I love to de-clutter! I almost never get the urge to purge! De-cluttering is freeing and exhilarating. Purging is a whole other thing! You’re eliminating things, not just moving them around. Purging is a daunting task if you aren’t experienced. Where to start?
It is important to simplify your life as much as possible. It truly reduces stress and anxiety.
If you’ve got the urge to purge, you can get rid of lots of useless stuff around the house. First of all, start by making a list.
1) Urge to Purge? Old Magazines
I am a serious lover of fashion and recipes, as a result, I always think I will still use my old magazines. I actually prefer some of the older editions to the new ones. But I probably won’t keep referring to ALL of them. Be selective. Only keep the ones you love.
2) Expired pantry items and condiments
(canned goods, jams, ketchup, dressings, spices, gravy mixes etc.) You really don’t want to use these past the “best before date.” They won’t be healthy to eat or taste as good as the fresher version.
3) Expired medication
Return to a pharmacy for proper disposal rather than flushing them (killing our marine life) or throwing them away where a critter or a foraging human can be poisoned.
4) Old clothes and the Urge to Purge
I have trouble with this one. I always think I will eventually get back into my tiniest size 8’s. You and I both know–I’m lying to myself. Another reason I tell myself that I keep old clothes is that they are so expensive to buy. Meanwhile, if they don’t fit, what is the point? Go by the adage that you should only keep the clothes that “Spark Joy.” It works!
5) Accessories you never wear
I have lots of fashion jewelry, scarves, belts, hats etc., that I never wear. Is it possible I really just don’t like them anymore? There’s that “Urge to Purge!”
6) Old stained & torn sheets and towels will give you the Urge to Purge
Save a couple of old towels to bathe the dog and wipe up messes, for example. Discard the rest.
7) Broken things you’ve been meaning to repair, but never will? Urge to Purge?
You know what they are…Above all, avoid the stress of beating yourself up (or your husband), for never getting them fixed. Time to move on.
8) Extra, old wrapping paper and sewing supplies
All that stuff that is full to overflowing. Makes it very hard to find the good stuff you need, right now!
9) Chipped dishes, bowls, mugs
I don’t know why we hold on to these things, but we somehow become sentimentally attached to that favorite old coffee cup. Purge!
10) Old DVDs, C.D’s, Videos, & Record albums
You know you won’t watch or listen to them again.Don’t waste space on things you won’t enjoy on repeat.
11) Duplicate kitchen tools
Keep the favorite ones you reach for all the time. Get rid of the rest.
12) Plastic and paper bags
We just don’t need that many! They’ll multiply again…trust me.
13) Junk Drawer
All of those take-out menus are online. The rest–they call it junk for a reason. Throw it out!
14) Empty storage containers
Professional organizers tell you to buy storage containers for specific purposes. There is a reason for that!
15) Refills for things you don’t use anymore
Examples are: coffee filters for a pot you no longer own, lids for containers you can’t find, or toothbrush head replacements for an electric toothbrush that died a long time ago. This exercise will most definitely give you the “Urge to Purge.”
16) Instruction Books or Manuals
Every time we purchase something, electronic, furniture, or appliance, you receive a manual, warranty or instruction book. We often put these away and forget about them until long after the item has been retired. Go through your stack of manuals etc., and get rid of the ones you no longer need.
17) Old cell phones
Why do we keep these? However, make sure your personal information is wiped clean before you discard the phone.
18) Books that you’ve already read or haven’t read in three or more years to inspire the Urge to Purge
Certainly, I am guilty of this. Editing your collection leaves you with more room to add the subjects you really LOVE!
19) Single socks and socks with holes
No brainer. Right? Are you really waiting for them to return?
20) Pens that don’t work will give you the Urge to Purge?
21) Almost empty toiletries
They take up so much space and we usually replace them without using them up completely. If you are having difficulty getting the urge to purge with this one, check expiration. You may be surprised, or horrified!
22). Urge to Purge food packaging and containers
Certainly, many things could be stored in smaller containers. I recommend taking everything out of your fridge and cleaning the whole thing thoroughly. Go through each item to check whether it has spoiled or expired. Large cereal boxes, bulky rice packaging etc., take up a great deal of space . Try transferring to clear containers because it takes less storage space and you’ll know when you’re running out. Nothing wrong with looking organized!
23) Bottles and Jars
Pin DIY ideas on Pinterest? Do you find that you don’t have time for all the projects you plan to do? You know you have far too many. They just collect dust…Recycle!
24) Old Receipts give you the Urge to Purge?
Clean out your purse, your wallet, and your junk drawer. Receipts create a lot of clutter. Other than the ones for big ticket items that you need to keep, you won’t need all the coffee, grocery and lunch receipts.
25). Wire Hangers
Do you keep those metal hangers from the cleaners? You don’t really want to use them. The wire and old broken hangers are taking up valuable space in a prime position. Purge! Wire or old broken plastic hangers.
Surprise! You Found The Urge To Purge!
Finally, you are bound to be surprised by all the hidden treasures you will find while on your quest to purge. How many years has that been missing?
You just can’t imagine how great you will feel after you finally give in to your urge to purge and de-clutter your life. It is truly the only way to feel organized and relaxed in your home.