When I work with people to help them declutter I ask some specific questions about the items they have trouble getting rid of. One thing I hear over and over in response to “Why are you keeping this?” is just in case. From tools to towels to bundt pans, we hold on to stuff because we think there will come a time in the future when we will need it. I’m not saying we should rid our homes of all potentially useful items, but just in case can be an excuse to hold on to anything and everything. If you find yourself struggling with this, ask yourself these questions:
1. When was the last time I needed this? If it has been two years or more, odds are you will never need it again.
2. If I need this in the future, can I borrow it or buy it for little money? If it can be replaced for less than $20, get rid of it. Keep in mind almost any useful item can be found second hand at garage sales or on Craigslist.
3. Do I want my home to be a place for living or a place for storage? In some cases, accumulating stuff interferes with using your home the way you want to. If your need for storage is preventing you from parking cars in the garage or reclaiming that spare room for a hobby you enjoy, maybe it is time to rethink how you want your space to function.
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Make it fab! Carrie