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Letting go of possessions before planning to downsize
The Swedish call it "Death Cleaning" even though it really isn't about death.
Following the example of my parents who downsized their possessions and living space several times in retirement we have been honing down our belongings for several years now. We are still in the same home, but now with actual open space in closets and sheds. Feels great clearing out corners after over 40 years, rediscovering treasures and letting go of excess belongings.
It is also a relief for our kids, who saw how different the process was between grandparents homes - one filled with 50 years of stuff, the other pared to the beloved keepsakes and just the necessities.
Has anyone else started thinking about how to do this?
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@scottrl it takes place over time…we just need to keep at it.
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2 ReactionsMy 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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3 Reactions@johnbishop
What I would most appreciate is a list of the types of places one can take items that I can remove from my home. My church has no "garage" type sale; I don't know of any churches that do. I do know of a homeless shelter that takes clothing. There are also several thrift shops in town. And there is a place that provides used furniture to people who have no furniture who are moving into a home that has no furniture. I guess I'm solving my own dilenma. There ARE places to take things. Now all l need to do is get them out the door and into the SUV.
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5 Reactions@nycmusic Yes, indeed. I had actually started years ago, getting rid of many, many books.
They're not worth anything monetarily -- hard to believe that nobody wants physical books anymore!
Giving them away, knowing they'd be pulped, felt like putting pets to sleep.
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3 ReactionsI started years back, as well—when schools, music schools-even the local library would take them…some will go to local street booksellers…will need a truck for the rest !
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1 Reaction@joanland
I was amazed at how much our local Goodwill took. Many items, especially clothing, are sent overseas if not sold locally. Veterans organizations, Habitat for Humanity, and Hartspring Foundation (in CT or possibly other states?) all take furniture and other items. Of course there are the auction or estate organizations that will come to your house and view your items. Tag sales aren’t for me, but many have been successful running them (especially if you participate in a town one). Hope this list helps.
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1 ReactionPerfect topic today!!
I have closets STUFFED with shoes, pants, shirts!!!
Also a huge record collection. Both LPs & 45s. I can lose most of the LPs, but I’m hard pressed to let singles
Leave.
Born in 1948, music has permeated my life. Heart, soul. And I’m deep in debt.
Suggestions.
I’m a mess.
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3 Reactions@fncz Record the music digitally directly from yor collection? Then clean up selling the vinyl to other collectors.
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4 Reactions@pmhpesp5
I'm slowly acquiring a list of resources for disposing of unwanted househood goods, furniture, etc. I hadn't thought of ReSTORE, which is our local Habitat for Humanity. Thanks for that suggestion. Veterans here also provide furniture to those (veterans) in need, and there is another group that provides used furniture to the homeless as they transition to homes. I can see that I need to start a list so my poor memory doesn't fail me.
Someone on this thread mentioned selling vinyl records to collectors of vinyl records: Where could that be done?
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2 ReactionsSue: you mentioned selling vinyl records to other collectors. How would one go about doing that?