Amy Slenker-Smith

Did you really think I was going to overlook books? That I might allow you to ignore the towering bookshelves in your living room. Shelves filled with "books-that-I'm-never-actually-going-to-read." Today, we are letting go! Over the years, books generate the most passionate discussions. Very good arguments are made to keep book collections. I wonder if people fear they might lose the knowledge gained from the book if they give it away? Actually, I think they want to keep the feeling they had when they read the words. There is a sentimental attachment to books. Especially the ones we get lost in. Books you cannot put down. The ones for which you will ignore work, spouse, and children. I have no idea what happened during the days I read Water for Elephants. I was unable to speak or look up during that time. Then, I was sad when it ended. I felt this way about The Help, The Nightingale, Half-Broke Horses and The Harry Potter Series. And yet, I keep reading. Because I know I will …

[Read more...] about Decluttering Challenge – Day 22 – Books

Magazines and newspapers…more sneaky paper clutter. For many years, we subscribed to some of our favorite magazines and even the Sunday newspaper. It was certainly more cost effective than individual purchases. Over time, they became a burden, rather than enjoyment to read before the next one arrived. Gradually, we reduced the number of subscriptions but were still harassed by endless mailings from publishers offering "lowest price ever" if we renewed. While I could easily cycle the magazines themselves, I found all the extra mail to be wasteful and irritating. It required diligence on my part to know when our subscription REALLY expired because the notices started 6 months in advance. Even when we renewed, notices continued. At one point, I had paid over 2 years in advance. Eventually, we went down to just one magazine. It used to be my favorite. I enjoyed the articles about living simply until I realized that every other page was an advertisement. I thought this can’t possibly be …

[Read more...] about Decluttering Challenge – Day 21 – Magazines

More and more appliances and electronics arrive with just a thin instruction booklet and website reference. Thank goodness! I used to have an entire file cabinet drawer just for instruction books and manuals. We kept them for TVs, the dishwasher, washer/dryer and hundreds of toys. Good grief, every toy required specialized batteries and came with an order form to purchase more. The packaging included warranty cards and instruction booklets which added to the paper clutter. Multiply that by all the generous family members buying Christmas and birthday presents for my son and it's no wonder, we had an entire drawer full of manuals. Thankfully times have changed, but manuals are still a clutter culprit. In reality, we do not need a lot of storage for these books. Decluttering Challenge Day 20 Collect and Review - Bring all your manuals together in a box. Toss books for appliances you no longer own. Go Paperless - Check manufacturer websites. Download a digital copy. Store …

[Read more...] about Decluttering Challenge – Day 20 – Manuals

Shoes are sneaky. I counted mine yesterday thinking I had 12 pair. And that seems like a lot! But I knew that today's post would create an opportunity to downsize. Friends....I am doing this challenge with you! Today, I started counting and found MORE, a total of 18 pairs in fact. I forgot my golf shoes, snow boots, hiking boots and a few others that were hidden in the garage.  So, 18 pairs of shoes is DEFINITELY too many. Looking through the boxes, there were 3 pair intended for warm weather. But I had not worn them in over a year. High quality and barely worn, but clearly not meant to go with my wardrobe. I've looked at these very boxes for several years...stowed nicely on the top shelf of the closet. My closet is not stuffed. There's plenty of room, but I'm still passing them on. Why? Because when we hold onto things that we are not using, we prevent them from going to someone who can use them. Perhaps even someone who really needs them. Downsizing isn't just …

[Read more...] about Decluttering Challenge – Day 19 – Shoes

Yes, I’m still talking about your clothing closet. This space can be a big project when trying to get organized. So far, we’ve discussed accessories, laundry, hangers and now colors. To that end, you should be picking up on the fact that my system for downsizing involves streamlining color choices. Have you ever purchased a comfortable shirt in your favorite color? And then bought another one in a different color because they were on sale? Only to see the second one hang in your closet unworn? But it was so comfortable in the store! And it was a great deal, right?! Worry not, you are not alone. I did this more times than I can count, thinking I would wear both colors equally. I did not. What I’ve also learned about color choices is that I know myself. I know what I like and what I don’t. Owning two high quality black t-shirts, two gray sweaters and three dresses in gray-black tones are wise investments. I wear these all the time. Before you start start pointing out that black and …

[Read more...] about Decluttering Challenge – Day 18 – Colors

You have enough hangers. I promise. But they are big, small, wood, plastic, metal and all different colors. This alone is making your closet look messier than it really is. By now you know that I am not an organizer who encourages you to buy stuff.  I will always suggest you reuse, repurpose or borrow first.  However, when it’s time to replace broken hangers or improve the quality, I can get on board with disciplined and thoughtful purchases.  First, we have to figure out how many hangers you really need. Because it is less than you think. I decided to get a baseline by counting mine.  I have 73. For a tour of my closet, click HERE. I filmed this about a year ago and the only difference to today is that I removed even more items.  When I buy shoes, it is to replace a worn out pair. Like accessories, I consider the colors in my wardrobe and purchase shoes that will coordinate. Decluttering Challenge Day 17 Donate Clothing – In honor of …

[Read more...] about Decluttering Challenge – Day 17 – Hangers