De Clutter Your Life

After my recent overseas trip it came to my attention that I do not need so much stuff in my life to live happily. Trust me I’m an avid consumer I love; clothing, makeup, accessories, magazines, food, the works. Yes I may have only been away three weeks but living out of a suitcase just made me realise how little I need. So since my return I’ve slowly been chipping away at my house hold, de cluttering my home and lifestyle. There’s something about; throwing things out, donating or selling unused possessions that makes you feel good. I think we all know there’s things we could live without but perhaps don’t know where to start. Let’s see if I can help, here’s how I have been de cluttering my life.

WARDROBE

Let’s be honest here I have executed many wardrobe cleanouts but this time I have been brutal, I have even taken the nice pieces out to sell or donate. How do you choose? You have to be honest and not think twice, when you look at an item what are the first thoughts that come to mind? These are some of my triggers to clear out: too big, too small, uncomfortable, high maintenance, bad memories, needs repairing, haven’t worn it in forever. Now you have to do the same with your jewellery, bags and shoes.  Selecting the pieces to cut is only half the battle; you have to now plan how you are going to sell them. If it is a recognisable designer and you want a good price I’d recommend Ebay, if they are middle of the range id recommend a fashion market, or selling via face book and if you just want to get rid of the items and want to make a few bucks id recommend your local market. If you’ve given these options a few goes I would then give them to charity, trust me you will only feel better for it.

*One of my old wardrobes, clutter central!

BATHROOM

I can’t speak for every female but most I know have a bathroom cabinet filled to the brim with an array of beauty, skin and hair care products. They literally sit there expiring, gaining dust and pissing off our partners. So I’m cleaning it out. First pull it all out and see what is exactly there. Throw out anything that doesn’t look or smell right. According to makeup guru Bobby Brown these are the use by time frames for these products:

·         Blush- 2 years

·         Eyeshadow- 2 years

·         Eyeliner- 1 year

·         Liquid Foundation- 2 years

·         Moisturiser- 2 years

·         Powder- 2 years

·         Lipstick- 1 year

·         Lipliner- 1 year

·         Brow Pencil- 1 year

·         Concealer- 2 years

·         Cleanser- 1 year

·         Sponges- 6 months (wash after each use)

·         Mascara- 6 months

·         Brushes- wash every few weeks

After typing the above I know I am guilty of hoarding the products over time. I now want to get back in there and re de-clutter. Trust me once you start it feels so good you want to continue all over your house. My goal is to have one of each product; one shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, cleanser, foundation, etc. So I have started using old body washes as hand washes, I have my cheaper shampoo in the shower which I use for my first wash and my more expensive salon one for the second deeper cleanse, I do the same with my cleansers also. I refuse to buy any more body moisturiser until every lotion and hand cream is finished. With nail polishes, test it if its gluggy get rid of it, if you love the colour and have to keep it prolong its life with a few drops of nail polish remover and shake it up.  If there is a perfectly fine product that I know I won’t use I offer it to friends or family. Once again this makes you feel good.

Another place to dedicate a bit of time to is the medicine cabinet, you’ll be surprised how many medicines you’re hanging onto that are passed their expiration date, there will be many without boxes and you may not even know what they are for or do. Save the self medicating and get rid of them. Some pharmacies will dispose of these for you.

 

*Bathroom Cabinet Inspo

 

KITCHEN

Living on my own my kitchen is not too bad but often the kitchen is a magnet for clutter. Let’s start with the pantry; take it all out and check the dates, you’ll be horrified how long you have kept some things. Now you’ll realise just how many canned goods you have. You have a few options start planning your meals around these products or give some to your local charity that take canned goods. The fridge; if you can smell it needs a clean. I found the best way to prolong my fresh foods is prepping them and freezing them. After reading Sarah Wilsons’ I quit sugar for life cookbook I learnt that the freezer is my friend.

LOUNGEROOM

For me the main things I hoard here are; magazines, books, dvds, cds. If cds or dvds are scratched; bin, if you don’t watch or listen to donate or sell. I love giving my old magazines to doctor surgeries or hospitals. I once took a whole boot load to the hospital and the lady at the desk looked very pleasantly surprised. How nice that people waiting for love ones can have something different to read.

So there it is. My de clutter plan. Trust me once you start you can’t stop.

E.