Spring cleaning is around the corner and one of the things I like to do, is purge. I think it’s important to always be tidying the home, and getting rid of things that you don’t need. It’s so easy to let things pile up whether it’s a bunch of paper in the office, expired food in the pantry or freezer, or clothes you just aren’t wearing. Things just accumulate over time, and unless you are constantly evaluating and purging, it will simply take over your space. A decluttered and organized home, is a more relaxed and calming home. It’s even better for your mental health.
I think purging should be done on a bit of a schedule. A loose plan, trust me, this isn’t on my calendar. But it’s good to always be thinking about certain categories every week (like the fridge), every month (like paper and pantry) and quarterly or yearly (clothing, decor and so on). But to kick start your purging so you can maintain it throughout the year, whether weekly or yearly, here are things you can purge THIS weekend to make your home feel much lighter. And they don’t really require a ton of time or emotional investment.
If you want to really do a big purge, try KonMari which you can learn more about here. But we’re leaving clothing off of this list as that’s a BIG project. These are things you can purge this weekend with ease. This will get you on the right foot to better maintain all the areas of your home.
11 Things You Can Purge This Weekend
Expired Food And Cans
Go through your fridge and your pantry to find anything old and expired. This will also help you prep your kitchen for future cooking. Make a list of what you need to replace and replenish. Don’t forget about those spices too! It’s good to replace your spices every year if you can.
Your Beauty Cabinet & Drawers
I need to start putting a date on my beauty products when I open them because I feel like it takes me FOREVER to go through stuff. And then I end up accumulating too many things and can’t remember when I started using them. Most makeup and skincare has a shelf life of 12-18 months. And toss the beauty products you just aren’t using like the eyeshadows or excessive lipsticks that you aren’t reaching for.
Old Underwear & Socks
The worn out, lost it’s elastic, socks and undies have had their time. Get rid of the ones you are no longer reaching for that have seen better days. PS these are my favorite undies if you’re in the market for new ones! And yes, here’s my BIG post on the best socks and how to wear them.
Books You Aren’t Reading Anymore
Donate them to your local library, or send a text to all your friends asking if anyone wants to claim a book to read next. Otherwise, get rid of them! These take up so much space and can better serve the community at the library. Obviously, keep any favorites, but you know who you are who has too many books, and aren’t touching them! And maybe it’s time to invest in a Kindle, I’m loving mine.
Christmas Decor
I finally did this after taking down all my decor at the beginning of January. I noticed there were things I just wasn’t using anymore. Donate them to a charity to brighten someone else’s holiday next year. Same with wrapping paper. It’s easy to collect this, but you really don’t need much and it takes up space.
Mismatched Cups, Plates & Mugs
Who needs 12 mugs? Not sure, but I had more than I care to admit as a single person living alone. Time to toss the excess mugs, tumblers, and any mismatched glassware and whatnot that’s been collecting over the years. Complete sets only! If you don’t have a complete set anymore, maybe it’s time for a little upgrade. And honestly, I’m still a fan of Ikea dishware, it holds up, super affordable, and minimal. And don’t forget about Tupperware. If there’s no match to the top or lid, time to get rid of it!
Towels, Sheets & Pillows.
These things sometimes just go past their prime and it’s time to replace them. If there are towels at the bottom of the pile you haven’t touched in years, donate them to a local humane society.
Paper, Receipts & The Like
With tax season around the corner, now’s a good time to go through paperwork, receipts and bills. Keep what you really need, or scan it digitally, and recycle it. Paper goods can quickly add up and take up tons of space. Same with any cards, notepads, pens and so on. Many schools will take these supplies too if you want to donate. Somehow we all accumulate pens, where do they all come from? You don’t need that many!
Plastic Bags
Who else has a plastic bag full of many plastic bags somewhere in their home? Recycle them at the grocery store and get rid of them.
Things That Are Broken
If you haven’t fixed them in months, it’s time to knock them out this weekend or get rid of it.
Old Toys
For those of you with children, you know the toys accumulate like crazy. Go through your play bins and toys and take out the things the kids are no longer loving. Donate these to a local women’s and children’s shelter to brighten another child’s day.
