Sometimes looking at the huge task of decluttering a household can seem daunting. Where to start? What do let go of? A few years ago I challenged myself to purge 30 things in 30 days because I was overwhelmed with stuff after a move. Choosing one item every day felt like an achievable goal and it started me on a continual journey of decluttering. Here are a few things that helped me start–and keep going–on this process of letting things I don’t need go. 1. Start Small Looking at an entire house can be overwhelming, so my suggestion is to choose something small and easy to start. This could be…

This week I found there are some areas of my household that are easy to search out items to purge. While it is great to have some easy items to choose as I wind down the 30 things in 30 days, it means that these areas are ones where I spend more, keep more, and overcrowd my home.  These areas are the first three of my next 7 things: 22. Scarves23. Shoes24. Clothes 25. Winter Gear … As the cold weather approaches, I’m pulling out the items I need to use and am letting go of the ones that I haven’t taken out for years. 26. Plastic Containers … I’m…

This week I was grateful for a friend sharing her list of things purged for her 30 things in 30 days. I was feeling a little unmotivated this week to search out another seven things, but knowing I’m not doing this on my own was super helpful! I also read a quote on a blog that gave purpose to this week’s task: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris With those words in mind, I chose the next 7 things to go. 15.  ’90s Discman … Purchased in the ’90s specifically for its shock-wave protection (does anyone…

About three years ago I did what I call “the big purge.” I was leaving the country for six months and wanted to get rid of as much stuff as possible. My goal was to keep functional items and things I was overly sentimental about. The rest needed to go. I don’t think I am overestimating when I say I cut my possessions in half. It felt so good until I came back and saw just how much I still had. And in addition to that, I’ve started accumulating more over the years. As I looked to choose the next 7 things to go this week, I had a few…

My 30 days have started! Here are the first 7 things that didn’t make the cut. 1. Glass Vase … I took stock of the number of things in my household that could hold flowers. Including a ceramic vase that I love, I have water jugs and glasses and bottles–all that would make fantastic, quirky vases. Well, they will if they make it through the full 30 days of 30 things! 2. Floor Lamp (not pictured below) … My current home is well lit and I have no need for a floor lamp, but that frugal part of me was tempted to keep it for the next apartment I move…