Decluttering Questions…

Decluttering your stuff can be tough.  You know you need to get rid of some stuff, but you’re not really sure which items get cut and which get to stay.  

I’ve compiled a list of decluttering questions to ask yourself that may help you decide what to get rid of….

1. When was the last time I used this?  If you don’t even know the last time you used it, or if it’s been more than a year, it may be time to let it go.  If it has a nice layer of dust and/or cobwebs on it that’s a sign it’s time to let it go. 

2. Would I buy this again today if I didn’t already own it?  If the answer this is NO, then you clearly don’t like it anymore, so let it go.

I can not even remember the last time I decorated for Halloween. Probably the last time we had a party which would definitely more than 5 years ago. These are headed to a donation center.

3. Am I only keeping this because I spent money on it?  If you don’t use it but you only keep it because of the money you spent, then it’s time to let it go.  Keeping it won’t get your money back.  Keeping it also doesn’t make it any more useful to you.  Let it go.

4. Does this even still work?  If it’s broken or outdated it’s time to let it go.  You have probably already replaced it with a newer version, or you simply don’t need it.  Let it go.

5. Am I keeping this just in case I need it one day?  Let’s think of this differently.  Maybe you won’t need it one day.  If you might need it one day, that means you also might not need it one day.  Let it go.

It has been 5 years since I last went camping. I kept these in case I ever went again. But I might never need these again.

6. Does this item add value to the season of life I am in now?  Your stuff should support the life you have now, not a version of yourself that you have outgrown. 

7. Does this item evoke negative emotions?  If seeing these items bring up negative emotions and memories you don’t need it in your life.  You should only be keeping things that help you support your mental well being.  Keeping those negative items will only hold you in the past when you should be moving forward to the future and life you want to live.  

Continue to ask yourself these questions whenever you need a good decluttering session!  Decluttering can be a great self care task, and can be so good for your mental well being.