Organizing By Doreen - Monthly Newsletter
Clutter to Eliminate
Here are some simple things to get you started on letting go of
stuff. 1. Magazines and Newspapers: Recycle magazines that are more than three months old and newspapers that are more than one week old. If something is worth keeping, cut it out when you first read it and file it or put it in a three ring binder of other important articles. Piles of magazines and newspapers are a fire hazard.
2. Medicines: Eliminate medications that are expired or are for conditions you no longer have. If you have questions you can always ask your Pharmacists. Safety for your health should be your motivation here.
3. Clothes: Toss out old, yellowed, tattered, or items that no longer fit you. If you have not worn it in a year, it is time to get rid of it. Make room for the clothes that do fit and you wear with pride.
4. Toys: Broken toys are a safety issue for all ages. If you have toys that are no longer being used or you have outgrown, consider donating them to offer someone else the joy you received from them and get a tax deduction. Although I am a Clutter Buster, I recommend keeping one special toy for each child that could be passed down to their children. The challenge is to pick one.
5. Bank Statements, Checks, Utility Bills, etc.: No need to keep these old papers unless needed for tax purposes. Shed anything that has your SSN or Account Number. If you ever find a need for one statement, you can always request a copy of the one statement.
6. Books: Now may be the time to pass on all those books that you were saving to "read someday". Donate them to your local library and get a tax deduction.
7. Keys: Toss all those keys that you don't have a clue what they belong to. You will save yourself time when you do search for your car keys in your key drawer.
8. Broken Items: If you are holding onto broken items to fix when you "have time" and you have not "had time" in the last three months, chances are you will still not have time in the next three months. Eliminating these items will free your space and free your mind.
9. Shoes: You can recycle those athletic shoes at your local sports store. Donate or trash shoes that no longer fit you right, are worn or you no longer love. You will be amazed at all your new space.
10. Plastic Containers: Toss out any discolored, warped, or stained container. Toss out any container that does not have a cover. You will discover you need very few and this will open up space in your cabinets.
A friend of mine told me when I moved into my new place "anything that is still in a box in a year, throw away, you don't need it". I did this and I feel so much lighter. Try it.
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