Have you ever considered what you want your relationship to be like with the things you own? If you and your stuff were dating, how would you define your relationship? Needy? Dysfunctional? Erratic? Neglected? What do you want your relationship with your stuff to be like?
Step One: Awareness
How much do you own? What do you own? Consider factors like volume, frequency of use, and quality. If you feel overwhelmed, start by looking at just one category at a time with fresh eyes. For example, you could pull out all of your kitchen appliances and then decide which items you want to keep in your home. Eliminate any duplicates, and if you own occasional-use appliances like a waffle maker or a panini press, decide whether they are worth the space they take up in your home. The most important thing is to be intentional about which items you decide to keep.
Step Two: Use + Appreciate What You Already Own
Before you run out to the store or click the “buy now” button, try “shopping” from your own home. Most people have more toiletries, housewares, and clothing than they know what to do with, and yet we all keep bringing more of everything into our homes. The next time you find yourself reaching for your credit card, do a quick inventory check to make sure you don’t already own what you are about to invest in.
Step Three: Respect
Not sure where to begin? Start small and remember a little bit of progress is still progress.
I had four pieces of costume jewelry that I really liked, but each was out of commission because it needed a specific type of repair. They sat in the “Repair” box on the shelf in the closet for several years. Last week I got my act together and took care of fixing them. It took a little time to find the right sources, but I was so glad to do this rather than discarding them. Very gratifying!