Decluttering is about more than just throwing things away. It’s an intentional process of getting rid of excess stuff to make more room for what matters most to you. Every item you plan to trash, sort, organize, donate or recycle deserves your full attention…and this can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring down years of accumulated items.
These 20 decluttering questions can help make the process a little easier.
Whenever you feel stuck on a particular item or feel like giving up altogether, ask yourself these questions and then – make a decision.
1. Do I truly love this item, or am I holding onto it out of guilt or obligation?
If you don’t love and plan to wear that bright green sweater that your aunt gave you, you should donate it to someone who will!
2. When was the last time I used this item?
If it’s been more than a year or if you can’t remember ever using it, you don’t need it. This doesn’t mean you need to find a reason to use it – it means you don’t need it.
3. Would I miss this item if I got rid of it?
Sometimes you’ll find items that you didn’t know you had or that you remember buying but never having a use for them. If you haven’t needed it up to this point and you know you wouldn’t miss it, get rid of it.
4. Does this item bring me joy, or does it weigh me down?
Is this something that you look forward to using or wearing? If not, you don’t need it.
5. Is this serving a purpose in my life right now?
Emphasis on right now. You can probably make the case for just about any item in your possession…sure, you might have a use for it in the future, but if you haven’t needed it up to this point and don’t need it in this season of your life – it’s time to make a decision.
6. Am I holding onto this item for a future that may never come?
I had a gorgeous, floral, very heavy, very bold Victorian couch in my storage unit for 6 years. It was passed down to me from my grandparents but didn’t hold any sentimental value to them or me (other than the fact that it once belonged to them). I told myself for years that I would one day have a sunroom that would be the perfect place for that couch.
But 5 years into paying for my storage unit, I had to make the tough decision to let it go.
We’ve maximized every inch of space in our home and the more I looked at that couch, the more I realized that it was never my style.
7. Does this item fit into the life I want to create?
You may have your own version of a gorgeous, floral, heavy, very bold Victorian couch. Does it fit the life you have planned for yourself or do you need to let it go?
8. If I were shopping right now, would I buy this item again?
If the answer is no, determine whether you need to keep it and use it or toss it.
9. Does this item remind me of a past version of myself that I’m ready to let go of?
I have a purse that reminds me of Carefree Trin on her first trip to New Orleans. I don’t use it but I’m also not ready to let go of it it and the memories attached to it. And that’s ok! We all have items like that. Remember, decluttering it’s just about throwing things away.
10. Is this item replaceable if I need it again?
This question helps you move out of scarcity mindset.
11. Am I keeping this item out of fear of forgetting the memory attached to it?
If you can’t find another way to hold the memory and the item means a lot to you, you should keep it.
12. Does this item take up more space than it’s worth?
And by space I want you to think about mental, emotional, energetic and physical space for this question. Think beyond the tangible items.
13. Am I keeping this item because it was expensive?
That expensive suit you wore once but can’t fit back into comfortably, that piece of jewelry that has a bad memory attached to it but cost a fortune, or that broken camera you’ve been meaning to fix for year. Look into donation options or sell these gently loved expensive items.
14. Does this item make me feel my best?
If the item doesn’t trigger a negative emotion, it’s something you should keep.
15. Is this item preventing me from fully enjoying my space?
Is there an item you’ve been walking past for months that could free up some space in your home?
16. Could someone else benefit more from this item than I do?
A local donation center drop-off, animal hospital or shelter would love your gently loved items.
17. Am I holding onto this out of scarcity or fear of not having enough?
Scarcity mindset makes it difficult to declutter your home and can sometimes lead to hoarding. But almost everything is replaceable and the items are not the memories. Ask yourself what you’re really holding on to.
18. Does this item help me achieve my goals or align with my top priorities?
Such items can be workout clothing that makes you feel your best, multipurpose cooking appliances that help you stay on track with meal prep, or colorful journals that inspire your journaling practice.
19. Do I have similar items that serve the same purpose?
Clear out all of the duplicates or find accessible storage options for necessary bulk purchases.
20. If I let this go, will it impact my day-to-day life?
Consider each season of your life and what it calls for on a daily basis.
—
Need help decluttering your home but not sure where to start? Subscribe to my free decluttering email series – packed with best practices, sustainable tips and a helpful checklist to keep you on track.