As a child, my mother had a unique ritual for decluttering that involved a trash bag and my closet. “Keep or toss?” she would ask, holding up old toys and clothes like my well-loved doll or a faded dress-up skirt. Most of the time, I would reply with a firm “No.” Occasionally, I’d say “Yes.” The items I discarded vanished into the bag and ultimately the landfill. Afterward, the lightness in my room felt refreshing.
I’ve always leaned towards a practical approach to possessions. I struggle to understand the emotional ties to items that don’t hold true value. Whether it’s that dried corsage from prom or a pair of jeans you haven’t fit into since a questionable doctor prescribed you a weight-loss drug (that’s a tale from a friend!), they simply occupy valuable space that could be better used for—well, air.
I have a reputation for being a ruthless declutterer. You might think less of me for what I’ve tossed out, but let’s just say, if your kid hands me a handmade gift, I’d prefer to graciously decline. If you must give me something, make it Davines conditioner—the green one, please.
It’s not only about letting go of yearbooks or old photos (90% of mine are gone too) or those sundresses that didn’t live up to expectations. The real beauty lies in the relief that comes from parting with these items; once they’re gone, they won’t cross your mind again. My mom’s wedding photo? I already know they tied the knot—if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here tossing out all this clutter!
Memories don’t need physical items to exist. You can reminisce about high school anytime without needing a yearbook to jog your memory.
If my personal decluttering journey hasn’t convinced you, there’s a treasure trove of literature that celebrates the joy of throwing things away. Leah Finnegan’s aptly titled piece, Throw Everything Out, contains gems like, “[M]ost stuff is crap. And there is nothing more beautiful than an almost-empty apartment.” She advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, suggesting that “Crap breeds more crap,” and echoes the wisdom of Diogenes of Sinope: “It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing.”
For practical tips, check out the influential work of Marie Kondo, renowned for her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Kondo’s mantra—keep only what “sparks joy”—is a powerful guideline. While her terminology might feel a bit whimsical, the core idea is clear: If something doesn’t truly resonate with you, let it go. That orange cashmere sweater that’s just okay? Gone. Those pink shoes that earn compliments but don’t make you feel great? Bye! Why hold onto a chipped bowl that frustrates you? It was lovely once, but its time has passed.
And as for those Keen boots I bought at a yard sale five years ago? They don’t exactly bring joy, but the thought of not spending money on a new pair that I might not love either does give me a smidgen of happiness.
If you find it tough to let go, or if you’re the opposite and thrive on the thrill of decluttering, consider this nugget of wisdom from a 2007 New Yorker piece on designer Karl Lagerfeld: “The most important piece of furniture in a house is the garbage can! I keep no archives of my own, no sketches, no photos, no clothes—nothing! I am supposed to do, I’m not supposed to remember!”
While parting with items can be challenging, embracing the act of doing is far more rewarding than clinging to memories.
In summary, decluttering isn’t just about cleaning up; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. If you’re interested in exploring the world of home insemination, you might find valuable resources available at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Check out Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo or Babymaker’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo—both are great options to consider!
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