[USER]

I need a new start especially for my mental health. How can you embrace minimalism by donating the stuff you no longer need, without second guessing your decision to let them go?

I’ve been inspired to live a more minimalist lifestyle, but I often struggle with letting go of items, even those I rarely use. Sentimental value, “just in case” thinking, and fear of regret often hold me back.

I’d love to hear practical tips or mindset shifts that have helped others overcome this hesitation and confidently donate or discard items.

How do you make peace with your choices and focus on the freedom that minimalism offers?

[Jeanne]

First my two rules are: “Do I use it”, “Do I love it”. If neither of those two, I donate.

I have also come to feel that keeping something I don’t use or love is for me, selfish, someone else could use it.

[Tippen]

You can always find a replacement if needed. Just shop at yard sales and thrift shops.

[Karen]

I donate to a local free shop a few blocks from my house. I know the some of the girls that donate their time there to help.

It feels good to help out those less fortunate

[Nancy]

I always think of the less fortunate people who don’t have the things they need and I want to give away stuff I just don’t want or need or wear anymore – less clutter is easier to clean

[Margaret]

One of my motivators for clearing out stuff is the idea of the fresh start. I realized that some of the items I was hanging on to actually came from a period of my life when I wasn’t happy.

Even they are useful, in good shape, etc., I let them go and I felt better for it, especially when I was pretty sure the item was going to someone who could use it or appreciate it.

The purging of stuff became part of my healing process.

It makes me feel better and I hope it helps you too. Good luck!

[Becky]

Put the items you were thinking of letting go away. It could be in a box or in a corner of the house.

If you don’t use them or go looking for them after six months you can probably let them go.

[Nancy]

Reframe.
“I have the resources to bless those in great need.”
Your donation will help them directly (if they get the item) or indirectly- the charity sells to public and then uses funds to assist the needy.

Next reframe.
“By letting go, I am also blessing myself with more peace, less stress.”

Reframe.
“If I need an item in the future, the resources will be there to meet my need.”

[Stacey]

You have to want the end result so much that your happiness overrides any doubts. Besides, it is ok to second guess.

But they are gone so it is a win

[Liberty]

I leave the stuff I’m thinking of donating in boxes for 4-6 months. If I haven’t needed it in that time, out it goes.

[Melissa]

My mom taught me for clothing – if you haven’t worn it in 2yrs, you probably won’t ever wear it – donate or toss (depending on the shape it’s in).

[Lisa]

I have been going through this recently. I’ve done a mix of donating/giving away/selling. I put things in a box and give it a few days.

Sometimes I pull an item or two back out to think on further, but usually I’m happy to see it go.

I tell myself that yes, there will be a few things I’ll have to re-buy or wish I had kept, but if I kept everything, I’d never be able to find the things I wanted anyhow! I feel like the more I get rid of, the easier it is.

[Kayla]

I keep slowly trying to do this. I go through things, if I haven’t worn/used it in over 6 months, it goes in a pile.

Once I’m done I put the whole pile in a give away bag and put it by the front door and never look at what’s in it again so I don’t start taking stuff out.

Once in the pile it stays in the pile. I always think someone will actually use these.

In regard to things like old school papers and stuff I only keep major memories, awards and VERY good drawings.

Everything else goes in the trash because I know there will be more to come and cherish

[Belinda]

Just do it. I decided that the emotional attachment to items was not worth keeping them in closets/drawers.

You don’t think about them while that are there and I PROMISE that you won’t when you get rid of them. I haven’t missed a thing that I got rid of.

[Brian]

I’ve been trying to the do same recently. I am asking myself if I haven’t used it in a year or two and it doesn’t hold strong sentimental value, it gets donated.

I tell myself sure maybe I will need something similar again in the future, but I don’t right now.

I can always buy it again. The donation part is huge to me.

I hate wasting things, but knowing that I am donating it to benefit someone else that needs it right now allows me to justify getting rid of it.

Also, as I am slowly going through my house rooms look so much better with less clutter.

[Pamela]

Initially I detached my emotions, and I go through the clothing, etc. Quickly. When my emotions kick in I stop.

I go through my items every week and throw more out for only about 20 minutes and move on.

[Dana]

Have a garage sale first. It makes it easy to donate what’s left. It also tells you which things pulled at you to take back inside at the end.

[Mary]

I donate to shelters and istitues. now I am v minimalistic I feel so much h more happy and u think that other people are enjoying something I could do without

[Laura]

I like to see my old stuff go to good use. Better to be used than sit around collecting dust.

Hope you can find something the helps you.

[Author]

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