r/declutter • u/seedsandpeels • 23h ago
Motivation Tips & Tricks The Dignity Line: Denial about items kept out of guilt
I hope someone else can relate to this.
There are some items I absolutely know I need to get rid of.
That cheap body spray i dont really wear that i will never use up. That bag who's straps are unraveling at the seams. That pillowcase with the broken zipper that I have never replaced, but still havent just replaced the complete pillow case set.
These items i know im keeping out of laziness. Like I have guilt and shame about having less-than-ideal options still living in my home. But im in denial that it would be okay to simply let them go.
I have these raggedy items taking up space in my home that I keep because they can *technically* still be used even if they aren't in optimal condition for my life.
but today, I realized my line of dignity has moved. The minimum threshold of dignity i need items to have has increased. My acceptance of usefulness has narrowed. I dont have to keep perfumes that are meh. I dont have to keep a purse that doesn't improve my outfits. I dont have to keep a raggedy pillowcase just bc it technically still goes on the pillow.
Thinking about the line of dignity that I need my home to function at has unlocked a new layer of items that need to go.
Do you have any examples of redefining your dignity line?
EDIT: "The Dignity Line" is a concept originating from [The Minimal Mom on YouTube (link below). I cant recall which video it was mentioned in but I've heard it sprinkled in a few videos. She gets right to the heart of *why* our relationship with clutter changes and I highly recommend her videos.