GON Reader Tip #1
Turn 'Need' into 'Want': A Decluttering Mindset Shift
I have the hardest time throwing anything out and things have been sitting all over the house and in drawers, bags and boxes just waiting to go
through.
In the past, I've always asked myself 'what don't I need?' That is too difficult of a question because I can find a use for anything...someday. I changed my wording and it made a world of difference.
Now I walk from room to room and ask 'what items do I really want' in my house? I look at themes for decorating and I look at functionality to help me make my decision.
I carry a
box with me and put in all the items that I do want, and then I see the rest that's left for the junk it is. It is so satisfying to sweep all the stuff I don't want into another box to junk or donate.
When the room (or house, in my case) is empty, I can go in with my 'Want Box' and place my 'want items' where I
would like them to go without fighting for space.
Just changing how I phrase my question has freed my mind from all the possibilities and excuses that have stopped me from parting with years of accumulation. It's amazing how many items I thought I needed or would do something with and never did.
-- Dawn Brabitz, Bridgeville, DE
GON Reader Tip #2
Countertop Convenience with Style: Organize and Beautify
I love to have certain things sitting out on my counter for convenience sake, but I don't like for my counters to look cluttered or disorganized.
I bought a nicely decorated ceramic canister set (on a clearance rack) and I use the large one as a cookie jar, the next to hold cooking utensils, the next
for tea bags and/or cocoa pouches, and the littlest one to hold my husband's powdered creamer right next to the coffeemaker.
They are all useful and look organized and cohesive.
-- Doree Sharp, Apache Junction, AZ
GON Reader Tip #3
Medicine Cabinet Makeover: Easy Access and Extra Space
I got tired of trying to find the right over-the-counter
medication or bandages in
the closet. I purchased several plastic see-through containers to sort everything. Using categories such as aches/pains, bandages, stomach problems, allergies, etc. I labeled each container. Now I can easily find the treatment I am looking for AND I got rid of all the outdated medications. Being able to stack the containers also saves space in my closet.
-- Jacki Doyle, Bracey, Virginia
