10 Questions to Ask Yourself
On my recent trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, I lost a couple of items, including my most favorite bracelet. My boyfriend gave me this as a gift many, many years ago, and I wore it practically every day, except while I was working. Not only did I love the bracelet, it was easy to wear. I’ve searched high and low for it, and it is nowhere to be found. I even called the condo where we were staying to see if they found it.
This made me think about our “stuff”. This bracelet meant so much to me, and yes, I was, and am still very sad that I lost it. Getting rid of items that you don’t think are important is easy. But, what do we do about those items that mean a lot to us? Sometimes, as in my situation, there is no choice. It’s been lost. Can it be replaced? The answer is, of course, yes, but it’ll be different.
In the scheme of things, what’s the worst thing that happened to me? Sure, I no longer have something that meant the world to me, yet I have to remember that I don’t have a chronic disease and am not dying. When I deal with my own things and those of my clients, I always ask the following 10 questions, which helps with making decisions as to whether to keep something or not.
- Have you used this item in the past year?
- Do you have a definitive use for the item?
- If it’s broken or ripped, is it worth fixing?
- Does this item serve a worthwhile purpose in your life?
- Do you need to keep the item for legal purposes?
- Do you love the item?
- Would it be too hard or expensive to replace the item?
- Does anyone in your family want the item?
- Does the item fit?
- What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t keep the item?
I found a replacement bracelet until the time comes when I can replace it with something I like just as much. The picture above is what I bought for all of $8.00 (LOL).
What items can you part with that you no longer need or want? Ask yourself those important questions so you can start to de-clutter your life.
Now is your time to Go from Bedlam to Brilliance!
Barbara Berman, Certified Professional Organizer ®
www.bb-clutter-solutions.com
info@bb-clutter-solutions.com
856-912-0077
Serving South Jersey (including Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May, and Mercer counties), North Jersey, and Philadelphia (including its surrounding counties).