Are you happy with the amount of things you own? As I go through some downsizing I am amazed at all the stuff I have. I was 19 and living in a small apartment when my mom died, so my grandmother got my mom’s stuff. When my grandmother died I had to go through her stuff and my mom’s stuff. I was working full time and going through my grandparents house alone evenings and weekends. People kept telling me I should not do this task alone. The friend I had help me took some stuff however also encouraged me to keep almost every thing!

Since working with a friend didn’t work before. I have now read a few articles and watched a few videos by the experts on getting rid of stuff. I have also read the experts are stressing people out. De-cluttering feels good to me but it can make us feel anxious. I’m not the type of person who has to have the latest fashion or furniture. So I was perplexed at how I could have so many things. Much of my stuff is giveaways from other people. I’m getting better at saying no to those nice to have but not necessary things.

I think everyone is different with de-cluttering so my advice is watch some experts and see what works for you. It can be emotional, especially if you are getting rid of stuff from loved ones. It is the memories we cherish so keeping just a few reminders is working for me. Start small and build on your success. If you have a friend help you find a minimalist. Some old stuff is good like classic cars, much of our old stuff is no longer serving us.

“My mind was always very cluttered, so I took great pains to simplify my environment, because if my environment were half as cluttered as my mind, I wouldn’t be able to make it from room to room.” Leonard Cohen L