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Sue, Volunteer Mentor avatar

Letting go of possessions before planning to downsize

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Profile picture for pmhpesp5 @pmhpesp5

My husband did not share the importance of decluttering the properties until he has had to empty out his parents’ two properties. It was exhausting. I’ve attempted donations, Facebook Marketplace, and consignment, but still have rooms of furniture-types that are difficult to “sell”. Adult children don’t buy the framed pictures, pianos, mirrors, furniture like we had at our disposal when starting out. We would’ve saved a lot of $$. However, the furniture I bought has lasted 42 years!

I’m going to have a tech smashing party in the backyard - no longer will my desk be the storage unit for old Apple products w/all the associated paraphernalia.

Wish I could find people who could use these things. I feel irresponsible giving them away due to the investment - odd because it’s not that I want the $$, just feel strange about giving it away. I’m open to anyone giving me a pep talk!
Clothes - good gravy. Had to have many due to business & the many changes in dress codes. I wear some clothes that are 10-15 years old, but still in great condition. Could open a shoe store for high heels. Looking to donate business attire to cos. that help those just entering the workforce. Consignment is helpful but completely overwhelmed - as are churches.
I could open a bookstore. Always took my kids to the library and gifted them w/books. My adult children want me to keep their favorites, but I’m starting the process of weeding out for donation.
Sorry this is so long winded. Obviously this demonstrates the difficulty in letting go.

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Replies to "My husband did not share the importance of decluttering the properties until he has had to..."

@pmhpesp5

Oh how I dread downsizing.

@pmhpesp5
You might look for a place like Women’s Resource Center that helps abused and homeless women get back on their feet. They would gladly take your shoes and suits for women entering or re-entering the workplace.

@pmhpesp5 please consider donating your old electronics to an organization like PCs for People or (if you are in Arizona) AZ STRUT.
https://www.pcsforpeople.org/
https://azstrut.org/
Usable electronics will go somewhere they can help, or disposed of in a environmentally friendly way.

Apple has a recycling program as well. Talk to the folks at the Apple store.
https://www.apple.com/reuse-recycle/