| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 07:03:25 AM
This new year I want to get my house really organized and functional. I have realized (or finally admitted) that a lot of the stress in my life comes from clutter. The clutter in large part comes from the fact that we live in an old house with very little (almost none) closet or storage space. So I have decided to downsize and streamline. My husband and I, however, have come to an impasse on a couple of things, one being items receieved as wedding gifts. I think items such as Irish coffee mugs that, 5 years later, have never been used and are not likely to be can be donated to a thrift store. What do y'all think?
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Jan 05 2009 : 1:13:25 PM
Get rid of everything that makes you feel even a little bit guilty for hoarding it. Every time you see a pile of something you have no real need for, and feel that little tug in your soul, your soul suffers. Why do that to yourself? Think of your environment as your physical body. Don't you feel, breathe and function better when you're lightly dressed in the few perfect things you really need to do what you woke up to do?
If your clutter really makes you happy, ignore the above advice, because it doesn't apply. |
| Bellepepper |
Posted - Jan 03 2009 : 6:03:13 PM
In 1991, my Daddy past away and I started helping Mom clean and organize her house. Geesh, what a mess. They had lived in the same house for 45 years. And everything that they bought or received as gifts or received in the mail was in that house. I decided then that my daughter would not have to do that for me. I have been purging out stuff for 17 years. Really getting the hang of it. One problem, Ole Ron is a saver. His stuff just keeps piling up. I send boxes full of stuff to his shop. Deal with it out there, I tell him. I go through every drawer and closet and cupboard on a regular basis. My motto is "get rid of something every day" Not necessarly throw away, but maybe to the storage shed for garage sale or to give away. My biggest porblem is, my stuff is always sitting on a table somewhere. Just out there, looking like clutter. |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jan 02 2009 : 6:50:07 PM
Wow Anna - I don't know if I would ever feel quite the same way about the Christmas tree.
I use lots of Rubbermaid totes too - unfortunately I have way more stuff than that - that's the part that is overwhelming
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| Annab |
Posted - Jan 02 2009 : 09:50:42 AM
Thanks to all kinds of good linens, lace and frilly hankies people donate , my mom has started a shabby shique (sp) section in the Habitat store she volunteers for.
And per the usual, I purged the house again for the 3rd time in 2008 and found 3 grocery bags worth of stuff. No sentimental items this time.
We are finally getting ready to revamp a room for when our godson sleeps over, so everything in that room either has to find a really good home or storage place...or out it goes.
Same here. Old house, no closets, many out buildings. Rubbermaid containers are great for all kinds of rodent proofing! And as a little funny......had to find a better way to store our artificial christmas tree, when one year I got it out of its box and found a huge rat cache of our gourd seeds/husks. Was kind of funny. So anything that we care to relegate to the barn gets placed in something a little more durable than just a box.
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| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 31 2008 : 6:32:00 PM
Too funny Michelle!!
Hey are you back home? How about this weather?
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Dec 31 2008 : 10:12:15 AM
Ah, ditto. Amy Grace, what are we going to do? :) I belong in the camp with double stuffers old house group. I recently read a funny bit by George Carlin on people and our stuff...he pared it down to a wallet. I just couldn't do that...for long. Empty wallet and no stuff. :) But you're so right, the more stuff I have to think about the more stressful all the stuff management becomes. I guess that's why I love to go for walks. No stuff. But you know, I pick up stuff to bring home...aaah! My name is Michelle, and I'm a stuffaholic.
We make a difference. http://huckleberrywine.blogspot.com |
| jumpingjuliet |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 10:36:10 PM
I wore nearly all vintage clothes in high school. I do not fit in most of my clothes any more. My chest has gotten a lot larger since having my son so no matter how much weight I lose they will never be the size they need to be to fit in my vintage clothes. I hold onto it all anyways. I have trouble with hats too I have a big head. Most do not fit me but I love them anyways. The ones that do fit I used to wear, I need to dig em out and wear them again. I don't think my head will get any larger unlike other parts so at least my hats will always fit me:-p
Toodles
Becky
I am one with my inner farm girl! |
| Laura Marie |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 8:45:33 PM
I've been purging all last year. I have had a couple of yard sales last year and keep adding things to the pile and every couple of months I pull it out sale what I can and then pile it into the PT and take it to Goodwill! But try as I may to get ride of stuff I keep getting more and more....hmmm....I have to figure it out. But I am slowly getting more space and feeling less clutter! Good Luck!
Laura Marie #369
lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!" |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 7:45:37 PM
Sounds like you and I collect a lot of the same things Becky. I don't wear my vintage clothes much any more, at all really, but I can't stand to get rid of what is left. My collection got really out of hand about 9 years ago - at one point I had 90 dresses, not to mention skirts, slips, coats, purses, anyway I started selling at a booth in an antique store. Then sold most of it at the vintage stores in Portland when we lived there. What I still have is very dear to me.
I have always wished I could wear vintage hats, but I was blessed with a very large noggin, so no go.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| jumpingjuliet |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 5:03:40 PM
So many of you sound like me. I take stuff to the thrift and leave with more. When I lived in PA my mom and I would load up stuff for our Eastern Star Rummage Sale. We were on the committee so we got first dibs on the good stuff as it came in while we were setting up. We would save stuff all year and take a station wagon load over but also take a pick up truck. We would come home with the truck and the car full. But ooooooh the stuff was awesome. I found numerous vintage gowns and such. I got a early 1900 velvet dress coat like new for 25 cents. I wear it at Christmas to church. I miss not being there for the rummage sale.
My hubby won't throw anything out. His family has lost nearly everything in 2 floods and so they cling to whatever they have. It is hard to get used to. I hold on to antiques and old stuff that could be used to make something else. Although it may take me a decade or 2 to make whatever it is. My hubby doesm't know it but I have a large stack of lampshade skeletons in my aunt's attic that I can't wait to get out here and make them fabulous. They are some of the neatest shapes I have ever seen. My great gram was a hoarder. They had an attic, celler, wash house, barn, shed, Commercial chicken coup(not a little one), grainery, and garage to stash things in. OOOOOODLES of goodies. I got a bunch but don't know where I will put it or when I will get it out here. I told my hubby I need a small house and a 50,000 sq ft storage unit so that I can have all of my stuff and switch it out. Maybe someday when I win the lottery.:)
I am glad there are other people with the same addictions as me: aprons, clutter, shoes, purses, vintage stuff, vintage clothes, old hats. I could continue forever.
Toodles
Becky
I am one with my inner farm girl! |
| LauriP |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 2:29:12 PM
~~ Yes!! ~~
Don't get overwhelmed with trying to do the whole house at one time, oh my! What I'd tell my clients is to do one room at a time, or like the one family, the teens worked with their bedrooms while the mom did her bedroom. Then we did the other rooms -- kitchen, laundry, etc.
This way, you can get work done faster, have the room/space you need for usable items, or what ever you want the room to do. The problem is that so many people want to do the Whole House..no, no!! One at a time, and you would not believe how much better you can feel!!
Honest and for real, it's Do-able!!
Laurianne |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 2:13:16 PM
So I've made a plan - I'm going to work on one room per week, getting rid of stuff.
The other part of the problem is the lack of storage so we are going to "reinvent" one room per month, be it building shelves, acquiring new furniture, etc, to make sure that the room really works
So this week is the kitchen, got the cabinets done yesterday, next is the drawers 
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 2:06:21 PM
Ohh. This is such a good idea! I thought just this morning that I realistically only have 20 or so good years left (God willing) on this earth and DO NOT want to waste it on cleaning things that I don't like, don't want or don't need! However, when I look at this mountains I need to sort, I get way too discouraged or I wind up getting emotionally attached (I can't get rid of that Aunt Edna gave it to me) and wind up looking for something else to do. I guess I need to buckle down and just DO IT! I find I sort best when I'm under the gun or I'm mad. Then I just start flinging!
Ahhh, such lofty goals, now if I can only implement this into real life!
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
| LauriP |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 12:39:04 PM
~~  ~~ When I used to clean/organize and straighten out clients homes, the first thing I'd do with my boss, is sit down with the client, and make them TRUTHFULLY say what they needed to have done in their house. This would sometimes take over an Hour, but it was the first big step.
>> Whatever you have not worn in 6 mo's to a year, throw away. No matter that it cost a Lot...was a gift..if it collects dust, toss it. Or give it to Salvation Army, etc.
>> If it's too small (shrank in the wash, or -- yes, weight gain Does Happen..) give it away to Salvation Army, Thrift store, etc.
>> If it's way too worn out, don't think that the thrift store or Salvation Army will keep it. They have far too many clothes and toys and junk >> don't feel guilty, it's only taking up valuable space in your house.
When all the things have been sorted, given away or thrown away, then get storage boxes for seasonal items that you Really Use. That can be clothes, ornaments whatever. Make sure to Label!! the boxes so you don't have to uncover each & every box.
Make sure that Every family member does the same thing. Other wise you'll be faced with the same ordeal after you've finished your things. We have families that made it into something like a game, which was fine..they got their duplex cleaned up, we got them to organize and file their things, and they even had room left over!! in their closets. Yaaa!!
These are jus' some ideas, but they work out pretty good. I threw so much stuff away when we moved, it really helped in the long run. Now I can go up in the attic and honestly Find Things!! Whee!!
Laurianne |
| vermont v |
Posted - Dec 29 2008 : 12:09:06 PM
My theory is that there are two kinds of people; savers and tossers. The trouble comes when two savers live in a big old house with not enough closets; at least we have a barn!!! People in Vermont natually save stuff. You never know when you might need it! |
| katmom |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 4:48:06 PM
OK, so I have to giggle at this thread, because I too have tried (& failed) to eliminate the 'clutter' of stuff...but here is where I fail,,,I load it all up in my jeep, head over to one of the many thrift shops in Spokane, drop it off & then can not resist a quick peek into the store and WHAM!!!! I find myself leaving the store w/more stuff!!!! ack! I need a dose of 'self control' or blinders...lol!
>^..^<
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
mjf#72
Sisters on the Fly#472
www.katmom4.blogspot.com
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| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 2:27:30 PM
Absolutely Tina!!
I got a good start on my kitchen cabinets today - next is the mudroom, but it has to wait for the garbage collection tomorrow am. One thing at a time.
I should explain that I am absolutely a collector/reuser, but there is only so much you can use. Balance is key. Oh, and Linda, I always keep the old stockings too!!
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 1:35:06 PM
I am doing this purge out now..have to to get the house ready to market.
but you know..it actually feels good to let go..and start planning for a new home/a new look and a totally fresh start.in some ways a wee bit scary...because change is hard sometimes...but yet change is good...if that makes sense.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at: www.stliving.net
and at:www.thevictorygardener.blogspot.com
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com
and at:http://myvictorygarden.etsy.com |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 12:50:51 PM
That is my goal this next year, too. I'm glad to see this. Our house is very small and I have realized every available surface is covered with clutter. So starting next week, I'm getting our truck, backing it up to the door and out it all goes. I have had enough! I can clean off my kitchen counter and in 1/2 an hour it's got stuff back on it.
So good luck, Amy Grace. I'll be right there with ya.
Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 11:46:30 AM
I love stuff.. My DH thinks I have way too much Stuff... I keep finding places to stash the things I cannot let go, I change our home decore with the seasons. So Often out of sight for him means its gone.. Then when a new season or holiday comes along I bring out the goods.. He is so funny..Comments on how niceour home looks. I do regift sometimes to my daughters. I am trying my best to make farmgirls again out of them.. They both comment on how much they loved living on the farm when they were young. Now that they have home sof their own & families I hope I have re kindled the spirit..and they will follow through with their memories.
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Cheryl #309
Farm girl sister
Enjoy the little things in life....someday you'll look back and realize they were the big things. |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 11:33:15 AM
My hubby and I had this problem so I got a big box and put all the things he wanted to keep in it. I wrote the date on it and we agreed that in 6 months anything that wasn't used was tossed. If he got anything out he was responsible for finding a place to keep the item. He right away used a few things - just to spite me I think :) but in a week he forgot about the box and in 6 months I carted the box out the door. I chose not to bring it up when I got rid of of in effort to avoid another disagreement about something that had already been settled. I think it has been 3 years since I tossed the box and he has NEVER asked about it!!!
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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| LindaEllen |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 09:34:24 AM
LOL,Amy Grace your good to go, thought you were stripin the home down to the walls. Had me worried, Yep go ahead and throw out the pantyhose with runners, no wait you can hang onions in them and tie up tomato plants, they need to stay. Lets see what can you toss out. NOTHING
I am a recyle girl in a material world. Hey that could be a new version of that song.
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 09:27:26 AM
Whoops Linda - I probably should have prefaced my question with a list of the things that are staying: collections of vintage tablecloths, aprons, dishtowels, fabric, diner china that I don't use, fabric and patterns, quilts, pyrex bowls, vintage clothing, not to mention lots of family heirlooms like refrigerator dishes, cake plates, dessert plates, fostoria goblets etc. plus the Fiestaware that I currently collect. Plus the books, cookbooks, recipes..... I am in no danger of ever running out of material!!:D
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| LindaEllen |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 08:28:40 AM
Hold that stuff girls, I have heard of the year thing too. I just could not do it, years went by and still in storage until this summer when I did my Outpost, home away from home but still at home. I used that stuff. Now the stuff that I have inside like little stuff. Organize it, put it out there to enjoy. Like magazines. I keep everyone of em. Country Living for one. I put them in order like Dec. All the Dec, issues I have out to look through for the month of Dec. I'll put out the Jan and Feb to get some ideas that I did not do and maybe I'll do this year for those months. I don't buy Country Living anymore cuz it started to look like my old issues plus all that advertizement. So I'm enjoying looking through my old mags. A recycle read : )
Now I did say last year about this time if I don't have a place for it , its out of here. Well I have been working at it. I'm finding stuff that I thought I would never ever use and this year I'm using it, I'm talking 29 yrs of stuff. I have emptied containers and found a place for them : ). Theres still stuff I give away but most of my junk/treasure is simple that helps make a house more cozy.
On the mugs Amy Grace, oh I love mugs. I had a set of old brown mugs dated for sure. I was going to pitch em and lo and behold the Outpost came and they are up there in the woods for when I put coffee on the firepit, perfect.
Plus things like, what if you have a dinner that is themed, you could use those mugs!!!
Yep rethinking your stuff, its hard but you never know when you can use it.
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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| homemom |
Posted - Dec 28 2008 : 08:13:36 AM
I definitely agree with you. I have purged so many things since I have been at home. There was so much clutter before when I worked and it has felt so good to clear it out.
If you haven't used it in a year, say goodbye!!
Good luck with your husband.
Ruth
Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com/ |
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