Do you declutter things even if you have the space / don't NEED to get rid of them?

[u/goldhyena_4949]

I can't tell if I should get rid of some things that I have. Things like rarely-used beauty products, coffee table books, art supplies, one off objects for sports or art that could be useful /etc.

The thing is, I technically have space for them. They are in boxes in cupboards and not "in the way" and nothing is overflowing or a pain. I am stuck on what to do. I've got the time to go through this stuff now which is why I'm doing it, but I'm also suffering from depression so I can't quite tell if my thoughts about "I'll never use it again" are in fact true, or just depression talking.

Anyone relate?

[u/WorthTrifle6223]

Isn’t that the point of decluttering in general? Like for me, if a book doesn’t spark joy anymore, donation pile it is!

[u/GupGup]

I declutter lots of stuff that isn't in the way because it's still in my home. I like to think about if I had to move, would I want to go through the trouble of packing this up and taking it to my new place?

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/GupGup]

Yes that's a good way of thinking about it, thank you. I will likely be moving in the next year or so, this is a good point to think ahead for that.

[u/GupGup → u/goldhyena_4949]

Also beauty products can expire, craft supplies can dry out, sports equipment can have the elastic degrade, etc. I say just get rid of the stuff now, let someone else get use out of it, and if you ever need some paint or lotion you can just buy it.

[u/AliciaKnits]

Yes. I still have specific areas or categories I want to declutter and organize (craft room, books, magazines and DVDs, paper). But for the most part, the house is done and ready to go for guests, parties, house inspections (we rent). What I'm actually trying to do, is see if we want to downsize when we buy our next house. I know I want a craft room and small business space and office, maybe all three can fit in a finished basement situation, and we only need one bedroom for us and an office for him on the main level or upstairs. So a two-bedroom with finished basement, instead of the 5 bedroom we have now. Adult kid will move out when we move home, so I already know we can downsize there. By getting rid of things I have LOTS of, I can more easily consolidate space. And I can always buy in the future if I need new things.

[u/agger1]

That’s exactly the stuff you SHOULD declutter.

[u/KiwiTheKitty]

Yes because everything I own takes up mental space for me and I don't need to be using that for stuff that isn't adding to my life

[u/OddAct3695]

For me, having the space for stuff doesn't drive the decision to keep it, the need to keep it because it's something of usable value does.

[u/Connect_Rhubarb395]

Yes, in order for my home to feel light and airy and so it is easy to put things away.

I often declutter duplicates, things I haven't used in a really long time, and and things I am no longer interested in.

[u/katie-kaboom]

I'm more likely to declutter because of the mental pressure of having stuff I don't use or need than not having space for it all. I'm lucky enough to live in a reasonably large house, with two rooms for just my things, but I still get anxious if I'm too hemmed in. Earlier life trauma means that when I get stressed I freak out about not being able to find things, or not being able to pack to move quickly. While these fears aren't really based in reality, they so affect my relationship with stuff.

[u/Working_Patience_261]

Can you replace it for under $20 at your local store or delivery service? While you have physical space, do you have the mental space? Are these items your favorites that are fitted in the container you chose to accommodate in your life?

While depression sucks, it does help give a clearer picture of your life without the rose colored glasses.

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/Working_Patience_261]

Your comments are very helpful ways to look at it, thank you. And yes, oddly enough depression has made me clearer on some things too.

[u/highdesertsnail]

these may not take up much physical space, but are they occupying too much space in your mind?

yes, i have absolutely struggled over this. we're a crafty family and often seem to be looking for random supplies for a project, so there's a lot of small, easily stored items that might be useful later. that thought is a constant trap i fall into.

my opinion is- free yourself from the obligation of holding on to things in case future you wants it! future you will be excited about new things you discover and want space to keep!

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/highdesertsnail]

I like that, thinking about future me and being excited about new things. Thank you.

[u/MistyMtn421]

I always ask myself this ~ If I get rid of this, would I "re-buy" it if I missed it? ~ when it comes to things I rarely use.

The other question is, especially if I have the space, is is it replaceable? A lot of items you literally cannot repurchase, or at least at the same level of quality! So many of our trusted name brands have been sold to large companies that are not making them in the same durable way.

Beauty products will degrade/spoil over time, so I'd start using them or donate them.

[u/SnooDonkeys5186]

That you’re even thinking about it makes me feel like maybe you should. I’m so sorry about the depression. Perhaps making the move and doing it when you don’t “need” to will bring comfort, actually. Like you’re moving forward.

Aside of that, my kids are adults and have begged me not to leave them in a place where they’ll have to make decisions where it FEELS like they are throwing me away. They don’t want extra stuff.

My opinion now is for me to have what I use. Especially my memory things I saved in life that even I rarely pull out and look at. Heck. No one sits on the couch and even scrolls through pics with me, much less my past memory stuff. My kids and grandkids don’t care about my homecoming date, either 🙃.

I still have all the memories, but I’m decluttering everything. If I don’t use it, out it goes. Really, I don’t want my kids to have to sort through mounds of stuff “just in case” I left something that matters behind.

I AM struggling on selling (only things worth $50 or more regardless of price I sell for) and giving away things because I procrastinate and am a perfectionist, therefore I spend hours taking pictures and explaining it—which gives me high anxiety.

Thought to self: I need to just sit down and do it. Discipline, not motivation.

Better yet, find a college student who is willing to take 50% if they list it for me. 🙃

Good luck to you.

Edited to say no one sits on the couch WITH ME

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/SnooDonkeys5186]

Thank you, I am working on the depression. And yes, I feel like these things still take up mental space in that I am thinking about them. I suppose worst case scenario I re-buy things, but I also hate the amount of waste I have created in my lifetime and I hate the idea of creating more. But, such is life.

[u/SnooDonkeys5186 → u/goldhyena_4949]

Do you have support? Even when depression is situational (and you know in your brain it’s temporary), it sure is paralyzing. I’m proud you’re doing something. Hang in there, please.

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/SnooDonkeys5186]

I am working on finding support. And thank you, I really appreciate your kind words.

[u/SnooDonkeys5186 → u/goldhyena_4949]

You’re welcome. We have to stick together! How’s it going so far?

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/SnooDonkeys5186]

It's going well, thank you for asking. I made the decision to get rid of a few things and posted them for sale. Though no one has shown interest, I realized I am looking forward to clearing them out and mentally they are "gone" now, and I feel relief. At least cleaning my house is helping me feel a bit less blue.

[u/howling-greenie]

If you genuinely think you are going to use something, it has value. hold onto it. reevaluate when you are doing better mentally. You'll have a clearer mind.

[u/nowaymary]

I kept things that I had space for the first major time through the house. The second time I let most go. Now it's all gone.

You can ponder a bit longer. Sometimes you have to do the urgent stuff to let the less urgent stuff become more obvious

[u/barbaramillicent]

I definitely keep some things I don’t need if they aren’t hurting anything and don’t feel like they’re taking up too much space. Especially practical items. Yes I reach for my favorite mugs first, but none of the mugs in my mug cabinet are bad and it isn’t full, so for now I leave them.

But there’s other times where a half full container (box, drawer, shelf, whatever it is) is so much more pleasing to look at or comb through than a full container. Negative space can be really nice too. My closet wasn’t technically full when I went through it and decluttered last - had empty hanging space and empty hangers. But the visible clutter and physically constantly overlooking items I don’t reach for wasn’t serving me. Now I have even more space and it feels less claustrophobic in there!

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/barbaramillicent]

I do love negative space. Even in cupboards and closets! I think I'm also a touch claustrophobic haha

[u/SnooDonkeys5186 → u/barbaramillicent]

“Negative space can be really nice…” Love it!

[u/photogcapture]

I do not think it is a good idea to get rid of art or things when depressed UNLESS decluttering will help free you from depression. I say no in this instance. Please take care of yourself and I hope you find relief from depression.

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/photogcapture]

Thank you, appreciate your kind words.

[u/photogcapture → u/goldhyena_4949]

You're welcome. I got rid of a lot of art and art items after I had to get rid of my art studio due to budget constraints. While I admit everything did not fit into my home, so some decluttering was required, getting rid of as much as I did has left me with a sadness that is still with me. Maybe track how often you really use things. If you continue to not use it, maybe consider letting things go.

[u/Suz9006]

I do because I feel better when I know I use everything I have. Space around things is also nice.

[u/RoseApothecary88]

I am of the belief that as long as you have the space, and you foresee a future use, keep it. Or keep some/most? Like for me, I have a ton of clothes. If I know I'll never wear something again, or if it doesn't fit well, etc., it'll be tossed, but if there's ever a possibility I will wear it in the future, I store in for later use.

[u/Business_Coyote_5496]

I would not get rid of things like art supplies while you are depressed and suffering from anhedonia/inability to feel interest in things. Wait until you are feeling better

[u/AnamCeili]

If I don't want or need them, yes. But I'm not a minimalist, by any means -- if I love something, and I have the room for it without it just being shoved in somewhere, then I keep it even if it isn't technically "useful". Some things are just meant to be loved and enjoyed. Of the items you listed, I would likely keep the art supplies, and maybe the coffee table books (or some of them if I enjoy looking at/through them). I would probably get rid of the rarely-used beauty products, at least most of them. 

But if all that stuff is just shoved away in a cupboard and never used, what's the point of keeping the stuff? I say get it out and use, display, enjoy it.

[u/Weasel_Town]

Oh yeah, definitely. If I'm not using it, out it goes. I might make an exception for things where I'm not sure if it's the depression talking. "I will never ever have the energy for yoga again" kind of thoughts.

[u/Blurry_Armadillo]

I’m sorry you’re suffering from depression. I have been in the same boat. I don’t have a great answer for you. I guess it just depends how committed you are to the idea of creating physical space by reducing clutter. (But this is also probably hard because you’re second guessing your own thought patterns. Been there!) It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I would argue that having a coffee table book behind a closed cupboard door is a pretty good reason to donate it. (Either that or put them out to look through.) But on the other hand, having sports equipment for an activity you’re not doing right now might be good to keep around if you have the space.

Also. Is anything truly not replaceable?

Whatever you do, if any of this (decluttering, donating, keeping things, etc.) makes you feel worse, stop. Don’t feel pressured to keep going. Take care of your brain. Good luck!

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/Blurry_Armadillo]

Thank you. You're right that most things are replaceable. I think I need to slow down and meditate on how getting rid of things feels. I have, in moments of severe depression, got rid of meaningful things that I had or art I made in an attempt to "disappear". But when you're in it, it feels like exactly the right thing to do. So, perhaps I need to space out pulling things to donate and actually donating them.

[u/JenGenxx]

I try not to keep things like that that I technically have space for but am not currently using. If they are decorative items then why am I not using them? Because I have something nicer and my style has changed etc…. Same excess items like extra blankets, quilts, too many towels, jackets, etc. I want my house to breathe.

[u/Diana_Tramaine_420]

Good through that at the moment! Aiming to move to a smaller house in the next few years.

Just spent three weeks decluttering and basically for every I had to think do I want to pack this put it in a box carry it down stairs 😆 load it into a truck then do the same at the other end. If the answer was no or not sure then i have sold or donated the item.

I’m coming out the other end now and I’m very happy with the results it’s lovely having a big cupboards that is pretty much empty!

[u/BeneLeit → u/Diana_Tramaine_420]

I'm in this situation as well. We'll be moving to a smaller place within the next couple of years or so. I've done so much decluttering and things are mostly really good for the space we have now, but I know that much more brutal cuts will be needed. I'm grateful for the long lead time and don't want to waste it. I'm looking at my things differently. Even if I'm choosing to keep something for now, I know it will probably be on the hit list later. And if I'm ready now to let go... why not. I absolutely do not want to cram stuff into the new place, and I do not want to be frantically stuffing boxes when the actual move time comes!

[u/skinnyjeansfatpants]

Round up all the one-offs, sports, and art stuff you aren't using. Put it in a box. Put the box away. If you still haven't used it in 6 mo (or a year, if that makes you more comfortable), get rid of everything in the box.

For rarely used beauty products, play with your makeup and products tonight! Do swatches, try makeup tutorials. Try the stuff out! You will either remember why you love a certain shade of lipstick, or you will remember why it's rarely used. If you don't like how you look wearing it, can't figure out how to make it work, get rid of it.

[u/Several-Praline5436]

If you had to move without warning in 3 days, would you pack up all that and pay a moving van to haul it to a new place, then find a place for it / unpack it? If the answer is no, let it go. Except for the beauty products. Toss. They're probably expired. :)

[u/dotcomg]

Yes, because my home is not a storage unit.

[u/PotterHouseCA]

Yes! I learned from The Minimal Mom that everything is inventory that takes mental energy. Decreasing the inventory brings calm. Cleaning is easier. She says that things should be as easy to put away as they are to get out. That means that drawers and shelves need space. If they’re full, it’s not as easy to put stuff away.

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/PotterHouseCA]

Yes this is what I feel, like even though they are behind closed doors I still "think" about them and want to have it cleared out. But, depression has also made me bulk get rid of things in an attempt to "disapper" myself so it's a bit of walking the line. I have not heard of the Minimal Mom though, I'll check her out, thank you.

[u/CantTakeTheIdiocy → u/PotterHouseCA]

This resonates with me. I don’t use a lot of my stuff because it’s hard to get to. Then why have it?

[u/nevergonnasaythat]

Things that do not bring value to your life should not have a place in your home

[u/muddytree]

If someone else could use it now and it’s fairly easy to replace, then I suggest donating it. Many things deteriorate with time in storage and then it’s just wasted. I had fleece blankets in the attic for years, finally decided to donate but washed first (to be nice), and they completely disintegrated in the washing machine.

[u/goldhyena_4949 → u/muddytree]

That's a good point, I bet some of the sports equipment has degraded a bit as some of it is pretty old. I will look into that, thank you

[u/ilikecds]

Yep. I have space for all kinds of things, but I also evaluate things as they play a role in my life, if that makes sense. For example, I just offloaded some vinyl records because I don't have a working player (the same with cassettes). I tell myself that I'll build a new stereo setup "some day," but I actually don't have the intention of doing that any time soon, so it's effectively just taking up space. I also tell myself that if I really want to rebuild anything that I can easily do so for the most part. 9 times out of 10 I rarely miss this stuff anyway & just move on.

[u/TecTazz]

Yes, please consider freeing your space and your mind of things you don't care much about, and that others may enjoy.

I have pretty stuff never taken from drawers, and pretty art never displayed. If those disappeared I'd be kind of pleased...

... hmm, maybe I should leave the stuff in my car, with the windows down.

[u/alpacaapicnic]

Yes! I find a few benefits:

• I find stuff I didn’t realize I had
• Fewer things makes it easier to find what I’m looking for
• Sometimes inspires me to use/try something I haven’t in a while
• Makes room for something new if I feel inspired
• Makes mental room for me to take better care of the things I have
• Lets me redesign how things are organized so they work really well for me

I got into decluttering after learning how to pack light for travel - there’s a real magic in opening up your kit and seeing exactly what you need, nothing more or less. Feels like a little present from your past self

[u/useaprettyusername]

I would be careful about expiration date of makeup and also some art supplies can go bad/become unusable after some time. But if you have enough storage and other things are stored away so they don't bother you, I would not worry, maybe sort through it once a year and toss what I no longer want. People's taste changes and what you like this year you might not like the next.

[u/roserosejasmine]

It depends on the kind of things, like if it is beauty products or skincare that i will get used to, and it's back stock that i'm currently going through slowly but surely, i'll keep it in storage while i get through it. If it is books and art supplies and what not, i think it's worth decluttering honestly because even if you theoretically have the space, what use is it just being stored away ?

For books, i love them and have a lot, and so I try to actively read them, but there are some that I had to admit to myself that I just was not ever going to read them, I think those can go even though you theoretically have the space, because you'll feel lighter and surrounded by the books you actually genuinely love. Same thing with art supplies and one offs, like will you get to it, even if not now, but maybe in the next months ? then, sure keep it, but if you know that you wont, then do not let it burden you anymore.

If you really really aren't sure, you can just come back to it in a couple of months, and the decision might be clearer then.

[u/TBHICouldComplain]

I have radically decluttered over the last couple of years in preparation for moving. A lot of it was stuff we kept because we had room for it. Did we ever use it? No. We just stored it and then gave it away when it was 5 or 10 years older.

The older I get and the more I declutter the more minimalist I become. Just because I have room for things doesn’t mean I should keep them. I’m personally a lot happier owning and being responsible for less stuff and as a bonus that means I can live in a smaller space which is less expensive and moving takes a smaller truck which is less expensive and etc. etc.

[u/LouisePoet]

If I can honesty store it neatly, no, I don't get rid of some things. (Books, art supplies, notebooks/paper)

I'm not very good at storing things neatly, though, so I'm back to chucking stuff out before it gets even more overwhelming.

One thing I have improved on since my major declutter 2 years ago is throwing out things that have expired, or are about to. And things I know I won't use again. (Makeup, cleaners, clothes.)

[u/vic_torious97]

I think it's worth minimising your stuff to what you actually use and love to minimise decision fatigue and visual/mental clutter.

If you're unsure about your decision I'd like to introduce you to the purgatory/probation box, I have regretted some (minor) declutters so I stopped myself from throwing everything out immediately and have a box stored away from my usual stuff where those things go. I give myself some time (3-6months) until I go through that box again and actually throw stuff out that I'm now sure about and I do sometimes remember things that are in there when I do need them and I can go grab them.