Lent: Declutter 40

[Troubledwords]

I know there's a declutter thread, but this is more of my stepping stone before it. This Lent I'm setting myself, and anyone that wants to join me, the task of decluttering 40 items.

40 might not seems like a lot, but I'm very much a, I'll keep that, and sell it later, or it'll come in useful, type of person.

I have no excuse, there's a charity shop just down the road that I can take it to.

I wish I had a charity shop down the road. I would be up and down like a yo-yo

Well done everyone.

I took a load to the charity shop, including an oak cutlery canteen from my nan. We really didn't need it and it was taking up space. It was tough because I keep so much stuff that has a link to my family. My nan is still about, but elderly so I find that stuff extra hard.

If anyone has a trick to edit down large masses of sentimental items I am all ears!

@DeedlessIndeed I don’t have any magic for this, but am dealing with similar. There are a few habits I’ve found useful. Where possible, I try to gift to someone who will value something more than me: household items went to a student leaving home, or a homeless charity supported by the relative whose house I was clearing. Sometimes I’ve sold or exchanged an item with sentimental associations that I won’t use for something I use daily- I still think of the person when I use it. Other things I allow myself to keep but use (so my pencil pot is actually an antique whisky glass). Some things I realise after a while can go, even if I wasn’t ready to at first. Other times I find it easier to get rid of something of “mine” and keep the one I’ve inherited. I’m not sure that helps- it’s hard.
On the positive side, I’ve had some easy wins today and binned fourteen items so far: one elderly mascara I never got on with and the clothing beyond redemption (mostly socks not worth mending).

2 jigsaws taken to the charity shop today, its not much but I'm still doing something

@deedlessindeed I tried pulling it into everyday use. I now now use posh plates and spoons every day and have incorporated display items like mini ornaments on top of picture frames and doors.

It took a few edits to get through a deceased estate but I'd recommend asking yourself what do I want, nit what can I bear to part with. Beware that some relatives pass things on because they themselves are hoarders and don't want the stuff, they just don't want to get rid.

Can you ask you nan if she wants X back to give to someone else or whether she wants you to donate it for her? Tactfully, of course! X

I've done loads this last 6 months but not helped by having to clear my fils house(s). My husband has been very good getting rid of stuff but he loves tools and useful bits of wood!
We are having a wall knocked down just now between 2 rooms so I can't get into the rooms above them until the RSJ comes!

Picked up a charity shop bag today and started to go through the dvds. I very rarely watch a dvd, but am so reluctant to get rid of any.

I will also go through books more throughly and get rid of more of those.

Took the bag back to the charity shop, with 15 items in, mostly dvds, but a few books too.

Half way there 20/40 items gone to the charity shop.

Also put 1 item on vinted and 1 on Facebook marketplace.

The last of the 40 items are bagged up and ready to go to the charity shop!

There was a lot of, ooh I could sell that, instead of actually getting rid. I definitely do want to sell some items. So I will continue to declutter but start listing things as well.

Well done OP for sticking with it!

I, personally, fell by the wayside massively after the first few days. But you've motivated me that it's not too late, just 35 items to go....

I have a drawer full of aging make-up that could probably get me most of the way there.

How do you feel after your declutter? That is great if you can sell some more. It feels great that you can get cash and the space back, and someone else gets to enjoy the items.

I feel like I need to do a more focused declutter. Tackling one drawer or box at a time. That was more a fill a bag and donate it, rather than really make any progress on clearing space.