Methods to Downsizing Madness – Decluttering Part 3

Part 1

Part 2

It’s no secret.  We live in an affluent society.  That’s not to say that everyone is rich – but even if you don’t have much money it is easy to accumulate due to clearance racks and “cheap junk.”  We almost can’t help “getting.”  The truly wealthy and the “wish they were wealthy but are really living on credit” redecorate and renovate, toss and purchase new so often, that they keep the rest of us swimming in stuff.  It’s easily available at a low price at thrift stores and garage sales.

Because of this, I think it can be a challenge for most of us to learn to keep clutter from overtaking our lives.  It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn…and judging by my desk tonight it is one I still need to learn.  Nevertheless, here are the areas I’ve at least made advancement in. 

Clothing – for Moi’.  I have FINALLY come to the place of getting rid of clothes that I either don’t like, or don’t fit.  You may think that is silly…but I would keep numerous/mulitiple clothing items around, just in case.  Just in case of what, I’m not sure…just in case I lost weight, or gained weight, or the style came back in, or I ever happened to “like” the tacky item, or really wanted to be uncomfortable…who knows?    If the blouse is too big, get rid of it.  If it is too low, or too immodest and can’t be redeemed by layering, get rid of it.  If it is ugly…out it goes.  If you have had a skirt for 3 years with no shirt to match…yeah, you guessed it.  Send it to Good Will.  If you only have 3 pairs of pants or skirts and 5 sweaters when you are through, so be it.  You’ll have more than most of the rest of the world, and I’m sure you’ll accumulate again.  If you do, be sure and only buy clothing that you love.  (You can still do this on a dime, at a thrift store.)

Children’s clothing – For those of you with fewer children, this won’t apply on the same level.  But these are just guidelines to give you ideas, anyway.  Each one of us has to personalize ANY thing we read, anyway.  I like to store my children’s clothing in Rubbermaid totes. (I have had to buy the totes over time.  Other than this, I have tried to use boxes that are close to the same size.)  With seven children, I DO keep clothing to hand down from child to child.  I used to keep EVERYTHING.  Now, when a specific child outgrows clothing, I have guidelines.  I keep it IF it has no stains and if there is someone within a few years of growing into it.  If there is no one of the same gender in line to “receive,” then I try to find someone else (who does not live in MY house   ) who could use it.  Otherwise, I send it to our local thrift store.

Husband’s clothing -  I must admit.  I don’t do ANYTHING with his clothing.    That’s up to him, unless he were to ask me. 

Home Decor -  I have come to mostly the same thought with decorations as I have with clothing.  If I don’t love it, if it doesn’t have a purpose, it doesn’t deserve to be dusted.  There are pictures on my walls that evoke faith, security, or memories.  They stay.  I have a few Willow Creek figurines that celebrate a fatherhood, or a new baby.  It would be hard for me to let them go.  Our wedding cake topper, blown glass from the ancient city of Hebron, I DO treasure these items.  But for the most part, I have had to learn to hold lightly to material things.  I can enjoy them, but I can’t take them into eternity with me.  They are only things.  With children, it is good to hold lightly to things, and cling tightly to relationships.

Thanks for sticking with me!  Next time, I’ll close by talking about books, games and toys, and school supplies.