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In this episode we talk about:
- how to deal with areas that seem to collect clutter no matter what.
- how to deal with “his” stuff.
- how to handle scrapbooking and pictures when I don’t even know where to start.
- how cooking without a plan actually makes things harder.
My new book: Organizing for the Rest of Us
--Nony
I just began reading your blog and decided to start at the beginning, it has been enlightening to walk through your journey. So, encouraging and with crystal clear transparency. Reading has helped me reflect on why I have such a problem with cleaning and clutter, it has also allowed me to realize that it is okay that I wasn’t taught to do these things as a child but that I can overcome them no matter where in life that I am. Thank you, I do plan to read through and stay current with your blog.
Still cannot identify my personal ‘clutter’. Have gone through a wide variety of hobbies, interests, activities each with its own stash. Have downsized and ‘organized’ my closets and other places but still I am looking at a lot of things that ‘patiently’ sit there even though I have not used them in ages. They are still attractive, but need to be worked on. Konmari does not work for me. The other books/ videos do not seem to help. I guess I can ‘dump’ them at Good Will or Salvation Army or sit at a park and ‘casually walk away from one of the kits/projects.Also could take up a unused needlepoint project and work on it. No laughing, but I am seriously facing a big conflict. Guess after dropping a few things here and there I’ll hopefully feel better. The stuff is not ‘clutter’ like used bits of paper, but still are patiently sitting there waiting for me to return….
M age 80 (temporarily lost in the middle of my decluttering)
LOVE all of your videos and books. They have helped me l and also put big smiles on my face. Thanks!
Have been successful downsizing a lot of things in my home. Opened up a cedar chest and came across # needlepoint, embroidery and needlework projects (partly finished or not started). Have read your books and also have appreciated your blogs. Still, as a little old lady, want my place to be neater and less crowded. It is fine to toss junk but after going though a lot of hobbies, crafts, interests and activities , I sure have assembled a ‘lot of stuff’… Might be fine to drop off the partly finished or unfinished projects at a thrift store, but it is easier to do that with extra mixing bowls or can openers.
The container concept is fine but all of the needlework stuff fits in a large cedar chest and just sits then and ‘stares’ back at me. Err.. at age 80, I have gone through # hobbies, interests, activities and projects. Also came from a family whose family went through the Depression and wars saving things and did not have $ money. Should donate perhaps 1/4 of the items to SA or GW, but perhaps someone has to nudge me in that direction. It is easy to put junk in the trash or donate a extra mixing bowls. Still, with more personal items, it is obviously difficult. Still, perhaps if someone saw my items in a thrift shop, he/she might be thrilled.
You make a case here for not being a minimalist. Borrowing things and then returning them takes time and mental energy. The container concept is the best philosophy!
The way I handle returning things to people is to keep a box in my trunk (actually a flat from drinks) and put them in it. Then we I see the person, I have it with me.