Learning to Say Goodbye to Clutter

Ever think, “I can't get rid of something because one day I might need it”?  Now I want you to think about a moment in time when you needed something, but were unable to find it . Can you picture a time?  What did you?  Borrow it, go out and purchase it again?  Or, did you simply make do without?

Think about the  things that you're holding onto for that just incase one day. How bad would it be if you didn't have that item when you needed it? Would you lay down in a puddle of tears, find another way, or simply go out and get another?

The problem with keeping an item  for the one day situation, is that you forget to live with the items  you need for today.. Learning to discern between your needs and wants is a life skill which must be practiced. We need very little to survive in bliss. Do you have food and shelter?  Love and comforts?  If you answered yes , then you have everything you need.

Actually it is easier to be happy with less. Why? Because when you own less, you have less to worry about, less to clean, less to store, less to cause you visual noise. Think of the excessive  items you're holding onto, what would truly ruin your day if you didn't have it at home? If you haven't used something in a year 5 or 10 years what makes you think that one day will ever truly come?

I had a revelation today while cleaning out my closet (yes, professional organizers get clutter in their closets too).   I was trying on a too-small bra that is meant to be sexy, but I realized I'm just not that girl. Ultimately I now had a decision to make with all of the “sexy” items I had been holding onto.

The first thought that came to mind, these were really expensive! Next was remembering the days of fitting into them. The final thought,  maybe one day I will  use it. But after asking myself do these items bring me happiness, I realized there is nothing sexy or comfortable about pulling, grabbing, tugging, itching or any other uncomfortable situations that arise when wearing clothes that are no longer suited to my body, needs, and lifestyle.  

So next time you're   getting dressed for the day   and put on a shirt,  look at yourself,  think “nope”, don’t put back,   make the decision then and there this is an automatic go item. Put it in a box  for you and your entire family to add unwanted items for donation.

You'll be surprised how quickly this box will fill.   Once you begin releasing items, you will feel   calmer and more free in your space.  After all, every possession we keep and hold onto becomes a part of our home. Try to remember that you want to keep things that make you feel comfortable, safe, and at home.  These are the items that you want close to you, not buried under clutter from yesteryear.