Should I get rid of things I don’t use?

Why do we accumulate unused items?

There are a few common reasons why unused items can pile up over time:

• Sentimental value – Some possessions may have sentimental meaning or remind us of certain people/times, so we are reluctant to let go.
• Potential usefulness – We think “I might need this someday” and don’t want to regret throwing it away.
• Wishful thinking – We have aspirations to use an item (“I’ll start that hobby someday”) but don’t follow through.
• Waste aversion – Getting rid of something unused feels wasteful, even if it’s cluttering our space.
• Laziness – It’s easier to shove things in a closet than to sort/discard them.

Our tendencies to accumulate and hold on to possessions are often unconscious. Being aware of these tendencies is the first step to curbing clutter.

What are the benefits of getting rid of unused items?

Some key benefits of decluttering unused possessions include:

• Reduced stress – Excess clutter visually and mentally contributes to feeling overwhelmed. Decluttering creates calmer surroundings.
• More space – Getting rid of unused items frees up storage areas and living spaces, making room feel larger.
• Better organization – It’s easier to find things when clutter is cleared out and items have designated places.
• Increased efficiency – Less time wasted searching through clutter to find what you need.
• Focus – Clutter competes for our attention. Decluttering helps us focus on what really matters.
• Money savings – Selling unused items or repurposing them saves money spent replacing them.
• Eco-friendly – Reduces waste sent to landfills, avoids new purchases and manufacturing.

Decluttering improves overall quality of life by creating peaceful, functional spaces. It helps focus on what we really use and value.

How do I decide what to get rid of?

Use these criteria to evaluate whether unused items should be discarded, donated, sold or kept:

• Have I used it in the past year? If not, chances are you won’t need it.
• Could I easily replace it for less than $20 if I did need it?
• Do I have multiples of this item?
• Does this item reflect my current needs/interests?
• Do I have designated space for this?
• Would I buy this again today?

Be realistic about your usage, interests and available space. Avoid making exceptions too often or clutter will reappear.

For sentimental items, consider taking photos of them before letting them go. See if a loved one would appreciate having the meaningful item.

Tips for successfully decluttering:

• Start small – Tackle one area, drawer or box at a time instead of overwhelming yourself.
• Make it a habit – Set aside regular times to declutter, like 30 minutes each Sunday.
• Create zones – Decide where items should “live” before putting things away.
• One in, one out rule – When something new comes in, something old gets discarded.
• Store by frequency of use – Keep most-used items in prime space.
• Donate, sell, trash – Deal with discards promptly so they don’t re-clutter.
• Photograph first – If hesitant about discarding something meaningful.

Go slowly at first. Be consistent. The benefits will motivate you to keep going.

Common categories of unused items and how to declutter them

Category	Decluttering Tips
Clothing	Try on items – discard if they don’t fit or aren’t flattering anymore Check for stains/damage – donate or mend if good condition Keep only current favorites you feel confident wearing Let go of clothes that are out of style or don’t suit you now Discard if not worn in over a year (except special occasion outfits)
Books	Keep only most meaningful, loved books Donate read books you won’t reread Let go of books bought on impulse that you’ve lost interest in Scan/photograph pages of books with sentimental value before discarding
Kitchen items	Keep only items regularly used for cooking/eating Donate duplicate utensils and extra dishes Toss expired food, chipped dishes, rusted tools Give seldom-used appliances to someone who will use them
Hobby/craft supplies	Keep enough for current hobbies and interests only Donate unneeded materials viable for reuse Discard old projects or materials no longer of interest Limit supplies for hobbies you aspire to but rarely do
Sentimental items	Keep truly special items like important photos, awards, favorite art Display especially meaningful items Store other sentimental pieces selectively Take photos of items before discarding if needed for memories Pass down treasured items to family members who value them

Go through categories methodically, keeping what you use and love. Discard multiples, broken or unused items.

How should I dispose of things I’m getting rid of?

• Donate – Good quality used items can bless thrift stores and charities.
• Sell – Garage sales, online listings or consignment stores to earn cash.
• Recycle – For items that can’t be reused like broken electronics or scrap metal.
• Trash – Items broken beyond repair or with no reuse/resale value.
• Repurpose – Get creative reusing things in new ways before discarding them.

Properly dealing with discards keeps useful items circulating and minimizes environmental impact.

Conclusion

Getting rid of unused possessions creates space, reduces stress, saves time and money, and helps focus on what you really value. Go through categories methodically, keeping frequently-used items and discarding unused or unneeded possessions. Decluttering improves quality of life and spaces by eliminating clutter and focusing on what you really need. Start small and make decluttering a consistent habit. Enjoy themany benefits living clutter-free offers!