CDs

How to Get Over Your Decluttering Anxiety in 4 Easy Steps

People feel a strong attachment to their old stuff, even if they don't use it anymore. Getting rid of a CD or DVD we bought a few years ago can feel a bit like getting rid of our old selves, and that can feel sad (even if our old self was someone who listened to Britney Spears and thought White Chicks was better than The Godfather).

This often leads to decluttering anxiety, a common but completely conquerable feeling that stops people from clearing out. If you're feeling a bit apprehensive about decluttering, don't be – you just need to shift your thinking a bit. Here are a few easy to steps to help you get over your decluttering anxiety.


Think of your CDs and DVDs as experiences rather than physical objects

Having a collection of CDs or DVDs is good; they make for lovely little ornaments that your guests can browse through and compliment you for.

But how often does that actually happen? How often do you walk by your collection and think "˜wow, that looks good'? How often do you pick out a DVD just to admire the artwork?

The answer, probably, is not a lot. In fact, it's usually only when you go to pick out something to watch or listen to.

We don't buy CDs and DVDs to look good in our homes. We buy them to offer us an experience that we'll enjoy. If you aren't watching a DVD, it's essentially an ornament that loads of other people have and probably won't be that impressed with.

So, if you have any CDs or DVDs that you haven't watched for ages, sell them for cash and reinvest in new experiences.


You're making space for new stuff

Don't think of decluttering as getting rid of stuff; think of it as making space for new stuff! Think of all the lovely new DVDs you'll be able to buy once you've got rid of those rubbish old ones that you don't watch anymore.

Okay, so it kind of defies the point of decluttering a bit but if you can't bear to let go of your collection, then a "˜one-in, one-out' policy can at least help you keep on top of your clutter.


Your CD and DVD collection is holding you back

Your CD and DVD collection looks nice, but it's actually a big old disc-shaped weight around your neck. If you're planning to move, you're going to have to bring that collection with you, which will be a massive pain in the neck. Getting rid of some stuff makes you more mobile, which means you can take more opportunities as and when they arise.

Even if you aren't planning to move, the space taken up by your CDs and DVDs could be used for something more productive. You could put in a nice little gym and finally get into shape, for example – and you won't have the temptation of watching a film instead to put you off.


Remember: you don't have to get rid of everything

Decluttering doesn't mean chucking out everything in sight until you live in a space devoid of any material belongings. It just means getting rid of the stuff you don't want anymore. That doesn't sound too bad, does it?


If you've got a spare half hour or so this weekend, why not start decluttering? You can sell your DVDs and CDs using musicMagpie, and you can send them to us in any box you like.

Oh, and feel free to share some of your own decluttering tips with us in the comments!