Use it up
wear it out
make it do
or do without.
This phrase was coined during the great depression, and as a kid, I often heard it in my own home. Many of us have retained this little tidbit of advice in the back of our heads, but think it doesn't apply to us during this era of prosperity. However... there's a vital bit to this phrase that I think we're all forgetting...
"Or do without."
In helping families de-clutter their homes, I've found that many of us have a fear of the future. We save small bottles of shampoo for vacations. We save electronic cords in case we find an antiquated electronic that needs it. Why do we do this to ourselves?
I believe the heart of this saying is not in abusing our possessions, or holding on to things that have no use for because we might need it in the future. I think this phrase means something much kinder.
Use it up: Don't be wasteful
How often do we throw out rotten leftovers? It's easy to give in to the urge of replacing what we already have before it has been used up. I think we could all take a lesson from Great-Grandpa and find a use for what we already have. I love the current DIY re-purposing craze because it brings us back to the heart of resourcefulness. We feel thrifty, imaginative... There are lots of reasons to feel good about this advice.
Wear it out: Let possessions serve their purpose.
Do you still have clothing in your closet with the tags on it? Why? Are you saving it for a special occasion? Do you have lotion that you haven't used since your last date? Why not pamper yourself when no one's around? We often save things for special occasions, but why not enjoy what we own now? It can brighten up a dismal day. It can spice up a lackluster room. You are allowed to love your items year round.
Make it do: Use the things you already have.
Do you find yourself buying clothing when you already have sufficient for your needs? People often own twice as many clothes as they actually wear. When we have this much stuff floating around, it causes clutter and stress. You'll find you can be much happier with "just enough", than with an excess. When you detox your closet and keep only things you truly love, you'll find it makes a difference when you go shopping. You'll be less compulsive, and aware of what truly makes you happy.
Or do without: Simplify your life by removing things you don't need.
There is a particular group of people that I find have more stuff packed into their closets and spilling out on their floors than most... I like to call them Provisioners.
"I might needs this when..."
"If it floods, I'll be glad I have this..."
"When my daughter comes back from college she'll want..."
Hardcore Provisioners refuse to throw things away based on fear. It is hard to get them to de-clutter because it's a literal leap of faith for them. They can't trust that they'll be fine without something if the time ever comes. But when they begin to let go, they are the most liberated.
Disclaimer: I believe in provisioning to an extent. We are not talking about food storage, we're talking about clothing, backup items in case the first breaks, dusty closets smashed full of unused pillows...
Conclusion:
People in the depression learned a new way of life. A level of resourcefulness and thrift. Many of us live on the opposite side of that pendulum. We are surrounded by plenty. It is time for us to learn a new way of maintenance. We can literally drown in our surplus if we aren't careful. Maybe take a step back from your home and think about how this phrase can apply to you. Happy tidying!
Rachel