Chances are, you have tons of stuff. (We all do—admit it.) In your house, in your closet, in your car, and probably even in your head. No doubt, you have the urge to purge a great deal of it, but you’re at the point where you don’t know where to begin—and besides, it’s really good stuff.
So what’s the problem? “If you want to grow, you gotta let go,” says Gail Blanke, the author of a new book called Throw Fifty Things Out. Sure, that stuff can seem comforting. But “clutter blurs clarity.” That’s why Gail advocates chucking 50 (yes, 50!) things and then, when you feel how freeing that is, getting rid of 50 more. The program she’s created is part inspiration and part blueprint for a simpler, more focused life. It’s also (in an odd way) fun—something you can do alone, with family (as a fresh spin on spring cleaning), or even with girlfriends. But before you order a dumpster, here’s how it works:
- If the thing is weighing you down or just taking up space—adding nothing positive to your life—get rid of it.
- Start with material things (outdated shoes, old prescriptions) then progress to emotional baggage (your perfectionism, your anxiety over little things).
- Don’t agonize over every decision. When in doubt, toss.
- Don’t be afraid. You won’t have less security when this is over; you’ll have more freedom.
- Donate, recycle, or sell as much as you can. It’ll make you feel even better.
Oh, incidentally, each “thing” only counts if it’s a distinct entity. So you can’t pitch all those back copies of Glamour you’ve been hoarding and claim you’re done. That only counts as one. But if this exercise results in a bad relationship or destructive habit finally getting the heave-ho, then your other 49 things can be relatively inconsequential. You might just find that when you get to the emotional junk, that’s when this power-wash approach to life can really start gathering steam. Call out a regret, a fear, a worry, a failure, a relationship…and say to yourself, “I’m throwing this out.”
The ultimate goal of throwing out 50, 100, or even 250 things is not to make sure the house is ready for summer visitors but rather to tidy up your life so you can better see where you want to be. Letting go of the past—whether it’s represented by old LPs and cassettes or your own insecurities—is one of the best ways to do this.
Want to know more about the book and concept? Check out throwoutfiftythings.com.
Comments from Members
I can't express how freeing tossing can be! My family moved near the beginning of the year, and with my hubby being an over-the-road truck driver and having a just turned 4 year old son, I did the packing alone. My husband and I are both pack rats, but once in a blue moon I get overwhelmed and have to make space. I took this opportunity to get rid of several things I knew my guys would never miss (with vague permission) and cleared out enough for over 3 truck loads to Goodwill and God only knows how much garbage. Still some to go; we were storing things for my best friend. I think she and I are making another run to Goodwill with her unwanted stuff this weekend. It's great.Also, with my little boy's birthday being about 2 weeks after Christmas, I realized that around Thanksgiving I have to go through his toys and clothes and determine what can be passed on to some other loving home or we are inundated with our child's Christmas and Birthday gifts and have nowhere to put them! Thankfully I came to this conclusion before he was born and our house was already FULL of baby stuff from Christmas gifts given BEFORE his birth. My family goes overboard, especially for the children, which is cool until you have find somewhere to put it all>
Great idea. Frightening, however (for me). I've lost things and had to "start over" more than a couple of times in my life. I've said in the past " If I still had everything I lost..." thinking further, had to laugh and finish, "I'd have a house full of junk!" I guess so long as you don't find yourself replacing the same items, it will work to liberate.Good post 
I teach, and things tend to get out of hand during the school year (between kids, sports, parent care, tutoring, etc...). So this is the time of year when I try to accomplish as much as I can (does that qualify as "me time"?). The paint rollers and brushes will come out in the next few days but first - decluttering is the primary goal! I read an article titled "The Month of 100 Things". I loved the idea, but the family shuddered in fear. I think I can get them to buy into 50 things - will report back on my progress! 
I have always believed in what cannot be fixed you should toss away. If it means enough to you fix it. When you are done everything is in a much easier place to find. No chaos or stress involved.Nancy 7/2/09 from Boston, Massachusetts
I do this twice a year in spring time geting ready for spring and summer and later in fall getting ready for winter specialy because my kids out grow clothes toys and books I get all my stuff ready and ask frends family or teachers if they want something and every body know sameone that may take something last thing you know all my stuff is gone. My house fells clean and me and my kids fell go about.
By Maria on 7/2/2009
I recently gave my neighbor about 3 years of Readers' Digest issues. She passed them around to the other passengers on the city bus she takes to work. Now I have to go through the recipe magazines I've kept for years, cut out the recipes I think I'll make, and pass them to her. She likes to cook. In addition, we're going to put down hardwood floors, necessitating getting rid of clutter from each room. We have a small house and it's packed with 31 years of stuff. Help! 
Thanks for the info on throwing out 50 things!! Great way to start!! And my library carries the book, so I don't need to add any more clutter...I already have enough of that!!
I am now inspired to do it..I like the goal of 50, helps to have some structure otherwise it is overwelming
Three words: donate, donate, donate. I give to AM VETS. It is the greatest feeling when that truck picks up my "clutter". Always remember, One persons junk is another persons treasure. My rooms and closets have that "open space" air about them and they are so happy. Thanks Vocal Point!
I do combat clutter in my home. My kids have a "Something in, Something out" rule. If they bring something new into the house, something of similar size has to leave.
I do advocate finding a new home for items instead of adding them to the landfills. I use FREECYCLE.org or donate to charities.
I MYSELF HAVE BEEN DOING THE SAME THING THIS WEEK. IT IS SHOCKING TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU AQUIRE OVER TIME. I PLAN TO TOSS(DONATE TO NKF) ATLEAST 1/3 OF MY STUFF . IT IS AMAZING HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS, CABINETS AND GARAGE. I DONT KNOW WHERE THE ENERGY CAME FROM, BUT I DO KNOW THAT THIS SITE SURLEY GETS ONE MOTIVATED AND IS EXTREAMLY HELPFUL AND FUN. THANK YOU ALL THAT ARE ON THIS SITE. ALICE J.
My husband & I have been in our home for 21 1/2 years. We recently got rid of all our daughters' things that had been stored in our garage. Then we found boxes of things from my mom who passed away 17 years ago! My stepdaughter in Washington has been holding garage sales to raise money for an adoption. It is a great opportunity to get rid of stuff and help her and her family with their project. the clutter reduction is RELIEF! thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts. I was really beginning to think I was the only one with clutter issues! Have a Happy Independence Day week end!
