Organize + Energize: 10 Things You Can Toss Right Now That You Won’t Miss
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
If you’re overwhelmed and stressed and want to get organized but don’t know where to begin, let’s start with decluttering. You can move on to organizing later.
As you’re going through these items, think about why you’re holding on to them. Say it out loud. Do you reasons sound silly? Why are you holding onto things that you haven’t used in years? It’s just adding to the stagnant energy in your home. Close your eyes and let it go. Trust me, you won’t miss it!
At some point you’ll have to declutter these items. Let’s start with these 10 items:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOld sheets. Go through your linen closet. If you open the door and everything falls on top of you, it’s time to let some items go. How many beds do you have and how many sheets do you need? Once you answer that question, it will be easier to get rid of these items.
Dead plants. The word dead is your cue to toss them. They represent death and weaken the energy in your home. If you can nurse them back to life, put that on your to-do list and start paying them some attention.
Books you haven’t referred to in years. Go through your bookshelf and really take a look at what’s there. Be honest with yourself. If they’re in great condition, libraries, schools, senior living centers, etc. are always looking for donations.
Dusty magazines. If they’re dusty, don’t give them a second thought. Chances are you aren’t going to curl up on the couch and read them this weekend. Let them go, let them go!
Phone books. If you have a smart phone, you probably haven’t used a phone book in years. The minute I receive mine, they don’t even make it in the house. Gather them and take them to the recycle bin.
Take out menus. Unless you don’t have any internet access, let go of the take out menus. Are they scattered all over your home? If you were to go to look for one, would you be able to find it?
Old nail polish. If you have dried up, crusty nail polish, it’s time to say goodbye. Why are you holding onto it? This is one thing you definitely won’t miss.
Occasion dresses from the 90’s. You know who you are. Do you have pictures from the events where you wore these dresses? Is that enough for your memories? You’re not offending anybody by getting rid of these dresses. Are you planning on wearing one to the next wedding you have to go to? I didn’t think so. Grab these dresses and make room in your closet for your current clothes.
Business cards. This is a problem for so many people. Everybody has stacks and stacks of these cards. Nobody ever refers to them! Connect with people on LinkedIN. Put important numbers in your phone and throw them away!
Gifts that have never been used. This is a tough one for so many people. You receive a gift that you really have no use for and decide to put it in the back of a closet or throw it on a shelf in the basement. Your friend will not feel bad if you get rid of it. Don’t be that person that has a room full of these items that never get used. It’s ok to let these items go. You won’t miss them because you’ve never used them.
Start with these 10 items and take note to how you feel once you’re done. Are you energized to move onto other areas? Let this be the catapult for you to make this your year to declutter and get organized. Start small and then move to bigger projects!
Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, is an organizing & efficiency expert and owner of Organizing in RI. Kristin teaches her clients that living an organized lifestyle will save them time and money, decrease their stress levels and help them become more efficient and productive. Her articles have been published in local and national magazines. She has also given over 70 presentations throughout the state. Watch Kristin LIVE every Thursday at 3pm here on GoLocal LIVE with Molly O’Brien.
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