A Simple Purging Process + A Link-Up!

We've covered a lot of ground this week: we shared the story behind Project Purge + we put a purging plan in place (including the why, where, who & what). Next, I wanted to share with you some of the how?

Read on & then check back on Monday for the details on the first five spaces we'll be working through together!

A simple purging process*:

1. Empty out the space.
2. Separate items into piles: keep, toss & sell/donate.
3. Ask yourself the hard questions {see below}. Be honest.
4. Remove toss & sell/donate items from your home.
5. Reload space with keep items.
6. Smile, breathe a sigh of relief. Repeat.

{*My full purging process here}

Questions to ask yourself as you purge: 

• Could someone else use it better?
• Is it beautiful or does it serve a purpose?
• Does it serve more than one purpose?
• Do you have duplicate items that do the same thing?
• What are the costs (and rewards) for purging this item?
• Do you use it on a regular basis?
• Does it work? (If no, throw it out.)
• Has your family or your current lifestyle outgrown it?
• Could you live without it?
• If you were moving tomorrow, would you take it with you?
• Is the extra clutter holding you back?
• Why are you holding onto these items?
• Are you being true to your true self? Are you holding onto items that are weighing your down or "should"ing you?
• Are you hanging onto things out of guilt, obligation or fear?

Some additional resources:

• 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life: A list by Francine Jay, an author, blogger, and minimalist who is seeking to live life a beautiful life with less stuff.
• Jen Hatmaker: Wife, mom, speaker, blogger and author of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. Jen's writing is inspiring, authentic, and hilarious.
• Becoming Minimalist: Blogger and minimalist Joshua Becker's thoughts on why the best the things in life aren't things.
• Simple Mom: Tsh's life encompassing site is designed to help you live more simply and more intentionally.
• IHeart Organizing: Jen's spaces aren't only streamlined, they're pretty too. Stop by and admire her projects, including this series last spring on purging.
• Simple Organized Living: Check out Andrea's clutter control category for instant inspiration.

And now, a link up! If you're feeling the call to purge your home of the excess and you're ready to GIVE IT UP and pay it forward, please link up either your blog or a post pertaining to Project Purge: 15 Days of Giving It Up. If you don't have a blog, you can also link up your Twitter or Instagram accounts // #projectpurge. 

The link-up will be live throughout the month of August so feel free to check in at any time with your progress and add to the collection (the links will automatically sort themselves from newest to oldest).

Need a button? Grab one here! Looking for the printables? Check here.