We went through this process in 2018-19 when we sold the big house we had for 20 years, in which we raised our kids. Almost everything we threw away or gave away—including most of the kids’ school projects, holiday decor, and so much clothing & furniture. It felt liberating. Also, for Christmas of 2018, I pledged to buy not a single gift; all my gifts were family heirlooms and memorabilia that we didn’t want to keep. Fast forward 5 or 6 years, we’re in the new house we built, and I have to consciously avoid gathering stuff. So I have a rule: If I haven’t used it in a year or so, I seriously consider giving it away. I don’t want to become an old-person hoarder!
I like that rule. It really does take a conscious effort to avoid gathering stuff. In a smaller space, it was easier to say no to things coming in. It’s harder now that we are in a larger space again. But I’m so grateful to have already done that downsizing. It really was a cathartic experience. It feels good to know you’re making it easier for whoever has to clean up behind you when you’re gone & it gives you so many more options as you age when you don’t have a lot of ‘stuff’ to be attached to.
Okay. This week's post is forcing me to do what I've procrastinated for months. I must get rid of photos. I've shared this in the past, when I moved boxes out of storage I was holding 36 (good sized) boxes of family photos. I got them down to 12, and most recently a couple years ago, 8. Now it's time for one. I tried the trick of displaying many of them so I'd tire, get bored and throw them out. Nope, didn't work. I shuffled them around to different places, and that hasn't worked either. This is a serious psychological problem that I need to address sooner rather than later. If we're planning on moving out of the country (and we're in the talking and exploring stages now) this is the first of things to go.
Loved this! And last week's piece about strengthening the social core. It made me change my perspective on groups with which I interact. Change the perspective, change the behavior. Results are feel more loving towards people! Thanks for the lift!
We went through this process in 2018-19 when we sold the big house we had for 20 years, in which we raised our kids. Almost everything we threw away or gave away—including most of the kids’ school projects, holiday decor, and so much clothing & furniture. It felt liberating. Also, for Christmas of 2018, I pledged to buy not a single gift; all my gifts were family heirlooms and memorabilia that we didn’t want to keep. Fast forward 5 or 6 years, we’re in the new house we built, and I have to consciously avoid gathering stuff. So I have a rule: If I haven’t used it in a year or so, I seriously consider giving it away. I don’t want to become an old-person hoarder!
I like that rule. It really does take a conscious effort to avoid gathering stuff. In a smaller space, it was easier to say no to things coming in. It’s harder now that we are in a larger space again. But I’m so grateful to have already done that downsizing. It really was a cathartic experience. It feels good to know you’re making it easier for whoever has to clean up behind you when you’re gone & it gives you so many more options as you age when you don’t have a lot of ‘stuff’ to be attached to.
I will begin by attacking our TV room! At least it is a start….
Love it! Good luck!
Okay. This week's post is forcing me to do what I've procrastinated for months. I must get rid of photos. I've shared this in the past, when I moved boxes out of storage I was holding 36 (good sized) boxes of family photos. I got them down to 12, and most recently a couple years ago, 8. Now it's time for one. I tried the trick of displaying many of them so I'd tire, get bored and throw them out. Nope, didn't work. I shuffled them around to different places, and that hasn't worked either. This is a serious psychological problem that I need to address sooner rather than later. If we're planning on moving out of the country (and we're in the talking and exploring stages now) this is the first of things to go.
Cheering you on. It's such a huge undertaking.
Loved this! And last week's piece about strengthening the social core. It made me change my perspective on groups with which I interact. Change the perspective, change the behavior. Results are feel more loving towards people! Thanks for the lift!
Annie
Thanks Annie!
When we undertook this process, I chose to call it ”right sizing“ for the new period in our life. So glad we did it!
I love that. "Right sizing" :)
❤️