Why Too Much Stuff Is Draining

by Susan McCarthy

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Everyday practice: When debating whether to keep an item, ask, "Is this item part of my dream or part of my day?"

I was listening to a talk on personal productivity the other day and the speaker brought up the line, “When you say ‘yes’ to one thing, you are saying ‘no’ to something else.” You’ve probably heard that line before when it comes to decision-making or time management.
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However, I think this line can also apply to decluttering. Think about it, when you say ‘yes’ to keeping an item, you are saying ‘no’ to the physical space and the peace of mind you could gain from releasing that item.

Afraid of Future Regrets?

Look at the items surrounding you. If there are objects that you aren’t sure you can get rid of, question if you are caught up in FOMO – the fear of missing out.
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• Are you afraid that if you get rid of those books (the ones you haven’t read), that you’ll lose that information? But, owning the books doesn’t mean that you own the information; you’d have to read the books, take some notes, and talk about the content to claim that information for yourself. Sitting on the shelf, the books and their information do nothing for you.
• Are you afraid that if you get rid of those jeans that are three sizes too small that suddenly you’ll lose the weight and you’ll want those jeans you haven’t fit into for twenty years?
• Are you afraid that if you get rid of your china setting for twelve that for the first time in thirty-three years of marriage you’ll decide to host a dinner party?

When you say ‘yes’ to holding onto objects that you don’t use and don’t even like, what are you saying ‘no’ to?

Let’s flip around that line and how it can help you make decisions while decluttering. “When you say ‘no’ to one thing, you are saying ‘yes’ to something else.”

What would you say ‘yes’ to if you said, “No, I don’t need those things cluttering my life?”

Are you someone who wants to think through the decluttering process before you jump in? The eBook, Clear Your Clutter and Create Space for Your Life comes with downloadable worksheets that help you clarify your goals for every space in your home so they support the goals you have for your life.

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Other helpful articles:

• Set a Goal for Decluttering Success
• Four Core Benefits of Decluttering
• Self Care Ideas While You Declutter