Do you waste a lot of time wondering whether you should save or toss something when you're
working on your decluttering goals? Asking yourself one or more of the following questions can help you make the right decision.
1. Do I absolutely love it? This question may not apply in all situations but it’s excellent for deciding whether to keep an item or not. If you can't honestly say you love it, it may be time
to part with it.
2. Does it serve a useful purpose? While this might seem obvious, it's worth asking. It's all too easy to keep things we don’t really use. If an item doesn't serve a purpose, let it go.
3. Will it be out-of-date before I need it again? Many people hold on to books and publications thinking they may read them again at some point in the future. Be careful about this.
Most people who enjoy reading don't re-read most books, which means books they've read sit on shelves at home gathering dust for years.
If the book or publication is reference material, information becomes quickly outdated these days.
It’s often very easy to find up-to-date info online and often unnecessary to keep the physical books, manuals, etc.
4. Am I hanging on to it out of obligation? If you’re keeping something out of guilt, remember that a gift is given without strings attached. You’re free to do as you wish with it. Enough
said.
6. Do I have room for it...and where?
Consider where you’ll display/store something before bringing it into your home. Impulse purchases often lead to clutter. Ask yourself if you have room for it and where...and be sure you can definitely answer both of these questions.
7. Do I really need to buy it or can I rent it? Many items we purchase are used
infrequently. Renting can be a cost-effective and space-saving alternative. Consider renting things you only need once or twice a year, like a carpet cleaning machine just as one example.
By the way, your local library may rent out a whole bunch of items you never
imagined they would. For instance, some libraries near my home rent out air fryers! Inquire and ask what they have to check out beyond books and movies. You may be pleasantly surprised.
8. Do I need to keep a hard copy? Most people keep way more paper than necessary. Weed out anything outdated. Some papers that you
need to keep can be scanned. Then you can keep the digital files on your computer or an external drive and get rid of the paper copy.
9. Do I use it? We all have items we never use. If you don’t use it, lose it. Donate clothes, shoes, purses, cookware, bedding, etc. that you are not using. This reduces clutter and the
effort needed to store and/or maintain these unused items.
10. What’s the worst thing that could happen if I get rid of it? Consider the worst-case scenario of parting with something. In most cases, the worst-case isn't really that bad, if at all...and in many cases you won't miss those items when they're gone. Most
documents can be recovered. Most items can be repurchased or borrowed if absolutely, positively necessary.
For more practical decluttering advice, be sure to check out my Goodbye Clutter resource!
