All of the clutter in my home depresses me and at times, makes me feel claustrophobic. I am drawn to the popular movement to simplify. I want to clear all of the extra unneeded possessions out of my living space but how and where do I begin?
For this question, we turn to professional organizer Becca Clark of Hot Springs, who works with clients in central Arkansas as the owner of Creative Convenience and Your Best Move.
"There are many comparisons between breaking up with a love and ending it with our beloved stuff," Clark explains, with a nod to Valentine's Day, today's national celebration of love.
"While it's always sad and difficult and disappointing, it's absolutely true that clearing out the old makes way for something -- or someone -- new and wonderful to come into our life," she says.
Clark offers some questions for those who believe they may be ready to clear the clutter to ask themselves. She adds that the following questions posed on an item-by-item basis will assist those wishing to minimize their possessions in making those tough decisions about what to dump and what to keep.
"Some friends on a road trip helped with the compilation of this list, and we laughed a lot and got a little silly," Clark explains, "so with tongue in cheek, here's the list."
• Do I love it and do I use it?
"If you can't say yes to at least one of those two questions, it may be time to sever the cord," Clark says.
• How hard will it be to replace if the worst happens and I really want it back?
The scarcity and rarity of an item is worth considering before adding it to a yard sale or donating it to a thrift store.
• How long has it been since I really, truly enjoyed it? Habit is not a valid reason.
• Just because it felt like a gift in the beginning, do I have to continue to give it a home? Things change.
• Will a photograph do as well and give me the memories of the happy part?
• Is it past its prime? If so, it is time for an upgrade!
• Do I already have and/or need more than one?
• How much can I get (cash, tax deduction, warm fuzzy) by putting it back into the universe?
• Would someone else enjoy it and use it more or better than I do?
• If I don't need it often, can I rent one when I do need it?
"A little editing will make you feel lighter and life will be simpler," Clark advises. "The best part is that with your stuff, you always get to be the dump-er, never the dump-ee."
Happy Valentine's Day!
-- Linda S. Haymes
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:
lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle on 02/14/2015