The One Question To Ask Yourself To Make Decluttering Easier (And It Isn't What You Think)

Whether or not you define yourself as a minimalist, decluttering is no easy task. Sure, there are endless decluttering methods that promise to make the process run more smoothly, and maybe you even live by a strict organizing schedule that helps you keep clutter at a minimum. But, if you're still struggling, even after the different strategies or taking preventive measures, like buying less and consuming more intentionally, perhaps it's not the method you're using that's making decluttering harder than it has to be. In fact, it could be the questions you're asking yourself. Instead of pondering whether or not you need an item, the one question you should be asking yourself is: "Would I buy this item again?"

When it comes to decluttering, discernment is your guiding light, lest you absentmindedly toss things you might need in the future or hold onto things longer than you need to. It's true that you should make it a habit of deciding what to toss or keep, not just for the sake of it, but as needs change, so do the things you need and don't. Asking yourself whether you'd purchase something again can help settle how functional something is, or if it's something you can rent or borrow from a friend. It also helps you get out of buyer's remorse and gives you a better idea of what items are worth buying in the long run.

Essentially, this simply involves a mindset shift in terms of decluttering, according to that.minimalist.mom on Instagram. With this strategy, you're no longer asking, "Do I need this?" but rather, if an item is something you'd purchase again today. You might find that this question is a total game-changer. As the Instagramer wrote, "Because here's the truth: most of the clutter in our homes isn't about need — it's about guilt, 'just in case,' or money we've already spent." When you think about it, this could be a simple mindset shift that will help you maintain a clutter-free home and make future purchasing decisions more wisely.

That's because, in asking yourself this question, you're reframing your relationship to stuff, while not forgetting the purpose it once served. Deciding if you'd repurchase something, especially if it's a purchase as a result of how home improvement stores trick you into spending more money, can help you see which items are actually impulse buys. What's more, it combats buyer's remorse and the guilt you may feel about already spending money on something you've come to realize isn't as practical or functional as you thought it'd be. You've already purchased this item, but whether you'd buy it again trains you to accept just how much of a burden it is to spend money on things you don't love or wouldn't use again, and (hopefully) help you become more intentional with your spending.