Should It Stay Or Should It Go?
Boy, do I have a few bright ideas.
Here are a few to help you get organized.
As I write I have the song Should I Stay or should I go by the Clash stuck in my head.
Now you might too? If you have no idea who the Clash is, look up this song. And you too can sing this song while organizing.
Are you at a loss, a little stuck when sorting through items.
Is it hard to let go of items?
Here are a few guidelines I like to follow that might help you make decisions.
First get a bin ready that you can set up in a central location. As you ask yourself the questions below be prepared to place the items you decide not to keep into the bin.
1. Does the object or item bring up a memory when you see it or touch it? If it does, than ask yourself, is the memory a good one or does it bring up memories that are sad, angry, bitter, or resentlful? If you picked the later of the two, than get rid of the object. The items in your enviornment should spark joy.
2. Is the item broken, if it is, and your plan is to fix it and this has been your plan for the last year or so, but have not gotten around to fixing it, than this item is a good candiate for donation or garbage.
Is the cost to fix the item worth more than it is worth? Ask your self that question and if you answer yes than pitch it.
3. Do you have mutliples of the same item.
If so try pairing down, just keep one or two and donate the rest.
4. Does it fit?
Are you hanging on to an item in hopes of fitting back into it one day?
Consider donating these items that are taking up space in your closet.
A rule of thumb, if you have not worn the item in two years donate or sell the item.
If you do lose weight down the road, a nice reward for doing so is going out and buying new items to celebrate your success.
5. Are you hanging on to an item to appease someone else, but don't actually have a place to put it or wan't to display it. If this is the case than release it to someone who will cherish it.
Maybe it is an item that belonged to a family member and you feel guilty about letting it go. If you are making a decision based on guilt than rethink your decision.
I am a frequent shopper of second hand stores, as I make a purchase I like to think about the possible story behind each item. Where did it come from, how did it get here? I am honored to now own the item.
If the item is sentimental in nature, than take a photo of it before parting with it. A photo takes up less space.
6. Has the item been burried under other items, not properly cared for, and you only just discovered it upon cleaning.
If you did not remember you had it and the way it was being cared for did not represent or reflect it's value, wether sentimental or monitary, consider giving it a new home.
The above list is a guidelne to help you better make decissions. There are exceptions to every rule.
So, should it stay or should it go? That is the question!
You are now on the right path to simplifying your enviornment, just ask yourself the above questions as you begin eliminating items in your home.
Happy Organizing!
Tricia Nowicki
