Saying Goodbye to Stuff

We are a family of collectors. Longaberger Baskets, Elvis paraphernalia, Boyds Bears, Beanie Babies - you name it, we've collected it. At one point we pulled 50 (yes, 50) measuring cups out of my aunt's kitchen cabinet. Yep, we COLLECT.

But we're turning a corner. After years of collecting, we started to realize that our desire to gain stuff has enabled us to lose a few things along the way:

• We lost floor space, table space, countertops (they are under there somewhere!). That's prime real estate that we could have used for taco night, or game night, or anything else that allowed us to spend time together!
• We lost time. How many hours did we lose searching for lost items or moving things from room to room? (I'm guessing too many). 
• We lost money. Ever find a great deal on something only to get home and realize you already have 10 of them? We have! We've also bought way too much (because it was a great deal) and ended up throwing it away in the end. 
• We lost peace of mind. Remember the last time it was easy to find something to wear in the morning? How about when you could walk into your "junk room" without feeling stressed? Me neither!

"Clutter is often the outward expression of inner angst and struggle. It steals our attention, time, and money and stands between people and purpose." Courtney Carver

So what do we do about it? 

You guessed it - It's time to CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER! (We are getting ready for a fundraising yard sale for Team Perry this spring, so the timing is PERFECT)! But it isn't easy - we live in a society where more is often seen as better. And (I admit) I have obsessions with certain things like Zumbawear, and Coach bags, and anything that has a pug on it. But then I read this...

"Everything in your home should reflect your vision for the life you want." Peter Walsh

And when I envision the life I want, here's what I see:

• Floor space, table space, countertops. Empty space that allows me to welcome friends and family into my home at any time. Jenga, anyone?!
• Time to volunteer with Common Roads, to read a new book, to snuggle my furbabies, or to take a new Zumba instructor training!
• Money spent on things that truly add value to my life - great vacations with my husband (Punta Cana!), a half marathon in Wildwood with my sisters, or even my doctorate (someday!)
• Peace of mind. Getting dressed in the morning is a breeze and our junk room has a new name (a.k.a. guest room!). Home is a source of sanctuary, not stress. 

What do you envision for your life? Are you ready to take on a few super-fast anti-clutter challenges? Here are a few from Peter Walsh (It may even be fun if you make it a game!):

• 5-5-5 - In the next five minutes, find five items to giveaway, five to throw away, and five to put away. 
• Minute to Bin In - Set a timer for one minute. Dash madly around the house collecting old magazines, newspapers, catalogs, invitations, etc. Recycle or shred them. 
• The Reckoning - Walk into your hall closet. Identify five things that you know you'll never pull out again (old ski parkas, broken umbrellas, etc.). Donate or trash. 

Want some additional inspiration? Check out these great blogs!

• 365 Less Things - This started with one woman's resolution to give away, throw away, or sell one item everyday for an entire year. 
• Project 333  - A minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.
• bemorewithless - Encourages you to focus on "the best things instead of all of the things."
• becomingminimalist - Designed to inspire others to pursue their greatest passions by owning fewer possessions. 

#livingsimply #minimalist #clutter