Am I the only one who has hung on to arts and crafts projects their children did while in elementary school? Why can’t I give myself permission to toss some of them away? On the top shelf of a basement closet, an open cardboard box contains many drawings. Up too high for me to actually see, and I can’t bring myself to fetch a step stool and tackle the chore. I was guilty of storing drawings I did in college, stowed away in my parents’ big old home until we sold their house. Not that my father didn’t beg me many times to get rid of them.
What should I do with my sons’ and my mother’s works of art? Years ago, my mom sculpted this woman from Tibet.
Several of our son’s drawings and paintings are framed and hang on the wall. Same goes for my mother’s beautiful sculptures. Those are keepers-works of art. But where should I hang and place photos of future generations?
I was delighted when our older son and his wife and our two grandkids left after Easter dinner with a car full of books, baseball cards, and memorabilia left over from our son’s childhood. And a rebounder recommended to me by an Old Order Amish woman in her young 80s who claims they enhance health. She uses hers 20 minutes every day while she prays. In my enthusiasm I bought one too large for our already crowded basement. Hurray! Our granddaughter decided she can practice gymnastics on mine and begged to take it home. I was ecstatic.
I can’t bear to give away my sons martial arts uniforms.
How about our sons’ sports team jackets and trophies? Not to mention their marshal arts uniforms and belts?
I enjoy seeing books on a bookcase, but the beautiful set of encyclopedia Britannica my father gave my sons is obsolete. I’m not even sure who would take them as a donation. What would you do with them?
I consider how most Amish keep their home clean every day. Our house is clean but a clutter most of the time. A thought: if I clean the house thoroughly enough I’ll come across my missing watch. I clean my house as often as I can though. I like it to look as presentable as possible, particularly if we’re expecting guests. The other day, I was reading some independent opinions on handheld vacuums and I decided to treat myself to a new vacuum. I’ve wanted one for a while and reading a bunch of appliance reviews really swung it for me. It’s going to make my weekly clean much easier! Homeowners should learn these overlooked Cleaning Spots in order to deep clean your home and provide a healthier environment for your family. Additionally, homeowners may hire professional house cleaning services like house cleaning in Pflugerville TX.
Hopefully the next time I’m cleaning, my missing watch will turn up. I’ve actually just bought a new vacuum cleaner which is very exciting (not!) I did lots of research on websites like cleanthatfloor.com so I knew exactly which one to buy. Hopefully, it’ll motivate me to clean a little more often now! I know I’m not a huge fan of cleaning, and neither is my friend, so she told me she’s recently had an exhaust fan installed in her home (by a company like https://acelectrical.ca/services/ventilation-and-exhaust-fans/) to make the air a little cleaner and to prevent as much dust from piling up on her surfaces. I thought this was such a great idea, so I’m debating getting one too. But anyway, let’s hope this little spring clean I do will make that watch turn up…
Do you tend to hang on to sentimental things the way I do? Any suggestions for de-cluttering? Do you attempt a thorough spring-cleaning or try to keep your home neat all year round? What inspires you to keep a tidy household? How do you deal with your loved-ones possessions? If you ever need a helping hand with deep cleaning or regular upkeep, Diamond Home Support Plymouth offers professional services to keep your home looking its best. A clean and organized space can make a world of difference in reducing stress and creating a more peaceful living environment.
I’ve also learned that consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a peaceful and orderly environment. Recurring home cleaning keeps your space fresh without the hassle. Adopting a regular cleaning routine has not only helped me manage the everyday chaos but has also allowed me the time and mental space to assess what truly matters. With every clean-up session, I’m more mindful about the things I choose to keep, and I find that a well-maintained home becomes a sanctuary where past memories and present life can coexist harmoniously, while if I want to do some remodeling to the house I always can count with the Turnkey home builder Phoenix to help me out in this area.
Ultimately, finding the balance between honoring sentimental keepsakes and keeping a tidy home is an ongoing process. Whether it’s through periodic decluttering, investing in smart cleaning solutions, or even seeking professional assistance when needed, the goal is to create an environment that supports both emotional well-being and practicality. I’d love to hear your tips and experiences on managing sentimental clutter—what methods have helped you maintain that delicate balance between preserving memories and embracing a clutter-free life?
I know a lot of people who are like me. They have certain items that they just can’t bear the thought of getting rid of, especially if they concern your family’s achievements. Or even just pieces of furniture that you’ve had for a long time and you can’t think of anything worse than removing all the memories from your house. Gosh, I sound a bit like a hoarder don’t I? In fact, one of my friends was like this, and she ended up using a company called Boombox Storage, (visit here for more information) who came to her house, picked up her clutter, and stored it away in one of their facilities. Not only does it mean that she isn’t completely getting rid of it, but she also has more room to store other things in her house because all that clutter has gone. It’s actually genius if you ask me. So, are you like this, or do you do something else? I’d love to know.
Win these two delightful Amish-made dolls, John and Rebecca, made in Lancaster County, PA
Please leave a comment and enter to win two delightful Amish-made dolls, John and Rebecca, made in Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed copy of a novel from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. USA and Canada. Winner chosen at random and has three days to respond. Winner announced on next week’s Blog.
I’m in the process of spring cleaning now. I have a living room floor covered in stuff to donate. I am sentimental and keep very special things, but other things that don’t have a true meaning I usually purge. Thanks for the chance to win the Amish dolls and signed book.
Thanks for writing, Cindy. My problem seems to be I’m too sentimental about too many things. Good luck on your cleaning project and in this giveaway!
Kate
I an very sentimental and it is hard to part with anything. I do some spring cleaning but mostly keep things clean and tidy so not too many major projects. I tend to keep every card someone sent but have a purge now and then. A flooded basement took care of a lot of stuff. I guess it doesn’t hurt anybody except for that someone who deals with it after I’m gone! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Sorry to hear you had a flooded basement, but that is certainly one way to purge the unnecessary collections. I try to keep up with my cleaning all the time also, but my mass collection of sentimental memorabilia is taking over. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to keep up with spring cleaning daily to allergies.But not sure it really works.But when your home is clean I think it tricks the mind.And make me feel better.And clean home is a great feeling.
I agree, Peggy, a clean home is a good feeling. I try to keep ours up, but it’s a never ending challenge. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The weather inspires me to clean. When it’s nice outdoors and I can open the windows it just gets me in the mood for cleaning. Keeping it clean is much easier now that my sons have moved into their own place. Now it’s basically just the kitchen counters. It’s where we tend to drop things as we come into the house. That’s always a struggle. But we respect one another’s belongings and just out then where they belong. By the time winter is over in I’m thankful to be able to spring clean.
I would love your spring weather, Lindy! I wish I could open all the windows, but doubt it’s even 50. Our kitchen is our problem area too, partly due to bills and junk mail. We give away unwanted clothing, but even that’s hard if it’s something I might need … Always an excuse. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I try to purge twice a year. I use the long winter days to sort through closets and storage areas. Spring is for washing walls, windows and such. I donate unwanted items to local thrift store.
It sounds as though you have an excellent routine, Michelle. I would love to put away my spring clothing, but it’s too cold. Thus, I end up with too many articles of clothing out at one time. Good for you for being so organized. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Yes I’m one that hangs on to my kids and grandkids special items. It’s hard to let go things from their childhood. I don’t think it’s ever too late to clean. My house definitely needs spring cleaning. I would love to win the Amish dolls. I love all things Amish especially reading books about the amish. Thank you for a chance to win.
Thanks for writing, Barbara, and letting me know I’m not the only one who hangs on to their children’s special items. And now my grandkids? Where will it all fit? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think spring cleaning can be done whenever the urge hits you, doesn’t matter if it’s winter! Unfortunately, the urge doesn’t hit me very often.
Cleaning doesn’t hit me very often either, Teresa, but eventually I face the fact it must be done. Part of my problem is too much stuff, not to mention the never ending gifts of junk mail and bills from the post office. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to do a real thorough “spring” and “fall” cleaning every year, but do find myself holding on to sentimental things as I love to look on them and think back at the wonderful memories. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win these Amish dolls and book!
Thanks for helping change my perspective, Tiffany. I do love to think back on wonderful memories. However, I hope to receive homemade gifts from our grandkids … hard to win. speaking of winning, good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have the next 3 days off and hope to get some cleaning done, too.
A person can get a lot of spring cleaning done in three days … if they make room for the next season. Our household seems to be stuck between seasons and stuffed. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Donna!
Kate
i try to keep things that my grandmother or my kids made. other things i might take pictures of…my attic would be more than overflowing if i kept everything
Some of my favorite photos are of my grandma in her CT garden, Amy. Someday I will have to start rearranging the photos so I can have more of my grandkids, several not even framed yet. I may need to go back to keeping photo albums, which are always popular to scan through. We have an attic, but fortunately it’s difficult to get into or it would be full too. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Keeping my house uncluttered is relaxing to me. I am constantly going through and getting rid of things. As far as Spring cleaning, I just got my front porch all scrubbed down and ready for furniture and summer decor. The Amish dolls are adorable. I would love to win them as they would fit well into my decor. Thanks!
If you could only see my bedroom, Cathy … mostly still winter clothing as it is only 49 out, but I’m tired of dressing in dark colors, You’ve just given me a good encouragement to go through and give more away. Wishing you the best in the giveaway!
Kate
I have a problem with hanging on to stuff too! I’m very sentimental. I’ll declutter every once in a while, but I try to just keep things tidy. I put a bunch of my son’s smaller pieces of art and special papers from school in two big scrapbooks, so I still have them but they’re sort of organized. Thanks for the chance to win!
The scrapbooks sound like a terrific organizing trick, Christi! But several of their paintings are framed and on the wall, as our mine … I’m running out of wall space. Every once in a while my sons enjoyed going through my old photo albums, which makes me think your scrapbooks are a good idea. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It’s unreal how much “STUFF” we accumulate! I
Like the idea of switching things out when spring and fall cleaning. That way I don’t get tired of the same Ole decorations and even dishes. I purge the things I haven’t used for a while. That way I don’t feel bad when buying a new item. Lol . Purge clothing when seasons change also. I like a clean non cluttered living space. I’ve learned less is more!
You have an excellent routine, Sheila! I really must do some clothes purging. I do switch out my clothes with the seasons, eventually when it gets warm, but I never thought to switch out dishes. What a fun idea. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am very sentimental. I keep everything. I am going to buy a scanner to scan in pictures i want to remember forever and pictures too. Then I will down load them into a memmory stick to be put in my strong box.
That is a great idea, Sara, one that was recommended to us by our insurance company, but we haven’t done. Our valuable items are the memories we experience when we see them. Thanks for leaving your terrific comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
When you find the answer let me know! My mother saved my brothers art work from the 1930 s! They were 18 yrs older than me! There coloring pages are still in her chest in my basement,both have passed on!I can’t part either.
I can certainly empathize with you, Judy. Fortunately at my father’s estate sale, a good friend bought one of my mother statues and displays it in her living room. (She had died many years earlier.) Please let me know if you find a solution. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I work a lot so normally I would try to keep a clean house all the time. Monday through Friday I do what has to be done. Weekends I get more in depth. I don’t really do spring cleaning but I do get out when it’s nice and clean windows which is best done with newspaper.
I agree that newspaper is the best for cleaning any glass, Bettina. I try to keep ahead on cleaning. Working out of our home I’ve learned to ignore messes when I’m on a deadline and keep focussed. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I totally understand not throwing things away — especially something my kids or grandkids made or gave me! I need to do lots of spring cleaning! I try to keep it up once I get it done but it is really hard for me to stay ahead of things! Good luck!!
Thanks for your sympathy, Tammy. I can’t even picture myself throwing away something one of our sons gave us. Leave that chore for the next generation? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have such a hard time getting rid of so many things.I thinkle my Spring cleaning is going to roll right into my Summer cleaning. Lol.I’ve been trying to get Amish dolls. Hopefully luck is on my side and I win them. amazing..
I hope luck is on your side too, Karen. Where I live, summer often doesn’t show up until after July 4, so no use putting away my warm clothe yet. It was under 50 on our morning walk. Maybe today I’ll do a little weeding among my winter clothes? Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hire someone. Great idea for family to give a gift certificate for a special occasion for someone who needs help.
Do you mean I should hire someone to help me, Irene? I’m afraid it wouldn’t work because I would be following them around to make sure they didn’t give away something important. LOL. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I spring and fall clean. Curtains, windows, walls and donate thing not used in the last few years. My advise is pace yourself ISO a couple of rooms a day till done. Not getting any younger.
We have two bags filled with future donations, Sandy. I must give credit to my husband for selecting several items he hasn’t worn for many years. He and I have joked that we wished one of us was compulsively neat, but alas, no. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I was sorting out our young daughter’s school papers and photos… a black plastic bag nearby became my holder of fine things and memories of our now college grad. The next day I asked my husband where my bag was for me to continue.Yup, black plastic trash bag and it was gone.
Oh dear, how did you feel about that, Kathleen? I still have our sons’ report cards. Not a good sign when I need more room in our file cabinet … Better not use a plastic bag until I’m ready to say goodbye to them. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to clean out my closet & donate clothes every season. If I can’t wear something for that season, I figure maybe someone else can use it. I also have things in my house that I just can’t get rid of……things my now adult sons made for me or gave me when they were growing up…or even as adults for that matter.
As a break, so I don’t spend the whole day at the computer, I just went up and scanned my closet, but could not find anything to donate, Lorraine. I’ll have to give it another walk-through as I’m sure there are items I haven’t worn for over a year. Much easier to donate clothing than something made by one of our sons! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
So hard to “clean” out memories. I attach sentimental value to just about everything. One thing I would never get rid of is my Amish memorabilia. Can’t get enough of that. These gorgeous doll would be a big plus to my love of the Amish. Now, dust and grit…….gotta go!
There are certain shelves in our living room I won’t let anyone else dust because they hold objects sentimental to me, Debbie. Yet, when our sons were young, I recall one of them breaking a ceramic dish my mother had made. (This was after her death.) I got over it quickly. Still, I think I’ll keep dusting. Thanks for your fun letter. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Glad I’m not alone in this struggle. Not a hoarder but definitely a pack rat. Just this morning saw clothes I REALLY need to donate.
I wish I could zoom in on the clothes I need to donate, Mary Beth. How many pairs of black slacks and jeans do I need? I am not much of a shopper, so it’s unlikely I’d traipse off to go shopping for a special occasion. Maybe I’m a little bit of a pack rat too? Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I had to throw out a ton of pictures I used to use for Scrapbooking because I didn’t have room when I moved. I tend to keep everything. Thank you for this great chance to win the amish dolls
An act of bravery, Myrtle. Thanks for your fun letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It really helps when you downsize, then you keep only what you really need spring cleaning becomes easier. I take pictures of things and make scrapbooks so I have the memories that way I don’t need the stuff. However my Amish things go tucked into my bookcase as a little pick me up. Then as far as other stuff I have quilts or shadow boxes made so my kids have those memories of their things. Another thing I did with there art work from when they were in school I took photos of each piece then I put each photo on a tile and sealed it, next I put felt with their name and artwork by on the back. They can use these as coasters for years and they have the memorie of all the artwork from their years in school.
Wow, you really have some good ideas, Cherese! Thanks for sharing them. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It’s hard to get rid of things that you do not use any more or wear. I say if you have not used it in five years time to get rid of it. I think during the different season is a great way to start to get rid of clutter that somebody else could use or need. I would start with one room at a time or box. Thank’s for a chance to win these adorable dolls. they are so cute and cuddly.
Thanks for sharing your good ideas, Kristina! Starting small is no doubt the best way to go. Our temperatures are still so cool, in the 50s today, which makes it hard to put away winter clothes. Well, I probably shouldn’t put some of them away but rather donate them. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My husband claims I don’t have a sentimental bone in my body. I actually have 1 or 2 but not many more. I grew up with clutter but even as a child was always trying to get my mother (who had come through the Depression)to throw away stuff. Desk drawers were stuffed so tightly they couldn’t be opened and a cupboard that could jeopardize life and limb if opened. There’s nothing that puts me in the mood to clean more than reading a good Amish fiction book!!!
You made me chuckle, Linda! When my husband does the grocery shopping, which he enjoys, I often say “Think Depression,” meaning to stock up on food instead of just getting one dozen eggs. However, I recall my parents going the opposite way and buying tons more food than we could ever use. My mom had a few of those stuffed drawers too. Thanks for your fun letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Need to do some spring cleaning myself. Love the Amish
Hope you enjoy your spring cleaning, Regina!
Kate
I am very sentimental about mementos from my and my children’s childhoods. I am making lists and separating items into four boxes for them.
I’m the same way, Kaye, but our two sons don’t seem to be. But who knows, I could be wrong. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Kate I am the same. Hard for me to get rid of things of my kids and now I have grankids things. I been spring cleaning and I have asked each if they want something so it helps if they take some.I still have a hard time throwing my rock away my youngest son gave me or a drawing from the oldest one and o my how can I throw that coloring page away of my 3 year old grandson gave me.So you see I have issues also. I love dolls and I love those to add to my others. I’m sure they get much love. 🙂
Blessings
Diana
You made me smile, Diana. Fortunately, I seem to lack the neat-as-a-pin DNA or I’d be down in the basement getting rid of things right now. Or at least putting away Easter decorations. Sending you my best wishes in the giveaway!
Kate
I call spring cleaning “the purge”. I love to be organized. I do have sentimental items. But I tend to let go of what I consider clutter sentimental items. Taking everything out of cupboards, closest, storage rooms is the first thing I do. I have boxes lined up to go. I don’t like not knowing where everything is, or what is in a drawer or behind a door. Having a free couple of days to clean in key, without interruption.
I wish I had you here to help me purge, Chrissy. Writing this blog and answering letters has encouraged me to get up several times and do just that. I wish I knew what was in every drawer so I could find my missing watch. Last fall I decided not to take it with me on our trip and I haven’t seen it since. Too much clutter! Thanks for your sage advice and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Sometimes it is easier to have the kids take the things that belong to them home to their house. Then they will usually get rid of them. For some reason their generation has an easier time purging the ‘stuff’ from the past.
You’ve hit the nail on the head, Jayne. Slowly that is happening, but as I said, Slowly. And I was delighted my son and his wife took my mini-trampoline (rebounder) home with them. My dear Amish friend swears by hers for good health and she says many of her other older Amish friends use them too. Who would have thought? Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Deciding what to keep I always ask myself will it give worth in the future or have I used it in the last month. Usually the answer is no 🙁 we have a ladies meeting every other month and we do a shop and swap where we all bring our unneeded items. It’s nice to see them be used again.
Wrong email
I love the idea of swapping clothes, Jen! I have several friends with fantastic wardrobes but they are not close to my size. But at a ladies meeting, I might find someone. I’d love to know my donated clothes were being appreciated and worn. Fun! Thanks for sharing this marvelous idea. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have the same problem with the kids art projects from School years ago. Maybe we should go through them and just keep one for each year they were in school or even make a scrapbook out of them and give them to each one of the children so that they can enjoy them with their families.
One for each year in school, Kim? All 12 grades? That sounds about what I have, only many are three-dimensional. Did I mention the boxes of baseball cards? I probably have no one to blame but myself as I don’t set a very good example. Thanks for taking the time to write. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Yes i do tend to hold on to jerseys that my son wore in baseball or a few things of my daughters like all her jewelery when she was young. I love to look at them when i miss them which is a lot as they live in Ca and I moved to Ia. I also have other things that i just can’t throw out. I don’t clean every day as i am disabled but i try to clean a little every day. Thank you for entering me in your wonderful contest love Amish dolls so cute.
With two grown sons, I still have a few jerseys and baseball jackets too, Peggy. We are fortunate to have one son, his wife, and two darling kids living in the area. I also try to clean a little bit each day, especially in the kitchen, the hub of our household. Once a day I tried to clean off the kitchen table, but by the end of the day, a mess again, what with mail, etc. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I have MS so Spring cleaning is always a major chore. I solved this dilemma by picking just one room every few days and I go through it top to bottom. My favorite room is my kitchen…love spending time in there and it gives me a chance to go through all my inventory and keep better track of what I have in pantry…cupboards, etc.
You have an excellent routine, Michelle. A good one for anybody. I’m sorry you have to suffer through the misery of MS and pray your symptoms lessen. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The only extra cleaning I do each spring involves washing winter bedding & coats & stowing winter clothes. My other things stay out year round.
You have a great attitude, Susan. To some, washing winter bedding, coats, and clothes would be a burden. I’m not putting my cold weather items away yet as we were still in the 50s today. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Keep all the sentimental stuff until you are ready to get rid of it. Boxes can be neatly stacked to hold all of that. We lost our home 3 years ago, and then we lost all we ever owned in storage just a few months later, how I miss all of that “stuff” I was not ready to let go of. Memories are to important to just throw away for the sake of clean and neat. Spring cleaning can be done anytime after winter in my book, lol…I kind of need to get to it as well, I just need to move furniture to clean behind, and appliances, all the heavy stuff my recovering from surgery Hubs can’t move yet. We will be dusty for a bit yet, and that is OK!
Sounds as if you been on a roller coaster ride, Tracie. Thanks for giving me permission to hang on to the stuff I’m not ready to get rid of. I will have more motivation to sift through my clothes when the whether turns warm … if it ever does. I recall an oldie song’s lyrics: “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.” In truth, I rarely miss something I’ve donated nor do I notice dust in other people’s homes. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I get in the mood and either tackle closets by ridding them of old clothes or I will decide to clean the house. I will also wash bedding and towels. With working full-time it doesn.t get done as often as it should. One thing I try faithfully to do is the dishes after supper. I don.t like a dirty kitchen.
A good idea, Brenda. Waking up in the morning to a sink full of dirty dishes seems to get the day off to a bad start. Although it might work for some people. My mother used to do a quick walk-through of the house and tidy the living room before bed so it would be neat for her first thing. I try … but when on a deadline I let certain things slide, such as folding the laundry. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have accumulated so much in the past 39 years.I have been in the process of decluttering but I had a setback due to sickness.I am at the point that I feel like I am being overwhelmed by all this stuff.I haven’t really made a dent in it all.I just want to get everything done and organized and finally be able to breathe and have some time for me.
One day at a time, Jackie? We have accumulated much living in our home for over 30 years … it does feel overwhelming. I doubt I’ll ever get Everything done and organized, but I keep chipping away at it. Good luck on making a dent and in this giveaway!
Kate
I know first hand after moving 2 house almost 2 years ago – that I still have way too much stuff – much of it just memories and stuff – Mom’s bracelet when she was a teen, Dad’s mementos from Korea – but I still cannot part with them. As for cleaning – hire a house keeper!!! It is my treat to me and worth every penny.
Having a housekeeper come in definitely makes you pick up the clutter, Connie. My husband insisted I hire another after our last one suddenly died. Very sad and we loved her. She only came once a month, but it did force me to sort and file papers and generally pick up the house. The mementos you have from your parents sound like keepers. It’s not as though your dad collected cars or anything that takes up too much space. Thanks for writing!
Kate
I have the same problem, Kate. I don’t know how to part with my things either. I collect several things …. Dolls, foreign money, and of course books! I have a hard time getting rid of stuff. I am very sentimental. I try to spring clean but usually end up keeping most of the stuff I should be throwing away. Thank you for the chance!
dowelljanet@hotmail.com
The only tip I have is to ask God for strength which is the best thing to do. He understands and always gives us strength.
I try to do spring and fall cleaning and I still keep to many things, I just cannot part with things from my wonderful GRANDCHILDREN
Sounds as though you have the same problem I do, Lois. Only mine spans several generations. When you figure out the solution, please let me know. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Yes there is a lot of things that I tend to hold on to, but they are organized and neatly put away. I try to keep my house tidy all year long. I can’t help it with OCD.
If you have OCD, yours is being put to good use, Megan. My husband and I have often joked that we wished one of us was compulsively neat. If your items are organized in neatly put away, you sound in excellent shape. Congratulations, and good luck in the giveaway! Kate
I try to spring clean and fall clean!! Sometimes it is hard to let go of things!! I just keep reminding myself that they are only things and I don’t need to keep all of them!! There are more important things such as love and spending time with our families!! Happy Cleaning!!
I will keep your excellent advice in mind, Molly. I don’t need to keep everything. Love and spending time with our families definitely comes first. Thanks for your encouraging remarks and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I hang onto lots if sentimental items. So many, I have filked two cedar chests. I thunk its time to get a new chest.
Oh dear, Cecillia, I forgot about our two chests, which we do use for woolens … and more. It wouldn’t hurt me to dig through them. Who knows what I might find? Thanks for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I’m a procrastinator. I’m going thru things now, things I should have gone thru years ago. I dislike having to shred everything, don’t get me wrong I recycle. Just it is more time consuming to have to shred everything. I believe once I get caught up i’ll do it as I go.
My husband kindly took boxes of old bank statements to work to shred for me a couple months ago, Lisa. I tear off our name and address from every catalog now. Sad, but a couple years ago my credit card was “borrowed” three times in two months. Now, I keep it in a little sleeve, but credit card theft is on the rise … Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I wanted a spare room but the room was full of stuff . I had 2 of my daughters help get rid of stuff stored there . They took some they wanted & other things they gave to others . My 1 daughters big flat screen TV was there so we had a girls night of watching a movie & snacks when it was done . She now has her TV so I’ll put another one there for more fun evenings . We cleaned while we sorted the clutter , theirs & mine . I pick a room & & go through all the drawers & shelves . I try to downsize as much as I can giving my kids my paper books & putting them on my Kindle I do this off & on all year round . I clean as I sort not just Spring cleaning . I’m not up to Spring cleaning the hole house .
Spending time with two daughters helping you sounds fun, Mary. Having their company must have been great. I know our older son and his wife have limited storage space, and I like to keep a few toys and board games in the basement for our grandkids to play with. Still, what to do with the trophies and Encyclopedia Britannica my father kindly gave our sons, not to mention their artwork? Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve got to much of my mom’s and kids and grandkids things,I’m the same don’t know what to do with them I try and clean when it’s bad out , I take one room at a time.that way when it’s warm and sunny out I can go on the porch sat in my swing and read a book?
Relaxing and reading on your swing sounds a lot more fun than housecleaning, Barbara! Today, it’s raining again and I should tackle one chore … but I’m doing this and much prefer it. Thanks for your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate