Spanish Phrase
Vamos a deshacernos de las cosas viejas.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a firm intention to declutter or dispose of items that are no longer needed or useful. It utilizes the reflexive verb 'deshacerse' combined with the 'ir + a' construction to indicate a planned future action. It conveys a sense of starting fresh by removing physical or metaphorical baggage.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are organizing a house cleaning, preparing for a move, or simply deciding to simplify your living space. It is commonly used among family members or roommates when discussing household chores.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamosadeshacernosdelascosasviejas
Ir + a + Infinitive
This construction is the most common way to express near-future plans in Spanish, similar to 'going to' in English.
Deshacerse de
This is a pronominal verb that requires the preposition 'de' to link to the object being discarded.
🗨In Conversation
¡Hay demasiado desorden en el ático!
There is too much mess in the attic!
Tienes razón. Vamos a deshacernos de las cosas viejas este fin de semana.
You're right. We are going to get rid of the old things this weekend.
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos a deshacer de las cosas viejas.
The verb must be reflexive ('deshacerse') to mean 'to get rid of' in this context.
Vamos a deshacernos las cosas viejas.
You must include the preposition 'de' after the verb 'deshacerse'.
↔Alternatives
Vamos a tirar lo que no sirve.
We are going to throw away what doesn't work.
Hay que limpiar el armario.
We need to clean out the closet.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, decluttering is a significant part of 'limpieza general' (spring cleaning). It is also common to see 'mercadillos' or 'rastros' where people sell or trade their old items instead of simply discarding them, reflecting a community-based approach to recycling.