Does it spark joy? Decluttering in an age of stuff

We Americans accumulate assets — “stuff.”  For some of us, it has been a lifetime spent in the accumulation process. No matter whether we have collected on our own, joined households, or have incorporated things from other family members, our “stuff” can get out of hand.

Have no fear, February is “Declutter for a Cause” month. Yes, it may sound a little cheesy. Yet, when you think about it, what better month to do an intentional deep-down house cleaning? Christmas is past and the company stream may be slowed to a trickle. The weather hasn’t been conducive for early spring activity outside, or for much of anything for that matter.  So let’s get to it!

If the closets and drawers are brimming, or piles of papers and things are creeping in on the pathways of your normal living areas, that’s a good sign it’s time to take control. If you frequently hear the phrase “I can’t find it” ringing through your house, there’s good cause to start downsizing.