The screen protector on my phone had a light crack, diagonally across half of the screen. It was that way for a while. Only recently that crack began to expand and become quite annoying, preventing use of one side of the screen.
This was the final straw and the beginning of a new rule.
The new life rule is that if it’s an annoyance that can be addressed in under fifteen minutes and with less than $20, it needs to be handled. Ten dollars and five minutes online bought me the solution to the problem I’ve been dragging around like an old ball and chain.
Why DO we allow life’s annoyances to continue?
Most of us have a utensil drawer that jams because of the potato masher that we never use. You know how to fix that? Get rid of that potato masher and the assorted spatulas, spoons and junk that you don’t use. You know who would appreciate those things? Shoppers at your local thrift store!
A woman I work with lived for years with a pile of shoes left at the back door by her family. She recently dropped some cash on a piece of furniture that will hold everyone’s shoes and provide a nice focal point in the entryway. That cost more than my $20 rule but it will clear up stress causing clutter and maybe keep some peace in her house.
There are so many small annoyances in our daily lives that we just work around. Many of them can be solved for no cost like rearranging furniture or decluttering a closet so you can actually see the clothes you own.
Simply forming the habit of addressing problems as you see them can be life changing. Letting go of what you don’t need or of what’s in your way is liberating. Learning to cope with a situation without spending cash is an exercise in creativity. That closet that’s so full? Modern society tells us you just need better closet organizers. I’m telling you that buying more stuff to put all your stuff in, may not be the solution you think it is.
Set your own rule. My rule is serving me well and it suits my own sensibilities. However, yours may have a bigger budget or a smaller scope. Whatever it is, give it a whirl. It’s freeing and satisfying to knock out the small stuff that won’t take care of itself.
The above picture is just to remind you to get outside and breathe some fresh air! Nature makes everything better.
I agree! I have read so many times that the first step to reorganizing is to buy a bunch of containers! I have also thought “get rid of stuff first.” Then see if you need containers – or maybe one can find something you already have to solve the issue. Also, I’ve read where people buy a bunch of stuff – like meal containers – because they are going on a diet or plan to turn over a new leaf to be frugal. For me, the first step is not buying something. Later, if needed, fine. But too many times the first step is the only step that lasts. However, I do concur to make the small effort to get rid of those small annoyances. I just try to think of creative, frugal solutions first. Love the nature picture!
I tend to procrastinate purchases and even things like weeding out stuff I don’t need. It has been helpful for me to stop and ask myself what needs to happen to make the problem go away. Lol. Such a small act with such a big impact. The other day I realized that one cupboard could be made much better if I would weed out my measuring cup collection. I don’t need them all!
Ha, that’s actually a pretty good rule and something I should adopt as well! It’s funny how we’re willing to suffer or continue to be annoyed when the solution is easy and relatively cheap. But you’re absolutely right about how buying more stuff to help us organize stuff isn’t a solution, it’s part of the problem! You just end up spending even more time managing your stuff. I have a rule that when something new comes into the house, something else must leave.
That’s a good rule as well! Honestly, I’m a terrible packrat and could probably benefit from your rule!
That’s a great rule! I don’t think I need to implement anything like that currently, but I will definitely keep it in mind if my situation changes!