Essential Items Pro Event Organizers Suggest You Discard Immediately, Without Noticing any Absence
Got overwhelmed by the clutter in your life? You're not alone! The trend of minimalism, or only keeping what's necessary, is on the rise. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but these expert tips will help you get started by identifying items you can easily donate or toss. Let's dive in!
Tracy McCubbin, an accomplished organizer, author, and founder of dClutterfly, shares some commonly misunderstood items that can be purged with ease. In this article, we'll discuss how to eliminate cords, paperwork, books, reusable tote bags, outdated technology, duplicative clothing, identical kitchen tools, old formalwear, and uni-taskers, without missing a beat.
- Cords and Cables:
We all know the hassle of maintaining multiple charging cords. Most rechargeable items come with a universal cable – USB-A and USB-C (flat and rounded rectangular, respectively). If you own different devices, label the cords using a label maker for identification purposes. If unsure, feel free to donate or get rid of them, as you can easily purchase cheaper replacements online.
- Paperwork:
Digitalization has transformed the way we manage data, making print documents less essential. Feel free to shred or discard paperwork that is easy to access online, and opt for a digital platform when available. In case of emergencies, ensure you have digital copies of important documents or take photos and save them in a secure digital folder.
- Books:
If you struggle with letting go of books, consider whether you will ever pick them up again. If the answer is no, take this opportunity to declutter your shelves. Donate (or gift) unread books, selling them on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or consider gifting them to a friend, reusing them in a Little Free Library, or donating them to a library.
- Reusable Tote Bags:
Grocery stores frequently provide reusable tote bags, and you don't need to keep dozens to maintain a green lifestyle. Instead, try utilizing them as gift bags or donating usable tote bags to local thrift stores and grocery stores.
- Outdated Technology:
Do you still have a VCR or old CDs? If un-utilized for an extended time, consider gifting them to someone who may value them, selling them online, or recycling them if they're beyond repair.
- Duplicative Clothing Items:
Perhaps you've stockpiled an extensive collection of black pants or white blouses. Declutter your closet by eliminating multiples of clothing items and keeping only your favorites. Sell gently used clothing on Poshmark, ThredUp, or other secondhand marketplaces.
- Identical Kitchen Tools:
Excessigt can openers, bottle openers, and other single-purpose kitchen gadgets taking up valuable space? Conduct an audit and get rid of any duplicates. Not using an item frequently? Consider donating, selling, or storing it in a less accessible area.
- Old Formalwear and Halloween Costumes:
If you've worn an item once and it will never see the light of day again (think bridesmaid dresses or Halloween costumes), consider donating them to promote reuse or repurpose them for other use.
- Uni-taskers:
Items labeled as "one-trick ponies" or "uni-taskers" typically go unused for a prolonged period of time. Instead of hesitating to part with surplus gadgets, valuable space can be reclaimed by letting go of duplicates. Consider reusing them for alternative purposes or donating.
Decluttering your home with these handy tips can be a rewarding and liberating experience. By following these expert recommendations and incorporating only the most relevant enrichment insights, you'll create a more organized, less stressful living environment.
- Martha Stewart, a renowned expert in home organization, once suggested that cleaning and organizing your storage areas regularly can help maintain a clutter-free living space.
- If you're finding it hard to declutter using the traditional 'cleaning organizing' method, consider seeking advice from organizers like Martha Stewart or professionals like Tracy McCubbin to gain some insight into effective strategies.
- When implementing the storage organization process, perhaps consider using recommendations from organizers like Martha Stewart, who advise using bins and containers to categorize items, making it easier to keep excess items at bay.
- In the spirit of minimalism, maybe consider following Martha Stewart's mantra of 'if it doesn't bring you joy, declutter it'. This approach can help ensure that only essential items remain in your storage organizations system.
