Getting Rid of Clutter Every Day

Don't limit yourself to getting rid of clutter from only one room at a time.  Setting aside one thing a day to donate is a doable goal. Think of the different places in your house that have too much clutter.  Do you have drawers, shelves, tables you walk by on a daily basis.  Don't forget floor-space or closets.  How about your kitchen counters or your bathroom counters?

I have a box that I am filling to take to the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store.  I am becoming quite adept at throwing things away too.  I don't even take a picture every time.  How are you doing in 2014?  

  

31 Items of Clutter Gone in 2014

How to Decide What Is Clutter

Today, I had four things I was going to list;  and then, I started thinking that maybe I am not quite ready to get rid of one.  Maybe I need to rearrange, rethink, and reuse.  Yes, I have done that with many things during my life.  You see, I am not just a consumer that has to continually buy new things to find happiness.  In fact, there is a certain comfort in knowing I am getting the most for my money, so I like to use my things as long as possible.

I am being ambivalent, which can be a problem with an object one has had for many years.  I'm not sure it's use for me is done, because I still use the items it contains.  So, how do I decide?  Here are questions I have asked myself.

My tummy will
appreciate this.

1. Am I keeping this object out of obligation?  Perhaps, it was a gift, but you never use it or you don't even like it.  Or perhaps, you have just grown tired of it.
2. Have I used it within the last year?
3. Do I still love this object?
4. Do I need this object for a special purpose, like a holiday, wedding, etc.? 
5. Can I substitute something else for this item?
6. Do I have room to store this item?
7. Is it probable I will ever use this again?
8. Can this be easily replaced?
9. Do I feel guilty, because I spent quite a bit of money on this item?
10. Does this item make me happier?          

226 Items Decluttered Since March

I Miss My Cat

1 leash, 2 brushes

These kitty items belonged to our 17 year old cat, who died last spring.  I have to admit it miss her, but not the litter box.  I threw away the litter box last spring, but I don't have pictures of it.  Also, it was before I shared my decluttering goal.  We have had to deal with litter boxes for about 33 years, which is a long time.  I kind of doubt we will ever have another cat.

At any rate, if we do get another one, she will have her own grooming items and litter box.  




136 Items have been officially posted to this blog.

From the 1950's to the 2000's

One Japanese? Tray
Perfect for someone's hairpins, not mine

One very lonely
Betsy McCall
reproduction
 Wooden Paper Doll

114 Items Decluttered!

The bad thing about going through clutter is sometimes it makes a mess;  but I am gaining room to put items I want, so that is a good thing.  Today was fun, because it brought back good memories;  and, I decided to try a creative project with something I was about to toss.  I will show my creative project in Deborah Lynne's Inspirations -- I'm not finished yet.  If it looks horrible, you may never see it.  And then again, I suppose horrible is in the eye of the beholder.

Camouflage Easter Grass 

Maybe there is an earring
seller looking for this very thing.

That's right! 
 Pink Camouflage for the Girls

Throw it away or Send it to the Thrift Store?
What is it?  Miniature Christmas Clothes Pins from the 1950's.
Maybe a collector will find it.