Last week I was given the task everybody dreads, to clean my closet. As soon as my father said the words, my heart rate went up, and my anxiety. Ever since I was little, my closet has been the one task that has always overwhelmed me, and the reason is that I have a big problem. I can’t let go of things.

To some, this might seem silly since most of us know we can’t keep everything forever, and I’m aware of this. The problem for me is doing it since subconsciously, I feel like I’m going to hurt someone if I get rid of something given to me years ago. 

Of course, once my father gave the order, there was no way for me to avoid the task, leaving me with only one option, face it head-on. So as I stood there staring into my closet, my only thought was, “what the heck am I going to do?”

The first thing I did was take a deep breath and say a prayer, not joking. Then I slowly began the process.

Beginning the Downsizing Process.

As I began, I decided that doing one rack at a time was the best strategy. Starting with my dress rack, I began thinking about how I was ever going to decide what to get rid of? Now I don’t wear dresses that often, but I still have a decent amount, most of them I’ve had since I was in high school.

The dresses were still nice, which is why I had problems getting rid of them. I guess the truth is I felt guilty like I was doing something wrong for getting rid of things that were still nice. Until it occurred to me, I haven’t worn some of these dresses in years, and that since they were still in good condition, I should make them available to someone in need.

Shortly after that, another thought came to me, “It’s okay to let go of things, and no one expects you to keep everything.” That thought comforted me and helped calm me down.

Accepting that It's Okay to Let Go of Things.

So for those of you who are like me and are having trouble letting go of things, these words are for you, it’s okay to let go.

You need to understand that if a piece of clothing or some other item you’ve had for a while no longer brings you joy or you no longer require it, then it’s okay to donate or sell it to someone who does. You also need to understand that you aren’t obligated to anyone to keep something you no longer have use for.

Please don’t think I’m being harsh or don’t feel sentiment because I do, but unless you have an unlimited amount of space, then sometimes you’ve got to downsize for your own good.

Now I’m not saying get rid of all your precious heirlooms or throw away books you enjoy. What I’m saying looks closer at things that you can let go of, like clothes you’ve outgrown or those school notebooks that are no longer useful.

Downsizing will make you feel better afterward. I know it has me. It also has given me some extra room for new items I might need or gain in the future, making me feel good that I have the room.

If anyone is having difficulty with this issue, I hope this post will help give you the confidence and reassurances you need. Also, comment at the bottom of this post if there is anything you would like to add.

Tips for How to Decided What You Should Get Rid Of.

If it's clothing you're trying to decide what to get rid of, ask yourself this?

1. Do I like this item?
2. Will I wear this item again?
3. Do I have a similar item that I like better?
4. Have I outgrown this item emotionally or physically?

Tips On What To Do With Non-Clothing Items. 

For none clothing items like stuffed animals, if you aren't ready to get rid of them, look into getting a storage unit or find a space in your house that you can safely store them without fear of them getting damaged.

If the items you're thinking of getting rid of are books or magazines, ask yourself the following.

1. Will, I read this book again?
2. Did I enjoy this book enough to keep it on my shelves? 
3. If it's a textbook that you no longer need, look into selling it on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, or Let Go.  

I hope everyone has a blessed first week back at school, Caitlan C.