End of Year De-cluttering Ritual

At the end of every year I make it a point to identify all the stuff I no longer need or want and begin “the purge”. I’m usually pretty good about the need stuff and make nice little piles to either donate, sell or throw away many items. I work my way through all my clothes, magazines, electronics, and tons of other knick knacks determined to exorcise these objects from our house. The most amazing part is watching how the garage goes from crowded wasteland to a roomy and tidy area albeit temporary.

It’s the want that can be a bit tricky as we all have sentimental reasons why we cling to things year after year allowing them shine in our minds while in the real world they just sit around, in many cases out of sight, collecting dust.

Next year I turn 50 and with this milestone I feel it’s time to say goodbye to many things so I decided to dig deep and really go after everything I gloss over each year that have gained a pardon to continue living on. This includes many figures, dolls, trading cards, cables that I never use, computer components, and tons more. My solution for the items that bring memories with them is to take a photo before they are exiled. I’m still in the middle of this process but so far am feeling great to remove the burden of continuing to carry these around with me.

In addition to the process I’ve begun reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which based on the linked review I read, seems like more of a philosophy than a simple how-to guide. I’m hoping to learn ways to modify my life positively from it.

If you’re planning to de-clutter soon this and this post should help overcome issues of saying goodbye to sentimental items.