Why Declutter?
Most of us live with some level of clutter without realizing that
it can make us less productive, even triggering coping and avoidance strategies
that can send us to the TV with a bowl of ice cream. In fact, research verifies
that our physical environment has a big impact on our cognition, emotions and
even our relationships with other people.
There’s no shortage of benefits from cutting back on our
possessions. It’s actually doing it that’s hard. Weeks or even months may be
needed to go through a lifetime of accumulations.
Difficulty of Letting Go
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you might need something
in the future that you haven’t needed in the past. “If you already weren’t
using it, or didn’t like it, why on earth would you want to pack it up and
schlep it to your next house?” says professional home organizer Kimberly
Stockwell of NJ-based Organizing By Kimberly. “I know it sounds silly, but
people do it all the time. Moving isn’t cheap, either; do you really want to
pay extra to move stuff you don’t even want? Don’t delude yourself by telling
yourself you’ll deal with it at your next destination. No, you won’t.”
It’s not going to be easy to get rid of things. “It brings up all
kinds of emotional issues,” said Rosina Caruvana, a relocation specialist with
Caring Transitions of Somerset, NJ. “It’s not just moving things but the
emotional letting go that adds to the stress.”
Some collections may be particularly hard to let go of, but
they’re just going to sit in a box. Those refrigerator magnets from all your
trips, your child’s sweet drawings from long ago, the collection of teddy
bears. Pick a couple of your favorites to keep and let go of the rest.
What To Do With Unwanted Items
If your house is full of desirable objects that have good value
and you don’t know where to begin, you can contact Caring Transitions to help
you navigate through the process. We are the nation's largest and most
recognized estate sale and relocation specialists.
Downsizing and moving are two of life's most stressful,
time consuming transitions. Caring Transitions works with you to make the
process much easier and stress free. Contact us today for your free assessment
and consultation.
George Pizzo is owner of Caring Transitions of Somerset County NJ,
the region’s professional solution for full relocation services
including downsizing, decluttering and estate sales.