As a child, my mother would often stand in front of my closet with a trash bag in hand, asking, “Keep or toss?” She would hold up various items like an old costume, a baseball glove, or a faded doll. More often than not, I would respond with a “No.” Rarely would I say “Yes.” The rejected items went into the bag and off to the landfill. Afterward, I always felt a sense of relief and freshness in my room.
From an early age, I’ve adopted a pragmatic approach to belongings. I struggle to understand the sentimental attachment to items that don’t truly hold meaning for me. Whether it’s a dried corsage from prom, letters from a past relationship, or even clothing that no longer fits—these objects simply take up space that could be used for more important things, like breathing.
I’m not shy about tossing things out. In fact, I’m hesitant to share what I’ve discarded because you might judge me harshly. Here’s a tip: please don’t let your kids give me handmade gifts. If you insist on presenting me with something, make it a bottle of Davines conditioner—the green one.
The reality is, you don’t need to keep your high school yearbooks (mine are both in the Nevada County landfill) or the majority of your photographs. Once you dispose of these items, they will no longer occupy your thoughts. Take my mom’s wedding photo, for instance. I’m already aware that my parents tied the knot; if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here, discarding all this clutter.
Memories are mental, not physical. You can recall your high school days whenever you choose, without needing to sift through a book filled with embarrassing hairstyles and faces of peers who teased you.
If my personal inclination to declutter isn’t enough to inspire you, consider the broader benefits of simplifying your life. There’s a plethora of insightful material on this topic. One engaging read is Leah Finnegan’s “Throw Everything Out,” which asserts that “[M]ost stuff is crap. And there is nothing more beautiful than an almost-empty apartment.” It emphasizes that material possessions often lead to more possessions. Diogenes of Sinope wisely noted, “It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.”
For practical advice on decluttering, the recent New York Times article on Marie Kondo, the acclaimed professional organizer and author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” is invaluable. Kondo’s most impactful lesson is the idea of keeping only what “sparks joy.” While I find the phrasing a bit whimsical, the principle is sound: if an item doesn’t bring genuine happiness, it’s time to let it go. This philosophy allowed me to part with an orange cashmere sweater that didn’t flatter me, pink shoes that I secretly disliked despite compliments, and even a beautiful bowl that I resented for being chipped. Why hold onto things that no longer serve you?
However, I must admit, those Keen boots I bought at a garage sale five years ago don’t exactly spark joy for me. But the idea of buying another pair that I might also dislike? That sparks a tiny bit of joy. It’s all about perspective.
If you find it challenging to let go of items or if you thrive on decluttering, consider this quote from fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld: “The most important piece of furniture in a house is the garbage can! I keep no archives of my own, no sketches, no photos, no clothes—nothing! I am supposed to do, I’m not supposed to remember!”
While I acknowledge that decluttering can be tough, Lagerfeld’s sentiment rings true—engaging in the present is far more fulfilling than clinging to memories.
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In summary, embracing decluttering can lead to a more organized, peaceful, and fulfilling life. By letting go of unnecessary items, you create space for what truly matters.