Opportunities to Let Go

A few weeks ago I received a letter from our homeowners association stating that they were sponsoring a community garage sale next month. Normally I wouldn't be interested in having my own garage sale (too much work), but they offered to do all the publicity; I just have to show up in my driveway. Life had just provided me with an irresistible opportunity to let go of some stuff.

With the garage sale date in mind, I set out to collect items to sell. As you can imagine, I don't keep a lot of unwanted items because I make regular trips to my favorite charity. I started by looking through some boxes packed away from our last move. Picture frames, extra linens, and an entire bathroom set went in the garage sale box. No use saving what doesn't go in this house. Victorian decorator pieces from my single days had to go. Not my style any more. Next I tackled the bookcase. Since I had books that needed new homes, it was time to part with titles that I had never read or referenced.

In a few short hours, I ended up with more garage sale items than I expected. That reminded me of what I often tell my clients: Organization is a process, not an event. Like the layers of an onion, we need to keep peeling away the layers we don't need. Life had given me an opportunity to peel away another layer.

So what about you? Are you

• Moving or changing your living situation?
• Sending a son or daughter off to college?
• Remodeling?
• Changing careers, hobbies, or interests?
• Adjusting to a new season in life (children growing up, empty nest, retirement)?

This month take some time to let go. Look through a few boxes or closets. Take a peek at your bookshelves. Here are a few questions to ask:

• When is the last time I used this? If the answer is never or you can't remember, it's time to let it go.
• If I needed this again, would it match my current style?
• Could someone else benefit from this item more than me?
• Do I still like this? Note the emphasis on the present tense. Do you still like it?
• Did I forget I had it? That's a good indication that you can live without it.

Remember, organization is a process. It's okay to keep things you aren't sure about. It will be easier to let them go the next time. Celebrate what you were able donate, or even have your own garage sale.

Look for an opportunity to let go of a few things this month. Clear out space in your home or office. Make room for new things in your life. You'll be glad you did.

Back to the archive.