Happy, Happy SPRING!!! I'm with you on owning less stuff. My apartment is fairly small so I make sure I don't accumulate much stuff. But I tell you when I had my "big" house, oh boy was that hard to keep the stuff down.
Thanks bunches and bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
I noticed Cheryl's book on your list. She sent me a copy about 6 months ago when i asked her about her Homespun Devotions. I laid it aside but it looks like I might be wise to pick it up and read it. At 71 things which used to be so "wanted" now find their way to "why do I need this?" Thanks for the oomph to take charge of what I have and possibly get rid of a lot of it.
My husband and I were talking about this yesterday. It is time to get rid of what we don’t need or even want. I don’t want our only child having to sift through all of this stuff when we are gone. Cheryl’s book is a great one to read! Thank you, Linda!
Yeah, I've been thinking about that too recently, Pam. Continuing to comb through stuff on a regular basis so that someday the girls won't have to do it. Tim and I've experienced both kinds of situations along the way - parents who took care of taking care of their business ... and parents who didn't.
Love this Linda, I am a minimalist. I find too many things around makes me unhappy and anxious. I even like it when the refrigerator looks a little empty if you know what I mean. I am all for a less is more mentality. However, my husband is a pack rat and gets separation anxiety when I start to push him about cleaning out his "stuff".....
I was thinking just the other day I need to go through my dresser again and purge. I've certainly been guilty of hanging on to some things because they were gifts or belonged to special people. As a friend advised my mom years ago as she and my dad were packing to move, "Be ruthless!" (about getting rid of stuff). There's definitely some wisdom there!
I hear what you're saying about things that belonged to special people. It's like you're completely erasing them from your life if you decide to part with something that was theirs or that they gave you.
It's easier to start whittling down possessions that aren't heavily laden with personal meaning.
The kitchen or coat closet can be a good place to start. Momentos come last.
Our daughter added another strategy to purging when she moved across the country. She took pictures of her trophies and other large memorabilia, to keep the memory without the bulk. Now that phones come with cameras, that's an easier-than-ever strategy to implement. (Perhaps there's some stuff in the basement I could "snap"--and pitch . . . !)
Oooooh this came at such an appropriate time. We are getting ready to move to Florida in April and we are literally cleaning house!! I've been reading a really good book called "After the Boxes are Unpacked" and she talks about physical and emotional things. Are we "clinging" to stuff or are we "cherishing" stuff. That really spoke to me. I don't need to cling to things that I feel I should keep because they've been in the family. I can just cherish the memories around them and let them go. It's terrifying but also cleansing. Talking about having to walk fully in faith!!!
Oh my goodness you're moving! To Florida! Next month!
I hear the 'terrifying but cleansing' aspect of letting go of those things. The good news is that we get to keep the cherished memories and no one can take them away from us.
Bless you girl. I'm guessing this is a huge step for you. He goes before you.
I absolutely hear you about the follow through, Debby. We've got to be in the place where we're ready to take one small step. The rest will follow in its own time ...
And as an aside, Midcoast Maine is currently experiencing a BOOM of new storage facilities. Ugh. I feel so bad that trees are being knocked down to make room for the ugly monuments to everyone’s excess!
I know, right? There's something about spring that makes us want to take care of business. The 90/90 rule makes so much sense ... and it's not at all overwhelming like so many decluttering tips.
After dealing with my dresser drawers, I thought 'how many dozens of socks does 1 girl really need?' Ridiculous.
Aw, sweet friend! How blessed I am today to know that you featured my book! What a dear encouragement you are and have been to me along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
When it comes to this important subject how could I not?! I got so much common sense inspiration, anchored in God's Word, from Biblical Minimalism. Your downsizing story is truly inspirational.
READERS - please check out my review to Cheryl's Biblical Minimalism in the post. I'm going to convince you that it's the next book you should buy. Promise!!!
Getting married and moving into my husband's home this past year causing some forced decluttering! I still have boxes and containers to go through this summer. My husband helps men through transitions, so we are planning to have an area they can come "shop" (all n/c items) for items they need. I'm hoping some of my things can be passed on to others that are in the stage of life that they need them. Remembering that reduce and reuse come before recycling helps me decide what to buy (or not buy) and what do do with items I no longer require! Great collection of articles!
Oh I love that you and your husband are on the same page, Lynn. This subject can sure be a bone of contention for some families, maybe especially mid-life newlyweds? And that your stuff can be redeemed in helping men as they move ahead to a healthier life is a real thrill.
These are some good links, and timely! As I pull my basement back together after mold removal, I find myself shedding things I haven't looked at in years -- or just don't like anymore! You have some other good tips here, too!
Oh, ugh, mold. So sorry to hear that it made its way into your house, Jeanie. But it sounds like you've found a silver lining in the process! Have you found any surprises as you sort through things?
Happy, Happy SPRING!!! I'm with you on owning less stuff. My apartment is fairly small so I make sure I don't accumulate much stuff. But I tell you when I had my "big" house, oh boy was that hard to keep the stuff down.
Thanks bunches and bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
You're right, Paula ... our stuff somehow seems to expand to fill the space we give it.
Your post is just what I needed to motivate me to do some decluttering.
I tend to declutter in small chunks (micro decluttering) vs decluttering the entire house in 1 day.
Yes! Let's hear it for micro-decluttering! It's amazing what 15 minutes a day can accomplish. This is SO doable, Margie. None of us has any excuses!
I noticed Cheryl's book on your list. She sent me a copy about 6 months ago when i asked her about her Homespun Devotions. I laid it aside but it looks like I might be wise to pick it up and read it. At 71 things which used to be so "wanted" now find their way to "why do I need this?" Thanks for the oomph to take charge of what I have and possibly get rid of a lot of it.
This is BRILLIANT, Bill - 'At 71 things which used to be so "wanted" now find their way to "why do I need this?"
So absolutely true.
Thank you for these wonderful resources and for this gentle nudge to do some spring decluttering!
Sometimes all I need is the gentlest of nudges ... and other times it takes a sledgehammer.
My husband and I were talking about this yesterday. It is time to get rid of what we don’t need or even want. I don’t want our only child having to sift through all of this stuff when we are gone. Cheryl’s book is a great one to read! Thank you, Linda!
Yeah, I've been thinking about that too recently, Pam. Continuing to comb through stuff on a regular basis so that someday the girls won't have to do it. Tim and I've experienced both kinds of situations along the way - parents who took care of taking care of their business ... and parents who didn't.
Like night and day.
Less stuff, but another dog today, if all goes well.
Ever since Red passed away
Belle's gone without sleep,
for service-dog work isn't play
and the hours that they keep
would wipe out an insomniac,
for vigilance is key.
She needs someone to watch her back
in watching over me.
Today she hears a distant drumming
that sets her tail a-wag,
for a young Great Dane is coming,
'Peanut' his name-tag
to help her face her daily test
so she at last can take a rest.
Welcome, Peanut! You'll find yourself at home among the happy throng!
He's at an ABQ city shelter, and has lasted five months with the place at capacity. He's apparently a staff favourite. Barb is on her way today.
There's always room for more paws around the table, right? So happy for you guys.
And Peanut saved my life within 24 hours. I collapsed, with my trachea obstructed. He cleared the windpipe and sat me up until help could arrive.
Oh my goodness. Wow.
I don't know how these things work. I am still here, and Peanut will NOT let me out of his sight.
All I can say is that God often whispers, but Peanut is a full-throat shout.
Absolutely, Linda. The larger you fill your heart, the more room you find it has.
Love this Linda, I am a minimalist. I find too many things around makes me unhappy and anxious. I even like it when the refrigerator looks a little empty if you know what I mean. I am all for a less is more mentality. However, my husband is a pack rat and gets separation anxiety when I start to push him about cleaning out his "stuff".....
Oh that's hard when one spouse finds comfort and peace one way and the other is the polar opposite. How do you navigate this, Donna?
Such good motivation toward some spring cleaning this weekend!
Oh have fun, Christine! Will this be like going to the dentist ... or a carnival?
Somewhere in between the two! 😂
I was thinking just the other day I need to go through my dresser again and purge. I've certainly been guilty of hanging on to some things because they were gifts or belonged to special people. As a friend advised my mom years ago as she and my dad were packing to move, "Be ruthless!" (about getting rid of stuff). There's definitely some wisdom there!
I hear what you're saying about things that belonged to special people. It's like you're completely erasing them from your life if you decide to part with something that was theirs or that they gave you.
It's easier to start whittling down possessions that aren't heavily laden with personal meaning.
The kitchen or coat closet can be a good place to start. Momentos come last.
Our daughter added another strategy to purging when she moved across the country. She took pictures of her trophies and other large memorabilia, to keep the memory without the bulk. Now that phones come with cameras, that's an easier-than-ever strategy to implement. (Perhaps there's some stuff in the basement I could "snap"--and pitch . . . !)
Oooooh this came at such an appropriate time. We are getting ready to move to Florida in April and we are literally cleaning house!! I've been reading a really good book called "After the Boxes are Unpacked" and she talks about physical and emotional things. Are we "clinging" to stuff or are we "cherishing" stuff. That really spoke to me. I don't need to cling to things that I feel I should keep because they've been in the family. I can just cherish the memories around them and let them go. It's terrifying but also cleansing. Talking about having to walk fully in faith!!!
Oh my goodness you're moving! To Florida! Next month!
I hear the 'terrifying but cleansing' aspect of letting go of those things. The good news is that we get to keep the cherished memories and no one can take them away from us.
Bless you girl. I'm guessing this is a huge step for you. He goes before you.
I can see God paving the way but I still fight the anxiety that Satan throws at me. It will be nice to be near Emilie again. God's got this!!
The enemy of our souls hates when God paves the way forward for one of His beloved daughters. Adios to his evil tactics. Eyes on Jesus. Amen.
I've read some of Joshua Becker and love the idea of less...it's the follow through where I'm lacking. Good links here, Linda. Thanks
I absolutely hear you about the follow through, Debby. We've got to be in the place where we're ready to take one small step. The rest will follow in its own time ...
the biggest challenge is the person in my home isn't bothered by clutter ;)
... and that's ok!
Books and clothing! I need to do a purge!
And as an aside, Midcoast Maine is currently experiencing a BOOM of new storage facilities. Ugh. I feel so bad that trees are being knocked down to make room for the ugly monuments to everyone’s excess!
Oh no. That's more than a bit unsettling. Maine is such a beautiful place. It somehow seems so very wrong.
you are inspiring me. This time of year I do get the bug to declutter. That 90/90 rule is something to consider.!
I know, right? There's something about spring that makes us want to take care of business. The 90/90 rule makes so much sense ... and it's not at all overwhelming like so many decluttering tips.
After dealing with my dresser drawers, I thought 'how many dozens of socks does 1 girl really need?' Ridiculous.
Aw, sweet friend! How blessed I am today to know that you featured my book! What a dear encouragement you are and have been to me along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
When it comes to this important subject how could I not?! I got so much common sense inspiration, anchored in God's Word, from Biblical Minimalism. Your downsizing story is truly inspirational.
READERS - please check out my review to Cheryl's Biblical Minimalism in the post. I'm going to convince you that it's the next book you should buy. Promise!!!
Getting married and moving into my husband's home this past year causing some forced decluttering! I still have boxes and containers to go through this summer. My husband helps men through transitions, so we are planning to have an area they can come "shop" (all n/c items) for items they need. I'm hoping some of my things can be passed on to others that are in the stage of life that they need them. Remembering that reduce and reuse come before recycling helps me decide what to buy (or not buy) and what do do with items I no longer require! Great collection of articles!
Oh I love that you and your husband are on the same page, Lynn. This subject can sure be a bone of contention for some families, maybe especially mid-life newlyweds? And that your stuff can be redeemed in helping men as they move ahead to a healthier life is a real thrill.
Don't you just love when God opens those doors?!
These are some good links, and timely! As I pull my basement back together after mold removal, I find myself shedding things I haven't looked at in years -- or just don't like anymore! You have some other good tips here, too!
Oh, ugh, mold. So sorry to hear that it made its way into your house, Jeanie. But it sounds like you've found a silver lining in the process! Have you found any surprises as you sort through things?
Plenty of surprises -- the good, the bad and the ugly! Some things are hard to part with -- and yet, it's time.
You're right, sometimes we just KNOW it's time