Methods for Getting Rid of A Lot of Stuff — Pick One
One Bag a Day Method: Every single day fill one bag of stuff you’re getting rid of. Even it it’s just a tiny bag, do it every single day until you no longer have too much stuff, and everything you own, you love.
Timed Method: Every single day spend 15 or 30 minutes (decide) getting rid of stuff, until everything you own, you love.
One Room (or Closet, or Drawer) at a Time: every single day, spend at least 15 minutes tackling that room until it is serene, and you love everything in it. Then move on to the next room or closet or drawer.
30-Day Challenge: Day 1, get rid of 1 thing. Day 2, get rid of 2 things. Day 3 get rid of 3 things…
(Alternate version: get rid of 1 thing every day until you love everything you own.)
Nothing Comes in Unless Something Goes Out: If you want to acquire something new, you have to let go of something you already own.
Tips:
- Work fast.
- Have a friend help you. Preferably an unsentimental friend with a van.
- If you’re really struggling with letting go, put the objects in an unmarked box. If after a year you don’t remember what’s in the box, donate it without looking inside. If you remember what’s inside but haven’t missed it, donate it.
- Do this work early in the day if you can, when you have more willpower.
- Once you’ve decided to get rid of something, remove it from your home right away, out of sight.
- Don’t dwell on how much you spent on something. That’s not a good reason to hang onto something you don’t love.
If you still have too much stuff (I love it all!), consider rotating your belongings. Store some of it, and swap out once or twice a year. I do this with my art collection.
Remember, by donating or giving things to friends, you’re giving the objects a good home, allowing other people to enjoy them.
