Before or after a move is often when it happens: you start to look at the piles of boxes, overflowing closets and drawers, stuffed attics and basements and wonder, “What should I do with all of this?”
It’s a great time to think about decluttering. But thinking about decluttering and actually doing the tasks required to declutter can be a daunting challenge. Knowing how to decide what to get rid of and what to keep is the first step. Fortunately, by answering a few simple questions, you’ll know how to declutter in no time.
Below are important questions to ask yourself to figure out how to decide what to keep when decluttering.
1. When Did I Last Wear Or Use This?
Those closets might be full of clothes that are no longer in fashion, no longer fit or you simply don’t like anymore. Do you need all those economics textbooks from college anymore? Which of the kids’ toys do they really not use and carry no sentimental value for you or them? If you haven’t been using it, or it’s likely not to get used soon, it’s time to put those things in the donations pile.
2. If I Were Shopping Right Now, Would I Buy This?
This is a great question to add to the arsenal when figuring out how to convince someone to declutter. Many people hold onto things because they hate to waste money. The counter to that argument? You’ve already wasted the money by buying it and not using it! If it doesn’t appeal to you that much, it’s time to let it go. Be sure to ask yourself this question as you sift through your stuff!
3. Is This Item Serving the Same Function As Something Else I Use?
You probably don’t need five bottle openers, six cardigans in the same color, or all those giveaway insulated beverage holders in a corner cabinet of your kitchen. If the answer to this question is yes, it’s time to let one (or two, or three!) of them go. If you donate them item, who knows – someone else may have a need for it!
4. Does This Item Fill Me With Joy or Love When I See It?
It’s important to keep things that hold sentimental value. But that notion has two components: sentiment and value. If the item is not genuinely meeting both of those standards, then it’s time to get rid of it. One way to look at these types of issues is to think about quantity. Do you need every macaroni heart or turkey handprint drawing your child has made, when just a few favorites will warm your heart just the same?
5. Does This Still Work?
Often people think that they can fix a broken item when they have the time. So they put it in the basement and forget about it. If you’ve been able to live without it for this long, it’s OK to bid it a fond farewell. Your watch from two years ago that’s since been replaced? Time to go. That cracked bookshelf you kept meaning to repair? Get rid of it. Those old portable MP3 players may be working, but are they relevant or useful? If not, consider donating or tossing it.
6. Does It Fit You Or Your Lifestyle?
This question has multiple applications. Certainly, it applies to clothing items. People often hold onto clothes that no longer fit. If the clothing is significantly larger or smaller than the size you’re currently wearing, consider eliminating at least some of the pile. Fit could also refer to furniture items. Do they physically fit in your home? Do the items you’re keeping fit your home’s decor and evolving style? What was cool in your first apartment may not be the things that are keeping with your lifestyle (or your partner’s tastes) today.
7. Do I Need This?
This is the fundamental question to ask yourself. Start by telling yourself that you do not need everything in your home. Then you can ask this on an item-by-item basis, keeping in mind that there might be some hard choices. Remember, in the long run, you’ll feel better for taking on the clutter.
To summarize, you want to ask yourself the following:
- When did I last wear or use this?
- If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?
- Is this item serving the same function as something else I use?
- Does this item have sentimental value or fill me with joy when I see it?
- Does this still work?
- Does it still fit?
- Do I really need this?
At Tiger Moving & Storage, we help our customers simplify the moving process. Let us help with the packing, storage and moving needs you have for your next move. To learn more about our services, contact us today and get a free estimate.
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