“I can’t believe this!” Debbie exclaimed. “I bought this dress last year because I thought it would be perfect for a nice dinner out. Due to one thing or another, I have not had the chance. Now I do...and it no longer fits. I wish I had at least worn it to church a few times instead of saving
it.”
Ouch, that hurts. But I've seen this same situation again and again.
One of my organizing clients had a drawer-full of beautiful pajamas her family gave her, all still with tags. She said to me, "They're too pretty to wear."
Another client had boxes of her grandmother's china, packed up in boxes in her attic. I said, "It's gorgeous. Have you ever used it?" She said, "No...we eat our dinner on snack tables in front of the TV. They're too fancy for that."
Do you have things you consider to be too good for "just me," "just us," "until we have guests," or until "a special occasion pops up"?
When you think about it, most of the time, it doesn't make sense to wait for "someday" to use our nice things.
Most of us do not entertain enough to keep those good dishes separate, only to be used for company.
Clothes go out of style or, when we wait long enough, they often will no longer fit down the line.
What about that jewelry sitting in your jewelry box that you haven't worn in a year, or two, or ten?
Maybe it is time to re-look at what’s in your closets, drawers, and cabinets. What are you not using or wearing, and why not?
Sarah had too many dishes; it had become a family joke. Even she knew she needed to purge some.
Sarah asked herself what meant the most to her to keep. What would she save if she was forced to move to a tiny house tomorrow?
Interestingly, she knew the answers immediately.
Sarah moved some “company dishes,” to her kitchen cabinets where she would use them regularly, then donated two everyday sets. She enjoys using the "company" dishes and likes the extra storage space.
Ellen has a large set of wine glasses, but she doesn’t drink wine. However, she does entertain regularly, so she kept them. One day, about to pull out an inexpensive plastic tumbler for a soda, Ellen grabbed a wine glass instead.
She liked the way it felt in her hand, much nicer than plastic. So she got rid of her plastic tumblers and now enjoys getting to use her wine glasses. She even said, "It's funny how much more delicious soda, juice, and even water tastes in a wine glass." It certainly creates a "fancier
feel."
Perhaps you imagine passing your things along to your children one day. I hate to tell you, but they likely won’t want them.
Among my friends with grown children, none of their kids want their parents’ things. Many young adults lean towards being minimalist these days. Most don’t want three sets of china.
Also consider that you are special enough to use those dishes or glasses and every day can be considered a "special occasion." Why not use that pretty dishware and glassware and simply celebrate a sunny day, or a beautiful evening, or even a rainy afternoon!
So this week, use those dishes stored in the buffet.
Wear that pretty skirt, even if you are just going for a quick, casual meal.
Put on those pearl earrings with your jeans.
Burn that candle.
Use those imported tomatoes in the back of the pantry and make that special dinner for your family.
I think you are going to have a good time.
