I started out with a blog calendar and then I had that client that made me want to write because her struggle is a struggle with so many, even me.

Letting things go is HARD!

For many of my clients, the emotional attachment to THINGS is really strong. While my clients differ in the WHAT, the emotions behind it are usually similar.

So here are some simple strategies to let things go!

1. Purge regularly. I suggest once a week for 15 minutes. Whether it be clothes, paper, collections...it doesn’t matter. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Start with areas that you have less attachment to and work towards the areas that are the most difficult. Adding your declutter session to your calendar will help you do it regularly, making it easier every time.

2. Write down your goals. List 3 things that are leading you to declutter. This will help you because you can look at the items and decide is this "Helpful or hurtful" to my goals. My 3 things are: Less stress, more time to do what I love and, surround myself with things that I LOVE and make me smile. For me that joy comes from the people inside my house, so my house is really clutter free compared to average. My love language is time.

3. Designate a space for items. When the items outgrow that space, it’s time to purge. This goes for anything....magazines, stuffed animals, Legos, jeans, books....whatever you’re hanging onto.

4. Get rid of the guilt of unfinished business. Barbara Hemphill states, "Clutter is the result of postponed decisions." Many people hang on to things because they want to "give it to someone" "read it" "use it" and yet years go by and the item, book, article gets buried amongst other things. You haven’t missed it yet, let go of the item and the guilt that goes along with it. By donating it, you are blessing others! If it was truly important, you would make the time.

5. Focus on small spaces. Do not overwhelm yourself with an entire room or closet. Start with a drawer, a folder, a shelf. And again, set a timer. 15-20 minutes.

6. Go with your gut. This is where having an organizer, friend, or anyone that can keep you accountable helps. If you don’t love it or use it, LET IT GO. I know personally how hard that is! My great-grandparents lived with me and I loved them like parents. Anything that was theirs is like a treasure to me....even if it’s ugly. Lol

So, I had to remember my goals and let some things so. Things that stayed in a cabinet or attic that I was only keeping because it was theirs needed to bless someone else. That was hard, but I don’t miss or even think about those items anymore.