When was the last time I used it? How often do I use it? If I hadn't seen it just now, would I have missed it? Does it currently fit me? If I'm not actively using it, can I let it go? Is there something else I'm already using that serves the same purpose? Is keeping it worth using up living space? If I let it go and find I need it in the future, would I be able to replace it easily? If I'm not actively using it, might someone else benefit from it if I let it go? Could I take a photo of it...

Handling every single item in our 5-person household and making a decision about whether it should stay or go took four long years. It was a grueling process during which I felt overwhelmed at times and yet it brought a sense of great satisfaction. I can account for everything to our name and know that it's part of our home intentionally. Pairing down our belongings was a battle. Maintaining a life with less is a completely different one. It requires new habits so that we don't go back to...