Lightening Up

Dying to lighten my load after the holiday season, and inspired by one of my New Year’s resolution quotes above, I decided it was time for a de-cluttering. Even though my apartment is neat, I just hate having things stagnating-sitting around not being used. De-cluttering is constant for me, but this time I felt like doing a bigger clean out. I remembered seeing Jess of Makeunder My Life do a Get Rid of 50 Things Challenge, and I decided to give some structure to my de-cluttering by following her lead! If you haven’t checked out Jess’s blog, you definitely should. Her messages of “living life with intention” and “making under” are really inspiring! She has tons of good thoughts on de-cluttering, cutting down on stuff, organizing, and more. She’s also an entreprenuer who sells gorgeous jewelry, stationery, and accessories in her online shop, Jess LC. Speaking of which, here is one item I’m most definitely NOT getting rid of (ever!):

My Jess LC chevron necklace. Told you her stuff is cute!

Here’s my “exfoliation,” as Jess phrases it:

I think I hit about 50 things. It’s sort of hard to get rid of all of these things, but I just go through these questions in my head-do I LOVE it? Is it serving a purpose/being used? Or have I actually not even touched it for who knows how long? My apartment is simply not big enough to store a lot of stuff I don’t need, so editing has to be constant for me. I might even make some version of this into a weekly routine-Jess suggests getting rid of one thing a week. Out with the old, in with the new! And in with the breathing room. Now I feel a step closer to this:

via

Aaaahhh.

I also pulled out a lot of clothes and placed them into a “maybe” pile. I put clothes that I’m thinking of getting rid of into a corner and tell myself I don’t have to decide whether to keep or donate them right this second, but within the next week or two. When you have them divided off into a pile for a week and realize how much you DON’T miss having them in your closet, it makes it that much easier to know that you can live without them! It’s basically a stepping stone to getting unused items out the door, and it helps to ease the decision making process.

Leave a Comment

  1. you have such a precious blog x

    take a peek. my new blog
    http://artichoke–heart.blogspot.com/

    if you like follow on bloglovin! and i shall do the same
    x

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  2. Debby wrote:

    Oh, I needed this post. I love the quote and I'm going to ask myself these questions while de-cluttering. Sometimes I end up holding onto something I never use only to come across it again the next time I clean! Thanks so much for your comment over at Inspired today, I really appreciate it! I'm now happily following you!! xo

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  3. Love the necklace!

    http://celebritystyletips.com/

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  4. designchic wrote:

    Great necklace…my resolution is more organization too…working on it!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ~

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  5. Exactly, even though my apt. doesn't look much different without this stuff, it just FEELS better! Now I just have to track down my neighborhood Goodwill to donate it all!

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  6. alicia wrote:

    that william morris quote has always been one of my favorites!

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  7. Alexa wrote:

    Loving the chevron necklace!

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  8. Awww 🙁 That stuff is so cute though! I need to seriously consider doing the same…

    XX Kathryn

    http://lacoquettedelamode.wordpress.com/

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
    • I'm going to give a lot of it to my sister and donate the rest-give it all a new life!

      Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  9. I'm pulling clothes aside for donating too.. its hard because I'm such a hoarder and I can't make up my mind!!

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  10. I have a bag in the garage of stuff to take to Goodwill! I definitely cleaned out a ton. But I also have a bin full of clothes in the garage that I alternate seasonally. Although in my defense my closet is super tiny and I have to share it with my husband!

    Love Jess and your photos of your 50 items makes me want to have them! Stop it! ;o)

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
    • I have to alternate my clothes seasonally too! I'm definitely in the same boat with the small closet.

      Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  11. I can be a pack rat at times and with certain things, but your post has inspired me.

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
  12. rolala wrote:

    I organized everything else in the apt. and I'm down to the closet now. It has to be done. The chevron necklace is super cute. I have a pink bead necklace from Jess LC that I wear like all the time.

    Published 1.13.12 · Reply
    • Thanks! Yup I have a silver beaded one from her too, love it. Her beaded necklaces are so pretty.

      Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  13. bevy wrote:

    that quote is perfect! i've read it before, but it's always a good reminder. it's good for when you're shopping and thinking of what to add to your home/wardrobe as well.

    Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  14. Holly wrote:

    Great quote! Thanks for stopping by my blog! 🙂 I try to go through and get rid of old clothes often- it's liberating! And I always end up feeling like I somehow have MORE to wear after 🙂

    Published 1.14.12 · Reply
    • Same here Holly, it makes getting dressed much easier when I only have stuff in my closet that I love!

      Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  15. It's always great to declutter and start fresh!! I have the hardest time getting rid of clothes…I always wonder if I will wear them again and regret getting rid of them!

    Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  16. alisia E. wrote:

    So true! I just moved into a studio and did the same thing! It seems hard but feels good to donate what you no longer use/need. I like your blog =)

    xx, alisia e
    http://alisialynn.blogspot.com/

    Published 1.14.12 · Reply
  17. Jess LC wrote:

    Thank you so much for sharing your exfoliation!! I love how you displayed your items in such a neat and organized way. : ) It's also awesome to hear how focused you are on your overall goal/vision. Congrats!

    Published 1.16.12 · Reply