Two Minutes Du Jour

It started with a big, unfinished basement with plenty of storage space. But over the years, it kept filling up with toys our kids no longer played with, holiday decorations, memorabilia and more. Add to that, we’ve got boxes of items from when our parents passed away even though we donated or tossed carloads of their accumulations. Some of the items in the basement are sentimental, but much is just taking up space.

Recently, we’ve been tackling the stuff. My husband asked a simple question: What if we reduced our stuff by just one item a day? So we committed.

The house is starting to feel lighter, more organized, and less burdened by unnecessary things. We’ve already surpassed our goal of one item a day, and yet we still find more to sort through. This weekend, whether it’s super hot or rainy, we’re continuing our mission.

Practical Tips: What to Keep, Donate, or Toss

When deciding what to keep, donate, or toss, it helps to have a strategy. Here are some practical tips:

1. Keep: Items that serve a purpose, bring you joy, or have significant sentimental value are worth holding onto. But even sentimental items should be evaluated—do they truly bring you happiness, or are they simply relics of the past? Consider keeping only those that genuinely enhance your life.
2. Donate: Gently used items that still have life left in them can often find a new home. Clothing, kitchen gadgets, books, and furniture are all great candidates for donation. Many local charities and organizations will gladly take these off your hands. Not only does donating help you declutter, but it also benefits others in need. Be sure to check with your local donation centers for any specific guidelines or needs.
3. Toss: Discard items that are broken, outdated, or unusable. This might include old electronics, expired medications, or worn-out clothing. When tossing items, be mindful of proper disposal methods, especially for things like electronics or hazardous materials. Your local waste management service often has special collection days or drop-off sites for these types of items.

By focusing on just one item a day, the task of decluttering becomes manageable and even rewarding. As you see the results—spaces that are more organized, lighter, and easier to manage—you’ll find yourself motivated to keep going. The key is consistency. Little by little, you’ll create a more peaceful, clutter-free environment.

So, will you join me in the one-a-day challenge? Let’s make this a year of lightening our loads and creating more space for what truly matters.

Two Links Du Jour:

11 Charities that Offer Free Donation Pick Up – The Meat Movers

How to Decide What to Keep or Toss When Decluttering – The Spruce

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