The sun’s shining.

What could be more fun?

Than a picnic with ALL the gear.

That everyone has to lug – moaning begrudgingly – to the perfect picnic spot.

Only to realise something or other – supposedly essential – has been left in the car.

And THEN it rains.

At least in England it does.

Or the midges attack en masse.

And someone hates ALL the sandwiches.

And someone else treads on the cake.

Before falling in the nettles.

And getting stung all over.

But we forgot the first aid kit.

BECAUSE we were all faffing about picnic gear.

I don’t want to sound like a right old Scrooge.

I LOVE picnics.

They’re a lovely get away from cluttered lives.

BUT when we over complicate them with so much stuff, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

AND lots of that stuff is a right pain to store!

So today we’re looking at our picnic clutter and seeing what we’re ready to let go.

If you’re following along with my quick daily declutter, read on. BUT if you’re new do hop back and read how just 10 things can help you declutter easily.

Just 10 Things – Picnic Stuff

As always …

… we stick to the just 10 things rules and …

• Take 5 minutes or so – 15 minutes MAX
• Focus on picnic stuff
• Open our eyes to all those things we can make do without
• And without yanking stuff out
• Spot anything we’re ready to let go

We’re going to look out for stuff …

• That’s a pain to store
• That’s awkward to carry
• That we never even take with us

And let go of any of these we will be so much happier without …

1. Lunch boxes
2. Water bottles
3. Ice packs
4. Picnic rug
5. Picnic baskets
6. Cool bags & boxes
7. Plastic crockery
8. Plastic cutlery
9. Plastic glasses
10. Snack boxes

Just pop them in your charity bag.

Or on your sell list.

Or in the bin if they’re just too grotty.

You might only be ready to let go a few.

But we’re sowing seeds here we’ll reap later.

NEXT time you go on a picnic, you’ll have had time to get used to the idea of making do.

And may find you’re then ready to ditch more.

Much more.

But for an extra nudge read on.

A Little Nudge

We have a little supermarket near us.

It’s tiny.

But right now they have picnic ware on show.

Near the tills.

It’s bright, happy colours.

And just shouts summer.

All in all super tempting.

It kind of marks the new season.

And promises us – & our families – happiness.

We all fall for it.

But it’s a fake promise, isn’t it?

The true joy of summer lies within us all.

It’s hours outside, enjoying together the escape from all the pressure of our everyday lives.

So this summer, say “yah boo!” to the marketing machine.

And just take time to run away for the day.

Leaving your clutter behind.

And when you get home, happy, let some more of that stuff you just don’t need go.