Downsizing with Purpose: The $20 Buy-Back Challenge
This is a great technique to use when deciding what to keep and what to let go of.
Check out this idea to do next time you find yourself struggling when decluttering.
What to Unload When Downsizing for the Road (or Just Simplifying Your Life)
We’ve all heard the saying “less is more,” but the truth is, the deeper you dig into this mindset, the clearer it becomes. You’ll be amazed at how enlightening the process can be. The more you downsize, the more you discover what you truly need—and what you love—not just what you think you want.
It’s easy to let go of things that are clearly excess or are broken, damaged and outdated, but what about those items that seem hard to part with? You know, the ones you’re unsure about keeping? Here’s a fun and eye-opening way to figure out if it’s really worth holding on to them.
The Buy-Back Game: A Creative Way to Downsize
This game is perfect for those areas of your home that have become storage catch-alls: your attic, garage, basement, or even a storage unit. We’ve all been there—storing perfectly good items “just in case” or for some hypothetical future use. You might think, “Maybe so-and-so will need this high chair” or “What if these one-inch binders come in handy one day?” But let’s get real: most of the time, those people never come knocking at your door asking for your old stuff.
When it comes to downsizing, these sentimental or “just in case” items are the hardest to part with. The clutter feels overwhelming, and you just don’t know where to start. Here’s a fun solution to help you decide what stays and what goes.
How to Play the Buy-Back Game
- Grab some blue painter’s tape (or any tape you have lying around).
- Tear off a piece of tape and imagine it’s worth $20.
- Place the tape on an item you’d like to keep. The key here is: every time you decide to keep something, you’re willing to pay $20 for the privilege of storing it.
- Assess the rest of your storage. Every item that doesn’t have a piece of tape is now officially up for grabs.
When you’re done, step back and take a look at your decisions. The items with tape are what you’re willing to pay to keep. If it’s hard to part with something but it doesn’t make the cut, ask yourself: Is it really worth $20 to store this item?
Taking it to the Next Level
I’ll admit, I wish I could just walk away at this point and let someone else haul the items without tape to the donation center or trash. But if you’re like me, there are a few options:
- If you have a spouse or partner, ask them to help.
- Offer your neighbor a few bucks to take the unwanted items off your hands.
- Or just schedule another day to finish the task without stressing yourself out.
If you want to make it more challenging, try raising the “buy-back” price to $50 per piece of tape. You could also limit yourself to a set amount of money or tape pieces, making it even more of a game. Remember, this isn’t just a game. It’s about asking yourself: Would I pay $20 to store this item? The answer will reveal whether it’s truly worth keeping or if it’s time to let go.
