I was born into a family of collectors. This is a wonderful thing and it's enriched my life, as well as come in very handy. Not many people could volunteer to decorate for a "construction-themed" luncheon and round up 35 vintage metal dump trucks to use as centerpieces (borrowed from my generous grandpa's collection).
Even now, I collect English ironstone dishes as well as vintage post cards and little knick knacks I've picked up throughout my travels. I love my collections. They bring me lots of joy...from the hunt to find new pieces to choosing the exact right place to display them.
But somewhere along the way, I ended up collecting a lot of extra stuff that didn't fit into any collection. I collected stuff like my life depended on it. I went to yard sales. I shopped from clearance racks. I bought things because they were cheap or because I wanted one in every color. I bought things that I thought somebody might be able to use...never mind that I wasn't that somebody or I had no idea when the need for those things would arise (if ever).
From my childhood bedrooms (we moved a few times) to my college dorm room to my post-college condominium, I've never had a massive amount of space to call my own. But the space I did/do have has always felt like less because of my stuff. Stuff filled my closets, spilled out of my jam-packed drawers and lined the walls.
I thought my stuff belonged to me. I'm finally figuring out that the truth is, I belong to it. What I never realized is that my stuff has been suffocating me. Have you ever felt this way?
It's kind of embarrassing to even talk about. I mean, there are people in the world who have nothing. Literally nothing. And I'm complaining because I have too much. [crickets chirping].
But I'm not beating myself up....just looking at it from that perspective.
Anyway, 2013 has ushered in a new era for me. I'm not sure how it happened, but I'm letting go of stuff. I mean really letting go of stuff. Cleaning it out, bagging it up and hauling it away. And it feels amazing. Like I-can't-wait-to-wake-up-in-the-morning-and-donate-it-all-to-Goodwill amazing.
Maybe I'm the only recovering wanna-be hoarder out there who has experienced this. But I wanted to share because if there's just one more like me, I want you to be encouraged. You don't need all that stuff. Seriously. There's a lot of freedom in letting go.
Good for you! I always feel so much better when I de-clutter!
ReplyDeleteAMEN, sister! I am doing the SAME THING at my house. Feels SO good! If you have lots of decor or art to get rid of, I suggest taking it to a consignment shop, like Nest here in K-town. Might make some money!
ReplyDeleteThat's my plan for 2013. I'm still stuck finishing up book work for 2012, but once I finish it, the "stuff" is going to start flying out of drawers and boxes and all the hide holes I've managed to fill up in the last twelve years. Pinkey-swear!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it feel better when you can declutter. I need to work on that big time this year.
ReplyDeletestarting with the best of intentions. My hang-up is books and Iam not even a librarian. Did actually start boxing and putting in storage hoping to one day have a room to dedicate as a library.
ReplyDeletethis was the year I unpacked ALL of my books, donated 2nd copies to the public library yard sale. My best friend helped me build and put up floor to ceiling shelves in my family room on every wall. Fantastic insulation!!! Yes, I still have furniture in front of most of the shelves, but put sliders on the feet and slide couches away from any shelf I want to get to. Have rec'd all positive comments from family and friends (be sure to put the children's books down low)
DeleteI don't think we are quite hoarders, maybe more like pack rats.
ReplyDeleteI have "stuff" that I'm just waiting to find the right owners to come claim the items from my overflowing closets, garage and storage unit.
I can certainly identify with this post. I have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF. I dream about the frustration of going through all this stuff. No, I am not the hoarder you see on the tube, but my storage areas are FULL of stuff. Stuff that belongs to my 5 kids, stuff that belonged to my Dad. Stuff that belonged to my in-laws, and I am so ready to get rid of it all, but have a hard time starting and knowing what to do with it all. I have not had a kid in high school in 13 years (that is the last one's graduation) and I still have all their trophies. What the heck do you do with those??? (now I am venting!) Thanks for the encouragement to start somewhere!!
ReplyDeletefor the longest time, I was just like you... then my husband (who is the furthest thing from it) started to convince me to let stuff go. Once I started purging, it felt great and I've never looked back! :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you! :)