more.
JUNK EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE:
* that bunch of random floating pens--give em to the grocery store clerk
* All those screws and nails that are leftover from everything. Can never find the one you want anyway.
* Get rid of blurry or bad photos (especially if they're duplicate prints), unless it's the one shot you have of a momentous event.
* Get rid of at least one rubbermaid of the Christmas decorations you don't like that have been heaped upon you because your inlaws can't imagine that maybe you want a simple Christmas.
* Get rid of the 9 extra cameras that haven't been touched since the digital camera was purchased.
* Get rid of the two "spare" computers that barely work, take 10 minutes to boot up, and sound like jet engines when they run.
* Get rid of the "spare" furniture (that entertainment center) that has been sitting in the garage and storage area since move in day, extra furniture, the ugly chair in my bedroom
* Get rid of junk mail!!
*Get rid of all outdated toiletries and make-up, products (cleaning and body) that are unsafe and lotions and potions you no longer use
* Get boxes loaded with books, DVD's, cd's and clothes OUT of here, before I start going through them and "finding" things I "need" to keep.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=640788
* anything that ends up covered in dust--if you really loved it that much, it would get more attention.
* anything you can always find at goodwill for under a buck that you hardly ever use anyway.
* Get rid of duplicate things you have from when you got married that you thought you'd keep both of in case one broke
* Get rid of that box of stuff you might try to sell someday.
* get rid of stuff that just never seems to find a "home".
* get rid of "some day" things, as in "SOME DAY I'll use this for xyz".
* Get rid of things you would NOT want to pack up and have to move if you were moving to a different home.
* get rid of all of the boxes that haven't been unpacked yet from the last time you moved.
* things that "can be fixed" -if you haven't fixed it by now, it's probably not going to happen.
EMOTIONAL/SENTIMENTAL:
* Consider taking a photograph of a momento then getting rid of the actual momento.
* Get rid of ANYTHING that does not bring you some joy when you see it or use it.
* Get rid of gifts you don't like and things you keep out of guilt or obligation
* Get rid of anything that reminds you of someone who doesn't make your life joyful
* Get rid of thank you cards, birthday cards...that don't really have special meaning
* Get rid of things that make you feel like you're not the person you want to be (those reminders of things you'd love to do but never have time to and that only drain your spirit/energy)
* Get Rid of Anything You Don't Need or Love, things that aren't "you".
* If you pick something up and wonder whether you need it, you don't. The things you truly need and love - you know that without hesitation.
* Ditch all your dried flowers.
* Get rid of balloons that no longer stay afloat
KITCHEN
* Get rid of kitchen appliances you use less than, say, once a month
* Anything in the kitchen cupboard (dishes, canned goods, utensils, you name it) that haven't been used in a year. (Other than the forspecial china and silver).
* Get rid of all but four pot holders
* all the extra measuring spoons and cups
* All those knives that don't really do it. you only really need 2.
* the cookie cutters that are never used.
* Get rid of food in the pantry that has sat there for a yr (find a new owner or toss it with an expired date)
* most of the tupperware can go
CLOTHING/LINENS:
* Get rid of clothes you don't look good in, don't fit right, or you don’t love.
* Ugly, stained, ill-fitting, maybe someday I'll wear it again, itchy clothes. (keep one set for painting and crud)
* Get rid of clothing I won't wear or haven't worn in 2 yrs
* Get rid of the orphan socks and pairs of socks with holes in them - they're useless!
* Undies with holes even if they will last another year
*Get rid of all towels that are holy or frayed or excess (keep enough for 2 per person and 1 for the pets)
*Get rid of all bedding sets (keep 1 for myself and 2 per child)
* Get rid of your fat clothes, your skinny clothes ... dress the body you have and love it
*Get rid of hand-me-down clothes that you don't even like!
* Get rid of the 8 or 9 boxes of fancy baby clothes that will never be used
HOBBIES/MEDIA:
* Get rid of books/magazines you don't read all the time, will never read again, or no longer interest you (what's a library for after all?)
* Get rid of outdated reference materials
* Get rid of pictures and artwork you have no place to put - if you like it, then find a place for it - take something you like less down, but if it doesn't have a place what good is it?
* decorations you don't love
* craft supplies you aren't using
* Get rid of scrap wood from that last project, unless you have an actual plan in mind for it.
* Get rid of scrap fabric.
KIDS STUFF:
* all the extra markers and crayons. keep one set of new.
* Get rid of dried up play dough.
* Get rid of happy meal toys, toys that are overflowing out of the toy bins, toys the kids don't even know they have, noise-making toys that require batteries!
* all but 25 favorite toys for each kid (sets count as one thing). This one is hard.
* Stuffed animals. They are nasty and collect dust. Keep one or two special loves. but not 50.
* Get rid of poorly written, insanely annoying or duplicate kids books.
* Get rid of broken crayons (yes, I know you can melt them to make block crayons. If you were going to do that, wouldn't you have done it already?).
* Get rid of things you have been collecting to do "recycled art" with your kids, unless you actually plan to do it this week. There will always be more.
JUNK EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE:
* that bunch of random floating pens--give em to the grocery store clerk
* All those screws and nails that are leftover from everything. Can never find the one you want anyway.
* Get rid of blurry or bad photos (especially if they're duplicate prints), unless it's the one shot you have of a momentous event.
* Get rid of at least one rubbermaid of the Christmas decorations you don't like that have been heaped upon you because your inlaws can't imagine that maybe you want a simple Christmas.
* Get rid of the 9 extra cameras that haven't been touched since the digital camera was purchased.
* Get rid of the two "spare" computers that barely work, take 10 minutes to boot up, and sound like jet engines when they run.
* Get rid of the "spare" furniture (that entertainment center) that has been sitting in the garage and storage area since move in day, extra furniture, the ugly chair in my bedroom
* Get rid of junk mail!!
*Get rid of all outdated toiletries and make-up, products (cleaning and body) that are unsafe and lotions and potions you no longer use
* Get boxes loaded with books, DVD's, cd's and clothes OUT of here, before I start going through them and "finding" things I "need" to keep.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=640788
Tackling big challenges with small actions
This is a perfect illustration of tackling big challenges with small actions. It also shows the power of focus. There's a growing tendency for people to want to have it all. Not wanting to sacrifice anything, they run themselves straight into the ground--sometimes literally--only to end up frustrated, unhealthy, and tired, with nothing to show for it. What they don't realize is that you can have it all (or close to it). You just can't have it all right now. Does it feel like you're always busy, but you never seem to get anywhere? That's because when you try to do everything, you don't do anything well. Your child may force you to learn this lesson anyway. Instead of living your life all at once, try doing one thing at a time. Choose one goal and, through some small "things" every day, focus in on it until you've succeeded. During the day, put your full mind and efforts on one task at a time. You'll be much more productive (and calm) in the long run.
-Sparkpeople.com-
"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."
-Calvin Coolidge-
Monday, May 7, 2007
Tips for a great yard sale
A garage sale is a great way to clear the clutter and make some extra cash. You would be surprised as to what people will purchase. What you may think is trash, could be someone elses treasure.
Listed below are the guidelines that I use when having a sale.
1. Make sure you have a price on everything. It makes it so much easier when trying to negotiate if there is already a price listed on the item.
2. Make sure the item is in decent shape. No one wants to buy your ratty old socks with holes in them.
3. Place like items together. Kitchen stuff in a kitchen area, toys in the toy area, books with books, you get the point.
4. ADVERTISE!!!!! Even if that means posting a few signs or listing on craigslist. It is worth the extra effort.
5. Provide refreshments. there is nothing cuter than a 3 year old asking you is you would like a cup of wemonade and a chlocit chip cookie. No one can refuse that.
6. Provide music. I prefer to play some 80's tunes. I haven't met a person yet that didn't like 80's pop music.
7. During the last 2 hours of your sale, mark everything down 50%. The things that you do not want to mark down, remove them from the sale.
8. During the last 30 minutes, let everything go for free.
And is all else fails, you can skip the garage sale and give it all away on freecycle!
Listed below are the guidelines that I use when having a sale.
1. Make sure you have a price on everything. It makes it so much easier when trying to negotiate if there is already a price listed on the item.
2. Make sure the item is in decent shape. No one wants to buy your ratty old socks with holes in them.
3. Place like items together. Kitchen stuff in a kitchen area, toys in the toy area, books with books, you get the point.
4. ADVERTISE!!!!! Even if that means posting a few signs or listing on craigslist. It is worth the extra effort.
5. Provide refreshments. there is nothing cuter than a 3 year old asking you is you would like a cup of wemonade and a chlocit chip cookie. No one can refuse that.
6. Provide music. I prefer to play some 80's tunes. I haven't met a person yet that didn't like 80's pop music.
7. During the last 2 hours of your sale, mark everything down 50%. The things that you do not want to mark down, remove them from the sale.
8. During the last 30 minutes, let everything go for free.
And is all else fails, you can skip the garage sale and give it all away on freecycle!
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