Thursday is trash day at my house so on Wednesday evening, I toss all of the offerings that no one wanted into the bin and give my home one final sweep before bed.
I have a single rule at the moment to decide what stays and what leaves. Perhaps this rule will help you as much as it has helped me.
If it hasn’t been used in a year or longer, get rid of it.
One year. Twelve months. Four seasons. Given that we live on a treadmill, it covers everything except a major disaster. But if you’re in a real disaster, the last thing you’re going to worry about is your stuff. You’ll be too focused on survival to think about that.
Since the local thrift shops are taking advantage of thrifty people by jacking up prices to beyond new, I place the items that others may find useful on a table by the street. The table is marked with a sign that invites people to take what they want (but please leave the table).
Sometimes they take everything. Sometimes they don’t. But it gives me the chance to give back. Giving back makes me feel good.
The next time you have to move something out of your way, ask yourself how long it has been since you actually used it.
If it’s been longer than a year, do you really need it?
6 responses to “The Simplest Way to Declutter Your Home”
Sounds like a great idea! I try to do the same for things I think people might actually want or could use.
Way to give back, Tammara! It feels good to pass things on, doesn’t it?
The year cycle is a good one to use. I tend to hoard crafting supplies, but I’d have to find my crochet hooks to use the yarn sitting unused here. As the load lightens, I may take them up again, but if it doesn’t happen by the time I’m ready to move them out, out they go.
I have been in shock at all of the stuff I’ve had around here for YEARS and haven’t touched. Just today I eliminated a couple things I’ve had for close to a decade. Like wait, what?
Hi Annie and everyone!
I am a natural-born “curator.”
Whenever I try to think of something I have let go, that I regret, I can’t think of a single thing……except….there was that set of groovy three-foot tall, 70’s VELVET floor lamps I found at Goodwill. Makes me laugh every time. I wouldn’t buy them again if they showed up! Let it go! *smile*
Bwahahaha! Mindy, I had to do the same thing with my lava lamp collection. Seriously, what was I thinking? All I can say is that I had fun, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if not for that experience. Thanks for sharing!