In my work over the past decade, I’ve learned that most people own things just because they were told somewhere along the way that they should own them. Today is the day I break the news: you don’t have to own anything you don’t want or need! Here are the top 5 things that you don’t actually need to own:
A Microwave
We nixed the microwave when we opened up our kitchen and lost an entire wall of storage space. I thought it would be the end of days, but turns out we’re all ok. In fact, my kids noticed that reheating food in a skillet or on a baking sheet actually makes the food taste better. Good-bye soggy leftovers! Since we’re on the subject, it might be time to let those other bulky occasional appliances go – waffle makers, ice-cream machines, panini press, rice cookers, juicers…question how often you use these beasts, and make sure they are worth the space they take up in your kitchen or pantry.
Office Supply Overload
Sorry, not sorry. You do not need a massive collection of paperclips, post-its, thumbtacks, highlighters… you get the picture. Think about what you actually use in any given week and curate your collection carefully. I stock my own home office with a set of matching pens, scissors, a stapler, and a stack of index cards for notes and to-do lists. Everything else can stay at Office Depot.
Cards + Gift Wrap
I recognize that occasionally you have to write someone a card, or give a birthday or holiday gift, but I am consistency blown away by the sheer volume of this category that lives in the average home. I’m talking dozens of rolls of gift wrap, twisted up ribbons in every color, crumpled gift bags in every shape and size imaginable, drawers overflowing with gift cards and tags. It is simply not necessary – not to mention a pain to store and manage! Here’s what I suggest: A roll or two of neutral wrapping paper (I love natural craft paper) coupled with a few rolls of ribbon or twine and a set of gift tags and blank cards. Reclaim your drawers and thank me later!
Holly Hobby
I’ve seen it all in this category – dusty scrapbooking supplies from college, endless bags of knitting, canning goods, you name it. Unless you are actively practicing this hobby, let it go! If you decide to take up knitting/scrapbooking/under-water photography in the future, you can rent, buy, or borrow the gear you need. Until then, let’s reclaim your living spaces and donate these supplies to people who currently have the time, energy, and interest to make use of them.
The Precious China
Most of us have been sold a bill of goods that we need to invest in (and then store for the rest of our lives) a full set of precious wedding china. Now, here’s the deal – if you host elaborate dinner parties and actually use your china, we don’t have a problem. However if you’re like the other 99% of the population, your sets of china are withering away in a cupboard or attic or basement collecting a film of dust. I once had a client who had inherited so much fine china from family members that her entire house was overflowing and her living spaces were no longer functional. My suggestion – if you want to keep a token for posterity sake, choose one teacup (or plate or bowl) from each collection and donate the rest.
What items are you hanging on to simply because you feel like you have to? What items could you let go of now without really feeling the impact? I’d love to know!
PS. If you’ve inherited items and don’t know what you should keep, check out this post.
Image Credit: Vivian Johnson Photography
