Mindset-Relationship with Stuff

What is it about our stuff and why do we hang onto them?
Summer is here and it’s time to purge our garage of stuff no longer used.
Tending to cling to stuff and his problem in witnessing the purging
process this task is easier accomplished when my husband is not around.
Rarely does he object when he sees the result- a clean, organized
garage with room for his next project.
Don’t worry, before starting I check with him for his must have items.
Oh, did I mention that even then our vehicles are still parked
outside, but I'll save that for another time.

Most advice about purging suggests that if it hasn’t been used,
(specific time)it won’t get used; so it’s time to get rid of it in
your life either sell, give away or donate to charity where
someone actually uses it.
While most will agree with this advice,when it comes to our stuff
how many of us actually do this, easily?

When the process of letting go becomes a mindset struggle,
do you:

o Make exceptions (could use it one day-present economy )
o Struggle with energy draining emotions
o Develop a relationship with stuff that holds you back
o Feelings of guilt for having spent the money
o Upbringing in wastefulness
o Childhood memories

Is the answer in storing them in containers, even off-site premises
and dealing with them at a later date? Out of sight-out of mind.
And then....does it get dealt with or passed onto someone else?

I suggest that we ask ourselves do these things
1. Actually add value to our lives or distract from it
2. If they are valuable wouldn’t they be used
3. Are they being stored to delay in making the decision to let go
4. Is this storage taking up valuable space
5. Is it causing stress not only for yourself but your family as well

Having trouble with letting go of stuff, there is a reason, it may
help to be really clear about what you want, what items are really
important and why.
Letting go makes room for new things and the really important
ones more accessible, provides you with more time with less distractions.
If your paying to store these items, wouldn't it be great to save the
money and time for items that add value to your life?

Tip: One simple system for “hard to part with storage items” is
-store it in a container- tape it up-- mark it with a date.
If you don’t use it by that date, promise yourself to get rid of it.

Having declutterd and organized the garage I feel a sense of
freedom that encourages me to tackle the rest of the house,
one room at a time.
And I have a happy husband whose mind is busy planning
a new project and I am sure that he will remind me of something
that was thrown out that he could have used. Would he have
used it? Probably not...I speak from experience.

What mindset do you have to your stuff?