This year, perhaps more than ever before... we have realized the importance of clearing out,
using things as much as you can (and in new ways)... and of salvaging and fixing things up.
To this end, I thought I would do a series of posts on clearing out and organizing, and living a simpler life.
I hope to do one once a week (Check out previous posts on Thursdays!)
using things as much as you can (and in new ways)... and of salvaging and fixing things up.
To this end, I thought I would do a series of posts on clearing out and organizing, and living a simpler life.
I hope to do one once a week (Check out previous posts on Thursdays!)
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Many of you know, that I come from a long line of "collectors" (ie: hoarders)... but that I also worked as a housekeeper/ organizer/ cook for several years. I am very organized, which lends itself to that sort of work. And, I have an innate ability to help the folks I am working with to narrow down what is really important to them so that they can concentrate on keeping those things. That said, I am quite sentimental. So I get it. I understand the longing to keep every scrap of fabric, every photo, every memory. And having had cancer several times, I know the importance of feeling loved and having things around you that you treasure. But life is short, and sometimes you need to clear out... either to make room... or to make money... or to just unload... there are important reasons for going thru your stuff.
One of the things I cleared out recently, was stuffed animals.
Yes, I am an adult.
Yes, I love stuffed animals and believe they have a certain sentience to them,
albeit because of the memories of holding them close for years. All those untold secrets shared...
But sometimes, enough is enough.
Before we moved from Albuquerque, I gave away most all my stuffed toys and collectible stuffies.
I donated them to charity. Many organizations still take good, clean, stuffed toys.
Firemen, adoption agencies, nursing homes, foster children programs, shelters for abused kids, animal shelters, etc.
I still had some though.... and it was time.
The important thing to remember when clearing out, is that if it really means alot to you... keep it.
You can always revisit that feeling in a few months, and see if it still fits.
If it is something that is ok to go to another place... there are lots of good places that appreciate the donations.
I always look at it like the things are going to a new home where they will be loved anew.
And so they are. ... see you all tomorrow.
Many of you know, that I come from a long line of "collectors" (ie: hoarders)... but that I also worked as a housekeeper/ organizer/ cook for several years. I am very organized, which lends itself to that sort of work. And, I have an innate ability to help the folks I am working with to narrow down what is really important to them so that they can concentrate on keeping those things. That said, I am quite sentimental. So I get it. I understand the longing to keep every scrap of fabric, every photo, every memory. And having had cancer several times, I know the importance of feeling loved and having things around you that you treasure. But life is short, and sometimes you need to clear out... either to make room... or to make money... or to just unload... there are important reasons for going thru your stuff.
One of the things I cleared out recently, was stuffed animals.
Yes, I am an adult.
Yes, I love stuffed animals and believe they have a certain sentience to them,
albeit because of the memories of holding them close for years. All those untold secrets shared...
But sometimes, enough is enough.
Before we moved from Albuquerque, I gave away most all my stuffed toys and collectible stuffies.
I donated them to charity. Many organizations still take good, clean, stuffed toys.
Firemen, adoption agencies, nursing homes, foster children programs, shelters for abused kids, animal shelters, etc.
I still had some though.... and it was time.
The important thing to remember when clearing out, is that if it really means alot to you... keep it.
You can always revisit that feeling in a few months, and see if it still fits.
If it is something that is ok to go to another place... there are lots of good places that appreciate the donations.
I always look at it like the things are going to a new home where they will be loved anew.
And so they are. ... see you all tomorrow.