Juggling 2ndhand finds and avoiding clutter.

**Early Bird** · 01-18-2009, 06:43 PM

Yesterday, I snuck off for a quick thrift fix. And I brought home a wooden cake stand.

It's wood, not glass, and sorta looks like this:
http://http://www.petcoff.com/images/handcake.jpg

MAYBE it'll be a big hit at birthdays and other celebrations.

But right now, I'm wondering if it's just clutter.

How do you juggle clutter vs. treasure, when there are so many great things on the 2ndhand market!?

**homesteadmamma** · 01-18-2009, 07:13 PM

I can't get the link to work.

Nothing comes into our home unless something goes out. I'm also very careful about what I buy when I'm in a thrift store or even at a yard sale. I have to know I'll use it and use it well. Because of this, I've had to walk away from many items. I kinda learnt the hard way. I bought a couple of things and after a few months hardly had used them or even wanted them. I think it's something we all have to learn in our own way.

**Early Bird** · 01-18-2009, 08:44 PM

Let's try this link:

[media]http://www.petcoff.com/images/handcake.jpg[/media]

**MRAHoffman** · 01-19-2009, 07:39 AM

my mother (depression child) has a mantra that if you are only going to use it once or twice a year and can use something else instead of whatever it is you "want" (kitchen gadgets are a big thing) then you don't need it. Also, MY experience in cleaning out my fathers (also depression child who saved EVERYTHING) house after he passed away that if you don't LOVE it, get rid of it (I guess this is why my house is so bare;...) Take care and God bless.

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-19-2009, 07:54 AM

I used to be a clutter junkie! I hit garage sales, thrift stores and bought what I liked.

Then, after opening my own thrift store and having access to all kinds of good junk, my house got way to full!

I've learned now, that if I am going to use it alot, then I buy. If it is something that I really, really love, then I buy. But for the most part, if I do go into a store, I "window shop", pick things up, question myself as to wether it is really useful or just clutter, and 9 times out of 10, I end up putting the item down and realize that it's just not worth the money spent, or the space it'll take up!

**JanieD** · 01-19-2009, 02:51 PM

I love cake stands! You could use it to display decorative items when its not holding a cake. I see that in magazines all the time. Enjoy your find, but if you decide its not for you, you can always give it away later.

I love collecting & tend to have too much, but I enjoy it. I think each person is different as to the amount of stuff they want or can live with. Keep in mind you can always donate old treasures when you buy a new one or if things start to feel cluttered! Its good thrifting karma to share those items with someone else.

To keep from buying too much, I limit how often I shop/look & limit myself to only a few things. I spend extra time looking & many items "lose" their appeal after I've carried them around for awhile. Also, I'll ask myself what item at home will this replace (one in, one out rule). Most stores accept cash only... so, you could limit the amount of money you take. Good luck finding a balance that works for you.

**kittykatstrong** · 01-19-2009, 09:45 PM

Today the thrift store that I usally go to was half off and I was asked if I was going to stop by. I wasn't because I don't need anything even if it is half off.

I try to only go in to store if I need something and not just to window shop.

**DaisySue** · 01-20-2009, 05:12 PM

I love the thrift store. Luckily it is about 40 min away so that keep me from going often. I have a real problem with the clutter thing. I find awesome things and then ideas get rolling around in my head on what to do, but right now I have to decrease my finds.
I am slowly going through my junk room (supposed to be a guest/play room for the grands), but it is full. I am finding lots of stuff I forgot I had and am putting it out in the house for a new look. Then later spring/early summer dd, dil and I are going to have a yard sale and a lot of it is going to go bye bye.

I honestly look around my home and most of the best decorative shelves and things have come from yard sales or thrifting! When I was young mom never was allowed to change anything. House looked the same for years on end. I think that is why buying something for 50cents or $1 and changing things around at home brings me joy.