Why Are You Holding On? Case #3

Case #3:

Misc reasons people hold onto things they aren't actually using/enjoying. Shocker alert: sometimes it's a GOOD reason to keep something, I don't believe in getting rid of things just for the sake of it. I believe in people having an honest dialogue with themselves to make the right decision for them. Helping people (re-)learn to listen to their gut, figuring out how they really want to live so they can surround themselves with the things that will allow them to do it.

EXAMPLES:

>It needs to be fixed...

How long has it been waiting to be repaired and how has your life been without it. How much will it be to repair it? If it's clothes to be tailored, try it on to make sure you still like it.

>It's a good thing to have...

Sure, it's good to have extra candles and a small battery operated radio in case of an emergency or blackout, but do you need tons of specialty camping gear when you haven't been camping in 10 years and don't see yourself doing it again anytime soon?

>I'm saving it for when I live in a bigger space...

Ok, if you realistically think you'll live in a bigger place, you'll actually use it, and it's worth the cost of storing then moving it. But if there's something you'd like to do someday, why not now? Like have a tea party? Or learn to cook? I encourage people to live the life they want NOW!

>It's an extra...

This is definitely where I push the 'how much would it cost to replace over how much it costs you to store it'. Keeping some cheap old toaster on the off chance your current toaster is going to break isn't a great reason, especially if you live in a small apt and you have to store it under your bed. If something is expensive or a hard to get item, then it may be worth holding onto.

>So and so gave it to me (or it was a gift)...

A. Stop it from coming in: Ask that person (nicely) that gives you things that you feel 'I guess I have to keep it' not to give you gifts anymore (did this with my mom, it's now a funny joke in my family). Or ask instead of gifts, you enjoy time together. For kids, start a savings acct and ask people to give to your child's future instead of cluttering up their present.

B. Keeping the right stuff: People keep things for 'show' in case they see the person again, I say use your own judgement. If you'll never see the person again and don't have a ton of emotional attachment to it, then pass it on to someone who will love it by donating, selling or giving it to someone you know.

>It's from my (family member)...

If you have something from a family member that you don't really love but feel guilty getting rid of, think about if there's another family member that would like it. If not, do you really think that the person who passed this down to you would be happy knowing that it's become burden to you? If you don't have the space, can't repurpose it in any creative way, then it's time to seriously think about passing it along to someone else.