Preparedness

Declutter Your Homestead: 11 Must-Toss Items This Spring

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As we prepare for the annual ritual of spring cleaning, it’s important for homesteaders to focus on decluttering and streamlining their spaces. The goal is to create a more efficient and self-sufficient home environment by eliminating unnecessary items. Here are 11 types of items you should consider parting with during your cleanup.

Pantry

Take a close look at your pantry. Homesteaders are adept at storing long-term, shelf-stable foods, but even these can expire. “Do a date check on all your food items and toss those that have gone bad.” Pay particular attention to home-canned goods, as consuming spoiled canned food can pose serious health risks, such as botulism.

Refrigerator

It’s easy to accumulate expired or unused condiments that take up valuable space. Clearing out these items will make room for fresh, nutritious food.

Paper clutter

Paper clutter is another common issue. From receipts to mail, paper can quickly pile up. During your cleaning, gather all the loose pieces and sort them. If you plan to compost paper, remember to separate newspaper and printer paper from colored and glossy papers, which “can contain heavy metals, which is unsafe.” Shredded paper can be excellent for mulch or compost.

Self-sufficiency

Consider the items that don’t contribute to your self-sufficiency. For instance, a box full of outdated cords and cables for electronics you no longer own should be discarded. “When you come across any items during your spring cleaning that do not serve a clear purpose on your homestead or are unrepairable, toss them.”

Bathroom

In the bathroom, review your beauty products. Many people overlook the fact that these items have expiration dates. Dispose of expired makeup and lotions, including any DIY products that are past their prime. Ideally, these should be replaced annually.

Sentimental items

Sentimental items can be difficult to part with, but if they’re taking up too much space, consider donating them. If your basement is filled with old mementos, ask yourself if you need the space for something more practical, like a root cellar. Taking photos of these items before donating can help preserve their memory.

Products

One-time-use products are another area to address. Transitioning to reusable alternatives, such as beeswax wraps instead of Ziploc bags, or glass containers instead of disposable ones, can significantly reduce waste. This is a step towards achieving a zero-waste lifestyle.

Updating

Spring is also the perfect time to replace items that require regular updating, like the batteries in your alarms. As you declutter, eliminate duplicates, especially if they’re unnecessary. “There is a difference between being prepared and hoarding unnecessarily.”

Materials

Consider the leftover materials from past projects. If you have stray pieces of wood or PVC pipe that aren’t likely to be used, it’s time to let them go. Similarly, as your children grow, pass along their toys to younger kids or sell them in a yard sale. Encourage your kids to participate by choosing toys they’re ready to part with.

Craft materials

Craft materials can also accumulate over time. Be realistic about what you will actually use. For example, don’t hold onto every scrap of fabric if there’s not enough to make something worthwhile. “Be honest with yourself as you clean.”

Seed packets

Finally, go through your seed packets. While they can last a few years if stored properly, they don’t last indefinitely. Check for a “sow by” date on the packets, and discard the oldest ones as they may not germinate well.

By focusing on these 11 areas, you can make your homestead more organized and efficient, paving the way for a more self-sufficient lifestyle.


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