To Sell/Donate most my stuff

[WinchSparkle80]

After some opinions, I had ADHD, I struggle making decisions and putting things away… probably also lazy and overwhelmed in a very full on job.

I have no clue what I really like when it comes to clothes/shoes etc I have lost my way.

Would I be ridiculous to basically sell/donate nearly everything I own including the huge amount of stationary/cables as well as clothes shoes and make up, and start again?

Has any ever done this and it worked well? or would it be daft?

I would keep everything I make selling to purchase things I really do love…. if that happens.

I've been getting rid of most of the stuff that 'doesn't give me joy' over the past few years. It's very liberating! So far no regrets.

I'm slowly going through the house selling/giving away/binning things I don't use much. I know I'd be much happier with a smaller amount of stuff that can't be easily cleaned and put away. I sometimes want to just move house so I can start again with just the essentials 😩

This is exactly what I want to do, keep literally the bare minimum- but then, what is the bare minimum? it’s subjective of course.

I think I have about 8 pairs of jeans… so do I really need them?

@PaminaMozart this sounds very positive. I once sold a bag I loved but didn’t use and totally regretted it…. luckily was able to find a brand new one exactly the same on vinted.

I'm not anticipating dying anytime soon but I've recently become preoccupied with not leaving my DC with a houseful of 'stuff' that is meaningless or useless. So I've started going through things and getting rid of lots. It's very liberating although a constant battle thanks to DH.

My guidance is:
Have I used it in the last 12 months and am I likely to use it in the next 12 months?
Does it have a useful function?
Does it have a history that provides sentimental value or sense of meaning for me/DH/the kids

If the answer to all 3 is no, I usually get rid, although some things stay just because.

I've done this, the only things in the house now are things we a) like and b) use.

Even to the point that we've stopped buying birthday/christmas presents just for the sake of it. If we want something, we research and buy it any time of the year.

I would be careful though if you just want to re-buy everything, rather than sort out what you have and keep a few things. Otherwise you will end up with too much again.

Re clothes, I go on how much I wear them.

I’m over run with clutter and always think how much less stressful my life would be without it. How much stress is caused by me never being able to find things and disorganisation! It sounds a great plan. I truly think life with less and where everything has a place would be easier

Instead of rebutinf maybe you’ll discover what you love when you’re sorting and find what works for you. I would hold off debuying for now and see what works and doesn’t work when you’ve decluttered and then you can make thoughtful purchases once you’re used to living with less

If you're going to sell and donate, you are going through the sorting and deciding process anyway

So if the aim is to simplify things, aren't you making it harder?

If you actually want all new stuff, that's different. But selling and donating the lot is the kind of project I'd find overwhelming.

I love having a clear out but I am pretty ruthless. I love having a clear and calm home with just a few nice pieces. It makes everything easier, cleaning, redecorating, planning a wardrobe, knowing exactly where everything is. Saves time too.

I made a pact with myself this year - every week I take at least one box to the charity shop. Some weeks I’ve taken a car boot full and some weeks it’s been just the one box.

I also sell on Vinted and eBay and must sell about 10 items per week.

the difference in keeping the place tidy is incredible. I haven’t even touched the surface but I can notice the difference.

it’s a long process - don’t fall into the ADHD trap of ‘MUST DO IT ALL NOW’ or you’ll get overwhelmed and not do it.

I really want to do this to my home too. It looks uncluttered - until you look in the cupboards/ drawers / wardrobes. They are all jam packed and messy. I’m also just starting to accumulate stuff that doesn’t have anywhere to go as the cupboards etc are full. Don’t want to get into a habit of having stuff just lying around!

It sounds like impulsive behaviour that you may well live to regret, OP.

It's one thing getting a friend round to figure out what to keep and what to give away, but you sound as though you're going to just chuck everything without a thought for how you're going to fund new things. You won't get much with the money you get for those sales.

Resilience

Do you write down some where why it's sentimental ?

I also have ADHD.

Marie Kondo has been helpful and also I really like the stuff by Dana K White - even better honestly. She has some good stuff about decluttering and how it's made her life easier, and I'm certain she has undiagnosed ADHD!

Her book is "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" but she also has a great podcast called A Slob Comes Clean.

@Icecoldtulip this is it, except it’s now in piles and in boxes jammed in my wardrobe.

@MILTOBE Definitely some impulsive behaviour from me here as feeling overwhelmed, I would keep some clothes but try and see if can manage on a whole lot less? work out what I actually like and replace the odd thing.

@BakedBeanAddict I think a challenge might be the way to go, it fixes the instant results my brain craves.

@EmmaEmerald yep, I think it might be too ambitious- maybe i streamline by category- 1-3 bags rather than 25?!

@BertieBotts yes Dana K White have read the books, the instant fix isn’t there but love the container theory.. just wish i had less containers.

Thank you everyone- I think my approach would be too extreme so might streamline by category per week and see how I go.

@DaisyDreaming I think you have nailed it!
@Resilience pretty all my wardrobe has hardly been worn, i seem to wear same old stuff 😟

Well I would just start by selling one thing you know you don’t need or want and take it from there.

I am selling stuff on vinted and it’s too tedious to do it all at once anyway!

You can use the container concept on the containers themselves too :)

pretty all my wardrobe has hardly been worn, i seem to wear same old stuff

Most of us do.

Start with a drawer. At one point I had 35 pairs of socks. No one needs 35 pairs of socks.

@jollygreenpea - no I ought to I know. The main things DC will know as I talk about them, but some might be a bit of a mystery.

@WinchSparkle80 - I know that feeling. I was the same. I felt a bit of a pang at getting rid of so much but soon realised I wasn't ever having that "oh I'd wear xxxx if I had it" so got over it.

I am doing similar. Taking a lot of time and effort as had to declutter my mums stuff too and she was a really bad hoarder. Not sure what ADHD has to do with it though?