Giving away items no longer needed

[Lilith Cherry]

I am a pack rat too Elyse so I can't give you much help! I wish you luck though

[Karen]

I understand, but I also know the remedy. My whole mother's family never threw anything away. I swear sometimes my Dad married in for the sole purpose of keeping everyone's homes from filling to the brim! I have both sides in my brain.

When you see an item you no longer use, instead of saying "that's from Grandma's house," and putting it back, think "That's from Grandma's house. Think how happy she will be to know it is going to someone who needs it, and will put it to good use!"

As for the clothes, get a pad of small notepaper and some straight pins, a pen and a box or bag to put the clothes in. When you see an item with a specific memory attached to it, write it on a piece of the note paper,and pin it to it. Then put it in the box. "This sweater worn in 1978 to Debbie and Gary Smith's wedding, a happy day." That will give whosever job it is to sort through the donations a smile, and you will know you have passed along a memory, as well as helping someone new stay warm with that sweater, or feel pretty in that blouse, etc. etc.

You can do this, I promise!

[kitten645]

I've gotten to be a master declutterer. My mom was/is a hoarder. I had to clean out her house when she was moved to assited living and I swore I'd never let that happen to me or inflict the clean up on someone else. I've found with sentimental things like clothing, if I photograph it I'll keep the memory and be more likely to get rid of it.
You can also put things in a box, tape it shut and put a date on it. If you havent' taken something out of it in three months, off to Goodwill. Don't open the box!
Things are just that...things. They have no feelings or emotions. They are of no benefit to you if they are bogging you down and weighing on your mind.
I also like watching Hoarders on A&E. I usually pause it in the middle to clean out the fridge or toss some junk mail!
I also joined The Clutter Diet forum and it's very helpful.
Baby steps. Good luck!
C