Inspired by an article life coach Gail Blanke wrote in Real Simple a few years back (which she has since turned into a book called "Throw Out 50 Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life"), I'm hosting a Get Rid of 50 Things Challenge.

Intrigued? First, read my article, "The 2009 Get Rid of 50 Things Challenge."

Next, commit to clearing out the stuff that doesn't deserve space in your home, your office, or your life--and use this Forum to get the support you need while you do so.

Each week, I'll be posting an article with tips and ideas to support you through the challenge (on topics like making tough decisions and how to responsibly dispose of stuff you no longer want or need). I'll also be encouraging Challenge participants to visit the Organization Forum frequently to share issues, ideas, and words of encouragement.

I find the 50 Things Challenge to be a fun and motivating way to declutter, and I hope you'll join me in this adventure for the next five weeks.

Here's to a freer and more organized life!

-Emily

Emily, I'm signing on.

What a great idea! Many of the things that we don't need have emotions and feelings attached to them. That's where the challenge is for me. Thanks for your support.

I am getting ready to redo floors and I have already got rid of a bunch of junk. I have to get everything packed and off the floors and move furniture (which will be last to do) and I plan to do even more decluttering when I put everything back. We have a store that will trade your stuff for her stuff. I have already taken a load of stuff to her. I started in on the basement last weekend and there is still stuff down there from when we moved here almost 6 years ago. It was easy to part with a bunch of it by realizing if I haven't used it or even thought of it I really don't need it. Our basement is not a nice finished space, mainly home to canning equipment, off season clothes, christmas decorations, blankets and other misc junk. I used plastic see through bins so that you can see what is in there without opening the lid. Good luck to everyone! Connie

Emily, I listened to an excerpt to Throw Out Fifty Things
by Gail Blanke tonight. Very interesting.

I made a list of things I needed to do tonight and the reminder to find five more things to let go was on my list.

Connie, I have the see-through bins in my attic for Christmas and seasonal clothing. They do work well. That's probably where I need to begin my decluttering but I struggle with my piles downstairs. I told myself tonight that there are just some things I need to toss and not give it a second thought.

Emily, are we to post each week as we go through the challenge?

Be ruthless Angie...I think the easiest time I had decluttering was when moving!

I'm thrilled that you've all decided to take part in the Get Rid of 50 Things Challenge!

Angie (and everyone else), I'd love to hear about how things are going each week for you if you're inspired to post. Throughout the Challenge, I'll be writing a series of articles about the experience and will be posting about them to the Forum. You're welcome to post replies to those messages, or to start your own threads.

Thanks for taking part in the Challenge, and best of luck to everyone!

-Emily

I'm doing this - I have so much stuff in my apartment that it's overflowing. Great idea, thanks Emily.

I do have a few items in a bag ready to go to the nearest charity shop, and I'll sort out my clothes this week.