Comments on: Letting go of Stuff – a January Resolution! http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/ Wed, 23 May 2012 20:43:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: roses http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-30381 roses Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:53:13 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-30381 Hi Peggy, We've moved across 3 continents and four countries and I learnt quickly to live without clutter. I anyway have always loved houses that are clean, uncluttered and those that always have some extra (unoccupied, free) space. When it comes to parting with things of sentimental value, I make sure I take pictures of them on a special occasion. For example when it comes to your mom's china, do a special weekend brunch for your family and take pictures. After that keep at most one piece and get rid of the rest. That way you do not hold on to the entire set. When it comes to adding things in the house I make sure for each piece I bring in I get rid of a similar item. That helps us stay compact. When it comes to receiving gifts of sentimental value from my family as grandparents/parents are growing old, I only pick up old family pictures or something that is really small and does not occupy much space (maybe a piece of jewelry). These rules really help in keeping us nimble. Now that I have a son, I've made sure I have everything saved electronically and just 2 baby keepsakes that are of real value. That way I can easily hand him his little box of memories when he grows a little older. My annual clean-up too happens a little after Christmas when DH is at home to help and we are done with all the entertaining. Hi Peggy,
We’ve moved across 3 continents and four countries and I learnt quickly to live without clutter. I anyway have always loved houses that are clean, uncluttered and those that always have some extra (unoccupied, free) space.
When it comes to parting with things of sentimental value, I make sure I take pictures of them on a special occasion. For example when it comes to your mom’s china, do a special weekend brunch for your family and take pictures. After that keep at most one piece and get rid of the rest. That way you do not hold on to the entire set.
When it comes to adding things in the house I make sure for each piece I bring in I get rid of a similar item. That helps us stay compact.
When it comes to receiving gifts of sentimental value from my family as grandparents/parents are growing old, I only pick up old family pictures or something that is really small and does not occupy much space (maybe a piece of jewelry).
These rules really help in keeping us nimble.
Now that I have a son, I’ve made sure I have everything saved electronically and just 2 baby keepsakes that are of real value. That way I can easily hand him his little box of memories when he grows a little older.
My annual clean-up too happens a little after Christmas when DH is at home to help and we are done with all the entertaining.

]]> By: Organization: Desiring Order and Freshness — Reluctant Entertainer http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-28982 Organization: Desiring Order and Freshness — Reluctant Entertainer Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:03:11 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-28982 [...] supplies. How much do I really need? How much do I want to store? I’m constantly having to thin out and let go of stuff and to figure out what I want to use, and then figure out an organized storage [...] [...] supplies. How much do I really need? How much do I want to store? I’m constantly having to thin out and let go of stuff and to figure out what I want to use, and then figure out an organized storage [...]

]]> By: Sarah Gerecke http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-25823 Sarah Gerecke Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:24:23 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-25823 Hi Peggy, I am very sentimental too and I am going through this right now with my Grandma's and Parents things (and they are all still alive!). What if you put a picture of your Mom (& whoever else you ate with at the table with your Mom), somewhere where you can see it while eating? Do this before you get rid of the china. If you had fond memories at the dinner table, it wasn't the china, it was your family and the time you spent together. I think if you can see her (them), this will make you feel better when letting go of the china. You will have replaced it with something else-the memory of the people! Hi Peggy,
I am very sentimental too and I am going through this right now with my Grandma’s and Parents things (and they are all still alive!). What if you put a picture of your Mom (& whoever else you ate with at the table with your Mom), somewhere where you can see it while eating? Do this before you get rid of the china. If you had fond memories at the dinner table, it wasn’t the china, it was your family and the time you spent together. I think if you can see her (them), this will make you feel better when letting go of the china. You will have replaced it with something else-the memory of the people!

]]> By: Alex http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-24211 Alex Sat, 25 Sep 2010 01:39:29 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-24211 HaHa! I have tried to look at my inability to stay organized as something I can just wave away. Just a quirk. Whatever. Now I have four kids and I keep waving everyone away so I don't have to show anyone my mess of a house! We moved to our current home from a much larger apartment and I have never been able to find a 'place' for anything! I love the idea of getting rid of the emotional side of items. I have tried to purge my house of extra items, but all I end up with is hours wasted and things moved around from one box to another. Thinking of my stuff going to someone that can actually use (or find a place for) the item will really help. Thanks for the wonderful idea! HaHa! I have tried to look at my inability to stay organized as something I can just wave away. Just a quirk. Whatever.

Now I have four kids and I keep waving everyone away so I don’t have to show anyone my mess of a house!

We moved to our current home from a much larger apartment and I have never been able to find a ‘place’ for anything! I love the idea of getting rid of the emotional side of items. I have tried to purge my house of extra items, but all I end up with is hours wasted and things moved around from one box to another.

Thinking of my stuff going to someone that can actually use (or find a place for) the item will really help. Thanks for the wonderful idea!

]]> By: Fabulous Organizing Links http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-16405 Fabulous Organizing Links Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:11:07 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-16405 [...] Letting Go of Stuff ~ Reluctant Entertainer [...] [...] Letting Go of Stuff ~ Reluctant Entertainer [...]

]]> By: Paola http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-15066 Paola Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:46:07 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-15066 Thank-you, thank-you. I have had a really good chuckle to myself while reading all your words. My house is FULL to the brim and I really can relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the STUFF. You have truly inspired me to get moving - I'm off right now to purge, purge, purge. Thanks for your great blog. Thank-you, thank-you. I have had a really good chuckle to myself while reading all your words. My house is FULL to the brim and I really can relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the STUFF. You have truly inspired me to get moving – I’m off right now to purge, purge, purge. Thanks for your great blog.

]]> By: Nikki http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-15009 Nikki Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:49:21 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-15009 Thankyou, for some much needed inspiration.... My name is Nikki and I'm a hoarder! Today I'm going to start to organise my house.... it may take awhile, but I've got to start somewhere. Thankyou, for some much needed inspiration…. My name is Nikki and I’m a hoarder! Today I’m going to start to organise my house…. it may take awhile, but I’ve got to start somewhere.

]]> By: Organization Tips | How Does She... http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14975 Organization Tips | How Does She... Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:59:28 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14975 [...] Thanks for the steps, you can read more on clearing clutter on her blog reluctant entertainer. [...] [...] Thanks for the steps, you can read more on clearing clutter on her blog reluctant entertainer. [...]

]]> By: Jodi http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14955 Jodi Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:51:49 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14955 Hi Peggy....I have "been there, felt that way" also with family items. I am 65 and FINALLY getting my home organized as I've always envisioned it to be. What you do with your mom's china is this....lay the pieces all out and TAKE A PICTURE of it all!! You will keep the memory of it in a picture album or on your computer. You can pull up that picture much pieces without chips of her china and let the rest go. It's quicker to pull up a picture than digging out the dishes from an old box or wherever you have them stored. You savor the memory of meals served on those plates and tuck those memories back into your heart for safe-keeping. They don't need to be anywhere else. I just thought of something....keep one or two of her dishes and get rid of and let go of the rest. I'm "letting go" as I know that's what God wants me to do. He doesn't want us living in clutter. He's the Role Model with the beautiful organized world He created. WE are the ones who clutter His world and our lives. It helps me give up treasures when I know my grown kids have no interest in them so therefore I try to give things to someone less fortunate or to Goodwill where someone can purchase them inexpensively. It's such a wonderful feeling when "stuff" is gone. It inspires others who walk into our homes. NOW is the time for us to clear the clutter so we don't leave it for our families to do when we're gone. YOU can do it Peggy...ask the Lord for courage and strength and you'll be amazed at His power working in YOU. Jodi :) Hi Peggy….I have “been there, felt that way” also with family items. I am 65 and FINALLY getting my home organized as I’ve always envisioned it to be. What you do with your mom’s china is this….lay the pieces all out and TAKE A PICTURE of it all!! You will keep the memory of it in a picture album or on your computer. You can pull up that picture much pieces without chips of her china and let the rest go. It’s quicker to pull up a picture than digging out the dishes from an old box or wherever you have them stored. You savor the memory of meals served on those plates and tuck those memories back into your heart for safe-keeping. They don’t need to be anywhere else. I just thought of something….keep one or two of her dishes and get rid of and let go of the rest. I’m “letting go” as I know that’s what God wants me to do. He doesn’t want us living in clutter. He’s the Role Model with the beautiful organized world He created. WE are the ones who clutter His world and our lives. It helps me give up treasures when I know my grown kids have no interest in them so therefore I try to give things to someone less fortunate or to Goodwill where someone can purchase them inexpensively. It’s such a wonderful feeling when “stuff” is gone. It inspires others who walk into our homes. NOW is the time for us to clear the clutter so we don’t leave it for our families to do when we’re gone. YOU can do it Peggy…ask the Lord for courage and strength and you’ll be amazed at His power working in YOU. Jodi :)

]]> By: Helene http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14934 Helene Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:39:13 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14934 Peggy, I'll tell you what Peter Walsh from Clean Sweep always said. You already have the memories, you don't need the object to remind you. Will you remember your mom any less if you give away her old china? Wouldn't your mom want you to be happy, and not burdened and feeling guilty because of her old stuff? Try to see if someone in your family wants it, and if not, give it away to charity where a family in need will enjoy it. Peggy, I’ll tell you what Peter Walsh from Clean Sweep always said. You already have the memories, you don’t need the object to remind you. Will you remember your mom any less if you give away her old china? Wouldn’t your mom want you to be happy, and not burdened and feeling guilty because of her old stuff?

Try to see if someone in your family wants it, and if not, give it away to charity where a family in need will enjoy it.

]]> By: Helene http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14929 Helene Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:13:13 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14929 I tend to pile up magazines. Who knows, one of them may contain an article that will inspire me to turn my life around, lose 100 poounds, learn 2 new languages, and cook healthy meals every night!! (eyeroll) So I started trimming the pile on December 31st. I started with women and fashion mags. They're gone. Now I have to sort through the decorating magazines. I also have a ton of books, but I don't intend to trim my collection just now. I mostly need to clean my bookcases and find a place for eveything because right now, everything is piled up with nowhere to go. I'm also cleaning the basement, which still has boxes from our move 4 years ago! Things that haven't seen the light of day in years, that I forgot I had, and that I don't intend to use soon, are going in the giveaway pile. I even started to actually take things to charity instead of leaving them in the garage! I tend to pile up magazines. Who knows, one of them may contain an article that will inspire me to turn my life around, lose 100 poounds, learn 2 new languages, and cook healthy meals every night!! (eyeroll)

So I started trimming the pile on December 31st. I started with women and fashion mags. They’re gone. Now I have to sort through the decorating magazines.

I also have a ton of books, but I don’t intend to trim my collection just now. I mostly need to clean my bookcases and find a place for eveything because right now, everything is piled up with nowhere to go.

I’m also cleaning the basement, which still has boxes from our move 4 years ago! Things that haven’t seen the light of day in years, that I forgot I had, and that I don’t intend to use soon, are going in the giveaway pile. I even started to actually take things to charity instead of leaving them in the garage!

]]> By: Melissa D http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14883 Melissa D Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:03:46 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14883 Hi everyone, Melissa here. Thanks so much for all the kind words. (Sorry I didn't make it here sooner -- all 3 kids and I were sick so I wasn't reading blogs.) Thanks, Sandy, for sharing my story! Peggy, I'd say give that china to Goodwill! Think about it: it can become someone else's fabulous find, the one they jump up and down when they see there -- isn't that a nice picture? Another thing: I gave away tons of stuff my grandmother had given me -- that she had picked up at yardsales. Darling things, but I don't have a modern house with Pottery-Barn storage. I live in a 60s ranch with no mudroom and a dearth of closets. It's just an IS, as they say. I realized I needed to live in the present and work with the little space I had. Really what worked for me was NOT making it my job to find perfect destinations for my stuff. You cannot get caught up in that conundrum, or the stuff will sit forever in boxes and bags in your car, garage, or by your backdoor, at least in my experience. I wanted it all OUT of the house! It helped that I was due with baby #3 in just a couple of weeks.... I worked before and after he was born to get rid of my stuff. After a few weeks I did stumble upon a couple of women at church with babies smaller than my younger two who could use my clothes/shoes once they grew out of them, which was nice. But it was super easy to get them the stuff since I am at church a few times a week anyway. It also helps to have another warm body (a ruthless friend!) to keep telling you to get rid of things. Alone, I sometimes feel like I can't frame the problem well enough to decide whether something will be useful to me. Somehow with another person standing there, it's easier to see what can go. And that person can help you actually put stuff in the car or on the curb, the best part in my opinion! I'm going to start my year off with another purge -- this time following it with some good organizing as I go through everything a second time. Lordy, I am a wordy girl. I'll stop here! Hi everyone, Melissa here. Thanks so much for all the kind words. (Sorry I didn’t make it here sooner — all 3 kids and I were sick so I wasn’t reading blogs.) Thanks, Sandy, for sharing my story!

Peggy, I’d say give that china to Goodwill! Think about it: it can become someone else’s fabulous find, the one they jump up and down when they see there — isn’t that a nice picture? Another thing: I gave away tons of stuff my grandmother had given me — that she had picked up at yardsales. Darling things, but I don’t have a modern house with Pottery-Barn storage. I live in a 60s ranch with no mudroom and a dearth of closets. It’s just an IS, as they say. I realized I needed to live in the present and work with the little space I had.

Really what worked for me was NOT making it my job to find perfect destinations for my stuff. You cannot get caught up in that conundrum, or the stuff will sit forever in boxes and bags in your car, garage, or by your backdoor, at least in my experience. I wanted it all OUT of the house! It helped that I was due with baby #3 in just a couple of weeks…. I worked before and after he was born to get rid of my stuff.

After a few weeks I did stumble upon a couple of women at church with babies smaller than my younger two who could use my clothes/shoes once they grew out of them, which was nice. But it was super easy to get them the stuff since I am at church a few times a week anyway.

It also helps to have another warm body (a ruthless friend!) to keep telling you to get rid of things. Alone, I sometimes feel like I can’t frame the problem well enough to decide whether something will be useful to me. Somehow with another person standing there, it’s easier to see what can go. And that person can help you actually put stuff in the car or on the curb, the best part in my opinion!

I’m going to start my year off with another purge — this time following it with some good organizing as I go through everything a second time.

Lordy, I am a wordy girl. I’ll stop here!

]]> By: Jennifer http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14847 Jennifer Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:06:57 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14847 We are surface abusers here, we clutter-up every hard surface in the house. It is a wonderful feeling to clean off a shelf, counter, or the top of a dresser. We definitely need to get rid of some stuff and give it to someone who can make better use of it. It is such a freeing feeling to make space to just live, breathe and enjoy life! We are surface abusers here, we clutter-up every hard surface in the house. It is a wonderful feeling to clean off a shelf, counter, or the top of a dresser. We definitely need to get rid of some stuff and give it to someone who can make better use of it. It is such a freeing feeling to make space to just live, breathe and enjoy life!

]]> By: sandy http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14786 sandy Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:51:38 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14786 Hi Peggy, I love Angela's idea. To be honest, if it's something that I'll never use (even if a heirloom) I'd get rid of it, or at least offer it to another family member before you do. Hi Peggy, I love Angela’s idea. To be honest, if it’s something that I’ll never use (even if a heirloom) I’d get rid of it, or at least offer it to another family member before you do.

]]> By: Kirstin http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14771 Kirstin Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:09:36 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14771 My hubby is not a hoarder so he keeps me in check (-; I don't tend to collect too much yet I periodically néed to go through things and purge! My hubby is not a hoarder so he keeps me in check (-;

I don’t tend to collect too much yet I periodically néed to go through things and purge!

]]> By: Darla http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14770 Darla Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:50:52 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14770 I get the itch to have a clear out every New Years. So many things have filtered down through the family and have sentiments attached. For a number of years I've asked my daughters to pick a family treasure they want for their birthday. Sometimes it feels like things are coming in one door as fast as they go out the other tho. Darla I get the itch to have a clear out every New Years. So many things have filtered down through the family and have sentiments attached. For a number of years I’ve asked my daughters to pick a family treasure they want for their birthday. Sometimes it feels like things are coming in one door as fast as they go out the other tho.

Darla

]]> By: GiBee http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14769 GiBee Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:56:29 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14769 The one thing I've had trouble with is ... time. I can't purge, organize, or donate without having the time to go through stuff! So now that I'm unemployed, I'll actually have TIME! Yay! Purging is top on my priority list too! The one thing I’ve had trouble with is … time. I can’t purge, organize, or donate without having the time to go through stuff! So now that I’m unemployed, I’ll actually have TIME! Yay! Purging is top on my priority list too!

]]> By: Angela http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14766 Angela Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:11:45 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14766 I'm glad I found that I'm not the only one who gets antsy to put the Christmas stuff away! Your post has made me think of the mound of toys (outside) the trios playarea that I rotate in. Do they really need a pile of toys in everyroom? Books, yes! But this could go on for a few years and I don't want to live like this and not be able to walk to the piano safely! One fun God blessing that happened a few weeks ago was one night I mentioned to my DH that I would love a bank of lockers for the garage for our 6 kids to put their coats, helmets, backpacks, etc. into. The very next day I got a phone call that said to move my van out of the garage because a bank of 12 lockers was being delivered for free! Can you believe that? God really does care about the small stuff in our lives! Purge On!!!! I’m glad I found that I’m not the only one who gets antsy to put the Christmas stuff away! Your post has made me think of the mound of toys (outside) the trios playarea that I rotate in. Do they really need a pile of toys in everyroom? Books, yes! But this could go on for a few years and I don’t want to live like this and not be able to walk to the piano safely! One fun God blessing that happened a few weeks ago was one night I mentioned to my DH that I would love a bank of lockers for the garage for our 6 kids to put their coats, helmets, backpacks, etc. into. The very next day I got a phone call that said to move my van out of the garage because a bank of 12 lockers was being delivered for free! Can you believe that? God really does care about the small stuff in our lives! Purge On!!!!

]]> By: Angela http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14765 Angela Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:05:43 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14765 This is in reply to Peggy's comment. You could take a few chipped pieces of the china and maybe some other smaller sentimental pieces and break a few to make into a new frame, tabletop, vase, or something that you could look at and remember. Then you could donate the rest or find a family friend that would love those items. A friend of mine had a quilt made of her fave baby clothes that her girls wore. Instead of keeping them for who knows how long, they now grace her bed in sweet memories. This is in reply to Peggy’s comment. You could take a few chipped pieces of the china and maybe some other smaller sentimental pieces and break a few to make into a new frame, tabletop, vase, or something that you could look at and remember. Then you could donate the rest or find a family friend that would love those items. A friend of mine had a quilt made of her fave baby clothes that her girls wore. Instead of keeping them for who knows how long, they now grace her bed in sweet memories.

]]> By: Gina http://reluctantentertainer.com/2009/12/letting-go-of-stuff-a-january-resolution/#comment-14764 Gina Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:18:56 +0000 http://reluctantentertainer.com/?p=1523#comment-14764 We usually do a good job purging as we go-with three kids we've found the piles accumulate pretty stinking fast! I make regular trips to donate things (or regularly give stuff to friends!) I always figure if I don't love it, use it regularly, or have a home for it then I probably don't really need it. It is a freeing feeling to get rid of the excess. My plan for the new year is putting some organizational systems in play for some always cluttered places in our home. Can't wait to get that started! Thanks for sharing this. We usually do a good job purging as we go-with three kids we’ve found the piles accumulate pretty stinking fast! I make regular trips to donate things (or regularly give stuff to friends!) I always figure if I don’t love it, use it regularly, or have a home for it then I probably don’t really need it. It is a freeing feeling to get rid of the excess. My plan for the new year is putting some organizational systems in play for some always cluttered places in our home. Can’t wait to get that started!
Thanks for sharing this.

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