Let it GO! Decluttering (simplifying) your life of (people, places or things) success stories?

Sand_TIger · October 2023

I have seen a lot of discussion on this thread about how losing weight can cause a desire to declutter. Maybe this has been brought up before but it occurred to me that losing weight is like physical decluttering, and also as we start seeing success with improving our health perhaps we realize that we are not powerless. We can improve our health so why not improve our lives too? It all gives me a great little hit of dopamine, and when I'm done with either thing (losing another pound, or taking out another box of unneeded stuff) I can see the difference and be reminded of the fact that I can improve my own situation.

I wish I'd truly understood both these things in my twenties!

Evamutt · October 2023

I'm mentally ready to go through my closet. There's many things in there I like & have kept them because I think I'll wear them sometimes but haven't worn them for couple years, mostly some dressy tops but I have no where to wear them any more so.....I'm going to do my best to donate them. Wish me luck

cory17 · January 14

@evamutt How did the closet go? Ditto on what you expressed - I like all my clothes but don't wear most and they sit and sit.

Similarly in my office, trying to declutter paper and books. Books are like old friends but if they are also just sitting there, what is the use?

Gisel2015 · January 14

Glad that somebody revived this thread because it is inspiring and needed it.
I am also working in cleaning up and organizing my closet, and a little bit at the time donating things that I no longer wear or need. But I am having trouble letting them go. I have a bag with items not good enough for the donation bin, but the fabric can be recycled and kept away from the trash can. I need to find a site nearby or even pay to mail it to places located in other cities of states, if necessary. I have a list of organizations; I just need to put my act together and make a choice. Maybe writing about it will motivate me.
Donating or recycling books are also in my "must do" list, but it is a slow process of detachment.
Nothing is out of order or cluttering the house and everything is in its place, and I think that it's the reason I don't act on these goals promptly. But I am getting there.
Hopefully, we will get some inspiring posting to keep this thread and my goals going.
G.

Toronto6fan · January 14

I organized my junk drawer yesterday and donated a couple bags of clothes today.

cory17 · January 15

great job!! @Toronto6fan You took action!!

I got an email back from a group that sanitizes and redistributes Legos to kids (Pass the bricks). Have a bin in the closet that's been sitting there for years. Figure that would be a better use. Now to dump them in a bag and drop off.

Gisel2015 · January 16

A plastic bag full of old and not longer relevant study books went to the recycling bin. A part of my past has been trashed, but I am keeping the memories and the knowledge.
But I am sad.....

deepwoodslady · January 16

Gisel2015 wrote: »

A plastic bag full of old and not longer relevant study books went to the recycling bin. A part of my past has been trashed, but I am keeping the memories and the knowledge.
But I am sad.....

@Gisel2015 Perhaps it will ease the pain if you think about all the space you have now to find things that will make new memories and/or bring new knowledge. You are right.....you haven't lost any of the old memories or the knowledge.

Gisel2015 · January 17

deepwoodslady wrote: »

Gisel2015 wrote: »

A plastic bag full of old and not longer relevant study books went to the recycling bin. A part of my past has been trashed, but I am keeping the memories and the knowledge.
But I am sad.....

@Gisel2015 Perhaps it will ease the pain if you think about all the space you have now to find things that will make new memories and/or bring new knowledge. You are right.....you haven't lost any of the old memories or the knowledge.

@deepwoodslady

You are right, but these books were nicely tucked in cabinets and shelves without bothering anybody. Although I admit that the cabinets look better and cleaner now, and the books were absolute.
I am getting older (really older

) and I don't want to leave my children with a lot of things to clean up and get rid of when my husband and I are gone. They will have plenty to deal with from my husband, their dad, side. He doesn't part with anything.
I called the local public library today to see if they will take musical CDs and more books. They said yes to the CDs and "maybe" to the books. They need to see them first. So something else for me to take care of next month.
I have a bag full of clothing to take to the donation center this week, and that really hurts because I am giving away a couple of nice dresses that I have never worn, and never will.
Thank you for your nice words and insight. I appreciated it.
G.

cory17 · January 17

I am getting older (really older

) and I don't want to leave my children with a lot of things to clean up and get rid of when my husband and I are gone. They will have plenty to deal with from my husband, their dad, side. He doesn't part with anything.
I called the local public library today to see if they will take musical CDs and more books. They said yes to the CDs and "maybe" to the books. They need to see them first. So something else for me to take care of next month.
I have a bag full of clothing to take to the donation center this week, and that really hurts because I am giving away a couple of nice dresses that I have never worn, and never will.
Thank you for your nice words and insight. I appreciated it.
G.
[/quote]
@Gisel2015 You now have space for something new and different or space itself (less dust?) And someone will come upon those dresses and be thrilled to score a new dress for their special occasion - what a blessing you have done!!

Acknowledging the difference between the person I dream of being and made plans for and the reality of today and today's limitations is hard. My mind thinks I'm 22ish and body/life is really older too. Will I ever go camping ago? (I want to but current hub won't) It's been 16 years since I've gone.

Gisel2015 · January 17

@cory17 (Thank you for your support, I needed that)
We used to go camping a lot when the boys were young and we had lots of fun, and now we have great memories. As we get older my husband and I treasure more the comforts of a hotel room or a condominium, while still having energy left to enjoy the surroundings.
Time to face and take our losses and admit that: "been there and done that, and not going back" is our new motto.
I may have to go shopping this spring to replenish my closet. No bad idea.
G.

RubyRed427 · January 17

I have a problem with clearing out well made clothing. Good quality, great fabric, nice seams.... Now, it seems some of the clothing I buy is just not the quality that I like. But I know I have to start letting go some beautiful dresses I no longer will wear.

I tried selling on Poshmark, but it's stressful for me. When I put some items on there, and time passes, I forget where I put the item that sold. Also, taking time to take photos and post it on Posh is time consuming. It's just not for me.

I would rather donate to Goodwill and get a tax write off. I know there are pros and cons to Goodwill but I can't seem to get more non-profit organizations to pick up and to show up. My bags will just sit there all day and the pick up never happens.

RubyRed427 · January 17

My husband move from another country to my house. He had to be ruthless with what he left behind and took here. I'm sure it was painful to leave behind some beautiful memories and items. He did sell a lot on Facebook Marketplace, but he learned to make the prices quite cheap. But a lot of big items like the couch and table and chairs sold quickly.

cory17 · January 18

@Rubyred427 " I have a problem with clearing out well made clothing. Good quality, great fabric, nice seams" Me too! I will love the color(s), or the beading, or the style of it. Never mind it hasn't been worn in forever. I just like to see them. Gave myself a deadline to lose weight because in the garage I have several bins from a smaller size (don't ask how long ago that was) - but those clothes are new condition and beautiful. So my deadline is this summer or the garage clothes will have to go.

@gisele2015 Maybe this decluttering can be viewed as giving greater "comfort" in our homes. I like that thinking.

LoveyChar · January 19

In a past post here, someone wrote "I'm mentally ready to go through my closet." That was me today. I am such a disorganized person and I loathe that about myself. So, I'm going to try to get organized this year and stay that way.

I got rid of a bunch of body sprays and scented lotions, mostly gifted to me and some a decade old probably that were under my bathroom sink. I don't typically wear stuff like that so these days if I get it, I just regift it to my daughters. I should have regifted it to anyone else a long time ago. It may have prevented some waste.

Gisel2015 · January 19

Today I dropped out at the donation center the bag of clothing that I mentioned few days ago. I also dropped another bag full of nice socks, and a pair of sandals that have been taking up room in my closet for a looooong time.
I have another couple of pairs of shoes to donate, but I will save them for my next trip to DSW. The store gives a $5 discount in any new pair of shoes when you donate a pair of used ones. it doesn't matter if the donated shoes were bought someplace else. Nice deal!
Good job everyone, it seems that we are all doing something positive organizing our lives and houses. Well done.
G.

cory17 · January 19

Went through some of my desk drawers as the layers were getting deeper. How many pens and highlighters do I need? So I took a big bagful into work for the front so the parents can walk off with them.

LoveyChar wrote: »

In a past post here, someone wrote "I'm mentally ready to go through my closet." That was me today. I am such a disorganized person and I loathe that about myself. So, I'm going to try to get organized this year and stay that way.

I got rid of a bunch of body sprays and scented lotions, mostly gifted to me and some a decade old probably that were under my bathroom sink. I don't typically wear stuff like that so these days if I get it, I just regift it to my daughters. I should have regifted it to anyone else a long time ago. It may have prevented some waste.

@loveychar Great start to your new you & new life! No regrets!

StayFITTer · January 19

@Gisel2015 Had no idea that DSW does that! Making me think twice about what I do with old shoes! Thanks for sharing!

Oh! And the "been there and done that, and not going back" motto. Is awesome!

So I’m new posting to this thread, but I’m grateful for you all sharing your victories and journey in this area.

Intentional Decluttering is one of my goals this year—but I just started hacking away at it last Sunday. I’ve read/listened to Dana K. White books and found her approach helpful/complimentary to Marie Kondo and Flylady.

I tackled the book category on Thursday and her container concept/mindset is a game changer—hard, but I have to confront myself and my stuff.

I’m excited to see the day when stuff actually leaves. But right now I got 5 boxes and 3 bags of books to donate and still more to purge in that category—not to mention a few bags of stuff ready to go too. Just hoping to the momentum. But I really feel like I’m “decluttering at the speed of life” and enjoying the process.

I’m excited about our futures.

StayFITTer · January 19

@RubyRed427 Sorry to hear about your issues with pick ups. I’ve only done it once in my lifetime and typically only did large furniture items.

Nowadays it seems like they are 3-5weeks out for scheduling pick ups so I never think to bother.

Anything else I’ve just loaded up the car.

I’m fortunate to live less than a mile away from a thrift store. Plus there are others to choose from.

StayFITTer · January 19

@cory17 I know it’s hard to release clothing you’ve never worn. I’ve got a couple of pieces in my closet like that. But while Decluttering, I’m trying to think about how I’m creating an opportunity for another person to experience joy from using an item or a find because of me. I know I’ve been grateful for times I’ve thrifted a found donated shoes and clothes for my toddler son that fit him perfectly in times past. I now get to pay that feeling forward.

And my library only allows donations 2 days a week and 2 bags or boxes a day—curious if it’s per person or household 🤔 That fact will be a game changer for me.

Let it GO! Decluttering (simplifying) your life of (people, places or things) success stories?

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