I’m alive! Barely…super busy with work recently…lots of
changes going on around these parts! I am one step closer to starting my new
job and a wonderful (and unexpected) turn in my career path. Unexpected turns
are great…a good idea for a blog sometime!
So I have only a few more weeks before I am a full time
working mom again…eeeeek! So, I am frantically organizing and stocking up on
the essentials – as I know that the initial transition will be a bit bumpy.
Hoping that preparing on the front-end will bring less stress on the home front.
I have kicked it in high gear and decided that once again, I would share
purging tips!
By means of full disclosure, I own storage totes…probably 6.
I am going to store some of Chases Medical Records, so another is needed. This
blog is for all of the addicted Toter's out there. STOP! Stop finding boxes and
storage containers and more crap to “organize”. Trust me, you will rarely go
back and look in some of them. I have a tote for Christmas, a (yes ..one!) for
baby memorabilia from the kids, a Stacey
tote (yearbooks, old school pics, etc), Chase’s “too big” clothes, and a
couple for misc. holiday décor. That. Is. It. Honestly, my old stuff probably
could go – but keeping it for my kids could offer some great memories.
As I have said before, I am not sentimental, so these
projects are easy for me. I like keeping the top 5-10 items from childhood, not
everything. So, for those of you who find meaning in everything – you may want
to obtain therapy before reading any further! As I have mentioned before, our
families items (95%) are CHEAP, very CHEAP. I find great deals! When you spend
less on an item you don’t feel so obligated to it! I remember spending $300 for
a bed spread ensemble in 1998 – that I used for 5 years because (back then) it
was so much $$$. Now, I spend less, and there is not as much attachment!
I hear over and over…”I wish I had time to Organize”, “I
neeeeeeed to get rid of stuff, but I can’t”.
Mind you, I am a busy mother – It is non-stop around this joint from
dawn to dusk. But, I always have time to eliminate! So, here is the Cliff Notes
version getting rid of your Crap – the 5 Minute Purge!
Typically, by the end of each week, I have 1-2 bags (trash
bags) for donation and 1-2 bags of purged items. I have a small family – this is
easily done and simple. For me, it is sanity. It clears my mind. Makes cleaning
a snap! And, best of all -I know where
EVERYTHING is!
So, get your supplies – a garbage sack and a trash can and
pick a spot!
For example, this morning I was watching the news – Chase was
playing and I spent 10 minutes and got 2 spaces done – the Bathroom and the
Bedroom.
When cleaning my closet, which I do a couple times a month,
I eliminate what I don’t like, What doesn’t fit and what is out of style – my closet
is small – this takes 3-5 minutes. Bathroom – I eliminate expired meds, old
makeup (or colors I don’t like), frayed towels, cleaning supplies, etc. Today I
got a entire trash bag – no joke!
I pick a space each day. Kids rooms, Entertainment center
(old movies), Toys, Kitchen Cabinets, Refrigerator, Etc. I highly suggest at
the end of each holiday- purging before you put away. I always end up with more
Christmas décor than what I need. Trust
me, this is easy and painless.
By the end of the week, I simply drop off what I don’t need
at the local DAV Thrift store and get a 25% off coupon for my next shopping
trip.
Some families choose to have garage sales – as much as I
love attending these sales – storing the items prior to the sale, gives me a
heart attack. Clutter seriously stresses me out (obviously). Some families
choose to attend the “kids consignment” sales – these are way too much work for
my liking! I like a simple purge, and a
simple donation. For items that have value, I have good luck with Craigslist
and Facebook Groups. Although, recently, I found it was more work tracking down
the seller and gas to deliver my item proved not to be profitable.
Find what works for your family. Buy only what you love.
Spend less. Save more. I recently went into Coldwater Creek, love that place.
However, I started sweating (really) while looking at the Clearance (the only
section I shop). A tank top was $39 with 50% off. HUH?? $20 for a tank. I had
to do deep breathing. I spend $20-$40 per month on clothes for my entire
family. I do splurge on shoes or a good bra. But, rarely!
Try it for a week. Don’t ponder an item. Move Quick. Often,
I will drop off a donation and forget what I brought. We are such a materialistic
society, when we enjoy the items we do have – there is a much greater appreciation!
Other Great Ideas:
And here is to a "Clutter Free" Life!
-stacey
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