Now, I really didn't think this one is a big deal to me because I'm a purger by nature. I have been known in the past to actually purge things on impulse and regret it later. (I miss you, black leather boots). I can truthfully say that I typically purge half-heartedly at least every 6 months. (The exception to this has become my kids closets of toys because sorting 10 million legos, action figures, and matchbox cars takes me to brink of insanity. I do that about once per year).
However, this type of purging, Jen Hatmaker asks you do is different. It's purging with a purpose. With intent. To help someone else who doesn't have any of the clutter or even necessary "Stuff" that we have. (For some reason, her references to refugee family apartments has stuck with me this whole week- there is a lot there to talk about, but it will have to be another blog. My brain is seriously backed up with at least 3 blog posts right now). So, yesterday, I finally started out with the purging process I had been putting off for two weeks- trying to pull items that would help furnish an apartment. My goal is 210 items (30 items X 7 days).
Turns out it was quite liberating.
I started in the least obvious place you would think of... the tiniest closet in my house. The linen closet in my boy's bathroom. You would not believe the useful items I purged from that closet- stuff I look at all the time and NEVER USE.
21 useful items came from that closet. Next was the guest bedroom closet, which was ANOTHER puzzling gold mine of goodies. I guess we hide our "just in case" stuff in the least used rooms. And here I was thinking it would all come from my kid's rooms.... Hmmm. Then the bonus room and kids clothes. (Notice I'm still dodging toys).
Interesting items purged:
-Toddler toilet seat (seriously? My kids have been potty trained for at least 3-1/2 years; don't worry, I cleaned it!)
-Toddler step stool
-Brand new barely used trash can with garbage lid (uhhhh, why?)
-Deluxe foot bath Martin bought me while I was preggo. With Mason. 10-1/2 years ago.
-Hand towels, dish rags
-Queen size bedding set with shams, and decorative pillows that almost broke my heart to give away.
-Pack-n-play/bassinet/changing table with mobile- that I've been holding onto "just in case" or "for when a baby visits". Then I realized that I have very few visitors/friends with pack-n-play aged babies, anymore. And I just don't think my future daughter-in-law is going to want to put her baby in a 30 year old pack-n-play that will probably be recalled at that point.
-About half of the precious, precious baby clothes from my bin of favorite baby clothes that I had saved. I purged those a long time ago, but apparently, doing so while Coen was still a toddler left me with blinders on. Some of the clothes were not sentimental at all, but so stinkin cute that I obviously thought I couldn't part with them. I *might* or *might not've* cried, and sniffed baby clothes while I was doing that. The shoes and the "My Uncle is US Marine" Shirt, all stayed.
- A whole bunch of kid's costumes and games, that I will donate to the school that needs them most.
Perhaps the most fun I've had purging was my showroom. If you don't know what I do for a living- I sell stuff with logos- bags, tshirts, cups, etc. So, I have a whole office set up with samples of some of my "Stuff". This is where I got REALLY excited. Remember my homeless man problem last week? How I had nothing to give him? Well, as I was going through my shirt samples, I found that I had several duplicate shirts (brand new), so I purged them. Not to mention about 20 extra tote bags, back packs and grocery bags. Suddenly it clicked! I'm going to make homeless bags!!!! So I started stuffing the bags with a "big" item like a shirt, hat, scarf, etc. (Yes, I can do scarves). Then I added a sports bottle, coffee cup, etc. Then I went through my health and beauty items and found first aid kits, hand sanitizers, sun screens and lip balms... one for each. I know I have a ton of hotel samples Martin has brought me so I will be adding these to the bags too- I'm going to have the boys help me stuff them and distribute. I have created 20 bags!
With these bags, I will carry a few in my car to give out, and I might pass the rest on to a friend who works with the homeless regularly- so she can distribute them. This has been my favorite thing yet! So excited! Plus, I get to have a clean floor in my office! It's a win-win!
So far, I'm up to 162 items purged. I still have to do my kitchen, the bathroom cabinets, and the garage. Right now, I'm sweating the 210 number because I don't know if I have that many more things- I just purged some of the kitchen last month. But then again, I never would've thought I had 162 items to begin with either, so maybe I'll surprise myself....
Cause that's already a LOT of stuff.
Before and after pics. So you can feel good with me.
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