Who knew throwing stuff out could feel so good?
I’ve been in the middle of decluttering for the past few months as I’m making plans to move, and every time I throw something out, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
I never thought I’d say that about stuff I either acquired for free or paid for. Things hold value, whether it’s monetary or sentimental, and it can be hard to part with them!
This has been the case for me over the last few years. I knew I had taken too much stuff with me when I moved a year ago, and I’m determined not to make the same mistake this time. Here are the 5 lessons I learned from decluttering so far.
1) Guilt Doesn’t Mean You Should Keep It
One of the biggest issues I’ve had to conquer was the feeling of guilt associated with realizing an item no longer had a place in my apartment.
Whether it was a piece of clothing or a silly knick-knack that had been given to me, I always felt a pang of guilt that I hadn’t found a use for something that someone had bought for me.
This is mostly due to growing up and realizing my parents financed a lot of my gifts with credit cards. I felt absolutely horrible for getting rid of anything they spent money on, because I knew they were (in a way) still paying for it.
Unfortunately, guilt weighs you down. Stuff you don’t use or wear serves as a constant reinforcement of that guilt, too.
One of the best ways to combat guilt is to donate what you can. I felt a lot better knowing my things would be used by someone else. It’s so silly to hold onto something someone else needed! The same goes for selling items that are in good condition that others can use.
Once the things were gone, the guilt disappeared, too. Plus, in most cases, it’s not like the buyer of the gift is going to know how you felt!
2) Less is More – Seriously
Have you ever realized how much stuff can bog you down? It takes up physical space and mental space.
I don’t know about you, but I can get exhausted thinking about cleaning up a stack of papers or unpacking a box that’s been sitting there.
Yes, seriously, there are a few boxes still sitting around from when we moved. We’ve clearly been able to live without the contents for more than a year, and it automatically needs to go on that basis alone.
Getting these boxes out has been so refreshing. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something to be said for more space.
Our apartment isn’t small and we were never at risk of running out of space, but less clutter makes for a more welcoming and airy atmosphere. Having a bunch of stuff laying around? Not so much.
3) Critically Think About Purchases and What You Accept
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the obvious lesson most people learn when decluttering – how much money you’ve wasted on stuff over the years.
Even if you haven’t purchased all the things in your home, you should filter the stuff you accept into your home.
I’m a prime example of this. When we moved out, my parents and other family members generously gave us a bunch of stuff they no longer used. From tables to chairs to diningware, we were drowning in freebies.
That sounds great, but it can easily get out of control if you let it. I felt bad saying no and I grossly overestimated how much stuff we needed.
Now I only accept free things if we actually need it. I have a running list of things we want/need, and if something isn’t on there, or doesn’t add to our lifestyle in any way, I say “No thanks!” You can do the same whenever you’re contemplating making a purchase.
4) Practical Items are Awesome Gifts
Thing I don’t find myself getting rid of are practical items that I use everyday. In the last few years, I’ve made it a habit to request practical gifts for the holidays and my birthday. I rarely find myself needing anything, but my parents and grandma usually press me for an answer.
The first year of living on our own, I gave them a list of things we needed for the kitchen, and that list was fulfilled. Is it exciting to unwrap a box of pots and pans, or a mop?
No, but who cares? I’d much rather get a practical item as a gift that will get used as opposed to more clothes that probably don’t fit me or aren’t my style. (I don’t mean to sound ungrateful; I’m always thankful for any gift I receive, but that’s my honest opinion.)
This goes hand in hand with lesson #3 – being mindful of things you bring into your house means less need for decluttering in the future, and less money wasted. Focus on function!
5) Time Spent Looking for Things is Costly
I’m a little ashamed to admit my fiance thought of this one – not me – but it’s true. The time you spend looking for stuff is an opportunity cost. Time is money, right?
I know, that might be going a little too far, but think about it. How many times have you spent hours upon hours looking for something, only to get sidetracked because you found a project to work on, or because you had to go to the store to get what you couldn’t find?
That can really derail plans you had to work on your side business, which literally costs you money. It can also prevent you from spending time with your family or enjoying the rest of your day.
Regardless, time is precious – I highly doubt any of you want to spend it on frantically searching through your belongings!
Decluttering has been an eye-opening experience for me. I never thought I’d be one of those people who takes only what can fit in her car during a move, but it’s something I’m warming up to. (It makes moving less expensive, at least.)
I encourage you to take a critical look around your living space to see if there’s at least one thing you can get rid of today. I guarantee you’ll feel better afterward!
Do you love decluttering? What lessons have you learned from cutting down on your belongings? Have you ever realized you have too much stuff?
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I didn’t know you were moving! Where? I love decluttering and I’ve never had a problem getting rid of stuff. It feels so incredibly freeing…because yes, stuff really can weigh you down.
Decluttering seems to be the theme of the day- one of my recent goals is to eliminate as much paper clutter as possible. It’s not glamorous, but it does make filing easier.
Yes, moving is a great way to declutter. When you realize you’d have to lug stuff to a new place, you often choose to just get rid of it. We definitely got rid of a lot of stuff when we moved…and we didn’t even move that far. Decluttering is something we really need to do once again…and something we need to do more often because there’s just too much stuff.
I am just currently working on that. I feel simplifying my life helps to balance my everyday life and find more joy. Less is definitely more.
Looks like a common theme today. :) I think I really came to the realization we have too much stuff when I started working from home several years ago. It makes sense since I’m home all the time now, but it really surprised me when it’d take me longer to find something that I wanted/needed. The large majority of the time it came down to digging through other stuff to get to the item in question – which was a major wake up call.
Beachbudget I have Austin in mind right now, but I’m considering other options in case it doesn’t work out. =) What can I say, I just want to explore different places!
I’m glad I’ve gotten over the guilt, as that’s been my biggest issue. I’m great about not bringing more stuff into my life, at least.
Hannah UnplannedFinance Paper can be SO bad! My parents had tons of filing cabinets filled with paperwork. I got a lot of my own records when they moved, and I kid you not, I threw out report cards from elementary school. There’s no reason for that at all. I felt so much better afterward!
Andrew LivingRichCheaply It definitely doesn’t matter how far or big your move is – when you’re faced with packing everything up, your mind is wondering how to lessen the burden. ;)
Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels Yes, simplifying can totally lead to more balance. Clutter = chaos a lot of times.
FrugalRules It does seem like the trend toward minimalism has been taking over. It ties in nicely with personal finance! I hate it when I have to search 5 different spots to find things. It’s a wake up call for sure, and also a realization I should probably be more organized!
I definitely feel better as I declutter. And I totally get the guilt aspect. Although for me it’s usually an internal wail that we spent the money and didn’t use it and, dammit, what a waste! I just remind myself that, if we haven’t used it by now, it’s not going to get used.
AbigailP It’s so hard to get over that guilt. I always have a little voice in the back of my head saying, “Maybe I should hold onto it, just in case I DO use it..” Nope. You’re right – if it hasn’t been used at that point, there’s no point in keeping it.
I’ve been on a minimalism journey lately and getting rid of stuff just FEELS good. My goal is to get down to only the things I truly love and enjoy and use regularly. My wardrobe has been the most eye opening for me. I thought more choices were better but am finding that my mornings are so much easier with fewer choices!
I started decluttering, but then discovered upcycling and refashioning, Now I have trouble getting rid of things because I’m always trying to think of a new way to recycle everything. I really need to find a happy medium before I end up being a hoarder.
I used to have way too many clothes and probably still do, but I am actively working on paring down what’s in my closet. You’re right that it feels uplifting to actually remove things. I can find what I need faster and I don’t have to spend time deciding because there aren’t as many choices. I think the hardest part is keeping things I might wear if the stars aligned and there was an occasion for it. I should just get rid of those things.
SimplySave Yay, I’m glad someone else agrees! it’s much easier to make decisions when you have less options to choose from. That’s not always a bad thing. When I was working, I also realized I tend to gravitate toward the same clothes anyway. What’s the use in having extra if I only wear it once or twice?
Harmony@CreatingMyKaleidoscope I think you’re right about finding balance, as repurposing seems a bit better than letting something just sit there, unused! Plus it’s creative. =) Maybe you can sell your creations or give them as gifts?
Eyesonthedollar Yes, exactly! I have kept a few dresses “just in case” as they’re more expensive and I’d hate to shell out money for one down the road. I know there are dress rental services, but I’m picky with the way things fit. That’s also why any time I do buy clothes, I go for classics/plain pieces that can be mixed with anything. Little black dresses come in handy!
Hi Erin,
It is amazing that so many of us are realizing that Less is indeed more. Out of guilt, I held on to boxes of my grown kids stuff. They finally came and re claimed it, but ended up getting rid of most of it themselves.
Thanks,
Laura Beth
Laura Beth @ How To Get Rich Slowly Interesting. I don’t know if my parents held onto a lot of my stuff out of guilt, but they both tend to be overly-sentimental about things. I threw out most of what my mom had saved from my younger years, save for what she wanted to take back (pictures mostly).
I don’t love decluttering, but I love the results. I think moving past guilt and being able to say no to things are two big stumbling blocks. I have trouble donating perfectly good items that aren’t being used anymore, because we probably shouldn’t have bought them to begin with. But keeping them cluttering up our space isn’t making it any better.
Gary @ Super Saving Tips It’s hard to face that fact, but in my mind, I’m happy to pass it off to someone who can actually get use out of it (and might not have been able to afford it). It makes dealing with the guilt a little easier. If anything, you’re at least learning a valuable lesson in the process!
When you finally do get around to de-cluttering, it can be a lovely way of evoking those old memories. Me and my sister recently cleared out my father’s shed and we found all sorts of things that reminded us of stories that we had long forgotten.
My grandad’s old racing bike, which he rode once before the wheel fell off and just little things like that make you happy that you cleared out.
karenjames Yes, that’s very true for when you’re decluttering other people’s belongings! It can be a great way to reminisce and even learn stories from other family members.
Oh yes, we have too much stuff. Decluttering is one of my priorities for the next two months.