Day 7 - Vitamins and Medications

TGIF everyone! Well, today it was time for me to clean out the medicine cabinet and get rid of unused and expired vitamins and medications. These are not to be simply thrown in the trash as is; and the Food and Drug Administration does not recommend flushing them down the toilet. 

From my medicine cabinet

Proper disposal helps to protect the environment by keeping unwanted substances out of the groundwater. Also, for the safety of children and pets it is best to follow the guidelines set out by the FDA in February 2007. 


Here are the steps: 
1. Remove the vitamins or drugs from containers.
2. Crush drugs; dissolve vitamins in warm or hot water (about 10 to 15 minutes).
3. Put used coffee grounds, kitty litter, or sawdust in a zip bag or a container with a lid. 
4. Add the crushed/dissolved pills and seal tightly.
5. The bag or container may then be thrown out with the household trash.


Be sure to remove or scratch out pertinent information from prescription drug labels to protect your identity and privacy.


I followed these steps and got rid of a number of bottles, and boxes of blister packs. It was not fun opening all those blister packs, but Mr. Scissors came to the rescue.


Be aware that there are a handful of powerful drugs that actually carry instructions for flushing. For safety reasons, follow those instructions.


Happy decluttering and have a great weekend!

For more information:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm107163.pdf

Day 6 - Losing My Marbles

Today I let loose of a big zip bag filled with old marbles that I've had for over 15 years. At one time we had enough to fill an entire gallon size jar. The only reason I can think of why I kept them for so long is because of the memories I have of the kids liking them and playing with them. I'm so sentimental. Or maybe just mental. Ha!

But do I need these? Not really. So you guessed it! Into the donation box they go!

Day 5 - Jeans

The item I choose to throw out today is a pair of jeans that no longer fit and I no longer love... so it's time to put them into the donation box.

So long, jeans!

Day 4 - Polished Off

Today I'm clearing some things out of the cabinet in the boudoir. Old, gunky nail polish. It's almost hard to part with some of the pretty colors, but if they can't do the job, then there's no point in letting them take up precious space.

Old and gunky!

So out they go! Say hello to the trash can!
Hmm... What shall I discard tomorrow?

Day 3 - Hangers

One of the main reasons we want to keep our homes clutter-free is because excess stuff can suck energy from us, frustrate and depress us. We are cheated from the ease of everyday living by things in the way. No longer are tasks simple. Surfaces are hard to keep clean when they first need to be cleared of so many do-dads. Drawers become difficult to open when they are crammed full with too much. And one of my greatest pet peeves... tangled hangers! Do you ever struggle with hangers for several minutes? When in a rush? If only my closet had fewer articles of clothing and only one or two types of hangers. Things would be so much easier, now wouldn't they? This brings me to today's purge: odd hangers.

Tangled Hangers

These are functional, and since I don't want to help fill the landfills, into the donation box these bad boys go. No more hanging around here!

Day 2 - "Hole-y" Sunday

Hole-y socks, Batman! A bunch of old socks with holes in them is heading to the trash can today. I'm not even sure why I was keeping them, but it's time to say "adios"!

I think I added a sock or two after this photo was taken.

Day 2 down, 363 days left to go... WooHoo!

Day 1 - Happy New Year

It's New Year's Day - January 1, 2011 - and the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade is on TV. Their theme this year is "Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories". What a wonderful way to think of the upcoming 365 days. I hope this day finds everyone safe and warm. I've got my cup of hot tea and will be making some home made soup later.


Well, today is the first day of my daily purge. I have a stack of phone books that's going into the recycle bin. Remember the days when we only had one phone book per household?

Out, out, you extra phone books! I don't need you. You're just taking up space. Bye bye!


Day 1 - check. Looking forward to ousting something on day two!