Tough To Toss

One of the biggest hurdles to getting organized is feeling uncomfortable with getting rid of belongings. Here are 4 common reasons why shedding can be tough, and some thoughts on how to get the job done.

Barriers to De-Cluttering

#1 FEAR
This is when we think “I can’t get rid of it because I might need it someday.” While there are some items that should be kept, we must always remember that holding onto items costs us space, time and energy.

SOLUTION: ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR WHAT YOU WILL KEEP
A vague, potential future need is not enough. To justify its “rent” an item must be something:

• You might need to produce for legal/tax reasons (deductions paperwork, mortgage documents, living will, etc.)
• You have a known future use for (e.g. not a piece of furniture that your kids have already told you they don’t like)
• You love (e.g. not old/ill fitting/out of style professional clothes “in case you go back to work”)

#2: GUILT
Classic examples here include gifts/inherited items, expensive items, great bargains, greeting cards and kids artwork.

SOLUTION: ONLY KEEP WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY
Possessions that remind us of family members can be among the most meaningful in our lives. But “should” is a bad reason to keep something. Remember…

• No relative or friend intended for you to cringe every time you look at an item he/she gave you. It was intended to make you happy. If it doesn’t, get rid of it.
• Just because an item has been in your family a long time doesn’t mean it needs to stay. If you love it, keep it. If not, pass it on.
• The amount you spent on an item is insignificant. Evaluate an item based on its current value in your life.
• Greeting cards, unless they are filled with a beloved handwritten note, can go. Read, enjoy, then pitch.
• Hang up current children’s creations and move the rest either into digital form (try the Artkive app), a memory box, or the trash. Artwork made of food or that is simply scribbles on a pre-printed page aren’t worth keeping.

#3: DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF IT
This is where we run into items that are hard to dispose of, such as old paint, used electronics, air conditioners, old/unused medication, sensitive paperwork, etc.

SOLUTION: IDENTIFY DISPOSAL OPTIONS 
To move forward, you need to do a little research. If you lack the time/desire to do this on your own, contact a professional organizer in your area for assistance. A few suggestions….

• Old towels/torn linens: Recycle in a USagain bin (available at the transfer station) or drop off at a nearby vet.
• Old Paint: Add kitty litter and leave container open until the paint hardens. (latex only)
• Phones/Computers: first, see if anyone is collecting donations in your area (Staples, Best Buy). Otherwise, remove and destroy motherboards to secure private information and pitch the rest (some communities have electronics recycling.)
• Used medication should not be put in the trash, flushed, or run down the drain. The Darien police department will now accept old medication.
• Sensitive paperwork: Check with your accountant to be sure you can let it go, then shred.
• Batteries/used motor oil/oil-based paint/chemicals: bring to the next hazardous waste collection day. This will be June 7th from 9:00-1:00am at the Noroton Heights RR Station.

PROBLEM #4: INABILITY
This is primarily when items are too large/heavy for you to remove on your own.

SOLUTION: GET HELP
Either “phone a friend” or hire the muscles you need to get the items out of your space. Some charities will do the carrying when they pick-up, but not all, so be sure to ask in advance. For large quantities of donations, you can schedule a pick-up at home.

*    *    *    *    *

Shedding unwanted possessions may not seem as fun as acquiring new ones, but the process can leave you with a feeling of freedom and lightness that is hard to beat.

What resources have you found helpful when de-cluttering?

Submitted by Professional Organizer Seana Turner, founder and President of The Seana Method.