Guest post by Carrie
This month on MoneySavingMom.com, we are encouraged to eliminate seven items daily. There were a large number of comments from readers who posted that “they are in.” It seems as though there is a completely different mindset lately… simplify and declutter.
I like to think of it as stress or bless.
While it doesn’t seem like much, seven items a day is a great way to get started. I read before that to quit or start a habit, it takes about three weeks. By the end of the month, we should have the habit of getting rid of things that we don’t need and can carry this forward throughout the year.
Here are a few ways I’m simplifying and moving things out of my house.
Magazine Subscriptions:
I’ve not renewed any of my magazines, and I had at least 10 subscriptions every month. Most were completely free due to MyCokeRewards or through free offers on blogs. I would always pass them along when I was finished or recycle, but it seemed like it was getting to be too much of a hassle. This was causing more stress than blessing me, so I have eliminated it.
Kid’s Clothing:
I also have an area in my closet for clothing that can be donated as soon as my youngest outgrows it. This eliminates the need to have piles every where and reminds me to keep the clothing under control. In fact, I’ve gone through my boys’ closets several times and weeded out clothes. How many pairs of pajamas do kids really need?
My Clothing:
I remember during my own pregnancies that I had a limited wardrobe. It didn’t require too much thinking to get dressed in the morning… black pants, khakis, skirts, or jeans. Less than a dozen tops and I was good to go.
I’ve been doing the same with my regular clothes. It is so nice to open the closet and see empty space. Can you bless yourself by simplifying your wardrobe, or by choosing items that can mix and match so you can eliminate clothing?
Miscellaneous:
I have purchased a large plastic hamper to keep under my kitchen island. It holds all the recycling and encourages us to get rid of papers, plastic, cans, etc.
I also am planning on taking items into work and putting out a free sign. I’ve done this before and my things always get picked up by somebody else. I like to bless people with the free things. Whether it is books, toys, jewelry or even extra garden produce, it is a great way to pass items along.
As I’m going through room by room, I continually ask myself… does this stress or bless me? This is a very simple way to declutter and I have no problem finding seven things to remove. I love having clean spaces and empty drawers.
I remember somebody mentioning that it could be difficult to have room in our heart for God, our family, and our other interests if we are not relaxed in our homes.
I hope readers have a great experience with the challenge this month.
Carrie is a divorced mom of five great boys in northwestern Pennsylvania.
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