You guys?! We’ve already clocked through 3 challenges. I am so stinking proud of you! That means only 27 more after today. We can do this! Look at it this way, after today you’ll be 13% of the way there. WAHOO.
Each of the assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments to Clean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door, and Clean Out Your Car Console.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of over 950 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, and car consoles.
Now, on to the challenge!
Day 4: Clean Out Your Sock Drawer
We’re back inside for Day 4 as we tackle one area that can become easily cluttered – your sock drawer.
Why It Matters:
I know what you’re thinking. We’re four days into the challenge and we haven’t even set up a budget yet. Don’t worry, those days are coming. However, I wanted us to ease into the new year with tasks we can actually accomplish. The more success we have, the more likely we’ll complete the entire 31 days. If we dug in deep with the nitty gritty on Day 1, you’d quit and we’d both be sad.
Besides the easing into the process, we’re focusing on areas of our homes that affect our attitudes. Attitudes drive spending and our disposition at work. So when we’re constantly frustrated about the small things in our lives, that angst grows in other areas, too. More than likely, you’re in your sock drawer every single day of the week.
If each time you open it you end up with negative feelings, that negativity will bleed over. On top of that, it’s easy to amass too much without realizing it. More socks = more laundry. And more laundry = more energy/water expenses. I’m not saying you have to ditch your lucky socks, but you probably could do without many of the items in your drawer.
This entire challenge focuses on allowing you to manage less so that you can focus on the bigger picture of your finances. So let’s continue to weed through what we own together.
How to Do It:
- Empty out the whole thing. I’ll be honest. I’m a bit terrified. It’s been awhile.
- Throw away or donate any items that don’t fit and/or you haven’t worn in six to eight months.
- See if you can donate or pitch at least three pairs of socks.
- If you have single socks, for the love ditch them. You’re not going to find the match.
- If you can’t quite get rid of everything right now, move “in between” items into a tote or box to store under the bed. In six months (around June 4), open it up and consider whether or not you actually you need it.
- Reassemble the contents of your drawer by items you actually use. Place speciality items toward the back.
- 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.
- P.S. We don’t want to see your unmentionables or tighty whiteys. If you need to, cover those items up in the photo. 😉
- You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries (although keep it P.G., mmmkay?).
How to Keep It That Way:
This may be challenging because of the constant turn over of laundry. Again, the less you have to manage, the better. Your drawer will stay neater and actually close. If you have the budget to buy dividers to keep things from spilling over, it’s a good idea. These are great for around $13. Or if you’re handy with a glue gun here’s a tutorial to make your own sock organizer. I’m not allowed to use a glue gun. It’s a long story but I’m ok with it. Here’s another option, too. You might also be able to find some bins at the dollar store or a discount store, too.
Obviously, you don’t want to drop a ton of cash on this, friends. You can survive without the dividers or find baskets you already have. 🙂
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.
Leave your sock drawer victories and tips in the comments! Help all of us be better managers of what we have.
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
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[…] Each of the 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, and Clean Out Your Sock Drawer. […]