While not as good as February's decluttering totals I am pleased with how the month went. This really is an ongoing process. Sometimes I find it really tough to let things go and other times I find it a bit easier. Because of that I declutter the same spaces on a rotating basis. I am finding that when I revisit an area, I'm willing to let a few more things go. This might seem like a long-winded way to go about it, but it seems to be working for me. I am definitely finding this works especially well with the books. There are still a lot in the house, but they are slowly moving out and (for the most part) new-to-me ones aren't coming into the house. I'm still picking up some bird books (second-hand) but I might have to stop that soon! They are for a (supposed) craft project that doesn't seem to be happening lol.
The craft room? That's not really happening that much. I tend to go up there, move things around and come back down. My daughter has said that she is having a garage sale and could do with some non-baby things so I'm thinking I might be willing to get rid of some things for their sale. That might work for me. I won't be expecting any money and anything left over will be donated. Seems strange but knowing I won't see it in my charity/thrift shops might actually work lol.
Here are the totals:-
CRAFT ITEMS - 37
MAGAZINES - 11
BOOKS - 91
MISC. - 37
Question - how do you deal with items given to you by someone? Do you find it easy to let go of them? Do you feel obligated to keep them? I'm beginning to try to change my mindset and say that I have enjoyed the item, but it's time to pass it on to someone else so they can enjoy it.
Thanks for the input!
I'm getting started on April's decluttering already!
Well done! I think you did great with the decluttering in March! The actual numbers might be less, but, you are still getting more out than in and letting go of things that might have survived earlier decluttering! It is like peeling an onion, layer by layer, I've read, and yes, sometimes, it does cause some tears!
ReplyDeleteI think that donating some items to your daughter's garage sale will be a great way to declutter some of the items you have!
Items that people have given are especially hard to get rid of, especially if the people who gave them to you were special to you. I have several items my sister has given to me, things she painted, for example, and I continue to keep them. When my aunt died, my cousins invited me to come over and take whatever item I wanted, and I declined. But, they wouldn't take no for an answer and they picked out a piece of decorative porcelain and gave it to me when I visited one of my cousins about a year later! I still have it!
It is really hard to declutter things people gave you especially if they are keepsakes. I think I'm going to have to sort through and what has meaning to me and what doesn't. It's not easy!
DeleteWell - at my age, gifts tent to be of the consumable variety - things like perfume, flowers, choccies, etc or people ask 'what would you like'. A nice lunch out always works or a trip to somewhere like Hyde Hall. I've started handing on or donating old gifts that haven't been used and are not wanted any more and, to be honest, I don't feel that bad about doing so. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to steer people towards that sort of thing. I think at this point experiences are better than more stuff!
DeleteI think you're doing really well. Keep it up! As for things you've been given, it's in order for you to pass them on so long as the giver won't be offended.
ReplyDeleteI think there are some things I'm more inclined to let go of (that people gave to me) rather than the more personal gift things. I suppose I should start with those!
DeleteBecause we were downsizing from a 4 bed, garage, large garden house to a 3 bed, small garden, no garage, we had to be very ruthless and just have less 'stuff'. I now like the fact that I don't have loads of ornaments or pictures to dust, and a smaller garden is so much easier on my arthritics with the raised beds. Keep going, it will be worth it. Xx
ReplyDeleteAs I am decluttering, I'm trying to keep in mind that the dream house would be a two-bedroom cabin. There is still a lot to get rid of. I suppose if I start working on it now, I might get there in the end lol.
DeleteI'm planning another wardrobe decluttering session. I have some lovely clothes but the colours drain me. Now I'm ready to let them go.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I keep resorting things. First time around I'm not sure I can rid myself of them but then, when I think about it, I'm ready to let things go. It's certainly working that way with the books! Good luck with the decluttering. You are very good at it though!
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