However, on reflecting on the topic while waiting for my turn at the checkout line, I had a moment of clarity. I realized the solution to the problem of organizing. Lose it! That's right, start getting rid of stuff. Buying more plastic bins and labeling systems will not improve your life. It was in the middle of the grocery store that I realized I do not want to burden my family with the task of going through my *precious* things. Although I'm far from a hoarder, the thought of my children having to sort through things that were meaningless to them.
I'm going to start looking at my possessions with a fresh eye. I need to think about how much each item means to me and whether or not I really care enough about it for it to continue on after I'm gone. And I need to care about the trouble each item will cause my family after I'm gone, as well, because they are the ones who will have to deal with it in the end.
4 comments:
My launching off point came about 1 1/2 years ago with a collection of vintage state souvenir scarves. They were in a box I made special for the collection + I questioned why I was gathering these scarves just to put them in a box AND with a goal of 50 scarves. Then I started looking at a number of things I "loved" but were never brought out into the light. I laid hands on everything I owned, eventually selling a ton of stuff on eBay + in my Etsy shop, giving things away to friends, etc. To be honest, I barely remember most of what I got rid of, and that's the point. Ultimately these items did not mean very much to me.
I now that I am near the end of this process because for the first month in 1 1/2 years I don't have a bag to donate to a thrift shop.
When my grandmother was moved into a nursing home my mother called me and promised she would do the same because she did not want my brother & I to have to sort through her stuff.
Shona,
That is a key to managing collections - asking "why?" I had an aunt who would collect certain things, reach her max, and then find something else to collect. No purpose...just something to do. Seemed like a huge waste of time, money, and resources.
Congrats on getting to where you want to be.
My mom absolutely cannot understand why I don't feel the need for a huge wardrobe or lots of jewelry. I'm not exaggerating when I say she could open a store with her QVC purchases. I do have a wee bit of a problem with books but I'm getting better. ;)
Deanna, I also have family members who could open their own boutiques. My desire is to have a few clothes (and other things) that I love, that fit well, that last, that are timeless, and that I don't have to think about so I can spend more time being an "activist extraordinaire." ;)
I'm the same way with books...but I'm working on it.
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