Just in case... (Day 16 of 21)

Hello Reader,

"Just in case..."

I should save this JUST IN CASE my kids/grandkids want it.

I should save this JUST IN CASE I can use it in a future project.

I should save this JUST IN CASE my next home has room for it.

I should save this JUST IN CASE we don't have the money to replace it down the road.

I should save this JUST IN CASE... [insert your own reason here].

It's sometimes really, really hard to argue with "just in case". I mean, we don't want to be financially irresponsible. We paid money for those items! To donate them (or even throw them away) would be wasteful.

What if you need it down the road? Was it a mistake to get rid of it? How often will that happen?

Will my family be angry if I get rid of it and then say "told you so!"?

Argh!!!!

"Just in case" can be a real booger.

Here's the thing with decluttering. You won't do it perfectly. You WILL get rid of something you need (or at least think you need) down the road.

However, after decluttering my own house and taking VAN LOADS and TRUCK LOADS to donation centers, I think I can recall THREE things I should have held off on decluttering over the course of years. Three. Those three things likely cost $50 in total for all of them.

When we own clutter, it comes at a cost.

There's the cost to store an item.

Do you have a storage unit?
A bigger home than you need?
Unused rooms in your home because they are acting like storage units?

Then, there's the cost to maintain an item, whether that be a time or a money cost.

If you have to clean it, fix it, dust around it, or even move around it, that's a time cost.
If you have to pay for the space to store it, that's a money cost.

Finally, there's the emotional cost of clutter.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the mess?
Are you struggling to keep up?
Do you feel guilty or burdened by the clutter around you?

What is your clutter costing you?

The Big Declutter is my signature decluttering course that helps you consider not just what to declutter but how to declutter, AND how to deal with the emotional dilemmas we face when we declutter.

I've helped THOUSANDS of Happy Simple Mom readers declutter their homes over the years, and I've used my own experience and their experience to put together a plan to help you declutter your home with as fer hiccups as possible...even the dreaded "just in case".

Each week you get a small, manageable task to complete with projects, conversation starters to have with your family, and new habits to consider.

✅ Every week you will get a workbook, video, AND access to the Membership Hub.

Keep your momentum going all year with weekly decluttering projects from The Big Declutter program. You can sign up for a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month option (NO recurring payments. You simply select the time period you like. There are also no repeats!)

The sale ends soon, and the membership will not be available again at this price for several months. Make this your year to clear the clutter.

Sincerely,

Brooke, Happy Simple Mom

Enrollment ends in:

Decluttering Habits Tracker: Day 16 of 21

Today's Task: Declutter any unused kitchen gadgets

Do you really need a banana slicer? What about a quesadilla maker?

I can't tell you what's clutter and what's not clutter. However, many of us accumulate kitchen gadgets and small appliances over the years that can easily be served by some other tool in our kitchens.

Join the Simple Happy Moms Facebook group. Ask them how they survive without XYZ kitchen gadget. It may be way easier than you think!

NEW HABIT: If you received a useless kitchen gadget in your stocking this year or as a birthday gift, you don't have to keep it. Gasp, I know. :) It's OK to donate silly things you received and still be grateful for the thoughtfulness. They won't check your kitchen drawers to make sure you use that new item! (At least they shouldn't.)

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P.S. Got questions or concerns about The Big Declutter? Please hit respond and let me know. I want to help you get the results you desire.

P.P.S. Want to continue to get newsletters about living a simple life but don't want to participate in the challenge? You can opt-out here. Although, it will be sad to not do this one with you!)

Know someone who might want to participate in this decluttering habit challenge with you? Send them this link!