Decluttering

I used to be a keeper. I kept things if I thought I might need them again. Our home was pretty full. I started eBaying about 5 years ago, and learned something important on eBay:

There will always be another great deal.

I applied the concept to decluttering. I got it once, if I needed to replace it, I could again! If I truly needed it, I'd find a way. I developed a couple of simple rules:

• If I had not used it in the last few years, and was in a position to not use it (like canning jars in Wyoming... I cannot can here), then I could get rid of it.
• If it was less than $20 to replace it, I could throw it away or give it away, because I'd be able to replace it easily enough.
• If it took space that could be better utilized by current needs, I needed to prioritize and meet our needs now instead of holding out on a maybe.

Saving for a rainy day is fine, but not if it sabotages your ability to function today. Not that it should not inconvenience you, but it should not seriously hamper your ability to cope, or leave you feeling too buried to manage day to day.

Throwing things away is very liberating. It can become addictive. Try it... you may find that you like it!