Lightening Up

 Ahhh, it's that time again: spring cleaning.  I like to be prepared, so I'm starting my spring cleaning early.  Or else really, really late. Or else, the real story: I started this project in spring and am still working on it.

"Use it up, Wear it out, Make do, and Do without"
That's the motto of my upbringing.  Over the years, especially after moving into a large house, I've accumulated way too much stuff, and not just the 20 extra twisty-ties-because-they're-ever-so-useful.  It's time to simplify our lives by lightening the load, jettisoning items we really don't need.  

I started with bulky items that take up a lot of visual space.  I didn't photograph the extra chairs, rockers, side tables, shelves and housing supplies I donated first.  It was 3 pickup truck loads, each packed full.

Here's the first set of photos of the smaller items.

Many brand new shirts here.

While a numeric goal for jettisoning -- such as 100 items a day for 100 days -- holds great appeal to the numbers-oriented me, I couldn't sustain it after the first 10 days.  

100 items per day for 100 days = 10,000 items.
700 items per week, for 14 weeks (and 2+ days).
3 months and a week.

I could aim for 100 items each weekend day plus 50 items each weekday.  450 items per week, for 22 weeks (and 2 days).  5 months plus a bit.

It's like a 15-year mortgage vs a 30-yr mortgage: one finishes faster, in exchange for higher upfront costs/time.


100 items for 100 days sounds so much better!

Even so, jettisoning 450 items a week is still stretching my comfort zone, but stretching our comfort zone is how we grow, right?  I'd like to recoup some of the money I spent on these things, but getting it out of the house fast is more important.  I want to move into a much smaller place within walking distance of stores, work, school, etc.  To live a simpler life.  I'll be donating most of the stuff since it's in good condition and can easily be used by someone who needs it.  Yes, I could list it on eBay, but I want it out of the house the same day I decide it's "extra".  I'm happy to have the space and happy to provide some other entrepreneur with stock to resell on eBay / wherever.

Share the wealth, share the joy!

Thanks for creating smiles!

Thanks for being there when I needed you. Bye bye.

This was a good start.