Spring Cleaning

Did you know there are more self-storage facilities in America than McDonald’s and Starbucks combined? It’s a $38 billion-dollar industry for Americans to store all their stuff!

Let’s face it. We have too much stuff. There’s a time to reuse, a time to repurpose and a time to toss!

Too much stuff creates clutter. We store it, clean it, repair it and protect it. And if we don’t use it – what’s the point?

So, do some spring cleaning! If you’ve got clothing that’s stained, smells, or is unrepairable – throw it away.

If it’s uncomfortable, hasn’t been worn in a year, is out of style or no longer your style – then sell or donate it. Go through all your clothes and only keep what passes inspection. Then pick a date in the near future by which everything must be sold or given away.

Do this with everything in your home. Imagine you’re a missionary or moving overseas! Only keep the essentials.

You’ll be amazed at the freedom you experience.

If something has value, offer it to family members first, but, if they don’t want it, part with it.

Get past the emotional baggage: the guilt of buying it, the fear of needing it, or the sentimental value. You won’t take these things with you when you die. And if you don’t want them, chances are your family and friends don’t either.

So, let go and let someone else enjoy. Someone probably needs the very things you’ve got stored!

Matthew 6 says:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

And if you’re looking for help or encouragement with your finances, call the Crown Helpline at 800-722-1976 or find free resources online at crown.org