Top Ten Tuesdays

What should you ask yourself while deciding what needs to go and what needs to stay?

The arctic freeze is finally over and life is slowly getting back to normal. HOORAY! I’m ready for some normalcy. With getting back to "normal", that includes clearing out all the junk that has piled up over Mardi Gras Break and the lockdown.

As I mentioned before, the family and I needed to declutter almost every space in the house. The kitchen is overloaded with extra things we don’t need. The living room is cluttered with extra toys, books, furniture that makes everything look chaotic. The bedrooms...we won’t even go there. The bathrooms are filled will girly nonsense because we are a family of estrogen. But dare I say it, there will be no more clutter! It’s time to throw out the old and bring in new energy and joy for our growing family.

So today I am listing the top ten questions you should ask yourself about items you are removing from your home or office.

• Have I used it in the last six months? If you haven’t used it in the last six months then it’s not a necessity! It’s a luxury and luxury is not something that we need right now. We need efficiency and functionality.

• Does it hold sentimental value to you or someone in the home? If there is a strong emotional tie to this item then keep it. However, if the emotional tie is traumatic or overwhelming, it would be best to remove it from the space because we are trying to enhance the positive energy.

• Is it functioning properly? If it’s broken and you’ve been saying you will fix it and you haven’t, remove it from the space.

• Is it taking up space that you could use for something else? We are looking to open up the space. If this item or items are taking up space that can be used to open up a space and make things flow better, remove it.

• Are there more than one of the same item? Maybe you got a really good deal on the item and thought having a backup would be great. I’m proud of you for thinking ahead however we are trying to let go of the excess.

• Can it be compiled to save space? So this speaks to old photos and cards. Instead of having them all over the shelves, make them digital instead and create a rolling video of them in a single digital frame or on your laptop.

• Does it fit with the idea you are trying to achieve? If it doesn’t bring you joy or positive vibes, remove it.

• Will it increase in value over time? There is nothing wrong with holding on to collectibles that increase in value. However, you might want to invest in keeping it somewhere else where it will remain in pristine condition and out taking up valuable space.

• Does this item easily carry germs but hard to keep sanitized? We are living in trying times. If it’s too hard to keep clean, remove it.

• Have you outgrown this item? This can be anything from clothes to toys to furniture. Let it go and release yourself from the restraints of the past. Start fresh and get back that joy and happiness.