I feel the first step before organizing, is decluttering. Why waste your time organizing things that you no longer need or want? That’s why I’m giving myself and all of you a little challenge. It really takes very little time and will make a significant difference when it’s time to organize. Choose a room, closet, drawer, or area and remove 13 things to give away, throw away, donate, move to where it really belongs, or a combination of all the above. If you’re feeling good about the area you just decluttered, move onto another area and do the same thing. Believe me, once you’re on a roll there will be no stopping you.
Why 13? I don’t know, because it’s more than 10 but less than 15. And I think 13 is easy to remember. Who doesn’t remember the number 13? Try not to count 13 pieces of paper (unless you’re cleaning out a file) or 13 paperclips. If you’re going to declutter, make it really count.
How about something like this (from my over the garage storage area) and only 10 miutes later:
Tupperware (that needs to be returned to my friend)- 1
Snowboots (that don’t fit any one in my family)- 4
Jacket (haven’t worn it in about 3 years, kept it 2 years too long)- 1
Trampoline Net parts (don’t ask)- 1
Beginner snowboard (we still have 3 more)- 1
Small outdoor tables (don’t want them or use them)- 2
Guitar stand (don’t need anymore)- 1
Beanies (have more than I can count still, but we do lose some at school)- 3
Golf Bag caddy (hubby prefers carts, hasn’t used it in 3 years)- 1
Life Jacket (too small for anyone in the family)- 1
I actually found 16 items instead of 13. Don’t stop at 13 if you can find more.
The tupperware is being returned tomorrow and the trampoline parts thrown away. Everything else is going in the yard sale corner of my basement. I haven’t had a yard sale in 20 years, but come the first warm day in Spring it’s happening.
Oh, and I found some cute snowboots that happen to fit me, that my daughter doesn’t want anymore. Bonus!
So, are you ready to start decluttering? Pick a spot, get started and link to We’re Organized Wednesday this week. I’d love to see what you’ve decluttered and organized lately.
