Yesterday in the Financial Decluttering group, I asked members to chime in with what they’re learning so far about themselves through doing this daily exercises. Here are a few of their responses.
Little steps keep the decluttering from being overwhelming and helps you get started. – Dianna
“Some of the smallest things have the most impact . . . and doing something every day is a great way to keep on track.” – Rosalie
Take stock of what you actually have before you decide you need something. – Cyn
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 and Clean Out Jewelry.
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 21: Organize One Garage Shelf
Notice, today we aren’t organize the entire garage. We’re not even organizing all of the garage shelves. We’re focusing in on ONE shelf. The entire point of the Financial Decluttering challenge is to keep you from spiraling into freak out mode. It’s like that quote about eating an elephant one fork at a time. Which come to think about it is kind of gross because elephant isn’t a dish I’d really like to try.
I digress. If you don’t have a garage (I know we have a lot of international readers and those who live in urban areas who don’t own cars), tackle a storage/home repair shelf or a toolbox in your home.
Why It Matters:
Not knowing what you already own can easily cost money. Especially when you’re not exceptionally handy, you forget which tools you own or where the twine is at. You may not even know that you already have the AA batteries you need after you return from the store. Did that happen to me once (twice)? Yes. Yes, it did.
Something happens to our brains when we face a home repair or car repair issue. We panic. We freak out. And without thinking, we often head straight to the store to find items we need to make the repair. Usually after we’re halfway through fixing the problem, we discover we already have what we ended and it’s too late to return the new purchase.
Then, we pile the duplicate purchase in with the other items. Not only did we double spend, we’ve also added to our clutter.
Let’s get to work.
How to Do It:
- Decide which shelf you’ll organize. Try to keep this experience to one shelf only.
- Eliminate items you no longer need.
- Pull items you do need during this season to the front of the shelf.
- Dispose of chemicals and paint properly. Here’s a great resource for my state, but check with your local authorities for the best methods.
- 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:
Again, rotating items you need most during particular seasons is one of the best ways to make sure you’re actually using the items you need and not just allowing items to pile up. This is one area of your home where you may actually need to fight the urge to pitch everything. I know that when we’re in one particular season I sometimes throw away items I will need when the next season rolls around. So try to think beyond the current weather and time of the year.
A Few More Thoughts:
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 garage shelf 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.
[…] Out Your Linen Closet. From there, head to Clean Out Old Bills, Clean Out Jewelry, Organize One Garage Shelf, Clean Out the Shower, and Organize […]