March Newsletter

Creating a Simply Organized Life!
March 27, 2009

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Are You Feeling Emotionally Attached to Your Stuff?

A statement I hear frequently from clients is, "Jill, why is it so hard for me to get rid of this stuff?" It is probably because you and your belongings have a history together, and sometimes this history threatens to keep you together until the end of time. When we organize together, I'm able to help you work through your attachments as an objective third party. I admit; I also form attachments. Especially when it's something special from Natalie's childhood. We have 4 boxes full of her special stuff; imagine if I had 4 children! About every other year Natalie and I will sit down with her box of school memories and toss papers that really aren't worth saving, like a worksheet from a math class (which isn't something that pulls at my heartstrings any longer, but I thought it was cute at one time). Ironically, when the tornado siren goes off, all I'm interested in saving are my family and my purse. Natalie thinks it's bizarre when I grab my purse and head to the basement, but at least I won't have to wait in line at the D.M.V. if our house is gone with the wind. Attachments can bring the organizing process to a grinding halt. Most attachments are the result of two basic emotions: Fear and Guilt. Read on for tips to help you determine what is really worth saving.

1.Fear

Do you feel anxious and afraid to get rid of something because you may need it someday? For example: a document or a rarely used kitchen utensil. Ask yourself these questions:

How long has it been since you last needed it?
Can the information on the piece of paper be found elsewhere, maybe on the internet?
Can the item be borrowed from someone if you find that you do need it in the future? For example, I borrow a Nesco for cooking a ham once or twice a year from my aunt or mom.
Would it cost a lot to replace this item if it really turns out donating it was a mistake? If so, I would hang on to it.

Are you afraid to part with items that belonged to a special deceased loved one? You may fear that getting rid of the item will cause you to forget that person. Ask yourself: Do I need the actual item to remember, especially if I don't particularly like the item? Could I take a photo of those items and then let go of the actual things? Could I choose a few special keepsakes and display them in a way that honors my loved one (instead of storing them in the basement) and then let go of the others?

2. Guilt

Do you get that guilty feeling in the pit of your stomach over some of your belongings? It was a gift; it's worth a lot of money, ect. Let's work through some of these guilt-ridden organizing roadblocks. You receive a gift and it really isn't your taste but you still feel guilty giving it away. A gift is just that, a gift. If it's something you hide away in the basement because it's not your style, then it becomes clutter.

You don't use it but the item cost you a lot of money. The money won't be returned to you if keep it, instead you may feel worse every time you look at it.
Those clothes may fit me again someday when I lose weight. In the meantime do you want them hanging in your closet as a reminder of gained weight?
You feel wasteful getting rid of a perfectly good_________ (fill in the blank). Try selling it on Craig's list, donating it to a charity, or listing it on freecycle.org.

Next time you find your emotional ties getting in the way of your organizing goals, ask yourself, Am I keeping this out of fear or guilt and then use the above questions as guidelines. You will then be left with things that truly matters to you.

You own your stuff; don't let it own you.

Simply,

Jill