A home full of loud children, dirty laundry and a sink full of dishes can be pretty stressful. But infinitely worse than that is the same chaotic home with piles of clutter everywhere.
If you want a sure way to stress me out give me a simple task, like making dinner, and then put a couple extra kitchen appliances out on the counter and some random pieces from a 50-piece toy set on the kitchen floor.
I absolutely cannot stand clutter. My husband thinks I get a little dramatic about it, but I cannot control my disdain for it. I am amazed at the amount of things I can routinely bring to the thrift store and still have more clutter to go through. It is a constant job and I’m convinced that if I don’t stay on top of it as a daily chore (literally) we would be on the next episode of hoarders.
I have gotten even more serious about getting the clutter out of my life after reading Marie Kondo’s book: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The basic premise of the book is to only keep in your home things that inspire joy.
Although I am a pretty militant clutter clearer there are still several things I would like to donate to the nearest thrift store in 2021.
Here is a list of items you may find taking up precious space in your home that need to get the boot:
1. Random chargers and electronics
Am I the only one who has whole basket of chargers and other random electronics accessories? I plan to get rid of all but one charger per phone. There is no reason to hold on to the others. If another charger is needed for some reason, WalMart sells them for less than 10 bucks.
2. Toys that are missing pieces
Toys with multiple pieces stress me out. I always feel the need, at the end of the day, to return everything back to the set it belongs to.
I can sometimes spend half an hour every day sorting toys. I put the Duplo in the Duplo box, the train with the tracks, the pawn in the Sorry box. Gah!
Any excuse to get rid of toys with multiple pieces is a good one.
I just recently got rid of the toy kitchen set with all the food and accessories. I told my husband I probably spent 20 hours, or more, of my life the past six years returning food to the kitchen set. If you think about that in money terms, and I pay myself only $10 an hour, that stupid thing cost me $200 to own, plus the actual cost of it.
Not only that, I am convinced my kids never actually even played with it, but just scattered its pieces throughout the house. As you can tell, I don’t miss the kitchen set.
3. Clothes that haven’t been worn in over a year
If it wasn’t a good idea all summer, why would it be a better idea next summer? Styles change so quickly that it will likely never be worn again.
In the past few years, I have adopted the “uniform” strategy with clothing. I get 3 or 4 outfits that I love, are comfortable and will work for multiple occasions. That’s all I keep. No decision fatigue. No piles of laundry.
This strategy works great for kids clothes too!
4. Furniture that just isn’t working
A few years ago I did some pretty crazy decluttering and sold off my entire Ashley furniture bedroom set, two couches in the living room that I just never loved, an entryway table, and a few random end tables.
Although it was a lot of work and my house was pretty empty for a few months, I am so glad I did it. I wanted to be more intentional about the things I keep in my home and realized that keeping the pieces I didn’t love was really holding me back.
I am trying to now shift my focus when buying things by only buying things I love, even if they cost a little more money.
5. Extra plates and bowls
When is the last time you had 25 guests over for dinner? If you’re like me, the answer is never. In the unforeseen case you would have a large gathering, you could always use paper plates.
When you have to shuffle things around every time you put away the dishes, it is time to do some decluttering.
6. Craft Supplies
Did you buy several skeins of yarn with the intention of learning to knit someday? Do you have fabric scraps laying around that you will eventually make into a quilt?
I know we all think life is going to slow down sometime in the future, and allow us time to pursue our hobbies, but that just isn’t going to happen.
And if you do end up with some extra time 10 years down the road, you can go buy yarn and knitting needles for under $30. Think of how many times you would have to rearrange and organize your craft supplies between now and then. Would that work be worth $30 to you?
I think it makes a whole lot more sense to buy craft supplies on an as needed basis, whenever you are actually ready to complete a project.
This is coming from the girl who spent at least a day every month for five years organizing her craft supplies. I still have thread, in just about every color imaginable, that I plan to donate this year. I seriously always use white thread. All that thread has done the past eight years is take up space.
7. Extra blankets
Do have a whole closet or tote in the basement full of extra blankets? If so, have you drug them out for any reason in the last year? Two years? Five years?
Have you spent any of your precious time organizing that said closet or tote? Even one hour is too much for some blankets that are never used.
8. Books that you hope to read someday
Unless you truly like the way they look on the shelf, they are literally pointless.
If you ever actually do decide you want to read a certain book at a future date, which is unlikely to happen if you haven’t read it already, you can always buy the ebook for $10, or go to the library.
Again, think of the opportunity cost of owning something. If you’re spending time putting it away, or it’s taking up valuable real estate or, worst of all, causing you to lose your sanity, you are actually gaining something by getting rid of the item!
9. A gift someone purchased for you that you never liked
I absolutely love the way Marie Kondo rationalizes this situation. Think of the moment when the person gave you the gift. Think of the joy it brought them to give it to you and see the excitement on your face.
That right there was the purpose of the gift.
That moment.
Now that the moment has passed, the gift has served its purpose and you are free to discard it.
Now imagine your home free of all these items. Picture the closet that is stuffed full. Wouldn’t it be nice to open it up and see only things you love?
What is holding you back from that beautiful linen closet with three nicely folded blankets? A bunch of ugly blankets you haven’t actually used at all in years? This is when your extra stuff is no longer serving you.
A few more tips:
Don’t wait to declutter until you have the time. It doesn’t have to be a big job. You just need to be consistent and intentional.
Start looking at your belongings with new eyes. Filter everything through the question: Is this item something useful or does it bring me joy? If the answer is no, throw it in a bag right then and there.
Let it be a part of your everyday routine. Just as you’re going through your day and you come across an item that you realize you haven’t used in a year, take it to the donate pile.
I have a donate bag sitting by my back door at all times. Every time I come across an item that doesn’t make the cut it goes in the bag.
I do have days where I go on a major decluttering spree, but for the most part, it is just something I do as I am going about my normal routine.
Do not think about the value of something. Even if it is worth $100, it is not worth the stress of it being in your way all the time? Do you get stressed out every time you open a closet that is stuffed full of junk you don’t use. Those items aren’t worth all that mental energy they are costing you. Always remember, too, that things aren’t normally worth what you paid for them years ago.
Try to sell the valuable things on the local buy, sell, trade facebook groups but if they don’t go right away, it is still important to get rid of them. Don’t let the task of getting the full amount that everything is worth stop you from living in a tidy, clutter free home.
For example, I brought home a late 1800’s armoire that I wanted badly to fix up and put in our bedroom. When my husband saw it, he said it looked like some really expensive firewood. That thing sat in our garage for A YEAR and every time I walked by it I got stressed out that we hadn’t ever worked on restoring it.
It drove me crazy.
I finally threw it on buy, sell, trade for $25, even though I paid $100 (not my proudest moment). We both feel so glad it is finally gone. Our garage is less cluttered now but, more importantly, I am finally free to start looking for an armoire that we can actually use in our bedroom.
Now go forth and be clutter free in 202!
Get some more great minimalist tips:
Sarwat AJ says
Such a nice inspirational blog.
Lisa Bass says
Thank you!
Lisa Bass says
I could probably still find more!
Beth Colvin says
It is amazing how much we are alike in this area. And that is refreshing to know that I’m not weird to be so obsessive over clutter. I declutter (like you said) literally 7 days a week. I have a big garbage bag in my closet and all throughout the day I fill it up. I cannot stand excess. In ANYTHING. And the toy thing….I am just like that! I do the exact same thing. And last year, I sold my Ashley furniture bedroom suit that was perfectly fine and my leather sofa and loveseat bc I didn’t love any of it and I just wanted it out. We haven’t replaced them yet bc I am determined to wait until I find what I LOVE! Thanks for the encouragement!
Lisa Bass says
I feel like if I don’t stay on top if it, like you said 7 days a week, it will get out of control so fast!! So funny you literally sold your Ashley furniture set too! It took us a while to replace our furniture (and some of it still isn’t replaced), but totally worth it to get out the stuff you don’t love!
Princess G. says
Thank you!!
Lynne says
Hi, Lisa! This is an awesome post and video! I’m enrolled in A Simple Life With Courtney Carver. It ends this December. I totally recommend it. We live 30 minutes from the nearest store. And we have a beautiful dog. We keep at least 5 extra blankets and old towels for when she needs them. We throw down the blankets on ice so she gets her footing. And keep them for when she soils others…lol. I’ve decluttered so many other things. A paper shredding company came to shred 2 city garbage cans full of photographs! Haha. And my goodness, so much more like college writing and books. And I’m an artist, but got rid of everything for the very same reason that you mentioned. When I get the urge to create something, I’ll go buy the stuff. I’m not storing it anymore. I’m 54 years old. Living minimally is easier, and we can’t take the stuff with us anyway. Someone else would need to clean up after us. You are such an inspiration!!! Seriously, I love everything about you and your lifestyle! Woot! Rock on, Lisa!
Ellie says
Guilty as charged with alllll of these…. :/ but they’re things I’ve been thinking I need to work on! Such great tips and insights, girl! Excited to take on your advice <333
Lisa says
Yep, me too for the longest time! And I still have to constantly stay on top of it. But, it is so freeing when the house is clutter free! Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Ellie!
Jasanna Czellar says
Just found your blog and youtube and love it! I also loved Mari Kondo’s book. I appreciate the craft items tip! I do need some storage for my painting supplies, but I also have a small dresser with 2 drawers reserved for….craft supplies. Leftovers I never used…and I ALWAYS feel guilty about not using them. I’m totally going to take your advice and donate!! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoundlessJoyStudios
Esther says
Hi I live out in Spain have just recently discovered you on you tube. Absolutely love your work, would love to know if you will do a blog on preserving herbs and perhaps makeing jams and jellies .
And your opinion on the book nourishing traditions .
Thanks so much
Esther
Lisa says
Hey Esther! Thank you so much! I will probably put together some videos like that this summer. 🙂 Also, I am a fan the book Nourishing Traditions!
Cathy says
Do you decorate your home for Christmas? Tree, garland, lights, wreath etc and what do you do with that stuff when the holiday is over? Just wanted to know your thoughts or anyone else’s on this matter.
Cathy
Lisa says
I mostly jus do natural things, like fresh greenery, pinecones, candles etc. That way I don’t have to store many things. I do have stockings I keep from year to year. 🙂
Vickie says
I just love your blog. Your style is simple but elegant. I wish I could be a minilist like you my daughter is. I need help. I’m beachy, Country and ecollected I guess that’s what you call me.My daughter calls me hoarder. Lol Maybe I am . I need all the help I can get. Thank you congrats on new house even though I loved your old house I wish I had it.Happy New Year ❤️?Let’s hope it a good one without any tears.
Suzanne says
Great advice Lisa, thank you. Wish my hubby was a little more like yours – mine is an unapologetic, unrepentant pack rat! (just like his mom was) Plus they were quite poor when he was young and he was bit deprived. He hates to dispose of old clothing and bits and pieces, thinking they will be valuable one day. I love him beyond measure but it can be VERY frustrating.
But time, and a little bit of wisdom that comes with age (we’re retired) has helped me. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Purple Heart – donations to them help military vets. I regularly pull out old clothing, things I know I’ll never use, and household items that I don’t want. I box them up, put them on the front porch and call the Purple Heart. They come and take it all away (no driving to a donor center) and leave a document for use as an income tax deduction. Knowing it will give us a bit of a tax break pleases him, so it’s a win-win.
I DO have a busy sewing room with lots of fabric. But my fabric is all folded and organized on shelving in a closet behind closed doors and my thread is organized inside the doors of my sewing machine table for quick selection. My sewing supplies are in labeled containers on shelving around the room and easy to access. So tidying up is quick & easy, and I don’t mind doing it as I’m a sewing and quilting addict.
Other than that, I pick my battles, there are small piles of clutter around the house that make me somewhat nuts, but if I ask him, he’ll sort through one or two of them, I clean underneath and he puts back what he won’t get rid of. Not a perfect solution but after 45 years with the sweet, wonderful man, I can compromise. Life is too short, I’d rather have harmony than squabble over clutter, even though I hate it (sigh!) Interestingly, my daughter is just the opposite of him. She’s a professional woman and has someone in to clean her house regularly. So she’s ruthless when it comes to getting rid of clutter. I guess she had too much of it growing up.
Happy New Year to you and your lovely family! May it bring you many blessings and may we all see the end of the Covid situation.
w says
I want to achieve it but every time I get even a fraction of the house cleared the entire rest has been disheveled like a hurricane passed through. I have 5 kids, and we are recovering after abuse and abandonment and years of bad habits. I am to the point I feel defeated and worthless. I can’t save us all. can you declutter me out with
the rest>?
Sojourner says
Hi W. I noticed no one else posted a reply to your comment, so I thought I would respond even though it is months later.
I’m sure you have heard the expression “give yourself some grace”, but what does it mean? With five kids, especially if they are young, your house is not going to look clean and calm like the ones on the internet. Not yet. But it can look better and function better. There is a difference between removing unwanted items from your home (ie “decluttering”)
and general straightening up of the house. Slowly removing “stuff “ from your home over time will gradually make maintenance easier. Regular home maintenance is hard when you feel defeated and worthless, and it’s harder with five kids. But you can start with just one thing and do it every day. Flylady and Dana White (Look them up online- they’re great) say begin with your kitchen sink. Only clear and clean that sink every evening. I tried that and it helped me.
The other thing is that there is more to life than an environment that is under control. You and your family are healing. Push all the stuff to the end of the table and gather your family for dinner all together, even if it is just pasta and sauce from a jar. You can’t be perfect, but you can look at each child and ask them to tell about one good thing that happened in their day while everyone else listens. And you’ll have to learn how to include yourself in that grace and love. Do a small thing like buying yourself grocery store flowers, even if you hardly have a clear spot to put them down, and notice how beautiful they are every time you walk by. Or make a cup of tea, and don’t do anything else while you enjoy it. Announce to your kids that this is Mommy’s time. These were just suggestions. Your family is unique and what you try may be different. Grace spreads in wonderful and mysterious ways and it often starts very small and quiet. Don’t concentrate on the mess. Look for the grace. It can happen to you.
Ashley says
Love this! I have been serious decluttering for about a year now but still struggle to keep my craft supplies tidy. Drawers over flowing with pieces of fabric or yarn that I have had for years. This inspired me to declutter it ASAP
Emily says
Tell us more about having a set of 4 outfits! How do you pull that off? I live the idea, but find I wear a lot of different “hats” that require different type clothing. However, I also wonder how to simplify by mixing and matching. Any suggestions on simplifying wardrobes?
Leah says
I really wish I could just declutter to my heart’s content but most of the things that bring me stress are my husband’s stuff. He is a huge hoarder. He cannot let go of anything and if he finds out I threw out his stuff he gets mad at me. He keeps useless things like cardboard packaging, clothes he’s never worn from 20 years ago, his childhood baseball cards, 30 charging cables that are in such a tangled mess we always have to buy a new one anytime we need it anyway. I’ve tried doing it behind his back, I tried convincing him, I try doing it together and we end up fighting. Any tips on this front?
Kay says
This is great for someone like me, who doesn’t get rid of much. Thanks 🙂
There’s another side of this, though. For instance, with craft supplies: I sew. I have a lot of random zippers, buttons, snaps, fabric pieces, etc. – bits and bobs. If I got rid of all of those, I might have a lot of difficulty finishing projects that I spontaneously begin. I would definitely spend way more replacing whatever I had thrown out, besides wasting time looking for it at the store, and likely having to go to a store I don’t usually go to. I also really value holding on to something and avoiding spending $30 later, especially since I probably got it for almost nothing at a thrift store!
Still, it’s helpful to see how easily other people get rid of things!
Marie Stone says
I have followed your advice have declutted ,,, it is stress free love it thanks!!!
Arlene says
Love this. You make getting rid of “stuff” easy and manageable! Thanks!
Lisa says
Thank you!