Karen, Age 62
Today is April 1st and I’m starting the journey of decluttering in a unique way that I learned from our family friend, Grace. You start with one item on day one, two items on day two, etc. By the end of the month you are throwing or giving away 30 – 31 items. The items can be as simple as a paperclip, or even a letter no longer needed. But the daily cumulation provides momentum throughout the month. She did this practice for several months a couple years ago and she said it was not only cathartic, but has kept her in a frame of mind to be ever vigilant about ‘things’.
I’m eager to get started and counting on the momentum to keep me going. I’ve pared down over the last two years as a result of two moves. However, I feel it’s time to dig a bit deeper and look past the obvious. I need to get to those boxes of music that I haven’t touched, the books that aren’t read anymore and could be shared, the outdated or never used trinkets, jewelry, scarves, clothes, even shoes that I know I have not worn in two years and might never wear again now that I’m retired. What about the canned goods I know I’ll never open, the duplicate or expired spices? And, do I really need my daughters’ worn out baby blanket? It’s time to lighten my load – sentimentally and physically. April seems like the best time to begin.
With spring, many of us think about de cluttering. Your post was timely and reminded me of an article I wanted to write concerning the process of a move after living in one home for 42 years! I found the process (the move itself and de cluttering) to be an emotional and physically demanding experience.) I think organization is the key. Either do one room at a time or one closet at a time etc. You can tell yourself today I am only going to concentrate on the kitchen items. It takes more than a day or even a week or more to do all of this. It took us several months! Since we were downsizing to our vacation home, this meant many donations to charity and certain items that went to children and grandchildren. With a large home and an accumulation of items in a 52 year marriage…that’s a lot of work! One goes down memory lane during all of this and, for some of us sentimental people, this is not easy plus it marks a final chapter of life in some ways.
I find it much easier to part with my own possessions than I do to part with those of my parents, brother and grandmother who have passed on. It seems disrespectful and disloyal; however, I am 78 years of age and need to move to a smaller home which won’t have room for everything I am keeping now. I am definitely stuck in the past where they are concerned while wanting to move on. I know that I can do this but want to feel easy about it, like guilt-free.
Patricia,
What a heavy burden you carry.
Can you imagine that these things we keep will exist after we’re all gone?
Imagine if they could live a renewed life, bringing pleasure to the lives of others. Passing them forward won’t diminish the memories you cherish.
Perhaps a photos of items you care most about would still allow you to look at them.
Start slowly. Maybe find someone to help you. Gradually, as you open up new spaces, you will likely feel relieved and freer to move on.
Here’s a link to a previous post on this site that offers some helpful tips.
https://70candles.com/are-you-facing-the-downsizing-challenge
Good luck with your efforts.
Jane
I’ve dived into this challenge with gusto! At first I diagnosed what appears to be my main obsession- bags and boxes. Many filled with historical detritus that I hadn’t looked at in years. In the first three days I focused on one box at a time, dealt with the assorted and archival contents, and with great pleasure, tore off tape, flattened the cardboard and threw each box into my recycling bin. Days one, two and three were sweaty and felt very satisfying. New walkable spaces began to open up in my garage and in a particular closet. As I worked, I began to notice what might be my next culprits. Waiting to get my drivers license renewed as I write this, but can’t wait to get back home for day #4!
Try this system…you’ll like it.
Thanks Karen for suggesting it.
Best,
Jane
Thanks for this very timely learning lesson. I stopped counting moving over 50 times since my 30-es. Both of my husbands traveled by jobs. I divorced the first. But became a widow one and a half years ago of the second… We made the move to retire, moved again to settle. My beloved husband died in a sudden heart attack, still working online. As he wished. He was only 72. I had to finish the move alone. Could not part his things much: the books, photos, electrical computer things, clothes. With the inspiration you kindly shared, now I can start the decluttering process. After one and a half difficult and frozen years finally I see the light. I have a plan! Thank you for sharing the “how”.
Sounds like it might work and boy do I need to do this! I cleaned out both my mother’s and mother-in-law’s homes after they passed and said I wouldn’t want to leave a big mess like that to anyone. But here I am.
Thanks for the inspiration. I find the need to declutter has grown with age.