It's spring & like most people I'm into a mindset of spring cleaning. I've seen a lot of posts about de-cluttering. I've also read on the subject of why we stuff our homes & ourselves with things. It has made for some interesting reading but it has also made me feel very much like a failure at life & a contributor to the world's ills. I'm going to stop reading those books, un-subscribe to the daily/weekly emails about de-cluttering & opt out of those FaceBook groups - thank you but I'm good for now.
One phrase that popped up repeatedly on uTube vids, blog posts & books were "De-own so no need to de-clutter" . A lofty goal for sure. I know that there are experts in the field of de-cluttering, down sizing & sparking joy but for now I'm going to strike out on my own path of what I need to do with all my stuff. I know it is not an overnight cure/fix. I also know I do not want to be a minimalist or live in a home reflecting nothing about me. I think it is good to stop, pause before a purchase; do I really need or is this a want, is the want to fill something else that is missing or hurting. Sorry to my crafting stores but I'll be absent for a few weeks/months. In sorting through clothes, I've made a list of the things I need & have decided that is where my dollars will go for a few months, but really shopping for some new bras isn't as exciting as shopping for some new stamps or scrap paper!So sorting through all my scrapping stuff I've made some discoveries & with the resolve of using, I've made a few pages for my "Month Of Numbers" 2019 project. They are not turning into works of arts, but it is clearing through some of the bits & bobs that aren't really favourites. I've completed February's & March's page & have set up the pages for April & May. Here's what March look like.
Happy Easter! Glad that you are able to say at last, "It's spring". What is the bouquet?
ReplyDeleteWell done on the decluttering thus far (and the background reading). I can't imagine what you have read that has been so stressful, but I guess an insight into the possible reasons behind over-consumerism would be good/interesting. No need to beat yourself up over it!
I too have been enjoying gradually dispensing with things I don't/no longer need, enjoying the letting go and the knowledge that the items will be given a new lease of life. Still lots to do but bit by bit I will get there! I definitely know I don't need to buy anything much in the short term - just a couple of clothing items I could do with, if I happen to see something suitable.
Have a lovely zen day (it's a holiday here), pour yourself another cup of that tea and maybe indulge in a chocolate egg? :o)
Happy Easter Lady Ella. I think I was just getting overly involved in my own de-cluttering, wanting to do it right. I think some of the emotional behind the scene stuff is what overwhelmed me - the reasons for stuff, filling a void. I think your method of slow & steady is one I need to follow - after all there's no deadline involved :) It's a work day for me, but yes tea does seem like a good idea!
Deleteoh yes, the flowers are a previous time, nothing current, I just like the colours & thought very Easter like :)
DeleteHi Mary-Lou, I totally understand what you mean about the emotional side of decluttering. That’s been my struggle with anything that used to belong to my late partner and even though I knew deep down that the attachment was my sentimental adoption of his love of the items, it’s been a journey! Gradually I can let more go out of the house each time I tackle the need to clear the clutter ... time, as they say, really is a great healer xx
DeleteEileen thanks - I do have emotional attachments to things which I am questioning. I have discovered a lot of my holding on to things isn't about what I would have described of myself as greedy but there was that "hole" it filled, things from my beloved Gran & my much missed Mom. You are wise - it is a journey.
DeleteOh yes, definitely an emotional aspect too. There are things I keep and will always keep because of who gave or once owned them. Even if they are just in a box under the stairs, that matters to me - they fall in an entirely separate category and no author/guru/expert is going to tell me how I "should" feel about those items. I thought you were referring to impulse buying specifically - wasn't being nosy.
DeleteLady Ella thank you for that encouragement. I have a couple things that were my Gran's wedding gifts & have no functioning application, but she loved them & now I love them & anytime I move to dust I get that warm fuzzy feeling of her. It doesn't make dusting any better though :)
DeleteOn a related topic: if ever a programme called "The Repair Shop" (BBC) comes to your shores, I recommend a look. It is a workshop in the Weald, whose expert restorers take in and fix family heirlooms and neglected treasures for people. It is always interesting and sometimes moving. I think it is an entirely natural human response to want to keep close things which are associated with our loved ones. It doesn't have to mean we are empty inside. Occasionally these things then take on historic significance to society and can be worth vast amounts, simply because someone loved them enough to save them from the scrapheap!
DeleteFor all my talk about cleaning my house and purging, I really did mostly cleaning and very little purging. But the cleaning really helped to lift my mood. Purge only if it's really something you feel you need to do. That Maria Kundo business is all a little much, I think (the celebrity cleaning woman). -Jenn
ReplyDeleteJenn you are wise & I agree the sparking joy has become like the in thing to do & I know I got caught up in it. Cleaning is good & I'm going to follow your lead, right now with windows finally wide open I'm seeing the need for dusting more than anything!
DeleteI have come to the conclusion that decluttering and purging is a life-long pursuit. Like you, I have no desire to become minimalist, but I do know I have more than I need. One question which helps me is: Could someone else make better use of this than I can? The answer is almost always, "Yes, probably they could." And then I try to find a place where someone might find the item.
ReplyDeleteKaren I like your question. I have given a few things away because I know "it" will be more used/loved than sitting in my home. I am going to incorporate this question more. Thanks.
DeleteSometimes what needs "de-cluttering" is all the stuff about de-cluttering ;) The pressure of paring down can be worse than the pressure of too much stuff. Slow and steady, like y'all say, is a plan I like :) I love your little teapot and the snowflake mug.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on your wisdom - it's big business right now & I did to set back from the "have to" - some of my stuff has no value to anyone but me (right now). :)
DeleteThanks everyone for the wonderful support & understanding along with great wisdom you have all shared. I think I had set the bar way too high for myself to prefect this dec-cluttering.
ReplyDeleteYou can guarantee that if you get too enthusiastic with your decluttering, the following week you will need something you got rid of! I'm trying hard to only go to the shops when I need something, no window shopping to fill a few hours of a day. I've saved a fortune! Also, no clicking on those emails letting you know that they have a sale going on - it's just too tempting.
ReplyDeleteOne of the easiest de-cluttering I did Deb was to unscribe to countless email notifications & F/B groups & that simple act of clicking has freed up lots of space for the things I enjoy reading. Thankfully in my little village there aren't too many window displays for temptation unless you count the bakery!
DeleteI found your post very interesting, I've been been trying to concentrate on what makes me happy and get rid of those projects gathering dust and making me feel a failure.
ReplyDeleteI agree of getting rid of things that sadden you or make you feel less than ... it's sometimes a hard call.
DeleteIt's hard to find the happy medium, isn't it? After only buying essentials in February and giving up certain foods during Lent and de-junking the kitchen drawer, I'm in the mindset for a more serious Spring clean. The Boy Child's wardrobe is in my sights!
ReplyDeleteI have blocked off time in my daytimer for this Friday night as Mr Man is out. I'm going to take everything out of my closet upstairs & sort!
Delete