What's this, you say? This is a collection of boxes and bags of STUFF that has been sitting in closets and on shelves collecting dust. What a relief!We're now on the third major round of decluttering within the last year. I am amazed every time by the sheer quantity of junk and/or unused items that we store in our home. This particular collection will go to a fundraising yard sale this weekend at our church for an upcoming youth missions trip to Albania. (Youth missions... near and dear to my heart!)
This time around, the motivating factors were the onslaught of material goods at Christmas and the discussion on the Unshopping Challenge issued by Andrea at a peek inside the fish bowl (and, by extension, the idea of simplicity). I have a tendency to collect/hoard stuff and so does my husband, which is not a great combination... although I've gradually become less pack-rat-ish than he is. (Illustration: sorting through a box of cards and other written stuff he had saved, we found a note I had left on the door for him once that read, "Gone to aerobics class. Back at 12:30.")
I think it takes deliberation and work to live more simply. It is so contrary to the consumer identity we are force-fed. Madeleine L'Engle's words on the idea of consumer as identity often bounce around in my head: "...the media, which tries to manipulate us into being consumers. Most of the time nowadays we human beings are referred to as consumers. What does the consumer think? What does the consumer want? How ugly. Forest fires consume. Cancer consumes. I want us to be nourishers."
Anyway, enough talk--back to the sorting! I would love to hear about your experience with getting your stuff under control (and keeping it that way), if you don't mind sharing.
6 comments:
What an exciting proposition! It's interesting that you posted this right while I'm (a) shopping for a car, and (b) preparing to read Foster's chapter on the celebration of simplicity again. Since I'm not going on holiday this vacation, I'm now resolving to use the time to de-stuffify my abode. Thanks for the impetus!
oh, it's me again. I've also copied down that quote from Madeleine l'Engle, and put it on a post-it note on my debit card.
Ta daa! Last night we took out the back seat of the van, crammed in all that stuff (which gives you an idea of the quantity we're talking about!), and left it at the church. It's so great to know that the stuff isn't just being rearranged and organized, but LEAVING.
I love that idea with the debit card, Janice! I think I may follow your lead. Happy de-stuffifying!
Here's a good strategy - move a lot! In our 8 1/2 year marriage Dave and I have moved 13 times, including 4 different apartments on campus in the last 3 years. Every time we move, we get rid of dozens of bags of stuff.
Seriously, though, you're right...it does take work to live more simply, I have no original ideas. But I do know it's time to move again soon!
I have no doubt that moving is a good strategy for keeping stuff under control. Too bad I HATE DOING IT!
I guess there would be some expansion needed in your living quarters, eh? How long until the newest mini-Horsman arrives?
Oh, yes...moving around here is always done with it's fair amount of grumbling and complaining too! But, when we have to look on the bright side, it always comes down to the decluttering.
Horsman #4 is due to arrive in early June. We'll probably try to cram into our current residence though...you can't beat the price.
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