I think we all know that stuff doesn't make us happy. I mean, there's nothing wrong with liking nice things. But we have a tendency to lean towards excess. I know I'm guilty of it myself, and I have a few areas where I really struggle.
- Books! I love books. But I have books in the basement that I bought in high school, have moved with me every time I go somewhere new, and have now been in the basement for the more than six years I've been married. The main reason I have trouble with resisting books is they're cheap. I buy most at thrift shops, garage sales, book sales, and online swapping sites; I have good intentions to read them all, but really, I could read a book a week and probably have enough to last me the next five years at least.
- Fabric! I love fabric. And when I find it on sale, I have a hard time saying no. Even, if I have no plan for what I'm going to use it for. I've already talked about my fabric hoarding problem and my plans to limit my fabric buying. Unfortunately, I haven't been very successful. I've been sewing more, but not enough to justify having so much fabric sitting around in my stash.
- Food! Yes food. I like to have whatever I may need on hand for when I want to bake or cook. Which is all fine and good, but really, I have two grocery stores right in town. If I really needed something that I didn't already have, it wouldn't be that hard for me to drive to the store and get it. It would literally be like a fifteen minute trip. I also have a tendency to try a new recipe that takes a specific ingredient and then end up with 3/4 a bottle of agave syrup, or cardamon, or some other item that I end up having to find some use for. So it's time to clean out my kitchen.
Here's what I'm hoping for. |
- I'm going to start giving some of it away. Keep your eyes peeled on blogs for giveaways of fabric, notions, patterns, and books. (Hint: the first giveaway will be up tomorrow.)
- I'm going to make a conscious effort to use it before I buy new. So be on the lookout for recipes using up some of those random spices or items I have in my kitchen that I'm betting some of you have too.
- I'm going to be making some donations. Our church is having a thrift sale in June with the proceeds going to support community projects. I already have a box started, and I have a feeling there will be more boxes before it's all said and done.
- Be a more conscientious shopper. I've made great strides when it comes to clothes shopping and can now walk away from clearance racks if there's nothing I need even if it is a super deal.
Love this post. I need to learn how to stay organized. I'll buy something, then won't be able to find it, so I'll have to buy another!
ReplyDelete~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
Oh, I've done that! I don't know how many partial packages of paper plates I have! I finally gathered them all up and put them together in one big box and I'm trying to use them up. :)
DeleteI inspired that you're creating an actual plan to reduce clutter. My husband and I keep talking about how we want to get rid of the clutter in our houses, but a plan would probably actually make that happen.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'll be checking that book out.
Well, right now I have a big box sitting in the living room full of things to be donated that is kind of driving me crazy, but it helps me remember to be winnowing things down. :)
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