Ten Top Questions To Ask Yourself When Curating Your “Stuff”

Celebrating Small Spaces
Jul 15
4 min read

Updated: Oct 30

Here are 10 simple yet powerful questions people can ask themselves when curating their belongings.

Think of this as a game of ‘Keep It or Kick It’ - these questions are here to make your decluttering mission way less painful (and maybe even fun).

“Have I used this in the last 6 - 12 months?”
If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.
“Does this item truly bring me joy or serve a real purpose?”
Be honest - if it’s neither functional nor meaningful, it’s just clutter.
“Is this something I would buy again today?”
If you wouldn’t spend money on it now, it might not be worth keeping.
“Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation?”
Items tied to guilt - money spent or gifts received - often weigh you down.
“Could someone else benefit from this more than I do?”
Donating or gifting can help you lighten your load while helping others.
“Am I holding onto this out of fear of regret?”
Ask yourself how realistic that fear is, and whether it outweighs the space and peace you’ll gain.
“Does this item fit my current lifestyle or future plans?”
Focus on who you are now and where you’re going, not who you used to be.
“Is this item replaceable or easily borrowed if I need it later?”
Often, items kept ‘just in case’ can be borrowed or replaced if the need actually arises.
“Is this taking up space I could use more effectively?”
Think about the opportunity cost of storage - space is precious, especially in smaller homes.
“Is this item making my life easier or harder?”
If it complicates your life or stresses you out, it may not be worth holding onto.

Time for a mindful closet or shoe purge. Cue the inner voice: “Do I love it, use it or just feel guilty about it?” Let these fun prompts help you sort through the stuff without the stress.

“When was the last time I actually wore this?”
If it’s been a year or more, it may be time to part ways.
“Does this still fit me well and suit my current style?”
Items that don’t fit or reflect who you are now can create unnecessary clutter.
“Would I buy this again today?”
If you wouldn’t spend money on it now, it might not be worth keeping.
“Am I holding onto this out of guilt?”
Feeling bad about the price tag or because it was a gift doesn’t justify keeping it if you never wear it.
“Is it damaged, and have I actually fixed it or do I keep putting it off?”
A torn seam or worn heel will keep taking up space if it’s never mended.
“Do I have multiples that serve the exact same purpose?”
Duplication can eat up closet space; keep your favorite and let the rest go.
“Does this piece make me feel confident or happy when I wear it?”
Clothes should support your self-esteem, not bring it down.
“Am I saving this ‘just in case’ I lose weight or find a reason to wear it?”
Holding onto ‘someday’ items often creates clutter and guilt.
“Is this piece comfortable for daily wear?”
If it’s uncomfortable, you’ll keep passing it by, so why hold onto it?
“What will I gain by letting this go?”
More space, less stress, and a closet filled only with things you truly love and use.

Not sure if that fondue set from 1992 still sparks joy? These cheeky little questions will help you decide what’s a keeper in your kitchen - and what’s just taking up space.

“When was the last time I actually used this item?”
If it’s been over six months and it’s not a seasonal item, you can probably let it go.
“Does this gadget or appliance serve a unique purpose I truly need?”
If you already have other tools that do the same job, it’s just taking up space.
“Is it in good working condition?”
Broken or worn-down items you’ve never bothered to fix may not be worth keeping.
“How many duplicates of this do I really need?”
More than one or two of the same dish, pot or utensil can clutter your cabinets.
“Am I keeping this out of guilt because it was expensive or a gift?”
Money already spent or someone else’s feelings shouldn’t force you to keep unwanted items.
“Does this item fit my current cooking habits?”
If your diet or cooking style has changed, old specialty gadgets might just collect dust.
“Is it easily replaceable if I need it again?”
For rarely used items, it may be more practical to borrow or reacquire later.
“Would someone else benefit from this more than I do?”
Donating a barely used appliance might serve someone else’s needs better.
“Is this contributing to a cluttered workspace and making cooking stressful?”
A clear countertop or cabinet space can make a world of difference in the kitchen.
“How will I feel once this clutter is gone?”
Visualize a streamlined kitchen that’s easy to work in - less stress, more joy in cooking!