View Full Version : September: get rid of one difficult thing per day
I have been working on decluttering and downsizing around the house and shed for months now. I tend to hit these roadblocks with certain hard to get rid of items. Last week I got rid of an old iPhone, and it felt really liberating.
So I wanted to try a challenge where I want to get rid of at least one difficult thing a day. One thing I resist getting rid of, that I have been holding onto.
For me, this has to be something HARD, something I am resisting. I will also be getting rid of easy to get rid of things as well of course, as I have a lot to move along.
But I want to try one difficult thing a day of high emotional value, if you will, and look at why it is hard and see if it gets easier.
Anyone wants to join in, I would be very happy!
Today I will get rid of two Stonehenge cups that I bought to go with a new china set I bought because the color match is not good, and I don't need them. It is hard to do this because I used to have the Stonehenge pattern and it was like going back to when my kids were little, so I bought two of them for a dollar at the thrift shop.
Teacher Terry
9-2-19, 12:17pm
That’s a great challenge! I have been decluttering a lot for many years and have reached the point that I don’t have much that I want to get rid of. I keep a bag in my closet and when I find something I add it to the bag. A few years ago I threw away 90% of what was in my office closet. Then I put my file cabinet and other office stuff that I use in there.
What a great thread! I actually did this today. When I brought my new puppy home 10 years ago, the breeder gave me a small flannel square that had the scent of his litter mates and former home, to help with the transition. It's a sweet piece of flannel, about 2' square, with a gingham background and little puppies. I've kept it in a storage box and today finally decided to discard it. I never used it after his transition to adulthood and now that he is aging, looking at it only makes me want to cry.
Molly, wow, that's really a sweet story.
I actually burned my sons' christening gowns this year and felt a real shift in energy--I'd been saving them for their children's christenings, and none of them were christened, which just made me sad, so I released them to the universe.
I think releasing things that make us want to cry is a really good standard.
Wow Tybee, one difficult thing a day sounds really challenging. Good luck!
Today I let go of an old laptop I was trying to resurrect and really liked for its size and looks. Could not get it to work and did not want to put more money into it. It felt really good to recycle that along with a keyboard for my old iPhone and an old mouse. The computer was the hard one.
But liberating to deal with some of this electronic clutter.
on more old computer down
Teacher Terry
9-4-19, 4:14pm
Good job Tybee!
Thanks, Terry, I'd love to get down to two computers total for my work and have them both functioning correctly
Teacher Terry
9-4-19, 6:14pm
I have a desktop and a small tablet and can work on either of them. My husband on the other hand has 3 laptops.
Okay, missed a day, so today got rid of two things--
a set of six dishes I really liked but have no room for and someone else will like them
10 food items from the pantry that I will never eat, not sure why we have them there
Difficult because of the idea I am wasting these things.
On the other hand, the waste seems to have occurred at the acquisition of the item since I did not then use it.
Yeah, I feel I did this challenge already last spring when I got rid of two tons of stuff. I admit, though, I insisted on keeping some things that I wasn't quite emotionally ready to give up. So, I'm going to sit out this particular challenge! But it's inspiring hearing everyone else's stories.
Yeah, I feel I did this challenge already last spring when I got rid of two tons of stuff. I admit, though, I insisted on keeping some things that I wasn't quite emotionally ready to give up. So, I'm going to sit out this particular challenge! But it's inspiring hearing everyone else's stories.
You definitely slayed this one last spring. I wish I were ready to go wholesale like that but I'm still at the chipping away stage, emotionally speaking.
I am making progress. My matching champagne glasses went to DS1 and now I am using my parents' from the 50's and my Perrier Jouet ones that I have picked up at Goodwill over the years.
But not ready to get rid of all champagne glasses, if that makes sense.
Off-topic a little--not an "emotional" issue, but a practical one--this week I spent a night at my NJ house, where my son is now living. It was SO WEIRD walking into "my" house but none of my things were there. They are still in "getting settled" mode. But the thing that killed me was that the guest room was furnished with a very cheap, freshman dorm-quality futon. As I lay there, feeling the slats against my back, all I could think of was how we had THROWN OUT or given away 6 mattresses: two queen, 3 twin, and 1 futon with an UPGRADED mattress. We had asked my DIL when we were ready to get rid of them if she could use them and she didn't want them. I believe it was probably because DH smoked in his office, but some of the smoke did infiltrate the rest of the house. So I don't know if I'm just bummed in general, or annoyed at DIL for turning down something she clearly could have used, or annoyed at DH for ruining stuff with the cigar smoke. But it just seemed like such a darned shame.
Teacher Terry
9-6-19, 4:50pm
I bet it was the smell from the cigarettes which is why she didn’t want it.
That would have really bugged me. What a shame they had you throw out the 6 mattresses and then bought more mattresses.
I guess I would have mixed feelings about having them rent the house. But you are a lot nicer than I and a lot more easy-going.
If anyone has been any smoking in a house, the mattresses would have to go if I moved in. Those who live around a smoker lose most of the ability to smell the smoke as we all do with constant smells around us. However, those who are not used to it can pick up even small amounts of the cigarette smells left behind. Cannot wash mattresses.
When many of us buy fabric or clothes on Ebay type sites, one of the biggest questions is whether it has been around any smokers (also pets). Asthma and allergies are nothing to ignore. I would not buy anything and even hope to get out cigarette/cigar smells.
Health and enjoyment of home are far more important to me than someone's worry about recycling.
If anyone has been any smoking in a house, the mattresses would have to go if I moved in. Those who live around a smoker lose most of the ability to smell the smoke as we all do with constant smells around us. However, those who are not used to it can pick up even small amounts of the cigarette smells left behind. Cannot wash mattresses.
When many of us buy fabric or clothes on Ebay type sites, one of the biggest questions is whether it has been around any smokers (also pets). Asthma and allergies are nothing to ignore. I would not buy anything and even hope to get out cigarette/cigar smells.
Health and enjoyment of home are far more important to me than someone's worry about recycling.
Of course you are quite right about asthma and allergies. I did not know that was a factor in this situation.
I'm sure others might not be allergic and still really hate the smell, so if the items did smell, better they got rid of them.
I just would think if the smoke was a problem, they would not have rented the house. But maybe that's not the case, either.
Was all set to get rid of a mandolin but then I sat down and played it. No longer wish to get rid of it as I like the sound and it's fun to play.
However it made me want to go play Gaelic music with other people, so this makes me feel lonely and isolated.
I think this is why I do not enjoy decluttering; it forces you to face life the way life is right now, instead of saying, oh, that aspect of things will get better someday, and I'll just keep the mandolin in case I find that group of people who want to play Gaelic music.
Teacher Terry
9-7-19, 1:46pm
I don’t find getting rid of things hard anymore because I have done so much of it.
I don’t find getting rid of things hard anymore because I have done so much of it.
Maybe I will feel the same after my 30 days. however i feel, I am committed to one a day. Today's item was a Le Creuset frying pan which was so large I would never be able to lift it to use. It's wonderful, but someone with stronger wrists can have it.
Today's item is a pair of Dansko clogs that I have not been wearing because they are uncomfortable. Having watched a Dansko fitting youtube, I think they are just too small, so I will release them to the universe, which is difficult because i love the color and the pattern on them.
Our office is moving and after several days' warning and a deadline I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets throwing away all the dishes no one claimed. The hard part will come Monday when all the people who didn't read or ignored the email complain.
Our office is moving and after several days' warning and a deadline I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets throwing away all the dishes no one claimed. The hard part will come Monday when all the people who didn't read or ignored the email complain.
Oh dear, that sounds dicey. Good luck.
I'm not counting all the photos from Mom/Dad's house. They are stored at the cabin. Sister the younger didn't want them tossed (she was just 26 when Dad died and her children never knew him). I have the space and she didn't at the time. I am to take the big box to her should I decide it must go.
Unless I am mandated to throw out high school annuals and the only pair of baby booties I ever knitted (Mom's pattern under her tutelage when I was a teen), or the quilts I've made for our beds and decor......
I really don't have "tough stuff" to toss.
Our office is moving and after several days' warning and a deadline I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets throwing away all the dishes no one claimed. The hard part will come Monday when all the people who didn't read or ignored the email complain.
too bad, so sad.
No blowback at work.
Today I threw out a collection of Bible verses I had copied out and winnowed down over time. I no longer am interested in that project and was mainly holding on to it because of the time I had put into it - sunk cost fallacy.
iris lilies
9-9-19, 7:32pm
I cleaned up, tossed, and organized all of my spray paint cans today. I got rid of probably 20 cans that had various problems. But now all fit into one container.
All I got rid of yesterday was a geranium plant, but I feel so guilty getting rid of any plant. But I will need the sunny space indoors for the lavender I grew in containers.
I also used up an old can of paint for the barn door I built. That felt wonderful, to use up a can of paint. IL, I am very impressed about the paint cans. We have to go through ours and find a paint recycle opportunity.
Gardner, glad you don't have tough stuff to toss. I made my kids take all their school yearbooks when they came this summer for a family reunion. I was insistent, but now I find I miss having them around. I burned their christening gowns because looking at them on the wall made me sad, and no one wanted them.
Now I have to go get rid of 6 books because I am trying to get rid of two things for every one thing I bring in.
I did get rid of the books plus we culled our coat selection and went to the Goodwill.
Difficult item of the day was Dad's old suitcase.
4 glass jars that I got because I didn't want to use plastic, but screwing and unscrewing the Mason jar style lids is a pain and they are hard to wash. I prefer my old plastic containers even though they leak. It was hard admitting my attempt at being ecofriendly failed.
4 glass jars that I got because I didn't want to use plastic, but screwing and unscrewing the Mason jar style lids is a pain and they are hard to wash. I prefer my old plastic containers even though they leak. It was hard admitting my attempt at being ecofriendly failed.
Someone else will enjoy them, I am sure. There is no shame in trying something and finding it is not going to work for you.
This one was very hard--a sweater vest my grandmother knitted for my father back in the 40's. The neck was unravelling. I couldn't get the yarn to unravel correctly to use it again, and I tried to felt it and that didn't work either.
She taught me how to knit, and I still miss her.
Recycled another old computer; difficulty was removing everything from it to newer computer for storage, dealing with old photos. Feel sad looking at dogs that have gone on to the big hunting ground in sky--or in my dog's case, the big ocean in the sky and the big flower garden in the sky, as that is how they liked to spend their time.
Also got rid of two backup power cords that went with it.
I am just about done with getting rid of everything I no longer use. I'm down to one small pile now. Took years.
There were some things I was hanging on to because of memories, but the memories were bittersweet. They reminded me of a time in my life when there was great happiness but also great sorrow. The sorrow was so strongly attached that the happy memories from that time could not cover it. I finally decided to let the items go. I'm glad I did. Now I only remember the happy times and no longer have the visuals that trigger the sorrow.
Tybee, I understand about the photos of the dogs. I have paw prints and hair swatches from pets long gone. They are in a file drawer and I cannot bring myself yet to get rid of them, nor can I bear to look at them. When I think about those dogs I have happy memories, but looking at the visuals trigger sorrow. I think those will be the last of the difficult things to get rid of, but I know I need to do it. There is no benefit to holding on.
I am having a book sale, not one difficult thing, but 1,000s, I hope! I loved having a bookstore, but need to move on.
catherine
9-17-19, 11:26am
Feel sad looking at dogs that have gone on to the big hunting ground in sky--or in my dog's case, the big ocean in the sky and the big flower garden in the sky, as that is how they liked to spend their time.
Also got rid of two backup power cords that went with it.
I downsized big time but managed to bring Laddie and Nessie with me. Eventually they'll wind up in the garden or the lake, but I'm not ready yet.
2977
Teacher Terry
9-17-19, 12:15pm
I have 8 doggie urns and they will be mixed with my ashes before internment.
I mixed my little Gracie's ashes with the dirt around a rosebush and it became her rosebush.
Just got rid of an iPhone 5.
A mug I received as a gift that I did not like but which had positive emotions associated with it.
A mug I received as a gift that I did not like but which had positive emotions associated with it.
Good for you, Yppej. These mixed feeling things are hard to get rid of. Gifts are really hard for me to get rid of, even when I do not like them.
I have fallen behind the last two days so need to find something two difficult things today.
I got rid of a broken surge protector, which required rearranging a lot of computer equipment and moving an awkward piece of furniture, before switching it out with a new one. I'm unreasonably proud of myself, as I've been putting this chore off all summer. Autumn's on its way, and I needed it for a space heater. Now I'm inspired to tackle some other "impossible task."
Yay, Jane! Yeah, that's a big part of this--it's the "impossible task" part.
Ugh. I can find several, just looking around, like the glut of guitars on my wall.
Book sale is today.
Good luck! I hope lots of sales!
Thanks! Didn't sell what I wanted to (you never do) but more than I was afraid I'd sell. A lot of work but successful just the same.
Thanks! Didn't sell what I wanted to (you never do) but more than I was afraid I'd sell. A lot of work but successful just the same.
Good to hear you had success.
My husband got rid of three huge boxes of his scifi books. It was hard for him. They went to the library sale and will make others happy,
that is nice, when someone else can use the things that are just sitting in your house.
I am now down 4. I did order ribbons for two manual typewriters and can see which one still works and hopefully get rid of one.
I'm selling the end of a sci-fi bookstore. It's hard for me to. SF saved my life. I desperately needed the lessons I got from SF to survive when younger.
rosarugosa
9-23-19, 5:34am
NewGig: Would you mind sharing what those lessons were? I am interested in hearing.
Getting rid of the smaller, lighter typewriter because even with a ribbon change, I can't get it to work correctly. Not worth trying to figure it out. Hard to get rid of it because I spend good money on it. Sunk cost fallacy.
Got rid of a vehicle, which was extremely difficult but did take more than one day. Feels great to have completed the task.
Nothing big yesterday, just a book.
Today's challenge--something difficult!
Actually, come to think of it, closed a bank account a couple of weeks ago and early this am when could not sleep, sorted through and found old checks which I will destroy today. So that's good for one day.
Teacher Terry
9-27-19, 1:26pm
A acquaintance of ours is coming this afternoon to look at the motor home. Hopefully they will buy it and it will be one big thing.
A acquaintance of ours is coming this afternoon to look at the motor home. Hopefully they will buy it and it will be one big thing.
That IS a big thing! Fingers crossed they will buy it and you have an emptier driveway.
Teacher Terry
9-27-19, 4:30pm
We offered it to them for what is the least we would take from a stranger and it’s a good deal. BB values the average condition at 10k and we told them 5. We had been trying to get 7. Having another parking spot will be nice because you cannot park on our street. That gives us 5 parking spots. It’s been difficult for my husband to let it go. We can book Airbnb’s for the same price as RV parks.
That would be a very good deal for you both!
A saddle, sunk cost fallacy.
Getting rid of clothing that, alas, doesn't fit any more.
Getting rid of clothing that, alas, doesn't fit any more.
I am in same boat, Zana.
A worn out road atlas of my county, showing every street and park. When my son was little I would scour it for new green spaces to explore but it is ratty and outdated and I have not used it in years. My eyesight is also getting too bad for the fine print. Good memories though.
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