A few weeks ago we started our blog post series with How to Become a Minimalist where we included our key steps to living with less. However, we want to take time to focus on each step in depth, to help you overcome obstacles that may slow you down in the process. The first step we talked about was purging your physical belongings. Here are some key tips to move past the first steps to purging.
1. Purchase contractor bags. Before you can even start purging, you’re going to need bags to sort your items to donate, give, or sell. You obviously won’t be giving plastic totes to charity, so you will need contractor bags. These are much larger than regular trash bags and can hold more than lawn & leaf bags usually. You don’t want anything holding you back from purging, so we want to get as many steps out of the way before you even start.
2. Who will remove the purged items? Decide who will be taking these items to your favorite charitble organization. If you are unable to lift large bags, now is the time to line up some help. Perhaps you have a child or grandchild that can help you lift your bags if you are unable. Make a plan and set a date for when you will be taking these items to charity to help hold you accountable to your purging schedule.
3. Take pictures. There are many items from my son’s childhood that have fond memories attached to them. I love looking at his paperwork, his projects, craft items, etc. However, for the ones that hold slightly less sentimental value, I take pictures of them and keep to look at when I want to take a walk down memory lane.
4. If its yellow or has pilling throw it out. You know the shirt I’m talking about, that’s supposed to be white, but it’s yellow around the collars and cuffs. “Let it go!” (sung in my best Disney’s Frozen singing voice)! If you haven’t worn it in a year, chances are you will not fit back into it again at a later time, and if you do it will probably be out of style. The only time you should keep items that don’t fit are if you do truly plan on losing weight, and its a classic clothing item (such as the little black dress).
5. Pick items that are currently in excess. Do you have too much glassware? Tupperware? Old make-up? Start with items that are clearly out of date and can no longer be used. Don’t use make-up that is over a year old, and many items probably don’t have a lid, straw, or some other component that is missing. Start with these types of items which are easy to give or throw away.
6. Sort your items. We have so many great tips in our post series on 35 Days to an Organized Home. When coming up with your maintenance plans, make sure to go back to those “do later” piles. This can include items such as converting old family VHS tapes to DVD/Digital, returning unwanted items to stores, etc. You actually need to put time into your schedule to complete these maintenance tasks. Many people never get past the step of sorting them into the “do later” pile.
Where are you on your purging journey? Keep us posted by commenting below, and let us know about your minimalist journey!
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