If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have, it is time to downsize and simplify.
Getting rid of things can be an emotional challenge, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health when you free yourself from all the clutter. Here are ten tips to help you get rid of things and begin your path to a simpler life.
1. Create a Plan
Make a list of the things you want to get rid of and decide how you will get rid of them. Do you know someone who could use it? Do you want to make a little money off your stuff? Create a general plan, but remain flexible.
2. Do a “Joy Check”
Go through all of your belongings and ask yourself if each item brings you joy. If not, it’s time to let it go. Anything that doesn’t help you meet your needs or bring you joy is just taking up space in your home and in your life. If you’re unsure about an item, set it aside and come back to it later.
3. Make Piles
Find an area in your home to sort and store the things you’re getting rid of. Make a pile of items to donate and a pile of items to sell. Keeping things sorted and organized as you go along makes the downsizing process easier and less stressful.
4. Give to Others
You can donate the things you no longer need to your local community, friends, family, or set up a free pile outside. This not only helps you declutter your home, but it also gives someone else a chance to benefit from your item.
5. Make Money
Sell your valuable items and make some money to go toward your debt, a new purchase, or your next adventure. You can sell them at a pawnshop, jewelry store, an auction, on numerous online platforms and marketplaces, or even have your own yard sale.
6. Recycle or Toss
If you can’t donate or sell an item, try to find a way to recycle it. There are plenty of resources available to help you do this. This is a great option for items that are no longer usable, and it's also an environmentally friendly way to get rid of things.
7. Go Digital
Scan your important documents and images to a flash drive or memory card. You can shred or burn the originals, saving you a lot of space. Don’t forget to also go through your computer and delete files and photographs you no longer need.
8. Sentimental Items
Take pictures of sentimental items you decide to let go and save the memories. Don’t hang on to things just because you feel guilty about throwing them away. Remind yourself that getting rid of things is part of the downsizing and simplifying process.
9. Dedicate Time
Tackling all of your possessions at once can be daunting, so divide your possessions into areas and tackle one area at a time. Set aside a half hour a day to go through things. Push yourself to be productive, but don’t let it stress you out.
10. Relax and Have Fun
Remember to relax and have fun. Getting rid of things doesn't have to be a stressful process. Make it a family project and enjoy the memories.
By following these tips, you can easily downsize and simplify your life, which will lead to more space in your home and less stress overall. If you find it difficult to part with your things, ask yourself why you're keeping it - do you really need it? Make an effort to get rid of things that are no longer serving you and be mindful when making new purchases.
Now that you’re free of clutter, go out and have fun in nature!