Letting go isn’t always easy, especially when you worry you might regret it later.
Some items in your home are safe to part with at any time. Clearing these things out will lighten your space, bringing serenity to you and your family.
Here’s a list of declutter decisions you won’t regret making:
Tip one: Unmatched food storage containers
If you have a cabinet full of plastic containers with no lids, let them go. Keep a few matching sets that stack easily and recycle and recycle or toss the rest.
Tip two: Expired toiletries and makeup
Old mascaras, lotions and travel-size shampoo bottles from the last century aren’t safe to use. Products expire and using them can irritate your skin and affect your eyesight. Do a clean-up of your bathroom shelves and toss anything outdated or unused.
Tip three: Outdated décor
If that artificial floral arrangement or framed wall quote makes you squirm every time you walk past it, that’s your tip-off. You can refresh your home to reflect who you are today, not who you were 10 years ago.
Tip four: Mismatched socks/worn-out underwear
That bin of single socks waiting to be magically matched can be let go. The same goes for stretched-out undies and bras that no longer support you. Treat yourself to a drawer that doesn’t make you sigh when you open it.
Tip five: Chipped mugs/unused gadgets
Unless the mug holds deep sentimental value, a chip is your sign to say goodbye. And if you haven’t used that banana slicer, sandwich press or second garlic press in more than a year, you won’t miss it.
Tip six: Instruction manuals
Printers you don’t have, furniture you’ve already assembled, gadgets that are long gone. You don’t need their paper trail. Recycle the booklets and free up that drawer.
Tip seven: Clothes that don’t fit
If it’s uncomfortable, unflattering or no longer your style, let it go. Don’t keep clothing as a monument to a different body or phase of life. Keep what makes you feel good right now.
Tip eight: Promotional freebies
Free tote bags, pens that barely write, keychains or notepads from a random conference. If they’re not useful or meaningful, they’re clutter. You’re not obligated to keep something just because it was free.
Tip nine: Duplicates of things
Unless you're running a bed-and-breakfast, you probably don’t need seven sets of sheets or 15 mugs. Keep your favourites and donate the excess. Someone else can benefit from what you’re not using.
Tip 10: Gifts you don’t love
Yes, even if they were from someone special. Once a gift is given, it’s yours to decide what to do with it. If it’s collecting dust or doesn’t fit your home or needs, it’s okay to pass it on.
You don’t have to get rid of everything, and you don’t have to do it all today. But by starting with these “no regrets” categories, you’ll build confidence in your decisions and see your space with fresh eyes. Your home is your sanctuary.
Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email [email protected].
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