Declutter Challenge 2022 - Day 12 - Electrical Devices
Today we are dealing with anything with electronics. That means we're decluttering anything with a cord or a battery.
So how many devices do you have in your sewing space? They might include:
Sewing Machine
Serger
Embroidery Machine
Longarm, standing or sit down
Iron or press
Cutters like an Accu-quilt, Cricket, or Silhouette
Blade Sharpener
TV
Refrigerator
Computer
Ipad or Tablet
Smartphone
Camera
Scanner
Radio
And every single one of them has a cord, manual and accessories to go with them.
These items can be hard to declutter because of the amount of money they cost, but you must ask yourself - how many of them are you actually using?
Let’s deal with the stuff you are not using first. Ask yourself the following questions:
Have I already replaced this technology with something newer?
Is it broken or in poor shape?
Has it been over a year since I have used it?
If the answer to any of these is YES, it appears that you can live without it.
If you heard a thud, that’s my heart realizing that the Silhouette my husband gave me over a year ago is going out the door. I don’t know how to use it, I don’t have the time to learn how to use it and I’m really not interested in doing paper craft anyways. I want to spend my spare time quilting.
Now for all the devices that you are currently using:
Where is the manual and accessories?
The only manuals I keep are for my sewing machines. The others, I have thrown in the recycling bin. I either have a pdf version on my computer or it was totally useless information to begin with.
Where are the accessories?
Accessories can vary from very useful to disastrous if they are misplaced, or absolutely useless and a waste of energy and space. I keep all my sewing machine accessories with the machine. I know my serger has some accessories that I have yet to use but I keep them in a drawer in the back of my sewing cabinet. If I ever sell the machine, I want all the pieces to go with it. My cameras came with a ton of useless pieces and paper. I have moved and organized them for several years. I’ve decided that after making 200 videos, if I haven’t needed them yet, I can let them go. Again, if I do suddenly need them and they are replaceable.
And while you are decluttering your sewing room you might find miscellaneous batteries, electrical cords, user manuals, remotes, cartridges etc. If they don’t belong somewhere else in your home, you know what to do with them.
It’s funny how you go into a day thinking that it will be fast and easy. And then a tough call needs to be made. But after you make the call, the relief is amazing. You can see the dead weight that you have been lugging around and now you don’t need to carry it anymore. The hard work is worth it.
See you tomorrow for Day 13