Before we organize, can we do an ‘edit’ to pair down the items?
The answer is usually “Yes”! This is an important part of organizing and beautifying a home! Here are some questions you can ask yourself while going through your items.
- Was this used in the last 6 months? 12 months? When was it used last?
If you don’t see an actual need or nearby use for this item, consider donating, selling or recycling this item. - Do you actually like these items?
Why keep something you don’t like? Even if it were a gift, it was the thought that counts. You have permission to let it go. - How many items of this do you have? How many do you actually need?
Can you pair them down and keep your favorites? Less is more. - How many uses does this item have? Is there a better item that could replace a few items?
Multi use items can be very helpful. For example a scanner/printer can replace two bulky items. - Can you make do without this item? Could you perhaps borrow one at the rare times you need it?
Borrowing items lead us to connect with others, and perhaps return the favor which helps build community. Communities create joy. - How much space does this item take up? Prime real estate!
Does the functionally value and pleasure of seeing the item outweigh the visual space it takes up? Perhaps you will fine more joy having this area free! - Would you keep it if it were originally free?
If something was originally expensive…. Keeping it will NOT bring the money back. - Can someone else get more use of this?
Karma and great satisfaction comes from spreading joy to others. Check out our list of places that accept donations/consignment. - Would you notice if this was gone?
Perhaps once gone you will never give this item another thought! - Is it beautiful or useful?
If not, why are you holding onto it? If sentimental… read next question. - Does this hold special memories for you? Is there another way to honor that moment/person/memory?
Would a picture save the memory? Can you honor the item and the person that is connected with in your heart instead? - Are you perhaps keeping this because you don’t know what to do with it?
Set in the purge/donate/sell pile and we will help you come up with a solution - Is it in good condition? If broken, will you fix it in the next week?
Chances are, if you haven’t fixed it yet, you won’t likely. No use in holding onto something broken - Is it age appropriate for your children? Has it been outgrown? Is it for the future, does it need to take up prime real estate in your home.
If you are saving items for a younger child to grow into, lets store that away in long term storage properly labelled.
