4 Things Stopping You From De-cluttering Your Home

De-cluttering your house is daunting when you don’t know where to start. Your home is overflowing with things that you don’t use, but you just can’t seem to bring yourself to do something about it. The weeks, months and years go by and those “things” are still there, haunting you. We all have subconscious reasons why we choose to hang on to things. Here are four things you should consider when you want to start to de-clutter:

Did you inherit it?

If you are hanging onto something because it has “sentimental value” you should re-examine whether this is actually true. More often, we feel compelled to hang on to some items out of respect. If you inherited a 10 foot antique sofa from Auntie Irene you may feel that you have to live with it. It is an expensive heirloom and you loved her a lot.

In actuality, your aunt would never have bequeathed that sofa to you if she thought it would cause you grief. She likely wanted you to have it so that you would treasure and love it as she did. Even if the piece is beautiful, valuable and from a beloved relative, it makes no sense to cram it into a downtown modern condo where space is at a premium.

If you cannot part with the item, storing it elsewhere would at least give you space. However, you will then be paying to store something that you really don’t want. Consider passing the piece on to someone who would appreciate it. Another family member or a collector could treasure it as your aunt intended.

Did you receive it as a gift?

Gifts are an issue when you want to de-clutter because of respect too. Someone went to the trouble to pick out something that they thought you would like and you don’t have the heart to get rid of it.

When you receive a gift, try to keep in mind that it is just that – a gift. Take it as a sign that the person is generous and has your best interests at heart, but do not have any qualms about taking things to a charity if they do not suit you or your household. Most people only notice if you use a gift, not when tucked away.

Are you planning for a rainy day?

This is usually the reason most of us have too many things. When we think about getting rid of it we reconsider as we may need it again someday. This applies to things, even when we don’t know what they are for. If we come across an item that looks like it “belongs” to something else, we stash it away hoping we discover the secret. The problem is that if we don’t know what this mystery thing is for the first time around, why would we know what it is for months or years later?

In reality, if you have something in a box or bag in the closet or garage that you haven’t used in a few years, you will not miss it. Just ask people who move a lot. You think you will miss it, but you don’t.

Are you keeping it because it was expensive?

Keeping things because you paid a lot for them really doesn’t make a lot of sense. If you use them – great, but if they are sitting there doing nothing – what is the point? Wouldn’t it be better to sell it and recoup some money? If that isn’t possible, wouldn’t it make you feel better to give it away to someone who could use it? If that expensive thing is sitting there staring you in the face, all it does it make you realize that perhaps it wasn’t the best buy.

De-cluttering is a process that does free you. Once space starts to open up and you can find the things that you actually need and use, life becomes easier. Less clutter means less stress and more time to do the things you love. Start small and get rid of just one thing this week and see how you feel. You won’t regret it.