Questions to Ask Yourself When Decluttering
Hey Friend!
Well if there’s something we can all agree on is that 2020 was A LOT. Year we of the COVID pandemic forced us to spend a lot more time at home and despite the ups and downs, we have managed to accomplish so much.
On the last blog post of the year, I’m sharing a decluttering strategy that has been around for quite some time and that I also use with clients when starting our working sessions. Going back to clients' homes to help create accessible, beautiful, and organize spaces has been incredible and extremely necessary during the last weeks of the year.
During the complimentary consultation, we discuss goals, style, budget, timeframe, obstacles, and of course decluttering. Honestly, organizing cannot be accomplished without purging first. A deep evaluation of what is currently taking space in your home is absolutely necessary to create organizational systems that work. In order to maintain an organized house, you must first let go of everything that is stopping you from becoming the best version of yourself, after all, it's you who should shine in your home, not objects that are holding you back from creating the life you deserve.
I know it’s hard and I totally get it, because I’ve been there: letting go is hard and it takes time, the good news is that you get to decide the value you put into things and how you are moving forward to adapting an organized lifestyle. If you are ready to give yourself the opportunity to be freed from material things and get organized, here are 9 questions to ask yourself when decluttering. These questions will make the process a lot more manageable when it comes to making the hard decision of what you will choose to stay in your house, plus if you ask for help from a Professional Organizer (ME), it will totally be so fun to be in the company of someone who has no attached me to your things and coach you through the process of decluttering your life.
Have I used this item in the last 12 months? If the earth has gone around the sun and you have not used an item you are storing in your home when will you use it? Most likely never and now it’s time to let it go and open up space to some time else you will use it regularly. Seldom used items shouldn’t take up space in your home, if you are ever in need of something you will only use once, try asking a friend or family member if they can let you borrow the item or find an alternative. Just in case items are never used nor missed once gone.
Am I keeping this item because I’m worried about wasting money? The money has already been spent, you are not any richer or poorer by letting it go. Moving forward be more contiguous on how you are spending your money. Living a more intentional life and saving money for things you will actually love and use is more rewarding than keeping something that makes you feel guilty for buying it. Let it go and you will feel less guilty, no one ever lamented the feeling of being free from guilt. Fill your house with joy, not guilt.
Am I keeping this because it has a sentimental value? This is a tough one and I get it, we all have sentimental items we want to cherish forever but here is the thing, not all things are sentimental. Curate and set boundaries of what is sentimental to you. Once you have a clear vision of what you want your life to look like and where the sentimental items will be placed. The attic and garage cannot possibly be the space to store your sentimental items, you will forget you had them and the sentimental value will be forgotten. You should give sentimental items a space in your home where you can access and appreciate them for the value they hold.
Does this sentimental item hold me back from the life I want to create? If things are a physical impediment from creating the life you deserve, it’s time to let them go. You deserve the space and serenity of a home that is filled with only the things that bring joy and make you feel your BEST. You, more than anything deserve to be and feel safe in your home. Create a sanctuary where you come to enjoy, rest and create beautiful memories.
Would I buy this item again if I see it at the store today? If you already answer NO to this question, you have full permission to toss it. Style and taste change, if you are no longer wearing all the crop tops from 5 or 10 years ago consider donating or pass them on to younger cousins or friends. It’s totally fine to donate, sell or gift items that are no longer supporting your style and taste. You deserve the best!
What’s more important things or space? If things are suffocating and taking over your life, it’s time to evaluate and shed everything that is holding you back. Spacious and breathable rooms are more inviting and calming even to the most unorganized person in the world. Chaos brings on more chaos and I know that you are only aspiring to live in a beautiful, functional, and organize space. Things come and go but space will stay the same. Here is a valuable tip: shop for the space you have.
Do you have plans to use this in the near future? Going back to the first question, if you aren’t going to use it pass it on to someone who will. Also, if something can be replaced for less than $20 and it’s taking valuable space in your home, you can let that go. The item is not worth space.
Is this broken thing really going to be fixed? If you don’t have time to fix something that is broken, it won’t fix itself. No broken items are worth your space, collecting broken things should not be allowed in someone’s home. Let them go, they have lived and served their best life. Consider this a sign to only keep the things that bring you joy and are fully functional.
Can this item bring joy to someone else? Donating the things you are no longer using or needing blesses someone in need and that is an amazing feeling. Giving a second life to things is not only liberating but also satisfying and gives you a sense of community. Find a local charity that aligns with your values and that their mission to help those in need.
You got this, getting organized is a journey, and decluttering is the most important step to creating the life you deserve. Maintaining an organized space becomes a habit because the feeling of living in an organized home is so satisfying and rewarding. Remember that we are all in this together, working and learning to live our best lives intentionally. Decluttering is a muscle that I know you are able and capable of exercising.
I wish you the best during your own journey, don’t compare yourself to others, and never give up if getting organized is your goal and desire.
Until next month!
