getting rid of stuff – marginalia and such

the view from Sunday: March declutter

I’ve managed to keep a fairly streamlined collection since my first round of KonMari de-cluttering, but times change and things that sparked joy no longer spark. Rather than hold on to every thing, I’ve learned to let go and edit on a regular basis.

Here are the results of my latest round:

A quick review of my closet revealed a few items that I failed to reach for this winter, or which no longer fit as I prefer. The two smaller bags are items from my makeup collection that I cannot donate or share, and a few bits of paper and miscellany clutter that needs to go.

A review of my unmentionables revealed some items that no longer serve, whether because the fit is off or the fabric is too worn.

I use a diffuser to scent my home on most nights, but sometimes I just like the look and feel of a candle. Because candles come with jars, I’ve amassed a fair number of them. I’m getting rid of these, but looking to rehome or recycle where possible.

Decorative pillows and stuffed toys from the ikea bin. I have a weakness for cute pillows, but these serve no purpose beyond gathering dust. I traded them in favor of the toys and pillows that I do use (mostly to prop my arm up while I sleep).

Not pictured: the freestanding mini elliptical machine I bought two years ago in an effort to move more during writing days and have an alternative to outdoor walks during the rainy season. I used it for a few weeks and found that I didn’t like it, but it was too late to return it. It’s too large for me to try to sell it, and I can’t stand seeing it gather dust. I set it on the curb and hope someone picks it up. It’s wasteful, but a lesson learned.

minimalism: closet update

Another video in the minimalist transitions series.

Let’s delve into my closet for another round.

Not that anyone has asked, but these videos help me make sense of my belongings and aid in the process of decluttering :).

Also, post-video update: the white shelf is now gone and a simpler, smaller solution in place. Progress every time.

minimalism: music declutter

A few months ago, my mom unearthed my old cd collection. This is good, because it means she finally cleared out enough of her own stuff to return what was left of mine. However, there was something about sorting through those old albums that made it really hard to purge. It had been years since I played any of the cds in the box, but the thought of parting with them was extremely difficult. They were tied up in nostalgia and sentiment in a way that surprised me. So I left them in a box and let them gather dust for a few months.

Three, to be exact. I looked through them a couple of times, but couldn’t do it. Then, the day after the Garbage concert, I was ready. I knew what I needed to do and I did it. The result is a small collection of albums that were essential to my young adulthood, and includes those that I still enjoy today. I sorted them into three sleeve cases, and kept a handful of soundtracks for future library events and writing sessions. The rest, I donated. They’re gone and I’m free of the baggage (in more ways than one).

minimalism: decluttering my bag collection

This is not the first time I’ve culled my bag collection, but it may be the most brutal. Though, perhaps not. These are bags I held on to the last time, because they were expensive or they had sentimental value or they might still come in handy. Except, I haven’t touched any of them in over a year (2-3 years for the last two). It’s time to stop holding on to things I don’t use.

I’m not sure if I’m going to try to sell these. I tried selling the pink one and it never sold. I haven’t the patience for ebay slow sales, so I may just donate.

the view from Sunday: shoes and paper clutter

I finally did it. I took a good, hard look at my shoe collection and donated everything that made my toes pinch, my feet ache, or my legs feel like falling off at the end of the day. I started with a proper sort. Laid everything out and inspected each pair, thinking about more than just worn out-soles and scuff marks.

The result is a much neater shoe rack and a closet I can actually walk into without tripping over my feet. My wardrobe is also starting to come together; it’s much easier to go through my things and make choices now that I’m focusing on basics and quality.

Then I decided to tackle the paper clutter. I really should have done this months ago, but I kept putting it off (through sheer cowardice). I dumped everything out and sorted through all the piles, deciding what needed to stay and what could be sent to the shredder.

Armed with a sharpie and some tape, I labeled my new categories and filed what I need to keep. The result, a happy file case and a bag full of stuff that can be shredded and recycled. 🙂

My list of to-do’s is starting to look more like a list of accomplishments. I also sorted through some of the plush toys I had sitting in the corner of the bedroom (mostly gathering dust), and went through my art supplies, tossing dried paints and old sketchbooks that I don’t like to use. I have a little pile waiting for next week, but it’s all becoming much easier to manage and less time-consuming with every sweep.