The real problem with getting organized is that we have too much stuff. It’s likely that you have some things taking up space in your home that you don’t even need. So why do we keep all this stuff? It can be hard to let go of things, even if we don’t use them. Sometimes sentimental value is attached to items, or we might think we’ll use them eventually. But holding on to too many things can be cluttered and stressful.
If you’re having trouble letting go of things, try thinking about how much joy the item brings you. If it’s something you don’t use often but still brings you happiness, then keep it. But if it’s something that just takes up space and doesn’t bring you any joy, it might be time to let it go. The thing is, it’s easier to find excuses for why you should keep something and delay making a decision rather than making a firm (and sometimes difficult) choice to say goodbye to your “stuff.” Here are four of my favorite excuses…
1. “I might need it someday.”
Yes, you might. But the thing is most of the items we keep can easily be found or replaced within a day or two. Lots of men (my dad included) keep every screw and nail created and store it away like a squirrel with his nuts. But what happens is these little tiny items create more and more clutter and it gets to a point where you can’t find that little screw anyway because it’s like finding a needle in a haystack.
2. “I’m going to lose some weight and start wearing this again.”
I hope if you have a goal to lose some weight, you do everything in your power to make it happen. And when you do, I give you permission to go out and find a sale and buy some brand-new clothes. You should be proud and it’s the perfect time to reward yourself.
3. “So-and-So Gave Me This.”
I’m all for keeping memories and items that remind us of people we love. But the truth is, memories are not in the clutter, the knick-knacks and “stuff” you have shoved in a box. I won’t say get rid of everything and it’s not always an easy decision. But try and just keep the special things you cherish. And get them out in the open, on display – where you can enjoy them and have a story to tell when someone comments or asks a question about the item.
4. “I paid good money for this…”thing!”
I’m sure you did. But the thing is, what has more value…this “item” you no longer have any use for or the way you enjoy your house? The item…or your happiness? The item… or your space?
5. “Oh, I’m just trying to figure out what to do with it…”
Okay, so maybe it’s not worth holding onto. See, if it takes that much mental work to figure out what to do with something, you can take a pretty good guess that it may not be worth as much to you as you think. If you can’t figure out what to do with something…it’s a safe bet you won’t miss it too much. There is more value in savoring your home, your friends, and your family than the “stuff” you purchased.
