How to Decide What Stays and What Goes

Whether you're downsizing, moving, or just decluttering, deciding what stays and what goes can feel overwhelming. The key is to approach the process thoughtfully and systematically.

Step-by-Step Guide to Simplifying Your Belongings

Before sorting through your items, set clear goals and a timeline. Are you reducing clutter? Moving to a smaller home? Clearing out an estate? Having a purpose makes decision-making easier.

Step 2: Sort by Category, Not Room

Instead of going room by room, sort by category—clothes, books, kitchenware, sentimental items. This method, popularized by Marie Kondo, helps you see how much you own and makes it easier to eliminate duplicates.

Step 3: Use the “Three-Pile” Rule

As you go through each item, create three piles:

✅ Keep – Items you use regularly and truly need

📦 Donate/Sell – Items in good condition that someone else can use

🚮 Discard – Broken, outdated, or unusable items

Step 4: Ask Yourself These Key Questions

1. Have I used this in the past year?

2. Does it serve a practical purpose?

3. Would I buy this again today?

4. Is this item truly sentimental, or am I keeping it out of guilt?

Step 5: Be Realistic About Sentimental Items

Letting go of personal belongings can be tough. Keep only the most meaningful pieces and consider taking photos of sentimental items before parting with them.

Step 6: Create a System for the Future

Once you've decluttered, maintain your space by adopting the “one in, one out” rule—for every new item you bring in, remove an old one.

By making thoughtful decisions, you’ll create a clutter-free, organized space that truly reflects your needs.