How to Part With Stuff

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Getting into the mindset of purging your home is a daunting thought. Questions like “Can I use this eventually?” cross our minds when we are decluttering. Parting with stuff is troublesome when clearing out rooms during a move. Here we talk about how to part with stuff, parting with clutter and parting with clothes.

When to Part with Stuff

I am so bad at parting with stuff that it eventually becomes clutter. It drives me nuts.

My kitchen is the worst place when it comes to deciding if it the right time to purge or hold on to things for a couple more months just in case I need it. Things like glass jars, reusable sealed containers from the deli section, or plastic shopping bags are in abundance in my home.

Usually, it is when there is literally no more counter space left until I decide THIS IS ENOUGH and start throwing things away.

But what if there was a better way to decide it is time to get rid of all the clutter? This, I have learned, is a mental switch you have to turn on in your brain. You have to think of it as being very important so that it becomes a priority in your mind.

It is hard to remember to declutter when we are sooooo busy. That’s why I created a declutter reminder that can help make sure you stay focused.

Check it out!

You can download it by signing up for the Declutter My Life Challenge.

Feeling Guilty

I can’t tell you how much I feel guilty when I part with stuff. I like to be frugal as much as possible and I hate having to buy things twice. It is such a waste of money. So when I feel guilty it mostly has to with getting rid of useful things. For instance, I like saving those sealed deli containers that usually have precut deli slices in them. They are great for storing leftovers or if you have guests over and want to send food home with them. It’s a container you don’t have to expect back.

So when I was purging the other day I realized we have probably about fifty too many. I felt overwhelmed. Then I sat back and said to myself, “well, you know you are just going to get more so why not get rid of a few?”

What I do now is set a limit. I know if I keep about ten of those containers it will be just enough. When one starts to look worn out or I have given a couple away, then I will start replenishing.

Donate

So in the case of having too many containers, I decided to give some away. I brought a bag to my church and asked if any of the ladies would like any of the extras I had. The next thing I knew they were all gone! See, I didn’t waste them by throwing them away! I found them a new home.

Donating has been something I had planned on doing for a while when I part with stuff. I just never thought people I knew would want my junk.

The 6 Month Rule

Clothes. Need I say more.

So many people are fighting this battle. I look in my closet and hope maybe one day I will get to go through everything. So I was thinking there has to be an easier solution.

Have you heard of the 6 month rule? It is something I read about a long time ago and thought it was brilliant.

If you have a common clothing item that you haven’t worn in 6 months then it either needs to be thrown out, given away or donated…… what?  I know it sounds nuts if you haven’t heard of this before.

Keep in mind you aren’t going to be wearing your winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter. These items are seasonal so they can be put away or be the exception. I’m talking about like regular t-shirts or pants that can be worn year round.

Dress clothes aren’t in this category either. You aren’t going to wear a fancy dress or suit year round.

Designate Time

As painful as this can be with our busy schedules, designating time to part with stuff is essential. I have learned by taking 15 minutes a day to clear off the kitchen counters and making sure the toys are all picked up helps with my sanity. It also makes my stress levels go down. I’m not looking at a mess all the time. It’s a really nice feeling.

If you need help getting started please sign up for the Declutter My Life Challenge. We start by focusing on high traffic areas that are always troublesome.

Let me know if you found any great solutions to help part with your stuff.

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Kim Calderon

Kim is a wife and a stay at home mom who loves spending time with her little boy. She likes managing her home and seeking out ways to improve her way of living.

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