Reader QuestionI have so much stuff. I don't want to throw it away, but it is taking over my life. I don't even know where to start. I have a child that was born with a heart defect. He has had four open heart surgeries, a pace maker put in and his gallbladder removed. He is 2 years old now. I spend a lot of time in doctor's appointments with him. I also have another son who is 11. There isn't much time to go through my things to get rid of it all. Then, I think I might need it. I need help knowing how to even start to throw or give away things that clutter my life and that I do not need. Amanda McKenzie Oxford, GA 
Our ResponseDear Amanda, Whew! You sure have your hands full. From all of us at GON, our thoughts are with you and your family. Since your time is obviously better spent taking care of your sons, the last thing you need is to have to struggle and stress over your possessions. I understand and empathize with your reluctance to part with what you have, but the very most important question you can ask yourself is ‘What is the worst thing that would happen if I didn't have this particular item? Does this item make me happy? Is this item very useful to me? Do I have this item for a specific purpose?’ Ask yourself what would happen in that situation? Could you replace it in the rare instance that you regretted your choice? You do not need a lot of time to go through your things, all you need is 5 or 10 minutes here and there to sort a few things at a time. Think about how your stuff is affecting your children and your household. If you were able to let go of a portion of it, would that give you more space or more time for the children? You ask where to start. There really is no beginning and no end. Becoming organized and being organized is a life long commitment to improving our lives and those around us. You simply have to start somewhere, anywhere. Look around the room and go pick up the 1st thing you see that is out of place or doesn't add something positive to the space it’s in. Then ask yourself the questions to determine if it belongs in your life. Once you have a box or pile of things to go, throw out what you can or pass them along. Unless an item is broken or obsolete, it can usually be donated to charity. Given that time is a precious commodity for you, I'd suggest gathering a decent sized amount of donations and then calling someplace like Goodwill or Salvation Army or a similar type organization and have them come pick up the stuff at your house. 
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