Letting Go of Stuff
By Cyndi Seidler
I know we think that anything we can't see hidden away is not in the way, right? Forgotten stuff is unused stuff gathering dust and rotting away, most likely. And, the discarded items we position in those "temporary" holding places (like the patio, basement or garage) to get out of the way just end up to be another non-confrontable section gathering homes for spider-nests. The bottom line is, all it's really accomplishing is nothing, basically.
I know, I've heard it a zillion times: "As soon as I throw it away, I'll need it." Well, if we can learn how to go through the decision-making process", we can take responsibility to let go. Here's some examples:
If it's an empty jar you'll need, save a couple in your cabinet and toss the rest (recycled glass is good for the economy, yes?).
If it isn't working and hasn't been repaired in the past month, get rid of it and replace it with a new one, if you have to (you know, one that works).
If you haven't worn one of your clothing items or jewelry in one of the past seasons, donate it (maybe it's now an old fashion trend that's a valuable hand-me-down for your kids).
If there's paper (other than financials and love notes, of course) that you've kept for whatever reasons, give them to the trash can.
If there's paper (other than financials and love notes, of course) that you've kept for whatever reasons, give them to the trash can.
If your stored-away furniture item isn't going to be used by you, sell or donate it to someone who will use it (and maybe who will dust and display your saved treasure proudly for you).
If that popcorn-maker has been out-dated with Orvelle Reddinbocker's microwave popcorn.
If other unused appliances don't fit your lifestyle (like that bread-maker gift, as you feel it is easier to just go out and buy bread instead).
Get the idea? When you pick something up, or look at it, as yourself whether or not you've a) used it in the past year, b) read it in the past month, c) fixed it in the past decade. If the answer is no to the above self-questioning, you should probably let go of it.
You can gain instant respect by cleaning up your space. By waiting, matters only worsen. Things don't stay the same and, because they are in a constant condition of change, we'll eventually be faced with a mess if we don't deal with it. What I mean is, the unused stuff we accumulate today will be more unused stuff stored tomorrow. The only thing you'll actually be collecting is dust-mites. So, can we really take those steps to get rid of stuff and conquer clutter?
This sharp, older woman comes to mind. For years, she kept papers stored boxes in an over-stuffed storage cabinet in her carport. An old typewriter and other miscellaneous items were also jammed-packed inside. Her house closets contained clothes and shoes she hadn't worn since she was a teenager (a slight exaggeration, maybe), and there were enough linens and blankets stored to bed an entire homeless shelter. The one 2-drawer filing cabinet she had in the corner of her bedroom contained papers she could only guess were "papers I might need someday."
She explained that her "wake-up call" was after a recent surgery when she went home and realized that, if anything were to happen to her at that time, that her poor family would have to go through her stuff and sort out what's valuable and what isn't. She didn't want to leave that dilemma with them, so the task was started to sort it out herself.
Anyone can make a time to sort through their stuff, even if it's small amounts of time. Let's just say, when self-motivation fails, you can always get rid of junk when:
You have to move.
You need to resort to renting or using extra storage facilities just for junk (or, you need to kick one of the kids out to use their room for extra storage).
Your closet if full, but you find there's nothing in it to wear.
You want to earn extra bucks holding a garage sale.
You become aware that someone else will have to go through your stuff after you're gone.
One of my favorite books on how to clean up, clear out, and dejunk your life is "Not For Packrats Only" by Don Aslett. If you feel that it would help you to "get trained" and motivated before you tackle such an undertaking, I suggest you read it.
Getting rid of stuff is not easy for some people, and can be a real emotional undertaking. Memories are usually attached and, because of this, can be difficult to let go. But, with a motivated, enthusiastic approach, the task is like wiping down that kitchen counter so it sparkles back at you…..and makes you feel good.
Copyright © 1998 Cyndi Seidler. All Rights Reserved.
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