Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter
Stuff Comes In, Stuff Goes Out
Black Friday, Cyber Monday: It’s hard to be a good minimalist when it feels like the universe is against you. Tis the season that lauds excess, and that’s tough when you’re trying to declutter. But being a glass-half-full kinda gal, I want to point out that there is an opportunity here: The holidays are a great chance to use stuff up and pass things along. Try to work your way through the wrapping paper and ribbons you already have; go through your box of random “gifts to give;” maybe even go through your stash of wine.
Obviously, you can’t give everyone on your gift list stuff from your house, but think creatively and if you play it right, you could end up with a neater house in January than you had in November.
Maybe your niece would love the costume jewelry you never wear. Wrap it up and pass it on!
Need to bring a dish to a holiday party? Raid your cupboard instead of running to the store: That jar of artichoke hearts way in the back might remind you how much your mother-in-law loves your artichoke dip.
I know you’re going to shop—I know I am, but since you know stuff will be coming in, why not look for every opportunity to get stuff out. Any gift bag that isn’t nice enough to use today isn’t going to be nicer in three months, so just toss it. If it’s been three years since you’ve been to an ugly sweater party, maybe it’s time to let go of the ugly sweater.
It is always better to give than to receive. But in my book, getting rid of stuff is the best of all.