I must admit that I'm struggling right now. I know I want to get rid of things, but when it comes to letting go, I struggle with being able to do it. We have - I have - too much stuff. Ours isn't a hoarder house, the areas are pretty clear, but there are just a lot of things. Too many knick-knacks, too many books, too many craft items, just too much. I have a lot of things I 'plan' on reselling or using in bundles I plan to put together to sell, but it's still sitting around and it's been sitting around for a while! Sometimes, I think I should give myself a time limit to do something with the stuff, sometimes I think about just getting rid of it all.
I am proud of myself for all the things I have got rid of (especially at the beginning of the year) but sometimes it's all a little overwhelming and that's the way I'm feeling right now. Why do I feel the need to hang onto books that I've had for a while? Or the craft stuff I don't have enough years left to use? Or the magazines I'm saving for the article I might need in the future? Sigh.
Sorry for the moan. Just needed to get the thoughts out.
Walk today - pretty standard. At least the sun was shining
I did get a bit of extra housework done today - I'm chalking that up as a plus.
Decluttering is hard for some of us. I'm struggling to reach the goal I set for myself this month (30 items decluttered) and, instead, I brought in a 30-piece dinner set!
ReplyDeleteI posted about the "One Less Item" method of decluttering, earlier in the month. You ask yourself, "Can I live with one less ____(name of item; e.g., book, craft kit, coffee mug)?" and, if the answer is, "Yes", then, declutter your least favorite of that item. I think it is easier to declutter one item at a time, like that. As for the magazine articles, can you tear out the articles you are saving and put them in a file folder and toss the magazine? Can you find the article online? Maybe giving yourself a deadline by which to get rid of a certain item would be helpful, too?
Thanks for all the tips! I'm counting each item as a plus though it will take me a lifetime to declutter! I am trying to work on not bringing anything else into the house!
DeleteWith my unwanted craft items, I gave them to a local school, who were delighted with everything. Larger fabrics I gifted to our local college, textile department, again well received. I could have sold so much, just never got round to sorting and listing, I'm so happy to help locally and get rid of everything.
ReplyDeleteI did ask at our local community centre but they didn't seem to want anything. Sigh. I was thinking of asking a senior centre maybe.
DeleteI see you! We have heaps round the house that have been sorted ready to go out, but are still sitting there...
ReplyDeleteIt is a struggle!
DeleteI understand you. When I have a bit too much, I simply put it in a bag and take it to my neighbor who lives below me. She looks it over and either takes some for herself or passes it on... so far it’s been clothes and shoes :))
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my photo display, Andreja!
Oh that's really nice of you!
DeleteMaybe try and aim for so many items to be charity shopped/thrown/donated to craft groups each day. We downsized and had to get rid of so much stuff, it was very eye opening and made me think about how much money we had spent on things we were now getting rid off. Xx
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm cringing about. It seems like a lot of wasted money. I'd love to be able to move and, if that became a reality I think I would find it a little easier - maybe lol
DeleteSending all hugs x
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteGetting rid of anything paper is hard for me too. Craft supplies...nope can't do that one either. I have been doing some of it. If I have 3 of something, I let 1 go. I just did some cleaning and found stuff I saved and now I want to craft with. As long as more goes out than in I feel pretty good.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good way to think. You've been doing so well with all the rest of your things I'm really inspired.
DeleteOh.. How I relate to you.
ReplyDeleteThere is this room upstairs in our villa. A room full of things, mostly gifts, lamps, kitchen essentials (duplicates) etc.. that I just cannot get to move from the house. I put the gloves on, put some music on and start.. but it is often me moving things around and not actually getting them OUT of the house..
I must tell you I sent much, donated much. But still, there's a lot to go. To make space. . Please write your progress here on the blog if and when you start decluttering. I plan to declutter, donate and I want to be proud of myself this october too.. haha..
Please do not be hard on yourself.
Start with one thing. Put a timer on and decide :) (donate, keep, trash) It helps.. It is harsh yes but last time, I had to do it and it worked.
This time, it gets even more difficult because I want to keep so much..
Sorry for my english, not my native language. But your post made me feel there is someone who thinks like me somewhere..
Wishing you a beautiful October, Sharon!
Your English is very good!
DeleteThanks for all the encouragement and tips. I am making a bit of progress but I'm still finding it really tough
Letting go is really hard sometimes. I've found that Tony is more sentimental about stuff than I am. You'll get there in the end.
ReplyDeleteI think if we ever moved I would have the incentive needed. It seems a long way off though. I am sentimental about things and then I think about the money I spent on them - ouch!
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