What lost luggage taught me about decluttering

I recently took my first real vacation in a long time. On the way back, our luggage was delayed. I was leaving for another trip the next day, so I made a list of everything in the suitcase in case I needed to file a claim and so I'd know what I might need.

My luggage was delivered late on Saturday and I needed to leave for the airport at 5:30 on Sunday morning. There wasn't time for laundry, but I could fall asleep knowing I would have my prescription sunglasses and favorite running accessories.

When I got home, I noticed the list still sitting on the dining room table. Every time I looked at it, I felt grateful for having my favorite items back. Not just relief that the bag showed up, but an appreciation for the things on the list.

I started to wonder if I could recreate that feeling. The list worked because it forced me to be in the moment, thinking about each item. So I tried it in my office. I picked a drawer and made the same kind of list. For each item:

• Have I used it in the past year?

• Am I grateful for it?

Most things passed the test. But a few did not, and it was easier to identify what was most important when I forced myself to see individual items and make a list.

This is the habit I want to keep. Not a big decluttering weekend. Just picking a space and writing down the few things in it I'm grateful for. Naming those items is what lets me see past the clutter to what actually matters.

I am going to keep testing this, one small area at a time. My goal is to have more things I love by clearing out some of the clutter.

What small things are you grateful to see in your environment?

Is there anything that is no longer making you happy that you can start to let go of?