Our things multiply faster than what? rabbits? mosquitoes? flies? I don’t know why these are all animal/bug references!
But our things can multiply so fast before our very eyes and we don’t realize it until it’s completely out of control.
If there’s a constant influx of stuff, then there has to be a way to get some of it out without having to take an entire day to comb through everything.
We shouldn’t have to pause or stop our lives to deal with our stuff.
That’s why I created the 2019 Simplify Challenge. And the rules are beyond simple.
Just 5 things.
Each month of this new year, we’re going into a different space in our homes and taking out 5 things. These can be 5 things to donate, 5 things to throw away, 5 things to give to a family member, 5 things to sell, 5 things to finally make decisions on.
so how did January go?
1| the first thing we decluttered was a food container set
The first thing we let go was this set of food containers. This should actually count as 5 itself
It was really hard to store the lids properly and they would always get caught in the doorway of the cabinet whenever I would pull out the drawer.
So we found another set that was on sale at Costco and it’s still glass just “simplified”! What? what? This set came in 2 sizes: bigger and smaller round containers instead of 4 different sizes.
Now? They fit in the space perfectly!
2| an old bottle of wine
This had been sitting on our side table for over a month. Don’t even ask me why!
You know how it goes right? You put something in a spot that’s supposed to be temporary and you get so used to seeing it there, you don’t even really see it there anymore! It disappears like magic!
3| Bye bye Sad orchid
I have trying to will this thing back to it’s greater glory. But the sad truth is, the orchid was long gone.
I have a serious brown thumb when it comes to plants. I have even seriously injured a few succulents. The ones that are supposed to be resistant.
I tried to revive poor thing, but come to find out the leaf just fell off the stem. So I decided to toss the orchid but I keep the planter/vase that it was in.
4| an extra rubbermaid reveal bottle
I found this under our kitchen sink and I decided it was time to let it go. You may not know but I switched floor mops recently from the Rubbermaid Reveal mop to the Bona microfiber mop.
This bottle doesn’t work with the new mop, so I decided it was time to donate this guy!
- Read: Microfiber Mop Review
5| Old Recipes
Do you know how you collect a recipe that you want to try? And then you collect some more because they look really good?
But you never ever make them? Ever?
So I decided to let them go. I realized that after all this time (years maybe?) I’m not going to make the dang recipe.
If you haven’t used in a month, 6 months, a year, it’s time to let it go! All it’s doing is taking up precious space in your home and your mind!
a bonus surprise!
I decided to try and sell the food container set and guess what?! I was able to sell it for $15!
Not only was I able to declutter things that we no longer needed or used, but able to make a little moolah along the way!
February is next, and that’s the pantry!
