11 things can you purge right now!

Some of us are still spending a lot of time at home. Are there things you are tripping over that you never use? Do you have art pieces that are more dust than art? Now is the perfect time to do a summer purge.

Outdated clothing

Look through your closet. Consider each piece and when you wore it last. Are you ever going to wear those short-shorts again? How about the rainbow suspenders? Sort through your closet and pick what can be donated, given away or tossed.

Damaged clothing

Have you ever worn a favorite clothing item until it literally fell apart? It’s time to get rid of clothing with holes, stains and tears that you will never spend money to repair, even if they are old favorites.

If it doesn’t fit, discard it

Those jeans you are hoping to fit back into some time in the future are not doing you any favors. By the time you fit into them, they may look dated. Better to donate them so someone can enjoy them now. Create a wardrobe that flatters your figure and fits well. You’ll be happier in the long run. Skirts that are too short, tops that are too tight or anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable should also be included in the purge.

Clothing you never wear

If you haven’t worn an item of clothing in a year, let it go. I realize this summer is a little different than most, but consider when or where you might wear each item. If you don’t need it, don’t let it collect dust in your closet. The same goes true for shoes. My husband Howard can help you sell designer clothing on eBay.

Those single socks

Yes, we all know that socks run off when we do laundry. How long should you hold onto the single socks that have no mates? After a few laundry cycles the possibilities of finding the missing sock go from slim to none.

Dishes you don’t use

Do you have multiple sets of dishes and you don’t use some of them ever? If you have China you use every once in a blue moon, that’s different. But if you have more dishes than you will ever need, let some of them go. They might have come in handy when you had a house full of kids and their friends. But now you might not have as much need for them.

Plastic containers

People tend to save plastic containers because they might need them some day. If you want to keep one or two containers (with lids) that’s fine. But keeping an entire cabinet full is a waste of valuable kitchen cabinet space. Purge what you don’t need.

Linens

How many sets of sheets do you use for each bed? You really don’t need more than a couple sets. You might have cooler sheets for the summer, flannel sheets for the winter and maybe one more set. Having a closet full of sheets that you never use just makes for a messy linen closet.

Exercise equipment

More power to you if you make use of all of the athletic and exercise equipment you own. If your stationary bike is now more of a clothes tree, it might be time to find a new home for it. We all have big hopes for getting and staying in shape. If the equipment is not being used it’s a waste of living space. Time to purge them.

Books, CDs, DVDs and cassettes

Do you have a lot of books and music you never use any more? So many things are available on demand on your television or online. Keeping music the old-fashioned way becomes another dust collector. If it’s not a reference book, how many times do you want to read it? Trashy novels are good for one read. You might have a favorite book that you like to read over and over, but most don’t fall into that category.

There is no better time than today to get started on your organizing project. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you have purged unnecessary belongings. Need help? I’m always here to get you started or help with virtual organizing.