It’s an odd thing to live in a first-world country. We have so much stuff, but it feels like we don’t have enough. Finances are always tight, but our homes are filled with junk we don’t need. Maybe I should drop the “we” and just talk about me. In my house, toys are abundant. Entertainment is plentiful. Food is expensive, but my cabinets and fridge are full. But the car’s check engine light comes on and I stress. Why do I always have too much stuff and not enough money?
I’ll tell you why: convenience. It’s so easy to see something in an email or on Amazon and think, “Oh, I could use that,” even though I’d never thought so before. My subscribe and save is a mess – multiple packages coming each month, even though I have a multi-month stash of those vitamins for my kids and plenty of laundry soap.
Things have to change. I have been decluttering my home at a slow pace for over a year now. Multiple boxes get donated per month, and yet, I can’t even tell a difference. I keep telling myself, “I can’t take it with me!” That’s basically what 1 Timothy 6:7 says: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” Because in death, stuff doesn’t matter. But, here I am, in a home full of stuff that I continually have to clean and put away and store.
So, I’m making a change. I’m not just decluttering a few boxes per month. This is my formal announcement (which I just decided to do 30 seconds ago): I am taking control of the clutter. I will not purchase anything without getting rid of something else of equal value first.
Perhaps making that announcement is meaningless. There is a chance no one will read this. But I’m going to stick to it. And if you’re reading this, leave me a comment to let me know you’re rooting for me. Or, you could even tell me I won’t be able to. I’m very stubborn, and external doubt drives me.
With that said, I’m putting my ideal schedule out there.
Declutter Schedule
July 3, 2026: Downstairs Closet
July 10, 2026: My Closet
July 17, 2026: Bathrooms
July 24, 2026: Daughter’s Closet
July 31, 2026: Boys’ Closet
August 7, 2026: Bedroom
August 14, 2026: Daughter’s Bedroom
August 21, 2026: Boys’ Bedroom
August 28, 2026: Laundry Room
September 4, 2026: Playroom
September 11, 2026: Garage
September 18, 2026: Garage
September 25, 2026: Living Room
October 2, 2026: Kitchen
You may be wondering why I’ve spaced out the schedule so much. This is the schedule I believe is realistic for me. My husband is a PhD student working an internship 32 hours per week, plus a paramedic working 48+ hours weekly, as well. We have three kids between the ages of 5 and 9. It’s summer, so there is no school and no childcare but me. I work as a freelance writer on my own time and schedule, but it’s something that has to get done. I’m also dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis (a genetic gift from my dad – thanks, Dad!). And as I type all of this out, I hear excuses. I don’t want to make excuses – so this decluttering is going to get done. And, while I’m doing it, I’m not replacing the things I’m getting rid of unless necessary.
Let’s list some rules.
Shopping and Decluttering Rules
The shopping rules I’m following will extend through the remainder of 2026:
- Household and decor items are only for gift wish lists (I have a birthday, anniversary, and Christmas left in 2026).
- One in, one out. What will I get rid of to bring an item into my home?
- I will use all of a product before purchasing more.
- I will not purchase new books. The library is free.
- No new electronics.
- New clothes are only for when I reach weight loss goals or if they get irreparable holes (I have some hand sewing skills).
The items I am allowed to purchase include:
- Groceries
- Cleaning products
- Toiletries
- Gifts
- Health products and medications
- Necessary winter gear (My boots are a little worn out. I live in Minnesota!)
- Replacement items – but I must follow the one in, one out rule.
How am I going to remember all these rules? From July through December, I’m sticking to them. I can’t just hit publish on this post and forget about it…
I’m adding it to my morning routine. I have a routine – Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday, I am up at 5:20. I pray and read my Bible. I journal. I read a chapter of a book. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I’m up at 4:30. I go to the gym. Then, I come home, pray and read my Bible, journal, and read a chapter of a book. Reading these rules has to be incorporated into this routine. If I don’t, they will never stick.
After I journal and before I read a chapter, I will go over my shopping rules. They will be written down in my planner each week so I can find them easily.
With that said, this impulsive and mostly unedited post is going live. (I’m genuinely dragging my feet right now. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. And POST!)
Prayers appreciated.
With Love in Christ,
Kristy