As springtime approaches, so does the annual spring cleaning. You've spent the entire year looking at your house and either became overwhelmed by the immense amount of stuff you own and shut the doors so you didn't have to look at it anymore or you did something about it but still have so much "stuff". I've compiled a list of 10 thoughts for those that need just a little bit of help decluttering.
1. If I didn't already own this, would buy it again?
If you answer "Yes" to this question, then keep it. If you answer "No" get the donation or garbage bin ready! If you answered "Maybe", then keep reading.
2. Do I have multiples of this item?
I often find that if you have one, you have many. Whether it be, balls of yarn you haven't used in 5 years, all of those different size vases that are keeping your cupboard doors open, or your 1990s bottle cap collection if you have more than you need, it's time to go!
3. What's the worst that could happen if I got rid of it? What would I do in that situation?
Imagine yourself standing in your kitchen looking for that small vase with the rippled glass when you realize you donated it last summer. Are you going to freak out because you'd don't have it or are you just going to use a different vase?
4. Can I get this for less than $10 again?
Think of the thrift store as your storage unit. Is the large glass serving bowl that you've used only once since your wedding taking up too much space in your cupboard? Donate it! I bet if you went into a thrift store, you will find 4 more bowls, possibly even better bowls than the one you currently own. For those items that you rarely use, let someone else store it and buy it when you need it. Can't get over spending money on something you already have? Think of it as a donation. Most local thrift stores donate all or some of their proceeds to charities or missions, so everytime you buy that item you may only use once every five years, it provides you the opportunity to donate to a great cause and by donating the item again, you just helped someone else donate financially!
5. Does this item serve an everyday purpose?
Like that bowl that is just collecting dust, if you aren't using it on a regular basis, then you don't need it.
6. Can somebody else use this more than me?
Think about that yarn, or beach towels or candle stick holder that you've been holding onto for those "Just incase moments". Could someone else be using them more than you are?
7. If I had to evacuate the house because of an emergency, what would I take with me?
Are you going to be taking that 1980s China set that you are saving for when the Queen comes for tea? Think about the important items, the less you have the less you have to grab.
8.Just incase will probably never happen.
I bet you've told yourself this 100xs and I bet, only 10 out of those 100 times did you actually need that item. There are stores in every city where you can probably find that item again, if you realize that you do actually need it. Don't hold onto those 90 items that you will never use again.
9. Could I use this space for something else?
I come across this so often, is your blue sweater that you haven't worn in 5 years just taking up space in your closet? What about all of those shoes that are all scuffed or smell just a bit? Instead of spending money on another shoe rack, get rid of some and make some space!
10. A place for everything, & everything in its place.
A famous proverb that has been quoted in many books and movies. Similar to #9, if there isn't room for something, then A. don't buy it B. if you don't have a place for it, get rid of it.
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