Buzz
Letting go of possessions can be challenging, even for those who aren’t hoarders. In our consumer-driven world, many struggle with this, prompting scientists to explore the reasons behind it and develop strategies to make decluttering easier. As spring cleaning approaches, consider findings from a study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, which recommends a gradual approach: instead of discarding items immediately, temporarily move them to a 'purgatory' zone.
Understanding the concept of sending clutter to 'purgatory'
In their study, researchers Mathew S. Isaac and Poornima Vinoo explain that individuals who find it difficult to part with belongings often use creative tactics to minimize emotional stress. One effective method, they note, involves moving unwanted items out of sight, allowing them to fade from memory before eventual disposal. This approach, referred to as placing items in 'purgatory,' helps reduce the anxiety associated with decluttering. As they write, 'Ethnographic research highlights this strategy as a way to temporarily store items in liminal spaces, easing the transition to letting go.'
In essence: Before permanently discarding old photos, books, receipts, keepsakes, or trinkets, place them in a transitional space—somewhere between your daily surroundings and the garbage. Essentially, relocate items you believe you should discard into a box or drawer where they’re out of sight but still accessible. Over time, as they’re no longer part of your daily life, you’ll likely realize how little you truly need them. When the time comes for a major cleanup, donating, selling, or trashing them will feel much easier.
Why the purgatory approach makes it easier to part with clutter
Isaac and Vinoo analyzed three studies showing that moving items into 'purgatories' helps individuals prepare for eventual disposal. Their research revealed a new insight: this method works not by reducing attachment but by mentally simulating the disposal process. As they explain, 'Purgatories trigger mental rehearsal of letting go, helping owners brace for the impending loss of their possessions.'
Put simply, sending an item to purgatory is like a trial run for throwing it away. By gradually removing it from your daily environment, you reduce your emotional attachment and mentally prepare for the final step of permanently discarding it.
How to begin moving your excess belongings into purgatory
While decluttering, create a separate pile for items you might discard, even if you’re not fully ready to part with them yet. Alongside obvious piles for trash, donations, sales, and keepers, this pile helps you consider the possibility of letting go. Clothes you no longer wear, unused kitchen gadgets, or toys your children have outgrown—items kept for sentimental or 'just in case' reasons—are perfect candidates for purgatory.
Ensure your 'purgatory' is a place you won’t see daily. The goal is to forget what’s stored there, helping you realize how unnecessary those items truly are. Stash the box in a closet, basement, or garage shelf. For efficiency, use separate boxes for unusable items and those suitable for donation. This way, when it’s time to dispose of them, you can directly donate one box and discard the other without revisiting the contents, reducing the chance of second-guessing. Challenge yourself to avoid opening purgatory except to add more items—research shows you likely won’t even feel the urge. Set a phone reminder for a month later to finally move the items to their ultimate destination, whether the trash or a donation center. If you find yourself needing something from the box during that month, consider it a sign the item is essential. (Though this is highly unlikely.)
Alternative strategies for parting with uncertain items
As someone who excels at making excuses to keep clutter, I understand the struggle of holding onto things 'just in case.' However, this mindset can apply to everything you own. A purgatory box is an excellent middle ground between recognizing something as trash and actually discarding it—which is why I use a purgatory shelf for old clothes. That said, other methods can help you part with items immediately, delivering faster results than waiting a month to dispose of a box.
I suggest exploring these decluttering questions. When organizing a closet, cabinet, or junk drawer, asking objective, practical questions can help detach from sentimentality or excuses. Questions like, 'Would I remember owning this if I needed it?' or 'When did I last use this?' can reframe your perspective on an item’s usefulness. While I once favored the KonMari method, which asks if an item 'sparks joy,' I found I could justify keeping everything. If you’re like me, adopting a more structured and less forgiving approach might be the nudge you need.
If you’re still undecided about letting go of an item after answering the decluttering questions, place it in the purgatory box. Mixing methods is perfectly acceptable, as long as you stay focused on the end goal: removing items that no longer serve a purpose and only clutter your space.
