sall

I spoke to my cousin a few days ago, who has had the decorators in. She started doing a bit of clearing out, and found she still had her 21st birthday cards (she is 70). When her daughter called, the question she asked was (qoute) "If I dropped dead tomorrow what would you do with all these cards and things" reply from her daughter. " I would just throw them all out". I suddenly realised that I still had my 21st cards and loads of other cards such as invitations, thank you cards etc and realised that my children would do exactly the same. Looking at my 21st cards ( I am 75) I cannot remember who some of the people were. Well this then started me on a clear it all out spree, and I cannot believe the junk I have kept over the years. I have one spare single bed, and would you belive, I have 4 duvets for that one bed, and six covers for the duvet, and I might add that the bed is only used occasionally.The charity shop is due for a car load of goods from me next week.
Are we all like this, or are many of you more organised. I must add that I am exhausted after bit all.

Murphy

I have two sons and recognized after we had a few talks that there were many things they would not want. I have methodically gotten rid of those things and feel more free. Good for you for doing this for yourself and them.

erstan947

I find the thought of getting rid of my stuff to be overwhelming. I want the stuff gone but where to start. As always I put it off until tomorrow.:) I have a quilt to make!

meemersmom

I think we're all like this, just to different degrees. I try to clear out a couple times a year. My rule is if it hasn't been used in the last two years, out it goes. Except for my stash, of course. Some things are just sacred!!

Tink's Mom

Every now and then I get into a dump it mood...and take advantage of it.... ;-)
I have 2 sons, also...and know for a fact that 85% of my treasures would hit a dumpster soon after my demise. I try to dump some things everytime I get to doing a deep cleaning of an area.

isnthatodd

Hubby and I have been working on decluttering this last month. We started with a shelf or a drawer and are doing it slowly so it doesn't seem so overwhelming. Our library is having a used book sale, so we are sorting out the books and have taken several bags of books we know we won't read. Next is to gather a bag full of
DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, and a few old 8-tracks to donate. I have been sorting my stash as I rearrange my fabric room, and have discovered a lot of stuff that can't be used for quilting that was given to me. So off it goes to someone on Freecycle. I figure it will take a year or so, but we will get there.

MissM

Don't forget though some of these item's that you toss may actually be collectible items.

Connie in CO

sall i think your great.I have 11 years before I'm your age.

valsma

I don't have birthday cards or stuff like that, but I know somewhere out in the garage there are totes and boxes with stuff in them that I haven't seen in years. I don't know why I keep them, I'm not even sure if it is stuff that I have a feeling about. Just stuff. I know I should get rid of it, but the task is so daunting I guess it is just easier to leave it alone.

running1

It is hard to start throwing out the old stuff for some of us... but once you get the hang of it, wooo hooooooo!!! I cleaned out the children's bedrooms, closets, dressers, built-in shelves, under the window seat... etc.... this summer and it feels and looks GREAT. It was so very cathartic. Daughter's stuff went into some plastic totes and out to the garage for her to go through next time she comes (she teaches abroad). Son's stuff went to him to go through with his sweet wife... I'm pretty sure he'll throw 99% or more out out out!!

Here's one person who has now got the hang of it... Basement, here I come!!!