But there is another part of this challenge that I don't want to be overlooked... it's the Living with the Best You Have!
For most of us... just the nature of getting rid of the excess... the broken, outgrown, tattered and worn... we will have the Best left over.
But some of us need to remember to replace.
Yep... you might have to bring something new in to replace something you got rid of. But don't worry! I won't make you add a number to your tally.
Sometimes, we go through our belongings and realize that something just isn't cutting it (let's just say some old, torn stained potholders... or maybe a cracked waterhose). Neither of those exhibits the BEST in your life, right? So we purge... they end up out of your home... and you move on to the next area... right??
Wrong. Here is where those items need to end up on a replacement list. You will need to get a new hose... maybe in your favorite color to make watering chores more fun! And you can get your super crafty girlfriend to whip you up a set of potholders that matches your personality... and make you smile when you pull
I am a firm believer that although the plain out there is just as functional... the items that are personalized to you get more wear... that's why you wear your favorite shirt a million times while the other half dozen stay right where you left them... there is just something about it.
Now, I don't want you to clutter back up your home... 2011's challenge isn't going to be to find 2011 items to keep! But please make sure you are still living with the best you have... and not in a state of *need*.
Ok... basically what I am saying is Replace with a Purpose.. and give that item a place to live as soon as it comes home. If you can't find a place for it... it likely a) means it didn't need replacing (good thing you kept the receipt!) or b) that you aren't done decluttering!
Have a great weekend! More before/afters coming on Monday!
After finding your blog the other day and sharing it with my best friend, we are both joining your quest! I don't know if I can do 2010 items, but I'm definitely trying!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense, although I'm one to "do with what I've got." I'm likely to keep my potholders, but may be cut their number in half. :)
ReplyDeleteI am joining you on your 2010 for 2010 and have added an additional category to donate/trash etc - and that is 'use'. For example - I have stopped saving all the luxurious handcreams my friends gave me at my baby shower for a special day and am using them. I am wearing my 'best' perfume everyday (as in my declutter I had to throw some out as it hand gone sour). I am using all the little gift with purchase cosmetics to moisturise my neck and chest area. I gave our $30 cutlery set we bought when we moved in together (11 years ago) to charity and instead put the wedding cutlery in! These things (and many more) were going to waste because I wasn't using them for save a special day.
ReplyDeleteI used to work at a winery and when people would say that they intended to save certain wines for a 'special' occasion, I would always point out that every day is special because we're alive. (Something my mom actually taught me...she would often use the 'good' napkins and dishes at dinner time even though it was just the two of us. Why wait for company?)
ReplyDeleteLove this post and couldn't agree more! :)
ReplyDeleteI love what Katrina said and am starting to do that as well. Otherwise I end up with all this stuff I am saving that will never get used!
ReplyDeleteI just joined in with you, too. I'm focusing on my crafty space, though. :-) Love this idea! Next year, I'm tackling the whole house. :-)
ReplyDeleteI miss reading your posts Tabitha! You're so inspiring! I hope all is well with you. :) OH...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the concept of upgrading. A lot of times "good enough" doesn't cut. Because besides 'function' objects have an emotional connection... a pleasure of using, so to speak. And that is what brings that quiet satisfaction.
ReplyDelete