How Can I Let This Go?

So now you're really ready to reduce the clutter, clean out that closet, or generally simplify your life. How to decide what to keep and what to Put Back into the Universe?

Here are some of my best questions that help my clients (and sometimes me!) determine what's a treasure and what is just excess baggage for the journey. Ask them yourself as you sort through your stuff.

Watch Tracy Douglass and me discuss this on the KARK 4 Noon Show on August 2nd!!

General Stuff
1. Was it a purchase mistake? If so, hanging onto it does not make it better, nor does it return value for your investment. (See earlier post on Sunken Costs)
2. Does it make me and/or others happy or unhappy to see it?
3. Am I ever seriously going to finish this hobby/project/craft?
4. Would I buy it again?

Paper
5. Am I legally required to keep it?
6. Can I find the info more quickly online?

Clothes
7. Do I love it and feel great in it?
8. Does it fit? If not, is it within a reasonable number of size ranges of my current body to justify keeping it?
9. Is it stained or worn, and how would I feel if I ran into a good friend/old flame/my mother/my boss, etc. while wearing it? By the way: unless you are a painter, you only need 2 old painting outfits - max!!

Memorabilia
10. Do I have anything else that reminds me of this person or event? Or would a photo be enough?
11. Is there genuine intrinsic value as an antique or collectible now? Not 25 year from now, maybe, hopefully like Beanie Babies!
12. If it was a gift, would I feel guilty for long for letting it go? And would the giver truly want me to feel that way?


Hope this helps in your quest for the Organized Life!!