Another excellent article by Christine Kane, “9 Seemingly Logical Excuses for Clinging to Clutter,” has me looking at my guilty feelings about all our stuff. –> This photo shows the system that I build for my daughter’s playroom in one attempt to contain all her toys. There’s also a little desk and chair for the little nook. My daughter could care less but looking at this makes me really happy.
P.S. Today is moving day!!!
1. “I spent so much on it.” Just because I made a bad decision and bought that dress/knife set/drawer unit does not mean it can stay so I can remind myself of that stupid purchase over and over and over again.
2. “I might need this someday.” We have two very large containers filled with cables, wires, telephone cords, a keyboard, old phones, extension cords, and all sorts of old stereo cords. I don’t know where they came from but I bet we could buy something if we really needed something.
3. “I might do this someday.” I think my needlepoint and cross stitch days are behind me. Or far ahead of me. Those supplies can go to someone who will use them.
4. “It looks good if people see that I have this.” I don’t think I’m guilty of this one.
5. “I don’t know where it goes.” A huge goal I have set for myself is to have a home for everything. If I don’t know where something belongs, it’s clutter.
6. “Things have energy?” I’m going to let go of anything that makes me feel bad or has negative memories attached to it.
7. “But I never wore it!” I am going to forgive myself and move on.
8. “There’s too much stuff.” So true… I don’t have to do this all at once. I’d go crazy. I’ll tackle a bit at a time so I don’t get too overwhelmed.
9. “I don’t know what I love or want.” Oh, but I do!!!
This is excellent, Naomi. #2 is our big issue: we have far too many boxes like this in our basement! But I also have way too much stuff in my closet that I haven’t worn in years that I keep just in case I someday have the need for that particular top or skirt or suit. And if I do, I won’t be able to find it anyway b/c there’s too much clutter! I hope the move into the new house helps you get rid of all of the things you don’t need or want! And congratulations!
Ok so I was already thinking about this yesterday since reading your comment, so when I began unpacking my closet, I started tossing aside anything I haven’t worn recently, clothes that are a different size than what I am right now, and also some tshirts that I wear way too often (comfy but unflattering). I ended up with five huge trashbags of donations!!