One of the most freeing acts we can do for ourselves and the people we love is to de-clutter and pare down that collection of stuff that weighs us down and limits our options. So let’s jump right into the pile and consider ways to reduce it!
Lessening our load of stuff begins with conversations – authentic engagement with children, grandchildren, or younger friends. The goal is to pare down and not take it personally.
Now that you’ve understood what’s important to whom, plan a purge of epic proportions. Go through all the drawers, closets, and shelves and make a mental or actual pile of anything you don’t use or like. If you have the energy, flog it all out onto the driveway and sell it for bargain-hunter prices. If not, hire an estate sale company or auction house to assess your prizes.
Let them sell it to the people they think will be interested. Got a storage unit full of stuff you haven’t seen in 10 years? Empty it, now! Life is too short to be weighed down by stuff you don’t use, like, or need.
Here are a few other anti-stuff , pro-purge words to live by that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Start small and set goals, beginning with one area at a time.
- Sort your stuff into “keep, donate, sell, orrecycle” piles
- Abide by the one-year rule: toss it if youlast used the item a year ago.
- Apply the same decluttering principles toyour interweb junk – delete, unsubscribe,and remove.
- Set your sentimental stuff a sail.
- Donate or sell your unnecessary, unwanted items so someone else can benefit from them.
- Keep cleaning and continue purging
You can snap your fingers and, in an instant, be packed and ready to take up residence at your child’s home, in a senior living arrangement, or in an environment that best supports your physical, emotional, and mental needs. You will be ready now. Happy purging!
Susanna Barton has worked as a professional writer in Jacksonville for nearly 30 years. Her book Grand Plans: How to Mitigate Geri-Drama in20 Easy Steps and its accompanying workbook, the Grand Planner, are available in local stores and on Amazon. For more information, visit www.mygrandplans.com
