In the process of evaluating and re-evaluating everything that takes up space from clothing to paperwork, I found myself mentally repeating, “Is it necessary?” Here are a couple of clarifying questions to help get to the answer fast:

Have you used it in the last 6 months?

The standard rule of thumb is to discard, sell, or donate anything that you haven’t used it in the last six months (of course, if it’s something seasonal this wouldn’t apply). It makes perfect sense. Even though time can truly fly by, if the item in question was essential you would have utilized it within a half a year.

Donating, re-purposing, re-gifting, or tossing are your options. To get a little cash the modern way, people are loving the letgo app found here. 

Does it give you joy?

This question is especially helpful when debating on clothing, artwork, jewelry, and housewares. Are you just hanging on to something because you think you should? Because you have it? Because someday you may wear it? Our things are a reflection of our state of mind. Does it make you feel happy, bring about a good memory, or even get you excited about endless possibilities? If so, it’s a keeper, otherwise, you know what to do!

Is it useful?

I’m not a knick-knack kinda girl. So you won’t find shelves of hummels, decorative soaps just for show, or endless ornamental pillows on my bed. If you find yourself dusting around chunks of stuff more than you’d like to, tripping over piles of old magazines on the floor, or re-arranging paperwork on your desk to find a clear surface to write a check than chances are this question will be helpful in your decision process.

Think about it, you visually take in the impressions of your home thousands of times per day – the colors, the objects, your collections, any clutter, and the endless mental “to do lists” that follow. These repetitive thoughts are renting space in your head and are in some way, shape, or form “slowing down your hard drive.” The act of clearing out paves the way for more efficiency, clarity, sense of peace, and self-satisfaction. Now, who doesn’t want more of that?!?

Still overwhelmed on how to take action on de-cluttering your life?

There is a NY Times best-selling book on the subject called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo. 

What tricks do you have that help you take action on the question, “Is it necessary?” Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time…breathe joy,

Kc
Integrative Business Advisor