5.) Can I identify a specific use? Do you keep things because you might "need them someday?" That is fine if you a.) have the space to keep the items and b.) know what you are going to do with them. If you are keeping something for the express purpose of keeping it, consider that item a little harder.
6.) Is it beautiful, useful or loved? Are you keeping something that you think is hideous because it was a gift to you from someone special? Don't. Only surround yourself with things that bring you joy. Most likely, the person that gave you the gift would not want you to keep it if they knew you did not like it.
7.) Does it reflect the person I was or the person I am now? Are you keeping things that were important to you in the past, but really do not have the same meaning anymore? Does your space reflect who you are or who you were? Get rid of things that no longer hold meaning for you.
8.) What is the worst possible scenario if I toss this? This one is one of my favorite questions! If you can ask yourself this question and find that you can live with the answer, then it can make it easier to let go.
Let me know how these questions work for you. Do you have questions that work for you that are not listed above? Tell me those, too, by leaving them in the comments!
4 comments so far...
I'm glad that you found the questions helpful! One of the biggest challenges with organizing is to decide to decide! Procrastination is just way too easy to do :-) Be on the look out for future articles I'll write on paper management. It is a big challenge for a number of people. So much so, in fact, that over 80% of my business is working with people in their offices and especially on paper. Know that you are not alone and take it a step at a time. I'd love to hear how your progress goes! Drop me a line and share what worked for you and what didn't.
Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 25th June 2008
All the questions to ask will be very helpful - I just need to sit down and finally tackle it all!
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Selene M. Bowlby on 24th June 2008
You can be! That is the great thing about what I do for a living. I help people figure out what works best for them. There really is no one right answer. I think that is one of the biggest myths of organization. Pick 1 or 2 things you want to alter and start there. Don't do too much at once and you will meet your goals!
Stephanie
Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 23rd June 2008
I wish I were that organized!
Cheers,
Lorena.
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Lorena on 22nd June 2008