Why do I have SO MUCH SHIT?

[Elidor]

Where did it all come from? What did I intend to do with it all? How do I get rid of it? I don't want all this shit anymore. I have TOO MUCH SHIT!

I want to live in an empty room with a computer and a futon. Maybe a plant. That's all. I have got to throw all this SHIT away! It clutters the very soul. It's intolerable.

[NMDemDist2]

1. do a search in here for Elorial's Feng Shui threads

you'll be glad you did :)

[LWolf]

6. I hear you.

Over a year ago I did a major clean-out. I've always had less stuff (except for books) than anyone I know. I cleaned even more of it out. Then I moved 900 miles, and I'm still wondering where all this stuff came from; my house is double the size of the old, and I'm still having trouble finding room for everything. I haven't added anything new. I got rid of plenty of stuff before I moved. Where does all this stuff come from????

I've been unpacking several boxes a day. I did about two dozen boxes this weekend, and have another 4 staring me in the face, and another 2 dozen still to go out in the garage. Granted, much of this is the stuff I've collected for work over the decades; I don't use a lot of it. I don't get rid of that stuff, because you never know when your grade level will be changed again and you'll need it again. Still, I could easily provide an entire curriculum center for an elementary school.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. I hear you Hardhead!

I'm moving next month, from a one bedroom apt. into one room! I have so much crap! I never use most of it! why do I collect this stuff?
I have come to the conclusion that it is hereditary. My Grandmas both lived through the depression, one has a whole basement filled almost top to bottom with stuff. The other saves every bit of leftovers and every margarine tub that has ever entered her house is stacked under the counter.

At least they seem to save useful things, I just collect CRAP!

[yankeeinlouisiana]

3. Yep, I hear ya, Hardhead.

I'm currently going through my kitchen cabinets. I bought a new set of cookware yesterday and I'm throwing out my last two old ones. There are things in my cabinets that I haven't used in years. Just keep packing them and moving them with me.

Time to clean out the clutter in my life. Purging is good. And if it's still useful, give it to charity.

:-)

[Cleita]

4. Go outdoors to a nice green place.

I always feel so much better when I am in my yard. I haven't been able to garden this year because of surgeries and other problems, but I finally was able to go outside and start weeding, pruning and doing the stuff that had been neglected when I couldn't do it. I felt depressed too. Once I was able to go outside, even though I was doing clean up, I felt so much better. Even going to a park or camping should be good for you. Get away and enjoy what is left of our planet.

[Elidor]

7. Glad you're doing better

It's been too hot to garden anyway. I'm ready to move to Iceland.

You've hit the nail on the head, though: I haven't been outside all summer. This year, for the first time, I just can't acclimate to the heat. I've been hiding from that horrid yellow thing in the sky. When I was 18, I couldn't handle the cold, but now that I'm older it's the heat I can't take. Winter feels pretty good these days, so I anticipate some long hikes in the near future.

[Why Syzygy]

5. do a yahoo

group search for "freecycle" in your area. Other people can use it. If you need something, it's there too. Good idea.

I gave away one of my tarot decks ~ African. The woman I chose to recieve was awesome. In fact I should write her. I never had a clue she had African decor or a beautiful drum. It just worked out that way. Very inspiring.

It is a huge chore to go through all, but oh so worth it. Best wishes.

[Elidor]

8. That sounds pretty neat

I certainly want to cycle what I can.

[NJCher]

9. here's how to do it

Just go through the stuff and choose only things you've touched in the last year or so. Take only what you need.

Then have someone else come in and get rid of the stuff. Tell them about freecycle. Don't ask any questions about where it went.

It's extremely liberating--to get rid of stuff.

Anyway, re the above, my husband did this for me and it was well worth it. I didn't even look at the big black bags that were going out to the curb.


Cher

[Viva_La_Revolution]

10. great idea!

I'll just take what I can't live without... and donate the rest.

I feel a little freer already. ;)

[japple]

11. You've given me inspiration to do something about

all the stuff I've got. I love to do crafts, but I don't have time to do them anymore, so I've got ribbon, yarn, fabric, beads, paints, trimmings, and a bunch of other good material that someone else could be using. In fact, I saw a sign at the library the other day that said they could use crafts materials for their activities with children. Thanks alot.

[NMDemDist2]

12. Elorial and FengShui say "Don't keep it unless it brings you joy" n/t