Decluttering for 2012

It's one of the most wonderful times of the year. For me, the most wonderful time of the year falls in January when an acre of the greenhouse is full of primrose and smells like fruit loops. Then there's the first days of spring that smell like mud. And the middle of the winter right after a heavy snow when we wake up to a winter wonderland. And then there's the the perfect weather time in June when the temperature is in the mid 70's, light breezes, random fluffy clouds...
Okay... I have lots of favorite times of the year... {look to the top right "about me"}...
BUT! This one is different ...
THIS wonderful time of year is the NEW year! Time to make resolutions {which I personally don't do}, time to take down all the Christmas decorations and put the "extra" away, AND...
wait for it...
TIME TO DE-CLUTTER!!!

Ha! You have no idea how much this excites me!

On the very off chance that you're excited about this too.. I found a few good tips that I figured I share.. 

1. If the stuff has not been used in the last 3 months and I can not name a specific date or event in the next year when I will use it again, then it is gone.
2. If the stuff is "good" but not high value or highly sought-after, then it is offered to friends and what doesn't get taken goes to charity or freecycle.
3. If the stuff is "good" but is of high value or highly sought-after, then it goes on the for-sale pile.
4. If the stuff needs repair but I haven't made the time to fix it in the last 6 months, then it goes in the bin (I've learned that even freecyclers don't like most items that are in need of repair!).
{Consumption Rebellion}
5. Declutter 15 minutes every day.
6. Don't throw away, donate.
7. Don't allow things into the house in the first place.
8. Donate stuff you're decluttering, so you don't feel bad about wasting it.
9. Use the "one in, two out" rule. Whenever you bring one item in, pick two to throw away no mater how small.
10. Clothes: if you haven't worn it in six months, give it up.
11. The one-year box: Take all your items that you're unsure about getting rid of, put them in a box, seal it and date it for 1 year in the future. WHen the ate comes and still haven't opened it, donate it without opening it. 
12.Internatlize that your value is not in your "stuff" and is just "stuff". 
13. Have someone you trust help you go through things. They aren't emotionally attached but can still recognize if it's something you should keep. 
{zen habits}

picture credit