Revisiting “What If” Items – Tips for Clearing Clutter

Remember our discussions about simplifying? Let’s look at that topic again. If you missed the last two posts on this important topic then read these first to get up to speed:

Organizing by Simplifying
How To Start Getting Rid of Stuff – Get Rid of “Maybe” Items

In a day or so we’re going to look at some ideas for what to do with sentimental objects you’re keeping around. But first, I wanted to see how getting rid of maybe items is going for everyone. If you’re having issues, I wanted to point out some easy tips for people who are having trouble getting rid of their what if items. If you can’t get rid of basic what if items, then managing sentimental what if items is going to be near impossible. Here are some tips:

Bring in someone who could care less about your stuff: Have a pal come visit for a day of organizing. If you’ve got stuff to get rid of, and it’s hard for you, a person who could care less is really helpful. Note that a person who could care less is almost anyone but you. Almost no one will have the same attachments to your what if items as you do. Better yet most people will say so. For instance, most people will gleefully point out that it’s just plain silly to have three colanders because seriously, when will you ever be able to physically drain three pots at once? Another person’s view point on what’s worth getting rid of can really help your clutter purging process.

Create a keep and don’t keep box only: When sorting clutter you only need these two boxes. Some people add a third box, the “not sure” box. Not sure boxes are almost totally useless. If you can’t decide between worth keeping and not worth keeping, it’s likely not worth keeping and should go into the don’t keep box. The only time you should put a maybe item in a box is if you plan on seriously re-visiting the box in a month, as I talked about here. This tactic should be used sparingly though.

Play the fast sorting game: Don’t dwell. Half the problem of sorting clutter is the dwelling process. I’ve seen folks dwell for days over a set of silverware. For pete’s sake you can always buy another set. The best (and sort of interesting) way to beat the dwell syndrome is to go fast. This works well with clothing, because clothing can be tossed quickly. Gather a pile of clothes. Grab one and immediately say keep or don’t keep; the first thing that comes to your mind. You can do this with all items and it’s always fun to see what you’ll say. I did this with about 1/2 of my book collection and it was shocking what I gave up. I don’t miss any of them either.

Sort visible clutter first: If you tackle the clutter you can see vs. the boxes stored in your closet, you get a cool prize; instant visual benefits and satisfaction. Your home will start to look better and feel better right away. Bonus, it gives you clutter reducing confidence to tackle the harder sentimental items.

Don’t get discouraged: On TV when you see people come in to a declutter an area, or you read a book with examples of clearing clutter, the time line can throw you. It seems quick to declutter when you see or read about a pro doing it, but the real-life process can take time. Go drawer by drawer and shelf by shelf. Don’t save give-a-way items, keep on making a weekly trip to the Goodwill. Every small box of stuff that leaves your house is one small box less of stuff in your house. It’s a big deal – small steps that will eventually add up.

The next post on simplifying will be on the sentimental what if items, which are tough, so if you’re having issues with basics, leave a comment, and hopefully another reader or I can offer some more advice.