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Questions to Ask When Purging

This is part four of a six part series. If you haven't read the previous posts please start there.
Habit and Routine - Read it here.
Finding Your Personal Space - Read it here.
Taking Inventory  - Read it here.

So, purging... Some people love it, most cringe at the word. Let's break down it down some more and work our way through one step at a time. Yes, it might be a big job, but you can only complete one small task at a time, so lets only focus on one small task.

You've already uncovered some great habits in your life and you've hopefully started integrating some new ones as well. You have also found a room, space, or corner to call your own. You've set up some boundaries and rules for that space and claimed it as your safe zone. Now you have chosen a room (hopefully your "personal space" room) and have created four piles as you worked your way through each item in the room.
1) Trash
2) Give Away/Sell
3) Keep -  this room
4) Keep - different room

If you are struggling through each item you pick up, if this is taking super long, or if you have a huge pile of "I'm not sure" items then ask yourself some of these questions.


Clothing - Does this item fit me right now? Is it too big? Is it too small? - It needs to go.
Clothing - Did I wear this item at all during it's last appropriate season?
Clothing - Does this item have an unfixable (or you know you won't fix it) rip, stain, or other problem?

Would I want to move houses with this item? 
Am I keeping this because it was a gift? Would you have bought it? Do you use it?
Do I use this speciality item or do I still just use the old stand by? (ex. avocado knife or peeler vs. paring knife)
Do I have the appropriate electronic/cords to use this item (tape, record, VHS, etc)


Toys - Does this toy help my children be creative? 
Toys - Does this toy do all the playing/thinking?
Toys - Are these two toys similar? (two farm sets, two microphones)
Toys - Does this set have too many expansions? Could I pack part of it away and the basic toy still work?
Toys - Do I have all of the pieces to this toy/game?
Toys - Is this broken?



A thought on decorations

There are a few core items that make a room feel decorated and homey. 
1) Appropriately sized furniture
2) Curtains (or nice blinds) 
3) Good quality decorative pillows
4) Large wall decor (canvas, photo, mirror, etc.) 

If you took out all the little bins, baskets, end tables, trinkets, extra pictures, etc. Does it still look decorated and pleasant?

Do you have other questions you ask yourself when you just can't decide? Do you struggle through purging or find relief in it?

Sarah 

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