5 Major Tips To Clean Up Your Living Space

Did You Know?  The Gallup Global Emotions Poll conducted over 154,000 phone and face-to-face interviews with citizens of 145 countries in 2017 to capture a snapshot of how the world is feeling.  Latin American nations dominated The Highest Positive Experiences worldwide chart – taking seven of the top 10 places, including the first four.  This may be partly due to a cultural tendency in Latin America to look at the bright side of life. (via)

I’m the queen of the quote “get rid of it”.  If I have to think twice, whatever it is – is GONE!  I wasn’t this way my entire life, I used to love holding on to every single thing I’ve ever owned because it all had a memory attached.  I don’t know if it was therapy, anxiety, reality, or my having a brutally realistic conversation with myself – but I’ve made improvements.

I typically tell myself something super depressing like this: “everyone is going to die & nothing in the world matters, especially this shit, so throw it away”  OR  “if you hold onto this item an longer you’ll become more emotionally attached to it & have the worst time throwing it away later so get rid of it now”.

PURE JOY.

Listen, you want a front row seat into my mind, I’ll take you there.  However, this dark self-talk has made me capable of getting rid of things – quick.  And for that, my living environment thanks me.

Today I’m going to cheat & post a list that I posted FEBRUARY 1, 2017.  Because it’s a good one.  And I like to read my old posts – such fun memories, and this one caught my eye.  I added a few pieces here & there to pepper up the post with my new matured perspective, but I about nailed it the first time I must admit – ENJOY!

Feb 1, 2017::

Getting rid of things doesn’t come naturally to me or feel comfortable.  I cried when I had to get rid of a $10 box TV & $25 bright red sofa a few years ago as I was moving. Wafiq had to pry me off my red sofa as it was sitting outside the dumpster waiting for someone to pick up… for FREE. (#neverforget.)

Since moving back to Austin (from Dubai), finally getting an apartment, and having more than -$100 in my bank account, I’ve tried to keep a handle on the “things” I own.  If I don’t have enough room, it’s time to clean out!  To brag – I’ve been doing a fantastic job.  Borderline too good?  I’m throwing things out faster than I have a chance to doubt my decision.

5 Major Tips To Clean Up Your Living Space:

1. Understand the term: OLD.  If it’s old, it needs to go.  The items might not be old in age, but may be old in use or appearance.  Yes, you can judge your items by physical appearance.  If you have to question anything to determine whether or not it’s old, it’s old.  Throw it away.
2. Don’t ask yourself – What if I could use this in the future?  That’s a killer question & a no win.  If you can answer it, that would make you a fortune teller.  If you end up needing something similar in the future you’ll buy another one or find something else.  It’s not worth the clutter in your house to ask yourself: What If?  What if you never need it again?  It’s just sitting there. Taking space.
3. Less is more. Trust me when I say – it IS better to have empty/open space than space filled with crap.  Open & empty is trending & totally chic.  If you have a big ass table that the dogs ate the legs off, throw it away.  You don’t have money to replace it?  Don’t.  Let the space be open.  (We did this & it’s fine.)
4. Don’t feel bad about throwing things away.  This was the hard part for me, to literally throw items in the trash can.  Especially when you see how much you throw.  If you can’t find a charity, or if it’s broken & a charity doesn’t make sense, then throw things in your trash can.  Yes, waste it.  Recycle it if possible, but it needs to go.  Once you come to terms with the fact that you’ll be “wasting” things, and throwing things in the trash can, you’ll get better at it.  Not ideal, but sometimes that’s the only option.
5. Always assume you don’t need it until proven you do.  I always tell myself I don’t need whatever item I’m debating about.  If I can’t find a great reason to keep it, it’s gone!  Unless you’re currently wearing it, cooking with it, or sitting on it – you don’t need it.
   

   THROW AWAY NOW:

   • Clothes that are uncomfortable/cheap/don’t fit properly
   • Old jewelry that has changed color or looks like a 6 yr old owns it
   • Mismatched socks
   • Worn purses
   • Old pillows
   • Paper/books/magazines that collect
   • Furniture (I’m serious.)
   • Pens/Pencils/Markers/Tape Rolls/Paper Clips/Stapler
   • Gifts (Yes. Gifts.)
   • Anything you have 2 of
   • Photos.  (Unless they’re very special – scan & throw them.)
   • Greeting cards.
   • Tupperware that doesn’t have a matching lid
   • Plastic ANYTHING
   • Old food you’ll never eat, think cans/noodles/boxes
   • Old makeup
   • Soaps, cheap lotions, old candles, old toothbrush, hand products – ANY product you don’t use
   • Unnecessary decorations

A few places to consider donating: Goodwill, Half Price Books, The Salvation Army, Safe Place but it’s also super important to google local organizations that are looking for donations. Unfortunately, Texas has an overwhelming amount of homeless people so Wafiq & I will bring them extra blankets, pillows, and jackets/clothes that we’re done using. Having a place to bring a lot of the items you’re getting rid of also makes the entire process easier. Find what works for you…

I can’t imagine starting this process if you haven’t done it before.  I have very little to go through & it’s still an overwhelming day, but it’s worth it.  If you’re a newb, take it room by room.  Even closet by closet.  Do one space this Saturday & another one next Saturday, eventually, you’ll get there.  I’m telling you, it’s life changing & one of the most rewarding experiences I can share with you.  HA!

What do you think?  Not a bad topic right?  Since it’s holiday season & our houses are going to be packed to the rims with gifts & decor, I thought this was a good time to remind you guys (and myself) to make sure you’re cleaning out as much as you’re taking IN.

That’s it for now! Have a great weekend everyone!  I’ll be back in the swing of things writing fresh posts coming next week –

Be thoughtful

Xx

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