How do I determine what I need to get rid of?
Sometimes it’s quick. Ask yourself…..
- Is it broken?
- Do you like it?
- Do care about it?
- Do you use it? How often?
- How many do you have like it?
Sometimes it’s NOT simple
Think of scales – with physical, mental, emotional, financial cost on each side. Which side does it tip towards?
A mistake people make is to just think of the Financial, mental, and emotional cost of replacing the item and they do not look at the mental, emotional, physical cost of keeping it and storing it.
Every item we keep has a definite physical, mental, emotional and financial cost of keeping it. We have to consider both sides!
Not sure on an item….Ask yourself which side the scale tips towards.
Here’s an Example:
A bedroom set from a neighbor that you no longer use may be easier to get rid of and “cost” you less than a small angel statue from your grandma, which may “cost” you more. The bedroom set takes up more physical space, which mentally weighs on a person, and emotionally weighs on them – the “cost” of keeping it far outweighs the cost of getting rid of it and possibly someday having to buy another bedroom set. The angel statue “costs” very little in physical space to keep, costs little in contributing to clutter, mentally and emotionally the “cost” of getting rid of it is very high and far outweighs the financial cost of replacing it.
Still not sure? Use a “Hide Away” Bin
If you still aren’t sure, make a “Hide Away” bin. Put the items you aren’t sure of in the bin and give the bin to a friend and tell them that if you don’t ask for the items in the next month, then they can donate them.
Still not sure? Hire a Professional Organizer
One of the blessings of working with an Organizer is having someone who can help you know what to keep and what to let go of and help you with best ways to organize and store the items you do deem worthy of keeping.