So apparently I am on a kick with getting the “stuff” out of my life. I downsized when I moved to Oregon and I have kept up the desire to continue getting rid of the stuff that doesn’t serve a real purpose in my life.

My first purge was following the rule of a third. That wasn’t super difficult. I had moments of panic but really a lot of the stuff that went on the first purge was just stuff that needed to leave anyways and I already knew it.

I learned during that purge and the subsequent months after that I don’t need a lot and spending money on “stuff” was just filling a void in other areas of my life. So I turned over a new leaf and became mindful about why I wanted to buy something and significantly curbed my spending habits. My bank account has breathed a sigh of relief!

I then helped family move and downsize as well and it just pushed me to purging more at my own place. I want to know exactly what I have in my house and I want to know that it has a business being there.

I have learned 5 new things during this purge. Hopefully it will be helpful to you as well!

1. If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in 6 months–you won’t wear it . . . guaranteed!
2. Know what is in your file drawers. I bet you have more items saved for the “just in case” scenario then you actually need.
3. If you have to purchase a container to store items that will have an eventual use; you probably don’t need any of it. Case in point–I have a container of recipe books apart from the 2 cupboards in the kitchen that have recipe books. Do you know how often I look at cookbooks when I have Pinterest at my fingertips? Next to never.
4. Just because you have empty drawers in a dresser doesn’t mean they need to be filled with stuff. In fact, get rid of the dresser if you don’t really need it.
5. Organize and collect your similar items so you know exactly how much you have of something. I hadn’t really unpacked my jewelry since moving which means I wasn’t wearing any of it. If I wanted to wear something–I went and bought it new. I finally unpacked and organized all of my jewelry and realized that I could purge at least a 1/3 of it and I definitely don’t need anymore at this time.