There was a whole movie that recently came out about getting out aggression with an annual purge. A commercial for that movie got me thinking about how extremely helpful a yearly purge could be for the home. If you are anything like me, you have major trouble throwing away anything that seems to still have value or a purpose.

The Clutter Confession

I have been heard countless times saying “I could make something out of that.” Unfortunately, an attitude like that means you amass huge quantities of “things.”I often go around my house thinking that it seriously lacks storage space when, in actuality, it is my home decor and craft items that are the real problem. What is it for you that accumulates on the shelves and in the closets? That is where an annual purge comes into play.

Make a Plan

Once a year, dedicate a week or two to a total house clean-out. Planning is essential part of a successful result. Make a list of all of the closets, cabinets, nooks, and crannies that you know need attention. Once the list is made it is so much easier to systematically go through and take it one task at a time. Just one task a day will get the job done before you know it.

Pitch, Keep, Sell & Donate

With each area that you tackle, you will need three boxes. Write “pitch” one one, “keep” on another, and “sell” and “donate” on the final boxes. With each item that you take out, decide what you are going to do with it and place it in the appropriate box. When you are eventually done with every closet and cabinet, schedule a yard sale or go crazy posting things online to sell.

You will be shocked by how much storage space you can free up with this simple practice. The next question is what are you going to do with all that regained space?