 Declutter and Donate...a win win!
First give yourself permission to 'let go of stuff' you don't, and maybe never did, use or love.
Whether it's gifts you never did choose, new unused 'costly mistakes' you never did use, or things 'you think' you 'may need later' - just let it all go.
Donate it with a spirit of generosity and ease. Focus on the fact that others NEED what you're donating and if you aren't using it NOW - its being wasted and costing you time, energy and money to boot.
Estimate how much space all the stuff you don't use takes up - 20% - 50%? then crunch the numbers on what you pay to keep it - rent, heating, insurance etc. And how much time is wasted looking for what you do use amongst the clutter?
Work with a buddy to make the process easier, and dare I say it, fun. Decide it will be fun - crank up the music if it helps; schedule regular breaks so you don't burn out, and have a reward planned for the end of the session (no- not shopping)!!
Remember the tax write off for donations makes it a win-win! List everything you send off, attach it to the Good Will receipt and file with your taxes.
Some clutter may be half finished 'hobbies or projects' that flood you with guilt every time you run across them. If they are more than a year old, again, donate! You were probably thrilled with the activity when you began it but now if you are 'over it' give yourself permission to pass it on and let someone else play.
Accept that you have a brain that is a dopamine seeking missile that feeds on interest and challenge; craves excitement and newness. You can't change this wonderful way of being in the world, nor would you want to. Relish your insatiable curiosity and super creativity; and your master problem solving skills but do manage your projects and hobbies to avoid overwhelm and ensure they don't morph into clutter and drown you. Get to know your patterns of behavior and create guidelines to accommodate them.
PS IF you have invested some serious money in 'no longer fascinating projects' or its not feasible to donate - try selling items as 'works in progress...' on Craig's List. But what isn't recouped counter off as the cost of learning and enjoying the activity while it lasted. But above all, don't beat yourself up for having a ragingly fertile imagination....viva la differance.
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