Purge baby Purge. {time to let go}

Ah, purging. The noble art of getting rid of things you never knew you had, or had completely forgotten about, like that limited-edition “I Love the Monkees” coffee mug from 1968. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, channel your inner Marie Kondo, and prepare for a journey that might just end in tears—of laughter, of course.

Last week, while I was back home in Pennsylvania for the holiday, my brand-new phone decided to throw a tantrum. Apparently, the 40,889 photos I had hoarded since 2013 were taking up more space than the Christmas leftovers and weren’t syncing properly with iCloud. Who would have guessed that my phone wasn't a bottomless pit of storage? It made me think of a digital purge. I started deleting photos, and honestly, it felt more liberating than a kid on the last day of school. What happened to the photos? They're all gone now. My phone is working much better. The purge felt good, I mean it felt really good, honestly, so good I can't stop thinking about how Google won't be showing me "this time last year albums." I am grateful. New year, new story!

Now onto personal space.

Step 1: Setting the Mood

First things first, you need to create the perfect purging ambiance. Light some candles, play your favorite motivational playlist, and maybe consider wearing a cape. Because if you’re going to conquer the clutter, you might as well feel like a superhero. Just be careful not to trip over that pile of clothes that’s been living in the corner since last summer.

Step 2: The Great Divide

Now, let’s get down to business. Grab some boxes or garbage bags and label them: “Keep,” “Donate,” and “What Was I Thinking?” The last box is crucial. It’s where you’ll toss that inflatable dinosaur costume from last Halloween. Sure, it was fun for one night, but do you really need it taking up space? Unless you have plans to host a Jurassic Park-themed party, it’s time to let it go.

Step 3: The Emotional Rollercoaster

As you sort through your belongings, you'll experience a flood of emotions. Those shoes you bought in 2001, thinking they were adorable but never wore again due to the discomfort—discard them. The shorts from your first date with what's his name? The elastic is stretched out and worn, it's time to part with them. And those high school trophies? The one that says "Most Likely to Marry the Quarterback"? Ah, sweet nostalgia, but it didn't happen, and you moved on to better things. Remember, holding onto things out of guilt won't benefit you or your space. Just let them go! It's like a breakup—painful but essential for growth, unless you've broken up with an avoidant, you'll never get the closure you need—moral of that story—move on, just like with those shoes that hurt your feet but look cute—let them go! Purge baby Purge

Step 4: The “What If” Trap

As you dig deeper, you’ll inevitably encounter the “What If” items. These are things like that half-used bottle of glitter glue or your collection of mismatched socks. “What if I need this for a craft project?” you ask yourself. Spoiler alert: you won’t. If you haven’t used it in the last year, it’s time for it to find a new home. Unless you’re a professional sock puppeteer—then we might need to talk.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Success

Once you’ve successfully purged your space, it’s time to celebrate! Treat yourself to a bubble bath, a slice of cake, or a victory dance in your newly spacious living room. Just don’t dance too hard—you don’t want to accidentally knock over that stack of books you forgot about.

Step 6: Maintaining the Purged State

a fun way to declutter in 30 days

Now that you’ve achieved a state of zen, it’s important to maintain it. Consider implementing a “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring home, get rid of something else. This way, you’ll avoid a repeat of the Great Purge of 2025. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy more shoes without feeling guilty. “Sorry, old sandals, but these sparkly new ones deserve a chance!”

Conclusion: This is an Ongoing Journey

Purging is not just a one-time event; it’s a way of life. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the ridiculous items you’ve held onto, and remember that clutter is just a sign of a full life. So go forth you brave declutterer!

Here is my New Year holiday wish for you:

May your boxes be full and your space be free. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember: at least you’re not hoarding a collection of beanie babies. Yet.

Wishing you all the best with less junk for 2026!

xo

Caroline, Oliver & staff