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Trying to declutter but without much success.

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  • KiliKili Posts: 1,104
    Just don't mention the attic. My kids will have a nightmare clearing that lot when I'm gone. Mind you most of its there stuff anyway.  :D

    'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

    George Bernard Shaw'

  • Oh, how I relate to all of the messages.
    I am supposed to be decluttering, how painful is it? So many memories, it might come in handy, etc. I hate letting go of my books especially.
    I have a stack by the front door ready for collection on Monday, a mix of clothing, bric a bac. The little gifts the kids bought as presents for me after going on a school trip etc.
    I hate it. 
    I grieve at how much money I am losing, I also grew up in altered adult castoff dresses etc. after the war people very rarely bought new furniture etc. Make do and mend, repurpose what you could. My parents furnished their first home from house sale items, I still have a table from that era.
    I am also trying to save my son and daughter from the task of getting rid of my "rubbish" when I pop my clogs. I have a sack full of personal paper, bank statements from the year dot, receipts, warranties etc. 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    @Joyce Goldenlily, l empathise, honestly l do.
    I'm looking at it from the other side l suppose you could say.

    My Dad wanted to spare us from having to trawl through all of Mum's stuff. I kept a couple of things for myself. 
    He has told me where to find various documents that l will need when his time comes, and l'm aware of his wishes as regards his funeral. 
    Some people think it's morbid but l can't tell you just how grateful l am, especially when l see what awaits my husband. 

    I don't think you should chuck everything out willy nilly, l have stuff l wouldn't ant to part with. I suppose l'm thinking that if l'm in a small room in a care home eventually (who knows ?), what would l really really want around me ?

  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Just a suggestion:  if you are getting rid of old towels, linen etc.  vets and animal rescue centres need these sort of things for post op and rescues.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Dog rescue charities in particular always need plenty of towels, particularly when the weather's wet. I have a bag full of old ones that I really should take. The ones that I've kept "in case we have a leak and need them to mop up the water".
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • I've got a couple of towels for 'mopping up' as well.
    Southampton 
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    I did a good clearout during lockdown, and tried to get the local animal charities to accept the towels I’d sorted out. Unfortunately, they all told me, very apologetically, that everyone else had the same idea, and they had nowhere left to store them! I must check again, I’ve got plenty to go. When we cleared my mother in laws flat years ago, the Dogs and Cats Home in Bath were able to fill their storage room with towels and sheets.
    The only worry I have is taking a load, and coming back with an adopted dog or cat!
  • ViewAheadViewAhead Posts: 866
    Ergates said:

    The only worry I have is taking a load, and coming back with an adopted dog or cat!
    😂
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Latest clear out - three broken umbrellas!

    Ready to go, all my Dick Francis thrillers and Brother Cadfael paperbacks, I have the 3 Omnibuses so don't really need the others.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Songbird-2Songbird-2 Posts: 2,349
    @AnniD, I feel exactly the same. I've never heard of this type of clearing and decluttering  but ai suppose I'm doing that now Mum is in a care home and her home is up for sale. I feel like I am betraying her some of the time, other times I am hard hearted and think just get rid. I ,personally, am not a hoarder and like to have occasional clear outs and try to keep some cupboards clear. Not always successful though and the emptied cupboards soon get filled  up again. I think when we last moved house, the need to part with my beloved piano ( as we didn't have space here) has given me strength to think that if I can part with that then I can part with anything. Needs must and that was more important than the item to me, at that time in my life. 
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