Taking a look around your house, you might see a fair few objects and material things, and get a feeling that something needs to change. But learning to let go of our attachment to material things can be quite tricky.
The truth is, most of us are reliant on our materials in some way. Whether it’s those pricier purchases or the bits and bobs that have become sentimentally attached to our homes, letting go of these attachments can be difficult.
Right, let’s have a look at the art of decluttering!
Why Declutter?
Before we delve into the specifics of letting go of material things, it’s vital to consider why you’d want to do it in the first place. After all, a good reason makes it easier to stick to any goal.
There are many personal reasons to declutter, but here are two of the most common ones:
It Might Be All Well and Good
You might not immediately think of stress when you consider your belongings. After all, you can probably remember the happy feeling you had leaving the shop with that new purchase. However, holding onto too much stuff after the initial excitement can actually make life more stressful.
Space invaders
Let’s not forget, things take up space. All those things you’re hanging on to are likely taking up room in your home. This can sometimes lead to the need for a bigger house or even renting a storage unit, which adds extra costs and hassle.
It can get expensive holding onto too much stuff
If you decide to keep all those extra bits and bobs, it could end up costing you more money in the long run. You might find yourself struggling financially if you can’t find the space in your budget for these additional costs.
And they need looking after
On top of needing more storage space, the things you cling onto might also require regular maintenance. For example, things like boats or motorhomes (RVs) can take up a lot of time and money to keep in good nick.
Even a bigger house, which might seem like the solution, will need more cleaning and upkeep, potentially adding to your stress levels.
More stuff, more clutter
The more things you have in your home, the trickier it can be to find the bits and bobs you actually need. A cluttered house can make something as simple as finding a specific tool or pair of shoes a real ordeal.
It can drain your wallet
Buying and keeping things can be a real drain on your finances. Regardless of why you feel attached to your material things, it’s easy to fall into the trap of always wanting more. That’s why learning to let go of material things is so important.
There’s always a shiny new bauble
Let’s face it, there’ll always be a seemingly better version of what you already own just around the corner. You might find the perfect designer handbag this season, but chances are by next fashion week, your current pride and joy will be considered last year’s news.
If you try to keep up with the latest trends, you’ll end up constantly shelling out for replacements. This isn’t just about handbags, mind you. It applies to everything – a bigger house, a faster car, more gadgets for your hobbies… the list goes on! The cycle of constantly wanting the ‘next best thing’ can quickly leave your wallet feeling lighter.
So, you’re ready to declutter? Fantastic! Let’s get started with some tips on letting go of those material things.
Pen to paper: explore your attachment
If you have a strong attachment to your materials, it can be really helpful to understand why. Delve into a journal and write about your material attachments. Understanding the root of your attachment can make letting go a whole lot easier.
Consider keeping a journal about your material things. You might be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your mental wellbeing. Journaling can help you sort through your feelings about a situation, which is a real benefit in this case.
Here’s a tip: use your notebook to explore the differences between things you need and things you simply want. Dig a little deeper and try to understand why you’re attached to items you don’t truly need.
Start small, it’s easier that way
Not all decluttering is created equal. Instead of diving straight in at the deep end, why not begin by tackling some of the easier bits and bobs?
Old magazines, overflowing paperwork, and clothes that don’t fit the bill anymore are all prime candidates for the charity shop. Getting rid of these bits shouldn’t take too much time or effort, and it’ll give you a real sense of achievement.
Remember, the old saying goes: “practice makes perfect.” Once you’ve cleared out the low-hanging fruit, you can start to tackle the trickier stuff that’s left in your home.
Comparisons are a right old mood-hoover
There’s a wise saying, author unknown, that goes “comparison is the thief of joy.” This has been around far longer than social media, but it’s even more relevant now with the constant pressure to keep up with those picture-perfect online lives.
Try to avoid comparing your materials to other people’s, if you can. The chances are, your stuff isn’t going to be objectively better than someone else’s. Instead of getting hung up on the differences, focus on what sparks joy in your own home.
Social media and FOMO (fear of missing out) can be a real recipe for wanting more stuff
Cut down your social media scrolling to avoid falling victim to the temptation of keeping up with the Joneses.
Now, let’s tackle those sentimental items – a big decluttering hurdle!
We all form attachments to objects that hold happy memories. However, keeping everything tucked away in a dusty box isn’t always the best solution.
Here are some ways to start letting go:
- Display the truly important stuff: Choose a few cherished items to showcase in your home, where you can enjoy them every day.
- Pick a symbolic representation: Instead of keeping everything, consider saving one object that represents a collection or memory.
- Share the love: If you have a treasure trove of sentimental bits and bobs, think about passing some on to loved ones who might appreciate them.
Letting go of material things doesn’t have to mean getting rid of sentimental treasures. Here’s how to find a balance:
Be grateful for what you have
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting more. But taking time to appreciate what you already own can shift your perspective. Spend a few moments reflecting on your blessings, big or small.
Consider how far you’ve come, not just in terms of material things. Gratitude can help you recognise when you have enough to enjoy a fulfilling life.
Focus on experiences, not things
Experiences with loved ones or creating memories can bring far more joy than accumulating material things. Consider ways to spend your time and money that will create lasting memories rather than just adding to the clutter.
Shift your mindset
When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to dwell on what you don’t have. But a positive outlook can help you appreciate what you already own and make letting go of material things easier.
We know, staying cheerful isn’t always easy, especially these days. But trust us, a positive frame of mind can work wonders! Here are some ways to cultivate an optimistic outlook:
- Fuel your body well: What you eat affects your mood. Look after yourself by eating a healthy diet.
- Find your joy: Make time for activities you enjoy, big or small. It’ll boost your mood and remind you of the good things in life.
- Be yourself and embrace it: When you feel good about who you are, it shows! Celebrate your unique qualities.
Donate things to a charity close to your heart
Many people find chucking out perfectly usable items goes against their morals. Thankfully, giving your unwanted things a second lease of life is quite easy and can be a great way to start letting go of your attachment to material things.
Give away anything you don’t need to a charity you care about instead of hanging on to it. Lots of charity shops accept donations to sell and raise money for good causes.
If you’re unsure which charity to donate to, consider reaching out to folks who might be interested in the item itself. As a child, I always found a bag of gently used clothes to be a delightful present.
Decluttering your life of material attachments could be just the ticket! Holding onto too much stuff can hinder your ability to achieve your goals. If you’re surrounded by clutter, it can be difficult to move forward in the right direction.
Putting these ideas into practice, however, will make it much easier to get on with the task of decluttering. If you’re worried you can’t handle the whole shebang, start small. Even tiny steps in the right direction will eventually lead you to the finishing line, and that can result in a more purposeful and contented life.
