3 Questions to Ask When Decluttering
Three powerful questions that help you make quick, confident decisions about what to keep and what to let go of during your decluttering process.
1Do I love this item?
Click to see why this works
Do I love this item?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you identify items that truly bring you joy and value, making it easier to let go of things that don't serve you.
2Have I used this in the past year?
Click to see why this works
Have I used this in the past year?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies items that are no longer serving a purpose in your life, helping you focus on what you actually use and need.
3Would I buy this again today?
Click to see why this works
Would I buy this again today?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess whether the item still fits your current lifestyle and preferences, making it easier to let go of outdated items.
4Does this item support my current goals and lifestyle?
Click to see why this works
Does this item support my current goals and lifestyle?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you're keeping items that align with your present needs and aspirations, not just past versions of yourself.
5Would I miss this if it disappeared?
Click to see why this works
Would I miss this if it disappeared?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you identify items that truly matter to you versus those that are just taking up space without adding value.
6Is this item in good condition and functional?
Click to see why this works
Is this item in good condition and functional?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies items that are broken, damaged, or no longer functional, making it easier to let go of things that don't work properly.
7Do I have a specific place for this item?
Click to see why this works
Do I have a specific place for this item?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you identify items that don't have a designated home, which often indicates they're not being used or valued.
8Would I be embarrassed if someone saw this?
Click to see why this works
Would I be embarrassed if someone saw this?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies items that don't reflect your current values or standards, making it easier to let go of things that no longer represent who you are.
9Does this item bring me joy or positive memories?
Click to see why this works
Does this item bring me joy or positive memories?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you keep items that genuinely make you happy while letting go of things that don't contribute to your well-being.
10Am I keeping this out of obligation or guilt?
Click to see why this works
Am I keeping this out of obligation or guilt?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies items you're keeping for the wrong reasons, helping you let go of things that don't serve your best interests.
11Would I want to move this to a new home?
Click to see why this works
Would I want to move this to a new home?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess whether an item is worth the effort and cost of moving, making it easier to let go of items that aren't truly valuable.
12Does this item fit my current space and storage capacity?
Click to see why this works
Does this item fit my current space and storage capacity?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you're keeping items that work within your current living situation and storage constraints.
13Would I recommend this item to a friend?
Click to see why this works
Would I recommend this item to a friend?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess whether an item is truly valuable and useful, making it easier to let go of things that don't meet your standards.
14Am I keeping this because it was expensive?
Click to see why this works
Am I keeping this because it was expensive?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you avoid the sunk cost fallacy and let go of items that no longer serve you, regardless of their original cost.
15Does this item represent who I am now or who I used to be?
Click to see why this works
Does this item represent who I am now or who I used to be?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you let go of items that represent past versions of yourself and focus on what reflects your current identity and values.
16Would I feel lighter without this item?
Click to see why this works
Would I feel lighter without this item?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you identify items that are weighing you down emotionally or physically, making it easier to let go of things that don't serve you.
17Is this item easily replaceable if I need it later?
Click to see why this works
Is this item easily replaceable if I need it later?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you let go of items that can be easily replaced, reducing the fear of regret and making decluttering decisions easier.
18Does this item support my vision for my ideal space?
Click to see why this works
Does this item support my vision for my ideal space?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you're keeping items that align with your vision for your ideal living space, making it easier to let go of things that don't fit.
19Would I want to clean and maintain this item?
Click to see why this works
Would I want to clean and maintain this item?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you assess whether an item is worth the ongoing effort of maintenance, making it easier to let go of high-maintenance items.
20Does this item make my life easier or more complicated?
Click to see why this works
Does this item make my life easier or more complicated?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you identify items that add complexity to your life rather than simplifying it, making it easier to let go of things that don't serve you.
Mastering the Art of Decluttering
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask the Questions Quickly
Don't overthink your answers. Trust your first instinct and move on. Overthinking can lead to keeping items you don't actually need.
Be Honest with Yourself
Answer the questions honestly, even if it's uncomfortable. Being truthful about your relationship with items is key to successful decluttering.
Focus on Your Current Life
Base your decisions on your current needs, goals, and lifestyle, not on past versions of yourself or future possibilities.
Question Sequences
The Quick Decision Sequence
The Value Assessment Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Keep Items Out of Guilt
Avoid keeping items because you feel guilty about getting rid of them. Focus on what serves your current needs and goals.
Don't Overthink the Process
Don't spend too much time analyzing each item. Trust your instincts and make quick decisions to maintain momentum.
Don't Keep Items for Future Possibilities
Avoid keeping items because you might need them someday. Focus on what you actually use and need in your current life.