Combining their ideas with your ideas from the comments you left on my previous post, and some of the things that I was already figuring out on my own, I have learned some things. Here they are, in no particular order:
1. If you really want to get rid of clutter, you need to hate it. I thought I hated it. But maybe I don't hate it enough. I'm working on that.
2. If everything doesn't have a place, then you need to keep decluttering.
So... if there isn't a place for something, you need to either get rid of that thing, or get rid of something that has a place, and give its place to that thing.
3. Making public statements about your intentions on your blog can be a powerful motivator. I have yet to try this one, but I'm thinking I will. So, watch for a proclamation of my grand intentions for decluttering, and then... HOLD ME TO IT!! Please!!
4. It feels good to give things away to someone who needs them.If you're local & you know someone who needs stuff, let me know. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to go the Goodwill route, which is also good, just not as good as giving it straight to a person you know needs it, y'know?
5. I should probably stop worrying about whether my kids will miss the toys I give away.Notice my language is less "sure" than the previous points. I'm trying to convince myself. And once I've truly convinced myself, I should be able to get rid of a lot of toys that we don't need. And hopefully the kids will not hate me for it. My friend Jenn assures me her son Ben is ok with it when he asks where a toy is and she says, "Oh, we gave it to the children who didn't have enough toys." (or something along those lines.)
Do you have other ideas that have been really helpful to you, in decluttering?
Please share them in the comments! I would love to hear about them!
The best decluttering advice I was given is: if you haven't used it in 12 months get ride of it. If you haven't used it in a year that means that will not miss it and will not use it in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe only exception to this rule would be things like tents, dehumidifiers, shop vacs.
Throughout their short little lives I've given away many of the kids toys. Truth be told they don't notice for a long time (I don't give away the dear ones). And when they do, I say "mommy gave those to someone who needs them." They may pout momentarily- but it never last long.
ReplyDeleteAnd along with the 1st comment- I was told (and this really works) that if there is something you think you'll be able to live without but you're not ready to make the full comittment, then put it in a box and seal the box. Then lable the box 1 year from today's date. If you haven't opened the box to get something out of it in 1 year- give the box away. DO NOT look in the box. Just give it away.
I thought the answer to not having a place for everything was more shelves, cupboards, totes ... lol
ReplyDeleteI have a book you can borrow. I love this book!! I hate clutter! Hopefully the book will help.
ReplyDeleteI will drop it off and if you are not home I'll stick it in your mail box one day when I am by ( Im by all the time as the sitter is just down the street)
This is good advice, Frieda. I'll try to remind myself of it today while I attempt to begin!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear someone else say that it's not a big deal when you get rid of toys.
haha Tami, but what happens when you run out of room for those?
Thank you so much, Sarah!
I just cleaned out the garage and let me tell you it was a rush...in a good way. I am a pack rat and love to keep things for sentimental reasons but seeing all my memories getting dusty out there made me so sad. I also took my kiddos to see Toy Story 3 and let me tell you I had an epiphany, I was crying and laughing the whole time. If you haven't seen it, go now, it might help you let go of the toys. As a girl who is known for holding on way too long it is better to say a prayer and let it go! Good luck!
ReplyDeletehmmm... you're #1 statement has me in a tizzy. idk if i hate clutter. i mean. i don't love it. but idk. if i can plop a bunch of trinkets in a bowl, i will.
ReplyDeletei have a bunch of bowls. mixing bowls, serving platters, etc. and i put my knicknacks in them.