Freebie Germ Prevention

Day 54 of 100

I was thinking today about the commercials that show the hidden bacteria and germs that find way into our homes. I think some of our clutter is a lot like this. When you look around at your belongings, I bet you don't even know where some they came from or how they got there. It's almost as if they magically appear when we are not looking.

One kind of clutter that sneaks in and can really add up is all the freebies that everyone is always giving away. Whether your local bank, orthodontist office, volunteer or charity organization, many do this to promote their business or organizations and attract customers.But truly, how many visors, baseball hats, logo t-shirts, pencils, pens, magnets and balloons do you need?

The other day Timothy and I were having lunch at Chick-Fil-A. We had a free kids meal coupon and this came with a book. I was so proud when he said, "This isn't the kind of book I read so I don't need it!" Wow...I must be getting through. We brought the unopened book to the manager, so they could use it again and it wouldn't be wasted. He then told us that you can trade in the toy that comes with the kids meal and get a free ice cream! It worked out perfectly.

Even fliers can be excessive. They show up with smiling people handing them to you outside of stores and eating establishments and even on your car. If you need a flier for a phone number, that you can not find in the phone book or on-line, fine, take it. Then immediately when you get home, record it in you address book, planner or Rolodex. Do not hold on to it. This kind of clutter attracts other of its kind and before you know it you will have a big old pile of various sheets of paper you will have to deal with.

The next time you are some where and they are giving out freebies, think, would I buy this and if not, smile and say no thank you. Just because its free doesn't mean you have to take it. More often than not it will take the role of Clutter in your home!

Go find 10!