I've had to move three times in the last two years, and it's been a series of downsizes; as a result, I've got rid of a lot, but just as I've really started to see progress, I've had to move on, meaning that I was back to repacking, then unpacking again. None of this has been easy due to two facts - I have several rather bulky hobbies (weaving, spinning, knitting, sewing and embroidery), and as I'm approaching my mid 60s, I've had a long time to build an extensive stash for each hobby. I also don't want to get rid of any of it, as once I retire I won't be able to replace anything; on the other hand, I don't really need what knitters call Sable - Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy. It's a difficult balance.
I'd got to the point where I just couldn't get around to emptying every box, as I'd only be repacking in a few months.
However, it looks like I may be in this house house longer term, as I've just been offered a 20 month contract extension - so not only can I finally justify properly unpacking, but also feel comfortable enough to actually determine what fibre/yarn/fabric I can let go to a new home. I can also actually indulge in my hobbies, instead of constantly feeling guilty that I'm not unpacking and decluttering. The paralysis is real.
So what have I been doing? I've got several boxes of paperwork that I've been going through in front of the TV, with a large plastic tub next to me to collect the rejects for recycling; this feels very satisfying. I've also joined a local spinning group (that's spinning yarn, not stationary bikes), and at the last meeting I brought a big bag of knitting magazines to give away. They descended like locusts!
My plan is to continue with the paperwork, as well as identifying more magazines and books to donate. Once I have more space I can then actually look at my fabric, yarn and fibre, then use some (I desperately need more clothes), donate or sell some, and keep the rest for future use. It will take time, but the sense of panic that I have to pack and move again is slowly subsiding.
I have recently retired. I have lived in my home for more than thirty years. In addition to my children’s things I also have so much of my mother’s things.
My word for my process is shedding. As my partner and I go through things I’m beginning to feel like we’re lightening the load. There is still much to clear.
This fall I’ve shared many books with former colleagues. I was teaching. My children are accepting things that were mine or mom’s this holiday season. And in the coming year we will continue to focus on different areas of the home and continue the shedding process.
Thank you for noting storage containers. A friend looked at me sideways when I said I use glass storage containers rather than zip lock bags. I have two sets similar to yours that were each about the same price. She looked at me askance as if such was an unattainable extravagance for someone on fixed income, I noted that she'd just spent $40 on disposable zip lock and would undoubtedly do so next month, the month after that and so on. I'll send her your post.
Sorry this is long.
I've had to move three times in the last two years, and it's been a series of downsizes; as a result, I've got rid of a lot, but just as I've really started to see progress, I've had to move on, meaning that I was back to repacking, then unpacking again. None of this has been easy due to two facts - I have several rather bulky hobbies (weaving, spinning, knitting, sewing and embroidery), and as I'm approaching my mid 60s, I've had a long time to build an extensive stash for each hobby. I also don't want to get rid of any of it, as once I retire I won't be able to replace anything; on the other hand, I don't really need what knitters call Sable - Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy. It's a difficult balance.
I'd got to the point where I just couldn't get around to emptying every box, as I'd only be repacking in a few months.
However, it looks like I may be in this house house longer term, as I've just been offered a 20 month contract extension - so not only can I finally justify properly unpacking, but also feel comfortable enough to actually determine what fibre/yarn/fabric I can let go to a new home. I can also actually indulge in my hobbies, instead of constantly feeling guilty that I'm not unpacking and decluttering. The paralysis is real.
So what have I been doing? I've got several boxes of paperwork that I've been going through in front of the TV, with a large plastic tub next to me to collect the rejects for recycling; this feels very satisfying. I've also joined a local spinning group (that's spinning yarn, not stationary bikes), and at the last meeting I brought a big bag of knitting magazines to give away. They descended like locusts!
My plan is to continue with the paperwork, as well as identifying more magazines and books to donate. Once I have more space I can then actually look at my fabric, yarn and fibre, then use some (I desperately need more clothes), donate or sell some, and keep the rest for future use. It will take time, but the sense of panic that I have to pack and move again is slowly subsiding.
I love this plan- "they descended like locusts!" made me laugh out loud. Keep up the good work! x
Happy Holidays to you! I value your positive tips that you give us all year long.
Happy holidays! x
I have recently retired. I have lived in my home for more than thirty years. In addition to my children’s things I also have so much of my mother’s things.
My word for my process is shedding. As my partner and I go through things I’m beginning to feel like we’re lightening the load. There is still much to clear.
This fall I’ve shared many books with former colleagues. I was teaching. My children are accepting things that were mine or mom’s this holiday season. And in the coming year we will continue to focus on different areas of the home and continue the shedding process.
Shedding is a wonderful term for this process! x
Two things:
1) a pair of jeans that makes me feel fat (no worries, I have about 10 other pairs).
2) all the notes I make and save. My criteria is going to be if I'm not going to act on it in 2025, out it goes.
Containers I go through regularly and make sure I have lids to match.
Thank you for noting storage containers. A friend looked at me sideways when I said I use glass storage containers rather than zip lock bags. I have two sets similar to yours that were each about the same price. She looked at me askance as if such was an unattainable extravagance for someone on fixed income, I noted that she'd just spent $40 on disposable zip lock and would undoubtedly do so next month, the month after that and so on. I'll send her your post.
I really need the teacher edition lol