Vickie Dellaquila is a Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Organization Rules, Inc, located in Pittsburgh, PA. Her company provides senior downsizing, move management and residential organizing services. She is also the author of the book, Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash-A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Seniors Downsize, Organize, and Move. Recently rated as one of the top 100 best books on Aging on Amazon! For more information, visit www.OrganizationRules.com or call 412-913-0554.
Think about that question. Most people would say sure, “I am in control of my stuff”, but are you really?
Is your home overrun with items you no longer use or cannot find things when you need them? Are you spending a large amount of time taking care of things in your home that no longer matter to you? Are you storing items in a storage unit, but you are not really sure what the heck is in there? Perhaps it is time to take a good look at your stuff and see who really is in charge-you or the stuff?
One way to start controlling your stuff is to make a plan to shed some of the things that are no longer important in your life. Chose a room to start in and pick up each item in the room. Remember to go through drawers, behind cabinets, under beds and sofas, and through the piles! Ask yourself a series of questions about each item.
- When was the last time I used it?
- Do I already own another one?
- Does it require a lot of maintenance?
- In regards to clothing-Does it fit?, Do I like it?, Is it in style?
- Will I ever need it again? And if so when?
- What would I need it for?
- When would I need it?
- Is it easily replaceable?
- What is the worst thing that would happen if I got rid of it?
- Why am I afraid to get rid of it?
- Are am I holding onto it, “just in case I might need it”?
By asking yourself these questions about each item, you can really decide what you want to keep in your life. Every item you own takes your time and energy to maintain, clean, and store. Just think about some of the things you no longer use, it is it worth your time and energy? Some things are, others are not. Only you can make that decision.
After going through your home room by room, why not apply this method to the garage and storage shed? Also your storage unit, if you rent one. You may be pleasantly surprised about how much stuff you do not want in that storage unit.
Of course now that you have gone through all your stuff, what should you do with it? There are many options. Charities, schools, and churches collect many types of used clothing, household items, paper. Just check with the charity to see what they accept. Give things to friends and relatives, who might really enjoy your collections-like albums, maybe they are collectors! Some things are beyond repair and need disposed of. You can also sell things on eBay, have a garage sale, or sell it on Craig’s list.
After one goes through the hard work and process of de-cluttering your home, keeping it free of clutter takes some maintenance. Remember to think before you make your next purchase. Every item needs a home. Before you buy it, ask yourself-Do I have a place for this? Do I really need this? Is it worth my money, my time and energy to maintain it? Maybe it will be, but not always. This will help you to make decisions about items and bring only those that are really meaningful into your home.
