By Martha Tobin
Making space in your home and deciding to declutter to create this space can be an emotional process.
Letting go of items from your past can ‘feel like a funeral’ and while we know that logically our stuff is not who we are, we attach emotions to these inanimate objects – clothing, dishes, books, art, heirlooms, etc.
If these items are ones that you use and enjoy then keep them but if they are just piling up in a corner, taking up space in your closets, or covering surfaces, consider decluttering these items.
Yes, decluttering can be time-consuming but like any investment in your personal well-being, it will be worth it and the space you will gain can now be used much more efficiently and can even encourage personal growth.
7 Questions to ask yourself about items you are holding onto:
- If you could reclaim the space that these items were taking up, what could you do with this area?
- Are these items adding to the person you are now?
- If you took a photo of these items would that allow you to keep the memories but let the items go?
- Are you holding onto these items for sentimental reasons, guilt, potential use, etc?
- Are the items you are holding onto useful or bringing you daily joy?
- Could someone else use and benefit from these items?
- If you reduced down the volume of items you are keeping, would this allow you to feature a few of these treasures and enjoy them daily (versus having them out of sight?
Simplifying your life increases mindfulness, lowers stress and creates better emotional connection to yourself. And the less upkeep required of your physical environments, means you can invest more time on yourself and others in your life.
“It will feel first like a funeral like who you are is being ripped away
but eventually you’ll find that mourning is just another word for making space.”
(Whitney Hanson)