Do I Really Need This???

Almost everyone has a hard time letting go of items that no longer serve them in their life. I often find that asking the right question helps people make the decision about whether to keep or to put something back into the Universe. To paraphrase English designer William Morris, I truly believe we should not house anything we do not feel to be functional, beautiful, or both.

Here is a series of questions to ask yourself compiled by our NAPO (National Organization of Professional Organizers) forum. They cover many situations and lots of types of stuff that can come to overwhelm us.

General Stuff

* Was it a purchase mistake? (if so, it does not make it better to keep it)
* Does it take more time and effort to manage than it is worth?
* Does it make others unhappy to see it? Am I putting things before people and relationships?
* Do you need it? Is it redundant (i.e., do I really need 3 measuring spoon sets)?
* Do I love it? Does it make me happy or unhappy to see it?
* If you were moving, would you pay to have it packed and moved?
* Would you buy it again?
* Is it broken, and if so, are you ever really going to fix it?
* Are you ever really going to finish this project (book, quilt, etc.)?
* Can you borrow or purchase another one, if needed, without spending a fortune or having trouble finding it?
* When is the last time you used it (assuming you knew it was there)?
* If you knew that someone else would really benefit from having this (i.e. if you found a great place to donate it), would that make it easier for you to let it go?
* Is this adding value to your home or business?
* Is this item getting in the way of your ability to find what you need, when you need it?
* Will this help you make or save money?
* How much space does it require (the more it takes, the more critical you should be in your decision to keep it)
* If you keep it, will you remember you have it? If you remember you have it, will you be able to find it?

Paper

* Am I legally required to keep it (i.e. vital & tax records), and if so, for how long?
* Will I actually use it/refer to it/need it?
* Is the information still current?
* Can it easily be duplicated or created if needed again (i.e. found on the web)?
* What's the worst that can happen if you toss it?
* Is it a duplicate?

Clothes

* Is the item in good condition?...does it have stains or tears or is it too worn)?
* Is the item still in style (And no.....1980's shoulder pads are not going to come back into style in the same exact way)?
* Do you love the item, or even like it? Does it make you feel great to wear it?
* When was the last time I wore this item.Would I use it again now that I remember that I have it?
* How many do I currently own of this type of item (maybe 20 pairs of black pants are too many)?
* Does it fit? If not, is it within a reasonable number of size ranges of my current size to keep it?

Memorabilia

* Do you have anything else that reminds you of this (event, person, time)?
* If we took a picture of it, would that make it easier for you to let it go?
* Am I keeping it because someone gave it to me and I'll feel guilty if I get rid of it?
* Does the sentimental value exceed the practical value (if so, by all means, keep it!)