Holley-Riddle Post 21 in The Colony, Texas, recently organized a complimentary seminar designed to assist individuals in effectively reducing household clutter. Recognizing that military personnel often accumulate mementos and souvenirs from assignments around the globe, the seminar addressed the cultural tendency to preserve our possessions - a practice rooted in honoring memories, loved ones and family heritage.
Over time, however, those keepsakes, gifts and family heirlooms can accumulate, filling closets, attics and garages with items that are hard to part with.
Facilitated by Leslie Gooding, the event dubbed “Goodbye Clutter, Hello Peace” explored motivations for retaining unused items, common patterns of accumulation, and an understanding of why so many of us keep boxes and bins filled with things we no longer use.
Throughout the interactive session, attendees ruefully “confessed” to buying more than one appliance in case the first one broke, laughed about holding on to outdated clothing that fit just fine when we were younger, and retaining bins full of odd tools, bits and pieces “just in case I need it someday.” More than one person admitted to continuously paying monthly rent on a storage unit they had not opened in years.
The session offered practical advice on how to begin decluttering in manageable steps, including the 10-10 method, 20/20 rule and 3-box method.
As Walt Disney once said, “The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing!” Participants departed the seminar feeling empowered, motivated and equipped to implement these techniques, bringing order and peace of mind within their home environments.