Things.
All temporary. We can't take any thing with us. And yet, we do need a certain amount of stuff to accomplish our God-appointed tasks.
That's where balance comes in. Managing, organizing, sorting our things. Treasuring things with meaning. But not allowing things to own us.
Balance is tricky, isn't it?
Balance is tricky, isn't it?
Here's what I've been reading lately...
200 Things to Throw Away
Yes, 200!! That's a good start, wouldn't you say?8 Rules for Ditching Sentimental Clutter
This is the hardest kind of clutter for me to eliminate, but this writer has some good tips.Why do so many millennials prefer Ikea to family heirlooms?
This article caught my attention as I am the owner of many family treasures. Will these things be treasured by my children? Is it okay either way?
This one is more on the topic of managing stuff. (It also goes along with my own rule of thumb: Hide Ugly Stuff.)
What do you think about the balance of things?
What an interesting list of books. I'm trying not to look to my right as I read about these books and suggestions because I have a closet full of stuff right there that I should tackle with some of these suggestions in mind...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'll look those up because I think that I may be needing some of it. My daughter has already been very clear about what will happen to my treasures. Did she HAVE to tell me? I think I would rather have someone I know appreciates the item have them than someone who feels pressured to have it. Maybe. LOL!
ReplyDeleteShe got rid of her mother's journals? Omigosh. That would slay me.
DeleteI have decluttered and am still decluttering as I went out and replaced some things I had
ReplyDeletegotten rid of. Unfortunately, blogging caused me to fall into some old traps. Especially with dishes. I know some believe you can't have too many dishes, but seriously, it takes some bucks and a big house! I have gotten rid of sentimental stuff, one being forced to sell items to pay bills, yes, sad, I know, and realizing that being an only child with. no children of my own, they only have meaning for me. But I think your daugters will keep your family treasures, and pass them on to their kids.
I'm going to read the one about why millennials prefer Ikea to heirlooms. If that is the case then pretty soon we who love heirlooms should be able to find treasures dirt cheap.
ReplyDeleteThere is balance. I've found that I don't need to hold on to things, including old homeschool materials. If I need something God will provide it.
That said, I haven't gotten rid of old homeschool materials. I have boxes of stuff. Sigh.
I certainly wouldn't get rid of old journals or letters. That is family history.
Thanks for the links.
I have a to do list which begins with 'Throw out clothes you never wear, kept for just-in-case'!
ReplyDeleteHey, that ugly stuff might be considered a vintage treasure someday. Lol I've got to read the article about getting rid of sentimental stuff. And maybe the 200 things. I'll start with 200 pencils. That might be easiest. But really, I need all the articles. Thanks. And such an interesting thought about IKEA. Distressing, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteThis hit me right between the eyes (thanks for a great post, by the way.) I will begin reading about the sentimental things, or maybe I should read that last. My granddaughter the other day told me she wanted everything in my china cabinet. I smiled, she's only 7. That could change when she gets 20. But she is starting to get the heritage stuff about my house. And likes to hear stories of "the old days." Oh my! On to your links ….
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I will be going to your links to see what can possible get me to get rid of sentimental items. I have a real problem with photos especially! These days it's easy to scan them, but I don't want to get rid of them. The Ikea thought is distressing to me. Yes, I know things are not what's important, but how can one get rid of great-grandparents items? Good post! ♥
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to look at some of these books. Ever since I retired in January I have been decluttering. It seems like an impossible task. How does one get so much stuff? I told my husband it would take me a year and I think it will.
ReplyDeleteGood morning! Well I find all of this VERY interesting....I am definitely going to rid the sentimental one, and also the Ikea. I don't know if I can handle my kids NOT wanting the things I've treasured FOR them....lol. Enjoy your day Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree about having a balance of things, or life, Cheryl! Thanks for the links, I plan to click and bookmark all of them, as I am needing more "balance" in my life now!
ReplyDeleteI am seldom on the computer anymore, so I hope this little note finds all is well!
Love from me to you,
Sue
Boy is this a timely post! I 'll be looking up those links for sure. We are facing emptying my in-laws house and it has really convicted me on all the stuff we have accumulated. Balance is tricky and I thought we were doing okay but I'm rethinking what I thought was a purging at our house, more needs to go.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cheryl, for the links! I will be back to check them out. I'm beginning to start the decluttering process and I'm sure the info will be a big help. Right now I'm in the middle of going through magazines and old papers. It's tough trying to decide what to keep and what to throw away. I tend to want to keep old bills to look back at what things once cost!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how anyone could prefer Ikea stuff over heirlooms, but many do. My daughter likes antiques and old things and my son has expressed an interest in one of my set of dishes, so maybe there's hope for them. :)
Boy, could I benefit from reading a couple of these! I couldn't give two flips for Ikea but I could certainly relate to know what to ditch and how I get the courage (or whatever) to actually do it! I will check out these links...thanks!
ReplyDeleteBTW, our youngest son told us last night, 'You better start having garage sales NOW.
ReplyDelete