Decluttering can feel like a never-ending battle. But what if I told you that the secret to decluttering your space is as simple as avoiding a few common excuses? From ‘I might need it someday’ to ‘I’ll do it later’, these excuses are detrimental roadblocks on the path to a simpler, more organized life.
So, let’s put an end to the excuses so that you can declutter your space once and for all!
The Secret to Decluttering Your Space
It’s simple. The secret to decluttering your space is to stop making excuses.
Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. There are a million reasons why you may choose to hold onto something that isn’t adding value to your life. However, being aware of the most common excuses that people make whilst decluttering can help you avoid making the same ones.
Below are the most common excuses people make whilst decluttering. As you read through the list, think about which ones you’ve caught yourself making.
10 Common Excuses We Make to Keep Our Clutter
Here are 10 common excuses you may be making to keep your clutter. Let’s get into them!
1. ‘I might need it someday’
Ah, the classic, ‘I might need it someday’ excuse. This is the most common excuse people make when they’re unsure about whether or not to get rid of something. It’s easy to convince yourself to hold onto ‘what if’ items out of fear that you’ll need them down the road. But, remember this; if you haven’t used an item in the past, you likely won’t have a need for it in the future. Holding onto items just in case you’ll need them some day is actually taking up valuable space for things you actually need!
2. ‘But it was a gift’
It’s common to feel a sense of guilt or obligation to keep a gift, regardless of whether it adds value to your life. The thought of getting rid of a gift can feel like rejecting the thought and care the person put into it. However, just because something was given to you, doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever. It’s important to remember that the person who gave you the gift likely wanted you to enjoy and appreciate it, not feel burdened by it. You can appreciate and acknowledge the sentiment behind the gift without needing to hold onto it forever.
3. ‘I paid good money for it’
It’s common to feel a sense of financial loss or regret at the thought of getting rid of an item you spent a lot of money on. It’s natural to want to justify your spending by holding onto items that you’ve paid for, regardless of whether you are actually using or enjoying them.
However, it’s important to remember that the money you spent on an item is in the past and cannot be recovered. Holding onto items that no longer serve a purpose is not a good use of space and resources (aka the money and time you put into maintaining the item).
So, instead of focusing on the money you spent, consider letting go of it a step towards creating a more organized and peaceful living space.
4. ‘It has sentimental value’
This excuse is often used to hold onto items that have sentimental meaning, such as a gift from a loved one or a memento from a special event. While it’s important to hold onto things that are meaningful to us, it’s also important to consider whether that item is actually adding value to our lives. Often times, there is a way to preserve the sentimental value of an item without holding onto it. Taking a photo of an item you feel attached to, is a great way to remind yourself of the memories associated with it.
5. ‘It’s still in good condition’
It’s important to remember that an item’s condition does not determine its usefulness or value in your life. Holding onto things based on their condition is a waste of space. You can give that item away to someone who will actually value it. Remember that when an item is not being used or enjoyed, it’s not a waste to let it go. It’s a step towards creating a clutter-free space.
6. ‘I’ll fix or alter it’
Do you have an ill-fitting top you’re holding onto because you plan to alter it one day? Trust me, we’ve all been there. It’s scary to let go of something that has potential. However, this mindset can lead to holding onto items that take up valuable space and create clutter. The reality is that many of these items may never actually be fixed or altered, and even if they are, they may not bring the same satisfaction or joy as you hoped.
It’s important to consider whether the item is worth the effort, time and resources to fix. Instead of keeping items with the intention of fixing or altering them, it’s better to focus on surrounding yourself with items that are already useful and bring joy in your life, and let go of those that don’t. This way, you will have more space for the things that matter and less clutter in your life.
7. ‘It may be valuable one day’
Holding onto items because they may be valuable one day can make it difficult to achieve your decluttering goals. To achieve your goals, it’s important to evaluate the item based on its current value to you.
Ask yourself if you have used the item in the past year. Does it bring you joy or serve a practical purpose in your life? If it doesn’t, let it go.
With that being said, I also invite you to think critically about the value of your items. It’s important to remember that value is subjective and what may be valuable to you may not be valuable to someone else.
Clothing items and trinkets will never be worth that much. However, jewelry and collector’s items may be worth holding onto. Set a limit on the amount of stuff you allow yourself to keep based on their potential value.
8. ‘It’s not taking up that much space’
Small items don’t add that much clutter, right? Wrong! It’s important to remember that it’s not just about the amount of space an item takes up, but also the energy and mental space it consumes. Instead of just looking at the physical size, consider the emotional weight it holds and if it’s truly serving you in some way.
Holding on to items that are not serving you, even if they’re small, can add up and make it difficult to achieve your decluttering goals.
9. ‘I might regret it’
Fear over letting go of items that may have sentimental value or be useful in the future is common. To stop yourself from making this excuse, remind yourself of the benefits of decluttering. Why do you want to declutter your life? Is it to be more organized or reduce stress? Reminding yourself of the benefits can help you get past the fear of regret.
It’s also helpful to remind yourself that if you do regret getting rid of something, you can always replace it later! Although 9 times out of 10, you’ll forget about the item after it’s gone.
10. ‘It might fit me again one day’
Holding onto clothes that no longer fit can take up valuable space in your closet and make it difficult to find the clothes that do fit. Plus, keeping clothes that no longer fit can be a constant reminder of a past version of yourself, when you may have been a different weight or size. This reminder can be both emotionally and physically taxing. So, get rid of those ill-fitting garments and make space for clothes that you can wear and enjoy today.
In Conclusion
The secret to decluttering is to let go of the common excuses that we make to hold onto things that we no longer need or use. These excuses can prevent us from achieving a clutter-free and organized space. Letting go of things can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that decluttering is not just about getting rid of things, it’s about creating a space that reflects who we are and how we want to live.
So, no more excuses! Embrace the power of letting go.
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