I struggled to retrieve a large serving tray from an upper shelf. Blocking it was a plastic tray with a turntable. One of those $5 purchases from the dollar section of Target. I thought it was a great deal at the time.
Now, it was in the way--again. I did a quick cost verses benefit calculation. How much have I used it? Is it worth the time and frustration it causes when I need something from that area? Do I have other things that can serve the same purpose?
My conclusion? I marched it to my closet and placed it in the donate bag. What’s in your possession that’s just not worth it? Here are three Timely Tips to help you evaluate the cost and determine—is it worth it?
Timely Tips to determine—is it worth it?
FINANCIAL
When it comes to cost verses benefit, the big-ticket items are those in paid storage. Yes, Derrel, I’m picking on you again. It sounds harsh, but from my experience helping people empty storage units, Derrel might as well be building a bon fire for people to burn their money.
Most people don’t have money to burn, so it’s best to do the math before signing that “first month free” contract. Where I live an average medium unit can cost upwards of $100 per month. (Other parts of the US are far higher.) In one year, you’ve spent $1,200. In five years $6,000. Ten years $12,000. Put it on autopay and it’s easy to never see your stuff or your money again.
What’s inside? Inherited furniture you feel obligated to save? (Your kids won’t want it either.) Stuff you want to sell? Boxes of who knows what? If you didn’t already own what’s there, would you spend your money to buy it, much less store it?
Of course there are some valid reasons for temporary off-site storage. Just make sure yours is one of them.
PEACE AND TIME
A drawer crammed with stuff you don’t need or doesn’t belong is going to cost more time and stress. Multiply that by however many other drawers are likewise cluttered, and the cost of being disorganized exponentially rises.
Wasting time doesn’t set well. At least not when doing something frustrating like looking for stuff you know you have but can’t find. The stress compounds when you’re late or miss an appointment due to misplaced or inaccessible items.
Remember, it’s not all or nothing. Evaluate your belongings like I did with my tray, and see what earns its keep.
RELATIONSHIPS
I’ll always remember the joy of a grandma who was able to host her grandson overnight for the first time, after we cleared space for him. Was the decluttering process difficult and costly? Yes. Was the benefit worth it? Absolutely.
When you’re unencumbered by your stuff, you’re free to live in the moment and invest in the relationships that matter most.
wise words
Organizing is not nearly as important as many other things in life, but what it delivers is often priceless. —Sandra Felton