Now is a Good Time to Simplify
By Susan Hunt-Bradford
I wanted to share some insights on decluttering, inspired by my own recent experience. As Nike puts it: Just Do It. Don’t overthink it, don’t hesitate, and don’t make excuses. Dive in and tackle decluttering head-on.
My passion for decluttering has grown after a significant move from Fenton to South County over the summer, which involved downsizing considerably. Although I’m enjoying my new, smaller place, the process was often stressful. At one point, I had two storage units filled with items from my old home. Thanks to a combination of donating, selling, recycling, and passing things along to my sister in Utah and my niece in Idaho, I’ve managed to reduce it to one storage unit.
From April to July, I went through quite a bit: donating new and gently used items, holding two garage sales, making numerous trips to Earthbound Recycling in Eureka, and posting items for sale or free on Facebook Marketplace. With my trusty Prius, which gets 48 MPGs but a limited trunk space, I made countless trips back and forth. And yet, there’s still more to sort through.
Reflecting on this experience, I’ve realized how much money I’ve spent over the past 21 years on things I didn’t truly need. I wish I had set aside time each week over the years for decluttering—because even small, consistent efforts can lead to significant progress. Keeping items you think you love isn’t always as rewarding as it seems. Many things I put in storage now seem more like clutter than cherished belongings. What once seemed meaningful in my home, now appears wasteful and out of place in my new space.
I don’t miss any of the things I’ve sold, donated, or recycled. As I continue to sort through my remaining storage unit, I realize that letting go of these items is a good thing. Though the task feels overwhelming and I’m tired of it, I’m eager to see it through. Decluttering can be a time-consuming process if done all at once, so learn from my experience: start now. Whether it’s your basement, garage, closet, or storage unit, you’ll likely find that removing items will be more beneficial than you expect. You’re helping yourself and possibly someone else who might need those items.
Don’t be too hard on yourself—many of us have accumulated too much. In a few weeks, I hope to have that last storage unit emptied and feel a sense of accomplishment. If you need any encouragement to start on your own decluttering journey let me know and I’ll be your cheerleader and supporter.