And I don’t mean your ex-boyfriend. Hopefully, he’s gone already, right??
New year, new clutter. Emotional, physical, psychological…if you’re like me, you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
It can be tempting to postpone your 2022 cleanout until the spring, but who wants to clean in the spring? I plan to spend every lovely day outdoors in capri pants and sun hats. My 2022 list is chock full of things I want to learn: French, gardening, how to make preserves (yes, I’ve been watching a LOT of BBC Pride and Prejudice). Hey, learning brings me joy! Remember joy?
So, rather than lying on the couch for another day of boredom (20 degrees outside in NYC), why not put all that antsy winter energy to use?
Let’s clean out your (proverbial) closet!
Things to Get Rid Of in 2022
1. The Jeans That Don’t Fit Anymore
This was a tough one for me. Most people fluctuate in body weight and distribution of fat; our bodies change as we age (gasp), and that's totally okay. It’s normal and healthy to have a range of 2-5 pounds; it means you’re eating and growing and living, am I right?
That being said, it’s hard for me not to (desperately) cling to the black skinny jeans I fit into in 2018. Even though that was a very unhappy year for me - toxic relationship at large, corporate sales job, living off of espresso - the jeans made me feel SO good about myself. The aforementioned jeans have spent the last 3 years glaring at me from my bottom drawer.
Every time I attempt to try them on, I am shattered by the harsh reality that they just don’t fit me anymore.
BUT! This year is all about positivity and joy - I claim it - and I choose to spin the narrative.
My body has changed since 2018, and honestly I’m so much happier for it. I eat and cook beautiful meals, I’m happy every day, and I found a fitness routine that makes me feel strong and empowered. I also eat balanced meals, which - as a person who has struggled with eating disorders for most of my life - is a BIG deal.
So, the jeans don’t fit. Big deal! I’m stronger than I was 3 years ago.
I’m more in control of my health and wellness. I don’t drink coffee anymore (matcha all the way!), and I sleep through the nights. No anxiety attacks, no toxic relationships. Would I trade all of that for a pair of skinny jeans? Hell no.
P.S. If you’re in NYC and don’t feel like lugging your donations to your local Goodwill, try this list of donation pickups!
2. The Hair Products That Didn’t Work
Clutter, baby, clutter. So many years of trial-and-error hair routines crowd my tiny purple cabinet. After putting it off for months, I decided to tackle the clutter monster. And, readers, all I can say is…wow. I found products I forgot I even bought! Products that didn’t work, products that smelled weird, products that made my hair feel cakey and gross. Why was I holding onto this clutter? Why the urge to schlep these half empty conditioner bottles around, like a stick and bindle on my back? That, I cannot answer.
BUT! This year is all about clean, bright energy for me, which means tackling the scary junk corners of my life.
Long story short? I purged an entire trash bag full of hair products. My cabinet is clean and organized, and hey, so is my mind.
P.S. I’ve basically stopped buying hair products altogether. Why?
This amazing FLAX SEED GEL RECIPE.
3. The Scary Stuff In Your Freezer
Yeah, yeah, I get it. Freezer items can last up to a year, when maintained properly. But readers, your freezer-burned broccoli florets do not make the cut.
SO, grab your gloves and your trash bag and get to work. You might be shocked by the horrors you’ll uncover. I, for one, found a tinfoil-wrapped chicken cheesesteak I was desperate to save A YEAR AGO. It was freezer-burned beyond recognition. Not to mention, it took up a hefty amount of freezer space. With my freezer-burned and tasteless leftovers removed, my freezer left tons of space for exploration.
My new favorite freezer stash? SMOOTHIE BOMBS! (Stay tuned for the recipe.)
4. The Books You’ll Never Read
Disclaimer - This is NOT a rule to which I currently adhere. It is very, VERY difficult for me to separate from my books. I have a bit of an obsession - I can’t stop buying books online and in various discount bookstores. My reading list is endless, and I love looking at all of my books. My books bring me joy! So, as long as I have the shelf space for them (TBD because I don’t), my books are here to stay.
BUT! For all of you non-readers out there with those awkwardly-large hardcover books (most likely gifted to you by an aunt who says you MUST READ IT), there is a solution to the madness. Why hold onto books you never intend to read?
Instead of being a book hoarder (like me), consider donating your literature to charity.
There are lots of people without access to books of their choosing. If you don’t have a Goodwill or Salvation Army dropoff in your area, check out the DonationTown website to learn about scheduling a book pickup!
5. All Of Your Old Weird Gadgets
The electric fan-slash-can-opener you got as a gag gift. The adapters that no longer fit your iPhone port. The used laptop from 2004 that you never turn on (yes, I had one). These are just dust magnets, readers. Who needs all these gadgets, anyway? Most of our old technology is obsolete anyway. Ahem, we’re getting old. And, for those of you fortunate enough to possess a surplus of modern technology, do you really need three laptops?
Rather than sit on your technological wealth, donate your old gadgets to nonprofits!
Good360 is an amazing source to connect you with nearby nonprofits, searching for parts to refurbish and donate to charity. Want to save the planet? Check out Recycling Near Me, a database full of recycling centers.
You, do-gooder, you.
6. The Ex-Partner Stuff You Could Never Throw Out
To the left, to the LEFT.
Another toughie. I’ve held onto sweatshirts, necklaces, socks, love letters, ticket stubs…you name it, I’ve saved it. I’m a weepy sentimental romantic with a history of broken long term relationships, readers.
I’m an emotional (and literary) hoarder. Even when the relationships ended, I found it difficult to separate from the trinkets of nostalgia.
BUT! Out with the old, dear readers. Why do I need a sweatshirt from my ex-boyfriend of five years? Why do I need a necklace given to me in 2012? In short, I don’t.
I’m not saying burn the items on a gas-fueled pyre, but maybe only keep the things that are VERY meaningful; things you would miss. Throw out the photos, keep the love letters. Throw out the ticket stub, keep the Christmas necklace. Put them in a box and store them away. As a very sentimental gal, I know I can never - in good conscience - throw away every shred of evidence of my past. I’ve loved hard, I’ve lost hard. Keeping or tossing a yin-yang necklace from 2014 won’t change that.
Still, it feels good to hold onto some of the happier memories. One day, it might make you happy to look back on love trinkets from your youth. We won’t be young forever, after all.
7. Your Old Stupid Underwear
Judge me if you will, but I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve had tattered undies in my drawer for probably a decade. The undies I only wear during my - gasp - time of the month. The undies I save for especially icky feeling days. The undies I loved but ripped six years ago and couldn’t bring myself to toss. The dingy bra with the underwire popping up, the bra with the busted strap. WHY am I holding onto these things?
The world is chock full of undergarments, readers. No need to hold onto my sad old rags.
Out with the old, in with the (hopefully) new?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Well, I think this list speaks for itself. Take some advice from Marie Kondo - Keep or toss based on one thing only. JOY.
Now, get to cleaning!
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