CUT THE CLUTTER

With the warmer temperatures of spring finally here, many folks' attention turns to "spring cleaning." For some folks this is looked forward to as a kind of catharsis, while others dread anything that requires them to clean out, organize, or chuck old items.

Like many people, I have a natural tendency to hang on to items for far too long, even items that I know I have not used, or worn in months. Therefore, it is really important for me to keep this hoarding tendency in check, so I make sure I don't end up with piles of unnecessary items and detritus from my past.

I would say that the first few months of the year, especially March and April, are great months to get rid of old items that are not being used. One reason is that you can take stock of the first quarter of the year by looking at items you haven't used in the past 90 days. If you haven't used it/worn it in the past 90 days, or plan to use it/wear it in the next 90 days, it may be time to donate or toss.


The transition of the seasons can really help in this process, as well. For example, you can think back to the items you used/wore in the winter, and put those in a pile to keep. Anything that wasn't used in the winter, you may need to pass on to someone else that can get some use out of those items. Likewise, if there are items you don't plan to use in the coming spring months, get rid of them.

One should also get rid of "just in case" items -- those items that you are saving up for that unknown "rainy day" in the future.  It is unnecessary to have the clutter associated with those items just for the slim chance of future use. I think this is an especially tough habit to break if you like to be prepared, and are always planning for the worst. Keep on the sunny side of life! Plan for the best.

Here recently I got rid of a big box of clothes (unused and underused), a box of books (some read, some unread), and two pairs of dress shoes no longer fit for the occasion. I dropped off the items at a Goodwill donation truck in the still of the night. No tax receipt necessary for me, because the most important thing for me is moving forward with my life.

After culling down my items, and making the donation, I felt great. Not only did I clear out physical space in my life, but I also feel certain I cleared out some mental and emotional cobwebs, as well. Such is the feeling of catharsis that accompanies cleaning and getting rid of unnecessary items. You can call this a simplicity movement, or minimalism, or anything you like, but the effects are the same. I would encourage everyone to try it.

Too often we are weighed down by our possessions, both past and present, used and unused. Those items end up possessing us at times. By culling down old items, one is forced to refocus in on what is important in his or her everyday life. By freeing up that physical, mental, and emotional space, one will be less distracted, too. So cutting the clutter is a great exercise at any time of the year.

You shouldn't feel like you have to do a major cleaning or overhaul your items/wardrobe/possession/etc. right away. You can start with just giving away a few items, or start filling a small empty box with unused items. If I'm having trouble letting go of something, sometimes I find it helpful to think of who else might get value or use out of the item. By keeping it (hoarding it!) you are actually taking value away from others! Nine times out of 10, this though alone can help me to let go and pass it on.