3 Keys Thursday: 3 Key Questions For Non-Ruthless Clutter-Busters

Photo: Dodgerton Skillhause via Morguefile

Any tidying/clearing out project starts with taking stock and asking two questions: what's here and how much of it do I really need?

Wouldn't it be nice if the answers were as simple as the questions?

If even the thought of decluttering makes you cringe, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to make progress more quickly and simply.

Can I part with this? Yeah, I know -- pretty obvious. But the things that are easy to be ruthless about are often not found at the top of the pile or front of the closet. Beginning with the back of the closet or the bottom of the pile can make it easier to gain momentum by starting the process with some easy answers. What if you find hidden treasures that are too hard to part with? Simply set them aside and keep moving through the pile. No one said you had to do this all at once.

Can something new replace something old? One in, one out is a great way to keep clutter from building up. Buy a new pair of black pants? Get rid of the old one. Need both pairs? Get rid of something else. Or maybe two things. Small steps lead to clear spaces, one item at a time.

Will someone else love this? Quite honestly, the answer to this is usually no. In the case of some items, though, like clothing, books and toys, consigning, donating or passing them along to a specific person or organization can make it easier to part with it.  Be sure you know where it's going, though, or it's all too easy to simply move it from one spot to another instead of moving it out.

Not everyone is a ruthless clutter-buster, but that doesn't mean there's no hope for those of us who prefer to tackle our piles a little at a time.