Face it – we all have one of these. It’s probably in the kitchen, or maybe the foyer or dining room, but it’s there…a basket, bucket, drawer or shelf stuffed to brims and overflowing with…STUFF!

I grew up in a house where the basket held mail, pens, calculators, notepads, and receipts to be saved. It was always full and as a result there always ended up being more clutter around the basket. Before we could blink, the entire section of kitchen counter was overtaken with torn envelopes and dried-up pens.

As part of my 2013 initiative to declutter and reduce, I decided that the one in my apartment had to go. For good. Not only was it an eyesore, it actually made me MORE disorganized – some important papers were in the basket, others were filed and I never actually knew where anything was. That makes my life more difficult, not less. Here’s how I did it: Continue reading →

This is the second post in an ongoing series focusing on decluttering my closet. The first post outlined 3 steps I’d be taking to achieve that:

• Reducing clothes in my closet
• Using the items I already have
• Replacing items with quality pieces

I decided that the best way to ring in the new year would be to reduce items I don’t use by donating them to Goodwill. I ended up moving beyond my closet into my bedroom, and eventually into the kitchen. It felt, and stil feels, so good to have made this big of a dent so soon into the new year! Here is what I donated: Continue reading →

I made a conscious effort during 2012 to eliminate dresses from my closet that I don’t wear or don’t need – and to only buy new items that are well-made and can be used for a variety of occasions. I try to buy from small shops and boutiques whenever possible. Continue reading →