Laine Hardman can be reached at TidyUp.Laine@gmail.com, 703-401-4829 or http://www.TidyUpNow.com.

 

Spring cleaning your house can be rewarding but challenging. For some, deciding what to toss, what to keep, and what to donate can seem daunting. This stops some people in their tracks, causing them to give up their organizing project completely. After pulling all items out of the area that you are organizing and sorting them by kind (legos with the legos, cars with the cars, etc.), now is the time to make some decisions.

Although there is no one strategy that will work for all people, here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide when it is okay to let it go!

Consider these questions and decide which one(s) resonate with you. Ask yourself only the question or two that will move you into action:

Have I used this item in the past year?

If no, and it is not an heirloom, you should toss or donate it.

 

Do I have more of this item than necessary?

If yes, consider donating the excess.

 

 

Is this item worn, ill-fitting, out-of-date, missing pieces or broken?

If yes, you should toss or donate it.

 

Does this item bring me joy?

If not, you should donate it.

 

What is the worst thing that could happen if I donate this item?

If you can live with the consequences, donate it.

 

Instead of asking yourself what to donate, ask yourself what you should keep and donate the rest. Can you live with this?

If yes, consider only keeping what you need and love and rid yourself of the rest!

 

Finding the question or two that works best for you may get you un-stuck! Try it in your next organizing project. You may be surprised at the results!

 

Laine Hardman can be reached at TidyUp.Laine@gmail.com, 703-401-4829 or http://www.TidyUpNow.com.