Important Reasons Why Decluttering Is Not Wasteful

Decluttering isn’t wasteful. But somehow that feeling seems to keep us from getting rid of more and making the most of our space.

I was recently chatting with a group of friends when one pulled out an item she had never used and was never going to use and offered it to whoever wanted it. Another friend has been in the process of purging. She quickly turned down the item with this statement: I love that, but I’ve committed to not bringing anything else in until I’ve finished taking things out.

It was such a proud friend moment. I’m sure she didn’t learn that from me, and she is far beyond me in wisdom, but still, I was proud.

It’s something some people never get.

Decluttering is not wasteful.

Obviously, you aren’t going to be getting rid of things you need or use often. What you SHOULD be getting rid of are things you don’t use. Things you don’t need. And things that are basically just taking up space.

People had a lot to say about the Marie Kondo method of “if it doesn’t bring you joy, throw it out.” But why would you want your home full of things that don’t bring you joy? Why would you want to keep something that causes you to stress?

Here’s my secret. I don’t redecorate often. Or almost ever. Most of the things decorating my home are sentimental pieces handed down by family; button collection, Grandma’s candy dish, world map from the 60’s. I don’t keep every sentimental item… that would be a waste of space. I only keep the ones I really love. And I never want to replace them because they bring me true joy.

You aren’t being wasteful by decluttering.

You aren’t being wasteful by decluttering. You’re being wasteful when you buy new things that you don’t need. Things that you don’t have the space for. You’re being wasteful when you let the sparkle of something new convince you that you can’t live without it.

I’ve said this before. If you love something and you think you need to buy it, leave it at the store. If after a few days (or even a week) you still think you need it, then maybe you do. Ultimately that’s a decision only you can make. But you’re much more likely to decide not to go back and pick it up than you would be to return it after the purchase.

So just wait.

How do you get over the “wasteful” hurdle while decluttering?

First, learn your lesson.

Are you stressed about the amount of stuff in your house but you’re still shopping? Stop. Seriously, stop. There’s almost nothing that you could need so immediately that you’d be willing to cause yourself extra time, money, space, and stress to get it. And for some people, this hurts on a deep level. But you have to STOP SHOPPING.

Second, how long have you had this?

Why haven’t you used it? What are you waiting for? If the answers are “too long” and “I don’t know,” you really don’t need it. It isn’t wasteful to get rid of it. But it is a waste of space to keep something you’ll likely never use.

Was it a gift?

This is a huge conflict for many people. They feel guilty for getting rid of things they’ve been gifted. They are also often afraid of offending the gift-giver if they don’t keep the gift. But really. You can’t keep anything forever. So if you’re literally just keeping something out of a feeling of obligation, it’s time to let go.

That person may never find out what happened. But if they do, they should care enough about you to understand that you needed to create space for your own emotional and mental health.

You don’t need it, but maybe someone else does?

The item my friend was giving away was something she’d likely never use. But it’s actually perfect for what I do. Just because you’re decluttering doesn’t mean everything has to go in the trash. Try to find other people who could really use some of the items you’re purging. Donate to a shelter or non-profit organization. This will help reduce some of the feelings of wastefulness you might have. And it’s okay to trash the rest.

Here are 2 caveats to passing things along to others:

1. Don’t offer things to people who are trying to declutter unless it’s something they may absolutely need. You don’t want to undermine anyone’s progress.
2. Do not hold onto things for a long time planning to donate them. That undermines your progress. Get it out of the house as quickly as possible.

Want to know how to completely declutter your home? Find it here.

It feels so good to declutter.

Physical space goes hand-in-hand with mental space. So when your home is cluttered your mind feels overstimulated and overwhelmed, leading to stress. Clearing things out not only reduces stress but helps you think more clearly.

So let me encourage you. Taking things out of your home before bringing new things in is not wasteful. You’re creating a space that will be more functional for your family. That’s something you should feel good about.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6.21