Is it Really Worth the Trouble?

Worn out clothes, unused office supplies, and stray cooking tools - they all have something in common. You probably need to let them go. Our homes are often full of things that we no longer need or simply don’t use. If you aren’t going to take care of it now, then when? Decluttering has major impacts on our mental health. Clutter can cause us to be stressed and unable to focus. Having trouble sleeping? That could be a sign of clutter-related stress, too. Still not convinced? Here’s a list of things that can inspire you to let things go.

1. Reduce Stress and Mental Clutter

If all you can think about is how you need to get rid of something, or if you keep digging through your closet and shuffling past things you never wear; let it go. It’s chewing up more mental bandwidth than it should (FYI: It shouldn’t take up any). Seeing the free space in its absence can bring peace of mind. Work on destigmatizing the absence of things - it should be normal. Not every space needs to be filled.

2. Cleaning Just Got Easier

Do the decorative items you display truly have value, or do they simply occupy space? Has cleaning your kitchen counter turned into an obstacle course? The more items that are on a surface, the harder it is to clean. Dust, grease, and spills will always be there. Cleaning it away shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, but navigating around clutter makes it more difficult (and it probably isn’t getting that clean anyway).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend almost 2 hours on household tasks (such as cleaning and laundry) per day. What if you could cut down on the amount of time and effort it takes to keep your house in order? Let go of unused items and consider storing lesser-used (but necessary) items out of sight - just don’t clutter up another space for the sake of cleaning another.

3. More Room for What Counts

Is tennis still something you like to do? Do you intend to reread all your college textbooks? If there are hobbies, skills, or pastimes that no longer hold a place in your heart or in your routine; let them go. I recently decided that video games aren’t my #1 passtime and I hadn’t turned my consoles on for over a year, so I’m going to sell the consoles and their video games. I still have my PC for the times I do want to play games, but I’m not having to deal with multiple consoles worth of games and accessories. If you’re not using it or enjoying it, why are you holding onto it?

4. It’s a Liability

If your home or apartment burned to the ground tomorrow, would you be able to tell the insurance company what was destroyed? What if a tornado blows your house apart? These questions might sound extreme, but they serve as a reminder that anything can happen. Still not convinced? Imagine going on vacation and coming home to discover that your house was burglarized. Would you know what was missing?

Whether we realize it or not, everything that we own is at risk of being destroyed or stolen. Is it worth the stress? Before you worry too much about losing the important things, consider getting rid of the things that you don’t really want. If you wouldn’t pay to replace it, why keep it? Consider making a list of important or valuable items (including serial numbers) along with a picture of it and keep it somewhere safe. Also consider finding long-term solutions to properly store and secure these items.

5. You Could Have Cash Instead

Trading cards, electronics, DVD’s, books, and tools can all be sold for cash. You might be surprised by what you can sell. I recently sold a box of books to a secondhand store for $15, and some of my Pokémon cards have sold for over $30 each. Items that are no longer loved or used could be converted into cash. If you’re unsure, check sites like eBay to see what they’re selling for. Don’t want to deal with shipping? Consider setting up ads on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Yard sales are another way to help get your larger items out the door. Whatever you choose, be honest about the item’s condition and authenticity.

6. Support a Worthy Cause

You already know that being charitable is a great way to support those in need in your community, but did you know that some donations can be written off your taxes? The IRS has a guide to how you can determine the value of your charitable contributions and how it can affect your taxes. Just be sure that you follow the necessary steps to ensure that the process is done correctly. Also consider photographing your donations to act as additional evidence of your donations. Rest easy knowing that your donations go to a great cause even without the tax benefits. Someone will surely benefit from it!

It’s time to start letting it go

Good luck on your decluttering journey. Don’t think of it as a task, consider it a way of thinking. Surround yourself with what matters and value quality over quantity. Understand what “enough” means to you.

Let me know in the comments what your plans are for cutting down on the unnecessary things in your life. It’s a process that evolves over time, so don’t worry about being unable to do everything in one go. I wish you the best of luck!