by Cathy Baker
I hate clutter but you wouldn’t know if you knocked on my front door today. It would instead appear as a lifelong friend making itself right at home in any corner it pleases.
Little does it know, a plan is being set in motion to pack its bag and cart it off to the closest Goodwill. (Brian, ignore the stand-up bass loaded in the truck below.)
So why have I allowed books to nestle in the corners and a multitude of notes to scatter on multiple surface tops? I get overwhelmed—quickly! But you know what they say…
I plan to share my decluttering strategy in more details down the road. Today, I share three unique questions that will lead the way:
- If I were shopping right now, would I buy this? Talk about a fresh perspective!
- Does it fit me or my current living space? I face the prospect of getting rid of my, shall I say, “spacier” clothes? That’s a lot of clothes but holding onto them signals my willpower that it’s okay if I gain my weight back. It’s not okay.
- Is the only thing that’s keeping me from disposing of this item is that I don’t want to waste money? This is a biggie. I’m learning that the ironic part of this argument is that our “stuff” often ends up costing us much more in the end — mentally and physically. There’s upkeep, the worry of someone knocking on the door which could result in two hazards: (1) our stacks will topple and (2) someone will see our stacks topple, and a whole host of other effects of clutter.
Okay, that’s all the transparency I can handle for one day.
Which of the three questions above would motivate you most to jump on the decluttering junk wagon?
(To read the source (Popsugar, Emily Co.) for the above questions in its entirety, click here.)
have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more
than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25
Great post, Cathy! The question "if I were shopping right now would I buy this?" really made me think. I think I'll try that one when I finally get around to cleaning my closet!
That is the question that got my attention the most as well, Carol. 🙂 Ah, great minds! ha! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. Missed seeing everyone at the meeting a couple weeks ago.
That's the question for me too. I love to declutter and do it often but this question is new to me. I'm going to use it to help my girls.
I wish I'd started at that age, Amy. You're such a wise mom! 🙂 I thought these questions were great too — unique for sure. I'd never asked myself if I would buy the item again if given the chance. That was a biggie for me.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share. 🙂
oh, the bane of my existence. Clutter creates while i'm sleeping. It is a constant battle. Good luck my friend. I am finally making a dent in the war on clutter…then my kids come home and… Blessings! G
Is that how clutter grows? ha! I wish that's what happened in my home. 🙂 Now that we're empty nesters we don't have anyone else to blame but us…unfortunately. ha! Thanks so much for stopping by Ginger.