How to Declutter Your Life

Are you holding on to an old, tattered, ripped used to be red: now it’s a pink T-shirt given to you by your first high school sweetheart from possibly 10 or 20 years ago? Your significant other is currently looking at you wearing it but you’re too ashamed to tell them of the memory it represents, that’s why it’s your best-kept secret. Sweetie. Let that SH*T go! 

We are sentimental creatures by nature. Past memories trigger happiness or pain depending on the memory. I understand these are the hardest to let go of. I’ve been there.  I  kept my wedding ring after all this time and finally decided to get rid of it when I decided that it was time to organize my life. Why was I holding onto an object that reminded me of the pain, hurt, and disappointment?   I chose to do it at the beginning of the year as I felt that it represented new beginnings. Remember we’re on a journey of positive mental health, healthy habits and truly being happy and enjoying life. 

Oftentimes, it’s the clutter in our homes that’s preventing us from achieving this. If we are surrounded by objects that are literally in the way, causing us stress, anxiety, or creating negative feelings. In essence, I’ve just described the meaning of decluttering. 

Now I know this process can be very difficult. It is so hard to let go of sentimental items. 

I’ve made a list of things that can help declutter your life around the house. 

To help with the process, here are a few important questions that you should ask yourself before you begin this process. It should make the decision easier to let go. “The Life-changing magic of tidying up “ by Mare Kondo is a must-read! 

1. Does it cause me stress?
2. Do I really need it?
3. Is it in my way?
4. Have I used it in the last year?
5. Can I use something else to replace it?
6. Can someone else benefit from using it?
7. Do I have more than one of the same item?
8. Can I let this go?
9. Would I buy it today?
10. Do I feel obligated to keep it?

Once you’ve answered these questions, decluttering can now be a smooth process towards purging your home and in turn your life. I was so happy to get rid of that wedding ring! Come to find out the diamonds were fake… go figure… That’s a confession for Real Talk! Stay tuned…

Here are some things around the house we can definitely get rid of:

• Old uncomfortable pillows
• Pens and pencils that no longer work
• Tools you don’t or never use
• Expired paint
• Towels that now resemble chiffon fabric!
• Socks, clothes, and underwear with holes 
• Old towels that you use to wipe everything dusty… Ummm… Get a SWIFFER, please!
• Old toothbrushes… I mean …
• Shoes you don’t /have never worn sitting there for over 2 years 
• DVDs /Cds VHS… do you even have a player for it?
• Bags and purses you NEVER reach for 
• Magazines … if 90 lbs Oprah is on the cover with an Afro..gotta go!
• Books you won’t read again
• Old phones and phone boxes 
• Dead batteries 
• Jewelry you never wear 
• Scented candles that are no longer scented
• Christmas or holiday-themed decor from when Jesus was ACTUALLY in a  manger..
• Chipped mugs, glasses, plates 
• Tupperware missing lids
• Take out condiments. How many duck sauces and ketchup packets can you keep?
• Expired / freezer burnt food 
• Expired medication
• Old makeup
• Old toiletries you can no longer read the instructions 
• Dead plants and flowers 
• Deck of cards with only 20 pieces. I mean…
• Receipts you don’t need 
• Photographs that you hate/ don’t bring you joy
• Expired warranties
• Plastic grocery bags. YES! I said it. You don’t need a draw/garbage bag filled with other plastic bags. Ok? Bag Lady?
• Old greeting cards 
• Old greeting cards. Yes, grandma gave you that birthday card, chances are you took the money she put in and never even read the words. No, your conscience will not let you keep it now. Too late. Gotta go!
• Loose change. Deposit it in the bank
• Clear the 3000 unread emails in your inbox
• Old nail polish- the lid won’t even open
• Take out menus
• Earrings that are mismatched or only have the left side of it

 I hope that this decluttering exercise helped you as much as it helped me. Now don’t feel guilty about letting go. I promise you would not miss these old broken items that are no longer serving a purpose in your life.

Discard or donate. It’s entirely up to you but get it out.  I bet you feel lighter already. Now it’s time for a deep clean, mop, smudge if you’re into that, with your sage. Burn some of your favorite oils or waxes and RELAX…

XOXO

‘To put things in order means to put your past in order too’

MARIE KONDO