Now that the presents are opened, it’s likely that you’ve got a lot of new stuff — especially if you have kids. I’m ashamed to admit it, but our guest bedroom was already so full that we could barely open the closet after we tidied the room for visiting family on Thanksgiving. With the gifts we received from generous friends and family at Christmas, we can’t even clear a path.
And we’re moving. In four months. Yikes.
So I’m starting to take serious stock of our stuff and start digging our way out. If you’re struggling to find room for all your new toys and clothes and electronics, maybe it’s time for you to take stock, too.
Here are some tips to make it easier on you (and me):
Take inventory and ditch the excess.
Is your silverware drawer overflowing? Do you have so many t-shirts that you can’t even close your drawers? Weeding out the excess is a great place to start clearing clutter. Keep only what you can fit in your space, and only keep the best. Now is the time to throw away holey t-shirts and socks, tarnished silverware, and anything else you’re keeping around just because you haven’t had time to get rid of it. If you think someone else can use it, then be sure to donate it!
Be honest with yourself.
It’s likely that your bread machine works perfectly. After all, you’ve only used it twice, so it’s practically brand new. But it’s time to stop telling yourself you’re going to use it someday if it’s been collecting dust and taking up space in your kitchen for two years. The same goes for your skinny jeans. If keeping one pair motivates you, that’s fine, but if you have a second wardrobe in a smaller size, it’s time to donate. Get rid of the clothes you’re not wearing, the kitchen gadgets you’re not using, and the electronics you’ve never used.
Use it or lose it.
I’m guilty of hanging on to things I don’t need for sentimental reasons. I tend to take Peter Walsh’s advice when it comes to this: if you love it, find a way to use it. If it’s crammed into a box in a closet, you’re not giving the things most important to you the respect they deserve. Start going through your sentimental boxes and finding a way to give these things a new life. For instance, I’m turning my wedding dress into a baby quilt. If there’s no use for the item, and you’re only looking at it when it’s in your way as you clean out the storage closet, it’s time to make some tough decisions.
What are your rules for clearing clutter?
I try to always think, “When was the last time I used this?” If it hasn’t been used in the last 6 months (w/the exception of seasonal items of course), then I try to get rid of it. I have to be sneaky sometimes because my husband will be like “hey we need that,” or some other similar remark. Similar to you, I did a lot of this as we were preparing to move…and often told myself that I clearly didn’t need an item if I was examining it for the first time in 4 years. Clearly, I didn’t miss it, need it, or use it! Purging can be so liberating…but somehow more always creeps back in, LOL
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What a wonderful idea, using your wedding dress for a quilt. I wish I would have thought to do something like that. Mine was handed down to another who needed it, but it could have been given back if I chose.
That definitely gives me something to keep in mind for future brides. Thanks
Kristi
I can totally relate. I was given so much ‘stuff’ for Christmas. When I got everything home I didn’t know where to put it!? Thanks for the tips.
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Oh my freaking word, my living room looks like I run a daycare. Johnny’s grandparents/aunts/uncles went BANANAS on him for his birthday and for Christmas. I was amazed that we were able to fit it all in the car!
We’re going to get some storage for it so it doesn’t look like a big mess. We’re also getting rid of earlier toys that didn’t get much use. Oh, and anything else we can get rid of.
Cuz like you, we hope to move soonish! <3 Hey let's be neighbors. kthxbai
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OMG you’re making your wedding dress into a baby quilt?! That is quite possibly one of the best ideas I’ve ever heard! Not that I have a wedding dress, but if I ever do, I will have to keep this in mind. Did you come up w/ the idea on your own?? I can’t wait to see the finished product! That’s sooo cool!
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Oh no, a wedding dress into a quilt. I saved mine and my daughter might wear it when she marries. Never, never do this!
Fashions change too much to count on your daughter wearing the dress someday. My mother kept her dress. But it didn’t fit, and it wasn’t my style. I preferred to have my own.
I’d rather turn the dress into something usable than let it hang in the back of a closet for decades collecting dust. I think it will be more cherished as a blanket than a dress.