I spent the morning cleaning out my work space – not just my desk, but a cabinet shelf and two drawers, too. I dusted up our bill organization system. From there, I decided to pay a few bills and balance the checkbook while I was at it. This decluttering thing is a bit like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie for me. The more I do, the better I feel. The better I feel, the more I want to do to keep things rolling.
Just as a reminder, each of the Financial Decluttering assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments to Clean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door, Clean Out Your Car Console, Clean Out Your Sock Drawer, Organize Your Coupons, Clean Out Kids’ Backpacks, Clean Out Your Purse or Bag, Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf, Clean Off Your Desk. Then check out Clean Up Your Phone’s Apps, Clean Out Your Inbox, Clean Out the Junk Drawer, Declutter Your Shoes, Clean Out Your Freezer, Count Your Change, Clean Out ONE Clothes Closet, Clean Your Cleaners, and Clean Out Your Linen Closet. From there, head to Clean Out Old Bills.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of over 1450 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, shoes, inboxes, and more!
Now, on to the challenge!
Day 20: Clean Out Jewelry
Most of mine sits on top of my dresser in a mess. The special pieces I keep in a night stand drawer. I once spent DAYS looking for an earring I knew wasn’t lost and did a dance of joy when I found it. I have a few pieces of costume jewelry that I always get compliments on. There are sentimental pieces I rarely wear. And then there are a few necklaces and bracelets that need to go. They have no value and I don’t wear them at all.
Why It Matters:
When we were paying off $127k debt, more than once we sold broken gold. One year we took a couple of pieces and used the profits to purchase a bicycle for our daughter. Another year, I found a broken chain buried and it helped supplement our Christmas budget.
Beyond the clutter factor, jewelry (especially gold) is worth something. You could use the money you earn to pay off debt. Or maybe you’ll just go out for dinner. Whatever you do, this exercise won’t just clear away items you no longer use. It can help you MAKE money.
Let’s get to work, shall we?
How to Do It:
- Yet again, go on a jewelry hunt. If you keep yours in more than one area, gather it all together.
- Evaluate each piece on an individual basis.
- Create three piles:
- 1) Regularly worn jewelry.
- 2) Jewelry with sentimental value.
- 3) Broken or no longer needed pieces.
- Discard broken items of no worth (i.e. costume jewelry).
- Give away pieces that are functional but you no longer wear. Consider family or online friends who might find joy in them.
- Make a plan to sell unwanted or broken gold jewelry. More notes on that in the next section.
- Organize the jewelry you plan on keeping. You’ll find some lovely D.I.Y. Jewelry Organizer ideas online. Or there are plenty of options on Amazon, too.
- When you’re finished, take a photo and post it to the challenge post in the Financial Decluttering Group. We’ll celebrate your victory. And/or post on Instagram with the #FinancialDecluttering Hashtag.
- You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries.
How to Keep It That Way:
It may be a good idea to do a once a season “audit” of your jewelry. Especially if you have a system where your jewelry is hidden in a cabinet or a drawer, it’s easy to develop an out of sight, out of mind mentality. And in the dark, the pieces seem to mate and multiply without us realizing it. Designate dates when you plan on “checking in” with your collection. Consider January 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1. Or use holidays or your birthday as a date you look into things.
A Few More Thoughts:
If you’ve never sold gold before and you’d like to give it a try, these tips might be helpful to get the most for your money.
- Call a locally owned jewelry store first. If you can support a local business first, it’s always a good idea.
- Read reviews like crazy. Before you head out or sell online, it’s smart to know other customers’ experiences.
- Ask your friends. Check in with local friends online to see where they’ve had success in the past.
- Never pay to sell your gold. If someone requires a fee, it’s not worth it. And it very well may be a scam.
- Read this Penny Hoarder article. Doing a little research before you go somewhere could save you time and score you more cash.
I can’t wait to see all we achieve together this month. I’ll continue sharing my own journey in the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group and via e-mails. Be sure you subscribe for both.
Post a photo of your jewelry organization victories and tips in the comments! I want to see what sorts of systems you use to organize.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
[…] Your Cleaners, and Clean Out Your Linen Closet. From there, head to Clean Out Old Bills, Clean Out Jewelry, Organize One Garage Shelf, Clean Out the Shower, Organize Medicines, Organize Your Safe or […]