#1 COFFEE CUPS
We can guarantee that if you celebrated any kind of gift-giving holiday in December, you definitely received a coffee mug. Whether you’re a tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or soup enthusiast, a mug is a must-have. But let’s be real, how many do you really need? Here’s the mug rule to follow... for every new one you receive and love, donate one of your old ones. It’s all about maintaining a balanced mug collection!
#2 SUPPLEMENTS, VITAMINS AND PROTEIN POWDERS
At the start of the year, we all jump on the “new year, new me” bandwagon. But how many powders, supplements, and pills did we all buy last year and never even touch? I’ll admit, I’m guilty too! So, let’s ditch those unused products. The money’s already been spent, and now they’re probably expired and just hogging space in your pantry.
#3 PLANNERS AND ORGANIZERS
Yes, you read that right! An organizing professional is actually encouraging you to part ways with your planning supplies and here is why. A planner alone won’t magically transform you into an organized person. Being organized is a practice that requires time and discipline. There are no shortcuts. However, we do suggest finding a tool that can assist you on your journey to organization. It could be a paper planner, an app, a family calendar on full display, or even a home organizing session with professionals like us!
#4 BOOKS
If you are an avid reader this can be a challenging project. With our organizing clients we urge them to pass on books they have already read for others to enjoy. If you have reference materials, take the time to sift through them and only hold onto the ones you’ll definitely be referencing in the future. And remember, most books can easily be found on Libby, Kindle, or Audible if you ever feel the urge to re-visit them.
#5 ORPHANED SOCKS
Where do they go? Perhaps they have been eaten by the washing machine or maybe they are living in a happy little world with all of the lost mittens. Either way it is time to stop saving those single socks. And since we are looking at socks, life is too short for socks that are uncomfortable or torn. But don’t let them end up in a landfill. Have you heard of the Smartwool® Second Cut™ Project?
#6 SALAD DRESSINGS AND CONDIMENTS
During the season of entertaining, we often find ourselves with an abundance of salad dressing and condiments that are left forgotten in the depths of the fridge until that unpleasant smell starts to waft through the kitchen. Let’s bid farewell to these unwanted items. Expired products can be discarded (remember to recycle the containers), but unopened and still fresh items can be donated to a local food pantry.
#7 UNFINISHED PROJECTS AND CRAFT SUPPLIES
We all have that ideal version of ourselves that we aspire to be, but sometimes reality falls short. Did you happen to purchase a crocheting project that you haven’t quite gotten around to starting? Or maybe you bought all the supplies for that adorable project you saw on Pinterest? Well, don’t let those items taunt you every time you come across them in your closet. Instead, why not pass them on to a friend who will truly appreciate them or donate them to a school or community center? Crafting materials are always valued by these organizations, so give one near you a call to see if they’re interested.
#8 MEMBERSHIPS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
The start of the year is an excellent time to go through your bank account and look for those subscription fees that you forgot about. Did you sign up for a yearly membership you forgot to cancel? How about they gym membership you haven’t used since you got a Peloton? Or maybe it’s time to cancel that Book of the Month subscription (see #4). By canceling these, not only will you prevent more items from cluttering your home, but you’ll also stop wasting money.
#9 CLOTHES YOUR CHILDREN HAVE OUTGROWN
Being a mom of an 11-year-old boy, I totally get how tough it can be to part with that adorable bib or your favorite onesie. Here is some advice for you. Let’s limit ourselves to just one box of “keepsake clothes”. The rest can be passed on to a friend or family member with a younger child, or even sold or donated so another child can enjoy them just as much.
#10 UNWANTED GIFTS
I’m here to tell you that it’s perfectly alright to let go of that scarf your grandmother gave you that you know you’ll never wear. You don’t have to feel guilty about not keeping it. Holding onto a gift you don’t want doesn’t honor the gift-giver and only adds to your clutter. Remember, there are styles for every taste, and it’s perfectly fine to donate items that don’t align with yours.
If any of these resonate with you but you’re struggling with a lack of time, discipline, space, knowledge, or a physical or mental disability, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide complimentary consultations and offer compassionate coaching and support during every home organizing session.