It’s that time of year when the sparkle comes down, and everyone’s a little sad. Everyone goes from one extreme to the other. I said I wasn’t going to do it this year, but as it turns out, I spent last week cleaning out a few things. Let me start with this: Decluttering isn’t the same for everyone. People are in different life stages, and their homes have different needs. Therefore, there is not a one size fits all formula for what to do in these situations. I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way. A few regrets are in someone else’s home now, so good for them. That being said, here are a few things to purge now, and seven things I’ll never part with.
I think people tend to take this to extremes with death cleaning and all that. Turns out, I’m still living my life so let’s start with the basics.
A few things to purge now:
Just in case you need a little motivation.
1. All Things Visual Clutter
Clear the countertops and thin out your closet. If you’re not ready to make some choices, put them in storage, and if you don’t miss them, purge them when it’s time to get them down again. Clear out your shower with those empty bottles. It’s the little things that add up to a big difference. This process also helps you reacquaint yourself with your home, so you know where things actually are. And that alone, is rewarding.
2. Old Electronics
But pull the photos off first. Yes, I now have given myself the task of sorting through them all. That’s why I haven’t cleared mine yet, but the sentiment is nice. Yes, it’s on this year’s list. Anything else like old keyboards, mice, etc… can go.
3. Old toiletries / Sunscreen
I’ve already cleared out my vanity, and nothing gave me greater pleasure. We had a ton of that at our house. Ew, David. It had been a minute.
4. Expired Meds + Food + Old Candles
No, the zombie apocalypse isn’t coming, and holding on to the antibiotics that went bad in 2020 won’t help you. If the Cheetos taste like cardboard, it’s time to part with those, too.
5. Anything You Haven’t Touched in Years
Despite those good intentions. Like the vacuum sealer, and the things that the kids have now outgrown, but never had any sentimental value. It’s time to donate so they can go to a better place.
And seven things I’ll never part with: {AKA you can pry them from my cold, dead fingers}
1. Board games
I love board games. Even if I sometimes have to make my family play them. They’re good to keep on hand for entertaining. They’re perfect for the holidays and gathering teens at parties. They always come in clutch and storing them isn’t that hard. Trust — you’ll regret parting with most.
2. Books of Value
Both old and sentimental. By all means, please pass on the ones you’ll never read or have read and want to share. But the decorative ones that bring you joy and the sweet childhood ones you can’t bring yourself to part with are worth it. I still have some from my childhood that I read with my own children, and plan to do the same with {very future} grandchildren. A legacy in books, the ones that matter, is important.
3. Craft Supplies + Household tools
You can whittle them down. But to purge yourself of investments is just sad. And kind of pointless if you intend to use them again. You’ll just have to buy them again — trust us on this one. Should you probably part with multiples? Yes. But don’t get rid of the useful ones.
4. One of a Kind Art
I create my own, so I won’t be parting with unsold pieces any time soon. Eventually, yes, I will dole them out or give away as gifts so that they’re not burdens to anyone. But they hold value. Any art you’ve invested in, or created… is the same.
5. Vintage or Classic Clothing
The ones you haven’t worn in a while – if they still fit, they’ll be back in within the next decade (the black dress you don’t wear often but keep for funerals is a great example too.) Or that cool jersey you found at the flea market, but wear on occasion… trust me when I say you’ll regret parting with it. I still have my wedding dress. My daughter may not use it. She may also cut it up and use it in a different way. This is why I still have it. Time will tell.
6. Memories and Sentimental Keepsakes
Once upon a time, I held on to everything. And then I learned the hard way that maybe I should part with my seventh-grade note collection because I have to make room for my children’s photos. While you can’t hold on to everything, I do recommend getting organized and keeping some things. These mean something. They’re evidence of a life well lived.
7. Antiques + Pieces Handed Down
I’m not talking about an entire dining set that stresses you out because you can’t find a place for it. Never hold onto things out of guilt or obligation. From that score at the flea market to that vase that was once your grandmother’s, it’s important to hold on to some things that mean something. Our family isn’t much in the way of family heirlooms, but what we do have, the little things that aren’t overbearing, are important.
We hope this helps inspire you if you’re sitting in doom piles, pulling out your hair. We get it. We’re purging too. It’s just that some things aren’t worth sweating over. What are some things you’ll never part with? We’d love to hear. Have an inspired day!
