I keep hearing the term “adulting” thrown around on social media. Urban Dictionary defines it as such:
Adulting (v): to do grown-up things and hold responsibilities such as a 9-5 job, a mortgage/rent, a car payment or anything else that makes one think of grown-ups.
I’d like to add a few more things to that list – or more truthfully, delete a few things! When you’re truly an adult, there are some things you just shouldn’t have around anymore. Prepare yourself for a ruthless removal of unnecessary items …
1. Plastic containers with no matching lid
Let. It. Go. This is the one cabinet in the kitchen that almost every single adult complains about. Match containers and lids right now and pitch or recycle every orphan.
2. Broken stuff you know you’ll never fix
You have more responsibilities now and less free time. And unless you’re super mechanical or have all of the proper tools, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to fix that broken clock/microwave/lamp that has been sitting around for months or even years. Recycle it or drop it by the free shed (at the landfills in Durham, Chapel Hill and Chatham counties, there is a “free shed” where you can put serviceable goods that aren’t really consignable or in the best shape for donation) and let some other person have a go at making it work!
3. Toiletry samples from who knows when
One of the great things about “adulting” is the opportunity to travel. But another wonderful aspect about adulthood is being able to afford full-sized shampoos and conditioners. Bag up all of those teeny-tiny samples and see if a local shelter can use them.
4. Your old, out-of-date (and probably worthless) cellphone (or, for goodness sake, your Palm Pilot!)
You won’t ever access the data on there again … I promise. You probably no longer own the cord. Take it to an electronics’ recycling center or see if your provider will take it back.
5. VHS movies
The VCR left your home 14 years ago. Yet you still have VHS tapes of “The X-Files” from 1995 floating around? If you also have a flux capacitor, you can keep them. Or contact the A/V Geeks (avgeeks.com) about their film and video transfer services. Otherwise, pitch them.
6. CDs of music you can easily stream or have already saved in iTunes
There are 99 ways to play music now … and CDs aren’t one of them. Keep a few classics if you must, but let the rest go.
7. Pressboard furniture you’ve moved more than once (and it shows)
Listen up. I love me some Ikea. But that furniture is not built to move repeatedly. Once you can see the guts of the pressboard around the hardware, it’s time to kick it to the curb.
8. Things you borrowed from friends in your early 20s
Seriously, either put it in a box and drive to the post office right now, or go ahead and get rid of it. They may thank you for it since they, too, are adulting and don’t want their old stuff any more than you do.
When you were a child, you collected like a child. Now it’s time to put away childish items and clear the clutter so you can get on with adulthood. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, each one of us can benefit from a little less mess.
Pro Tip: Most of this clutter can be donated to The Scrap Exchange at 2050 Chapel Hill Rd. The reuse center accepts drop-off donations 11 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. Call 919-688-6960 or email collections@scrapexchange.org for more information.
