7 Things to Consider Every Time You Declutter (So You Never Toss the Wrong Thing Again)

Save this list if you're the type who goes overboard getting rid of things.

Decluttering can sound easier than it actually is. Sometimes, it can be challenging to figure out what to get rid of . After all, you don’t want to discard something important. But the hard part is determining exactly what’s important. “For most people, purging is hard," says Emily Preciado-Fonseca, professional organizer and founder of MommyAssist. "We’re letting go of things we chose, loved, or that represented us at one point or another."

As challenging as this process can be, she encourages approaching decluttering with positivity. “Remember: You’re not just getting rid of stuff, you’re also creating space for all that lies ahead of you,” she explains. Not sure where to start? Here are seven questions to ask yourself while decluttering.

Meet Our Expert

• Emily Preciado-Fonseca , professional organizer and founder of MommyAssist
• Briana and Erica Spruille , professional organizers and founders of Just BE LLC

Related: Why the "No Contact" Decluttering Method Makes It Way Easier to Get Rid of Stuff

Does It Fit or Still Work?

According to Briana and Erica Spruille, professional organizers and founders of Just BE LLC, one easy thing to ask yourself when deciding whether or not to keep something is whether it even fits.

“We know there are various reasons why clothes do not fit at the moment—weight gain or loss, medication, stress, mis-sizing, and so on," they say. "However, we want you to think realistically and compassionately about keeping things that don’t fit, or that you’ll probably never wear again.” Home items that are damaged should also get the boot!

Tips

Keep in mind, if you have something that’s too large and was an investment piece or just something you straight-up love, you may be able to have it altered by your local tailor. This isn’t exactly decluttering, it could take the sting out of parting with that oversized t-shirt you got for free but know you’ll never wear again.

Does It Represent My Current Style?

Trend cycles are faster than ever these days. The Spurilles recommend asking yourself if something feels like the current you. While you might have gone through a shabby chic home decor phase or wore a lot of green during your " Brat Summer ," you probably have at least a few things that no longer feel exciting.

Will I Ever Wear or Use This Again?

The Spruilles often ask their clients if they will ever wear something again because we all have these items in our closets . It could be something like ski sweaters (and you live in Arizona) or maternity clothes (and you don’t plan on having more children).

Same logic applies to random home goods purchased on a whim for a unique event—is a cotton candy machine really necessary after your kid's birthday party? If there’s a good chance you won’t wear or use it again, it’s time to let it go.

Do I Have Multiples of This Item?

Preciado-Fonseca suggests asking yourself if you have multiples of an item . “How many of these do I have? When did I last use this? Do I like this?" she says. "If you have several of one item, don’t use it often, or truly don’t like it, those are probably good things to let go of.”

This question can apply to everything from kitchen tools to makeup and even clothing. After all, how many measuring cups, mascaras, and black v-neck tops do you really need?

Related: 6 Things You Probably Don’t Need in Your Kitchen, According to Chefs

Is This Still Relevant?

“Whether it refers to a reference book or a clothing style that may no longer be in fashion, toss away items that are no longer useful or relevant,” says Preciado-Fonseca.

This also applies to technology . While it’s always a good idea to have an extra cell phone in case yours breaks or falls in water, you probably only need one extra phone, not five. Think about how many extra laptops, tablets, and other devices you can probably declutter as well.

Does This Have High Sentimental Value?

“Remember, not everything does,” explains Preciado-Fonseca. “One area to manage carefully is kids' art: Designate one bin, one portfolio, or one area to keep it in, and once that’s full, go through it to make room for newer items.”

Related: Here's What You Should Never Declutter, According to the Pros

Is This a “Someday” Item?

Preciado-Fonseca suggests asking yourself if something is a “someday” item. Sure, you might hike Machu Picchu one day, but you probably won’t use those ten-year-old hiking boots. The organizer highly recommends letting go of these items. “Am I saving this for someday, or keeping it out of guilt?" she asks. "If you answered yes to either, or can easily replace the item, you know what to do."

For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Real Simple .