August is the Month to Unclutter!

So in keeping with my theme of the month: Unclutter! Here is an article I found on the blog I dream of clean.net:

Great Advice....now if I can only try and live by it!

Oh, and an update on my first week of the Unclutter challenge: I've made a pile of 12 items of clothing that I'm going to donate. So I've exceeded the 7 for this week. I'll definitely keep track, just in case there is another week where I can't find anything I want to get rid of!

Anyone out there doing the challenge with me?

Here are 10 foolproof ways to Evaluate, Eliminate, and Reduce Clutter:

1. If it’s sentimental but not useful, take a picture, showcase it in a beautiful frame and get rid of it! You and others can actually admire it on a daily basis rather than keeping the item tucked away in a closet.
2. Donate on a regular basis. Keep a giveaway box at all times and then find a donation center to utilize. I’ve previously mentioned 10 ways you can sell or donate items to clean out your house and simplify your life.
3. Sell things you don’t need and make some extra cash in the process. The link above lists a few avenues for making money on those little things cluttering up your home.
4. Don’t go shopping. Seriously. Just don’t! Easier said than done, right?! Granted, there are items that we do need (like Back to School supplies, right?!). However, the majority of purchases we make are probably unnecessary. We shop for leisure. We upgrade and get the latest and greatest gadget. We just have to buy that cute outfit because it’s a good deal!! I like shopping as much as the next person, but when I refrain, my house thanks me!
5. Use what you have. This can be applied to so many aspects of our life (cooking, clothing, etc.) but let’s focus on home decor for the moment. Instead of buying new home decor, consider moving your furniture, knickknacks, blankets, etc. to a new location in your home. Use paint to bring new life to old furniture. Think up creative ways to re-purpose what you already have. Sometimes a new arrangement can completely transform the look of a room.
6. Implement a trial period mentality. We are in the process of putting our home on the market and one of the greatest (and hardest) things we’ve had to do recently is pack up many of our belongings for storage. We only kept the things we use on a daily basis. It’s surprising how many things I’ve been keeping around “just in case”. I’ve come to realize that I don’t need, want, or love any of those things. If there’s something you’re hesitant about getting rid of, consider storing it in a special place for a specific time period. If you haven’t needed it by the end of that time, sell or donate it.
7. Keep a gift list If you’re family gives gifts at birthdays, Christmas, etc. and celebrating in an alternative way is not an option, keep a list of items you’d like to have. You know you’ll be receiving a gift at some point during the year so make sure that item is useful to you. If you buy everything that you want or need, the gift giver may struggle to find something for you. There’s a high probability that you may receive something that will just clutter your life and home. Have an ongoing list for when that special someone asks you what you want.
8. One thing in, One thing out. This advise has been given time and time again. It seems so simple, yet it can easily be overlooked “just this once!” The things is, “just this once” becomes the norm rather than the exception. You must be intentional about removing an item every time you bring something new into you home. Keep a box or bag somewhere in your home to put the old items. When the box is full, drive to the donation center or stick it in the yard sale corner of the garage. When you get a new black shirt, get rid of the old faded shirt. When your kids get a new toy, help them pick out a toy that they’ve outgrown. Be intentional.
9. “See” your stuff through someone else’s eyes. Have a friend come over to help you see your home as they do. Ask them what stands out and doesn’t look great in your home. If it doesn’t add value, give it away or sell it.
10. Get a new perspective. Visit a homeless shelter, spend time with someone who has been down on their luck, or even visit a third world country. When we personally invest in the life of someone who is struggling for food, water and shelter on a daily basis, our “stuff” suddenly becomes less important and much easier to eliminate.