Operation Clean Up and Cleaning Out

How do we get so over run with stuff? I don't know about you but I feel like my life is being taken over with random stuff... most of which I do not use. After trying to cram my groceries in to my pantry and cabinets and get everything under my bathroom sink I decided I am going to clean out the clutter...

Now I don't mean just throwing stuff away; I am challenging myself to USE IT UP!
So instead of buying new lotion, I will use up what I already have.. Who really needs 4 different deodorants in their gear box (my box I keep under my sink of the stuff I use to get ready in the mornings)? I counted, I have 4 deodorants, 4 different hair products that I don't use, 3 special facial creams that I bought for one reason or another that have gotten lost in the shuffle and don't seem to make it in to my routine. That is just the start of it all. I recently got some really good coupons for toothpaste, so I bought 4, when I already had 2 under the sink. It will take me forever to use it up and my house is not set up for stockpiling. I think it is great for people to have stuff on hand that they got for a deal, but it is just not me. I am not set up for that. I like to have about 1 extra on hand but that is about it.

Now my kitchen is another story. I have 3 boxes of partially used granola bars and 3 containers of oatmeal, each which are a bit different and are opened. I just want life to be more simple. I am really trying to clean out the clutter in my house and my life. Clutter makes me anxious. I think that is why I do not like my office in my house. It is too cluttered and things collect dust and look bad and it just bothers me. I want to take care of it but just don't feel like I have a place for it all. Which means I need to spend some time throwing unused items away or donating them if possible and organizing what I need and use to make it more efficient.

I think if I would have saved the money I spent on this stuff that I am begrudgingly (sp?) trying to use up I would have alot more in the bank than I do now and I would appreciate what I have more. But I like to buy stuff! I like the feeling of using something new for the first time. Looking at sale ads and thinking I am going to be stocked up and save a boatload... do I really save when I buy things I don't use or let go bad? Um... no.

The answer?? Do not buy anything that you are going to have to store for a long period of time before using and think if you really need it or could get buy with using something you already have to do the same job. Use up what I have before buying more. This philosophy does not pertain to all things or all people, so if you are reading this and becoming offended, please do not be. This is not my intention. I am just trying to make it public that I will be buying the bare minimum to keep things going and you may be getting partially used bottles of lotion and half burned candles for Christmas! Hahaha :)

This is going to challenge me to create recipes from food I already have and buy very little. I am hoping I can decrease my bill a little bit as well as the clutter in my home.

With Christmas rolling around and what I am sure will be a large influx of new items in my home, I think this is the perfect time to take on this challenge and new mindset.