Ask yourself Quote by Sterling Jaquith
““Here’s what you can ask to put something through the Life Test: Do you love it? Do you need it? Do you want it? Do you have room to store it? Has this item been used in the last year? Does this belong to your fantasy self? Can someone else make better use of it? If you were out shopping today, would you purchase this item? Does this item have sentimental value? Is this a stand-in for a memory? Do you have/need more than one of this item? Will something similar that you have get the job done? Is it broken? Are you actually going to fix it? If so, when? Does this item fit you, your home, and your current lifestyle? Do you have a realistic plan to use this in the near future? Is this the best room for it? How long do you need to keep it? When can you get rid of it? Can you borrow or purchase another one if needed? Can you return it? Can it be digitized? Would you rather have the space that this takes up? If you want to simplify this process, you can ask yourself, “Does this item add value to my life?””
About This Quote
The passage outlines a comprehensive checklist for evaluating the necessity, value, and practicality of possessions, encouraging mindful consumption and decluttering.
In simple terms: Use a checklist to decide if an item truly belongs in your life.
Key Takeaway
Apply the checklist before acquiring or keeping items.
Themes
minimalism
decision‑making
consumerism
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
advisory
self‑help
When to use this quote
- shopping trips
- moving houses
- organizing closets
- budget planning
- gift giving
Key Concepts
value assessment
sustainability
psychology of ownership
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you truly need this item or is it a habit?
- How does this item affect your mental space?
A Different Perspective
The checklist may be time‑consuming and not suit every cultural context.
![“In The Magical Art of Tidying up by Kon Mari[viii], the author urges people to touch each possession they own and ask the question, “Does this spark joy?” While I agree with the heart of what this question is trying to get at (does this item have value to you?), the question is misleading. If we…” quote by Sterling Jaquith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b2/sterling-jaquith-37220_art_in-the-magical-art-of-tidying-up-by-kon_768391.jpg)
