Everyone I know has too much stuff. People I don’t know must, too, given the success of Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up Netflix reality series.
In the spirit of less-is-more, here are five sneaky ways to shrink your stuff:
Sneak #1 – The Most Effective Sneak
Don’t buy in the first-place; clutter avoided. Bonus: Save 100%.
Sneak #2 – Apply Trump’s Regulatory Rule
When you buy one, get rid of two. Whether or not you’re a Trump fan, this two-for-one idea helps declutter.
Sneak #3 – Shrink the Pile
Tiny steps add up: purge one thing a day. At years’ end, that’s 365 fewer items in your home. This works well if you also diligently follow Sneaks #1 and #2.
Sneak #4 – Trick-Trash
Not quite sure you’re ready to get rid of something? Trick-trash it. Box it up, label it with a date three-months out, then stick it on a shelf. When the date hits, do not open; do bring directly to the thrift store. You won’t even know what you’re getting rid of. No-regrets decluttering!
Sneak #5 – Pretend It’s Rented
It’s easy to return something you’ve rented. You can return a Redbox DVD or a rented car effortlessly, without suffering. But get rid of something you own? Ouch; that’s where the pain is. Try and treat other stuff as if rented, especially when you’re initially buying; this primes you for an easier parting later.
What about you? Do you have stuff-taming sneaks that work for you? Share them in the comments!
Photo source: geralt on Pixabay
Walk the Goats 
Very good!!
Betsy
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Thanks!
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I actually tried her method and found it really worked! More than controlling clutter, it changed my relationship to things. I understand past errors and am less likely to continue doing them. But more than that it brought joy into my house. That was a big surprise for me.
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I’ve never talked with anyone who’s used her method. I appreciate you sharing it was helpful for you, in particular your comment that it changed your relationship to things. That’s very cool. Thanks!
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I don’t have a fake trash can, but I have the mental equivalent. Every time I think I want to get rid of it, but I’m not sure if I should, I make a mental note. I give it time, and after a while, if it’s still there, I haven’t used it, and I feel like I should get rid of it, I do.
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I love all the different ways we find to navigate our stuff….especially the getting rid of it part. That’s cool that that works for you.
My brain holds onto things after I’ve gotten rid of it and THEN it finds a use for it. That’s why I have to make sure my brain has NO IDEA what I just got rid of. Ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for posting.
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Give things away knowing you are helping others… All those working clothes that I never use anymore since I’m retired go to a place that helps people looking for jobs
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I love that! It’s a great frame to put around making a change and giving. Thanks!
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