Dealing with 'Expensive' Clutter

"But it was expensive!" is one of the most common reasons for holding on to clothes and things that we don't wear oruse. Face it: if you don't wear or use it at least once a year, it was not a good investment. Regardless of how much it cost, that lovely garment isn't doing anyone any good lingering in your closet. By taking it to a consignment shop you can pass it on to someone else who will enjoy it, as well as recouping some of your unwise investment.

Let go of the unwise choices you made in the past, and move on.

"I was able to at least take 7 big bags of clothing and stuff to a charity for donation. I am putting a sign up in my basement to designate space for "donations" and plan to make a trip each week to give away/get rid of "stuff".
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member

Going Through Life Changes

I think it's interesting that as clutter creeps in, year after year and decade after decade, it so often reaches critical mass (or we reach that point where we can't stand it any more) just as we are also dealing with the aging or passing of our parents and/or our own shift into a different life stage.

It does seem that major life changes often trigger the urge to purge. That's why it's important to take a break if the process gets emotional for you, and sit quietly for a while (instead of immediately distracting yourself with a different activity) and let whatever needs to come up, come up. That way we can declutter on the inside, too.

"I am finally letting go of old feelings that I should keep as much of my parents' stuff as I can. I was holding on to so much stuff from their old home, but not really using it. I am letting go slowly and feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member

Random Acts of Decluttering

Practice "random acts of decluttering." Every time you open a drawer or cabinet, look for something in there that you can now part with. There's a good chance that some of the things you thought you had to keep six months ago no longer have such a strong hold on you.

"I've let go of stuff in our pantry and kitchen. ...I'm looking at things and asking myself: How many different uses can I get out of this and do I want to give it storage space?"
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member