20th
when i clean my home and declutter i feel guilty that ive thrown away my things?
Posted by How To Get Organized, in how to declutterwhen i buy something new i feel guilty bec i figure i can just use the old stuff but the old stuff that breaks down etc. really cant be used but i hold on to things anyway.. i did throw alot out lately any advice on how to spring clean and not miss the things you throw out..
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March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Oh, I understand!
I’m a bit of a packrat myself. One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to de-clutter, and I am still struggling with it.
One way I’m trying to let go is to use the one-year rule: If I haven’t used it or worn it in one year, out it goes. It’s hard to let go of stuff, especially when I think to myself that "it’s still perfectly good!"
It does get easier once you start and you realize that you’re slowly becoming unburdened by all the clutter that’s taking over.
Two other things you can try to ease into it: 1) go slowly. Don’t try to declutter everything at once. That’s WAY too overwhelming. Pick a room/closet, take a good hard look at EVERYTHING and pack up everything that’s in excess of the one-year rule to go. 2) donate what you’re getting rid of. Just because YOU haven’t used it in a year doesn’t mean someone else can’t use it. There are tons of local charities around that would love to have some of that old household stuff!!
And honestly, the more you do it, the easier it gets – good luck!
March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
you just tell yourself im not going to be a pack rat and keep throwing stuff out and dont feel guilty . have you ever watched clean house oh my these people have collected stuff for years and call for help to get there home back in order. your on the right road just keep it up .
March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
If I’m not sure about throwing something away, I put it in a box and move it out to the garage. If I don’t go out to the garage and bring it back into the house within a year, I figure I don’t need it.
I usually give things to a charity. I don’t feel bad about it because the charity will make some money and a person who needs that item will be able to take it home at a cheap price. Everybody wins.
I’ve found some of the most unusual things in charity shops. I found a missing bit for a broken lamp. The lamp belonged to a friend and he had a sentimental thing about it, so he kept the broken lamp for years hoping he’d be able to repair it some day. He was thrilled when I found the part he needed. I take the attitude that the thing I’m not using may be just what somebody else needs and they’ll be thrilled when they find it in the shop. LOL
If it’s trash, not working, just recycle or dispose of it. It costs the charities money to have trash taken away. PIck out a cause you feel strongly about and give things to their charity shop. My best stuff goes to the Humane Society shop. I like to think of the money from my stuff going to feed the dogs and cats they take in. I don’t mind giving up my stuff for the animals.
If you keep too much stuff for too long, it gets where the stuff owns you, not you owning the stuff.
March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Watch the show Clean Sweep. They make piles, and once they have their throw away pile, sell and keep they go through it again. Also getting some charities to pick up decent stuff so you do not feel so guilty. It is hard for most people to throw away. My father passed away and it was harder for me as I felt that the things meant something to me and it was wrong to throw away…but we did it gradually
March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Donate them to Goodwill.
March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Deciding which things to clear out is the hardest part! I have a system. If I haven’t worn it or used it in a year, it goes. I haven’t missed anything I have gotten rid of yet.
Selling unwanted items and buying new is a good way to rid yourself of guilt. What doesn’t sell, give to a charity such as Goodwill or Womens’ Protective Services.
March 20th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Well, I guess u can donate it, and think that when u give it away, someone else can put it to use.
Some people really can’t afford new things, and when they go to a thrift shop or donation center or salvation army, they find things that they can use for a good price or free.
We donate a whole bunch of things. We just moved, and didnt wanna throw away my 2year olds clothes, so we ended up donating them, and we felt better!