a time to keep and a time to throw away… (Ecclesiastes 3: 6)

Distinguishing between the time to keep and the time to throw away is not the primary problem. The main problem for most of us is what to keep and what to throw away. Ours is less of a when problem than a what problem.

Packed garages, bulging basements, stuffed storage units are all testimonies to the fact that we can’t decide what to keep and what to throw away. Of course, the when and the what are connected because the state and nature of the what determines the when!

What we keep and what we throw away does not only relate to material and tangible possessions. There are feelings and frustrations which also plague us because we don’t know which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. Try these principles to see if they work for you whether the matter involves what you have or what you feel.

1). The value of it. Before you throw it away, ask yourself: “What is its intrinsic value?” That is, what is it worth in and of itself? Then, decide what is its value to you. It may not be worth a quarter to anyone else, but worth a million dollars to you. Finally, determine its value to others. You may possess something which is of inestimable value to another person. If you don’t know, before you throw it away, ask somebody!

2). The use of it. Before you hold on to it or chuck it, what exactly is it and what is it for? Does it have a use? Does it have a current function? Does it work? Does it work like it should? If it is broken, can it be fixed or should it be fixed? Can you use it? Do you know anyone who could use it? The answers to these questions and more will help you choose whether to hold it or heap it.

3). The place for it. What you are considering may be quite valuable and useful. However, you may have no place to put it. Now, you must ask, is this of such value and use to me that I can or should I make space for it? If the answer is yes and you can do it without creating other practical problems, then keep it. If the answer is no, then there is always your family, friends, eBay, Craig’s List and the Goodwill!