Why let it go?

When it comes to managing your space – home or office – less is definitely more.  Most people struggle with how to let it go – and where and how – but the first step is definitely “what really should I let go?”  Most of us accumulate “stuff” over the years – stuff when we move into a home, stuff from our childhood, stuff that we are “gifted” – so what do we do with all this “stuff”?  The first question is to ask is “Do I REALLY need it?”  Should I let go of a waffle iron if I never make waffles or a beer making kit if I don’t drink beer?  These items are often gifts we’ve received that we have never used and don’t ever envision using.  Let it go – donate it and move it on – find a list of resources for donating here.  The china we’ve inherited from our Grandma but don’t use that often but really love?  Find a way to display it and use it and enjoy it.  The mixer and blender we use every day?  Find appropriate counter space and make using these items easier.

When I should NOT let it go…

The second question to ask is “Do I love it?”  If looking at the vase that you bought at the yard sale gives you joy, keep it, and find a place to display it.  The painting your former boyfriend’s mother gave you as a gift and you never really liked it?  Let it go – maybe someone else has just that right wall space to fill.  The two things we should have in our home are things we NEED and things we LOVE.  You need your vacuum cleaner and your crockpot so you keep them.  You love your antique glassware and shell collection from your honeymoon in the islands – keep them because looking at them brings you joy.

If looking at something makes you cringe, LET IT GO.  It takes up negative physical, mental and emotional space in your life.  Keep the joy, let the rest go…