A few years ago, when I nearly completed my big decluttering journey, (leaen how you can do it too - in my book and course) I still hadn’t replaced the linens in my home, even though they stressed me out big time.
My daughters had these bright, HOT PINK (yep, you read that right) Land of Nod linens, complete with heavy comforters and chaotic, busy, stress-inducing pillowcases and sheets. 🌀
Now, I’ll be honest, these linens were good quality and not cheap! So, I held on to them…even though every time I walked into their room, all I could hear was the fabric screaming: “BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!!!” 🎨🔊
Even though the room itself was decluttered, I still felt...unsettled. The linens were the problem, and not just in that room—there were more linens like this in other rooms too. I wasn’t at peace. 🧘♀️
So what did I do? I took the plunge and replaced all the linens with simple, basic (read: boring but peaceful) sets from Ikea. 🌿
Nothing flashy, nothing overwhelming. Just neutral, calming linens.
But of course, I couldn’t let go completely…so I stuffed those hot-pink, fancy linens into duffel bags and banished them to my storage room, AKA my “Can’t Decide” bin. 😅 (Shameless plug: read all about my Can’t Decide bin in my book Frum Minimalism or join my course The Minimalist Makeover! 👀)
I also got rid (put in the I can’t decide bin) a set of the floral, high-quality Ben-Barber linens in my guestroom and I even let go of those ornate, tapestry-style linens from my master bedroom. You know, the kind EVERYONE had back in the day? 🛌🌸 (If you’ve been married a while, you know exactly what I’m talking about!)
And those duffel bags? They sat there...and sat there...for FIVE WHOLE MONTHS. 🕰️ I was waiting to find the perfect person to give the linens to.
Then one day, I finally made the decision. It was time to get rid of them (and just so no one freaks out, when I say “get rid of them,” I mean I donated them to a gemach! I’m not here to tell you to be wasteful, okay? 😉).
And guess what? The relief was INCREDIBLE. 😌 I felt like a weight had been lifted. ✨
That’s when I realized how much emotional weight these “valuable” items had been carrying. It wasn’t just the hot-pink linens, though.
Once it was all gone, I felt FREE. And honestly, I hope someone else is enjoying those linens as we speak. 🙌
The Lesson I Learned 🎓
I’m not telling you to throw everything in the trash 🗑️, but you NEED to let it go. Put it outside with a “FREE” sign, post it on your neighborhood chat, or drop it off at a gemach. Just don't wait around for the "perfect" person to love your stuff as much as you did. 🎯
That’s what I was doing—waiting for someone to appreciate my things the way I had. But guess what? Waiting for that perfect match is just another form of procrastination. 😬
It’s hard, I know. But holding onto things because they’re “too nice” to give away or waiting for the ideal person to come along only keeps you stuck—trapped in the past by things that no longer serve you. 🕰️
Funny enough, while writing this, I realized I’ve been holding onto my daughters’ adorable wedding gowns from a family simcha. 💃 They’ve been sitting there for TWO MONTHS while I’ve meant to sell or give them away. 🙄 I think it’s time I take my own advice and just LET THEM GO! 😂
So, if you’re holding onto something “too nice” to give away or you’re waiting for the perfect recipient—STOP. It’s time to free yourself from the clutter and from the emotional baggage. You’ll feel so much lighter once you do, trust me! 💫
Now, excuse me while I go give away those gowns! 😉
Love, Ellie
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