Do you want to de-clutter but just cant? Are you emotionally tied to things and cant bear the thought of losing them? Or cant let go in fear that you MAY use an item some day? What makes it so difficult to simply get rid of things and move on? Here are two main reasons why we save stuff, and solutions on how to break this bad habit.
#1. We save things because they have sentimental value and take us back to a memory.
This is predominantly what saving things are about. Not being able to let go. Fear of losing the past or a memory. Being disrespectful to the person who gave you an item.
The fear of letting go stems from a lack of trust in your memory, in your fear of losing the past. Its important to be reminded of this fact: You do not need a physical object to hold on to a memory. Understanding this makes it easier to detach from physical items. The best and most memorable things are the ones you cant touch.Our
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If for no other reason, let go of possessions simply to clear up your physical space. And in doing so, youll find that youll clear up a lot of mental space too. Easier said than done? Here are two simple ways you can preserve your memories and simultaneously de-clutter, physically and mentally.
*Take a picture! Admittedly, a photo doesnt give you that same touchy feely sensation as an object. However, it does save space, (in some cases a lot!), and a photo does conjure up a very similar memory as the actual item. If you had a rocking chair that brought back memories from your childhood, you would still have those same memories simply by seeing it in a picture. Photographed memories can live on far after an item does.
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*Save the best and toss the rest! Pick a favorite (or two!) and dispose of the rest of the collection. Whether its a collection of baby clothes, furniture, shells, your grandparents archives or any other collection of stuff you just cant bear to get rid of, save only the best. Pick your favorite and most meaningful item of the lot and donate or dispose of the rest. Your best memories will be preserved and youll have a lot more space for those new ones!
#2. We save things because were worried that we might want to use an item...someday.
I know I'm not the only one convincing myself that: "I may need that thing...someday...for some reason...under some random circumstance...just in case..."
Virtually everything is accessible in the world we live in. If your item becomes useful later, it will likely be available again. And if you really want and need it, you WILL find a way to get it. The amount of freedom a barely-used object takes away, no matter how small, is not worth it. You will gain so much more peace of mind and flexibility by keeping only the things you know you are going to use. If you havent used an item in a while but are still having a hard time getting rid of it, try this out:
*Set a time limit for your items use, (a year is usually best). For example, promise yourself that you will get rid of the coat hanging in your closet if you do not use it over the next 12 months.
Break the habit of saving too many things and of making excuses for your stuff. Youll find that letting go is really letting you live.
