accumulating "stuff" + purging

[disykat]

I've been looking for a buy nothing group in my area and having trouble finding one. The Facebook ones closest to me only accept people from specific neighborhoods. My son who lives in a city uses it all the time.

 

[emer95]

Our local Buy Nothing Facebook group has been a God-send for me to get rid of stuff! I’m a teacher, so every summer I go through my house room by room and empty out (and wash) every cupboard, drawer, closet, etc. We’ve had 5 years of college kids being in and out of the house, so there’s a semi-empty nest here. But it really is true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I’m thrilled to see my stuff go to someone who will really use it. I also donate or throw out a lot. The great thing is after all of that hard work getting rid of things, it makes me have zero desire to bring anything else into the house unless it’s completely necessary. I’m not exactly a minimalist but I can see myself heading in that direction. An empty drawer or cupboard is blissful to me.

 

[indimom]

How often do people go through their homes to reduce clutter? In the past it was something I did as a large project, all at one, like prepping for a yard sale as the kids were growing up. Now I just take it as I find it... I cleaned out a kitchen cabinet just this week and tossed a waffle maker and George Foreman grill that hadn't seen the light of day in several years. They both worked, I considered boxing them to sell or taking them to Goodwill, but I know they just would have sat in that box in the garage for another lengthy period of time. So, I made myself put them in the trash.

What are your tried and true tips? Be brutally honest with yourself: are you really going to use it or appreciate it? Momentos are fine, but if they are in a box in a closet, are you really appreciating them?
If they idea of decluttering seems overwhelming, break it down, one closet at a time, one shelf at a time, or one room at a time, whatever works for you.

Do you sell or donate? Both.

Do you continue to buy "stuff?" Sadly, I still do. But it's at a much slower rate. I still get sucked in by pretty new towels or a cute fruit bowl or whatever. I just need to learn how to toss the old stuff when I buy the new. That's where I go wrong.

Do you give "stuff" to other people as gifts? Meaning do I give gifts that come in a box rather than gift cards or tickets to events? I do all of the above. I try to be thoughtful about what I buy.

Have you had any luck getting people to stop giving you "stuff" as gifts? Honestly, I never really tried. I enjoy gift giving and receiving. I just need to learn to limit my inventory and move things out as new items move in.

 

[ratherbeshiny]

Ahhh 'stuff'. I grew up in a house positively overflowing with it! It has been interesting to see how as a child I mimicked my parents, and developed into an adult who does the opposite!

Do you still continue to buy 'stuff'?
I decided to no longer have any collections (for example, I had a fairly large collection of vintage dachshund ornaments - can you stand it!) which significantly reduced the amount of 'stuff' we have. It was SUPER hard at first, but now (almost ten years later) I don't even think about it! I have also moved almost all of my collections on by selling or donating.

Not buying per say, but I also stopped keeping things - boxes/packaging, travel stuff (train tickets, maps, programmes, napkins etc), greeting cards, paper mail, conference swag, wedding favours - if I don't bring it in the house, I don't think about it again. If I do, it runs the risk of becoming a sentimental item I find hard to part with!

Do you give 'stuff' to other people as gifts?
Rarely.

Have you had any luck getting people to stop giving you 'stuff' as gifts?
Yes! My husband and I haven't bought each other anything in years. Our parents very rarely do. I think it helps that gifts aren't a big deal in my circles, so it isn't really met with resistance.

 

[slo]

If you asked my family they would tell you how much I love getting rid of stuff - LOL!
I hate to much clutter - it drives me crazy and it’s hard to clean around to much clutter.

Items that are in good condition goes to a thrift shop that is owned by a local private Christian school where proceeds help with the costs of the school.

Items in so so condition go to Goodwill - they can decide if they want to put it out to sell or throw away.

 

[sk!mom]

but my closet is half empty, so why bother?

My DH often says something similar. Our attic is empty, our cars fit in the garage, we have room so “how is it hurting you?”

I bother because I don’t want my kids to have to deal with a bunch of stuff that makes them shake their heads and roll their eyes. They will have to deal with a whole house of necessary and used things. I don’t want to saddle them with ancient memorabilia, old paperwork, clothes that haven’t been worn in years, and clutter.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

Since several of us are in the middle of cleaning out homes I've been thinking about this even more than usual. I am not a hoarder by any means, pretty minimal, but I do have lots of books, music, dishware, etc. Every year as I put away Christmas decor etc. I try to reduce a bit, but even not being a "stuff" person it is hard to get rid of things I love!

How often do people go through their homes to reduce clutter?

I do it annually, or when we move. The yearly one gets rid of items in the house we haven't used in the last year, or clothes that are good but don't fit/aren't our style or are too worn. The moving purge hits things like the garage and storage closets, where things sit for a long time.

What are your tried and true tips?

I have to convince DH things need to go. If it's something of mine, it's easier to get rid of; things DH is involved with takes some work...lol For someone who claims he isn't attached to stuff, he certainly holds onto things he likes or feels he needs...

We're doing a big purge when it cools down, and getting rid of all the old camping equipment that is taking up space in the garage. We'll keep the camping grills and lanterns, but the tents and sleeping bags and such have been in storage for at leats 8 years. I've just got DH to agree that if we want to camp again, we can get some newer, better sized for us, items. No need for several single person/2 people pup tents anymore, lol.
Anyways, if it hasn't been used in a year, it goes into the 'can we lose this' pile, and if it sits there another few months, then yes, it goes.


Do you sell or donate?

I sell the items that are worth selling, that will make me some good money back. Right now, I have 3 computer monitors sitting on my dining room table, that we're selling on Marketplace, because they are still in great condition....we just upgraded to newer, bigger ones! Clothes and stuff like that, I'll either drop at Goodwill, or put it up for free on Craigslist.

Do you continue to buy "stuff?"

it depends on 'stuff'. I upgraded my dishes and pots and pans last year, so yes on things like that. We also bought things that we never had on hand before, like certain types of glasses for drinks (i.e. coupe glasses, Tiki mugs); and we buy books and 4K movies. We are usually upgrading our stuff when we buy new, now that there are no dogs or young kids in the house regularly.
Do you give "stuff" to other people as gifts?

Sometimes. DD#2 wants mugs from everywhere; DD#1 likes gnomes. The grandkids get toys and books, so that's stuff, I guess.

Have you had any luck getting people to stop giving you "stuff" as gifts?

Mostly. We ask for things like keychains or other small souvenirs from when the kids go on vacations, to cut down on the random 'stuff' that they used to bring home.

I think after I finish my parent's home, I'll do a big declutter on my own home and then maybe an annual purge? I plan to do a BIG purge at least by age 75 (and then keep it up) so I'll be ready move or at least be done with some of the physical WORK of downsizing before potential age-related health issues.

I tussle with my husband over trying to get him to empty some of the harder to reach places like an attic space over the garage. He is starting to agree with me that we have plenty of storage more accessible and there is no need to have stuff up there, but feels no rush. I started this campaign when I had a frozen shoulder a few years back and couldn't handle the folding staircase. He ignored me and guess who has frozen shoulder now?

Anyone want to discuss the nitty gritty of "stuff" management?

As for me, I did a pretty good purge at the beginning of COVID, but that has been several years and I'm noticing a creep. I have a big "grandchild closet" for my non-existent grandchildren, but it's organized well and should be easy to offload. DH has more of a tendency to keep things that will be garbage to other people than I do. (In my opinion, of course!)

 

[easyas123]

I have no tips or methods, nor do I have a set time frame such as once a year to go thru stuff. I usually look around and just think "to much stuff". My in-laws are hoarders, as in house & sheds full of stuff / need to make a path to get to one room from another/could be on the TV show type hoarders...we find ourselves going the opposite direction! I do try very hard to get rid a shoes & older clothes equal to any new shoes & clothes I bring into the house, same with decorative items and seasonal items. Over the years it's been easier and easier to throw stuff out, it's almost a relief to clear out once in a while for us.

 

[CdnCarrie]

How often do people go through their homes to reduce clutter?
I just do it on a ongoing basis with a box for donations. Clothes I have a spot in my closet that I move rarely worn things to. If the item is still in the spot a year later I donate it.

What are your tried and true tips?
Just donate/sell stuff! You won't regret it.

Do you sell or donate?
Bit of both. I'm not trying to sell stuff for $5. Majority is donated.

Do you continue to buy "stuff?"
We don't have a lot of disposable income to just buy "stuff". I do buy clothes but just what I need plus maybe couple pretty new shirts a year. But I donate 2-3 shirts a year so it evens out.

Do you give "stuff" to other people as gifts?
Um yup my kids still want Playstation games and lego. And my younger nieces/nephews often get stuff for their new apartments as gifts or else gift cards.
Seniors we buy for mostly gift cards these days unless we know of something they need like new slippers.

Have you had any luck getting people to stop giving you "stuff" as gifts?
I don't have an issue with receiving a bunch of unwanted gifts!


Looking around my house for decluttering this is what I see

family room/living room area - only "stuff" is in the china cabinet. But if the china or fancy dishes had to go it has to go. I guess I could go through it and weed out a few pieces.

kitchen - on occasion I will donate something we don't use. Thinking we could go through the pantry as some small appliances could go (MIckey toaster for one...). Only have a handful of cookbooks but I do use them sporadically.

family room - only stuff in there are the kids' gaming systems. They will take them when they leave.

bedroom (not kids...) - I have some childhood stuff I took out of my mom's like an old doll in the back of the walk-in closet. Also a few shelves of photo albums and genealogy stuff. No need to get rid of any of this yet. Couple drawers dedicated to travel - old magic bands, GPS, ponchos - could clean this out.

basement - one shelf of old scrapbooking stuff could maybe sell. Husband and I each have some boxes in the storage space of old report cards, diplomas, loose photos, yearbooks. Kids can toss when we are gone if still around. Christmas stuff is there but we don't have an abundance of it - 6 foot artificial tree, some boxes of ornaments, a few other decorations that we put up. All in half empty crawl space. There is a tent that we could probably sell. Old high chair I kept in case we have a grandchild but it's folded up and not taking up space.
One part of the basement has old toys but one kid is still living with us so I'm in no rush to get rid of them. Handful of board games. Could maybe donate some of those as they never get played.
I think husband has one shelf of movies and CDs but not a huge amount.

garage - maybe a few old baseball gloves, skateboards, sleds, tucked in a corner. But besides that just room enough for 2 cars and bikes. We don't have rafters or any overhead storage.

We don't have an attic or a shed.

 

[Mysterian]

I'm in the process of de-cluttering. Multiple big-ol' trash bags worth thus far. When that's done, I will sort some more, with some things going to Goodwill, others to sell.
I had a lot of stuff in storage, slowing being phased out.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Most of our stuff tends to be garage related. When it's getting hard to walk around it's time to do some sprucing up (which we're almost at that point of doing that). In the 3rd car bay side is the workshop but also the lawn mower (and during the winter the snow thrower) and the car jack along with the stands, the glass recycling box, the air compressor, the lawn sprayers, etc. Eventually things just get out of place. A few years back we did do a bigger purge of getting rid of things that had been hanging around the garage for too long..like a broken lamp, a spray mop missing parts, etc. And around that time we built shelves in nooks in the garage which helped out a lot. One side has all the lawncare stuff (fertilizer, grass seed, etc).

As far as old stuff? That's mostly childhood/college-aged stuff that either was in our parent's house then shifted to ours when we got one or moved from place to place (the college-aged stuff) without going through it. While it's clutter it's not in the way clutter presently speaking so that is probably why it's not high on the list. Most is in the basement but some is in another room upstairs. When the basement gets finished eventually that will be the big push to go through that stuff. But right now it's sorta a box or tub here and there.

When we had a garage sales years back I did go through some tubs. Since then we haven't had another garage sale but I have a spot in the basement where I'm trying to be good and immediately put stuff in that area for whenever we have another one.

One thing my husband had is shirts set aside that he didn't wear much anymore because they weren't quite the good fit for him. He's so tall and skinny that it's hard to find nicer shirts that fit. When we got a sewing machine last year he found himself pulling out those old shirts that he wasn't really enamored with anymore to practice altering/taking in so that was actually nice to have. I actually think he ended up pulling 2 of them out to wear again.

I recently decided to do some better organization of certain food in our pantry (mainly pasta) as well as move the sugar, flour and powdered sugar from canisters that were not technically airtight but they were pretty and a gift from my mother-in-law (for the purposes of storing these items) into actual airtight canisters. I also consolidated the salt into an airtight container. Over the years apparently we had purchased multiples and just moved them from place to place. I think one container is from when my husband went to MD and then years later CA for work assignments lol. We have enough salt to last a lifetime.

 

[loves to dive]

We have way too much stuff and have purged some but not nearly enough. We don't buy "stuff" any more. We told family not to give us gifts at least 10 years ago so no problems there.

I went through our closet last week and we decided we needed to get rid of some luggage as well. So I filled two large suitcases, 2 medium suitcases and 4 carry ons full of clothes. I filled another carry on with tote bags. We loaded it all in my car and I took it to the local women's shelter. They used to be my go to for clothes donations. I got there and went in and told them I had a car full of suitcases full of clothes. There were 3 people behind the counter, two playing on their phones. When one of the carts gets empty load them into them I was told. Ummmm, I'm giving you the suitcases too, can't I just wheel them in? Well, I guess you can put them right there. Can someone hold open the door? No. Can I prop the door open? No. Okaaaaay. I pushed pulled and lugged the suitcases in, struggled with a door that opened out, one time a person shopping there opened it for me. About the third trip I wheeled one large and one carry on in and one of the employees (a man) was getting ready to take a cart to the back to unload. You can just put them in here. Ummm, no I can't, the suitcase must have weighed at least 50 lbs. Oh, o.k. I guess I'll do it for you. Last trip there were a couple of guys dropping stuff off and loading a cart and they were nice enough to come over to my car and get the rest. I will not be donating to them again. There were enough women's clothes in there for at least 4 women for an entire year. And enough other stuff to sell in the store to make a few thousand and they couldn't help me drag it in or let me prop the door open.

Other things we donate to Goodwill. I've suggested to hubby we try to sell things like our sleigh bed frame and rails and he said it was just too much trouble. Our local goodwill is pretty picky about what they will take, they won't take any furniture made out of press board.

 

[CdnCarrie]

My DH often says something similar. Our attic is empty, our cars fit in the garage, we have room so “how is it hurting you?”

I bother because I don’t want my kids to have to deal with a bunch of stuff that makes them shake their heads and roll their eyes. They will have to deal with a whole house of necessary and used things. I don’t want to saddle them with ancient memorabilia, old paperwork, clothes that haven’t been worn in years, and clutter.

I agree with you. I don't think we really have old paperwork. All bills are electronic except water and I pay that and throw it out. Things like house insurance I throw out the old one when the new one comes in. I don't want piles of old paperwork. Clothes irked me if in the closet and I don't wear them. I just want them out if I don't want it anymore.

 

[Jnjtrio]

I have a husband that does not like to let go, e.g. models he bought and partially built but are just sitting in the garage for 10 years. The garage sends me into anxiety the minute I enter it. I don't even like going out to grab an extra gallon of milk etc. I know he keeps buying extra nails, screws, tools etc because he can't find it in the mess he has created. I love him dearly but ARGHHHHH.

 

[tvguy]

My DH often says something similar. Our attic is empty, our cars fit in the garage, we have room so “how is it hurting you?”

I bother because I don’t want my kids to have to deal with a bunch of stuff that makes them shake their heads and roll their eyes. They will have to deal with a whole house of necessary and used things. I don’t want to saddle them with ancient memorabilia, old paperwork, clothes that haven’t been worn in years, and clutter.

Clothing is easy to deal with. Leave it on the hangers, take it to Goodwill.
The items that were a huge pain were the basic necessities of a home that you can't purge. Mattresses, refrigerators, washers and dryers and nice furniture.
My mom FINALLY bought her self a new mattress after sleeping on the same one for over 50 years. She bought it 2 months before she had a stroke and had to move into a care facility. $2,000 mattress and I found someone willing to pay $200 for it IF I delivered it. And in some states selling a used mattress is illegal.
I paid $200 to have the washer, dryer and refrigerator hauled away by a junk company. They were 5-7 years old, in new condition. Couldn't give them away. There are a couple of used appliance stores here, and they all advertise they will buy your used appliances. Well, yes, they will, but only if they are two years old or NEWER.
My parents splurged on a nice dining room table, chairs and china cabinet when they got married. Thousands of dollars in 1950. Still in new condition, I got $75 for the table and chairs and had to donate the china cabinet. Yes the $200 every day kitchen table I got $100 for!

 

[AustinTink]

I've been looking for a buy nothing group in my area and having trouble finding one. The Facebook ones closest to me only accept people from specific neighborhoods. My son who lives in a city uses it all the time.

You can apply to start one for your neighborhood. That's how we got ours.

 

[sk!mom]

Clothing is easy to deal with. Leave it on the hangers, take it to Goodwill.
The items that were a huge pain were the basic necessities of a home that you can't purge. Mattresses, refrigerators, washers and dryers and nice furniture.
My mom FINALLY bought her self a new mattress after sleeping on the same one for over 50 years. She bought it 2 months before she had a stroke and had to move into a care facility. $2,000 mattress and I found someone willing to pay $200 for it IF I delivered it. And in some states selling a used mattress is illegal.
I paid $200 to have the washer, dryer and refrigerator hauled away by a junk company. They were 5-7 years old, in new condition. Couldn't give them away. There are a couple of used appliance stores here, and they all advertise they will buy your used appliances. Well, yes, they will, but only if they are two years old or NEWER.
My parents splurged on a nice dining room table, chairs and china cabinet when they got married. Thousands of dollars in 1950. Still in new condition, I got $75 for the table and chairs and had to donate the china cabinet. Yes the $200 every day kitchen table I got $100 for!

That’s actually my point. If we are lucky enough to live in our home until we die, leaving a lot of furniture and home goods for them to deal with is unavoidable. Therefore I would like to spare them any extra stuff that we could have cleared.

Around here, large items can be placed on the curb and they’ll be gone within an hour. I put 3 kitchen chairs out last year and they were gone before I had time to load a picture for a free listing. Mattresses are the only difficult item as they cannot be donated but usually someone has taken it when listed for free if they look clean and nice. If not, they have to go to the dump.

 

[barkley]

see if there's a vietnam vet's organization in your area-we've encountered them in 2 separate states and they are very appreciative of coming to your home to do free pickup of usable household items.


if you have a military base nearby-contact them see if they have an 'attic' for arriving service families to borrow household goods from until their own arrive (can be weeks of waiting). we gave away allot of kitchen items and such this way.


any homeless shelters in your area? they generaly have wish lists posted on their sites for items they are looking for. i purposely save all hotel toiletries on vacation (toss um in my suitcase so they are restocked by housekeeping) to donate.


animal shelters? they love old towels, sheets and blankets for bathing and bedding.


see if local elementary schools have teacher wish lists-some want items like small bookcases or board games and puzzles.


remnants of old building projects, spare tools, screws/nails/plumbing and electrical odds and ends...see if there's a vets group that helps do repairs and upgrades to local vet's houses.

camping gear? our local vets group ADORES it and it's one of their highest in demand items (sadly it's in large part due to their big homeless population-a good quality used sleeping bag can save a life on the cold winter streets).


google search for your own area-there are often lots of people/organizations seeking specific items. you go through your stuff looking for those and as you do make piles of another category to see if some group wants it and if not-toss it. your kids will thank you in their hearts when your time comes.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Clothing is easy to deal with. Leave it on the hangers, take it to Goodwill.
The items that were a huge pain were the basic necessities of a home that you can't purge. Mattresses, refrigerators, washers and dryers and nice furniture.
My mom FINALLY bought her self a new mattress after sleeping on the same one for over 50 years. She bought it 2 months before she had a stroke and had to move into a care facility. $2,000 mattress and I found someone willing to pay $200 for it IF I delivered it. And in some states selling a used mattress is illegal.
I paid $200 to have the washer, dryer and refrigerator hauled away by a junk company. They were 5-7 years old, in new condition. Couldn't give them away. There are a couple of used appliance stores here, and they all advertise they will buy your used appliances. Well, yes, they will, but only if they are two years old or NEWER.
My parents splurged on a nice dining room table, chairs and china cabinet when they got married. Thousands of dollars in 1950. Still in new condition, I got $75 for the table and chairs and had to donate the china cabinet. Yes the $200 every day kitchen table I got $100 for!

Wouldn’t the appliances get sold with the house? Or the new buyers didn’t want them?

 

[tvguy]

That’s actually my point. If we are lucky enough to live in our home until we die, leaving a lot of furniture and home goods for them to deal with is unavoidable. Therefore I would like to spare them any extra stuff that we could have cleared.

Around here, large items can be placed on the curb and they’ll be gone within an hour. I put 3 kitchen chairs out last year and they were gone before I had time to load a picture for a free listing. Mattresses are the only difficult item as they cannot be donated but usually someone has taken it when listed for free if they look clean and nice. If not, they have to go to the dump.

Yeah, I see people put stuff out here even though it is illegal. Unfortunately, all too often it stays there until it gets hit by a passing car, or the county comes in and tickets the person.