Omgsh the clutter!

**Bookwirm** · 08-05-2008, 07:20 PM

How do I let go of things that I have convinced myself I might eventually need? Such as two fish tanks that I drained 6 months ago that are sitting in my room empty. A ton of sewing supplies and fabrics from where I was starting a handbag company

...... lol.... Two bookshelves full of books that I can.not.live.without...... Two bedside tables full of paperwork and books and binders.....A footstool storage thingy that opens and is full of books. A box of Christmas presents that I, uhm, didn't give out this past year?

UGH the clutter, I can't stand it. I even bought a new fan and have had the box sitting in my room for like 3 months because I am convinced that I can somehow use it. lol... Am I completely crazy?? Should I just get a trashbag and dig in? I have a mess because I don't know where to start.......

**Bookwirm** · 08-05-2008, 07:22 PM

I forgot to add in, I have around two hundred pairs of shoes that are driving me nuts. And yes, I already know, I'm going to hell. lol

**Texasgirl** · 08-05-2008, 07:30 PM

Box the stuff up move it somewhere else.
It after 6 months you have not needed it then get rid of it.

200 pairs of shoes???

**AmyBoz** · 08-05-2008, 07:34 PM

Throw it out. Throw it all out.

I'm all about donations and selling things, but sometimes it gets to a point where you just have to get rid of it and get rid of it fast so that you can see an immediate difference.

So, again I say...throw it out.

**Bookwirm** · 08-05-2008, 07:37 PM

I'm paranoid that I'm going to get rid of it and then end up spending money to replace it. Which is ridiculous, I know.

**cheapskate 49** · 08-05-2008, 07:47 PM

Don't throw it out donate it!!!! there are loads of organizations who have drop off bins....join freecycle and people will come and take it away and you will have made someone happy-join flylady.com and she will help you understand why you hold on to all this clutter...call all your friends over and have a shoe-giving away party...take the books to a seniors centre also the sewing supplies....box it all up and have a garage sale.

**janelane** · 08-05-2008, 08:02 PM

I did this this spring. I went through every room with the thing they do on those organization shows in mind: keep, sell/donate, pitch. When you look at the keepers, think, do you need it, do you love it so much you can't live without it, or does it make you money?

As far as something big, like shoes, give yourself a specific goal like, "I will only keep x pairs" or "all the shoes I have will fit in x amount of space." I had a lot of things like clothes and shoes I got rid of that I'd had forever and never worn. If I hadn't worn it in two years, out it went.

Some things I just took a hard look at and thought, what am the world am I hanging onto all this for?!? When I was able to release my emotional attachment things went very quickly. You have to figure out WHY you are holding onto something. Because for pack rats like us, it's never just really "I might need that one day!" That's just what we tell ourselves, lol.

I know it's hard to get through everything, but once you get everything set, oh you will feel so much better. I feel like I can breathe here now!

Good luck!

**Bookwirm** · 08-05-2008, 08:09 PM

Omg I am so scared. And I'm already putting it off. Like reading your post I thought "she's right, and I'll start tomorrow" LOL....omg stop the insanity!!! I did say "ok I am buying a shoe organizer and only keep the shoes that fit in it" Do you know what happened? I ended up stretching each pocket to hold two pairs and then I got shoe hangers and have shoes hanging off of the organizer. I'm seriously pathetic.

**suzysaver** · 08-05-2008, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by AmyBoz

Throw it out. Throw it all out.

I'm all about donations and selling things, but sometimes it gets to a point where you just have to get rid of it and get rid of it fast so that you can see an immediate difference.

So, again I say...throw it out.

I agree just throw it out and be done with it, sometimes it just gets to that point. I understand when people say donate it and give it away, but sometimes it will just sit there longer waiting for that trip to the donation site. bag it, box it and dump it. If it seems to overwhelming then do an area or room at a time. You will feel so much better to just get it done. Happy decluttering and don' get lost in there.

**voodidit** · 08-05-2008, 08:32 PM

I call dibs on all the books!!!!

**frugalandsimple** · 08-05-2008, 08:35 PM

Have someone help you get rid of the stuff you don't need.

**Libby** · 08-05-2008, 08:38 PM

Just toss a lot of the items or prep a box for donation - sewing crafts etc can go to a seniors home and books/magazines can go to a local hospital. Shoes - keep only the basics - you know the few pairs that will go with several outfits and be the most practical to keep if you had to wear them all day and for walking vs the kind that are pretty and are great when only worn when you're sitting down at work

Its hard - and I should practice what I preach but I do know where you're coming from.

If possible - fill one shopping bag of items for donation or garbage per day and then toss it. Seriously its hard but as soon as you let go of it in the drop box you will feel so much better. Thats what I do with my clothes and you know what, my closet and dressers thank me!

**Mom23boys** · 08-05-2008, 08:40 PM

Toss it! Donate it! Sell it!

BUT whatever you do, do NOT keep it in your home.

200 pairs of shoes!?!?!?! Have you worn every pair? You almost have enough to wear a different pair every day of the year. LOL! There is no need for 200 pairs of shoes!! If you think you are going to spend money to replace the items, then box up the ones you 'just have to have' and put them away in the garage. If you do not pull them out to wear in a month, then it is time to donate them.

I am with Amy on this one. The items need to go ASAP!!

**prftstrngr** · 08-05-2008, 09:07 PM

Id have a friend or sister come help me. Someone you trust to tell you the truth and really help! They can be your conscience when you get to the *I think I need that* part. Its easier when someone else says...WHY ARE YOU KEEPING THAT???? Its harder to justify to someone else. Id have a yard sale and make some money! Donate some things but hey if you can make some cash why not??

**Bookwirm** · 08-05-2008, 09:16 PM

Omgsh I don't know how I got this many shoes. I have to admit about 50 pairs are flip flops. So, it's not like I spent a ton of money on these shoes. But some are expensive that I haven't worn. To be honest i haven't worn most of them. But I intend to!...ok I'm lying. lol