Day 210: Leftover Christmas

Going through my kitchen cabinet, I discovered a "cranberry mustard" left over from a Hickory Farms sausage/cheese pack we received for Christmas. It may have been from 2008; I don't remember. I figured that if I hadn't used it yet, it could go. Have you saved any specialty items that came in gift packs? Do you still want them?

Day 209: On the Refrigerator

A refrigerator can collect clutter on the outside as well as the inside. Magnets hold lists, photos, kid drawings, but how long have some of those pieces of paper or photos been on our refrigerator? How many souvenir or plumbing company magnets does one refrigerator need?

Decluttering the front or sides of a refrigerator makes the room seem fresh and cleaner. Try it! I got rid of some excess magnets today.

Day 208: Leave for Others to Clean

I am going on a plane trip soon, and the thought "What if I don't return?" morbidly has come to mind. Would my family have a hard time clearing out my things?

On Facebook this morning, a couple friends were posting about cleaning out deceased relatives' homes and how daunting the task is. Albeit macabre, this could be a motivating factor for us to simplify and declutter.

On a happy note, I do like to fly, am not scared, and I am leaving my side of the closet neat!

Day 207: College Prep Results

From this week's assignment to my children who are heading to college in a few weeks, we got rid of some books and more clothing. I've asked for two drawers or shelves per week to be sorted through, so their rooms are "welcoming" and decluttered when they come home for visits.

Day 206: Goodwill, A Better Option

We are hesitant to get rid of a lot of items that have sentimental value, are still good and have years left, or we've relied on for years. Throwing them away is definitely out as we were taught to "waste not, want not." (Probably Benjamin Franklin!)

However, giving still-good items to a place like Goodwill makes sure your things continue to help. Not only does Goodwill sell your items discounted to needy or thrifty shoppers, they use the money to help put to work disabled, mentally handicapped, unemployable people (such as former prisoners, uneducated, etc.) They have a cleaning business, laundry business, etc. where these folks can gain pride through work. They also do career training to help people become more skilled so they can get better jobs.

So, to declutter for you is a win/win situation when you can donate to a place like Goodwill.

Day 205: One Per Day

What is your one thing to get rid of today? Mine is a shirt of my son's he has either outgrown or doesn't wear anymore. If you have time, post what you got rid of. Keep up the good work!

Day 204: Coupons, Receipts, etc.

If you are a coupon clipper, a rebate shopper, or a receipt saver, clutter can accumulate quickly. An accordian check folder is a good organizer for them. However, if you feel weighed down with what you have, ask yourself some questions:

1. Are the $1 or $2 rebates I can get from filling out and mailing all this paperwork worth my time and angst about keeping these organized?
2. Do I really need to keep the receipt here? Can I staple it to the instructions that came with the product?
3. Will I really buy five cans of soup to save $.25?
4. Do I really need anything from the craft store that I need to keep this 40% off coupon?

I've had to clear out some stuff like this and just enjoy LIVING, not always thinking about what money I can save through keeping all these little scraps of paper.