Seems
like everywhere you turn these days there are opportunities to get items for
free. At first glance, this seems like a great deal. What’s better
than free, right? Unfortunately, what seems like a bargain in the moment often ends
up costing us, even if we haven’t had to shell out any
money. How can that be?
The
reality is that everything we own,
owns a piece of us. Every belonging that ends up in our home or office
…takes up space, and
…needs to be stored, maintained, cleaned, etc.
Think
about a drawer. How much of the contents are supplies you need and regularly
use as opposed to random items that have been shoved inside? Do you ever wonder,
“Where
did all this stuff come from?”
In
many cases, we own items that we never bought or intentionally acquired.
Nonetheless, once a piece is in our possession, it is our job to figure out
what to do with it.
Some
common “free offenders” are:
Phone books
Hangars/pins/collar stays from the dry cleaner
“Free Gifts” from the makeup counter
Toiletries bags from international flights
Brochures
Children’s clothing “handed down” by a friend or family
member
T-shirts
Company promotional items
Inherited clothing/furniture/décor
Party/wedding favors
“Happy Meal” toys
Trophies/awards
Prizes
Promotional materials
“Freebie” food items
Greeting cards
Address or gift labels
Cups/mugs/sports bottles from events or activities
Catalogs
As
with all possessions, it is important to be active in getting rid of things we
do not love and/or do not use. Many of us feel guilty getting rid of things that
were “such a great deal” or “didn’t cost anything.” Likewise, we
are reluctant to let go of belongings that were given to us by a friend or
relative for fear of hurting his or her feelings.
However,
the reality is that guilt is not a good reason to keep something in your
space. In fact, guilt is a negative emotion. If we keep an item out of
guilt, we unconsciously cultivate a negative association with the giver, which
is probably the opposite of what was intended. No
friend, relative or business wants you to feel frustrated when you look at
something that they gave you.
Of
course, the best way to minimize the “free” clutter is to block it from
entering your space in the first place. For instance:
Stop at the recycle bin on the way back from the mailbox and drop in any paperwork, magazines or flyers you don’t want.
Trash or leave behind anything you don’t want before returning home from a conference.
Resist the temptation to buy something simply to get another item (or shipping) for free.
Avoid picking up promotional items (e.g. at a seminar or event) simply because they are available. Instead, choose only those pieces for which you can envision meeting a tangible need.
Politely decline pieces proffered by friends and family that you don’t actually want.
Getting a bargain is a wonderful thing, but only if it meets your needs and desires. Otherwise, what appeared to be free will cost you time, space and serenity.
*
* * *
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What
“freebies” are cluttering your space?
The Closet Works Teams Up With The Community For Clothing
The Closet Works is extremely grateful for all of our clients. And it is in thanks to you, our loyal customers, that we have stayed successful for 30 years. That is why we love to give back and help the community in any way possible when the right opportunity arises. We are proud to announce that we have teamed up with Our Closet and Career Wardrobe to provide clothing for those in need. If your home organization project requires a clothing purge, these organizations are in need of your gently used or new wardrobe items.
