Is it difficult for you to give away things? You’re not alone! Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or decluttering, many people struggle with it. In this excerpt from Reader’s Digest Best Health magazine, I talk about how to give away without guilt.
In order to give away, we first need to let go, which can be easier said than done. People – especially women – have emotional attachments to their things, says Linda Chu, a spokesperson for Professional Organizers in Canada. Our excess stuff can come to represent all of our hopes and dreams – things we could or should have done or might do in the future.
These things can also make us feel enormous guilt like we might be betraying someone by getting rid of an item, particularly when that person has died. And it can eat away at us. “It’s as if the things in your house have a voice and they’re nagging you [to do something with them],” says Chu.
What’s the solution? Baby steps. Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything at once but rather weeding out things you no longer need while holding onto stuff that is dear.
The experience can be cathartic and that much more rewarding if you can “purge with purpose,” whether that means giving to a charity, leaving free items on the curb for strangers, recycling, directing items to an organization where they be repurposed or selling them. You can also hire a professional organizer to not only help you declutter but also find new homes for your items.
How to give away without guilt? Purge with a purpose! To help alleviate some of the guilt, Out of Chaos has compiled a list of local places where you can sell or donate your unneeded items.
