Thanks for your thoughtful and honest storytelling about declutterring, Sue. Going through similar steps 🤓
One solution for my used and eclectic books that worked well for me was selling them on Amazon. I earned good pin money and people were delighted with their purchases, especially with out of print and vintage arts and humanities books.
I can relate to so much of this (especially your comment about taking your books to the library and then checking out the books on offer just in case....).
I love your decluttering essay! Oh my goodness! Decluttering is difficult, but once began becomes easier and easier as you know. I have more yarn for knitting than I will ever be able to use up in my lifetime and books are everywhere. About four years ago I moved from Montana to Oregon and got rid of a ton of stuff, yes even books and yarn! This caused me to commit to less stuff, which I have been fairly successful at. Having less stuff is liberating, both physically and emotionally. Although I make space by reducing my stuff, yarn and books are my weak spot. I have been making headway with them, though, and have been using yarn instead of buying, and the same with books. I do read more books on Libby (library app) and my iPad these days which saves on space, but there is nothing like holding a real book.
Sue, this need to "let go" of things, I think is universal. I'm your age, with no children, and am struggling with the same feelings of "but I might need this someday"! However, organization is not my strong suit, and I often end of buying things I already have because I don't know where they are! I also realize now that's I have a delusion of thinking that I want to give something I value to someone who will value it the same way. The thing is I don't really know anyone to give these things to and have resisted giving things to the Salvation Army or some other faceless group. Don't even get me started on Christmas ornaments - I have nephews who are not interested in them so this is a dilemma. Also something timely to this subject just happened. I too have a boatload of books and am trying to pare them down, but I do love the way books look in a bookcase. I'm now reading a book that has been on my shelf for years and wanted to read more books by this author so went on Amazon to order one of her books when I got a helpful message from Amazon that I had bought this book in 2007! Oh dear, now to look for this book on my shelf and hoping I didn't already give it away.
If you use the evil Facebook, I recommend looking for a FB Buy Nothing group in your area. The concept is based on gifting something you no longer use or want to someone who wants or needs it. I just gifted an older mattress (too soft for my back now) to a young single mom who was sleeping on a foam mattress on the floor with her baby. The joy was reciprocal: she was thrilled to have a good mattress and I was happy to know it was helping a young mom as well as delighted to have it gone from a spare bedroom. Last year, I gifted a 30-year-old tent to a young father who wanted to introduce his children to camping. It's a wonderful way to let go and help someone. There is also a website I will post but not sure how it works. And I also have enjoyed a book that I purchased a while back and never read or only skimmed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Laurie. Here's the website I mentioned: https://buynothingproject.org/
Sue, your essay is so timely for me. A For Sale sign sits in my front yard, all the impetus to get rid of the things that I don't want to move. I'm in my seventies and though I don't like to say "never," this is most likely my last move. But . . . Books? My book cases reflect your book cases and for decades now I've thought of books as an essential part of home decor. Clothes? There are pieces that I love but don't wear anymore. I no longer go to an office. And I keep thinking that I should "just go through my closet," but then I get sidetracked. And don't get me started on the garage. All of what you describe in decluttering really feels more like the process of letting go. Letting go is a skill I need more of as I move toward eternity's horizon. Letting go underscores the truth of impermanence. Letting go is the realization that legacy is quickly blown away like ashes in the wind.
I appreciate your angst about the decluttering/letting go, because I grapple with the process too. So to that end, I raise my glass to you -- may you let go and surrender to the new experience of life that is calling to your soul. I want that too, with a little less clutter.
Yes - bookcases are my favorite way of decorating! Funny story: when I was selling the house I lived in before this one, I offered a tour to a couple who were interested. I hadn't yet packed up my books and the woman stopped to look at my books and apparently, the women's history and feminist books made her uneasy. After a few minutes, she turned to me and asked, somewhat snarkily, if I taught that women's lib stuff. Needless to say, they made no offer on the house!
I hadn't thought of the notion of letting go but I think you nailed it. It is an acknowledgement of a final phase in our lives and though I am planning another two decades or so, I know I need less clutter in my life. Thanks for your thoughts, Stephanie. I have been reading your thoughts on Creative Eldering.
A tip: once you’ve got rid of stuff that is just junk or holding you back and you are down to memories and things that give a sense of joy or possibility then don’t get rid just because you want to spare anyone having to sort a house after you when you die . Find s house clearance company get a quote and write in your will or a codicil that you’d executors should use money you set aside to come and clear the house for your beneficiaries after they have had a chance to take any mementos they want. Set aside enough to cover increasing prices.
That is an excellent tip, Helen! This would be especially useful since my son lives thousands of miles away. I have put that on my to-do list! Thank you for sharing that.
Sue this is such an important post. I know it is important to me. And I sense it may be important to you too, to have done it for your own reasons. It is important to me because it is so remarkably similar to what my world looks like, though I must admit that you are more organized and orderly than I am. I have the 'inside rooms of stuff' and the 'little buildings outside - full of stuff.' It is 40+year worth of collected stuff, iced with a thick layer of boxes of some of my parents' belongings. I can see that I need to set myself down and start making a list of what all this 'stuff' is. I think doing that alone will help me much like your post has helped me to get a handle on it all. In 2023 I made a New Years resolution to clean out 1 drawer or cupboard a week and I can recommend that to anyone who needs to start small. I am doing it again this year. But, your post has made me see that I need to step-up my plan of attack! LOL....There are now garage sales in my future!!! 😀 I also picture a lot of FREE! signs, too. Thank you for sparking my energy!!!! ✨
In the beginning, I was completely overwhelmed. Especially when I had to deal with my late husband's stuff - who was a bit of a hoarder. Two things I am doing: I keep a big box in my project room and each week, I put at least 5 things in the box. Clothing, kitchen utensils (why did I have three potato peelers?), craft supplies that I will never use, etc. I keep a smaller box next to it and books that I am donating go into it. When the bigger box fills, I take it to a local thrift store that serves our community and benefits a non-profit but sometimes they are too full to accept donations so I then use Goodwill. The second tip is the Buy Nothing project I described in my response to Laurie McCall on this thread. I wish you the best - start small and inch your way to a clutter-free life! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Sandy.
Oh! I really like the 5 things a week in the big box!!! I am on that!!! 🤩
I have to tell you I almost want to vote for keeping your books and the Fiesta Ware! 😄✨ Your book collection could be the start of 'A Public Reading Room' - that I have always wished would become 'a thing'. With the awful trend of book banning .... private collections may be our only hope to let people choose for themselves what to read. And of course, needlework of all kinds could be done at these reading rooms! The Fiesta Ware would certainly brighten up anywhere it landed!
Over the past couple of years, I have been learning how to reward myself for getting such things done. The first rule is that the reward cannot be a food. This really left me scratching my head....like, what else was there!?!? 🤔 Little-by-little I now treat myself to time in the yard and garden which I do enjoy and spending time reading which I also enjoy. I had gotten into the habit of listening audio books while I was working and not doing much actual reading of the many things that I enjoy that are not recorded. Other treats now include naps, walks around the neighborhood or at a local park. These may all sound less than thrilling, but I am looking forward to them when I finish some bit of sorting stuff out.
Thanks for your thoughtful and honest storytelling about declutterring, Sue. Going through similar steps 🤓
One solution for my used and eclectic books that worked well for me was selling them on Amazon. I earned good pin money and people were delighted with their purchases, especially with out of print and vintage arts and humanities books.
Thanks Marianne. I will look into that. I am sure I have books that are no longer in print!
I can relate to so much of this (especially your comment about taking your books to the library and then checking out the books on offer just in case....).
I love your decluttering essay! Oh my goodness! Decluttering is difficult, but once began becomes easier and easier as you know. I have more yarn for knitting than I will ever be able to use up in my lifetime and books are everywhere. About four years ago I moved from Montana to Oregon and got rid of a ton of stuff, yes even books and yarn! This caused me to commit to less stuff, which I have been fairly successful at. Having less stuff is liberating, both physically and emotionally. Although I make space by reducing my stuff, yarn and books are my weak spot. I have been making headway with them, though, and have been using yarn instead of buying, and the same with books. I do read more books on Libby (library app) and my iPad these days which saves on space, but there is nothing like holding a real book.
Sue, this need to "let go" of things, I think is universal. I'm your age, with no children, and am struggling with the same feelings of "but I might need this someday"! However, organization is not my strong suit, and I often end of buying things I already have because I don't know where they are! I also realize now that's I have a delusion of thinking that I want to give something I value to someone who will value it the same way. The thing is I don't really know anyone to give these things to and have resisted giving things to the Salvation Army or some other faceless group. Don't even get me started on Christmas ornaments - I have nephews who are not interested in them so this is a dilemma. Also something timely to this subject just happened. I too have a boatload of books and am trying to pare them down, but I do love the way books look in a bookcase. I'm now reading a book that has been on my shelf for years and wanted to read more books by this author so went on Amazon to order one of her books when I got a helpful message from Amazon that I had bought this book in 2007! Oh dear, now to look for this book on my shelf and hoping I didn't already give it away.
If you use the evil Facebook, I recommend looking for a FB Buy Nothing group in your area. The concept is based on gifting something you no longer use or want to someone who wants or needs it. I just gifted an older mattress (too soft for my back now) to a young single mom who was sleeping on a foam mattress on the floor with her baby. The joy was reciprocal: she was thrilled to have a good mattress and I was happy to know it was helping a young mom as well as delighted to have it gone from a spare bedroom. Last year, I gifted a 30-year-old tent to a young father who wanted to introduce his children to camping. It's a wonderful way to let go and help someone. There is also a website I will post but not sure how it works. And I also have enjoyed a book that I purchased a while back and never read or only skimmed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Laurie. Here's the website I mentioned: https://buynothingproject.org/
Sue, your essay is so timely for me. A For Sale sign sits in my front yard, all the impetus to get rid of the things that I don't want to move. I'm in my seventies and though I don't like to say "never," this is most likely my last move. But . . . Books? My book cases reflect your book cases and for decades now I've thought of books as an essential part of home decor. Clothes? There are pieces that I love but don't wear anymore. I no longer go to an office. And I keep thinking that I should "just go through my closet," but then I get sidetracked. And don't get me started on the garage. All of what you describe in decluttering really feels more like the process of letting go. Letting go is a skill I need more of as I move toward eternity's horizon. Letting go underscores the truth of impermanence. Letting go is the realization that legacy is quickly blown away like ashes in the wind.
I appreciate your angst about the decluttering/letting go, because I grapple with the process too. So to that end, I raise my glass to you -- may you let go and surrender to the new experience of life that is calling to your soul. I want that too, with a little less clutter.
Yes - bookcases are my favorite way of decorating! Funny story: when I was selling the house I lived in before this one, I offered a tour to a couple who were interested. I hadn't yet packed up my books and the woman stopped to look at my books and apparently, the women's history and feminist books made her uneasy. After a few minutes, she turned to me and asked, somewhat snarkily, if I taught that women's lib stuff. Needless to say, they made no offer on the house!
I hadn't thought of the notion of letting go but I think you nailed it. It is an acknowledgement of a final phase in our lives and though I am planning another two decades or so, I know I need less clutter in my life. Thanks for your thoughts, Stephanie. I have been reading your thoughts on Creative Eldering.
A tip: once you’ve got rid of stuff that is just junk or holding you back and you are down to memories and things that give a sense of joy or possibility then don’t get rid just because you want to spare anyone having to sort a house after you when you die . Find s house clearance company get a quote and write in your will or a codicil that you’d executors should use money you set aside to come and clear the house for your beneficiaries after they have had a chance to take any mementos they want. Set aside enough to cover increasing prices.
That is an excellent tip, Helen! This would be especially useful since my son lives thousands of miles away. I have put that on my to-do list! Thank you for sharing that.
The Fiesta ware is so pretty and cheerful! Not saying you should keep it, but....it really is beautiful!
yes - I think it will stay a bit longer!
Sue this is such an important post. I know it is important to me. And I sense it may be important to you too, to have done it for your own reasons. It is important to me because it is so remarkably similar to what my world looks like, though I must admit that you are more organized and orderly than I am. I have the 'inside rooms of stuff' and the 'little buildings outside - full of stuff.' It is 40+year worth of collected stuff, iced with a thick layer of boxes of some of my parents' belongings. I can see that I need to set myself down and start making a list of what all this 'stuff' is. I think doing that alone will help me much like your post has helped me to get a handle on it all. In 2023 I made a New Years resolution to clean out 1 drawer or cupboard a week and I can recommend that to anyone who needs to start small. I am doing it again this year. But, your post has made me see that I need to step-up my plan of attack! LOL....There are now garage sales in my future!!! 😀 I also picture a lot of FREE! signs, too. Thank you for sparking my energy!!!! ✨
In the beginning, I was completely overwhelmed. Especially when I had to deal with my late husband's stuff - who was a bit of a hoarder. Two things I am doing: I keep a big box in my project room and each week, I put at least 5 things in the box. Clothing, kitchen utensils (why did I have three potato peelers?), craft supplies that I will never use, etc. I keep a smaller box next to it and books that I am donating go into it. When the bigger box fills, I take it to a local thrift store that serves our community and benefits a non-profit but sometimes they are too full to accept donations so I then use Goodwill. The second tip is the Buy Nothing project I described in my response to Laurie McCall on this thread. I wish you the best - start small and inch your way to a clutter-free life! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Sandy.
Oh! I really like the 5 things a week in the big box!!! I am on that!!! 🤩
I have to tell you I almost want to vote for keeping your books and the Fiesta Ware! 😄✨ Your book collection could be the start of 'A Public Reading Room' - that I have always wished would become 'a thing'. With the awful trend of book banning .... private collections may be our only hope to let people choose for themselves what to read. And of course, needlework of all kinds could be done at these reading rooms! The Fiesta Ware would certainly brighten up anywhere it landed!
Over the past couple of years, I have been learning how to reward myself for getting such things done. The first rule is that the reward cannot be a food. This really left me scratching my head....like, what else was there!?!? 🤔 Little-by-little I now treat myself to time in the yard and garden which I do enjoy and spending time reading which I also enjoy. I had gotten into the habit of listening audio books while I was working and not doing much actual reading of the many things that I enjoy that are not recorded. Other treats now include naps, walks around the neighborhood or at a local park. These may all sound less than thrilling, but I am looking forward to them when I finish some bit of sorting stuff out.
Thanks again for writing about decluttering!