The Benefits of Setting Limits on Your Belongings
I know that the idea of setting limits may seem at first to be a negative approach, more of a punishment than a positive strategy. Challenge yourself to look at this idea from a different, more holistic, perspective. We regularly set limits on a multitude of things without thinking about it. I set limits for myself on the number of candies, chocolates, and cookies I eat during the day — don’t you? The benefits of setting limits on these things impact the amount of sugar and calories I intake during the day. It’s a form of self-care. I know if I over-indulge in these sweet treats, I’ll feel sick to my stomach, and I won’t get my work done. When I limit the number of treats I eat, I enjoy them, and I don’t get sick. The benefit is obvious.
If we apply setting limits to the number of things we own in a particular category the benefits are endless. Read on to find out the many benefits of setting limits on your belongings.
3 Reasons Why Setting Limits Helps
1. Reduces Decision Fatigue
Making decisions is hard work. I regularly limit the number of hours in my work sessions because I want my clients to make good, thoughtful decisions. I know that we can get a lot done in a two-hour work session and that my client will not be over-tired. When people are over-tired, they tend to make hasty decisions.
Applying limits to the number of things we keep reduces the overwhelm that comes with having too many options from which to select.
It’s also easier and faster to make decisions because there’s less from which to choose.
2. Simplifies Maintenance
Another benefit of setting limits to the number of things is that it’s easier to clean your home. There are fewer things to pick up and move, which means that cleaning an area takes less time. Whether you do your own cleaning or have a cleaning service, less time means it’s easier for you to do or it costs less.
Plus, when you own less it’s easier to keep them organized.
3. Encourages Mindful Consumption
When you know how many of each category of things you have, you become much more intentional when you’re out shopping.
You can ask yourself these questions:
· how many do I already have?
· If I buy this, what am I going to remove?
If you can’t easily answer the questions, consider leaving the item in the store until you’re ready to re-home something you already have.
How to Set Limits
Assess Your Needs
Figure out what you honestly need to have in each category. How much or many is enough? If we’re talking about clothes, how many pairs of black pants do you wear in a week? Maybe you wear black pants to work everyday and do laundry once a week. If that is the case, is 5 a good number or perhaps 6 is better.
If we’re talking about pots and pans, dishes, or storage containers how many do you use at one time?
Think about all sorts of circumstances when you’re deciding on a number. The benefit of setting limits is that you can use it to guide you. When you have no set limit, you will continue to collect.
Define your categories
As you assess your needs and think about the benefits of setting limits to the number of things you keep, create specific categories.
Within books, you may have books that are classics, references for your particular line of work, cookbooks, poetry, travel, and more.
Group your belongings by broad categories first and then into narrower categories if appropriate.
Set a Number
As much as possible set a specific number when you’re setting limits. You may have many frying pans, for instance, but only one of each size. If you use all the different sized frying pans and you have the space to keep them, then that’s fine. But if you honestly only use one or two of the frying pans and you have six then consider donating the ones you don’t use.
Think about the available space when you set a number.
Avoid creating another space to store the overflow. Remember you are setting limits to the number of things you own.
Declutter Regularly
Once every three or four months, review and reassess your belongings. Think back to the limits you set for yourself. Are they holding? Do you want to rethink them?
As you put your things away, periodically look at other things that are being stored in that space. Ask yourself, when was the last time you used that item? If you can’t remember, or if you think you will never use that item, it’s probably time to donate it.
Let someone else have the benefit of owning it.
3 Tips for Success
One In, One Out Rule
Every time you bring something new into your home, remember to remove one thing
Quality over Quantity
If possible, look for quality items that last longer which saves you money in the long run
Seek Professional Help
A professional organizer can provide guidance, support, and accountability
Conclusion
The benefits of setting limits on the number of things you own ultimately frees you. You gain a better understanding of what you use and which things you need to support you in your home. With fewer decisions to make and less to clean, you’ll have more time to spend on things which bring you happiness and joy.
I hope you’ll try some of the strategies outlined here. I’d love to hear from you if you have other strategies or ways to set limits on the things you own. If you get stuck, please feel free to reach out to me in an email for some additional advice. You can reach me at: dnqsolutions@gmail.com.
Diane N. Quintana is the owner of DNQ Solutions, LLC. She is an ADHD Organizing Specialist, a Hoarding Specialist, and a Chronic Disorganization Specialist. Diane is also an ICD Master Trainer, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, Certified Professional Organizer and co-owner of Release Repurpose Reorganize LLC based in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in residential and home-office organizing.
