ube quilting

I'm a thower, my DH is a keeper, The fight goes on! His mom used to keep bread bag tags, for what? Who knows. I found a real collection of them in every drawer of her house. Every broken coat hanger, worn out cloths,towels that were more rags than anything, empty bottles. The two things she didn't keep was her money and her heart. She gave her heart to everyone!
peace

MisDixie

Sounds like you MIL and mine would have gotten along fine! When plastic clips came in for bread bags she was so happy that she had a big collection of twist ties! A whole drawer packed full. It was the first thing I tossed! LOL Got to love it.

Ramona Byrd

Yes!! Famous or not, our historical society has many old photos of local people that are IDENTIFIED. I can't count the number that has been accepted for accession in the past. Sure it documents clothing but who are the people?? We also have vintage sewing machines, dishes, toys, clothing....all the items have a local connection. Don't throw, ask first!
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I found a picture of one of my late DH's first cousins. Am saving it for our next blood drive at Stanislaus State, because cousin was its first president. I don't want it, kids didn't know him.
Funny looking guy at his graduation, looked a lot like Data in Star Treck. Took me a long time to figure that one out. Now if I can only put it somewhere so I can remember it on that day....
And have pictures of DH's Dad, who started his business here in 1911 and it lasted till 1999. So off that picture goes to the museum. Kids don't want it. Gkds don't either.

Rose L

I did a lot of tossing the last time I moved. I had boxes full of stuff from our parents who all passed on within a couple of years of each other. I let them sit in my kitchen for half a year before I was ready to deal with them and when I finally did I tossed most of the belongings I had originally thought I would keep. I also tossed tons of my own belongings and still have a little bedroom and closet full that I want to get rid of. Trouble is is that it is stuff others have given me that they expect to see out and around my home when they visit. I am weary of keeping those things for them so they will all be gone come spring. The other rooms in my house are nearly bare these days and I like not having to use my time to clean and dust all that stuff anymore. The one thing I do have and can't seem to get rid of is linens...doilies, curtains, extra blankets and sheets etc. I always think, what if I need them later?? I have tubs full of stuff like that. I guess keeping them in tubs will make it easier for my kids to load into a truck one day. At least I'm an organized linens hoarder, lol!

mzsooz

My mom found a great way to get rid of all of us kids school pics, report cards, birthday cards, etc. She arranged them nicely in a photo album that she covered in fabric and gave them to us as Christmas gifts. It is fun to look back at my childhood and it all fits nicely in one album sitting on the bookshelf.

starshine

I keep some card and letters. Especially cards that have little messages written in them, and letters that express or reveal something about the person who wrote/sent the card. If it doesn't hold any meaning for you then you won't miss it. Some times I pull out some old cards & letters I have saved. I enjoy re-reading something my great aunt wrote or my mother-in-law both have been gone for more than 26 years.
But it is easier to let go of things I have more than what I need, or that I never use.

merchjag

I have cleaned out my bedroom and forced myself to throw things away. The question I ask myself also is would my kids want it? If the answer is no away it goes. The Goodwill has become the recipient for many things recently

cjaye44

This thread has been a real inspiration for me to REALLY start decluttering. So much of what I have has been obtained through estate sales and yard sales so means nothing to my kids. I plan to have my son come over and pile it all in his pickup and take it to a donation site. He can have the receipt to use when he does his taxes. Some of what I collected over the years may have some value but now someone else can perhaps have the pleasure of finding a great "bargain".

G-MaDiane

Just take 30 minutes every day and work in one room until you are done with that one room. Then move onto the next room etc. Once a week make a trip to the thrift store with your donations. You can be done in just a couple of months and you don't BURN OUT!

quilter68

I have difficulty to toss cards that people (read-family) paid $3 to $5 for so I have asked them to not send anymore. If they can do it on the computer that is fine. Think of all the money saved. I just turned 70 and will not celebrate again until I am 75. Also asked that they not buy me any 'thing'. I have been a collecter of many things and I agree with everyone on this thread - It is time to de-clutter.