Parting with Emotional Clutter

Recently, I shared a video on how to declutter, but what I did not cover is how to deal with some of the emotional aspects of decluttering. Today I want to share some tips and tricks about declutter – and especially when it comes to the more emotional side of things.

Tip #1: Go into a space with a fresh set of eyes

It is easy to become blinded to clutter. Items that have been in your home for a long time but are no longer useful can sometimes become invisible to us. Try going into a space with a fresh set of eyes. When you see items that you no longer use, you can safely part with them.

Tip #2: Ask yourself if you are the best user for an item

If you are going through your things and you are wondering whether or not to get rid of them, then ask yourself whether you are the best user for that item. If you are, then by all means keep it – but if not, give it away to someone who would make better use of it.

For example, I had some make-up that I used some of the time, but I really preferred to use other items in my make-up collection. I gave my less used make-up to my nieces who went absolutely crazy for it! Remember, if you are not the best user for an item, there is always someone out there who can use it more.

Tip #3: Lose the guilt

One of the biggest challenges we have as humans when we declutter is feelings of guilt. This is especially true if you have something that was given to you as a gift – by your mom for example – that does exactly suit you. You hold on to that item, not because you enjoy it but because you feel guilty getting rid of it.

Here is a secret. If someone gives you a gift, they probably like you – maybe even love you – and want you to be happy. Your relationship with them does not depend on an item.

Tip #4: Always be decluttering

Here is an easy rule to remember: ABD – or Always Be Decluttering.

Whenever you are in a space, challenge yourself to be finding things that you don’t need anymore.

One of my personal examples is a juicer that Chad and I used for a while after we got it, but eventually stopped using it and it was just taking up space and getting in the way. We put it in our donation pile and freed up the space.

Decluttering can be an emotional challenge for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the task can seem overwhelming – especially if you have a space that has not been decluttered in a while. If you start small, and use some of the tips listed above, you will be on your way to a much more peaceful and less cluttered space.

How difficult is it for you to declutter?