Decluttering your home isn't always as simple as going through and picking up items and choosing to toss them. There are times when you need to ask yourself questions that will make the process easier so you're not overwhelmed.
For example, when it comes to clothing, you may have to ask yourself if the item still fits or if its even still in date. Let's take a closer look at questions to ask when you're decluttering.
Does This Still Fit or Is It Dated?
When you're going through your closet, there are several questions to ask yourself. The first is when was the last time you wore the item. Does the item still fit? Does the item belong in the 1990s? Should you take it outside and burn it because it's so ugly? The biggest thing is holding on to items that may fit one day. Stop doing that to yourself. It can be emotionally devastating and holds you back.
When Was the Last Time I Used This?
A great question to ask about things in your kitchen or craft room is when was the last thing you used the item. For example, when is the last time you used your bundt pan? If it's been over a year, chances are you don't need the item anymore.
Does This Bring Me Joy?
We all have doodads around our home. These are the items that make a house a home. However, there are times when these items stop bringing joy to our life. Go through your home and remove any of the items that no longer bring you joy and donate them.
Am I Keeping This Out of Guilt?
Sometimes we get items after the passing of a loved one or as a gift. These may be items we never wanted, but we keep because we would feel guilty if we donated them. You need to move past that feeling. These items that don't bring you joy are robbing you of space in your home.
Do I Need This Many?
Are you guilty of buying something too often? It might be cute coffee mugs or even books. Go through your collection and ask yourself if you really need that many. Chances are there are pieces of your collection that no longer bring you joy.
Will I Get My Money Back?
Last, but not least, you may ask yourself the question, “Will I get my money back?” In most cases, the answer is no. For example, that treadmill gathering dust that cost a few hundred dollars, isn't worth what you spent. That doesn't mean you should keep it. Right now, it's stealing space in your home. Sell it for what you can. The money you spent is gone. Chalk it up to a mistake and move on.
Going through your home and decluttering gets easier when you know how to approach things. Ask yourself these questions as you declutter to make the task easier.
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Maris Peach says
I'm having trouble getting started fluttering my house. I need some help getting my husband on board fluttering his stuff. Seems as soon as I clear a space he fills it up with his things, yet he donated to charity shops regularly. He does, however, but surplus sales items, have collections that sit in boxes, and use the kitchen island and hall entry as his personal depositories. I know I have too much stuff, how do I get him to see he does,too?
Corrie C says
That's a tough one! Maybe you could decide together on a designated space for his collections, etc. and once he fills that up he needs to let some stuff go. It's always a balance when you have multiple people living in a space. At least for my boys, I can limit them to stuff in their room, but spouses are a more delicate issue. Maybe if you have a serious discussion and let him know how you feel when your spaces are decluttered vs. cluttered it would help. Perhaps he doesn't even know what you're trying to do and just sees the open areas as a free-for-all?