The Top 5 Items To Get Rid Of In Your Home

I am a firm believer and advocate that decluttering heals your mind and body. Getting rid of items that have no use or value to you, or that carry unhealthy memories and energy, can open up your home to more brighter and positive living. I know it’s not as easy as it seems, as decluttering can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting, which often leads to procrastination. Start by taking an honest look around your house. Where do you have excess? Where are you hiding things? Where are items stashed away that have been forgotten? Decluttering can be easy and fun as long as you do it consistently and in small doses. Let’s explore the top 5 items that we can usually afford to reduce.

1. Shopping/grocery bags

If you’re guilty of forgetting your reusable bags and find yourself with an overflowing drawer of shopping bags, you’re not alone! Recycle those paper bags and invest in a versatile shopping tote. My favorite shopper is from Connected Goods, but find one that suits your needs and your style.

2. Plastic water bottles that aren’t BPA free

Please recycle all your plastic water bottles that aren’t BPA free! BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical used to make plastic and resins, like in water bottles. According to MayoClinic.com, exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.

 Then ask yourself, how many water bottles do you really need? You can probably manage to live another day with just one water bottle. I can’t live without my Swell water bottle– it keeps my water cold all day!

3. CARDBOARD Boxes AND PACKAGING

I’m talking about boxes that you keep from shoe or electronic purchases. If you don’t plan on returning or selling the item, bid farewell! Boxes take up a huge amount of space as well as collect a lot of dust! Trust me, you don’t need them. If you want a polished, storage option for active items that need a home, try using these eco friendly storage boxes.

4. Children’s art

One of the top questions I get from my clients who are parents, is what to do with their kids’ artwork. For those who have bins and boxes filled with your littles’ creations, I suggest using Artkive. Artkive is an app that digitally stores and organizes your little ones’ art. They also provide custom services where each masterpiece is photographed and made into a coffee table style book – problem solved!

5. credit card statements

Most people don’t open their mail in a timely fashion and find themselves with piles cluttering up their counter or filling drawers. Try opting for paperless statements when available as most banks have apps and options that allow that allow easy access to  your statements.

If you only open your mail once a week or month, try keeping it in a counter top basket like this pretty copper one. When the basket it full, it’s time to get to opening!

Mother Earth will thank you.