There are countless benefits to living with less. Reduced stress, better sleep, and increased productivity, just to name a few. The hardest part, however, is knowing how to downsize your belongings without allowing the dreaded guilt to derail your efforts.

Throughout our lifetime, it’s easy to accumulate belongings and hold on to items we think we might need in the future. Whether it’s a gift you didn’t want in the first place, an expensive kitchen appliance you haven’t used in years, or a wardrobe that no longer suits you, it’s easy to hold on to items we think we might need in the future.