Two Things You’ll Gain when You Declutter

by Susan McCarthy

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Everyday practice: Before shopping for something that will enter your home, question if owning it is more important than the time you'd gain by not shopping, cleaning, rearranging, and perhaps, ultimately, decluttering, that item.

When decluttering, it’s easy focus on our stuff, because we’re handling everything we own and focusing on its place in our life. (Do we use it? Like it? Want it?) However, decluttering is an opportunity to clear space for the things we want to expand or add to our life.

When we spend less time cleaning, rearranging, organizing, shopping for, and otherwise managing our belongings, we are granted the opportunity to decide how we’ll use that time. Peter Walsh, in Let It Go, highlights some of the benefits you’ll gain from decluttering.

You’ll have more time and energy for the people who are a part of your life.

​You can spend more time with your partner. Instead of conversations centered on finances (how to pay for stuff), chores and errands (how to clean or acquire stuff), and busy schedules, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss interests, world views and other topics you may currently have little time for.

• You can enjoy time with your kids and grandkids without rushing them from task to event.
• You can spend time with a pet that isn't centered around walking, feeding, or scooping up.
  
• You’ll gain more time with friends. Instead of just “liking” photos you’ll suggest getting together for coffee or a walk and then have a meaningful conversation.

You’ll meet other people with similar interests and values as you take the time to have experiences.

​Volunteer your time with a charity or cause close to your heart.

• Instead of cleaning or running errands, you could spend the evening learning about something you’ve wanted to study. This class could be held at the community college or through your town’s community education program. You could go to a talk or join a club at your public library. Maybe you’ll take an art or photography class at a local studio.
• Spend money on experiences rather than things and learn to kayak during a day trip, vacation in a state or country you’ve never visited, or challenge yourself to visit every art museum in your state.
• Explore your spirituality in a church, temple, or mosque, at an ashram, in a sacred circle, in nature, or in a special space in your home.

So, the next time you find yourself debating the fate of a gadget or knickknack, consider what it will add to your relationships or experiences.

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