10 questions you could ask yourself while decluttering
Decluttering your home can be an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be.
To make the task a bit easier, ask yourself these ten questions before deciding what to keep and discard. By answering these questions, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. This will help you create a home that’s organised and clutter-free.
Does this item have a function or purpose in my home?
If an item is just sitting there collecting dust, not being used, causing unnecessary emotional distress/pressure (yes, I’m talking about those items of clothing you’re “going” to fit into one day) or occupying space that could be utilised for something else. It is time for it to go! Time for it to be used by someone else. Time to give back its purpose.
Do you love the item?
Not everything has to spark joy; just look at sentimental items which stir up a number of other emotions. This question mainly applies to clothing, so I am going to explain this question from that perspective. When you open your wardrobe, which items of clothing do you gravitate towards? Which items of clothing make you feel good in them? Comfortable? Sexy? Functional? For example, you have three ‘little black dresses’, but you always wear just one, what do you want to do with the others? This is when questions 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 may help you.
Have you used or worn it in the past year?
I think this question explains itself. This helps you apply a time frame to an item. If that doesn’t work, I would also ask the other questions to help you.
Is the item in good condition?
Does this need to be repaired? Do you need to add a bit of superglue? Get it tailored? Take it to be fixed? Get a part for it? Does it need to be replaced? For example, you have this great pair of sports leggings. You love the colour and cut, but unfortunately, the material is too thin for you to do those squats in the gym if you know what I mean. This calls for a donation and replacement.
Would you repurchase the item if you had the chance?
If this item went missing, would you need to repurchase it? Would you go looking for this item on eBay or secondhand platforms? Would there be a big hunt for this item?
Just be careful when applying this question to sentimental items. There is a huge weight of emotions behind this question, and getting that mixed up with your existing emotions attached to this item, could cause more damage than help.
Will I have more space to do the things I want?
Will removing all those unused kitchen appliances create more counter space? Will organising that paperwork open up a surface to create or work? Will implementing a laundry routine help you have family dinners at a dining room table?
Sometimes letting go can open other opportunities for joy and happiness.
Do I need to save it for tax or legal reasons?
Need I say more…? As much as we would love to take that stack of paperwork and chuck it in the recycling bin, sometimes we need those pieces of paper for tax or legal reasons like a lease or sale agreement or those receipts for Self-Assessment in January. This is when implementing a home filing system will benefit you.
Are you holding onto the item out of guilt?
Gifts? Sentimental items? This one really hits you in the gut, right? Just remember your home is not a display cabinet or museum. Surround yourself with items that bring you joy, and let go of items that bring back sad or unwanted memories.
I would also implement a Gift List which you can share with your family and friends so that you can receive gifts that you will use and want. #sustainablegiftgiving
Do you have a place to store the item?
Do you have a loft or basement to keep this item? Is it going to be in the way? Will you be tripping over it? Can it be replaced with something more functional and smaller? Can it go vertically? This question doesn’t allow you to buy more storage so that you can store that item. No No! This question helps you evaluate the current surface area you have to work with.
Does it help me achieve my goals in life?
Is this item actually contributing to my life goals, or is it creating a barrier? Like all those items on your living room floor, are they stopping you from doing those home workouts which you want to do to achieve your fitness goal?
These are the type of questions I use when helping a client declutter. If you feel like you need an extra pair of hands or you want someone there who can be unbias, then please go ahead and book a FREE 15min consultant with me.
