ptquilts

thank goodness I removed myself from all that gift-giving many years ago. Told everyone I do NOT want any more stuff. For adult's birthdays and Christmas I make a donation in their name to a charity, and they get a card telling them that.

JCquilts

I am trying really hard to de-stuff,,

but, I am a born collector and just went through my Moms stuff, and brought home a bunch of her stuff.

My folks lived way below their means and still had tons of stuff...

So, I am trying to look at everything in my house and determine if it is just stuff, or stuff I really, really want to keep.
Even though I am getting rid of some, I still have a lot of stuff..

cant help it....

Scrap Happy

George Carlin was so funny.

I don't like a lot of 'stuff' around my home. I like open, airy, uncluttered surroundings. I have a friend who has a ton of stuff everywhere but it looks adorable the way she keeps everything decorated. Lots of work on her part dusting & washing all the little knick knacks.

butterflies5518

My apartment is "stuffed". My Mom is downsizing and I am hoping for some sentimental pieces but I am coming to the realization I am going to either move from apartment to a home (scarry to me - the commitment part of it) or rent a climate controlled storage unit - my kids don't want it/have room for it either. So I think the "I love that but no thanks" reply is forthcoming.

ptquilts

If you have ever had to clear out someone else's "stuff" after they have passed, it gives you a whole new perspective on what is and is not important to keep.

Now when I have any doubts about an item, I picture my sister looking at it and rolling her eyes (she's good at that) as she cleans up my house after I am gone.

butterflies5518

I can relate to the eye rolling part - I perfected it! But my Mom's decorating style is at a different end of the spectrum from me and my kids are opposite of us both. So how do you make an on the spot decision that works long term for all? I am only asking because this is a very real place I am at right now. When does it become "just stuff". I appreciate that bearisgray began this topic, I hadn't realized how much this issue bothers me and very interested in following this, thanks all.

ssgramma

It's just too much stuff.
It'll hang you up, dealing with too much stuff.

From the Delbert McClinton song.

And I don't remember the title by the lyric by Jimmy Buffett built lots of self-storage, Calypso poet shortage.

In 2003 we got our stuff down to a small travel trailer and a 10x15 storage. I have filled the house again but a least it's an 1800 SF house instead of 3200 SF that we left in CA.

A friend used to say that her stuff had stuff LOL

ssgramma

I only want the good stuff :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

No, seriously, MIL sends stuff home with DH saying it was Grannie's. Well sorry - IT"S BROKEN! It's not even stuff, it's trash. I quiet dispose of it.

susie0808

Me too!!! My parents inherited from their aunts,uncles, and even grandparents, Now that my parents are gone I have a 3rd of it all. I could open up an antique shop! No junk though, a few cherished nic nacs but mostly furniture.

damaquilts

If you love it its not "stuff" if you don't its "stuff". I don't give anyone anything anymore I just send cash. Unless its something they asked for.
My DGD just got her first car and she got seat covers for it as a graduation gift. But she picked them out. I just paid and shipped. They are happy because its what they wanted I am happy because they are and I know its not getting shoved in a closet.
I have moved so much that I have given away or sold bunches of stuff. I have very little furniture or kitchen things and I have my sewing things which are also getting weeded out. Tired of packing it. I would like to get down to just what I can load in my car and go . :-)