Decluttering is all about getting rid of stuff that you no longer need, right?

That becomes fairly easy when it’s something that’s broken, something that’s too big or too small, even something that has gone bad! But what about some of those other things that take up space in your home or in your life!?

What about that extra plate set? What about that extra set of markers or pens? What about those old binders? What about the random paper that piles up? What about all those kitchen gadgets and appliances? Or even all those seasonal decorations you’re holding on to?

There are so many things that, each on their own, aren’t that big of a deal, but add them all up, and they can quickly start to take over the whole house!

There are literally a million reasons to talk yourself into keeping something. If you are following some question guide to decluttering, all the typical declutter questions are asked to make you think about whether to keep things or not. Ultimately, they don’t truly test your personal comfort level about actually keeping or tossing anything!

If you ask yourself something like, “Does it spark joy?” – you may simply remind yourself of a time when it actually did. In your mind, you may translate that into it still sparking joy… so it becomes a kept item.

You may ask yourself if you have used the item in the last 6 months. The answer could easily be “no, but…” This leads to another possible kept item!

You could also ask yourself, “Do I really need it?” Your answer could turn into something like, ‘well, what if this one breaks? Then I need another one.’ Again, it’s another item kept!

What you could truly consider asking yourself instead is:

“Can I live without this?”

Suddenly, your internal monologue about the stuff changes. Can you live without that extra hat? The answer is unequivically YES! You will not die if you don’t have that 4th hat! Or that 5th planner! Or those extra Christmas decorations!

We have been trained to think that we need things, but we can still actually function without it!

Without MOST of it!!!

Be uncomfortable about getting rid of your stuff because, like I said, you CAN live without it! Your life will not end if you get rid of it! Yes, that other item you already have could break, then you might have to go out and buy a replacement.. but it also might not break right away! Maybe you won’t need a replacement until there’s a better version of the item that is actually more practical or even easier to use.

So, rather than spend all your decluttering time wondering if you really need whatever it is, justifying keeping it or tossing it, weighing out the guilt and other emotions, sitting in the room surrounded by your things, just ask yourself, “can I live without it?”

Change your perspective on your stuff. You’d be surprised at the change that it could spark!

Thanks for coming home!