8 Questions You Should Ask Yourself To Declutter More Effectively

The process of simplifying your life and living clutter-free takes time, patience, and dedication. At the end of the day, it’s not just about throwing things away and organizing what you have – it’s also about prioritizing, letting go, and establishing a routine. It isn’t a walk in the park, and for most people, just finding the motivation to declutter in the first place is an obstacle. That is why we want to share with you a list of questions you should ask yourself to simplify the process.

These powerful questions will help you determine what to declutter faster and easier so that you feel less overwhelmed about your decisions. As a result, you will feel more motivated and able to keep up the momentum you need to get your home organized once and for all. Are you ready to start?

1. Do I really love this?

We all buy things we once loved or even things we thought we liked but then never worn or used. When decluttering, assess each item and determine whether you still love it or not. Be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, why keep it around?

2. Is this item worth the space it’s taking up in my home?

Sure, it might seem fun to use your popcorn machine at your kid’s birthday party, but if you’re short on storage space, is that item actually worth the real estate it takes up in your home? If you only need a certain item once a year, or maybe even less often than that, you probably should find it another home.

3. Is it meaningful to me?

When you’re decluttering, it’s important to differentiate between what is meaningful and what is merely sentimental. An easy way to find out is to think about whether the item in question brings back fond memories or not. If it does, then it’s probably worth keeping. If not, it’s time to let it go.

4. Am I honoring this item or just keeping it out of guilt?

Here’s a tough – but very necessary – question. If you can’t differentiate between a meaningful and sentimental item, it’s time to understand why you’re keeping it. Even if it’s a hand-embroidered towel inherited from your mother, are you genuinely honoring the item and the memories attached to it? Or has it been in a box in your basement for decades?

5. Can I live without it?

The answer is probably yes. Remember that the things we own are just that: things. So if you’re struggling with whether or not to keep something, ask yourself this question. And if you still can’t make up your mind, try going without it for a month. If you don’t even notice it’s gone, then it’s probably something you can live without.

6. Do I own duplicates or similar items?

A very helpful question! How many times have you purchased something, only to realize you already own the exact same thing? Do you really need 20 pairs of black socks? Or three practically identical frying pans? Hardly!

7. Am I afraid I will need this item in the future?

“Maybe I shouldn’t get rid of this, just in case.” If this thought is on your mind, you’re only afraid of regret. But the thing is, you’re probably never going to need most of the things you’re holding onto “just in case”, especially if you haven’t used them yet. And if you do, you can probably rent, buy, or borrow it.

8. Could this item be useful/helpful to another person?

This question is particularly helpful for considering items that were expensive or gifted to you but that you don’t use or need. If you know the item in question will just gather dust for the upcoming years, give it to someone who could really use it. It’s a win-win.

Keeping these questions in mind as you declutter your home will help keep you focused on creating a space that fits your lifestyle. However, if you still feel like this task is too overwhelming for you, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can get in touch with our team of experts at ClutterBGone and ask for a free consultation.