Do I really use this?

Do you ever go through a box of items or through a closet and find something you have not used in a while but you swear you will still use it?  Even better, do you tell yourself that this object has an important function?  I have several experiences like that a day when working with a client.  Often times this new found treasure displays some tell tale sign of not being used or handled for a long period of time.  At that moment I often challenge my clients to think about whether or not they really use this item or if they simply think they use it. 

First off, if this item is so important and so functional, why has it remained buried only to be found right at this moment?  If it was so useful why were you not using it?  This can be a hint that the item does not need a home with you anymore.  If you need more convincing look at the state it is in.  This will tell you right away whether or not your perceived need of the object is justified. 

I was working with a client the other day when we came across many empty tall kitty litter bins.  They were her husband's so we could not just throw them away without asking.  I did still inquire as to why they were there and if they were truly needed.  She said he used them for sports storage and that they were important and should be kept.  I began moving them over to his pile of stuff to sort through when I pulled over a bin with an awful odor.  Two mice had died in it, and one had already decomposed into just bones!  These bins had been sitting there so long that two mice had been able to die in them.  There was the tell tale sign that these bins had not been used for a long time. 

So I challenge you, do you really use this?

Why we save things

Sometimes when you sort through your belongings and papers you come across things that have an obvious solution: a broken lampshade that is past its useful life and should be tossed, the first communion dress that is kept as a memento and the pair of jeans that no longer fit but can be used by someone else. These decisions feel like no brainers, questions with easy and direct answers.

What happens when you encounter an item you need to think twice about? People hold onto things for many reasons. The item may be valuable, it might have emotional meaning, it could be useful in some way or you feel compelled to keep it because it might come in handy down the road. Occasionally you may find a gift that has remained in hiding because it never really found its place in your home.

To avoid being overwhelmed in clutter by putting off decisions, do not overlook these more difficult situations and work to determine if something is important enough to keep. When you are faced with this scenario, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I love it?

Do I really need it? Can something else do the same job?

Do I have to keep this in the unlikely event I use it, or can I simply purchase it later if I am in need of it?

Is it worth making room for and do I want to spend the time to create a permanent home for it so I can find it again?

Can someone else make better use of this?

Is it part of the solution or part of the problem?

How to let go

Sometimes when you are sorting through your belongings and papers you come across things that have an obvious solution: a broken lampshade that is past its useful life and should be tossed, the first communion dress that is kept as a memento and the pair of jeans that no longer fit but can be used by someone else. These decisions feel like no brainers, questions with easy and direct answers.

What happens when you encounter an item you need to think twice about? People hold onto things for many reasons. The item may be valuable, it might have emotional meaning, it could be useful in some way or you feel compelled to keep it because it might come in handy down the road. Occasionally you may find a gift that has remained in hiding because it never really found its place in your home.

To avoid being overwhelmed in clutter by putting off decisions, do not overlook these more difficult situations and work to determine if something is important enough to keep. When you are faced with this scenario, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I love it?

Do I really need it? Can something else do the same job?

Do I have to keep this in the unlikely event I use it, or can I simply purchase it later if I am in need of it?

Is it worth making room for and do I want to spend the time to create a permanent home for it so I can find it again?

Can someone else make better use of this?

Is it part of the solution or part of the problem?

Questions for staying organized

The organizing process always includes purging your space of things you don’t need. However, many people do not realize that purging is ongoing. It is very important to continue qualifying items entering your home or office after the initial clean out has occurred.

However, letting something go can be confusing, hard and at times even painful. These are the questions you want to ask yourself whenever you are faced with the decision of letting something stay or go:

1. Do I need it?

2. Have I used it?

3. Do I want to take the time to choose a home for it so I know I will find it again?

4. Is it worth storing?

5. Does it have a function and can I use it?

6. Do I love it?

7. Would it benefit someone else more?