Repeat after me: I own my things. My things do not own me.
While I’d like to think that simply thinking happy thoughts and speaking positively to myself is all that’s needed to take control of my life, it’s not. It takes action. One place I need to desperately take action? My home. I’ve come to the realization that being better with your money and paying of debt at warp speed means getting organized in all aspects of life – not just financially.
If my home is disorganized it’s no wonder my money is always all over the place. When I can’t find something, I end up wasting time and money buying it again. It’s a never ending cycle. First thing I need to do to rectify the issue is get organized. And that often means living with less, aka declutter and toss.
I don’t like to admit it but, my life is filled with junk. Junk that I don’t use. Yet, sometimes it’s still difficult to part with some things. Hence the reason, I’m not as organized as I’d like. It’s not always easy getting rid of baby toys if you think you’ll have another baby. And it’s not easy parting with a pair of shoes if you’re convinced they’ll come back in style.
I know it because I’ve been there, but I’ve gotten better. I’ve made it a rule of thumb that unless they’re unisex baby items or something I don’t think I”ll need in the next six months I’m getting rid or it. I either donate, sell to Platos Closet or throw out. You can sell on ThredUP.
But when I was struggling with tossing items, and knew I needed to I was able to head straight for my American Junk. What’s American Junk?
You know how the American Dream normally entails the white picket fence, house and manicured lawn? Everyone knows what it is or can relate to it in some way. Well, American Junk is what I call the standard useless items all Americans have accumulated. (They can commonly be found in the junk drawer) Whether they need these items or even use them, every American has it and can stand to do with less of it. They’re the items no one really seems to miss when decluttering. That’s why it alway seems to be the easiest place to start when it comes to decluttering.
Once you get these items out of the way, you’ll likely feel more you when declutter other stuff. It’s decluttering made easy!
So if you’re trying to take control of home/money and having trouble letting go, start here!
- pens
2. throw pillows
3. extra tupperware lids
4. chargers for old phones
5. electronic manuals
6. cds
7. old receipts
8. clothes you can’t fit
9. expired food
10. expired medicine
11. dull knives
12. condiment packets
13. expired coupons
14. broken hangers
15. paint cans
16. dead batteries
17. phone books
18. notebooks you don’t use
19. last years planner
20. old nailpolish
21. plastic bags
22. lonely socks
23. worn out bras and underwear
24. snacks no one eats
25. key chains
26. old sunscreen
27. old sponges
28. birthday cards
29. old school projects
30. empty picture frames
Terrific Quip: I have everything I need and more.
Do you have trouble decluttering? What are you go to things to get rid off? What things do you have trouble parting with?
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A perfect rule to follow! I try and clean things out every few months so things don’t get too overwhelming! Thanks for sharing! xo – Kam
I really need to toss some expired medicine and receipts!
I am about to declutter some of my makeup! An since fall is coming .. clothes as well!
This was an excellent article!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
http://www.noneesworld.com
I just printed out your list! It’s perfect timing as I’m in the midst of reorganizing our closets and donating things we don’t use. 🙂
You know how the American Dream normally entails the white picket fence, house and manicured lawn? Everyone knows what it is or can relate to it in some way. Well, American Junk is what I call the standard useless items all Americans have accumulated. (They can commonly be found in the junk drawer) Whether they need these items or even use them, every American has it and can stand to do with less of it. They’re the items no one really seems to miss when decluttering. That’s why it alway seems to be the easiest place to start when it comes to decluttering.