Hasta La Ideas

It’s January, but here at Chez Dave we’re already thinking about storing the winter clothes (hats, gloves, etc.), and tools (shovels, ice scrapers, etc.) and pulling out the spring items. It’s an unenviable task but one that can’t be avoided. It’s also a good time to take stock of what we own and identify what can stay and what should go. That process is made so much easier by asking one simple question: If I went shopping today, would I buy this?

Before putting something into storage or taking it out, just pause. Hold an item up and honestly ask the question. If you were standing in a store with that item right now, would you pay full price to bring it home? If the answer is yes, then you’ve found a keeper. If not, then you have a reason to consider your relationship with that item. Is it actually something you want or need?

You can apply this simple technique to any room of the house and nearly every item (not the pets, please):

Kitchen

• Tools (any unitaskers there?)
• Plates
• Flatware
• Serving bowls
• Dish towels

Workshop

• Tape measure
• Stud finder
• Hammer
• Wrenches

You get the idea. If any items are non-functional, obsolete, rarely used, etc., put them aside and consider if they really have a place in your home. Good luck and happy purging.

Post written by David Caolo