When you think of spring cleaning, perhaps you think of unorganized closets brimming with all the stuff you hold on to. “The stuff” –those items you think you might need some day or that, in all likelihood, you will never use again and yet, still find it hard to let go of. This hoarding is a scarcity mentality. A belief that there is never enough or a fear that one-day there may not be enough. To open up the abundance in your life, you have to make room for it mentally and physically. One way, in which you can start to do this, is to take the following steps in your spring clean.
Step one: Label three boxes (it may take more)
Box 1 write “Things to throw away”
Box 2 write “Things to give away”
Box 3 write “Things to sell”
Step two: Go through your house, garage, drawers, cupboards, attics and closets.
Box 1: Place those items that have no value, such as:
Used lipsticks and makeup (What were you thinking with that color!)
Half empty bottles of hairspray, conditioner, shaving lotion (you know, just in case someday you don’t have any)
Broken appliances or tools
Dried up paint cans
Candle stubs
One earring
Old magazines
You get the idea. Make a goal to come up with at least 25 items. Take a look at what you have placed in the box so that, in the future, you can recognize those items you consider to have no value. Make a commitment to yourself that from now on those items will be trashed immediately. Now throw the box away.
Box 2: Place those items that have no value to you, however, would have value to someone else, such as:
Clothes you no longer wear or no longer fit.
Clothes with the tags still on. (But it was ON SALE ..it’s the wrong color, size and style. You’ve never worn it and probably never will…But it was ON SALE)
Shoes never or seldom worn (Dyed for the wedding…hurt your feet but went great with the dress with the tag still on)
Extra dishes
Children’s clothes and toys
Videos, Books and CD’s
Extra linens never used
Take a moment to reflect on the items you have spent your money on, that no longer have any value to you. Donate the items. You have transformed something from being worthless, to something of a treasure.
Box 3: Place those items that you no longer want or need, however, would have financial value to you, such as:
Collectibles
China or crystal
Home decor items
Items that no longer represent you or your lifestyle
Examine those items you have chosen. Make note of the reasons you are choosing to let them go. Sell those items by having a garage sale, placing an ad in the paper, putting them on eBay or placing them in a consignment shop. Have a specific plan for what you would like to do with the money. Such as: Pay off debt, catch up on bills, take a vacation, invest, put into savings or celebrate. You have now transformed these items you no longer wanted or needed into an item of financial prosperity.
Step Three: Go through your house again and look at the items you have chosen to keep.
Why does it have value to you? Perhaps it adds comfort or makes life easier. Perhaps it holds a special memory or adds beauty to your surroundings. Maybe it belonged to someone special or someone special made it. What items are you still storing and why? If they are important enough to keep, give them the importance in your actions by displaying or using them. If they fall into the category of “some day I will ___” Make a date to do it and if you have not completed it by that date it is time to place it into one of the boxes.
How will your shopping be different from now on if you ask yourself two things? Will this item be in a box next year? What value will this item bring to me?
This is a great exercise to do with a partner. Find support from someone who will help you stay focused and make it fun.