I came across an article the other day from a back issue (September 2008 actually) of O, The Oprah Magazine.  Let me first clarify that NO, I do not have back issues of this, or any other magazine, cluttering up my home.   I found the article online.  The author, Andrew Mellen, also a Professional Organizer, wrote about how to unclutter your life in 12 easy steps. 

I’ve always tried to give people tips on decluttering by using analogies or different scenarios.  For instance, pretend you’re moving.  If you wouldn’t pay to have the item packed up and shipped to your next location, get rid of it.  Regarding the clothing that no longer fits you that you hope to be able to wear again someday, if you do lose the weight, don’t you want to celebrate by going out and buying some new and exciting outfits?

In this article Mellen uses a different scenario that I’d like to share.  Let’s say your house is on fire...and your family, pets and purse are all safe.  What do you go after next?  Do you rush in to rescue those clothes that don’t fit sitting in a bin in your attic?  How about the silver or crystal you inherited that you never use because it’s just not your style?  All of a sudden the value we place on these items isn’t quite the same, is it?

If we could retrain ourselves to focus less on the monetary value of our stuff and more on the ways these items add value to our lives, it might be easier for us to let go.  Of course I’m not saying the monetary value isn’t important.  If those clothes that no longer fit you were really expensive, then try to consign them instead of giving them away.  However, they aren’t adding value to your life by hanging in a closet year after year.  Rather, they seem to be a constant reminder of how you used to look or of a goal you have not yet achieved.

Similarly, the silver or crystal you inherited isn’t adding value to your life if it lives in a drawer or closet collecting dust.  It might just be a guilty reminder for you every time you see it.  Why not give it to another relative or a friend who would use it?  Or you can simply give it to a charitable organization and take the tax deduction.

If we aren’t gaining happiness from the things we surround ourselves with, it’s time for those items to go!