5 questions to help you let go of things you don’t need and declutter

Decluttering is one of those tasks that can get out of hand if you do not do it often. Also, it can be hard to embark on decluttering when you have so much sentimental attachment to many of the items you own. Fear not! Here are five questions to ask yourself when you are decluttering to make the process easier.

Looking for a break from spring cleaning? Have you ever tried a bet basket when doing sports betting? Choose the national or international basketball event that you want to bet on, place your bets, and keep updated on whether it succeeds or not during the game. Most importantly, have fun placing your bets, and keep in mind that not all bets are going to be profitable wins.

Ask yourself these questions to help you declutter

1. “When was the last time I used this item?”

If you look at a T-shirt in your wardrobe or an old pillow you forgot about in your closet, think back to the last time that you used this item within the space you are currently decluttering. Usually, if you have not used an item in the past six to 12 months, you can safely say that it is time to let it go.

To declutter your wardrobe, turn your hangers the opposite way when you put away your laundry. Once you wear the item and place it back into the closet, hang it up normally. If you find that a shirt, pair of pants, or another item in your wardrobe still has a backward hanger within the next six months, you can safely say that it’s time to declutter it.

2. “Do I need this item soon?”

Sometimes we hold on to items thinking we will need them sometime in the future. To stave off the clutter, only keep items that you will be using within the next few months. Of course, with certain items such as baby clothes from a shower or sprinkle, store them away as your baby will grow into them before you know it.

If you have 10 bottles of dish detergent that you have stocked up from couponing, consider giving three to five of them away to relatives to free up space for other cleaners you may need down the line. Having at least three or four bottles on hand will get you through the next few months.

3. “Can this item benefit someone else more than me?”

Think about others’ needs and how they would be grateful to have what you are decluttering. Having this mindset can make it easier when it’s time to let go of some extra items that you may not necessarily need.

4. “Does this item have a sentimental value?”

Are you only keeping something because it has a specific sentimental value to you? Evaluate if your attachment to the item because of its sentimentality is healthy and useful for your current lifestyle. While you may hold onto a necklace your sister gave you two Christmases ago, if you do not wear it enough, it may be time to donate it to someone who will love it and use it often.

5. “How can letting go of this item help me get stronger?”

Decluttering in itself strengthens you mentally. You may end up decluttering things that you wanted to keep because you realise that it is not useful to you anymore. Hence, regularly decluttering your possessions can help you become mentally stronger so that you can figuratively move on in your life easier first by giving up possessions and then by taking changes with a grain of salt as they come to you with life situations.