Fighting the "What If's"

**daughter of pearl** · 03-15-2010, 10:55 PM

So I am in the early stages of decluttering my house (I have peekd in the closets and reacquainted myself with the stuff that has accummulated in them!), and have a question for those of you who have done this process:

How do you keep from convincing yourself, a la good frugality that you should "really keep that thing that's been a box for three years because it could be useful for something one day" or the "what if I get rid of it and then it could have served a good purpose?"

I so desperately want to declutter and spring clean my house, but it it is a CHALLENGE!!

Help, please!

**monkeywrangler71** · 03-15-2010, 11:16 PM

If you don't know what the purpose is, odds are it will never have one. 'Something, someday' usually ends up as 'nothing, never'.

I keep things I know are useful, otherwise they are gone. If I happen to need something I once threw out I will get another - it happens, but very rarely. If you have more stuff than you can keep track of you're going to be rebuying stuff anyway, because you either can't find it or remember you already have it.

**Englishlady** · 03-16-2010, 04:35 AM

I know exactly what you mean! I found "Clutters last stand" or indeed any of Don Aslett's de-cluttering books very good and very inspirational.

He addresses issues like this and also gifts, heirlooms and all that kind of stuff, I have a copy I re-read when I find myself hanging on to stuff "just in case".

Over more than 30 years I can only remember one instance of getting rid of something and "missing it" in a very minor way and that was just a cardigan!
The upside is you will feel so much better when you have de junked, good luck!

**Nada.Leona** · 03-16-2010, 06:06 AM

I keep telling myself the following:

1. It's been junk for X years, it'll be junk the same amount if I keep it.
2. I have better things to do with this space.
3. Someone else can use it. Or better yet, the Salvation Army can sell it, which would make them money!
4. I haven't used it in X years, what makes me think I'm going to use it now?
5. I'm just being selfish, keeping this!
6. Woohoo!!! One less thing to clean!
7. If I discover that, in six months, I need it again, chances are it will still be at the Salvation Army/Value Village, so I can always go get it.

My personal favorite...

8. I'll just put it in "storage". That's what I call the different thrift stores in my community. Since I started thinking this way, I've only had to go get one thing out of "storage".

**frugalwarrior2** · 03-16-2010, 07:02 AM

Sometimes i find it hard too esp. w/ the economy this way. I usually call on my religion. It is hoarding to keep things you won't use. You are depriving someone else of something they might need.
Make sure you plug the inward leak by countering "it a great deal W/ looking at each item and saying "will I really use this?".

**daughter of pearl** · 03-16-2010, 08:05 AM

Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement!

I am going to attempt to get the bedroom closet done this weekend. Wish me luck!

I'll update on Monday!

**stinkbug** · 03-16-2010, 09:34 AM

I've been getting better about this and less sentimental. I've been watching Hoarders and it scares the crap out of me!! I am doing another round this week for a pick up from the thrift store on Thursday. Can't think of anything I've gotten rid of that I've missed. It's just *stuff* and most of it came from the thrift store to begin with!!!

**ladykemma2** · 03-16-2010, 11:01 AM

affirmations: i let this go to someone who will use it and love it.

honestly - only one item i have given away and later regretted it.

**Natalie's Nesters** · 03-16-2010, 02:26 PM

I have downsized twice and everytime I get rid of "stuff". If I have not used it, I'm not going to. I like the challenge of trying to figure out what to use instead. I love the motto, make do or do without. Good luck, it will set you free!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 03-16-2010, 04:21 PM

I look at the item and if I haven't used it in 6 months, I throw it away. Almost everything gets outdated to a point. I'd only keep antiques.

QM · 03-16-2010, 04:48 PM

I'm still working on this area myself. I'm glad you started this thread so that I can be reminded of a thing or two.

**krbshappy71** · 03-17-2010, 11:36 AM

This book has helped me beyond belief:
Book on Home Organization- "One Year to an Organized Life" by Regina Leeds

I checked it out from the library and have renewed it for weeks, I just can't let it go so I'll probably keep checking it out until someone puts a hold on it.

It helps me let go because I am organized enough to keep the things I do need, so I know what I don't actually need.

Then I put things in sacks by the back door that are for Goodwill/Habitat for Humanity. Once its in the sack its not allowed to come back. I do NOT let myself go through the sacks before donating. I put it in a sack, tie the handles closed. It has worked well for me.

Best of luck with the bedroom, crank up the music and go to town!

**JerryG** · 03-17-2010, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by stinkbug

I've been getting better about this and less sentimental. I've been watching Hoarders and it scares the crap out of me!! I am doing another round this week for a pick up from the thrift store on Thursday. Can't think of anything I've gotten rid of that I've missed. It's just *stuff* and most of it came from the thrift store to begin with!!!

I just saw Hoarders for the first time this week. It actually pushed me to open boxes that I had of my sister's that died seven years ago. And, yeah, I'm pulling out what I know I'll use and recycling / donating the rest.

Daughter of Pearl - If you can, watch an episode of Hoarders. It will open your eyes and give you a new perspective on what is necessary and useful.

**krbshappy71** · 03-17-2010, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by JerryG

I just saw Hoarders for the first time this week. It actually pushed me to open boxes that I had of my sister's that died seven years ago. And, yeah, I'm pulling out what I know I'll use and recycling / donating the rest.

Daughter of Pearl - If you can, watch an episode of Hoarders. It will open your eyes and give you a new perspective on what is necessary and useful.

I love this program as well!! Lately has been reruns, *SAD* I watch it on aetv.com and, off topic, I watch Intervention which really helps me pay attention to my enabling behaviors.

**shoiji** · 03-17-2010, 01:27 PM

Can understand the what if train of thought. Now I realize that the thrift store is down the street from me. If I throw something out then find I need it I can probably find it at the thrift store.

If you haven't used something in three years chances are you can get rid of it. I have thrown out many items even furniture. Right now I can hardly remember what it was a threw out.