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Decluttering - "What was I thinking?"

October 15th, 2013 at 03:03 pm


We did a major declutter yesterday and sorted through tons of things that are no longer used or wanted. I've got piles to throw out, donate, pass on.

I said on more than one occasion "What was I thinking when I bought this?" or "Why am I holding on to this?"

In doing so, it makes me much more conscious as I move on. I'm definitely thinking that we need to scale back on gift giving for everyone. My parents need nothing and want nothing. My inlaws don't need or want anything either. Sticking to nice framed photo of the kids or maybe photo mugs with homemade treats?

We've done away with birthday gift for the kids. One $15 item and $50 cash. Most are saving up for larger ticket items like new ipods or cameras, etc.

I've found that once you make the decision to part with some items, it becomes much easier.

We've rearranged some furniture, brining bookcases up to the boys' room - now each has one for their books/trophies/Legos, etc.

I did make a furniture move that is unsuccessful - trying to use an antique oak pie-safe as a bookcase. It is too tall for a lamp and replaced a table. It looks really bad, actually. One of those things that I had hoped would work but didn't.

Off to continue. How does this relate to finance? All the money that I wasted on things is a sobering reality.

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

4 Responses to “Decluttering - "What was I thinking?"”

  1. pretty cheap jewelry Says:
    October 15th, 2013 at 04:36 pm 1381855001
    1381855001

    Though I am heavily in the less stuff camp, it is still important to give even the older relatives gifts. My solution? Usually edibles from LOCAL shops. Specialty foods are very available in great variety of prices. Put in a recycled basket or tin. Use your own wares, I sew napkins and can sauces. Now to my next blog post - counter top appliance dinosaurs.

  2. MonkeyMama Says:
    October 15th, 2013 at 07:42 pm 1381866165
    1381866165

    I think it depends on personality somewhat. My family largely doesn't do gifts. When I was a child we just didn't do much in the way of gifts financially. These days, everyone has everything they need and want and is generally way spoiled. My in-laws insist on lots and lots of gifts and wish lists on the actual day of every holiday. Boring and tiresome. (& I sneakily return most of what they get for me, unless it was something off my wish list. I have to go "practical" and was goven another idea to ask for donate-able items like warm clothing. Since I couldn't talk them into donations over gifts - that's a sneaky way to do it).

    I wouldn't say the rest of us never buy anything or do anything nice for each other, but it's usually something a little more creative or for "just because" reasons. I love those kind of gifts. Big Grin We might do a big wow gift once every few years.

    I also love flowers as far as a disposable gift. No complaints about food either. & like I mentioned above, we do a lot of charitable donations in lieu of gifts. In general respect and recgonition of our excess.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    October 15th, 2013 at 08:06 pm 1381867575
    1381867575

    Yes, once I get on a whirlwind of decluttering it is almost addictive to toss, toss, toss. I think edible or items that will get used up are the best gifts...because they are thoughtful, but not intrusive.

  4. snafu Says:
    October 16th, 2013 at 01:08 am 1381885737
    1381885737

    Good on you for de-cluttering and repurposing, donating, tossing, or trashing items no longer used or loved. We instigated a 'new item in - old item out when we moved to this condo. The unexpected benefit was the reduction of impulse purchasing. We all knew we'd have to give up something!

    We have given older family members we adore gift cards for restaurants or specialty shops like tea house or knit shop so they can choose what they prefer. We usually accompany them to the restaurant so it's a double gift that includes our time.

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