Just Get Rid of It!

It is essential to continually rid your home of items, especially if you are a fellow humble abode dweller. If you don't, things will overtake your living space. Purge things that are broken beyond repair, not useful, or items you no longer like (or maybe you never liked). Don't buy into the idea that you cannot get rid of something because so and so gave it to you. Edit your possessions carefully. Jesus said in Luke 12:15 "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (NIV)

Marla Cilley, the FLYLady, states that clutter cannot be organized. She also mentions C.H.A.O.S. - can't have anyone over syndrome. I've been there -- peering through a crack in my front door and hoping that unexpected visitors would not see my messy house behind me. Of course, I could not let them in and, undoubtedly, gave a rude impression. Marla Cilley in her book Sink Reflections devotes several pages of how clutter negatively affects our lives and discusses the similarities of clutter to our homes as cholesterol is to our arteries. Her analogy includes how clutter causes stress, is invasive, decreases our joy in living, and is a result of over-indulging. There is enough negativity in the world without having it around us in our homes. Every single item in your house takes up space, no matter the size. Don't neglect sorting through small items. Find someone who can truly use your cast-offs, have a garage sale, or donate to a thrift store. Do not donate items that will not sell - stained clothes, etc. Thrift stores are always burdened with junk they have to throw away. Someone may be needing your cast-offs and will be blessed. You will find it freeing to lighten your load!