What’s not to love about shortcuts? They aren’t always equally effective. However, when you find one that helps you reach your desired goal more quickly and is less taxing on your brain, that’s a good thing.
Recently, I read an article in Real Simple about interior designer Young Huh and how to create spaces that feel calm. Huh just published a new book, A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling. When starting work on a room, Huh asks a simple question,
“What can I take out?”
Her philosophy encourages you to remove what doesn’t belong and surround yourself with what feels calming and peaceful.
Huh’s question caught my attention. I thought about how helpful it could be during the editing, letting go, and organizing process. There are many ways to approach getting organized. One method is to identify what doesn’t belong, or what you no longer need or want. Or, as Huh says, “What can I take out?”
Spring’s arrival prompts me to clear the landscape and make room for the blooms. What can you let go of to create space for calm and growth?
Letting Go Starts with Removing Things
Less Clutter, Less Noise
Often, I hear clients describe their environment as:
“My house is filled with too much clutter.”
“There is so much clutter, I can’t even think.”
“I can’t find anything because the things I want and don’t want are jumbled together.”
“The clutter paralyzes me.”
“I feel chaotic because of the clutter and disorganization in my home.”
Do any of these statements resonate with you? If so, consider asking yourself Huh’s powerful question: "What can I take out?”
This question is a good starting point.
“What can I take out?”
More Great Letting Go Questions
Not all questions work for everyone. If Huh’s “take out” question doesn’t resonate with you, consider some alternatives, which you can find in my article: 21 Questions to Exercise Your Letting Go Muscles.
A few of my favorites are:
Has it overstayed its welcome?
Is it worth the real estate, energy, and maintenance?
Does it support your current needs?
What will become possible for you when you let go?
Releasing the Stuff
Are you ready to start letting go? If so, here’s a method to try.
Choose a room to work in.
Gather boxes and trash bags. These will help you easily sort what’s being removed from that space.
Label and set up those containers for > Belongs Elsewhere > Donate > Trash > Recycle.
With the question in mind, “What can I take out?" start in one corner or area of the room.
Focus on releasing items you no longer want or that belong elsewhere. Place items into their designated sorting containers.
After you finish one area or surface, move on to the next.
Repeat until the room has been decluttered.
Route the items you let go of to their ‘homes.’
Return to the room and notice how it feels. Does your space feel different? What are you noticing?
What Does Less Feel Like?
When you let go of things that no longer serve a purpose or belong elsewhere, the energy in the space begins to shift. This, in turn, influences how you feel when you're in that environment. Our possessions affect our space, time, and mental clarity. Releasing excess items helps you feel calmer, more focused, and less distracted.
Which ideas resonate with you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
How Can I Help?
Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? Do you want to let go of the unnecessary but feel stuck or unsure where to start? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.
Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Fill out the contact form
Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or
Call 914-271-5673
Letting go and getting organized are possible, especially with support.
