TheOrganizingScream by Allison Carter

How do I get rid of things when I have a hard time letting go? This is a very common problem for people who want to get organized. You feel conflicted – torn between being organized and simplifying your life, but you’re afraid you might need it someday. Sound familiar? If this describes you, then there are a few tricks you can use to work your way through the piles and over-stock.

1. Not sure you can live without it?
Create a holding pattern.  Designate a “holding” bin for things you think you might need again, but can’t really think of an exact time you will use them. Close the bin and mark it with a date 1 month, 6 months or 1 year in the future. Every time you NEED something from the bin, go ahead and take it out and use it.  If you haven’t used an item after your designated time stamp, then you are most likely not going to NEED it. It may be nice to have, but in truth, we don’t need nearly as much as we think we do. It is merely a want. And knowing the difference between NEED and WANT is incredibly important when organizing.

2. I can’t get rid of it because someone gave it to me.
If this sounds like a common problem for you, fess up to the fact that you’re only keeping some things because you would feel too guilty to get rid of them. Take out a box, a big one, and write on the sides “GUILT” and put everything in it that you don’t really need, use or love but you feel you have to keep because of an obligation.
If it’s furniture you have an even bigger problem (literally.) With this box, you can visually see all the mental clutter you’re carrying around in the form of objects.  If you have room, feel free to keep this box of guilt. But do realize that is what it is.
To me, a gift is something that doesn’t come with strings attached. And if keeping an item is a burden to you, it is not a gift at all.

3. Give to those in need, and do it often.
Find a charitable organization that you have a strong feeling for. It doesn’t matter whether  it is a battered women’s shelter, a family down the street, or the Kidney Foundation. Just find one that will make you feel good about giving to. Keep a “donation” box open and fill it with something every chance you get. Make a date to have it picked up or take it to the recipient regularly.

4. Sentimental stuff is hard to let go of.
If you’re particularly sentimental it can be hard to get rid of objects because it feels as if you’re throwing away memories.  But the memories really live in your head and the object is only a trigger for the memory. If you don’t have room for all of the keepsakes, try turning some of them into digital/virtual objects. Take photos of t-shirts, stuffed animals, trophies, and art projects.  Scan schoolwork, report cards, certificates and anything flat. Save your keepsakes on discs and in a virtual vault online such as Picasa, a free photo site with Google.  You can even print a digital scrapbook of your collections of t-shirts, ticket stubs, and kids art if you want something tangible to browse through.

Want more ideas?
In our next post, I’ll give you a list of questions you can use to help you decide whether you can donate or toss your clutter.

– Allison