7 Cleared Out Clutter Items

I have a confession...I am in my "Clean House" mode again. I wish that meant that I'm actually cleaning my house, but what is really means is I have been sitting on my couch watching back-to-back episodes of Clean House on the Style Network. My friends and family have no idea (well, they do now) but I am a huge Niecy Nash fan! I love her style, her story, and her sensibility.

For those of you who haven't seen the show, Niecy Nash (the show's host) and her team (made up of a handsome handyman, an organizer, and a designer) help families to get rid of their clutter by selling it at a yard sale, and then use the money to redecorate their home. Although the show hasn't exactly inspired me to clean my house, it has motivated me to get rid of lots of clutter.

Here are seven items I have recently cleared out:

1. Scrapbook supplies. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I have released myself from scrapbooking. When I cleared out our spare room to create our nursery, I gave away all my stickers, paper, glue, and embellishments. I kept one small box of scissors and paper cutters that are useful for other craft projects and were the most expensive investments I made into this hobbie.

2. Beads. Another craft I have released myself from is beading. I used to make necklaces and earrings, but I am reprioritizing my free-time and trying to spend more time outdoors and being active. I sold most of my beads at garage sales and gave away my beading books.

3. Gift bags. Many of the things I have purged from my house were "just-in-case" items. Initially, I held on to tons of gift bags from my bridal shower, wedding, birthdays, and baby shower. It was hard to part with some of these practically-new bags knowing that I would probably be able to use them one day, but it would take me years to use them all. I sold some of these at a garage sale and gave the rest to Goodwill. Now, if I ever need a gift bag I stop at the Dollar Store.

4. Back-up gifts. More "just-in-case" items. I was holding on to things I found on clearance or doubles from our wedding that would make good gifts, such as candle holders, blankets, and journals. Many of these gifts I have had for years and never given away. Now, I have a signature gift that I pick for all my friends each year, and I just keep a few of those on hand.

5. Candles. Another category I purged from my house could be described as "decor." I have gone through various decorating phases and therefore have a set of "purple decor" from my college days, "blue decor" from my first apartment, and "black and white decor" from the early years in our house. And, I had half-burnt candles of every color to match! I finally boxed up all the old candles and dropped them off at Goodwill.

6. Baskets. I love baskets. They come in handy for all sorts of things - gift giving, decorating, and storage. But, they take up a lot of space. So, I purged all my odd-shaped and worn-out baskets.

7. Baby items. I know it's cliche, but geez kids grow up fast! It made me sad to see all the cute clothes and like-new items that my daughter can no longer wear. But perhaps the most exciting part of her outgrowing things is that we can get rid of them!

What clutter have you cleared out?

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