Decluttering

Decluttering is the first major step when shifting toward successful organizing systems.  It's also one of the hardest things to do.  I mean,  this is my stuff!  I spent money on my stuff!  I need and want all of it, right?  However much these thoughts may feel real,  the truth is we're problem solvers that thrive on space and simple successes.  

Alright,  we're ready to start...motivated and pumped to finally make changes.  A Hopeful Journey is the lifestyle you want and you're ready to work hard for those 15 minutes of free time in the future.  With the side bonuses of saving time & money.  So,  pick a space.  A simple one that doesn't hold a lot of sentimental items.  Start small my friends,  pick one drawer in one room.  Or one bin in one closet.  Snap a quick picture of the space you're tackling. 

Keep, Donate/Sell and Trash are our decluttering categories. Just pull out one item at a time and make that quick decision.  Don't hold an item and consider all the ways you could use or make those excuses to keep it.  You are smart and capable!  Make those hard & fast decisions to only keep what will serve in your current life.  

Keep:  We're not keeping those jeans we'll fit into again one day (you deserve to go shopping when that time comes).  We're not keeping the 'this could be used as such and such if...',  nope- that's an out item too.  Lastly on the keeps:  that money has already been spent.  If something isn't being used,  you're just adding to the day-to-day stress on yourselves by seeing that item and thinking 'I spent so much money on that,  I should start using it'.  If you aren't using it now,  you won't in the near future.  

Donate/sell:  have your acceptable out in mind already.  As a struggling perfectionist I strive to donate to the 'right' places so I bless myself when it's overwhelming and head to the goodwill instead of sitting on stuff for more research.  For us: books, movies & video games go in a library donate box.  Clothes: goodwill or a certain 'group' we want to support.  Board games & toys: schools & daycares.  Old linens: animal shelters or the trash.  But when in doubt,  toss it out to the goodwill pile.  

Trash:  is just that.  Yes,  something may be repurposed or altered for another use but let's be honest,  nobody's got time for that!  So long to that none priority stuff and hello space.  If it's broken, ripped, torn or overly loved....toss it out!  No one wants your trash so bless yourself with that space. 

Last but not least we've got a few self talk encouragement things to keep in mind: 

*Does it serve a purpose in my current life?

*Would I buy it again now?

*Can I replace it within 20 minutes for $20 or less?

*If it's not a 'heck yes' it's a no and has to go. 

*What's the worst that could happen if I don't have this? (Reality is you'll problem solve and just use something else that you already have)  

Now,  get to work Hopefuls.  You can do this and Deserve to Live Less Stress Lives!  Your stuff does not have the power and does not own you.  Stay Hopeful!  

Be sure to tag Hopeful Simplicity