Although you’d never tell by the numbers on my scale, my life as of late has been about getting rid of excess. That not only refers to excess weight, but excess “stuff” also.
Since moving in to this flat about four years ago, I have purged so much STUFF. I kind of had no choice. Although my humble abode has two bedrooms, it is small. It took me a little bit of time to get used to it. Why did I take it? The price was right and I knew the landlords. They seeked me out when their previous tenant decided not to renew her lease.
What I love most about this place is that I have a stairwell occupied only by yours truly. It’s an upper duplex with a front and back balcony. The back balcony runs from the kitchen all the way to my bedroom. I can sit on my bed in the evenings reading and watch the kitties as they lounge on the patio furniture. I love it. I can also sit on the front steps with my fur babies while they sniff the breeze, munch on grass, then inevitably hurl said grass, repeat.
The not so great part of it, is the size of my closets. Whoever designed this place had either a cruel sense of humor or was a man. Enter the great purge. Have I worn this in the past year? Nope. Out. Does it fit? Bahaha..ridiculous question…out! Do I even like this? Uhm…it seemed like a good idea at the time? Wow I remember buying this 15 years ago..out. WTF is this thing? OUT!
The rule of thumb now when I do shop is simple – if something new comes in, something old must leave. Lately a lot of stuff has been leaving in the ole wardrobe as my girth is out of control (sigh….menopause….I both love you and hate you at the same time) and I’m also changing up my style.
I’m going for more of a minimalist wardrobe. I don’t mind plunking down a little extra cash on higher quality stuff if it pulls together several different outfits. Not having to take take anyone else in consideration anymore when it comes to my spending habits is so liberating.
If buying an item means my grocery bill will be adjusted, then so be it. I don’t mind getting creative and making do with what’s in the cupboard and freezer.
At the risk of sounding like a little old lady, I’ve found that keeping a little notebook on items I either “need” or want and slowly but surely make my way through the list has been helpful and incredibly satisfying. It keeps me focused and has really helped in not bringing home more useless STUFF. My ADHD brain can go to some faraway places in a store if I’m not focuses. Hhhm…this pith helmet is on sale. MUST HAVE! Erhm…no.
STUFF I have received over the years as gifts that I never use or just don’t want anymore usually end up at the goodwill store in my ‘hood. Do I feel bad about giving it away? Nope. It’s better than adding to a landfill or being tucked away in a teenie tiny closet forever. If someone can use it and it makes them happy – win/win. Am I right?
Stay with me as I walk you through the next level of my purging process. You might see yourself in that post.
