Decluttering has been an ongoing project around here for a while. That’s because I’m moving at an absolute glacial pace without any real hope for improvement in this lifetime.
While motivated to not suffocate under the weight of my own stuff, I’m stymied by two things:
- The phrase “but it’s really nice” often slows down the process. I have to constantly remind myself that if I don’t need a thing, it doesn’t matter how nice the thing is. Do you know that until about two weeks ago, I owned five colanders? I cannot begin to explain the reasons behind this.
- I collect things with potential and I hate to let go of potential. Vintage items that will someday be rotated in to my home decor, random craft projects, and scraps of ribbon and fabric (because you never know when you might need precisely five inches of a beautiful blue ribbon) are particular weaknesses.
I realized this week that I own so many black socks there is no reason to ever again wear an uncomfortable pair of socks. Slidey socks are unwelcome here.
Scout isn’t all that helpful. I emptied this fabric box earlier this week and he has laid claim to it. He seems to believe it’s the nicest box he’s ever set paw in and hasn’t been receptive to my suggestions that we move it. We certainly can’t give it away since he’s discovered the creature comforts of having a fabric box of one’s own!
I did drop off a carload of donations a couple of weeks ago and have another bag started already. Progress is progress, I guess. Even if it is slow!
I have trouble with sentimental things.
Ha! I don’t even attempt most of those things! I’m still trying to get through my kitchen and craft room.
One thing that helped me was to take pictures of any of the sentimental things that I have no use for but like to LOOK at from time to time. You can look at a picture of that gorgeous china pattern you never use whenever you want.
I can relate to your five colanders because WHY did I have 6 or 7 or 8 wooden spoons??? I’ve been paying attention when I cook and the most spoons I ever have going at a time is two so I’m thinking I will whittle down to four, see how that goes, and then whittle down to three and see how that goes.
That sounds like a great plan!! Whittling is a great way to reduce in a productive, mindful way.
Sometimes all we can hope for is incremental improvement (if that’s what it is). Please don’t veer into being a hoarder. Maybe you can use something in some unforeseen future, or just maybe someone else can use it right now. We all have these things piling up, especially if we’ve been in one place a long time. Congratulations on getting a bagful donated and starting another!
Ha ha. There’s no danger of me being an actual hoarder but I do understand how it is so easy to embrace the lifestyle.
I took a carload to the thrift store a couple of weeks ago. It was several decent sized boxes and a few garbage bags of stuff and it felt so good to let it all go. Plus, I get to help a store I really like!
22 years in a house and it really does build up without you even noticing.
I keep thinking I’m on top of the accumulation, then I go looking for something and it all hits me in the face. What is all this doing here?!
The New Yorker posted a link on Facebook to an Ann Patchett story about this very topic. You can read or listen to the story but it’s worth your time either way. I listened the other day while doing other things and she reads it. Wonderful inspiration!
I’ll see if I can find it. Thanks.
Enjoy!
Can’t access without a subscription, unfortunately.
Well, boo. I don’t have a subscription. Wonder why it let me hear it?
Today, someone is enjoying your donated items – keep moving forward!
Yes! I’m so glad to pass this stuff off to others!
I need to make some progress on decluttering too! I got a good laugh from the “but it’s really nice” excuse.
Lol. The struggle is real.