BelongingsSample

How to Become Your Own Professional Organizer and Just Let Go of Your Stuff

Do you ever find yourself wishing you were a professional organizer just to keep your “stuff” under control? We’ve all been there. Purchasing something we later regret. Buying things that fail to make us happy. Wanting a simpler life. Fortunately, God can help us all in this area! 

In a world that constantly tells us to purchase the newest stuff, it’s hard to keep life simple. But I’m all about that simple life now. Yes, of course, I want a comfortable, homey space, and I have that! But I’ve found a great balance in owning things without letting those things own me.

How I approached owning stuff changed after I read Matthew 6:19-21. I wanted to be someone who stored up the treasures of heaven, not earth, so I found ways to simplify my life. I had two goals. First, I vowed to create margin with time. I decided that I no longer wanted to spend my Saturdays shopping. I wanted to spend those days with my family, serving other people, and becoming a better friend of God. So I gave away 42 bags of stuff, and I started simple. Second, I wanted to create margin with money so I could be more generous.

Sure, there are a bazillion ways to become your own professional organizer and simplify your life, but here are three things I do that you may find doable, too!

Three Ways I Simplify My Life:

1. I only buy clothes in five colors. This might terrify some of you. But truly, I only wear neutrals, greens and pinks. Why? Because it all matches! It cuts down on the time it takes to get dressed. I don’t have to decide what color shirt to buy because I already know my options.

2. Every time I bring something home, I get rid of something else. Simplifying life can happen daily by donating or recycling things that are no longer needed. If I bring home a new shirt, I donate a shirt. If I bring home a new set of sheets, I think: Which set of sheets am I going to get rid of? This practice is a healthy gauge of how much an item is actually needed.

3. I buy memories instead of things. This means my husband and I may give concert tickets as gifts, go on a road trip, or do a family activity instead of buying a new gadget. There is nothing wrong with buying gifts for others. We simply spend more time considering the long-term impact and memory of the gift.  

Jesus didn’t spend His life purchasing things or searching for the best deals. He spent his life loving others, loving God, and being generous. As hard as it can be for us to live simply, we can all become the professional organizer we need because this lifestyle comes with tremendous benefits. When you have less, you’ll find you actually have more—more money, and more contentment. Most importantly, you’ll have time to store up the true treasures of heaven!

—Michelle