Do You Really Need More Storage Space?

"I need more storage space!" You've probably said it. You've certainly heard it. One of our most unacknowledged hobbies is trying to store our mounds of possessions. We all want to know how to have more storage space.

What if I told you there is a solution to the storage space problem that is cheaper, easier, more practical and faster than you ever imagined?

It doesn't require any nifty storage shelves or clever closet inserts. It's free and it's available to everyone. All it requires is a new attitude.

A Change in Perspective

It's a radical idea, so brace yourself. Here it is. It's not that we don't have enough storage space. It's that we have too much stuff!

I can hear you groaning in disappointment . But I invite you at least to consider this idea. We are a nation of collectors. I don't mean the hoarders or people who save ten years of old newspapers and empty pill bottles. I'm talking about the average person with clothes they never wear, heaps of half-finished projects, and kitchen gadgets they don't recognize.

It's Not Paid For

I dated a guy years ago who had two full sectional couches crowding his living room. When I asked him why he didn't just get rid of one of them, he said, "It's paid for!" It took me years to understand that he was wrong; his overabundance of furniture was not paid for. He was still paying. Not in dollars, but in other more profound ways.

There is a heaviness and loss of freedom, usually unconscious, in being tied to more physical possessions than you need. Adding more storage space only adds to the problem. We don't stop collecting once everything is stored. Eventually we need even more storage space. There is also upkeep in the form of more dusting, less physical room to stretch out and relax, and perhaps the need for more insurance and repairs.

A New Approach

I suggest a new approach. Whenever you find yourself thinking, "I need more storage space," stop and replace it with the thought, "I have too much stuff." You can start small. Pick three things to get rid of and do it. See how it makes you feel. You may be surprised to find it feels good. Pick another three things and repeat the process.

Don't try to get rid of everything. I don't recommend living in a bare environment. I do encourage you to try living surrounded only by things that are useful and/or beautiful. You won't believe how good it feels!

How To Choose

Once you decide to de-clutter your life and house, you may have some trouble deciding what deserves storage space and what doesn't. The first rule of thumb is that you must find it either useful or decorative. The useful question is fairly straightforward. I have much more trouble with the decorative concept.

Do I Love It?

For a long time I had trouble getting rid of things that fell into the "decorative" or "I like it" category. I finally figured out that there's a better approach. Once I started asking, "Do I love it?" I made much more progress. I realized that there is just too much stuff I like. I don't have room for all of it. Now I keep only the things I love. If I merely like it, I give it away.

Try It In One Room

If you're still stressed to imagine giving away so many things that have owned you for so long, then ease into the process by trying it first in one room.

Pick a room, perhaps the living room or the bedroom. Remove everything from it that you don't either need or find beautiful (love!). You don't have to get rid of these items just yet. Put them in another room for now. Keep the cleared room this way for 30 days and take note of how you feel when you're in it.

You'll probably find that something inside of you relaxes. Something you didn't even know was tensed up. You may enjoy not having to walk around things. You may find it's wonderful not to have to move stuff or fret about things that need to be put away. It creates a special peace and serenity you have to experience to understand.

It's still hard sometimes to get rid of things I like. But compared to the peace of mind and joy of living in a truly comfortable space, there's no question which is worth more to me.