Have you ever had those moments where you are decluttering, only to come across something that you don’t actually need; in fact, you haven’t even USED it in months, but for some reason you can’t get yourself to put it in your Goodwill pile?
Trust me, I’ve been there. You know you need to get rid of stuff. You have too much clutter everywhere, but it can be hard to decide what things to keep or throw away. Especially when the reason you want to hold onto something isn’t even clear to you. How do you decide what stays and what goes? This article is going to help you figure out if what you are holding onto is important enough to keep, or if a sense of duty or fear is getting in your way.
Find Meaning – What Does this Mean to You?
Marie Kondo has an amazing technique when it comes to decluttering. While it might not be your thing, I think everyone can learn something from her. Her methodology involves keeping only things that “spark joy,” and getting rid of everything else.
While it’s true this may not be for everyone, I think the principles are important to consider. You may feel it’s impractical to get rid of every single thing that doesn’t “give you joy.” That’s perfectly ok! But on the other hand, it may help to try looking at your belongings through these lens. The items you are unsure about; why are you unsure about them? DO they spark joy?
Do they provide some form of happiness? Or are you only holding onto them because your Aunt Beth gave them to you, and you don’t want her to feel insulted if she ever comes around for dinner?
Holding onto something out of a sense of obligation is not a good enough reason. If that is the only thing standing in the way between the item and the give away pile, it’s time to face the reasons you feel you can’t get rid of it head on. Unlock that sense of guilt or shame, then release it. If it is obligatory, let it go.
What to Keep When Decluttering?
One thing you might be thinking is- sure, there are some things that don’t spark joy or give me any real meaning. But they ARE necessary. What about them? Of course, keep things that you need. Just be mindful of how many of those things you have. For example, everyone needs a toothbrush. But what if you’re holding onto twenty of them? I think it’s safe to say you don’t need twenty toothbrushes. Maybe hold onto a few for the future, and let the rest
go. The trick is to balance it out. You probably don’t need three coffee makers, fifteen ladles and enough silverware to host a party of fifty. Maybe instead of giving away things that you’re unsure of, focus on limiting the number of the same things you own, and donating the extras.
What if You’re Still Unsure?
If you don’t know if an item makes you happy, is one you need, or is really useful in any way, I’d suggest giving it up. You’ll know when something makes you happy, or if it’s something you need to keep. If you’re reluctant to let it go, maybe ask yourself why. What is holding you back from having less clutter in your house?
Remember; Some Things Can be Replaced
If you’re holding onto a hat you haven’t worn in years because you think you might someday WANT to wear it, remember that things like this can always be replaced. If it’s not being used now, it’s ok to toss it and buy another one later if you change your mind. This does not make you wasteful, or horrible. It means you’re human. And part of being human is changing your mind about things. Don’t feel you have to rush through this process. It’s ok to take your time. Just remember: love it, need it, or let it go.
RELATED POST: 7 WAYS TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER IN YOUR HOME
I hope you found this decluttering post useful. Do you find it hard to declutter? What are some of the items you have a hard time decluttering? Please share any questions or comments below.
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