There’s snow here today. I’ve spent the morning doing the regular cleaning – laundry, dishes, and the like. Plus, my crockpots are working overtime and I’ve baked a little too. A slow, quiet morning was just what my soul needed – even if it was filled with “normal” things. Now seems like the perfect chance to slip into another decluttering challenge (or maybe revisit one or two from prior days).
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 and Clean Out Your Inbox.
Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of over 1200 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, and more!
Now, on to the challenge!
Day 12: Clean Out A Junk Drawer
I’m not sure if this is only a Midwest thing or not, but it feels like every home I spent time in growing up had a junk drawer. It was the catch all – a place where markers and rubber bands and spare change rolled around. Need a screwdriver? Check the junk drawer. Want a battery? Check the junk drawer.
Our house has a couple of drawers that have a designated purpose but other items seem to slip into them from time to time, too. In fact, I have two I’ll be tackling as soon as I get this post out to you.
Why It Matters:
Duplicate purchases make a significant impact on your finances. Buying items you already have on hand wastes money. But more than that, it wastes space. You also waste time looking for the things you have. Your time could be used to work or make money or just live life to its fullest.
So while the junk drawer seems rather innocuous, it’s more than an eyesore. Today, let’s put systems into place to keep things from piling up again. Let’s clear out what we really don’t need and inventory what we already have.
How to Do It:
- Open the drawer. Close one eye if necessary.
- Empty out the drawer completely.
- Throw away trash.
- Pitch or donate items you know you won’t really use. If you haven’t fixed that zipper pull in 3 years, it’s not going to happen. Be done with it.
- Reorganize the contents. Again, place items you know you’ll need sooner toward the front of the drawer where they’re easily accessible.
- If necessary, make or purchase your own drawer organization. A place like the Dollar Tree or Five Below is a great one to look for items like these. Or get on Amazon.
- 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:
I think the best way to keep drawers from overflowing is to be very thoughtful about what you slide into them. Obviously, if you have other people living in your home, this can be challenging. But each time you get into a drawer, look for an item or two to pull out.
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 junk drawer 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.
[…] 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 […]