If you have in your mind that you would like to unencumber yourself from stuff, you will learn everything you need to know right here on the Murdo Girl blog. I won’t let you down. This is not an easy transition, but together we can make it happen.
Several years ago, I was involved in a training the trainer, training and I learned to teach people how to reach their goals. We are going to use the SMART goal method to get where we need to be. Even if this is not the time for you to downsize, or at least get rid of the clutter, you can use the method I am going to teach you, to successfully reach your goals, whatever they are.
1. Take a piece of paper and write your goal on it. Then turn the paper over. We’ll be looking at it later. It won’t be until tomorrow or the next day.
Here is my goal.
I am going to reduce the number of material things I own so I can live comfortably without clutter. I will surround myself with those things that only have meaning or purpose in my life. I told kip he can stay. I will wear only comfortable, good quality, and easy to care for clothing. I will not have more than enough, clothes, product, costume jewelry or serving dishes.
I will, however, keep my Beasterhop and nutcracker collections.
I will reach my initial goal by one month from the day we move into our tiny home.
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timed…SMART
I’m starting with my wardrobe.
I had to try on some stuff, but I was steadfast and brutal. Sheesh! Look at all those jackets? Can’t have all those hanging around in a tiny home.
It is important to identify obstacles you will face. It took me all day to go through my RV closet. I had already practiced by filling a plastic bag with clothes and putting them in my Jeep. I went out there twice to retrieve something. I traded those things for something else in my closet that weren’t “me.”
The obstacle??? I love, love, love, resale shops and they love me. I confess that I have some pretty great finds, but much of what I purchased doesn’t meet the criteria listed in my goal.
Here is what I did with the items I culled today.
I ordered a bag online from Thred up. You fill it with quality clothing, purses and jewelry and take it to the post office. They pay the postage. In a few weeks, you receive a check for a small percentage of the value of the items you thought were treasures. The point is…it is gone and you cannot increase your left-behind lot in numbers. You can only add to it if you are willing to give up something. I plan to do this a lot as the seasons change.
I made a list of all the things I sent. I will record other goals in my minima list book. Go get yourself one. It will be a treasure you will want to keep.
Those 70ish Girls 
Hi Mary, I am curious about how many square feet is your tiny house? We live in a very small house and it is a constant battle as I also love “resale” stuff also! I did get rid of a lot of stuff a few years ago and I feel so much better. But I need to do more! It is hard. I have a big chest at the end of my bed and whenever I want to get rid of something, or I am not sure about it, I throw it in the box. Eventually it gets full and by then I usually am ready to take what`s in there to the Goodwill.
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Our house is 748 square feet. It’s bigger than we originally talked about, but with 3 dogs and a cat, we needed a bit more room. I can’t wait to get moved in, so I can show everyone all the storage it has. We have now lived in the motor home 8 weeks, so I think we’re acclimated.
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Not only do we have the extra clutter we have collected over the years but we have all the very valuable (to her) stuff my mother-in-law has given us when she downsized. We have to keep it until she is no longer alive because whenever she comes by she notices if we do not have the stuff displayed. She is 102 and still going strong so when we downsize we’ll get rid of our clutter but we’ll have to keep hers. BTW none of the grandkids want her stuff…we’ve tried pawning it off on them. When it comes time, we will use your SMART method.
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I’ve only just begun culling, 07. Stay tuned…although I can’t help you with the “One person’s treasure” stuff.) That’s a tough one.
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I have to say I admire you so much for your goals!! I however, as hard as I would try, could never accomplish what you are doing! 🤪 Love you, brave woman!!!❤️❤️
Sent from my iPhone
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I don’t think you will ever be a minimalist, countrygirl. It isn’t for everyone, but no more serving plates😂😁
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When you finish there you can make a trip down here, Mary. Man, do I need to do this!!!! Mainly with paper and clothes. I’ve already started culling out my jewelry by giving it away to friends. Fun. I still get to enjoy it on them. J
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It involves a lot of decisions, which can be hard for me. I like your jewelry idea, though.
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I hung all the earrings I rarely wear on a rack and took it to my birthday party. Let all my friends, the waiters and kitchen staff choose a pair..When any friend who wasn’t at my party comes by, I let them choose a pair. So fun seeing them all wearing them.
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Great, fun idea!
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I am about to embark on a downsizing project. Piles of paper go first! Then clothing. I hope to be done by December!
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Good luck and please…any helpful hints are appreciated.
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My goal will be to pack as I go — the things I need to keep but don’t need till after I move will go into packing boxes as I throw out whatever else might be in the same pile!. Furniture will be my biggest problem — I have too much here, and way too much for the new place! But I have to get it downstairs and then find somebody who wants it!
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We have 3 storage units with our house packed in them. We’re moving to a tiny home. We’re going to have to cull down a lot more.
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Thanks! My CPA suggested photos of everything I give away — clothes, furniture, everything — for documentation for taxes.
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Great tip! Thanks
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I have a strong goal to not need a storage unit! I’d like to complete the winnowing before I move, so I don’t end up just storing it all forever!
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Exactly…that’s our goal!
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