Tip - 5 Things Daily
For many of us there is going to be new stuff coming into our homes because of the holidays, and now (lucky you) you have find a place to put it!
Space is always at a premium, and most of us have WAY more than we need, so this is why we need to consistently work on throwing things out! (However, I am a huge environmentalist so try to recycle, and give away as much as possible - it will make you feel good that you are doing something good for the environment).
The habit: get rid of 5 things everyday! Make it a part of your tidy up routine, or throw it in the middle somewhere - just as long as you do it. This is something you will learn to LOVE to do and as it is only 5, it takes no time at all. It will feel as great as a hot shower… Purging is so wonderfully therapeutic! So aim to do this every day and soon you will be on your way to a less cluttered and more relaxed home and life! Happy chucking!
December 19th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Love this idea. Makes it easier to tackle the stuff that seems to pile up and have a mind of its own. Thanks for the inspiration.
And do love the Pod-casts, because they are short and sweet but give tons of motivation and support.
December 19th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Oooh! I love purging! I think it drives some of my relatives crazy. To me 5 things a day sounds like an awful lot… in one week that adds up to 35 and in a year 1825 things. So here’s my question, when you say purge do you mean to include little things like that ripped envelope sitting on the desk or the mechanical pencil that has kicked the bucket or do you mean like 5 shirts that rarely get worn? Are we talking small things mixed with big things?
December 20th, 2007 at 12:27 am
I agree with Katie, it would be nice to know what exactly we are talking about.
On another note, I started with the mantra on my kitchen on Tuesday (top to bottom, left to right, focus, focus, focus) and I’m happy to say that I got the left side completely done (not including inside the cabinets–thats for another day) Just the countertops/stove/bar area. I was thrilled with what I got accomplished. I really wished I had more time.
The majority of stuff that had been laying on flat surfaces, just needed to be put away (great idea to put in a separate pile and do afterwards–I think that’s where I was going astray all the time). I haven’t seen my kitchen table in so long I forgot what it looked like
Thank you so much for all your ideas. I can’t wait to finish the kitchen surfaces, and then go to the next room.
My plan is, when I finish the outside surfaces, to start in on the things you can’t see when you walk into the room.
December 20th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Katie - It really depends where you are at. If 5 things a day means in a month you would have nothing left, then you don’t have to be quite so extreme - aim for 1-2 (and anything counts). If you have been a pack rat for years and are surrounded by clutter - the number you should aim for is about 10. The items can be big or small. I just mean to always be looking for things to get rid of that you no longer need, use, is broken or you don’t love. That could be last months unread magazines, expired suntan lotion or medication, fabric that you no longer like, clothes that you can’t fit into or never wear, cords for electronics that you no longer have, broken mechanical pencils… you get the idea. I want people to get in the habit of being in the mindset of being able to throw things out. It can be quite a change for some people!
December 20th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Pam - I am so glad to hear that you are having success!!! That is AWESOME! There is nothing so satisfying as looking back to see what your time and effort has been able to accomplish. Keep up your good work, remember the mantra and keep the area you have already done perfect so you will only be taking steps forward! Way to go!!
Brenda - thanks for the support! I am thrilled you find the podcasts helpful and motivating. That is exactly what we are gunning for!
December 20th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
What do you suggest if you have tried but you just cannot bring yourself to throw anything away. All you can think about on your way to the bin is…”what if I need this cord one day and it’s gone?” or “This was my favorite shirt, even if it hasn’t fit in 5 years?”
You must have some tips to help overcome this and other similar neuroses.
December 20th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Noel - We are going to be doing a full show on this in January because it is definitely hard to get rid of your things. But try to start with the obvious stuff and just get in the HABIT. We will talk about the harder stuff in Jan. Good luck!
December 20th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
A great idea. It is amazing how many things I don’t need/use/want in my home, but am still afraid to give/throw away. I am going to try this.
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:12 am
Great idea to use this tip in the kitchen.
This tip is a keeper and have posted it on my blog to use as a beginning to de-clutter somemore, every day in January 2008. Thank you!!
Alyson
LID 01/27/06