So hard to let go of "stuff"

[oldbuddy]

It's not the big stuff like the Roll Top Desk we sold after 40 years, but the little obsolete junk that I still hang on to, like parallel printer cables and floppy disks that I no longer even have a way to read.

[Nancy5]

I'm the complete opposite.  After cleaning my one grandparents home (it took 6 of us about 1 week), I decided to get rid of things that I didn't want/use.  The only things I have kept are my dad's navy tags and my grandmother's old record player with records.  it's a crank player with records that are about 1 inch thick and a doll she had as a child.

[JaniceSW]

I have slowly started some downsizing simply because it is easier to organize and clean when you don't have "stuff' all over the place.  I am finding that although I sometimes have a little sadness afterwards, it doesn't seem to last long. I have especially made an effort to get rid of all the papers and junk mail that so easily accumulate.  I really like having accomplished that!

[UGetPaid]

I take a photo of things for the memories and then donate them.  I volunteer at a soup kitchen with a thrift store and I give them things almost weekly.  My hubby wants to keep EVERYTHING which has added to the clutter.  Hope we never have to move because I don't know how many u haul trucks we would need.

I took pics too but I still cant seem to let go

Please don't take this the wrong way, but have you considered seeking out counseling? Speaking to a professional about alternative ways to let go and to get past a traumatic event or personal loss can be helpful. Holding on to material items is how many people tend to cope with that kind of loss. I'm not suggesting it in your case, but that is how a lot of hoarder scenarios start out.


Having an understanding listener who can sympathize with your discomfort in letting go of the things, but who can also offer positive suggestions on other coping mechanisms which have worked for other people in similar situations could possibly go a long way.  It can also help with the desperation many people experience when they feel like they are going at it alone.

[oldbuddy]

I take a photo of things for the memories and then donate them.  I volunteer at a soup kitchen with a thrift store and I give them things almost weekly.  My hubby wants to keep EVERYTHING which has added to the clutter.  Hope we never have to move because I don't know how many u haul trucks we would need.

I took pics too but I still cant seem to let go

Please don't take this the wrong way, but have you considered seeking out counseling? Speaking to a professional about alternative ways to let go and to get past a traumatic event or personal loss can be helpful. Holding on to material items is how many people tend to cope with that kind of loss. I'm not suggesting it in your case, but that is how a lot of hoarder scenarios start out.


Having an understanding listener who can sympathize with your discomfort in letting go of the things, but who can also offer positive suggestions on other coping mechanisms which have worked for other people in similar situations could possibly go a long way.  It can also help with the desperation many people experience when they feel like they are going at it alone.

Good advice, thanks

[yisa]

Yeah It does take effort for me to give up stuff I feel attached to, but i will remind myself that it is for the better.

[nmbrown863]

I am the same. Last night I was going through my babies old clothes trying to get rid of some. My "keep" pile is soooo much bigger than my "get rid of" pile. I am very sentimental. LOL.

[king4cash]

I think I am also quilty of hoarding stuffs, my family always, wants me to dump or donate them to create  space...

[vp44]

Sometime you just have to let go. Plus donating is for a good cause.

[killers2]

This is so true.  I wish I could because I have too much clutter.

[rghvac69]

I hate getting rid of things, but when I do I feel a lot better.

[claudegrizzle]

I agree that is is so hard to get rid of stuff. We have tons of stuff to go through and each day I take ten to twenty minutes to declutter an area. It is truly helping get rid of things. Whatever is totally useful will be donated to a good cause. I have at least 2 full bags plus and I will keep at it.

[kleenex40]

Yes its very hard to get ride of stuff some one you love gave you cause every time you look at it it reminds you of them

[nickylanena]

I tend to save "stuff," too. I guess it's because most things I get have a story or a memory of a good time behind them. It's good to let go, though.

[sdenimandlace1]

I have been getting rid of things slow and cleaning out closet and drawers, most stuff goes to the trash.  I have something my daughter has ask for that she will get.