15 Helpful Questions to Ask When Decluttering Your Home
If decluttering was easy you wouldn’t freeze when your stuff starts screaming at you to sort through it. We’ve all been there - paralyzed by the mountain of decisions in front of us. You don’t need to make perfect decisions though - what you do need is to gain momentum. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 rounds of decluttering with my clients for them to feel more and more comfortable making decisions about their things. By the last round they’re feeling empowered (and free!)
A few or even just one of these prompts can help you - find the questions that do resonate and repeat them to yourself when you’re stuck on any particular item (or even try running through the entire list if you’re really stuck). And remember - you’re aiming for progress over perfection because decision fatigue is a real thing!
15 DECLUTTERING QUESTIONS:
When was the last time I used / wore / read / viewed this item?
If the item is something I really don’t use or need, can it be replaced easily and inexpensively should I ever need it?
Does the “someday” I am keeping this item for have a high probability of actually coming?
How does this item make me feel? If negatively, why am I torturing myself by holding onto it?
Am I only keeping this item out of guilt? (Because it was a gift, expensive, a memory, etc).
Would I purchase this item now if given the choice?
Does this item fit my body or current lifestyle? If not, will it again - realistically?
Is this item in good shape? If not, can it be repaired (and will I get it repaired?)
Would this item be more loved, appreciated or used by someone else?
Have my kids outgrown this clothing / toy / book / hobby?
Is there another way I can use this item in my home if it’s not being used for its original, intended purpose?
Do I need X amount of this item? Does it feel like a lot? Would keeping Y amount instead, suffice? (And actually be easier?)
Would I miss this item if I got rid of it right now?
Does keeping this item serve little purpose but wastes a lot of space physically and/or energetically (and makes it hard for me to access other things and clean around it)?
Can I even remember why, when, or how I acquired this item?
Listen to the voice in your head when you’re answering these questions. Hopefully it’s saying “you know Lauren, you really don’t need that anymore” - and challenge it if it’s being stubborn (like “but maybe one day…"). If you continue to get stuck, create a “maybe” pile for items you would like to revisit in a 2nd or 3rd round of decision making.
Be sure to revisit the “maybes” though (because Barbara Hemphill said it perfectly: “clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions”). I personally am ruthless when it comes to getting rid of things, always satisfied with a lesson I am learning about the purchase (or gift) during its exit from my life - and there is always a lesson.
You got this!
If you need extra help, grab your behind-the-scenes guide to working with me, Meg, a Certified Professional Organizer ® servicing in-home clients in Denver and virtually nationwide, here.
