Are you a collector or a declutterer? Do you like simple, open spaces, or do you prefer the feel of years worth of memories right beside you wherever you go?

I suspect many of us are a mix of both.

Is there a difference between keeping your favourite books to re-read and keeping every copy of every newspaper you have ever read? What about all those jars and tins, washed clean, sitting in the cupboard, surely one day those items will come in handy.

I understand why people keep objects from their past, either as a reminder of loved ones or to pass down to loved ones. Was that a generational thing though? I mean, are our kids even interested in the bible that’s been handed down for generations or the trophy grandpa won in hockey?

Clothes in the wardrobe – do you keep the smaller and bigger sizes in case you need them? It’s cheaper than buying new clothes, though buying new clothes as a reward for losing weight is okay too. What about the adage that for every new thing you bring into the house, something else has to go?

In a family with different views on this, there could be a minimalist with half a wardrobe of clothes and another who fills every last space in the house with stuff. The energy is this home would be heavy, stale, and out of whack. The people would then likely feel tired, exhausted, lacking in energy and out of balance themselves. Like after eating a meal heavy with dairy and gluten.

This isn’t witchy voodoo. I promise. Clean out a drawer or a cupboard and see how you feel.

Do we keep that tool or kitchen appliance because one day it will come in handy? If we throw it out, after not using it for five years, will it be the thing we need the very next day? All those half started craft or hobby ideas, surely they can’t be thrown out. One day I might want to make my own alcohol, or a floor rug, or paint some rocks, knit a scarf, take up woodwork, fly model aeroplanes, make bread from scratch, or kombucha…

It’s an individual choice, but on balance I’m for decluttering. Before we packed up to move, I threw a lot of my stuff away, not hubby’s, that up to him to sort. Now that we are unpacking, I’m throwing more of my stuff away. The house still feels too full, not bulging at the edges full, but uncomfortable, like eating too much chocolate.

Final word – do what feels right for you. Today it might be keeping memorabilia. In a month or a year, who knows. Letting go and working out who we are and what is important is changeable, and a lifelong journey. Happy Monday!