Many people find it difficult to get rid of unnecessary things, such as clothes we haven't worn in a decade, toys from a child now in high school, or gifts still wrapped in a closet. Over the years, the accumulation of these items can lead to emotional burden and a feeling of chaos.
We often excuse ourselves by saying we don’t have time to declutter. However, the real challenge isn't time; it's the decision to let go of items we've gathered over the years. The emotional weight builds, and our living spaces become increasingly cluttered with things that burden our hearts and minds.
If there are items you don't use daily but feel you might need in the future or have sentimental value, there’s a solution: external storage.
Gittit Levy from Avia Storage has seen it all and understands that decluttering isn’t just a physical process—it's also a deep emotional one. She shares a few tips for letting go of things:
Step 1: Understand the Emotional Attachment and Start Sorting
Many of our items carry memories. It’s important to assess what truly matters and ask yourself if an item is serving a purpose or just taking up space. This is where the sorting process begins. You select the items that truly matter and part ways with the rest. It's a gradual process that gives you a sense of control.
To make the task easier, it’s recommended to divide the work into categories based on rooms—clothes, kitchen utensils, paperwork, toys, and so on. This will help you tackle the task in an organized manner, ensuring everything has a place when you're done. The result will be a tidier, more organized space.
Set Clear Goals
Before starting, set clear goals like, "I want my balcony to be a peaceful place," or "I want to use my home office again." It’s crucial to focus on present needs, not the past. By understanding what you need today, it’ll be easier to part with items that are no longer relevant.
Start Small and Gradually
Decluttering can stir up powerful emotions and memories. To avoid becoming emotionally overwhelmed, dedicate short periods to the task—say, 10 minutes a day to go through a drawer, a box, or a kitchen cabinet. This allows you to process your emotions at your own pace without feeling pressured.
Examine Where the Emotion Lies
When facing a pile of items that evoke emotions, take a moment to examine your emotional connection to each item. Ask yourself what’s really triggering those feelings: is it the item itself, the person who gave it to you, or the time in your life when you received it? Often, you’ll find that the item is merely a “conduit” connecting your memory to your emotions. In other words, the object doesn’t contain the emotion itself; it just reminds you of it. Therefore, there's no reason to hold onto it if it no longer serves your current needs.
Having Trouble Letting Go? Take a Picture
If you're struggling to part with certain items, consider photographing them. Arrange them nicely, snap a photo, and add a few personal words. This way, you preserve a visual memory without taking up physical space.
Golden Tip: External Storage
If it's still hard to part with certain items, consider external storage like Avia Boxes. These are sturdy, durable plastic boxes, an excellent solution for storing items you don't use regularly. You can store seasonal clothing, books, games, important documents, and mementos. Don’t rush to throw things away, as you might need them in the future, or simply miss them. These boxes are stored in a secure location and can be returned to you upon request, allowing you to access them when they become relevant again or when you want to reminisce. External storage is a quick, easy solution that can free up a lot of space at home.
What Can You Do with the Items You’ve Decided to Let Go of?
When you have items you no longer use, there are many ways to give them a new life without throwing them away. First, consider donating to community organizations, senior homes, or centers that assist those in need. You can also sell items online, through secondhand platforms, which could bring in some extra cash. Another idea is creative recycling, where old items are transformed into new accessories, such as using textiles to make pillows or home decorations. Additionally, you can organize a swap party with friends or neighbors, where everyone brings items they no longer need and exchanges them. This way, you can preserve resources and give your belongings a new, useful purpose.
As the new year approaches, decluttering can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it can also be exciting and liberating.