Good on you, Sharron. I've been better at going to the dentist than at decluttering, and even the former has been lagging! I read on etymology that the root word for clutter is clotern--to form clots. I think we are unclogging our hearts.
All I can suggest is begin with one drawer. Remove everything you can live without. Next day go back to the SAME drawer, remove everything you can live without again. Then go to the next drawer. Small steps. It gets easier and easier. Exhilarating.
Oh, maybe. Not sure about that, Kathleen. But I find I really like "re-locating" all this accumulation of years. It is good for the soul. Creates space - in my environment and in my head.
Down sized years ago. Cleaned house. Dust flew. Spiders didn’t know what to do. Good memories went to a storage facility, out of sight. One day to return with mighty weight to hold by daughter’s hand the memories gone.
And it feels so good to get these things into the hands of those who really need or want them. Even just sitting a few things at a time out on the sidewalk. A few of these "rescuers" and "re-claimers" take stuff from my closet directly to the flea market to resell. A win-win situation.
Go for it, Ron. Report to us how it goes! Here is a hint. Put a sign on it saying FREE. If no one takes it, put a sign on it $50. It will be stolen. Job done.
You nailed it….Clutter in the home, clutter in the mind. You really can’t separate the two. I notice the difference with every step I take, in the process of undoing the puzzle that is of my own making. Great piece, Sharron!
Oh, I think this accounting speaks to a whole lot of us, Sharon. We have too much, why not do ourselves a favor and give it away to those in need? Nobody needs ten sheets, twenty towels... right? Well... the local homeless shelter does.
You are an inspiration, Sharron. We've started the process, but it's slow going because of my wife's health issues. I have the same situation in my neighborhood. Leave it on the curb and soon it's gone. Scavengers from Ciudad Juarez regularly make the rounds. They resell it in Mexico. Everybody benefits.
BRAVO! both for your de-cluttering accomplishment and for writing this delightful, hysterical story. It not only made me laugh out loud, head thrown back against the chair, but it inspires me to get moving ... again. De-cluttering happens in wild spurts around here. There's a whole collections of detritus that will be moved to Val's house as soon as they move in ... hopefully by Christmas. Looking forward to the walls echoing.
I have never met an American who couldn't fill a closet. If there is space - it wants filling! Feels good to do a reversal, I'll tell you. Thanks for reading 🌿Leaves, Jim!
Speaking as someone working on downsizing a home office that has remained undusted for over 25 years, Quentin was correct: at a certain point, you just can't tell.
Me too. It would be an incredible gift to leave behind order.
It is not that hard, really. Thank you, ShinyGirl!
❤️
How lovely! I don't know who Quentin Crisp is, but I'd like to shake his hand! I can't do what he suggests, though, as I'm asthmatic.
I love the permission he gives. His book, The Naked Civil Servant, is a British classic. Quite funny.
Good on you, Sharron. I've been better at going to the dentist than at decluttering, and even the former has been lagging! I read on etymology that the root word for clutter is clotern--to form clots. I think we are unclogging our hearts.
Unclogging. De-cluttering. Down-sizing. I love the British term "displenishing". Feels good.
I’m looking for your ‘how to’, next episode!
All I can suggest is begin with one drawer. Remove everything you can live without. Next day go back to the SAME drawer, remove everything you can live without again. Then go to the next drawer. Small steps. It gets easier and easier. Exhilarating.
Ok, that sounds doable.
What a thoughtful and caring mother you are
Oh, maybe. Not sure about that, Kathleen. But I find I really like "re-locating" all this accumulation of years. It is good for the soul. Creates space - in my environment and in my head.
I understand
Down sized years ago. Cleaned house. Dust flew. Spiders didn’t know what to do. Good memories went to a storage facility, out of sight. One day to return with mighty weight to hold by daughter’s hand the memories gone.
Perfect, Richard.
We've been downsizing as well. Feels good! We did an impressive job of filling our available space. So much I hadn't looked at in years. 95% clutter.
And it feels so good to get these things into the hands of those who really need or want them. Even just sitting a few things at a time out on the sidewalk. A few of these "rescuers" and "re-claimers" take stuff from my closet directly to the flea market to resell. A win-win situation.
It does feel good to give it away than to try to sell it or pay to have it taken away. I'm gonna put out a couple of desks and sofas. Who knows?
Go for it, Ron. Report to us how it goes! Here is a hint. Put a sign on it saying FREE. If no one takes it, put a sign on it $50. It will be stolen. Job done.
What a great gift….
It is not that hard. And even done slowly, one drawer at a time, feels really good. A true unburdening.
You nailed it….Clutter in the home, clutter in the mind. You really can’t separate the two. I notice the difference with every step I take, in the process of undoing the puzzle that is of my own making. Great piece, Sharron!
Oh, I think this accounting speaks to a whole lot of us, Sharon. We have too much, why not do ourselves a favor and give it away to those in need? Nobody needs ten sheets, twenty towels... right? Well... the local homeless shelter does.
Great piece!
Thank YOU for the inspiration lines, Linda Brown. Really made me think.
You are an inspiration, Sharron. We've started the process, but it's slow going because of my wife's health issues. I have the same situation in my neighborhood. Leave it on the curb and soon it's gone. Scavengers from Ciudad Juarez regularly make the rounds. They resell it in Mexico. Everybody benefits.
Slow is good. Thoughtful. A little at a time does it, and you don't even have to haul it away... Perfect!
BRAVO! both for your de-cluttering accomplishment and for writing this delightful, hysterical story. It not only made me laugh out loud, head thrown back against the chair, but it inspires me to get moving ... again. De-cluttering happens in wild spurts around here. There's a whole collections of detritus that will be moved to Val's house as soon as they move in ... hopefully by Christmas. Looking forward to the walls echoing.
Yes, enough stewardship. Let children take their things to keep or mete out. It is not really mom's job, is it?
Awesome. Your son is lucky you are looking out for him.
HA HA HA. My boy takes the good with the bad in equal measure, Marty. Thanks for reading this!
Courage, this time is a lovely lioness wearing a flannel plaid shirt and stretchy jeans!
Ha ha ha. No one's ever described me as courageous, Jill. I will take it! Thank you
Bravo, Sharron. It's difficult to do but it's good for the soul.
I have never met an American who couldn't fill a closet. If there is space - it wants filling! Feels good to do a reversal, I'll tell you. Thanks for reading 🌿Leaves, Jim!
Speaking as someone working on downsizing a home office that has remained undusted for over 25 years, Quentin was correct: at a certain point, you just can't tell.
Looking around my comfy little house, I have to agree with you, Jack.