Simplifying Life

So in the spirit of New Year's Resolutions (which I am notorious for starting 2 weeks after the year starts and maintaining for about 20 minutes), I have set some goals to simplify my life.

After moving into my new place, I am amazed that I could fill up the closets. I had far less closet space at my last place, and it worked. I am completely convinced that I have too much stuff now. I'd like to see some open space in the closets.

My goal is to cut out some of the crap. I once lived a very stark lifestyle and had a room that looked like it could fit in a convent--simple, not stylish, bare walls. It was a very positive way of being. So, I'm going to try to go through the nooks and crannies of all my storage spaces and gather one box worth of materials to donate each month. One full box each month is required. Some of the first stuff to go should be excess pillows, bedding, and clothes. I've been given a lot of bedding lately, and I have a shopping vice.

I've already packed up one box of stuff to haul off for donating. I've also got a bag of old paint and materials I used to refinish my coffee table and end tables that I plan to take away somewhere. I need to figure out if it can be recycled or disposed of safely.

I'm also planning to read at least 2 books a month and I will get rid of them as I read them. I won't be buying any new books. I have plenty.

Last but not least, I need to keep plugging away at crochet projects. Then I can get rid of some of yarn. That should clear out some space too.

Hopefully my New Year's changes will involve some more cooking and working out too, but my only set goal is to get rid of some of the material stuff.