As a child, I recall my mother standing in front of my closet, bag in hand, and asking, “Keep or toss?” She would present me with various items: a frayed dress-up skirt, a worn-out softball glove, or a faded doll. More often than not, my answer was “No.” Occasionally, I would say “Yes.” The rejected items disappeared into the bag, destined for the landfill. Afterwards, I reveled in the spaciousness and clarity of my newly organized space.
I’ve always been someone who finds it easy to part with things. I struggle to understand the emotional attachments to items that don’t hold significant value for us. That dried corsage from prom? Old letters from an ex? Pants that fit during a brief period in your life? They occupy valuable space that could be better utilized for—well, air.
I’m somewhat hesitant to share what I’ve discarded over the years, as it might make me seem heartless. Just a tip: if you value handmade gifts from your children, maybe keep them away from me! If you must give me something, make it a bottle of Davines conditioner—specifically the green one.
The reality is, you don’t need to keep your high school yearbook (both of mine are now at the Nevada County dump) or every single photograph (90% of mine are gone too). Even those sundresses you impulsively bought that don’t flatter your figure? They’ve joined the others in the landfill. Once you eliminate these items, you’ll find they no longer occupy your thoughts. My mom’s wedding photo? I already know she and my dad tied the knot; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here, throwing away old junk!
Here’s the truth: your memories reside in your mind, not in physical items. You can easily recall your high school experiences without needing to flip through a yearbook to jog your memory.
If my perspective on decluttering isn’t enough to inspire you, there’s a wealth of literature on the subject. Beginners might enjoy Leah Finnegan’s aptly titled article, Throw Everything Out, which contains the thought-provoking line: “[M]ost stuff is crap. An almost-empty apartment is a beautiful thing… Crap breeds more crap. Asceticism is a lovely philosophy.” Diogenes of Sinope famously said, “The privilege of the gods is to desire nothing; the privilege of godlike men is to want little.”
Finnegan encourages readers to toss more items: “Go ahead, throw away three more things.” While this serves as a source of motivation, for a more comprehensive approach to decluttering, I recommend Marie Kondo’s work, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Kondo offers valuable insights, particularly her concept of keeping only those items that “spark joy.” While the phrase might sound a bit whimsical, the essence is simple: if you don’t truly cherish an item, let it go. This principle empowered me to say goodbye to that orange cashmere sweater that didn’t flatter me, along with those pink shoes that, despite compliments, I found unappealing. And that lovely bowl with a chip? Why keep something that makes me feel frustrated? It had its charm, but it’s past its prime. Farewell!
Now, what about those Keen boots I snagged at a yard sale when I moved from Los Angeles five years ago? They don’t exactly spark joy, but the idea of not spending money on a new pair I might not love is slightly more uplifting. You see how this works? Give it a shot.
If you find it difficult to part with items—or if you relish the idea of throwing things away—consider this quote from a New Yorker profile of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld: “The most essential piece of furniture in a house is the garbage can! I keep no archives, sketches, photos, or clothes—nothing! Life is about doing, not remembering!”
I’m not claiming that decluttering is easy. However, Lagerfeld’s insight rings true—doing is far more rewarding than clinging to the past.
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Summary:
In essence, decluttering can lead to a refreshing and liberating environment. By letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy, you can create space for new experiences and memories. Embracing this philosophy allows you to focus on what truly matters in life.