Decluttering and embracing spring cleaning by letting go of unused items can make a significant difference in your life. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
Two Major Categories of Unused Items
There are two major categories of unused items:
- Sentimental Items: Things we keep for emotional reasons.
- Useful Someday Items: Things we keep because we think we will use them one day.
Step 1: Compile and Photograph
First, compile all these unused items and take a photograph. This will be your “before” picture.
Sentimental Items: Questions to Ask
Let’s start with the items you’re holding onto for sentimental reasons. Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Does this item evoke positive memories for me?
- Who would want this item if I were to pass away suddenly?
- Do I need to keep the physical version, or is digitizing it or photographing it sufficient?
Useful Someday Items: Questions to Ask
Now, let’s move on to the items you’re keeping around because you think you will use them one day. Here are five questions to consider:
- When was the last time I used this?
- When do I think I will use this again?
- Can I give this to someone else who will use it now, and borrow it as needed?
- Can I use it one last time and then throw it away? (I often do this with clothes that are on their last legs—check out my video on travel smart for more details.)
- Would this item be better used by someone else if I donated it to charity?
Step 2: Eliminate and Photograph
After sorting through your items and eliminating some, take a photograph of the “after” pile.
Feel good after doing some organizing at home? If you found these cleaning hacks useful, share this post.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
