BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Geriatrics Getting Rid of "Stuff" and Lightening Up

Susan, I LOVE how you planned that all out!

And Allyson, what a journey this has been!! Though my mom and aunt both have forms of dementia, it's been caused by lifestyle habits (that weren't so great), so (thankfully) my sister and I are both taking totally different approaches to our health and healing. AND, a lot of that is centered around getting rid of stuff!! Though she's happily taking a lot of the things I was just going to donate. I'm glad to see some things going to her - her kids are younger, and she'll enjoy using them (they are mostly dishware for holidays).

Yes Pat - this was so timely I'm so glad I read your article just when I did

Wow! Susan, I'm impressed. You have worked hard to get organized and get things in order! I have never even thought about my writing stuff!!

Wow! So much thought and detail ... you've given me food for thought.

It seemed about time. My parents didn't divide stuff while living, and it caused a lot of hard feelings later.

On top of my personal belongings and items I inherited from an aunt and my dad, I had a hobby which was maintaining a booth in an antique shop. I kept these items in the store for about 5 years and then decided not to continue to make the effort when I retired and moved. Well, now my basement is loaded with all of these boxes from the booth with so many nice vintage things. They have been sitting down there for the past 4 years.

I want you to know that I started sorting a few weeks ago, held a fundraiser for one of my volunteer clubs using some of the items, donated about 10 boxes to date to a local thrift store, and have stored about another 10 boxes to take to a local auction after the holidays.

I am only halfway through the "stuff" in my basement, but I must say that once committed I remain on a roll. I am including my Christmas collection of "stuff" and intend to sort that out as I unpack it and see what I can donate to lighten that up as well. Now's the time of year when those with less can really use our unwanted and unused items, so I'm making a special effort to "let it go" "let it go"....!! Wish me luck with the other half!!

Pat - I am sending you positive thoughts, energy and much applause from Ohio.
YOU GO !!!!!!
YOU GO LETTING GO!!!!
Chel

I just wanted to mention that I found a local auction where I can box up some of my vintage items and sell them in bulk. Also I have been posting items that I don't want anymore on the freecycle website. I also have been trying to sell a few things on Craigslist and anything that doesn't sell is going to the auction. I am finally taking the time to use different options available to get rid of my things. Of course there is also the local thrift stores but some things I feel obligated to try and sell!

I know that during the holidays people tend to get in a buying mode and I hope that I can get rid of some items during shopping season.

Pat, those are helpful suggestions for many of us! Thank you!

Just a short note. I sold a few things on Craigslist and sponsored a fundraiser for my garden club where I gave the club 80% of my "take." Anything donated to a non profit is a tax write off, so the event was win-win for me. I have been taking numerous items to a local thrift shop and that is also a write off. And for the first time I accepted the fact that some of the items in my garage need to go to the DUMP! Spring is coming! Time to clean up!!

Just started cleaning out my garage. OMG! I had no idea what I had piled up in there. It is starting to look much better. I have a keeper pile, thrift store pile, and dump pile in there now. Once I have the dump and thrift piles out of there, I can get it organized. Then a friend is going to loan me his power washer so I can clean the floor. Yes! The basement is next which will be daunting, but once I see the clean garage, I am betting the task will seem more doable! Hooray!