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5 Easy Ways To Declutter Your House Now & Still Enjoy The Holidays

4 Comments / Clutter, Decluttering, decluttering tips, Good Habits, Midlife, Midlife woman, Midlife women, Mind, Body, & Spirit, practices, Space Clearing, space clearing tips / By maryv@shiftyourstories.com

Believe it or not, you can add “declutter your house” to your December to-do list and not feel overwhelmed!

Are you thinking, “Surely you jest…I’ve got a ton of things to do before family and friends descend upon me!”

Well, stay with me: I’m thinking of areas where you can weed out excess stuff and still be ready to toast the holidays with your loved ones!

I know…it’s traditional to begin a new habit on January 1st. It’s a logical starting point for those who make New Year’s resolutions. December is often a final hurrah for eating the cookies, sipping the eggnog or laying on the couch for a Netflix binge.

Then, when the holidays are behind us, our attention is not pulled in quite so many directions. We can focus on where we want to head next.

But if you incorporate making some small uncluttering decisions while you’re preparing to celebrate, wouldn’t it be awesome to make headway now?

After all, you’re already handling many of your possessions as you prepare your home for the holiday get togethers.

Where to start decluttering your house can start in those very spaces you’re cleaning and clearing as you prep for your guests.

Read on about five places where you can declutter your house before the end of the year!

1. Declutter Your Holiday Decor

Holiday decorating both inside and outside the home is part of many a family tradition.

When I was growing up, we amassed and displayed a fair number of Christmas ornaments, Santa Claus collectibles and outdoor lights. Some of them were even passed along to us adult children as our parents scaled back.

If you also regularly transform your home at this time of year, how about setting out fewer items? You, too, could let your grown kids pick and choose their favorites.

Or consider donating some so others who are less financially stable can also create a festive atmosphere in their homes, too. As you’re hauling out and unwrapping your decorations, review which ones are your favorites to keep and which ones can now be shared.

Crating extra space between your favorites will also feature them front and center. Everything you look at will make your heart swell.

And then think about how streamlined next year’s holiday decorating will be when you have less to set up and then store again!

2. Declutter Your Everyday Decor

We generally need to swap out our knickknacks when we display holiday trinkets and decor.

Instead of simply boxing up all your things temporarily, think about sorting and releasing some of your customary items now. It’s an ideal time to clear out what no longer thrills you, especially if you’re planning to make a move into a smaller space next year.

Oftentimes, we don’t see clearly what is in our home because we are so familiar with our things. Once it’s time to move it or pack it, only then do we start to look at our stuff with a critical eye.

As you handle each item, is it something that you truly love? Do you use it now? Is it in working condition? Might it be something to pass on to somebody else?

Not sure? Then defer the decision for now but at least give the process a chance.

Don’t agonize over the decisions—if your gut instinct is to let it go, do it and move on!

3. Declutter Your Linen Closet

Who doesn’t set out their nicest kitchen and bathroom towels at this time of year?

They may or may not be in holiday hues but we display the ones that are in the best condition. While you’re doing this, take some time to straighten out the linen closet or shelves.

We often have many more everyday towels, washcloths and bed sheets than we truly need. Our tastes change as our decor changes. And eventually, all towels become faded, frayed or even stained.

If you do laundry on a weekly basis, why not just keep two or three sets for those in the household and perhaps another set or two for overnight guests? All the rest would be welcome donations at any charitable organization. Animal shelters in particular would appreciate your slightly frayed hand-me-downs!

Enjoy the sight of a tidy linen closet with matching pristine towels in the shades you prefer now!

4. Declutter A Kitchen Cabinet (Or Two)

For all the bakers and chefs out there, the holidays are a prime time to churn out seasonal savories and goodies.

Baking cookies with my mom is one of my favorite Christmas memories! We had sweet treats by the dozen stored in the unheated breezeway between our house and garage. Someone always had an excuse to go to the garage as a pretext to sneak a few cookies!

These days, my cookie baking marathon is no more. I’ve saved a couple of the treasured cookbooks. And I whip up a couple choice treats. However, I’ve let go of the cookie press, the tin cutouts…even my kitchen-aid (gasp!) but I have other appliances that I reach for now.

Truth is, it’s just my husband and I now and we don’t need all the sugary temptation around us. Oh, I’m not averse to making a few goodies. But the extras go home with my adult son!

If you, too, are cooking differently, why not weed out cookware and recipe books that are no longer used? Someone else likely wants a new tradition of making Belgian waffles on Christmas Day.

Me? I’m content with an easy overnight pop-in-the-oven breakfast casserole. You? Perhaps you’d rather make reservations….go for it!

Declutter your kitchen gadgets in a nod to how you cook now!

5. The "Declutter Your House" Convo With Family

Our families gather from near and far when the holidays arrive!

Most would agree that seeing our loved ones gathered in real life is the highlight of the season. Sure, there can be some mini-dramas here and there…all part of the deal!

It’s not often that everyone convenes, due to hectic schedules and scattered home bases. So while you’re all together, initiate the conversation about what things of yours they have always admired.

Parents often assume their kids have the same regard for family heirlooms or mementos but it’s not true. Tastes vary and so does the capacity to incorporate large furniture or collectibles into a new household.

Here’s a short of what they likely don’t want: Top 10 Objects Kids Don’t Want!

Or check out this iconic article from The New York Times: Aging Parents With Lots of Stuff & Children Who Don’t Want It.

Instead of making assumptions about who wants what, just ask! It will help your distribution process when you start paring down in earnest.

And if more than one of your kids wants dibs on an item, now’s the time to know.

There are a few ways to resolve this, whether drawing straws, or making concessions on one item in return for another. It doesn’t have to be finalized now. But it’s good intel for future reference.

Above all, don’t take it personally when they feel differently about your stuff.

We each have the right to decide what enters our own homes. And no one welcomes guilt at the door, don’t you agree?

The Wrap: How To Declutter Your House In December

Prune your things as you go about your holiday prep routine. You can toss, donate or gift several things in as little as 15 minutes!
Initiate a conversation with your adult children to learn what they would like to incorporate into their own homes. You may be surprised with the answers!
Your small but powerful head start to declutter your house now can reinforce your New Year’s momentum!
Above all, enjoy the one-on-one time with your loved ones!

You May Also Enjoy:

But First: Plan Now For A Peaceful Holiday Season

How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed | A Mindful Method for the Win!

Declutter Like a Boss With The PopUpPurge™ Book Release!

5 Ways to Harness Your Midlife Transition and Avert a Midlife Crisis!

Charitable Donations Make The Holidays Merry For All!

Your Turn!

Do you normally go all out with the holiday decor?
Is holiday baking your thing?
Do you prefer hosting or making the party rounds?
What tradition are you ready to pass on to your kids?

Share your thoughts below …and thanks for stopping by!

Charitable Donations Make The Holidays Merry For All!

Leave a Comment / Decluttering, donating, Good Habits, Midlife, Mind, Body, & Spirit, Space Clearing / By maryv@shiftyourstories.com

It’s hard to ignore the emphasis on material presents at this time of year, don’t you think? It’s one of the traditional ways we show our love to family and friends. Maybe you’d like to cut back on retail excess and focus on the holiday fellowship, instead. But what about the gift of charitable contributions for those we don’t even know?

There are so very many who are less fortunate financially than ourselves. Whether our charitable donations are for soldiers stationed overseas or for domestic abuse families in our own community, there are (sadly) endless opportunities for lifting others up during the holiday season.

Check out these 5 suggestions for sharing the blessings you have. In fact, a few of these ideas will have the added benefit of clearing out what you no longer need or use in your home, too—double score!

1. Books

Do you have books that you no longer read?

Anything that doesn’t interest you anymore? Or maybe a favorite that could positively influence someone else? As the author of The Book Thief wrote, “Words are life”.

Many of us struggle with letting go of our books because they seem to define who we are. Yet understand that while they reflect certain interests of ours, we don’t need them sitting idle on our shelves to validate our worth to those who already know us … or to ourselves!

If you’re ready to share some of your collection, consider making charitable donations to your local venues such as:

youth centers
senior centers
hospitals
nursing homes
shelters & crisis centers

Donating your time may also be an option. Here’s an opportunity to pack and ship books for our troops abroad: Operation Paperback.

Help foster the imagination and inspire others with the written word!

2. Clothing

While prepping for the next holiday mixer, pull out a few (or several) garments for the charitable donations box.

Our tastes change over time, not to mention our body shape (sorry)!

Rather than hang on to clothes we may (never) wear “someday”, think about donating those items to make room for the ones that you reach for time after time because they truly fit and flatter.

It’s quite eye-opening when we consider that 20% of our wardrobe is worn 80% of the time. How about reversing that percentage: retain what you love and release what you don’t. It will shed clarity on your actual clothing options!

In fact, it’s not uncommon to hang on to corporate attire long after the dress code has relaxed or you yourself have exited the job.

Donating to an organization focused on those entering the workforce with little funds for new duds would be an awesome gesture! One such charity committed to helping disadvantaged female professionals is Dress For Success.

If you can spare some time, there is also a strong need for volunteers to counsel those building a new business. Share your corporate wisdom with others through Score, a network of volunteer mentors for new small business owners.

Help others climb the corporate ladder and achieve financial security!

3. Towels and Linens

At some point, it’s time to refresh our towels, linens and blankets.

They wear out over time. They fade or fray. And when our color palette changes, our old towels and bedding get shoved to the back of the closet or drawer.

Yet those are ideal items for donating to your local animal shelter or rescue group! Grab a bag and pull out the ones you no longer use or care about.

There are countless local animal rescues you can help out. Simply google using the search terms, “animal rescue near me” to uncover your options for charitable donations.

Or give financially to your local Humane Society and help those who can’t speak for themselves. Any of the stray animal causes would also welcome your time or financial donations, as well.

Help keep the four-legged orphans warm and dry!

4. Toys

Got a spare teddy bear (or two)?

OK, if you’re over 50 like me, the toys have long vacated the premises! Oh, they may make an appearance from time to time, when our grandchildren visit, but they already belong to those young owners.

Unfortunately, many children lose whatever prized possessions they have when they experience a house fire or when they abruptly flee a domestic abuse situation.

Both local police and fire departments are ideal drop-off sites for donating new stuffed animals. Once again, Google to the rescue! Search using the words, “toy donation drop off sites near me”.

Or here’s another one: Stuffed Animals For Emergencies. And one more noteworthy group to make kids’ holidays brighter is Toys for Tots.

Help children feel secure with your charitable donations when their future feels uncertain.

5. Pantry Items

Whether you’re clearing space in your pantry or grocery shopping for the holiday meals, consider setting aside some extra food supplies for those who have less.

Hunger affects people of all ages, from the very young to the elderly. An event such as unemployment or a health crisis can quickly lead to food insecurity.

And know that food pantries are especially strained during the holidays so your donations are greatly welcomed. You can search for your local food bank to donate either food or money (or both) here at Feeding America.

Again, if time is an available resource, donating your service in a soup kitchen may be your gift of choice. It’s a real sign of stewardship when we humble ourselves and personally tend to those in need.

A nationwide resource that provides your local options for charitable donations of both time and money is at Homeless Shelter Directory.

Help nourish those with empty fridges!

The Wrap on Charitable Donations

The drive-through lanes can be long this month at national organizations such as Goodwill. December 31st is the last opportunity for making tax deductible 2021 charitable donations. If you yourself have waited patiently in that giving queue, thank you!

Remember those who are without and consider donating what resources you can
Sharing the blessings we have is how a community bonds and thrives

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Your Turn!

Do you have a tradition of giving back? What charitable donation experience is particularly meaningful for you and why?

Share your thoughts below … and thanks for stopping by!

This is How to Transform a Cluttered Bathroom into an Organized Sanctuary

2 Comments / Decluttering, Sorting, Space Clearing / By maryv@shiftyourstories.com

Regardless of who’s in the house, it’s so easy for a cluttered bathroom to take up residence in our house!

Too much stuff in this fundamental room happens for three reasons: It’s a high traffic destination. It’s a magnet for rarely used personal product odds and ends. But above all, it’s a repository of hope as evidenced by all the lotions, potions, medications and makeup we accumulate over time, to look and feel good. Indeed, this happens to us all!

Yet who wants to start or end their day in a relatively small space jammed with what we truly don’t use? When what we do need is hidden by oodles of random personal toiletries? Um, no one really!

So this is exactly why it makes sense to periodically sort through and declutter makeup and skincare products. Once you have weeded out the excess stuff, you can then arrange the remaining true essentials in a way that works with the amount of space you have.

Even the smallest bathroom can be cleverly outfitted in a way that streamlines your personal routine. Having only what you need and use makes looking your best a breeze! Who would argue with that!

Disclaimer: I’m not a professional organizer. And I know folks love learning new ways to cleverly store their stuff. But the first step to getting there is to release what doesn’t belong, get used or fit in the bathroom!

Then, once all the excess has been removed, it’s easy enough to figure out what storage hacks will elevate your bathroom into an efficient yet tranquil space. (P.S., I’ve included a video loaded with organizing hacks at the end of this post in the resource section.)

Are you ready to say goodby to your cluttered bathroom? Let’s do this!

Today's post is all about the process of converting A cluttered bathroom into an organized, functional yet attractive area.

Step 1: Craft A Plan of Attack

In order to get this done, it’s important to divide and conquer!

Regardless of the size of your bathroom, it’s unlikely you’ll complete this project in one pass. It’s incredible how much stuff we can pack into our bathroom drawers and shelves!

So start by stepping back and dividing your cluttered bathroom into manageable sections that you will clear in separate sessions. If you have mostly cabinets, work on a drawer (or two) at a time. If you are blessed with an in-bathroom closet, address the shelves individually. A medicine cabinet can be done in one swoop. You get the idea!

In this way, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed when you chunk out the work. Remember: you didn’t fill up your bathroom in one day so you likely won’t clear it out in one day, either! Certainly, work as long as you like. But you’re bound to get bogged down in an all-day marathon.

Instead of rushing, make thoughtful but practical choices. You bought everything for a reason. Even if the reason is no longer valid, it can still be challenging to accept and to readily let things go.

This is why the key to completion is prioritizing your decluttering project. And 30-60 minutes a session seems to be a sweet spot for making progress without running into decision fatigue. Figure out the best time of day for you to do this and get it on your calendar. When do you feel most energized? That’s an excellent time to tackle your cluttered bathroom!

Also, try pairing your session right before or right after another regular activity you perform without fail. Like showering in the morning or loading the dishwasher after dinner. Maybe follow your decluttering session with a mini reward like a social media scroll or that cuppa cappuccino. This “habit-stacking” approach increased the chances that you will get this done.

In fact, my own personal formula includes an old-school paper calendar. I record what I did and add a star on that day. This may conjure up those years when you did something similar with your young children … but hey, it works for me, too! I love seeing lots of stars on my calendar!

If a deeper dive into creating your decluttering plan would be helpful, check out this post: How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed | A Mindful Method for the Win! Because the more defined your approach is, the more likely you will execute and see results.

Step 2: Create a staging area with sorting bins

Ready to make efficient decluttering decisions?

Prepare for what you’ll do with the stuff you handle in each area. Nothing fancy is needed. Boxes or trash bags or even laundry baskets will do!

Next, I recommend using 4 categories with the following designations: Keep [in the bathroom]; Toss [in the trash]; Donate [to charity]; and Relocate [somewhere else in the house].

Now where to position these bins depends upon your home configuration and capacity. If impractical to have in the bathroom, place them in a room less frequently used. This is just a temporary setup so the dining room or spare bedroom are both possibilities. Ultimately, the bins will be emptied when your decluttering is complete.

Cluttered Bathroom Bin Notes

1. Keep Bin

Keep items refer to things you need and use regularly. Think shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, hair brush, etc. I’ll go deeper with this category in the next step below. For now, leave just 1-2 of each Keep item where you use them now and place all the rest in the bin.

While you can certainly retain all Keep items in the bathroom, you may discover far more identical items than you realized were in there. It can be enlightening when you collect all similar items in one place to get a visual on just how many you have. Imagine uncovering 10 combs, a dozen lotion bottles or 23 washcloths … you probably agree you don’t need to keep quite that many!

2. Toss Bin

For this bin, we’re talking about items that are broken, expired, or missing parts. In regards to expiration dates for makeup and skincare, I’ve seen a range of dates from 6-18 months, depending on the product. But why not keep it simple: replace everything at the same time, once a year … boom!

I strongly suggest that your Toss items go directly into a trash bag. Then throw that bag into your garbage can at the end of each session.

The one exception here is expired or unused prescription medication. The only way to safely dispose of this is at an official site that accepts the medication. But per usual, all you need to do is Google, “where to dispose of prescription drugs near me”. Typically, it will be a pharmacy or hospital.

Otherwise, when it comes to Toss items, there’s no good reason to hang on to any of this stuff one moment longer. So ensure it all leaves your home immediately and permanently.

3. Donate Bin

Now when it comes to Donate items, this refers to all standard or sample sized personal products or cosmetics that are unopened/unused. Think of the stuff you have that are for “some day” or “just in case”. If you haven’t used them yet … when will you?

These items are always welcome at homeless shelters. And even faded or worn towels can be repurposed at animal rescue organizations.

4. Relocate Bin

Lastly, the Relocate bin is for the supply of things that don’t belong or don’t fit in your bathroom. Keeping a reasonable stock of what you regularly use makes sense. You avoid unexpectedly running out of essentials and you don’t have to make frequent trips to the store.

However, put the emphasis on “reasonable” … your home is not meant to be a warehouse, is it? If you have an inordinate amount of anything, consider placing it in the Donate bin, instead.

Step 3: Assess and Decide

And now the moment of truth! What stays and what goes?

We’ve got our parameters defined in Step 2 so start sorting! Your first instincts will serve you well. You know what you currently rely upon and reach for. Keep those things.

Then, when you feel conflicted and on the fence, realize that it’s usually because you know the item has worth and letting it go feels like you’re devaluing it. Or spending the money all over again.

But it’s already been paid for! (And note: even free items or gifts can make you pause because they have some value, too, right?)

Now the only question is this: Who will make use of it … you or someone else? Because if it’s not something you will realistically use in the near future, allow someone else to derive the value of it. After all, no one benefits from it sitting idle in a cluttered bathroom!

If you’re still feeling a little fuzzy on making decisions, head over here for a more in-depth clutter definition: Clutter Definition: What Exactly Is It So We Can Confidently Declutter With Clarity? Then prepare to see your stuff with new eyes and sort with determination!

Step 4: Identify Your Absolute Essentials

As you sort, pay attention to the things you use faithfully.

Makeup

When to comes to makeup, it’s common to have lots of impulse buys in the drawer. After all, it’s easy to succumb to the promises we read in ads or the images of flawless models. The daily lists of “best makeup” or “top-rated skincare products” along with 5-star reviews constantly prod us to buy!

But now, let’s be ruthless: how often will we swipe on all the assorted eye shadow palettes? Do we need 8 different eyeliners? Or 3 toners? What about 5 different blushes or bronzers? Perhaps we do … if we’re celebrities!

Now look, I know some women love their makeup and enjoy a wide stash to play with. Everyone has their own personal beauty philosophy. However, it’s undeniable that “less is more” particularly when we are of a certain age. So I’m going to leave it here: Only you know if you truly need and use what’s in your bathroom. So you decide. Just be honest with yourself.

Skincare & Devices

Also, are you generally satisfied with your current skincare supply … until you spy a new one to add to your arsenal? Again, the “hope in a jar” marketing tactic is a powerful twitch to break, isn’t it!

Take a hard look at your daily regimen. If the products are giving you the results you want, stick with those until you’ve used them up. If you happen to see other possibilities, keep a list for future reference when it’s time to replace what you have. Or only check out the latest lists when you’re truly ready for something new.

Now sift through your appliances like hair dryers, curling irons, hair clips, razors, manicure tools, etc. Once again, ask yourself how many of these you rely upon regularly and how many you need.

Savvy Tip

If you’re reluctant to let go of your sample products, use them when you travel. They are an approved TSA size and then you get a chance to try them out. See if they’re contenders to replace any current products when the time comes. You can use ziplock bags to sort the samples into ready-to-go kits. Then just grab a bag when it’s time to go!

Step 5: Store Your Secondaries & Duplicates

At this point, there will be a few more decisions entailed. First, do you need all of them? Second, will you use all of them? Third, do you have the space to keep all of them?

For example, it may come to light that you have a lifetime supply of toilet paper. This may be a result of the recent pandemic! Obviously, this is a perennially useful item to retain. But if your storage space is at a premium consider diverting some of your stash to the Donate box.

If there isn’t room for your Relocate items in your bathroom, find a closet or cabinet where you can keep these extra items. Make a list of what you’ve got and keep it in the kitchen or wherever you do your grocery list. This will avoid buying more than what you need and also prevent running out of things unexpectedly.

Step 6: Donate Your Unused Items

Lastly, wondering exactly where to take your donations? Does it feel like yet one more thing you have to do?

To be honest, it’s very simple to donate! All you have to do is Google “animal rescue near me” or “homeless shelter/women’s shelter near me” to find your local charitable options. Confirm if you need to drop off or if a pickup option is available. Place the filled bins in your car trunk or garage to avoid any second-guessing and to free up your staging area.

For even more ideas, this post shares how easy it truly is to locate your own donation options: Donating Old Clothes & Recycling Textiles | Repurposing for A Better Planet! … do check it out so that you, the less financially fortunate and our planet all win!

And now, your bathroom should feel significantly clearer and tidier. Before rearranging and adding your organizational items, take time to clean the surfaces, shelves and drawers. Then draw a bubble bath, pour a glass of wine or cup of hot tea, and sink in for a relaxing soak …you earned it!

The Wrap: This Post Shared a Detailed Process to Revamp a Cluttered Bathroom into a fabulously ordered space!

A cluttered bathroom happens when we succumb to all the marketing tactics to buy the next miracle product that helps us look and feel fabulous. It’s also easy to accumulate all kinds of odds and ends when there’s room to stash them … or is there? Start decluttering today and appreciate the space between what you truly need and use now!

Once you’ve released what doesn’t belong or fit in your bathroom, now you can organize and find exactly what you need when you need it. Enjoy!

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Decluttering Clothes to Create Clarity in Your Closet

Leave a Comment / Change, Clarity, closet clearing, Clutter, Decluttering, decluttering tips, downsizing, downsizing tips, Gen X, Good Habits, Lifestyle, Midlife, Midlife woman, Midlife women, Motivation, Planning, Sorting, Space Clearing, space clearing tips, Style, wardrobe clearing / By maryv@shiftyourstories.com

Curating a wardrobe that reflects your current taste and lifestyle requires decluttering clothes which no longer warrant a place in your closet. When you’re over 50, there’s likely been a change with how you spend your time. Which means what you’re wearing has also pivoted, too.

So if you find yourself pawing through blouses, slacks and shoes to assemble your day’s outfit, this series is for you! Imagine the serenity of readily seeing only what you need, use, and love in your closet!

I’m timing this series with the annual Spring ritual of swapping out Winter clothing for warmer weather (or the opposite, if you live below the equator). Unless you are blessed with a roomy walk-in closet, many store their off-season clothing in another closet or room. So pause before packing away things you didn’t wear yet again. It’s is the perfect time to curate a wardrobe that fits, flatters, and feels good now!

First things first, before decluttering your clothes!

Begin with why, create a plan, and then get going.

Grab a notebook or create a Word doc which captures what you personally want to achieve. Maybe your top goal is to downsize your wardrobe. Or perhaps it’s to add in clothing that truly aligns with your daily routine. You may have a few things on your list.

Whatever it is, this will be your personal reminder to refer back to, when your motivation slows down or hesitation sets in.

-Decide when you will devote a block of time to focus on your closet. If you can do a daily session, great! Is it 30 minutes a day? Will it be an hour, 4 times a week? Or will you be a weekend warrior, armed with strong coffee?

Just land on what fits in your schedule and suits your energy level … and commit to it.

And now, on to my 5 rules for decluttering clothes that need to go!

This post kicks off a series about decluttering clothes to discover your new midlife style!

Rule #1: Release Costly Items Never (if ever) worn

How often do we cling to things that we regret buying? Oh, they may be perfectly beautiful yet they don’t fit quite right, they aren’t truly your style after all or they were an impulse buy. You know exactly which items these are in your closet! But then your second thought is remembering how much you spent … and so they stay.

Go ahead and set them aside for now. If you’re up for recouping some of those dollars, label the box, “Sell”. But if you don’t have the time or inclination, label the box, “Donate”. I will share the best current options for both in an upcoming blog post!

Be willing to let these items go. The money has been spent so it’s not actually costing you anything to release this stuff. But they are costing you in terms of occupying valuable space in your closet.

Focus instead on the fact that you’re finding a better home where they will get the use and love they deserve. And now you’ve made room for what truly reflects you. What do you think about that?

Rule #2: Release "it" colors or styles that aren't you

Are you smiling now? Good! I’m simply making the point that while we want to look current, sometimes the so-called “must have” looks are simply not our friends.

Who dreams up these “rules” anyway? What if we created our own rules? Think about it this way: there’s a reason we reach for certain styles or colors time after time. Certainly, it’s possible we get ourselves into a rut. Maybe we’re playing it safe. Or we might truly benefit from a little styling advice! Don’t worry: I’ve got blog posts coming up addressing all of this!

Meanwhile, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Go ahead and weed out what you don’t like or wear. Why hang on to idle clothing? You can sort into the two categories mentioned earlier: “Sell” and “Donate”.

There, doesn’t that feel good to release what doesn’t truly flatter or make your heart flutter? I thought so!

Rule #3: Reduce your stockpile of special occasion items

Here we are delving into identifying what reflects the cadence of our current lifestyle. It’s not uncommon that our roles change after 50. And so it follows that our clothing choices should, too.

While the definition of a special occasion will vary from one person to the next, think about the situations calling for an outfit other than your everyday wear. How often does that happen? Ensure that the quantity of said items jives with the frequency of such situations.

Also, pay attention to the color, fabric and design of your special occasion clothing. If black is not your best hue, then perhaps your “little black dress” needs to be blue! Or red. You know what your personal power color is.

And if the material feels confining, stiff, or itchy and it’s always a relief to take it off, that should go, too! The goal is for you to define what creates confidence and comfort every time you put it on. Those are the timeless items to keep. Release the rest.

Additionally, corporate (business) attire may not fit under the “special occasion” label, but don’t overlook releasing this or any other type of clothing if you don’t mingle in a certain arena any more. Most of us don’t have sufficient warehouse room for all the “some day”, “you never know”, or “just in case” clothing!

Rule #4: Release multiple sizes from the fluctuating scale

This is a touchy subject but bear with me, please. Who hasn’t experienced a change in their shape and weight, as the years go by? Despite our best efforts, there will be a natural shift despite exercise and dietary adjustments.

We can still look fabulous! But clinging to sizes that are unrealistic or require deprivation than we are unwilling to endure? Let those go! Life is too short to berate yourself on the basis of size.

However, only you can decide what to keep, based on your personal goals and determination. Is it de-motivating to see sizes too small in your closet? My suggestion is to remove those items and store them in a box labeled with the size and the current date.

If they still don’t fit by a future date, i.e., the next season, re-evaluate your situation. And if it no longer matters to you, don’t even open the box … just let it go! Make room for what truly fits now.

Rule #5: Reduce the sentimental volume

The 70’s called to get your groove back on! Whatever makes your heart swell, keep it. How wonderful to have your heart smile when you open your closet door and see a reminder of a happy memory.

The key is to limit these items to a discreet number. If you have too many items for viewing only, this will pose a practical problem. How will you have closet capacity for what you actually wear?

Whatever the size of your closet, an artistically arranged set up with a few sentimental items will allow for a pop of joy every time you open the door.

Can you have a dedicated shelf for these things? Would a wall display or a free standing rack in your bedroom be the way to go? Sort for what is most meaningful.

Does each thing have equal value? Likely not, so quickly release anything you feel iffy or “meh” about. Don’t ruminate too long … or decluttering your clothes will grind to a halt!

The Wrap: This post was about decluttering clothes in order to curate a midlife style that fits, flatters and feels good!

When we’re entering a new season … weather-wise or decade-wise … it’s an ideal time to re-evaluate our wardrobe.

It’s extremely tricky to recommend styling ideas since we all have such individual taste! And my bottom line is always going to be, “If you love it, then wear it!” Seriously. Don’t be concerned with what anyone else thinks.

Oh, we will be judged. It’s what we do (c’mon, admit it!) and so does everyone else. But do you anyway!

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Additional Topics and Resources to Explore

Declutter Like a Boss With The PopUpPurge™ Book Release!

Motivation to Declutter: 5 FREE Tools to Get Going & Keep Going (Even When You’re Not Always Feeling It!)

7 Timeless Tips for Decluttering Your Clothes & Discovering Your Next Style

Ageless Styling Tips from the Book Club Movie

5 Ways to Harness Your Midlife Transition and Avert a Midlife Crisis!

Oprah’s How to Look Good At Any Age episode

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Your turn!

So I’m curious:

Does your clothing reflect your personal lifestyle and taste? Or does it mirror what the “fashion police” decrees?
Is your closet chockfull of items from a former role or era? Will you realistically reach for these things again?
What truly holds you back from letting certain things go? How do you do it anyway?

Share your thoughts below … and thanks for stopping by!

Decluttering Your House Demands Fearlessly Facing 3 Constant Challenges

Leave a Comment / Decluttering, decluttering tips, Mindset, Space Clearing, space clearing tips / By maryv@shiftyourstories.com

Most would agree that decluttering your house is an activity we can all add to our to-do list. Who doesn’t have more than they need or use. Gosh, we can all readily point out lots of those extra things in our own homes!

But if you’re having a hard time with actually following through, why does it feel difficult? What’s holding you back?

Today I’m exploring 3 common reasons why we accumulate too much: family legacy, storage capacity, and consumerism.

These challenges are roadblocks to releasing stuff that doesn’t need to stay any more. Understanding when they are at play is the first step in the decluttering process. Then we can learn how to overcome them and begin streamlining our homes.

Are you ready to create serene space and retain just your favorites? Read on!

This post reveals 3 roadblocks to conquer when decluttering your house!

Challenge #1: Family Legacy

When you’re decluttering your house, the sentimental value of things from your loved ones is one of the hardest challenges to face! I’ve seen folks hang on to all sorts of things because they were handed down from a beloved family member.

Think Grandma’s crocheted afghans or Aunt Millie’s costume jewelry collection. Others were raised to maintain a certain type of household, which includes a good set of silver, damask tablecloths or Waterford crystal.

Now don’t misunderstand: I believe in honoring our loved ones!

But when things are collecting dust … when their taste is not our taste … when our lifestyle does not embrace those items … wouldn’t it be time to let them go?

Releasing family keepsakes does not mean we are rejecting our heritage!

There are ways we can be true to our roots yet avoid filling our homes with things we don’t need, use or love. By all means, pick a couple of items that speak to you. Display them, whether in a photo montage or on an end table.

However, if the item truly doesn’t suit your style …if you’d rather set it back in the closet or drawer … you’re likely keeping it out of guilt.

Recognize that your beloved relative and the item are not one and the same! Instead, release the item to someone who will appreciate and use it.

Challenge #2: Storage Capacity

Let’s face it: when we have room to keep something away, we do it! And Americans revel in way more housing square footage than almost any other nation. We have more rooms with dedicated purposes. Think dining rooms or guest bedrooms.

Fortunately, home builders are moving towards including “flex rooms”. And “great rooms” and “eat-in kitchens” are in vogue. Yet when the day comes that we are ready or need to downsize, it’s eye-opening to look around and see how much we thought we needed, isn’t it?

And when it comes to buying, we may tell ourselves that the new item will replace an old one … but does the old one really make it out the door?

Sometimes, we buy another thing to stock up or just in case. But how hard would it be to wait and buy it only at the time we need it? It seems we have a fear of being unprepared. (OK, maybe one can’t have too much toilet paper!)

Are we really too busy to clear things out, but not too busy to buy new things?

Here’s a thought: consider reflecting on the purchases you plan to make. Is it to replace or to add to what you already have? Do you need it right now? Do you enjoy the thrill of having something new?

This leads right into challenge #3!

Challenge #3: Consumerism, Baby!

Today’s consumer hardly stands a chance in the face of pervasive marketing at every turn. Whether TV commercials, infomercials, billboard or magazine ads … it’s everywhere!

And now, nothing is as powerful as social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok barrage us with recommendations to buy something which will make us more attractive, thinner, hipper, happier, you name it.

Every season, there is a new fashion rule for what we should wear. We have pre-holiday sales, holiday sales, post-holiday sales, clearance sales, and even “oops, our mistake, here’s a discount from us” sales!

It’s non-stop and it’s exhausting. It’s also expensive!

But what if we turned off the noise? What if we unsubscribe from retail newsletters and email lists? (We can always sign up again to snag a discount … just unsubscribe afterwards!)

What if we didn’t buy the latest version if the older version we own is perfectly fine?

Know that I am not advocating that you never buy something different! Instead, I am suggesting you purchase mindfully.

My 3-part trademark mantra is this: “Do I need it? Will I use it? Do I love it?”

Then, add to that, “Do I need it right now?” and “What else could I do with these funds?” In other words, thoughtful questions lead to thoughtful purchases!

Now off to decluttering your house!

The Wrap: Today was all about decluttering your house by starting with your "why"!

Figuring out why we have too much stuff in our homes will allow us to start decluttering in an easier and more mindful manner.

Additionally, we can maintain a newly streamlined space which feels soothing, when we know the obstacles that can stop us in our tracks!

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Additional Topics and Resources to Explore

4 Tricky Truths that Put the Brakes on Decluttering Your Home

Clutter Definition: What Exactly Is It So We Can Declutter So Much Easier?

Listen to Kitty Cotten’s Tips & Tricks

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Your turn!

Which challenge is hardest for you?
How do you keep decluttering anyway?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below … and thanks for stopping by!

Decluttering Your Life Is Essential for 3 Surprising Reasons!

Leave a Comment / benefits of decluttering, Decluttering, Mindset, Space Clearing / By maryv@shiftyourstories.com

The benefits of decluttering your life …. well, aren’t they obvious?

On the surface, yes: less stuff to deal with…boom!

But have you ever realized just how insidious clutter really is? It’s more than just having too much physical stuff in your home. In fact, it negatively impacts your life in many other ways, too!

Once you understand how it slows you down, you’ll want to start releasing the things that no longer support where you’re at. And more importantly, you’ll want to begin releasing the stuff that holds you back from where you want to be!

So let’s take a look at how decluttering improves three areas of your life: your health, your relationships, and your productivity.

This post delves Deep into why decluttering your life is a necessary practice for your total Well Being!

1. Decluttering Your Life | The Effect on Your Health

There are numerous studies that have examined the impact of clutter on our health and the verdict is in: it causes stress!

No shock there, right? I mean, all we have to do is look around our homes. When we see the excess stuff, who doesn’t feel their anxiety rise?

Now don’t get me wrong: of course our homes look a bit “lived in” as we go about our daily lives. Hardly anyone I know has a completely pristine, perfectly organized home 24-7.

But it’s the cabinets, drawers, and closets filled with what we don’t use or need that really turn the pressure on.

In fact, if we take this a step further, there are actually 3 sub-aspects to how clutter stress can play havoc with our health.

- The Physical Impact of Clutter

Firstly, elevated stress leads to high levels of cortisol. Of course, we all experience occasional flashes of stress during the day, some days more than others. But when it’s a prolonged state, it can lead to high blood pressure, increased fat accumulation, loss of calcium from bones, and elevated blood sugar.

Oh my gosh, this sounds like a daunting recipe for aging. doesn’t it! So clearly, we benefit when we take a few minutes daily to remove household clutter from our homes.

- The Mental Impact of Clutter

Secondly, when we have way too many things coming at us, the stress hormones released harm our peace of mind. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and even reduced cognitive abilities.

Have you ever heard someone say (or said it yourself), “I need a mental health day!” Clutter is one major reason why!

- Emotional Impact of Clutter

Thirdly, long-term clutter causes sleep disruption and mood swings. Feelings of agitation, restlessness, and fatigue make our daily routine feel heavy. Our energy is not at its prime. Everything feels like such an effort to complete.

Yikes! Clearly, when our physical surroundings are cluttered, our brains feel that way, too!

2. Decluttering Your Life |The Effect of Clutter on Your Relationships

Naturally, when we are feeling under siege, our relationships sputter and stagnate, as well. It’s difficult to focus on nurturing and strengthening our personal relationships when we ourselves are overwhelmed.

Joint activities and shared interests are challenging when we don’t know where things are. Divorce rates rise. Children or others living in the household pick up on the tension, too. To put it differently, clutter is like a virus that infects us and those we love!

Even our friendships can be impacted negatively when clutter gets out of hand. Folks are embarrassed about the quantity of stuff in their homes. They become resistant to having friends drop by. It’s harder to maintain close connections when our stuff gets in the way.

And oh, our girlfriends are SO important! They support us, they advise us, they laugh and cry with us! They ARE love! Who would ever want clutter to interfere with the fellowship we crave and enjoy?

Who wants to prioritize things and stuff over the people and experiences? No one willingly … but it happens when our stuff holds us back.

3. Decluttering Your Life |The Effect of Clutter on Your Productivity

Lastly, our productivity, or ability to move ahead smoothly and efficiently with our tasks and goals is compromised by clutter. It tugs at our attention when important papers, notes, and contacts are scattered across our tables, hidden amongst our emails, or buried in texting threads.

Oh sure, I’ve read that some of the most brilliant, famous minds like Albert Einstein or JK Rowling are among the most disorganized folks around! Yet I can’t help but think that they are in the minority of those who can be messy yet manage to concentrate fully on their craft.

We are given only so many hours in each day. How do we want to spend that time: hunting and searching for lost or misplaced items? Sifting through stuff we no longer need or use? Who want every task to take longer than necessary because our things get in the way … anyone?

If you think about it, when we spend our time and energy wading through clutter of all kinds, it slows us down and prevents us from realizing a fair return on our efforts. Who has time for that?

The Wrap: This post shared 3 key areas where decluttering your life will provide a phenomenal return!

Ready to start removing clutter from your life?

Not sure when you’ll find the time? Try fitting in a decluttering session right before or right after another habit you already perform.

This is called “habit stacking“. The association of the two activities helps with making decluttering a part of your regular routine.

Even blocking out as little as 15 minutes a day will add up to noticeable results!

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Related Topics and Resources to Explore

Decluttering Strategies to Clear Out 5 Small Spaces

Uncluttering Your Life in a New Season Leads to 3 Priceless Developments

Listen: The Science Behind Clutter’s Impact!

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Your turn!

What is your biggest obstacle to getting rid of clutter?
Do you live with someone who can’t let things go?

Share what’s on your mind … And thanks for stopping by!

Space Clearing

1. Declutter Your Holiday Decor

2. Declutter Your Everyday Decor

3. Declutter Your Linen Closet

4. Declutter A Kitchen Cabinet (Or Two)

5. The "Declutter Your House" Convo With Family

The Wrap: How To Declutter Your House In December

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Your Turn!

1. Books

2. Clothing

3. Towels and Linens

4. Toys

5. Pantry Items

The Wrap on Charitable Donations

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Related Topics & Resources To Explore

Your Turn!

Today's post is all about the process of converting A cluttered bathroom into an organized, functional yet attractive area.

Step 1: Craft A Plan of Attack

Step 2: Create a staging area with sorting bins

Cluttered Bathroom Bin Notes

1. Keep Bin

2. Toss Bin

3. Donate Bin

4. Relocate Bin

Step 3: Assess and Decide

Step 4: Identify Your Absolute Essentials

Makeup

Skincare & Devices

Savvy Tip

Step 5: Store Your Secondaries & Duplicates

Step 6: Donate Your Unused Items

The Wrap: This Post Shared a Detailed Process to Revamp a Cluttered Bathroom into a fabulously ordered space!

Related Topics and Resources to Explore

First things first, before decluttering your clothes!

This post kicks off a series about decluttering clothes to discover your new midlife style!

Rule #1: Release Costly Items Never (if ever) worn

Rule #2: Release "it" colors or styles that aren't you

Rule #3: Reduce your stockpile of special occasion items

Rule #4: Release multiple sizes from the fluctuating scale

Rule #5: Reduce the sentimental volume

The Wrap: This post was about decluttering clothes in order to curate a midlife style that fits, flatters and feels good!

Additional Topics and Resources to Explore

Your turn!

This post reveals 3 roadblocks to conquer when decluttering your house!

Challenge #1: Family Legacy

Challenge #2: Storage Capacity

Challenge #3: Consumerism, Baby!

The Wrap: Today was all about decluttering your house by starting with your "why"!

Additional Topics and Resources to Explore

This post delves Deep into why decluttering your life is a necessary practice for your total Well Being!

1. Decluttering Your Life | The Effect on Your Health

- The Physical Impact of Clutter

- The Mental Impact of Clutter

- Emotional Impact of Clutter

2. Decluttering Your Life |The Effect of Clutter on Your Relationships

3. Decluttering Your Life |The Effect of Clutter on Your Productivity

The Wrap: This post shared 3 key areas where decluttering your life will provide a phenomenal return!

Your turn!

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