Minimalism: Miscellaneous

“the life-changing magic of tidying up” Chapter 3 miscellaneous summary:

Sub-categorize and sort your miscellaneous items as follows:

1. CDs, DVDs
2. Skin care products
3. Makeup
4. Accessories
5. Valuables (passport, credit card, etc.)
6. Electrical equipment and appliances (cameras, cables/cords, etc.)
7. Household equipment (stationary, writing materials, sewing, etc.)
8. Household supplies (medicine, cleaning supplies, tissue, etc.)
9. Kitchen supplies
10. Other (Decor)
11. If applicable, hobby

As you go through everything, remember to keep things because you love them, not “just because”.

Gifts
A gifts purpose is to be received and you already had the pleasure of receiving it so it’s purpose has been served the moment you got it.  You don’t need to feel guilty for parting with a gift.  The person who gave it to you wouldn’t want you to use it out of obligation or put it away without using it only to feel guilty about not using it when you see it.

Cosmetic Samples
These are typically kept for use during travel.  Per cosmetic companies, the shelf life may be only a few weeks up to one year.

Boxes
Think of it this way:  Considering the rent or mortgage you pay, turning your space into a storage shed for empty boxes costs you a lot.  You don’t need to keep boxes for moving either as you can find suitable boxes when the time comes.  You shouldn’t let a box take up room in your house because you may need it someday.

Cords
Discard any that you don’t know what they are for and any duplicates.  If you end up needing one, you can simply buy it.

Bedding for Guests
Spare bedding takes a lot of room and should not be kept if you only have overnight guests once or twice a year.  Stored bedding typically smells when stored indefinitely.  Smell it yourself.

Spare Buttons
You will never use it because if a button falls off, it’s a sign the item is well worn and reached the end of its life.  For coats that are going to be kept a long time, sew the spare into the lining when you buy it.  You can always buy a button if you need one.

Free Swag
Cell phone cleaner, pens, cups/mugs, post-its, calendars are all items that typically will not bring you pleasure so get rid of them.

Small Change
Any loose change you come across should be put in your wallet, not a piggybank to be spent.