Do you find yourself saving things for someday? Many of the items my clients hang onto fall into 4 someday categories. 1) I don't need it now, but I might need it someday. 2) It's to special to use now, I'm saving it for a special occasion. 3) I don't wear it now, but I might someday. 4) It holds special memories, I might want it someday. Let's live in the present! Don't wait for someday.
I don't need it now, but I might need it someday. I see this all the time. Clients hanging on to everything from exercise equipment they haven't used in years to cooking spices to extra cords for electronics. Rarely does that day ever come. You never use that yoga mat because you HATE yoga! You re-buy the spices you need for that special recipe because either the ones you have are expired or you forget you even have them You upgrade your electronics and guess what, they come with new cords!
It's to special to use now, I'm saving it for a special occasion. I happen to fall into this category and I'm resolving to change my ways. My husband and I went to Italy last year and brought back a special bottle of wine. We knew that it needed to be drunk soon, however we kept saving it and saving it. By the time the special occasion came around it had turned to vinegar. I would have much rather enjoyed the bottle on a Tuesday night with pizza than to taste vinegar at the fancy restaurant we brought it to. So use the fancy oils you were gifted, carry the fancy handbag on a daily basis, enjoy the beautiful scented soaps! Make every day a special occasion.
I don't wear it, but it might someday. It is hard for most women to let go of clothing they might wear someday. But unless it's your wedding dress, it you don't wear it, you don't need to keep it. Most people only wear 20% of the clothing they own. That means 80% of your closet just sits there. Some people hold onto clothing because they paid a lot for them. Others hold on to items because they used to fit. To see what you wear and what you don't try this simple trick. At the beginning of a season face all your hangers backwards on the hanging bar. At the end of the season look at which hangers are still backwards. This is the clothing that you didn't wear! If you haven't worn it this year, chances are you aren't going to wear in next year. Let it go.
It holds a special memories, I might want it someday. This is that hardest category. Usually these items were gifted to us or came from people who we loved and are not longer with us. Think of how the person who gave them to you would feel if they knew their cherished items were stored away somewhere in the basement. What can you do with these items? Use or display the item in a way that honors the item and person it came from. Use the antique vase from you grandmother to hold pens and pencils on your desk. Share the item with another family member that could use the item. Share a set of china with siblings and cousins. Turn the item into something else, this is a great idea with jewelry.
Saving things for someday is a pitfall we all fall into. It leads to cluttered cabinets and closets as you wait until the time is right. Give yourself permission to enjoy the wine and olive oil now. Clear out the closet to make room for the clothing you wear today. Ask yourself if keeping the items for someday is helping you reach your goals for a more organized and clutter free life. Chances are the answer is no.
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