How do you decide what to keep and what to toss?
Answers:
I like some of the ideas offered here...
I think it takes a lot of work to get to know yourself in order to understand what to keep and what to toss. A lot of careful observation into your habits, lifestyle, and general direction in life. Awareness of what's working for you and what is just cluttering up your space.
Getting regular about it, though is really a good idea. That way, you give yourself the opportunity to give stuff away. If we do not sit ourselves down in front of that shelf or go through the stuff in the wardrobe, we are not going to get rid of anything. If you find that you are not up to throwing stuff out, the survey of what you have can still be helpful. Sorting through what you do have can prepare you to have the conviction to toss stuff another day. Some shelves or cupboards can take a few goes to get them 'cleansed'.
One technique that can be helpful is to take everything (say, for instance, in the bathroom cupboards) and put it in boxes. Then, you will see what you take out and really do use and what just never gets missed. That might better prepare you to do the deed.
Another helpful technique is to clear off a shelf entirely and then put things back. Some things just won't want to go back, and, of course, those are the things you want to toss.
There's that sweater that you keep cause you kind of like the way it looks but whenever you wear it, it doesn't feel good. There are those books that you used to be interested in, but just aren't any longer. As for the things of sentimental value that you have no use for altogether, find a home with someone else to 'get them off your chest'. I've included a give away web site to help you in your declutter project.
A very worthwhile endeavour.
All good wishes and best of luck!
Other answers:
If it is out of style throw it away. If it is over ten years old, it is out of style and probably shouldnt be worn unless it is a solid color t-shirt or something. If you blend with wild wallpaper, toss it. If you havent wore it in over two years throw it away or donate it to those in need. I have a compulsion to throw things away because they take up too much space. I love to throw things away or donate them, and then buy new, if needed.
If it is out of style throw it away. If it is over ten years old, it is out of style and probably shouldnt be worn unless it is a solid color t-shirt or something. If you blend with wild wallpaper, toss it. If you havent wore it in over two years throw it away or donate it to those in need. I have a compulsion to throw things away because they take up too much space. I love to throw things away or donate them, and then buy new, if needed.
Don't keep something that is not precious to you unless you have a plan to use it in the next 6 months. Every week have a day where you plan to throw a handful of things away. If you buy something, throw something away...
If you have not worn it in a year or more get rid of it, if it is stain, torn or tattered get rid of it.
Hi There,
If you didn't use it for the last 6 Months, it is useless to keep it, and if it not important documents, you don't need it.
Gathering Recipes? How many did you actually tried, and there is still 1000's to come.
you only keep what is important, and necessary, the others you toss away.
If I've had it for a year and not used it, it goes. Then I know its been through all holidays, weather and occasions and not been needed, so I can live without it.
What I do is I go through everything I have had piled up for about 6 months. Then I think, if I did not use it in 6 months I will not use it tomorrow, I toss it away.