To Toss or Not to Toss?

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Last week, my daughter did a presentation on food insecurity. As part of the discussion that followed, she found out about an organization near her school that accepts donations to help families who might be struggling. She hoped to find some donations among her own things but, as a college student, she keeps her belongings pretty minimal to begin with. 

On recent trips home, she's been pretty ruthless about what to keep and what to toss -- a mindset that's a significant shift for someone who embodied the I love stuff personal style as a child. Fortunately, a box of things she cleared from her closet last trip home was still sitting in our basement so, when we go to pick her up tomorrow, we're bringing some donations from here to contribute.

How about you? Are you a sentimental I love stuff  keeper or a ruthless tosser of all things non-essential? Read on for some style-related thoughts on the "to keep or not to keep" dilemma.

At the heart of any organization project is a decision -- to keep, or not to keep. Finding systems, shortcuts and containers that complement your styles is important, but even the best of these containers is neither bottomless nor infinitely expandable. Like it or not, going through the "stuff" and determining what to keep and what to toss (or dispose of otherwise) is an important step toward getting organized.

And for many people, this is the most difficult part of organizing -- just ask an I love stuff person. The mere mention of getting rid of anything is painful to those who love stuff because each item holds a memory or significance, endowing it with a life of its own. 

Cram and jammers and I know I put it somewhere organizers, on the other hand, are usually able to be more heartless about this task (unless, of course, their personal style is I love stuff!) They may not like the labor involved, but their "out of sight out of mind" outlook makes it easier for them to separate trash from treasure. I love to be busy folks and drop and run organizers may also have little difficulty making the "keep or toss" decision, as their organizational struggles arise more from a lack of time than from an attachment to their things. And we I need to see it people are often delighted to get rid of things because it reduces the pile and, along with it, the feeling of being overwhelmed by how much we have to do.

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That's not to say this is a simple task. Even for those who may find it easy (or even cathartic) to de-clutter, the task can be time intensive. If getting rid of things is hard for you, try taking baby steps. Eliminate containers that aren't earning their keep, schedule a Give it Five! session with an eye toward tossing anything outdated, broken, damaged or missing pieces. Feeling brave? If wacky weather has delayed your seasonal switchover as it has here, keep an eye out for clothing that no longer fits or is out of style, then pack it up to donate or consign.  

If this is really hard, do what you can and congratulate yourself. Getting rid of things we once loved can be the most traumatic part of getting organized. Take small steps and remember that every little bit helps.