Use it or Lose it
Many of my clients believe that if they save certain items, one day they’ll become the type of person that uses them. I hate to say it, but in my experience, it doesn’t happen like that. Instead, these things tend to lie around FOR YEARS without ever being used. If you’ve had any of these items lying around for one year, five years, or ten years, it’s finally time to use it or lose it!
Baby Clothes: If you aren’t having another one anytime soon, it’s time to donate or consign. The same goes for the toys or games your children have outgrown. (If you or any of your children want to keep a few for future grandchildren to come, assign to a keepsake box for attic or basement storage.)
Clothes That Don’t Reflect Your Lifestyle: If you haven’t worked in corporate America for years, there’s no reason to have a wardrobe of conservative suits. If you aren’t having another baby, purge all maternity clothes.
“Special outfits” for kids: Instead of saving these for special occasions, have your child wear them & wear them often. Expensive children’s clothing is outgrown so quickly, why leave it sitting in a drawer?
The Skinny Phase Clothes: If your weight fluctuates, keep clothing for a realistic range of weights. One size bigger or one size smaller should be enough. And, if you do lose a ton of weight and didn’t save your “skinny” clothes, don’t you deserve a little shopping spree?
Old Purses: If they’re sitting in the back of your closet not being used, consider consigning ones with value & donating the rest.
Extra Large Kitchen Supplies: If you haven’t used them, or can’t figure out how to use them, it may be time to get rid of the bread maker, ice cream maker, fondue fountain , and anything else taking up unnecessary space in your kitchen.
Distilled Spirits: Go through your liquor cabinet, and only keep alcohol you might drink or serve to guests. Keep in mind that open bottles can lose their flavor after a few years, so purge those as well.
Fine China & Silver: If you have,, find or create special occasions to use!
Photos: Put them on display, create photo books, or save them to the Cloud. They’re useless sitting in piles or boxes, where they might get damaged or lost. For your digital phots, take the time to create & save them in albums for easy access.
Home Decor Pieces: Souvenirs from vacation or art that your spouse hates… if its not going to be put out anytime soon…. it shouldn’t be kept anywhere else. Consign or donate.