Simplify: Round 1

This week we gathered together our 1st set of 7 things to simplify our lives. Here is the run down with some reflection scattered in:

1.

I started with some purses and bags that I never use anymore. I may eventually have more in this category to give away but we started with 3 this time.

2.

Shoes. I have WAY too many.

3.

At first I thought this might be a cop out category but then I realized just how many boxes we were keeping around the house. All of these made their way to the recycling bin.

4.

As I started to clean out, I realized that our dog has more "clothes" and toys than some children I know...and I'm not exaggerating. She had three of those ropes you see pictured.

5.

We have way too many extra sets of sheets....that we have never needed even in the "just in case" moments I've been saving them for.

6.

See above except replace sheets with towels.

7.

We bought this bed skirt to go with our King size bed and then realized we don't need a bed skirt. I don't think we need to keep it anymore.

And as the grand finale here is all of our "stuff" from the first week.

Honestly I didn't expect this first round to be as difficult as it was. There are several items we know we are ready to give up but that's only 3 or 4 out of 40 (and they are still to come)! I felt most challenged this week by the amount of stuff we have even just for our dog. I cleaned 1 of her baskets...that didn't count the one she got for Christmas or her treats, or medicine, or shampoos....