Letting go of possessions before planning to downsize

@scottrl
And I'm still purchasing mostly used books nowadays. I love to read and the books on my shelf are either ones I've loved reading and imagine reading again or ones I'm looking forward to reading (which may not happen). I'm just coming to realize that many may never be read, by me, or by anyone.

@joanland You can read about it here. There are a number of ways to do it.
https://www.recycledrecordslp.com/sell-used-vinyl-records-guide/

@joanland Exactly. The thought that these worlds of knowledge, wonder, adventure, wisdom, and so much more will be completely and eternally lost breaks my heart.

Yes! Trying to do some clearing out and straightening up nearly every day.
It's a lot harder now with being in a wheelchair so much since my stroke 10 months ago. Don't feel stable enough in my walker yet to do much. Wish I'd done much more when I had the chance. Hubby can't do anything now, either -- because he can only go from his bed to the recliner due to pulmonary fibrosis. This is not what I'd call "aging well".

@sueinmn
Thank you, Sue. There is a lot of help and information in the link you posted. I can easily see that my records probably won't be worth much because the collection is so idiosyncratic.
Thanks for your post.

@sueinmn
Great topic. I had to clean out my mother's house and my sister's apartment after they died. Both kept everything, and my sister would have been classified as a hoarder. I tried to start on mother's house while still alive, and she wanted to keep everything just in case.

Unfortunately, at the time, many items ended up at my house because, emotionally, I was not ready to let go of her things. Now, many years later, when they have been in tubs that are never looked at, I can start to purge.

There are so many books and seminars on the topic, but everyone needs to find their own way of doing it. I do by concentrating on one type of item at a time. Look for duplicate items. Do not need multiple baking dishes of the same size. Or rarely used items. Try to get rid of items only used once every few years for holiday family get-togethers.

For some reason, Christmas decorations are my weakness. Even though I live in a townhouse with limited storage space, my garage is filled with enough decorations for an entire block. Last year I went through and gave away boxes of it. I have to see everything I have, pick out my favorites, and then get rid of what are not my favorites for free. Still have too much, and next year will do the same.

I am like my mother, it's hard to get rid of things just in case I will need them in the future. A question I like to use when trying to figure out if it can be purged is: "If I ever need this in the future, can I go buy it again?" If the answer is yes, then get rid of it.

@pmhpesp5

Oh how I dread downsizing.

I have been actively working on this. My brother passed away in 2024 and I had a storage unit full of all his collections to deal with. He collected everything! I decided then that I would not do that to my kids. I recently retired and have started in on my stuff. If I don't love it and want to see it, it's going. I send pictures to my daughter to see if they want anything first. I was fortunate to secure a booth at a local flea market/antique mall. Collectables have been going there. It makes me feel good that things will go to someone else to love!

When I lived in an apartment, it was easy. Only so much stuff would fit so things got thrown out when they weren't useful or if they didn't have A LOT of sentimental value.

Once I could afford a house, though, everything changed. Instead, "grandpa's old blanket isn't really as valuable as his war medals so I'll toss it" turned into "I'll keep grandpa's old blanket in the basement just in case." More and more stuff started going into the basement or garage.

A year ago I finally started dealing with it and the system I use is:

1. Does it have a lot of sentimental value. If so, keep it, if not go to step 2
2. Have I used it, worn it, etc. in the past year. If yes then keep it, if not then toss or donate it.

The second part, though, is what's going to be more helpful. Now, before I buy anything, I REALLY think "do I need this?" I like to travel so it's really hard not to collect souvenirs but I'm finding photos and videos are much better souvenirs than a tiny plastic replica of the Statue of Liberty or Golden Gate Bridge snow globe.

@grrranny
Is there anyone in your network of support (friends, neighbors, church members, senior services organizations in town) who could come and help you. Maybe take one category of items at a time and help you sort through them? Don’t ever be hesitant to enlist help. You have your hands full just taking care of each other. Wish much luck.