You might need that one day, but somebody else needs it now.

There's a fear that most of us share about not having enough. One of the biggest struggles of decluttering is often getting rid of those things that one day we might need.  We all have dear family members that grew up during the depression or hand a strong influence from the depression era mindset where everything was saved.  I think there's a lot of things that we should remember (or learn) from the depression era in terms of reduce, reuse, and recycle.  However, holding onto things that no longer have a purpose, that we no longer love, just because we fear that someday we might need them is counterproductive in the journey towards minimalism.

If your stovetop is like mine, you have four burners with a possible warming station. With four burners in all, how many pots and pans do you really need?   I use my slow cooker daily. Often times I have multiple going on the same day so I it makes sense for me to have more than one. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but they tell me a lot of people only use their slow cooker once or twice a year. If that is your situation, getting rid of the slow cooker in your home and borrowing one when the need arises makes sense. Since I am not a baker, I do not have lots cookie sheets, cake pans and all that good stuff that one needs to be a fantastic baker. I don't need it.  

I have found with my minimalist journey that I greatly enjoy hosting company.  I needed to evaluate honestly how many people I typically host at one time.  My dining table seats eight and that's just the right number for my intimate parties.  For that reason I keep 12 plates and bowls in my cupboard.  I did away with the dinner plates because the were big and bulky.  Our family prefers salad plates for our regular meals and our guests don't seem to mind either.  For the exception of the graduation party coming up and possibly a birthday party here or there,  I will borrow the serving items I need for a larger crowd.

Clothes are a big issue for most women. A lot of us fluctuate from different sizes and we never want to have to go out and buy new stuff when we're going from an eight to a 12 (or if you're like me from a 16 to 20.)  I would argue that it's unlikely to go through such a range of sizes in one season. If you keep to a minimalist wardrobe of 33 pieces for three months or one season I think you can keep your costs down and feel good about the pieces that you're wearing.  In fact, you should love what you wear.

By ridding our homes of things we don't use or love, but might need some day, we are letting God know we trust Him to provide for us in the future.  We are not being irresponsible with our belongings by not holding on.  We are blessing others who are in need, now, for the items.  We are a sisterhood.  Let's start caring and sharing with each other.  One rule, don't just dump your clutter onto someone else.  Please share your mission and ask if the gift will bless them.  They don't need to feel guilty for saying no and you can rest assured knowing your gift will find a home where it is a true blessing.

Things to consider releasing to the sisterhood; clothes, baby clothes, toys, fabric, small kitchen appliances, boxes, craft items, and lots more.