19 | Essentialism for Moms (Part 2): 4 Key Strategies to Manage ADHD, Declutter, and Focus On What Matters
If you've ever struggled with decluttering, hesitating over whether to keep or let go of an item, you’re not alone. We often hold onto things out of guilt, habit, or the fear of “What if I need this someday?”
But what if there was one simple question that could shift your entire mindset?
In Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, he introduces a powerful decluttering strategy:
"If I didn’t already own this, how much would I pay to buy it?"
This question forces you to rethink the value of everything in your home—not based on past spending or emotional attachment, but on its real worth to you today.
Applying This Question to Your Home
1. The Bathroom Cabinet Test
Take a peek under your bathroom sink. You’ll likely find half-used beauty products, expired skincare, or extra “just in case” items you rarely touch.
Ask yourself: If I didn’t already own this, how much would I pay to buy it today?
Your likely response: Probably nothing.
Action: Let go of products you wouldn’t spend money on now.
2. The Closet Experiment
Go to your closet and pull out a piece of clothing you haven’t worn in months.
Ask yourself: If I saw this in a store right now, would I pay full price to buy it?
If the answer is “no” or “not at all”, it’s time to donate or sell it.
Action: Remove items that are just taking up space instead of adding value to your daily life.
3. The Kitchen Purge
Open your kitchen drawers and cabinets—are you holding onto appliances, utensils, or dishware you never use?
Ask yourself: If I didn’t own this, would I go out and buy it right now?
If you wouldn’t spend money on it today, it’s not essential.
Action: Keep only the kitchen tools that serve a real purpose.
Disciplined Editing: How Cutting Back Increases Your Impact
The Essentialism philosophy isn’t just about decluttering things—it’s about editing your life so that what remains truly serves you.
Cutting Back to Focus on What Matters
Clutter isn’t just physical—it exists in our schedules, our routines, and our mental load.
Removing non-essentials allows you to focus on what actually improves your life.
Think of decluttering as highlighting what matters most—by cutting out the unnecessary, you make space for what truly deserves your attention.
Final Thoughts: Where to Start Today
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but small mindset shifts make a big difference.
Start with ONE space today.
Ask yourself: Would I pay to own this again?
If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Need help figuring out where to start? Send me a photo of your space, and I’ll send you a free 60-Second Session with my best recommendations to simplify and organize your space! Click here to submit your photo.
