...and I'm a pack rat. (They say denial is the first sign.)I'm asking for help. I need some accountability!!! When you see me, ask me what I have done to downsize. I get too sentimental. I have boxes that I have not even opened in 5 years. Before anyone says it, I will, "Don't bother opening them. Just put them out for the Amvets truck." Sounds great, but it's hard to change old habits.
For all you organized people out there...what are some of your top tips? Kelly, your kids had room to sleep in their closet. I know you have some advice for me. I think my girls just discovered their closet has a floor!
5 comments:
I'm the unusual case, a reverse pack rat - a little compulsive about cleanliness, so I'm inclined to pass along stuff I don't think I need/want anymore, then end up finding a use for it a couple of weeks later!
So, with the qualifier that I'm somewhat crazy (*grin*), here's what I suggest: set aside a box and fill it with things that you're on the fence about. Put it out of sight for one week, telling yourself that after one week, it's all going away - garbage, freecycle, Amvets, etc. Then set yourself a reminder to look at it one week later. If there's anything in there that you missed and needed and thought about during the week, keep it. If you have already forgotten what you put in there and didn't even think of it all week, give it away. This can help reduce that nervous "what if I need it later?" feeling. (Which I perhaps eliminated too completely in myself!)
For sentimental stuff that you're on the fence about, take pictures -unwanted/unneeded toys, clothes, knick-knacks, etc. can still be enjoyed from a snapshot as a nice memory, without having to be physically there.
For stuff that's useful but not sentimental, perhaps eBay selling, if you are so inclined, would leave you feeling satisfied with having turned the clutter into money? If you'd rather not go that route, maybe Dennis knows of needs within the church - it might feel more satisfying to give stuff away if you can know that you're directly helping someone else out.
I LOVE the photo suggestion! I had never heard or thought of that before.
The only catch is actually getting the photos printed and putting them into albums. I have BOXES of photos that I have had the good intention of scrapbooking with! :)
Thanks Eva!!!
Rachel - I STRUGGLE with holding onto things. My problem is what you mentioned earlier - the emotional attachment. When I hold the item, paper, whatever it is - it's like I'm transported back to that time when the moment happened.
Having said that, I realize that if I keep doing this, well then, there wouldn't be any room for the new things, you know?
I found it incredibly helpful to have someone go through all the stuff with me [i.e. Adam - he would throw everything away if I'd let him :)]. We were able to determine what to keep & what to let go of. I had to let him take the reigns on this, but he knew that if I really wanted to keep something & shared why, then I could. There was a lot of compromising!
btw - I love Eva's picture suggestion too!!
Good luck - it's hard, but I'm rooting for you!!
Hi Rachel! I second Eva's suggestions, and I volunteer my help. Scary but true, I love organizing and getting rid of things. I've done it with several of my friends. One says that I followed her around her apartment and rattled a garbage bag at her every time she hesitated, but I don't remember that! Looks like I'll be home for a while to take care of my parents in late spring or early summer while my sister is busy giving birth-I'll call you when I get home.
Sounds good, Nora. Are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into?
It will be so good to see you!
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