20 Things to Toss in 20 Minutes or Less
By: Sarah Giller Nelson, Professional organizer
The best way to create a clutter-free home is to develop well thought out systems that reflect your lifestyles needs. This process takes time, energy, and focus. If you find you are short on time or energy (as many of us are), you can still find space and de-clutter by getting rid of the assortment of little, useless things that are hogging up the prime real estate in your home. Often times, you are so used to having these items lying around, you seem to see past them. Yet, a quick bit of editing will go a long way towards creating the organized environment you crave.
Grab a garbage bin and donation bag, and start tossing, recycling, or donating these items:
1. Ripped or broken Halloween decorations.
2. Wire hangers.
3. Plastic bags from the dry cleaner. (Protect garments by storing them in canvas hanging bags.)
4. Any piece of clothing that is stained or stretched out, including undergarments.
5. Anything with a layer of dust on it.
6. Orphan socks. (You’ve managed this long without the pair, it’s okay to repurpose them as rags or toss them.)
7. Anything in your wardrobe that makes you feel heavy – physically or emotionally.
8. Anything in your home that reminds you of a time you would rather forget.
9. Expired medicine.
10. Expired sunscreen.
11. Food living in your freezer since the Obama administration.
12. Chipped dishes.
13. Promotional plastic cups and related freebies.
14. Duplicates: you don’t need 8 spatulas or 4 can openers.
15. Half-used, long forgotten candles.
16. That embarrassing costume from a few Halloweens ago.
17. Completed coloring books.
18. Old keys.
19. Empty or near empty bottles of bubbles.
20. Anything that bugs you every time you see it.
About the author: Professional organizer Sarah Giller Nelson helps overwhelmed people find time, clarity, a sense of accomplishment, and a place to put their keys. Sarah’s company, Less is More Organizing Services, has been helping busy families get organized since 2010. You can reach out to Sarah here: https://lessismoreorganizers.com/contact
About the Author
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group. Understanding that family law matters are among life’s most challenging moments, she established a firm dedicated to providing clarity, compassion, and powerful legal advocacy to families across Florida.
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been consistently recognized for her professional skill. She has been named to the Super Lawyers list (2016-Present) and is a trusted legal voice and author, and appearing as a featured legal commentator on Univision’s national morning show, Despierta América.
Her leadership extends throughout the legal community as the former President of the Coral Gables Bar Association and an active member of multiple committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar.
Connect with Vanessa:
LinkedIn | Florida Bar Profile | Avvo
