Create a home that restores your energy, not one that drains it.
There is a wonderful calm and peace that comes from organizing our belongings. It feels good to know where things are stored and how to easily access them.
But let’s be honest, organizing is always, only a temporary fix. We sort, organize, label, and find storage solutions today, only to find ourselves repeating the same process tomorrow.
The problem isn’t that we’re not good at organizing. The problem is that we just own too much stuff.
However, when we take the permanent step of removing the possessions we don’t need from our homes, we experience lasting benefits. De-owning is always better than reorganizing.
In this way, minimalism isn’t just about owning less; it’s about creating a life with more meaning and purpose by removing the unnecessary physical possessions that drain our energy.
But how do we make this shift in our own homes? There are lots of different ways to make progress decluttering. But one important step is to prepare ourselves with helpful questions that result in faster decisions.
To that end, here are three simple decluttering questions you can ask in every room in your home. I hope you find them helpful:
Living Room
1. Does this decoration highlight what is important to our family?
2. Does this piece of furniture serve a purpose, or is it only taking up space?
3. Are there any outdated electronics or pieces of equipment that we no longer use?
Bedroom
1. Is this an item that I truly enjoy having in my bedroom, or is it just there out of habit?
2. What items in this space are keeping me from experiencing better rest?
3. Realistically, how many bedding sets do I really need to keep?
Clothing
1. If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?
2. Have I worn this in the last year?
3. Does this piece of clothing make me feel good about myself, or does it carry negative emotions or memories?
Bathroom
1. Is this item still within its expiration date and necessary?
2. Do I have a different version of this toiletry/self-care item that I prefer to use?
3. Do I own more towels than I use between laundry cycles? If so, which ones are my favorites?
Kitchen
1. Do I have another item that serves the same purpose as this one?
2. When was the last time I used this?
3. Would my kitchen by more enjoyable to use if I owned less?
Pantry
1. Is this item expired?
2. Do I know when I would ever even use this ingredient again?
3. Is there someone else in my community who could make good use of this product today?
Toy Room
1. Can I even remember the last time my child played with this?
2. Is it broken or missing pieces?
3. If I was picking out a new toy at the store, would I choose this again?
Home Office / Paper
1. Do I need multiples of this item or is just one enough?
2. Does this item inspire or enable me to do my best work?
3. Am I required by law to keep this legal/financial document?
4. Can I access this document online if I need it in the future?
Sentimental Items
1. If I was curating a museum for my family, would this item go on display?
2. Could I capture the memory of this item with a photograph instead?
3. Do any of my children want to care for this when I’m gone?
Basement / Attic / Storage Area
1. What is the largest item I can remove from this space first?
2. Do I have a specific plan to use this item in the future or am I just keeping it because I have the space?
3. Am I just passing the burden of decluttering this item onto my children/family member?
Pet Supplies
1. Does my pet still play with this?
2. Is this still within its expiration date?
3. Do I use this regularly for my pet or is there something else that accomplishes its purpose?
Vehicle
1. Is this an emergency item that I need to keep?
2. If my car was brand new would I put this in it?
By asking these simple, yet powerful questions, you can begin creating a home that restores your energy and brings peace to your life. And the change will be permanent.
Happy decluttering everybody. You’ll love owning less!