Is six enough? Ten too many? (Probably)

Although this math question could apply to many items in your home,drawers, closets or garage; 

today consider it in regard to plastic storage containers.
Your Tupperware heaven, Rubbermaid hell.

I understand the theory:  You may need something to hold leftovers, a container for tomorrow's lunch,
the extra potatoes from the big family dinner.

But really, at any one time how many leftovers do you have?
How many lunches?
Does anyone really eat left over mashed potatoes?

Chances are you have allocated an entire shelf or drawer 

to the storage of plastic containers.
Many more than you really need or will ever use.

Open up valuable kitchen real estate by sorting through this space.

Remove every container and lid.
Immediately toss any that are warped, stained or don't have a matching bottom/top.
Keep only the clear ones.
(If you can't see what's inside, chances are you will never remember what's in there)

Sort the keepers like size with like size.

Now do the math.
Realistically how many do you need to keep?
(Would using ziplock bags as an alternative be a better option?)
Keep a few less than you've talked yourself into.
You can always use a small bowl-and eat the leftover right out of it!
(Why dirty more dishes?)

No matter the size of your kitchen, your space is limited.
Don't use up valuable space storing items for Justin Case.

Cost vs value.

Cost and value are not the same thing.

What we pay for something doesn't necessarily determine its value.

Cheap things usually are.
Many free items aren't.
Just because something is expensive,
doesn't always mean that you will value it.

Some moments and experiences cost us nothing, yet
the memories they create stay in our hearts our entire lives.

At times spending more buys us better quality, more versatility and saves us having to replace items in the future.

By paying closer attention to not just the cost of the items we bring into our homes,
the activities we choose to engage in, and how and where we spend our time and money;
we will become more aware of the value of things, 

and not just the price.

Consider the cost.
Consider the value.
Make choices that give you the biggest bang for your buck, and the most joy for your spending,

Every dollar I spend.

Every dollar I spend is a statement about the kind of world I want and the quality of life I value.                    

                                                                                             Center for a New American Dream 

The majority of our clutter starts with a purchase. 

If we want to reduce or eliminate the clutter in our homes and lives we need to pay attention at the source.
Be mindful how you shop,  

where you shop, 

and what you purchase.

Do you want it or need it?
Will it replace something you already own?
How will you feel about it in a week?  

A month?  

Six months?

Is it literally cheap?
Is it a planned purchase or an impulse buy?

Spending a few moments considering the whys of your spending habits may lead you to buy less, 

and feel you have a richer life.