Rationalizations that Keep You Cluttered, Part 1

"I can't get rid of this because it's worth something/I paid good money for it"

I thought I would do a little mini-series on some of the rationalizations I hear from my clients that keep them from letting go of some of their excess belongings.

Listen, I am the first one to admit to struggling with this rationalization. If you've ever fallen prey to the Online Shopping "It Doesn't Look Like The Picture" Disappointment, you know what I mean. The shirt arrives, it looks okay but not great, and you decide the hassle of returning is too high and you'll probably wear it SOMEDAY. So in the closet it goes, never to be worn again. Then when you're sorting clothes for donation it's hard to give it up, because it's never been worn and darn it I PAID GOOD MONEY FOR THIS TOP. It's a vicious cycle, friends.

The same problem happens with gifts you don't love but know were expensive, wedding gifts you haven't used more than once a year or at all (holler at you, big huge serving bowl I forgot I own!) and other "kimono" (misc household goods if you watched Marie Kondo).

What's the solution? Shift your mindset. Remember, it's doing NO ONE any good for stuff you aren't using to just be stored in your home, taking up space and making you guilty. For some, it helps to find a higher purpose for your things - there are lots of great organizations that could use your clothing, household gifts and furniture. There's also no shame in selling it - take those extra dollars and put it towards something you really love. Just don't tell yourself you have to keep it to get your money's worth. The money you've spent on this stuff is already spent and gone, and holding on to it forever isn't doing you any favors!

Stay tuned for next week's rationalization, "I might need it someday!" I hope this little series helps you declutter, knowing you are making a great choice for your sanity.