When did I last use/wear this? If you have an article of clothing or an item around your home that you haven’t touched or worn in a few months (or even years), then you can probably safely get rid of it. Items that are only supposed to be worn or used once in a while (like a winter coat) can be stored out of the way.
Why am I keeping this? Are you keeping that item around because you like it or because you feel obligated to keep it around (like a tacky present, or something)? If you don’t like it, donate it to a friend or family member in need. No need to keep that kind of stuff around!
How many of these do I have? If you have 15 pillows for one bedroom, then you can probably safely give them away. Don’t hoard items just because; only keep things that you will actually need and use.
Does this match my house? Style changes, including your own. So if you have something sitting around your house that used to fit in but doesn’t anymore, don’t feel bad for donating it!
Does it work still? This is a super important question. If you have a kitchen full of broken utensils, there’s really no use in keeping them around. Figure out if those items work and, if they don’t, get rid of them!
Is this still in style? Unless it holds some sort of sentimental value, there’s no reason to hang onto a piece of clothing (or decor!) that was all the rage fifteen years ago. If your clothing or items are outdated, then just get rid of them.
Can this be used year-round? For seasonal items, you can keep them, but just make sure to keep them stored away. There’s no point in keeping Christmas towels out all year. Find a box you can store them in and keep them stored in the garage or attic.
How much did this cost? When deciding what to do with an item you want to get rid of, ask yourself this question; how much did this cost? If it was more expensive, then consider selling it or donating it to a good cause. But still get rid of it!
How much space does this take up? A huge aspect of decluttering is the cost-benefit analysis. The larger the item (or the more you have), the more justification you need to keep it. The smaller they are, the more it’s okay to keep it around.
How old is this? While something may still work and be in style, this may not be a good enough reason to keep it around. If it’s really old, consider purchasing a new one and donating the unused item.
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