When you are ready to start organizing an area in your home you realize the emotional value you have put on your things. There are items you can readily throw away or donate, but then there are the items you have held onto for a reason. You feel guilty about getting rid of something that was a gift. Or, you think you may need this someday. What about the memories that come with the items? We have seen on many home organization TV shows where people break down crying because they can’t purge the items in their home. Not until you truly look at the reason you have been saving your items do you understand their pain. How can we let go?
First, you will not be able to start to dispose of anything if you are not mentally ready. You can purchase all sorts of storage containers and organizational tools, but if you have too much stuff you will never feel the calm of having your space organized. Once you have made the decision you are ready for a change, then you are ready to begin.
Second, determine why you have held onto something. Did you save it for the memories, the value, the potential value, the guilt? Once you have figured out what emotion is behind each item you will be more prepared to make decisions. If you held onto an item because you think it has monetary value or will eventually have monetary value, look it up on EBay to see what it is going for currently. I was surprised to find that the 1980’s Sports Illustrated Magazines that my husband has been holding onto are going for about $1.99 each. Not the big bucks we were expecting! That made the decision to get rid of them much easier.
Guilt is a big factor in holding onto items. From furniture and clothing, to nick-knacks and kids items, people don’t want to hurt others feelings for the gifts (and hand-me-downs) that were given to them. Most family and friends wouldn’t want you to hold onto an item you no longer need. Those who can’t understand why you need to dispose of an item may need to hear the reason you are getting rid of their gift. Let them know you will find good homes for the item(s). If it is a family member who has admired the item or a charity that will benefit from the item, you can feel good about giving it away. Goodwill and Salvation Army are well know for taking donations (in good condition), but there are also women’s shelters, animal shelters and other smaller charities that can take your items for those in need. Finding a good home may take time, but if it helps relieve your guilt, and that is time well spent. Don’t procrastinate on finding a home, or you will never be free of the item. Be vigilant in your progress!
The memories of items are the hardest to deal with. You feel if you get rid of the item you will never remember the good times that came with it. There are wonderful things you have saved that are worthy of being displayed. Display items as a collection or in a manner that shows its “value” (to you). If they are not worthy of being displayed, re-evaluate if you really need them. Can you take a picture of the item and write a note to go along with it telling the story of why it was important to you? Many times that will be enough to be able to let go. For those that are tactile and enjoy touching the item, can you clip a part of it off and save it with the picture and story? Yes this may destroy the item, but letting go is important.
Make the decision if you want to live in the past (all your memento’s), in the future (one day I may need that), or live for today. Living for today will help you to keep clutter down. Organizing isn’t about boxes and bins to put items in, it is about finding homes for those items you need and love. If everything has a home, then you will be able to find what it is you are looking for. Putting things away will be easier. This will free up your time to spend it doing what you want. Really look at what you are saving and ask yourself why? This question will help you in your decision making process to accomplish that area you are trying to organize!
