Is it clutter or is it not? Is your dejunking fever being cooled down by cold feet? Are emotional ties and guilt diluting your ability to be ruthless and strong? If indecisiveness sets in, here are some guidelines that may help.
It is junk if:
- it's broken or obsolete (and fixing it is unrealistic)
- you've outgrown it, physically or emotionally
- you've always hated it
- it's the wrong size, wrong color or wrong style
- using it is more bother than it's worth
- it wouldn't really affect you if you never saw it again
- it generates bad feelings
- you have to clean it, store it and insure it (but you don't get much use or enjoyment out of it)
- it will shock, bore or burden the coming generation
If you can check one or more of the above truthfully, then it's probably junk. Do yourself, your house and posterity a favor - pitch it!
It's NOT junk if it:
- helps you make a living
- will do something you need done
- has significant cash value
- gives you more than it takes
- will enrich or delight the coming generation
If you can check a few of the above comfortably, then it's probably NOT junk, so enjoy it and feel good about it's place in your life.
Source: “Clutter's Last Stand" by Don Aslett, Cincinnatti, Ohio: Writer's Digest Books, 1984
