I’ve joked that the contents in our home keep the walls from imploding—the accumulation of stuff would hold it up during an earthquake. Years ago, in an attempt to tunnel out from under our mountain of possessions, I started a giveaway bag, a spot in the garage to put things that are on their way out. My system: whenever I bring something into the house, I try to give an item away. I say, I try, because I often fall short of my goal. I’m not much of a shopper, so I’m not amassing new knickknacks and clothing on a weekly basis, but somehow our house continues to collect items, even without kids at home anymore: catalogues, gifts, a jacket that looks like one I already own, and books.
When my mother died, we found shoes still in their boxes that she’d never worn. My sister and I chuckled, but the truth is I have a sweater I’ve never worn. So why do I hang onto it? Because someday I might want it or be tempted to buy another just like it?
My husband and I have an island cabin. We tend to take our old clothes up there, which makes sense but is turning that place into a graveyard of unusables. The drawer’s are crammed full of worn clothing; half doesn’t get used. So I need to start a giveaway bag up there.
How about you? Do you tend to hold onto things or do you give them away? Have any good tips for me? How about books? If you use the library, they must be returned. But I do enjoy owning books …
Leave a comment below and enter to win a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster. USA or Canadian residents only. Winner has one week to respond. Email address required so the winner may be contacted!
clothes are my big item to hang on to-jackets are my downfall-i will get rid of them in summer so iam forced to buy again for winter.
I struggle with that is a tendency too, Jackie! To enter the contest please leave some contact info. Thank!
BOOKS BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS. WOULD BE HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY TO WIN. ANGELACHESNUT246@GMAIL.COM
I do love books and it’s hard to give them away. Recently I asked a friend to return one after she’d read it. How’s that for poor manners?
I have 2 dresses I have never worn as they are too dressy for normal wear. Guess I just never go anywhere where “fancy” clothes are needed. Gosh, I wonder if those dresses even still fit me???
Dressy clothes are a dilemma for me too, Sonja! Some day I might need to get dressed up. I suppose I should try mine on too!
I would LOVE to win Pennsylvania Patchwork because I am a relatively new quilter!!! Anything to do with quilting is “my thing” these days!
Thank you,
KarenP3720@aol.com
How wonderful that you started to quilt it, Karen! Thanks for your comment!
I can’t get rid of my books. I would love to buy a home someday and have a room dedicated to being a library. I search Ebay all the time for my favorite authors, and always try to have both the paperback and hardcover versions. They are the one thing, I just can’t part with. There is something about the feeling of a book in your hand, the smell of the pages, and the many worlds they can take you into.
Clothing I am just never excited to buy, I hate clothes shopping. With that being said, I do have several pair of pants and a few dresses that I am hanging onto, until I shed these last few pounds.
Fabric, is another story. I keep buying it. I have so much….more then I have projects for at the moment lol. But I love the stuff. I love turning something beautiful into something even more so. It’s a beautiful sense of accomplishment.
I make and sell soaps, so am addicted to buying supplies, molds, colors and fragrances so much, I even sell those too (Fragrances). Ebay is my friend, that is for sure….and I am lucky to have a husband who has learned the eyeroll quite well, and nurtures my passions.
Info@Imaginary-Bee.com
Books & DVD’s.
mlelani90@gmail.com
Sounds like you’re in pretty good shape, Gina! Of course, I can’t see the quantity … Thanks for writing!
Elizabeth Tedore, for some reason my reply to you will only show up down here! Thank you for your comment! I like hardbound books too, when I can get them. You sound like a very interesting person!
Thanks Kate 🙂 My husband always says I am truly unique and eclectic at times lol. But I always have a smile on my face 🙂
As far as your hat collection goes, I commented on FB too, but, I’d say only get rid of any that you don’t seem to wear. Easier said then done I am sure. We went to a BBQ for Labor day and I wore a floppy brown hat. With the exception of men in baseball caps, I was the only one. There is just something fun and carefree about wearing them. They also remind me of a bygone era that truly interests me.
Jsisem4607@aol.com
Hang on to some books that I have read but lots I have not read yet.
Thanks, Janice! I love to have unread books waiting for me so I don’t run out.
I need to do the same thing as you I haven’t used it this year it needs to go is my theory. Love to win your book.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
I should do the not worn in one year and you’re out the door of routine, but I don’t have the heart. Thanks for writing Diana!
I would love to win Pennsylvania Patchwork ,love all the stories. I also have collection of cloths that I should pass along but my books I treasure!!!!!
donna_mutlick@yahoo.com
Thanks for your comment! My collection of clothes is still growing so I need to get organized. Nothing special or wonderful, as I lead a casual lifestyle. But my books are organized …
I have made a new rule about getting rid if one item each time I get something new. It seems to be working…except for my fabric stash for quilting. I can’t seem to give away fabric … It might be the perfect material for my next quilt! Would love to win either of these books. donnaeharmon@yahoo.com
You sound as though you’re trying to adhere to my rule, Donna, although I’m not doing very well at it. Your reasoning sounds good to me. Who knows what that next quilt may need?
Although it doesn’t please me, I tend to hold onto things…….
Kathy Faberge
Join the club, Kathy! If you stop by this way again please leave an email address or contact info to enter the book giveaway. Thanks!
I do hold onto things especially books determined I am going to read all of them! I try to do the thing about if you bring something into the house something should go out and we are doing that with our daughter’s stuff too! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
Sounds as though you’re teaching your daughter a good practice. My parents had a big old house and we all collected too much! Thanks for leaving a comment!
I have a very hard time getting rid of lots of things, but especially things of sentimental value and, of course, my books. However, you can’t keep everything, so I find that when I decide to purge items, I choose three randomly and then decide which one I just can’t live without and then out of the remaining two, I choose one that I can get rid of. On the books, I keep all my Amish and historical fiction even after reading them. I like to read books twice sometimes, so I am holding on to them for that, plus for my friends to borrow and for my daughter to read when she gets old enough.
jociadam@hotmail.com
I like your thinking, Cynthia! I’ll try choosing three items randomly and see how it works. I also keep all my Amish books.
I tend to hold onto things until I start to feel overwhelmed then I have a mass clean-out and donate a lot of stuff.
Donating stuff actually feels good doesn’t it, Rachel? To enter the book giveaway please leave an email address or contact info. Thanks!
I’ve got several books on D- cluttering! So far I just keep collecting more books and goodies!
Ldrumley@comcast.net
If you start collecting books on D-cluttering, Lisa, you’ve got the good makings of fun fiction novel! Thanks for your comment!
I tend to hold on to clothes that are a size or two too small. I just know I’m going to get back in them one of these years! Lol I do loan my books out but love having a library full of books!
dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com
You’re nice to lend out your books, Diana! thanks for commenting!
i keep tellin g my self to clean out the closets and dressers..get rid of the old stuff but i can’t turn a loose .debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
I keep telling myself the same thing, but I do need some old clothes for working in the garden … Thanks for your comment!
One step in my house…you know I hold on to things….and sigh, so do my family. The downsizing is so slow amidst every day demands. Must go thru the clothes…many are nice but don’t fit like they should….I just need to bag them up! Books? oh, no! That would be hardest! Boxes of them…..but must hold on to those! ; )
It sounds like you have the same dilemma as most of us. Thanks for your comment! I just noticed you didn’t leave an email address or contact info which is needed should you win.
Barbara Gauthier says: I tend to save things, but most of all my books. My books and me have a special relationship that cant be separated by nothing or no one. Bgauthier49@live.com
If you’re collecting books, I’m the last person to give you a bad time, Barbara! Thanks for your comment!
I too hold on to things for sentimental reasons, so needless to say those things aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. But, I do have clothes that still have the tags on them…why, I just don’t know, but I do enjoy donating them to the church for their annual rummage sale. Knowing that someone will find them a treasure at a very reasonable price, gives me great pleasure. I would love to win any of your books, I hope that I am in the running…estamaelaughner@yahoo.com
You are in the running! Thanks for your comment. I’m getting encouraged to go through some of my unworn items, for instance the skirt I bought as part of a pantsuit set. After ten years, I am apparently not going to wear it.
Books are my passion/obsession! I am constantly reading and also supplying my 92-yr-old mother-in-law with books. I ran out of room a LONG time ago for all these books! So, I separated them into stacks … keepers (especially the autographed ones!), paperbacks and hardbacks. I can trade the paperbacks in at a local used book store and get “new” used books. The hardbacks went to the nursing home where my mother-in-law is a resident. I was careful to keep sets together. If a set contained paperback and hardback, it went to the nursing home. I carry note cards with me all the time so I can see what we have and what we are looking for. It takes a bit of organization, but it’s working for us! We would LOVE to win a new book! Thanks for the chance!
Oops … forgot my email address! solomon@wctel.net
Thank you for your comment, Susan! A girlfriend got me in the habit of writing down each book as I read it on a list. Sometimes I forget …
clothes and books…books were overwhelming. Got a kindle. Resisted for a long time, thinking I just couldn’t give up holding a book in my hand. But I love my kindle! carroll32455@centurylink.net
Interesting that you switched to Kindle. That is definitely a space saver. But I like to underline, maybe because I’m a writer. I have one jacket ready for the giveaway bag today, which I consider an accomplishment!
I tend to hole on to many things but now I am sorting though each item I think one of my 16 grandchildren might like once I am gone. Buying and taking our books to the Used Book Store own buy an older couple who have had it for years. We just recently went to the library and rented some movies which is nice to know they will be returned for others to enjoy. A good tip would be to donate any type of warm hats or sweaters/lap blankets or prayer shawls to a clinic where chemo patients are being treated.
That is an excellent tip! Thanks for sharing it. I notice you didn’t leave an email address or contact info …
I am sometimes torn between holding on to things and giving them away. I share my books, but I do hold on to some, especially those by my favorite authors.
Thanks for your comment, Susan! Please leave an email address or contact info.
Oops. Forgot my e-mail address. Sorry.
susanmsj@msn.com
Hi there, Well for me I can honestly say I often hang onto clothes and books until I’m around a brother in law who is a serious hoarder-then I clean out. As for clothes, it is hard to part with them if I still use them regularly. Books I either pass onto friends, give away on my blog once I’ve read them, or sell them at garage sales.
Thanks for this great giveaway, I would love a chance to win it.
Noreen
Thank you for writing, Noreen! One thing that helped us clean out our basement was having our hot water tank burst and flood big-time. I would love to give you a chance to win a copy of one of my books, but need an email address or contact info.
I can identify with your problem of needing to get rid of some things. It’s hard to do. I keep a box going for donations. Right now I have 5 medium size boxes ready to go. I’m also boxing up stuff to be auctioned off–antiques and collectibles. I have quite a few boxes ready and am working diligently on that project. Most of my books are ones I haven’t read. I only have a few keepers–like my Gone with the Wind book that I’ve had since I was 15 or 16. After I read a book, I pass it on to someone else. It’s time to go through my closet. I have way too many “work clothes”–ones for when I will get grubby. I just need to toss most of those. It seems to be a never ending process!
Thanks for the giveaway.
may_dayzee@yahoo.com
I can relate, Kay. It’s a never ending process. How wonderful that you have your copy of Gone with the Wind!
I usely gife things i cant use away, but i kept a few pieces of clothing of my moms my son and my dads
i would love to win this book
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
I am so sentimental when it comes to my parents and children, but most of the clothes are gone. I say most, because every once in a while I’ll run into a little pair of swim trunks or something from my sons, and I’m glad I have them. So I must hide them for myself.
I, too, like to keep most of my books! And I have a stash of fabric that I can’t part with. (Both of which get added to from time to time.) I also tend to hold onto things for their sentimental value. So a couple of years ago when I had to move from a home of over 1500 square feet to an apartment of about half that size I found it very difficult to get rid of things. I still have boxes of stuff that need going through & purging. However, I do have to say that I am getting a little better with my daughter’s help. I must also add that, even though clothes are not something that I tend to hang on to, I do have one dress that I have had for several years (I bought it with the incentive of losing a few pounds) & never worn. I keep hoping that I will eventually get into it.
Thanks for the contest! And congrats to Juanita C. for being the winner of the folded star & one of your books. I know she’ll enjoy them both!
Mary E
mdegram218@centurylink.net
Thank you, Mary! Oh dear, if I had to move into an apartment I’d be in trouble! My husband moved his office last month and said he was amazed how much he’d accumulated in five years at his old office.
I used to be really bad about hanging on to “stuff”. Now I’m retired and living with my daughter, so I’ve really sized down a lot! Not unhappy about any of it because it’s just “stuff”!
I appreciate your blogs and your giveaways! Thank you so much for sharing just a small part of your life! God Bless!
You are so right, Carol! It’s just stuff. If you happen to read this reply please make note that I need an email address or contact info if you wish to enter to win a book. Thank you!
My big hang up is shoes and pocketbooks i hope i win kimingram6@yahoo.com have a good week,everyone.
Shoes and pocketbooks sound more interesting than my stockpile of sweatpants. Although, now that I think about it, I do have a few extra pocketbooks that I haven’t used for years, and are still in good condition …
LOL Kate, I too think maybe my “stuff ” will keep a Hurricane from blowing my my. house away, or the walls from collapsing. 🙂 Hope so. Not so much my poor floor tho. You are right. I need really bad to rid this house of a lot. So hard to do. I need lots of help, and am such a procrastinator . Still I say, someday, and keep getting books. And, hard trying to take somewhere in the city. Well, if I die feel sorry for the kids. Take care and GOD bless you. Maxie mac26(at)me(dot)com
My sister and I had our hands full when our father died at age 88. Sure is easier when you have a sister to help who’s extremely tidy. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that gene, but I try.
my hubby will tell you i have books like crazy. i love my books. i dont your book Pennsylvania Patchwork i would love to win it. God bless you and your family
houswife(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for entering the contest, Ida! I love books too!
I do get attached to things. But I do try to give away stuff. The only things I keep have sentimental value and of course my books. Have to keep them. To later read them again.
Janna
brs882(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like your well centered, Janna! Thanks for your comment!
Hi Kate, just wanted to say hello and let you know ,I’m terrible about holding onto things,including books.I do share my books but I expect them back because I want complete sets.I live in a small apt but pay for a 8/10 storage building for everything from a to z lots of things I could give away in case someone had a fire and I could help that way as I actually did once.I keep my seasonal clothing in there yard sale items, Christmas decorations and much much more.I’m always thinking someone may need this or that and I would gladly give it to them.We can’t take anything with us when God calls us home so for me nothing is worth keeping forever on this earth.I would love a chance to win your package.Blessings to you I really enjoy your books,Linda
Well, isn’t that the truth, Linda? We can’t take it with us! I made a decision several years ago: all our Christmas decorations that didn’t get put away, got given away. That doesn’t mean we still don’t have tons …
I have a hard time getting rid of things my husband has given me through the years, i.e. clothes I’ve either outgrown or my taste has changed, cards he’s sent to me, little knick-knacks, just anything that will remind me of his thoughtfulness. I am sentimental! Loved your post got me to thinking and would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity. Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
Thanks for your comment, Linda! In your place, I would have a very hard time giving things away too. How lovely to hear you had a thoughtful husband.
The only thing I want to keep are books. I love to keep books. They’re so special to me. Maybe that’s selfish since I could share them with people who cannot afford to buy any books. Please enter my name in the giveaway . Thank you for this opportunity to participate.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for your comment, Barbara! I find that usually when I lend books out, they don’t return, so I’m better giving them away … or keeping them!
I have a hard time getting rid of things. My hubby calls me a clutter bug. I’d love to win a book.
There are a lot worse things in life than being a clutter bug, Sharma! To enter the giveaway, please leave an email address or contact info …
I have moved so often that I am always getting rid of things. I just moved again this year! I still drag along memories important to me. We have adult sons and they don’t seem interested in the memories I’ve kept- now what do I do? Our oldest son said to me, “Take a picture of the memory, Mom, and then you can look at it when you want and it won’t take up space.” So, I did that very thing- I took pictures of all the memories before I sold them!!!! sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo)dot)com
Your son has a dandy idea! Thanks for sharing it with me. I thought if I saved my two sons’ books, their kids would love reading them, but instead they’ve accumulated a stockpile of their own.
I do much the same as you do except if it is household items I place them on the steps into the house from the attached garage.(the route that family chooses to enter my home) They are then there for the taking by my family. If the items remain after family visits I then put them into my car to deliver to GoodWill. Clothing accumulates in a shopping bag in the bottom of my closet & when the bag is full, off to GoodWill that goes, as well.
Okay, Darlene, you’ve inspired me to go to the Goodwill drop-off, not far from our house. I notice you have not left an email address, needed to enter to win a book. Thanks!
We haven’t moved in 19 yrs, so we’ve accumulated a lot of things, but I try to keep a giveaway pile in my basement, waiting for ARC, library donations or church rummage sales. Hard to part w/much loved books though. It’s my one weakness. 🙂 Your books look good~ haven’t read them yet. Karen R. kjrochon40@msn.com
Thanks for your comment, Karen. Sounds as though you have a good system going! I’d love you to read one of my books!
I’m trying again .
I really need to do some more sorting and down sizing as soon as it cools down . No AC up stairs that has become a storage aria . Want one of the 2 rooms to be a spare bed room again . I want what we do keep for Christmas & other seasonal needs to be neat & orderly . I sort every year & give things away . It’s almost that time again .
Yay, Mary, you commented! This year is zooming past, is it not? Soon I’ll need my warmer clothes and seasonal decorations!
I love owning books! I have so many. But you can never have enough. Each book is like a friend. I would love to add your books to my collection. They sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win!
tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net
Thanks for your comment, Sally! Some books I’m very attached to; some not so much. But all are hard to give away. Yet I do periodically go through and sift.
Oh, Kate! I can SO relate to this post, I’m afraid! I can’t seem to get rid of ANYTHING. I have so many collections: books, music, movies, dolls, angels, pretty lights/candles & holders, etc. – the good thing is that I live alone, & my collections aren’t bothering anyone else. I keep clothes in hopes that I can fit in them again – some day. I would be devastated if I had to live without books or music! I’m sure my life would feel more organized if I could make myself get rid of a lot of things.
Thanks for your comment. I bet your collections are lovely! Please leave me an email address or contact info.
Sorry!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks!
O my goodness I love hats. I wish they were the in thing for ladies. I still wear mine I love to wear them to church. You have some lovely hats. I would love one if you want to throw my way. 🙂
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
I have a giveaway bag, Diana, not a throwaway bag! The two I am giving away are not the greatest and have small brims that don’t protect the face from sun. I’d love to see what you have! Very rarely do I see a woman in church wearing a hat. What a great way for me to hide my bad hair days!
I only hold on to things that are good memories
I still have the things my girls made in kindergarten….those macaroni jewelry boxes made out of margerine tubs !!! Cards, special paper Christmas ornaments etc. My girls are now in their 30’s…BUT Now I get those priceless treasures from my 4,6 & 9 yr old granddaughters!!! I love to keep all the books that I enjoyed because I read them several times
godskid91@gmail.com
Good memories are hard to let go, Rita! I also reread books I’ve really enjoyed, even long ones. Thanks for your comment!
I have found a great way to decide what to keep and what to give away out of my closet. When I change seasons, I hang the coat hangers backwards and turn them around as I wear an item. At the end of the season, whatever is still on a backwards hanger gets donated.
Very clever, Martha! This past summer there are items that never got worn … still I might want them next year, according to my illogical logic
Martha, I just noticed you did not leave an email address or contact info.
I already have both books so I’m not entering the contest!
I hang on to things, figuring I will need it someday. Twice a year, I go through our clothes though, and donate them to other homeschool families.
Going through your clothes twice a year sounds practical, intelligent and generous, Anne!
Thanks for writing!
Thank you Kate. I am looking forward to getting the folded star and your book. Thank you so much.
Let me know when they arrive, Juanita! Congratulations!
I tend to not keep things. I’m constantly going through closets, cabinets and drawers to find those treasures we haven’t touched in months and put them in a box and move it to the shed for our yearly garage sale. Sometimes though I end up rebuying something because shortly after I let it go I end up needing one. I have certain authors that I buy and keep all their books, the others I donate to the school or local library. If our library doesn’t need the copy they put it in their for sale books. Thanks for the giveaway.
You sound like my sister, Mary. She’s fantastic at getting rid of unneeded items even if it means be buying them again. I unfortunately did not inherit those DNA.
If you stop by this way again please leave your email address or contact info, required to enter the contest so I can contact the winner.
Oh my goodness…I start out with good intentions when I sort through closets of clothing to give to goodwill. There are some I can part with BUT there are too many I can’t, so they hang in the closet for another 6 months to a year. My husband is worse than me! He can’t part with comfy broken down boots and shoes. Is there any help for any of us who like to hang on to things??
Blessings!
Judy B
If you can find help, Judy, let me know about it! All of a sudden, summer is over in the Northwest, so now would be a perfect time to sift through those clothes. And shoes. I notice you didn’t leave an email address or contact info. If you’re entering to win a book please come back and do so. Thanks!