So, my grandma died. She was a super sweet lady and I think knew a lot more about life than I ever asked her about. She had the best approach--to laugh, because what else could you do? And she just took things as they came (she WAS 90...)
So, as a result, we ended up with some of her stuff. One of the nicest things my grandma did for her family was to downsize--she continually went through her stuff and weeded out the unnecessary items. She was down to a clean 2 bedroom apartment.
So Dave and I took some stuff home, stuff we thought we could use. As we tried to fit some of it in one room, Dave pointed out that just because we COULD use an item doesn't mean we SHOULD. I tend more toward the "I don't want to have to re-buy this or buy something like it down the line" mode, but then I end up with wall-to-wall STUFF. And let me tell ya, Dave and I are both feeling a little bit overwhelmed by our STUFF lately.
We have 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas, a large kitchen. PLUS, a shed. Which is huge. And FULL.
And we are 2 people.
The shed REALLY is beginning to bother me (and has Dave for some time now). I don't even know what's IN there! And if I haven't USED it, why should I KEEP it?
But then the nagging thought: bc you don't want to WASTE it (meaning, get rid of it and have to buy it again later). But, if I could find someone who could USE it, then my conscious would be appeased.
I have a real hard time just GIVING stuff away. I know someone will find it eventually, but I would like to know the right person is getting it.
I know, it's a sickness.
Anyway, we are a shed-cleaning away from a yard sale, then I think I will be able to give up and give it all away.
Also, I read this post on Anchored Nomad and it would seem she's feeling the same way (but writes a more universal statement about Americans and our need to CONSUME).
5 comments:
Sorry about your grandma :(
I love to sort and purge, and we have a ton of stuff to keep me busy. Around our town, we have drop boxes for clothing and household items. One is at our church, and always I feel great donating our extra items in the church's donation box. Also, I like donating to the VOA. They come right to your door, leave a receipt, and then sell it to people who need (but can't necessarily afford) their own stuff. It's amazing what you realize you don't need. If I haven't used it for a year or more, then why do I think it'll become useful five years down the road? And by then, something new-and-improved and much more affordable will be on the market anyway.
I totally admire you for that, Laura. It's not like I grew up during the Depression, I have NO IDEA why I hang onto stuff. It's just bc I know it's USEFUL... even if I'm not using it. I feel like I need someone ELSE to do the sorting FOR me. *hint if you're ever in Colorado*
Also, thanks for your condolences : )
If I could just start a new profession, I think I'd like to be a professional organizer. Wanna be my first client? ;)
Just do it Jenn. After you get rid of a few things, you will get adicted to it. Picture the enjoyment someone in need will get from your stuff. That's the only way I can stay sane giving away my "treasures". ...Laura make me
I have such a love/hate relationship with stuff. In theory I am often consumed by the desire to sort and purge, but INEVITABLY, I will end up getting rid of something (book, clothing, random items of camping gear, whatever) and then find that I need it a few months later. But my NYC apartment is certainly too crowded with stuff at the moment. I think I'll go home and clean right now.
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