Self

7 Easy Steps To Get Rid Of Stuff (Even When You Think You Just Can't Do It)

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7 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Stuff

We all have stuff. It’s just what Americans do. We collect stuff. Some of us have more of it than others and some of us have a harder time keeping that stuff under control.

Having too much stuff can cause a ton of stress. But, there is an efficient way to get rid of all of that stress-inducing stuff, a few secrets of which I am going to share with you here today.

Here are 7 easy steps on how to de-clutter and get rid of stuff, even if you think you can't do it.

1. Identify what room needs to be de-stuffed first.

This is the key. If you look around the house and think, "I need to get rid of ALL this stuff", you will get so overwhelmed that you will just go watch an episode of "Orange is the New Black" instead.

Choose one room. Any room. If you want to start small, do so, like the mudroom or the laundry or even a dresser drawer. Actually completing the task of de-stuffing that room or drawer will make you feel so good that you'll want to tackle a larger room next.

2. Give yourself a good chunk of time to start and finish the project and make it a priority.


Theodyssey

This is also key. You need to make a date with that room, one that you won’t break. If you try to do this "when you have time"... well, it most likely just won’t happen.

3. Set up your IPOD and your speakers.

Throwing things away is way easier when done to music. Get out your favorite playlist, put on some comfy clothes and get ready to get down to it.

4. Start in one corner of the room.


Vevmo

This is a huge secret and one that WORKS!

In the chosen corner of the room, garbage bag in hand, start throwing things away. Things that you aren’t using, that are broken, that are expired, put them in that garbage bag. Things that you're still using and keeping get placed nicely back where they belong.

If you aren’t sure whether or not something needs to be thrown out, consider the last time that you touched that thing or even thought about it. If it was over 3 months ago, it’s gone. Acknowledge and be thankful for the role that it played in your life and then say goodbye.

Work your way around the room, repeating this process over and over. Don’t skip ahead. Do all four sides of the room.

5. Use the middle of the room.

While you're throwing away the things that are broken and leave the things that aren’t, you will come across things that can be recycled or given to the Salvation Army. Put those things in the middle of the room in two piles. When you are done you can put the recycled stuff at the curb and you can call the Salvation Army to come pick up the rest.

NOTE: If this step is overwhelming just skip it and get a bigger garbage bag.

6. Take a minute and look around.


Stoker

Stand in the doorway of that room and appreciate how de-stuffed it is. Notice how it makes you feel. Less stressed? Recognize that YOU DID THIS. All by yourself.

If you can do this, just imagine what else you can do…

7. Do not buy more stuff.

I know this seems obvious but, really, it’s what we do. We go to Sam’s Club and think to ourselves "Oh, look. This croquet set is so cheap and summer is coming and we could play together as a family and…"

The reality is that, maybe, it will get used once and then put away to gather dust.

Consider purchases carefully before making them. You will not only reduce your stress but you will save yourself money. Money that you can use for a massage or something else that will make your life a better place.

Getting rid of stuff can change your life. De-cluttering your house can de-clutter your mind, freeing it up for way more important things.

Like living the life of your dreams. Get in touch with Mitzi Bockman NOW to get yourself started. You will be glad you did!

This article was originally published at Let Your Dreams Begin. Reprinted with permission from the author.