We could all stand to get rid of junk and clutter!
Have you ever taken a peek in your garage or attic and thought, “where did all this stuff come from!?” You’re not alone. In the natural world, useful materials are scarce and hard to come by. It’s human nature to hang onto things we don’t use because we “might need them someday.” However, in our modern world of convenience and plenty, we’re never going to need that box of RCA cables. They’re simply not used any more.
Still, it’s tough to fight our instincts. Even when we suspect or know that we aren’t going to use certain items again, it can still be difficult to get rid of them. Cardboard boxes, old electronics, office supplies, clothes, and sentimental items are all commonly put into storage, where they collect dust and take up unnecessary space. Unfortunately, even when we decide to clean out those storage areas, coming across old stuff can trigger positive memories and awaken feelings of nostalgia, prompting us to keep things we haven’t touched in years.
Fortunately, there is a simple strategy you can use to push past this instinct to keep old items and cut down on clutter.
It’s called the 50 Pound Rule.
The 50 Pound Rule is extremely simple: every month, resolve to get rid of 50 pounds of stuff from your life. This might sound like a daunting task or a lot of weight, but consider this: many old CRT TVs weigh upwards of 200 pounds! Once you get into the swing of things, getting rid of 50 pounds of junk is a breeze.
Getting rid of clutter can seem like a headache, but the results are well worth it. If you know you want to get rid of stuff but the task is overwhelming, give us a call. JunkGuys specializes in stress-free, full-service junk removal.
How to Start Decluttering
The best place to begin is usually your closet. Begin by removing every article of clothing that’s hanging in your closet. This will change your thinking from “what should I get rid of?” to “what should I keep?” and help you make the tough calls more readily. As you decide which items to keep, return them to your closet. Get rid of anything that’s left!
To begin, immediately rule out anything you haven’t worn in a year or more. Anything that you love and wear with at least some frequency can be kept and returned to your closet. Everything that’s left is the “middle ground” stuff – the clothes you’ll really need to decide on. With these items, start by getting rid of anything that doesn’t fit. Next, consider your style. Anything you don’t feel confident wearing or that doesn’t fit your current style should be disposed of. At this point, if you’ve been truly honest with yourself, you should have a good idea of what stays and what goes.
Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, you may find that you’ve already gotten rid of 50 pounds – or more! If you haven’t, that’s perfectly fine, too. It’s time to move on to the attic or the garage. These two areas get notoriously cluttered, and you’ll thank yourself for cleaning up the space. Start by getting rid of any old electronics or electric equipment that no longer functions. Next, remove all the cardboard boxes and other items you’ve stowed for “future use” but have never used. Go through boxes of seasonal decorations, old tools, and even sentimental items that you don’t incorporate into your everyday life.
Once you’ve figured out what you want to get rid of, you might realize a few things. First, some objects might be really heavy! Second, you might have more stuff than will fit in your car. Third, you might realize you’re not sure where to take your items at all. That’s where we can help. Our full-service junk removal includes the removal of items from wherever they are in or on your Sacramento area property. Of course, we take care of responsible donation or disposal! Contact us now!
Finally, repeat the process every month! You’ll find that you often don’t want to stop once you hit 50 pounds – and that’s fantastic! Keep getting rid of clutter for as long as you want. You’ll be a lot lighter, feel a lot better, and have more space for the things you enjoy.
