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I hope that you have been enjoying this Decluttering series. In part 1 we dealt with internal and how just thinking about decluttering can bring up many emotions, thoughts, and feelings. In part 2 we covered the “Why!” Why is decluttering so challenging. That was a longer read, however it’s worth it if you are really on the road to recovering from decluttering. If you missed either of them go check out our blog page.
Now that we’ve gotten pass the emotion side of decluttering, and why decluttering is so challenge, in part 3 of this decluttering series, we are covering how to know what to keep and what not to keep. This will help you in your process of making decision on what to keep and what not to keep.
In the Summer Organizing Checklist, I shared with you the 20/20 rule by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists. The rule states that you should consider letting go of an item if you can replace it for less than $20 and can replace it in less than 20 minutes. This rule is for small and random items around your home, and may not apply to sentimental, clothing, or other items.
Let’s dig in!
When decluttering, having the right tools and supplies on hand can make the process more efficient and less stressful. Here are some essential items to have:
Recommended things to have on hand when decluttering.
1. White bags (for trash)
2. Black bags (for donations) or boxes
4. Gloves
5. Markers & sticky notes
6. Timer: This will help to prevent burnout and keep you on track.
7. Music: Helps to keep you motivated with the least number of distractions.
8. Water & Snacks
Whether you're tackling a single room or your entire home, knowing what to keep and what to let go of is the most challenging part. Below I have listed some practical factors to help you to determine what to keep and what to get rid of.
Factors to Consider When Decluttering
1. Usefulness: The first question to ask yourself is whether the item is useful. Do you use it regularly, or will it be important in the future? Items that serve a purpose in your daily life or have a clear, upcoming use should be kept. For instance, kitchen appliances you use frequently, tools for hobbies, or seasonal clothing can all fall into this category. If an item hasn’t been used in the past year and doesn’t hold a foreseeable use, it might be time to let it go.
2. Expiration: Many items, especially those in the kitchen or bathroom, have “expiration” and “best if used by” dates. This includes food, medications, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies. Using expired products can be ineffective or even harmful. Regularly check expiration dates and discard items that are past their prime to ensure you’re only keeping fresh, usable products. One of the most effective way to do it is to implement the FIFO approach. The First In, First Out (FIFO) approach is a technique for organizing and rotating consumables like food or inventory, ensuring they are used in the order they were received to prevent expiration or spoilage.
3. Sentiment: Sentimental items are often the hardest to part with because they hold emotional value. These can include family heirlooms, gifts, or items associated with significant life events. While it’s important to honor your feelings, it’s also crucial to evaluate whether these items contribute positively to your space. Consider keeping a select few that hold the most meaning and finding creative ways to honor memories, such as creating a photo album or shadow box.
4. Duplicates: In many homes, duplicates of certain items accumulate over time. You might find you have multiple sets of dishes, towels, or gadgets. Keeping a reasonable number of duplicates is practical, but excess items can contribute to clutter. Choose the best condition or most preferred versions of items and donate or recycle the rest.
5. Origin: Items that were gifts can carry a sense of obligation to keep them. However, it’s essential to remember that gifts were given to bring joy and utility. If a gift no longer serves you or fits into your lifestyle, it’s okay to part with it. The sentiment behind the gift doesn’t diminish just because you no longer have the physical item.
Yes, these factors are very helpful but can be very surface level. I have come up with 15 thought provoking question to ask yourself that will challenge you even further. These questions are designed to challenge your assumptions about the necessity and value of your possessions, helping you to declutter more effectively and create a more intentional and meaningful living space.
Provoking Questions to Dig Deeper:
If I didn't already own this item, would I buy it again today?
Am I keeping this item out of guilt or obligation?
Does this item fit with my current lifestyle, tastes, or goals?
When was the last time I used this item, and when do I realistically expect to use it again?
Am I holding onto this item because I think I "should" keep it, rather than because I actually want or need it?
Is this item taking up space that could be better used for something else?
Does this item bring me joy, or does it make me feel stressed, overwhelmed, or guilty?
Am I keeping this item because I paid a lot for it, even if I don't use it?
Would I feel relieved or free if I let go of this item?
Does this item represent an old version of myself or a phase that I've outgrown?
Am I keeping this item for sentimental reasons, and if so, is there a way to honor the memory without keeping the physical object?
Can someone else benefit more from this item than I currently do?
Is this item worth the time and effort required to maintain, clean, or store it?
Do I have another item that serves the same purpose but better?
Am I holding onto this item "just in case," and how likely is that scenario to actually happen?
What’s Next?
Once you have gone through the challenge of determining what to keep and what not to keep you have to move swiftly in the next steps. These steps may sound simple but often times they are what’s keeping us cluttered.
1. Anything that’s trash, take it to the trash ASAP. If possible, and off site dump.
2. Take donations to the donation site ASAP.
3. If you are giving the item to a family member or friend, set a specific deadline for when you will deliver it or when they need to pick it up. If the item has not been delivered or picked up by that date, have a backup plan in place for what to do with it.
People often have what I call donation remorse or declutter remorse. Donation or declutter remorse is the feeling of regret or second-guessing that can occur after donating or throwing away items. It often happens when someone starts thinking they might still need or want the item they parted with, or when they feel they should have kept it for sentimental reasons. This may sound crazy but I have seen people dig in their own trash and donation bags and start to put those things back in their home. This is why you have to get the items out of the home ASAP. I actually take my clients donations for them as a part of the service I provide.
Decluttering is more than just a physical act; it’s a way to create a more peaceful and functional space. By considering factors like usefulness, expiration, sentiment, duplicates, and origin, you can make informed decisions about what to keep. Remember, the goal is to create a space that supports your lifestyle and brings you joy. Happy decluttering!
(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)
Until Next Time,
TakillaRene
Xtreme Audacity
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