Wishing you a happy summer!

I hope you’re having a relaxing summer filled with carefree moments and simple pleasures. Since my husband is a teacher, I tend to go into “summer mode”, where I work less and play more. We go on trips, have friends over for cookouts, and enjoy nature. However, we also have a summer to-do-list made up of household chores and things that need to be addressed while he has more free time. What about you? Do you have a summer to-do-list? Is decluttering on your list?

Decluttering without excuses

Have you ever stopped to consider why we hold onto certain things even though we haven’t used them in years? Is it possible our reasons are excuses, a form of procrastination, and a way to avoid making decisions? We tell ourselves that our unused items still have value, but this is an attempt to justify our inaction, and avoid the discomfort that can come with letting go of things.

How would you rate the following; valid reason or excuse?

1. I haven’t used it in years, but it’s still good.
2. It’s not really my taste, but it was a gift.
3. I spent a lot of money on this. It’s a shame I don’t use/wear it.
4. It’s too valuable. I can’t possibly let it go.
5. I’ve never used it, but I inherited it from my grandmother.
6. I’m saving it to pass on to my children.
7. I don’t have time to deal with it. So, I’ll just hold onto it.
8. I don’t want it, but I don’t know how to get rid of it.
9. I don’t want it to go into the landfill.
10. I might need it someday.

I’d like you to please consider my counter arguments as related to the above list.

1. If it’s still good, why aren’t you using it?
2. This can be tricky, but have you ever asked someone what they did with the gift you gave them? We all know it’s the thought that counts, right?
3. If you hang onto it for another year will it have cost any less?
4. If it’s packed in a box in the attic are you appreciating its value? Is there someone you know who will appreciate its value?
5. Can you take a photo of it and then let it go? Can you keep a piece or portion of it, and get rid of the rest of it?
6. How sure are you that they will want it? Could someone less fortunate benefit from it, now?
7. If you did have time, what would you do with it? Can you make time to address it?
8. Can you ask someone or do a bit or research on how to dispose of it?
9. Can you repurpose, give it away, donate, sell, trade it for something else, recycle it?
10. Really? For what? Please let go of someday to make room for today!

I’d encourage you to consider the above while decluttering and motivate yourself to let go. Email me if you’re struggling, I’d be happy to help.