Question of the Week: I know that clutter is not good for me to have in my home. My problem is that when I try to get rid of things, I just can’t bring myself to let them go. Please help me!
Icompletely understand where you are coming from. Most people, especially those who are sentimental, have this same problem when they go to clear their clutter. The fol
lowing tips will address some common obstacles and challenges that typically come up when de-cluttering, and the best strategy I’ve found to deal with them.
• Obstacle No. 1: “It was a gift” strategy.
See the item as an object, not a gift. When you are sifting through the gifts you’ve been given, ask yourself the following: “Do I love, use or need this item?” If your answer is no, depending on its condition, you can sell, donate, re-gift or discard the item. Keep your focus on the intent to de-clutter.
• Obstacle No. 2: “I might need this later” strategy.
You need to decide exactly when “later” would be. When you see something that you don’t use and immediately think, “I may need this someday,” ask yourself, “Realistically, when will I need or use this?” If you can’t come up with a specific date, assign a date six months from now, put the items in a box, and write the date on the outside of the box. If “someday” (the date on the box) comes and you haven’t used those items, pick up the box, put it in your car and drive straight to a donation station.
• Obstacle No. 3: “I paid a lot of money for this” strategy.
Accept that keeping the item will not minimize your guilt or increase the item’s value. Accept your losses and move on. If you subconsciously feel guilty for spending so much for — and not using — the item, the guilt won’t help you start using it, nor will it increase its value. In fact, keeping the item perpetuates the guilt. Let it go and you will feel so much better.
• Obstacle No. 4: “Someday I’ll have a garage sale and sell the item” strategy.
Try to find an alternative home for the item. I see “garage sale syndrome” often. For some people, a garage sale works, but for others it is an excuse not to act. While garage sales are a way to turn your things into cash, ask yourself if the mental, emotional and time burden is worth it for you. If letting go is difficult for you, a garage sale may be difficult. Instead, find a charity to donate your items to, then schedule a pick-up date at the soonest opportunity.
Alice Inoue is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness U, a friendly educational establishment at Na Lama Kukui on Nimitz Highway. At Happiness U you’ll find dozens of inspiring classes all geared toward personal growth, helping you live a more purposeful and ease-filled life. Visit us online at YourHappinessU.com.