The perfect decluttering formula

By Brian Maynor

 

Regret.  That is one of the top reasons people cling so tightly to their things, resulting in the accumulation of a lot of clutter.

The average American home has over 300,000 ‘things’ in it, and that doesn’t include what we keep in storage units, garages and attics, most of which we are keeping simply because we fear the regret of needing or wanting them in the future and not having them.  This fear causes us to over-emphasize or exaggerate a future need and underestimate or ignore the cost of storing it.

So, if there were a way you could let go of things without that fear, would we actually do it?

Let’s find out.  RFISR is the best formula for decluttering I’ve found, and it works in any area of life.  Here’s what you need to know:

1.  The factors:

a.  Recency.  When was the last time you used/wore/noticed the item?

b.  Frequency.  How often do I use/wear/enjoy this item?

c.  Investment Cost.  How hard/expensive was it to acquire this item?

d.  Storage Cost.  How much space/money does it take to keep it?

e.  Retrieval/Relevancy Cost.  How hard/expensive is it to retrieve the item or likelihood it is outdated?

2.    The formula:  R (low) + F (low) + IC (low) + SC (high) + RC (high) = Let It Go

3.    The benefits.  This formula is surprisingly simple and an objective way of determining if you should keep something or would be better off letting it go.  By reducing the mental energy used to prepare, organize, clean or even avoid decluttering we are increasing our likelihood of success.

4.    The result.  After we declutter, yes, we will have fewer things, but what is left will be only the things we enjoy and add value to our lives.  Isn’t that worth the effort alone?

Very few people get excited at the thought of cleaning out their closets, homes, garages or storage units because just thinking about is enough to get overwhelmed.  Add to that the fear of regret, and that’s usually all it takes for us to find something else to do.  What we don’t think about are the costs associated with clutter, and what we can save or even gain from letting things go.

Using this formula is the best way to assuage any guilt or fear of regret associated with decluttering because it accounts for those costs and leaves us with only the savings and the gains.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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