You’re finally ready to go at it. That closet or pantry or garage that you’ve been putting off for months.
You recognize the need to make more room and alleviate pain in this stress zone. You’ve set aside the day and you’re confident you’ll be a decluttering rockstar.
Until this…
You find your baby’s trunk full of favorites. First outfit home from the hospital, the bib she’s sucked on until it was frayed and the blankie your mom knitted.
There’s no way you can part with those memories…so you move on to the boxes full of paperwork.
Here’s where you rediscover every card, drawing and school project your kids ever made. How could you possibly let go of any of these precious creations?
So you hit the next area. Your stored away furniture.
Your grandmothers rocker, your childhood dresser and your never used antique lamps. All perfectly functional and you’re too attached to just give them away.
And before you move to the next space, you sigh and recognize that it’s official.
Your decluttering status has fallen from rockstar to rockbottom…
Deflated, you’re wondering how and when you’ll ever make a dent.
If this sounds at all familiar, first thing you should know is that – you’re not alone. It’s not easy letting go of meaningful memories and when it’s your stuff it’s always harder to let go.
But if you’re committed to streamlining (even a bit) to make more space for future memories, then I hope this will help.
Next time you’re ready to purge here are the ten questions to ask yourself for every item you own.
NO. 1:
If I was moving, would I pay to have it packed and moved? (Would I actually spend money on shuttling it from one space to another, and use it in neither?)
NO. 2:
Is this item getting in the way of my ability to find what I need, when I need it? (Can I find what I need in under two minutes? If the answer is no, it’s time to let go of what’s getting in your way).
NO. 3:
Is it broken, and if so, am I really ever going to fix it? (If it’s been more than six months, the answer is no).
NO. 4:
If it’s an article of clothing, does it make me feel great to wear it? (Or do I put it on, hate how it looks and hang it back up?)
NO. 5:
When was the last time I used this item? (If I haven’t used it a long time what is the likelihood I will start using it now?)
NO. 6:
How many do I currently own of this type of item (maybe 10 spatulas are too many)? Can I live with less of the same thing?
NO. 7:
If I took a picture of it, would I still have the same memory of the physical object itself? (Try it. Look at an item. Now close your eyes and picture it. That’s exactly what happens when you take a photo of it. The item is gone but the memory stays.)
NO. 8:
What’s the worst that would happen if I got rid of this item? (Would I still live comfortably? Would I be in severe pain?)
NO. 9:
Could I borrow or purchase another one, if needed, without spending a fortune or having trouble finding it? (If so, have faith that you can get the item again in the future if you really did need it.)
NO. 10:
Can it easily be duplicated or created if needed again? (Can I find it on the web or can I print it out)?
Print this list out and keep it with you the next time you’re looking to declutter. Because I know letting go is an emotional process and one that doesn’t happen over night. But that’s not the goal here. The goal is to continue to make small strides over time that gives you emotional, mental and physical freedom in your home and life. It’s a journey, but it can start today.
On that note, for:
this weeks challenge…
puh-lease join me in a conversation below to let me know:
What items(s) you’re going to declutter that you’ve been holding onto for too long? Why were you keeping it and what changed your mind?
I’ll be waiting for you in the comments. 🙂
Here’s to living simple and happy!
Xo,
Mridu
P.S. Are you ready for a great Fall cleanse? (Hate to break it to you but the holiday panic will be here before you know it). Then keep your eyes peeled for The FREE Power House Ultimate 5-Day Workshop. Coming to you right after Labor Day!
