Stumbling Block: Gifts

Unwanted gifts are a stumbling block for just about everyone trying to clear clutter. Here's what I tell my clients: the purpose of a gift is to be an outward symbol of someone's affection and their desire to give something to you. Once you've received it, the gift has done its job. It has succeeded. If it isn't useful or doesn't suit you, you can thank it and let it go spark joy for someone else.

In the unlikely event that the gift-giver demands to see their gift in use, have a response ready: "Mom, you spark so much joy for me, but that sweater did not. It has gone to fulfill its sweater destiny with someone who is going to love it and wear it all the time." And if you can't bear the thought of that conversation, a little white lie will do just fine (it's at the dry cleaners, a friend borrowed it) - and then move on.

If you receive a gift you truly love, lucky you! Remove the packaging, lose the tags, and put it to use right away. Things don't last forever - styles shift, preferences change, materials degrade. Spend out. Use things now.