How do you clean out a 37 year accumulation? HELP!

[nONIE]

So he made me this deal. If I go home and start cleaning out the attic, the cellar, the barn and the house, and then sell the house, We can spend more time in TV Yaaaaaaaaaa!

Where do I begin???? :dontknow: I have been a collector and horder for almost 40 years,any suggestions would be very much appreciated! ::)

[Peggy D]

Nonie,

You have my sympathy. This is not an easy task. They say if you haven't used it or
worn it in over a year, you don't need it.

As others have said-- they're just "things"

Good luck

[mom2five]

Call one of those Television shows on HGTV that are about organization. Maybe they cand get you started and we can see you on TV too.

I have a similar project waiting for me back home. Time to downsize but I am really dreading the process.

[pm10]

I'm working on the same thing, Nonie - only on a much smaller scale, I think. Good thing we don't have a barn, cuz it would be full of "stuff" too. I'm finding it hard to throw out things that have even a little bit of sentimental value. But I'm offering everything to our kids, and they don't seem interested in much of anything. So I guess I'll hook up the chuck wagon, too!!
But if it means being in TV more, I'd say go for it!

[mcelheny]

Me Too! We should go to each other houses and do the cleaning out. I can throw out stuff that I have no attachment to...

[Mikitv]

:'( :'( :'( : ??? ??? ??? :dontknow: :dontknow:


Nonie,

I sympathize with you since I have a 41 year accumulation and I too have collected. As we have moved about I have kept many things in boxes that I have hardly looked at. Then there are all the cabinets, drawers, closets, you get the idea.

Last summer in preparation for selling our house I started going through those boxes and stored items and made a lot of critical assessments. If the kids didn't want it, I couldn't sell it or donate it then time for it to go. I have to downsize 4300 sq feet of space so it was time to put away the emotions (so hard) and start pitching. I filled a 3 1/2 car garage for my sale and over two days I sold a lot of things. Priced them to go and made over $1000.00. Even with all that I still have more to go through.

Easier for my husband because he doesn't have the emotional attachment I have but I don't want and won't have the room for a lot of this stuff anymore. Once I started going through it, enjoying the memories and being realistic I could get rid of it.

Focus on the move to the next adventure in your life. Don't bring a lot of excess baggage you won't really need.

Sorry to go on so much and now I will get back to more sorting and packing.

Mik

[njgranny]

Very slowly. :) Seriously, we're cleaning out about 45 years of junk. My hard part is getting my husband to part with things. He wants to give all this stuff to our kids and friends (who don't want most of it) and that slows down the clean up while you wait to hear their answer.

I basically started going through each closet and storage space in the house. We've been filling up our recycle bin like mad and even using the neighbors. So much paper work that I kept, etc. I'm putting pictures and sentimental things into plastic bins and storing them in the front closet. When we move, we can just put everything in the closet into the pod.

I'm so glad that we don't have stuff stored anywhere but in the main house (no basement) and sheds (tools, lawnmowers, etc.) My girlfriend hired a dumpster when she moved and was merciless throwing stuff away.

My son's two brother-in-laws want the tools so they're going to clean out the shed for us. Hurray!!!!!!!!!!

Another option is to find someone who does clean outs for the barns, etc.

I like the idea of the clean up show.

Good luck. It's hard, and I get tired much quicker than I did when I was younger (for some strange reason ;) ;) ;)

[Mintjulep]

Oh Nonie,,, it's so hard, I've been working on it for awhile.

One thing that has helped me is to have a good friend go through things with me.
She puts a whole new spin on something I may think is great.
My friend says, 'Oh gosh, surely you're not thinking of keeping that'!!!
Then I take a second look and think, 'Yeah, she's right'.
And have gradually gotten rid of alot of things.

[Time for Tee]

Try to do one area at a time so that you can handle it at a easy pace. If you have alot and do not care to keep the items then the easy way is a auction. They will come in and take everything but understand it will be sold by the box lot which usually will bring $5 to $10 dollars. If you want to do the work then have a garage sale with a large sale. Antiques can be sold by calling a dealer--they want you to price the item and the usual offer is 50% of what they can sell it for. Alot of antiques malls do not require you to have a tax number so you could pack up the best and display it in a rented space. Usually cost around $160 to $200 a mo. to rent. They will sell it for you! Depends on the mall, location, etc. Some charge 10% of what you sell. Good furniture can go to consignment and they usually take 50%. Furniture only brings 10 cents on the dollar at auction!
Have family come in for anything that you might want to keep in the family. You can always rent a storage unit to store the best of the best but also expensive. It is a major undertaking for everyone , myself included. I have downsized twice and need to do it once more ----!!! :dontknow: :dontknow: A well advertised garage sale would be the best and have it in the Spring or Fall.

[SteveFromNY]

We are in the middle of doing exactly the same thing. I'm trying my best to abandon my pack-rat ways and be sensible about what I take. We are breaking apart the house and sending it to either a condo up here or our house in TV. I am using a few guidelines that are helping me.
1) Decide what you really (I mean really) need in the new place. We are taking very little furniture to either place. Other things like dishes (I can't believe how many we have) we are tossing. Sentimental items (pictures, old cub scout uniform, cards from the kids) we are keeping and putting them in the attic (perpetuating the pack-rat). Also, we are using a POD for the move or our stuff to TV. If it won't fit, it isn't going!
2) Ask the kids, relatives, neighbors, if they want any of the rest. Even giving something away makes me feel OK because it's still in use. Most of our stuff really doesn't interest anyone though, but it means so much to us.
3) Take a long look at what you are "stuck" with, and ask yourself this hard question: Once we are gone (and I don't mean to TV), what will our heirs do with this stuff? If the answer is toss it, bite the bullet and get rid of it now. Save yourself the trouble of moving it around, save them the trouble of going thru it.

Good luck to you....it is an unsettling, stressful situation and I know what you're going thru.

[nONIE]

Thankyou, thankyou, so much. Such fantastic suggestions and ideas! sounds like you are not strangers to this awful task. I am so sad to be leaving TV but knowing I will be back for longer periods of time will inspire me to dig right in when I get home. I wouldnt want my kids to have this chore in front of them anyway so one way or another it definitely needs to be done.

I am so thankful for all of you that are so ready and eager to help each other when the need is there. I will put all your great ideas to work soon especially the one about calling in a dumpster or 2! LOL

may all your cleaning out days go as smoothly as your helping mine to be. :-*

[Peggy D]

Worse yet is Hubby (Nick)--the garage. OMG--talk about a pack rat!!
Motorcycle parts, car parts, tools, tools, tools--did I mention the tools!?! And he keeps bring more stuff home. His excuse--"I might need it someday..."

He's been warned--this "stuff" isn't going to TV!!!

[nONIE]

Peggy,

your hubby and I have something in common. I am a great believer that I may need this junk someday and the funny thing is I will remember what I have and go rummaging for it when I do need it and then Im so happy I saved it!! Its a disease I swear!!

The truth of the matter is we can do very well without it, its just stuff, and its amazing how little a person really needs to get by and be comfortable.

My sister in-law and hubs had a huge beautiful house with all the trimmings. Her bout with Cancer made her realize how insignificant all these things were so she sold the house and everything in it and moved into a 19 foot trailer in Arizona and her and hubs are happy as larks!! Now this may seem a little extreme, but it just shows to go ya its not the house or the furnishings or the accumulated junk that brings you happiness.!

I think Im hijacking my own thread! :redface:

[Time for Tee]

One thing I have found out is that the beautiful China that we all wanted does not sell ~~~~~~~~~~~~kids do not entertain the way we did. Sterling silver will sell at a high price but a set of Silverplate sells for about $75.00. Do your homework before you sell by going to the Antique Malls and flea markets. Sometimes people throw out articles that are very popular with the 20 and 30 years old. I find that many people try to buy back their childhood with the games and toys. Go to the library and look at the books out on Collections that are "IN" right now. Things that do not sell are rocking chairs, infant toys or furniture, linens (unless top notch).Tablecloths from the 50,s do well --$18 to $35.
Go to Ebay and put your item in Search before you sell it. Go to completed auctions to find out what it sold for in the past few months. That is the best place to find information and also sell. Maybe someone can sell the item for you in your area. Also they take a large chunk of the auction price plus the fees. There are certain books that sell well --Dick and Jane, Hardy Boys, etc. Do not print out a Ebay form on what it sold for as 95% of the people will not buy it at a garage sale.
If all else fails then donate it to Goodwill, Churches, Salvation Army, etc. The memories and emotions and feelings for the "stuff" is the worst part so I would probably "pack rat it" with a family member. I have several boxes of my sister,s things that she could not part with when they bought a Motor Home to travel and live in. It has been three years now and she never even asks to look at her things when she visits. She does know that her treasures are safe and that she can look at them or give them to her children when she if off of the road 040 040

[Village Kid 2]

Nonie,

This is so hard to do. I have downsized twice in the last few years already and am in the process of doing it again for the TV move. And I had my parents house of 40 years (and they never threw anything away) to do a couple years ago.

My simple rule: if it doesn't fit in the TV house, it has to go. I have given away furniture to friends who have liked something, I keep bringing little household items to the office and they magically find a new home with someone, have taken much to Goodwill, and actually thrown out very little. Family treasures I have started giving to young family members at Christmas or other special occasions.

Just remember, we can't take "things" to the grave. And remember Kris Kristoferson's lyric, "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." Think how nice it is to be FREE.

VK2

[784caroline]

Nonie
I could say
"take it to the lake"...but I know there is no room,

"Give it to the Kids" ...like be honest...where are they going to put it with all they have going on,

"donate to charity" ...they only take so much and I need to be careful about inflating the 1040 charity line for 2008 that would only cause an audit and other problems,

"Ebay"... as much work just getting ready..and I have alot to sell, and an "auction"...I probably would buy it back from myself.

At least your have one hurdle (and the biggest) resolved: "hubby" has given you an incentive that is hard to beat..especialy when you know it has to be done sooner or later. Hard to believe he is willing to give up the barn!

When you get back to NY just take a deep breath and start slow..room to room. IM sure you will have ot revisit some rooms 2-3 times (or more) before its all said and done.

[renielarson]

A few years ago we rented a dumpster, parked it in our driveway and went to work cleaning, sorting, and throwing. We filled that dumpster but never made it to our basement or all of the closets. Now that a few years have passed, we have re-accumulated and our 2600 square foot house (not counting basement or garage) is bulging at the seams again.

Our children don't have the sentimental attachments that we do and it really upsets me as to why. Perhaps because we moved so far away from family and my kids never felt that close "bonding" as my husband and I did as kids growing up close to all extended family members.

It won't bother me a bit to throw or give away "junk". But the heirlooms will break my heart.

[Peggy D]

Nonie,

You are so right about what truly brings us happiness. It's not the china. I think as we get older you realize this.

Like I said, they're "things".

Hope that helps you let go of the "stuff".

[The Great Fumar]

WOW VK
THATS HEAVY .....
lets see now , what else can I throw out today.... Not my old letter sweater as there's still a half of a sleeve left (damn moths) maybe my old track medal which is now green (not my school colors) my autographed picture of Lindburg which I've been suspicious of sense I bought it at Marion Market , I KNOW , my picture of Babe Ruth wearing a Nauru jacket.. No I can't do that , Maybe I'll just buy a bigger house , It will be a lot easier...

Junkman fumar :dontknow: ;D ;D ;D :bigthumbsup:

[beady]

Nonie:,

Very possibly the hardest part about moving is sorting through your possessions.

One thing I did was pick out my very favorite things , mostly antique furniture I had collected over the years. It all came with me and is in the guest room. The china and silver and all the things I used to use to entertain with I sold. My kids were not interested in silver candlesticks and silver serving dishes. Anything I had an attachment to was set aside as I sorted and then sorted again until I was down to just a few special things that I knew I had to keep. All the rest was offered to friends and family, sold at a huge yard sale or donated to several charities. It takes some discipline and fortitude but it can be done.

So far I have not missed a thing.

Hubby on the other hand just packed up crates with old papers and tools and stuff and it all came with us. I could not get him to just toss and sort. Consequently, I can only fit the golf cart in the garage. Slowly, he is now sorting because I have issued an ultimatum !!!!!!!that I will throw it all out if he doesn't have the garage empty before the hot weather. The car needs to be garaged in the summer heat.

Good luck.....it means more time in TV .... that would encourage me big time.

[chelsea24]

Hey Ms. Nonie, you know and I know and Bernie knows, that I'm going to be nagging you everyday! I had to compartmentalize. I'd say, I'll just do this corner today. But the important thing is not to move one thing to another corner! I would pack as I was clearing out. Then was finally down to the essentials. And as you know, I'm still unpacking things and thinking, "Now why did I pack that?" Also, seriously, I did have to get help. We were on a tighter time schedule than you, but it is an overwhelming job unless you wake up every day and say, "Well, I'll just do this area today." So be prepared for lots of nagging from me and tell Bernie to be prepared to keep his end of the bargin or Barefoot and I will come looking for him and he will be in a whole world of trouble! Grrrrrrrrr. That's my kitten growl and you know what that means. ;)

[gfmucci]

Look at my post script on the bottom...all the times we moved... These moves represent all the times we've gotten rid of tons of stuff, through garage sales and donations. And we've accumulated most of it back in just the last few months since our last move! It doesn't seem to get any easier. As of this moment, with the books we keep buying, I'm not sure we'll have enough space for the book cases we'll need. That's one of the reasons I'm air conditioning the garage. ::)

Maybe the price of gas will be a mixed blessing - it will keep us from affording to buy more "stuff". :bigthumbsup:

[BUC]

DUMPSTER !!!!!

[another Linda]

Wow, Nonie! Did you ever touch a cord with a lot of people! We want to downsize and have been unable to face the reality of what that will mean. We have lived in our house (big - 5 bdrms, 5 baths, huge attic, full basement -- thankfully no barn! ) for going on 35 years. Please keep us posted on how you manage this.

[samhass]

Nonie, How many months have you been here? What items did you really miss while you were away from them? I have finally discovered that most of the "great stuff" I have in my Pa home is not very important anymore. I don't even know where I would put it down here.

[njgranny]

When we were away for two months this winter, we realized how little we need the extra stuff. I had only taken a week's worth of clothes for each of us and it worked out great. I think it will kind of be freedom to be released from much of our stuff.

[sweetana3]

sheets, towels, blankets and afghans in whatever shape are really needed by animal rescue and animal shelters. They help soften the concrete and you would be doing a good thing.

I just cleaned out a closet. Just how many old yellow and green (three houses ago) towels do we need to clean the car. How many sets of sheets for two beds.

We just went thru some shelves of old collectibles and took out the miscellaneous, duplicates, and odd ones to sell on Ebay. Now I think all could go on one shelf. Donated our old glassware and china to goodwill. I always look at it as making someone else happy.

:-) I found one box of Tshirts that were packed away two years ago that no one knew we even had.

Ana

[Gander]

A lot of good suggestions. We been going through the same in anticipation of our move to TV once house sells. We have gone through 2 phases and ready to start again and do a deeper dive. We just have get our daughter to remove her clutter as she no longer lives with us.
Has anyone tried "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston- Free yourself from Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Clutter Forever. I think this book covered all of the bases to allow yourself to accomplish clearing your clutter. It helped us get in and keep the right might set. ( It is easier for some people than others, obviously)

[captain1202]

Regardless of what "beady" says there's a lot of "good stuff" out in that garage. I know the "guys" can relate. :beer2:

Seriously though, I do feel it is important to maintain some personal items for your home... photo's paintings, books, memorabilia, etc.. They are, after all, reminders of your life's experiences. I for one, cherish many of those memories, I do not want to live in a Southern Lifestyles furniture showroom.

I really noticed this when we were house shopping. Just a thought.

P.S. I've used a lot of the tools and didn't have to go to Lowe's and spend more $$ to get them. :bigthumbsup:

[Boomer]

A reciprocating saw, one brand is known as "Sawzall," may just be your new best friend. They saw through just about anything, depending on the blade. Be sure to wear safety goggles and hearing protection.

"Why such a saw?" you may be asking.

Well, you know that big junk in the basement that you have no idea how you are going to get back up the steps? Hit it with a reciprocating saw. Carry it up and out in as many pieces as you choose to cut it into.

This is also an excellent way to interest your husband in the clean up and out project. Tell him that you want a "Sawzall." There are other brands. I just like to say "Sawzall" because the word pretty well sums up what this tool can do.

When a friend told me about all the stuff her husband was sawing up and getting rid of, including a mattress and a refrigerator (but we won't talk about that), I knew that a "Sawzall" was the tool of my dreams.

So I rushed home and told Mr. Boomer that I really wanted a "Sawzall. Well, Mr. Boomer galloped down to the local Depot and perused the aisles for the perfect gift for me.

So, girls, you might want to try this. It can be quite rewarding. But you know how it goes when your husband is drooling up and down the aisles of Home Depot. Oh my, the things you have to say when you call him on the cell to get him to leave and come back home. :redface:

Oh, and I also have Mr. Boomer convinced that the food processor is a power tool. This delusion has made him quite helpful in the kitchen.

Boomer

[nONIE]

Sam,

Thankyou for the wake up call. Actually I have missed nothing up north and have done very well without any of it!

Good thing to keep telling myself when I start going thru it all. Thanks!

[njgranny]

We are giving quite a lot of things to our local thrift shop.

Glad to have the hint about the towels, sheets and quilts, etc. for the animal shelter.

We had a metal file cabinet purchased from a second hand store many years ago. My husband took it back to them and got $20.

We are only planning to take "memorbilia," but that seems to amount to quite a bit. ha, ha. Thank goodness our photos go on disk now.

My son said he found an old pay stub from years ago in some things I had given him.

[chuckinca]

Libraries may accept donations of books and magazines - We just donated a set of children's encyclopedias.

[BUC]

Get a dumpster and go to the home depot and hire a couple of UN documented aliens and start throwing stuff out unless it has to do with golf or fishing it can be replaced, so get rid of it. ( I being politically correct, that rarely happens)

[nONIE]

Cant thank you all enough for your great ideas and suggestions. When I am on my knees in the cellar holding grannies old shawl(I really have it), with tears in my eyes I will re-read all your posts and realize they are just"things" and I cant take them with me either to TV or the grave. :'(

[Mikitv]

Nonie, I just spent some days packing boxes of things I'm not going to use while house is on market. I made decisions again not to take some things I thought last summer when I was sorting I still needed. Keep thinking about how much room I won't have. I had linens from my mom and grandmother and finally made decision to sell since they have just been sitting in drawer all these moves. Kept just a few special pieces. Hard to turn off the emotions but have to be realistic. Kids don't seem to want the things we thought were so important. Good luck and shed a few tears and keep all the great memories.

Mik

[Mintjulep]

Mikark,

:agree: Our kids are the same, don't even WANT the things we thought were so wonderful and necessary when we were young. They have totally different ideas about life. They save money to go to Europe or on a cruise instead of buying 'stuff' like we did.

So we figure the memories ARE the most important,,, and we'll keep those... :bow:

I have gotten rid of most of our stuff. My hubbys Santa collection is our big problem now. He doesn't want to part with it bit it really takes up tons of space for something that's seasonal.
He's the Clark Griswold of our neighborhood, so it'll be hard for him...
But I think he's mentally starting to accept now tho that they will have to go...

[beady]

Nonie:
don't get rid of grannies shawl. I still have a crochet afghan my grandmother knit for me. I keep it in the linen closet and every once in a while take it out and wrap up in it(during the cold days in Dec and Jan). I have tried several times to part with it, but just can't. Those are the things to keep. Give away the "I might need this some day "items.

Mint:
Keep the santa collection and display it year round. I know of one villager that has a Christmas collection out all year long. It is about what makes you happy and who you are.The Santa collection makes your hubby happy and is part of who he is, so I vote to keep it. :bigthumbsup:

[Just Susan]

A lot of good suggestions. We been going through the same in anticipation of our move to TV once house sells. We have gone through 2 phases and ready to start again and do a deeper dive. We just have get our daughter to remove her clutter as she no longer lives with us.
Has anyone tried "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston- Free yourself from Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Clutter Forever. I think this book covered all of the bases to allow yourself to accomplish clearing your clutter. It helped us get in and keep the right might set. ( It is easier for some people than others, obviously)


For those of you who are trying to declutter as are we, a tip about the things your children have left behind. Our daughter and family left behind quite a bit of "stuff" when they moved out this last time, "because they had no place to store it". We said okay for awhile, then we set a deadline for the removal of same...then another...then another...(we are push-overs, I'm afraid)

Easter weekend they invited us to their new home and we arrived on Saturday, towing a large, stuffed to the limit, covered trailer, behind my husband's full Avalanche, (that's a truck). We helped them unload the truck, then we unhitched the trailer, took our grandchildren and told our kids we would be back the next day to celebrate Easter.

What a great weekend. We got to have our grandbabies (2 & 4) all to ourselves overnight...and we emptied a large quantity of "stuff" from our house.

Long story, short...if they don't come for it take it to them. Worked for us.

[Shirleevee]

We got a dumpster about a year ago and filled it to capacity.....why of why am I afraid to get rid of, "STUFF"? I joined a DECLUTTER list on the internet and it helped.....

Good Luck!

Shirleevee

[renielarson]

I need the url to the "declutter" list shirleevee

It's hard for me to let go

[redwitch]

Nonie, one thing I found that helped with some of the things that I couldn't bring but truly meant something to me was to take pictures of them. It wasn't the thing that mattered, but the memory behind it. What's nice is that I put them on my puter and wrote explanations of what they were and why they were important. It made it much easier to leave them behind.

[Archer_ID]

My daughter told me about 1-800-GOT JUNK. (Also www.1800gotjunk.com) Call them and they will cart away whatever it is you want them to take-- for example, everything in the basement, garage, attic, etc. or specified things. They charge by the truckload or part thereof. A full truckload (their website gives you an idea as to what that means in terms of furniture and other junk) costs $638 in west New Jersey (half load is $385 and quarter load is $260--they estimate the size of the load before you sign.) They cart everything away and even sweep before they leave.

Understand, I have never used them but read all this on their website. I plan to use them.

Good luck

[Boomer]

About getting the real junk up or down those steps, out the door, and off the property...

Other than that little essay I wrote in this thread a couple of days ago about getting a Sawzall, the only other advice I have is to make sure anybody you hire is carrying the right insurance coverage, workman's comp, or whatever it is.

I know you don't care if they break the junk.

But you did not come all this way in your life to find yourself first in line in some litigation over liability if someone you hire gets hurt at your place. I would have the paperwork that proves coverage in hand. You may want to check your homeowner policy for liability coverage, too. Just a suggestion. My guess is that you already know this anyway. And besides, I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on television.

Boomer

[Becky]

Boomer, But I'm guessing you stayed in a Holiday Inn last night! ;D

Becky

[renielarson]

Thank you Archer. I bookmarked that site and know I'll be calling them when ready to move.

[dadspet]

Oh No!!!! What would I do with my Jet Ski in your barn! I would bring it to the Villages and use it here but my other half is afraid of the alligators in these lakes and I'd have to upgrade to a house to a 3 car garage.

Actually best wishes with your cleaning out - I'm sure I can find a good winter home for it and to be honest its been getting a lot harder to get on and off it. After our first 5 months in our Villages house and returning to NY we are now seriously thinking we need to clear out our accumulations and down size. But for some reason my wife keeps thinking I'm only referring to her when I say WE need to clear things out.

[nONIE]

Dadspet,

Dont worry, I think this task will take me a few years so your all set for awhile! The barn is yours!

Tell ya what, Ill start with the attic and cellar ok?

[jtdraig]

I am a packrat...and, worse, a sentimental packrat. I still had my notebooks from College and even High School. So, decided to harden my attitude...big time. What was collectible went to Consignment Shops or on EBAY and what was junk went into the garbage. I had no less than 60 bags of garbage out for each of six weeks before we moved. Last week, I had 82 bags. We donated all of our furniture and household remainders to the Yankee Fair and Barn Sale at our church. Bought all new furniture here.
We know lots of people who brought vanload of furniture from their homes only to discover they had far too much stuff and had to get rid of it when they got here. So, my advice is to harden up, sort aggressively so you are done at least a month or so before your move, look carefully at furniture and bring only what you really want to...most important, harden up your attitude. It was very difficult for me.

[Bernie]

This is going to be interesting getting rid of a '50 Ford pick up w/ spare engine, a pontoon boat, 2 fishing boats, a camper, a backhoe, an ATV, a ski jet, a casket (holloween prop), an antique lawn tractor, a John Deere, a snow blower, a welder, compressor, chain saws, a room full of old antiques, etc etc, --- how does a woman get rid of that stuff? Scary thought.

[nONIE]

YOU WATCH ME!!!!! WAAHOO! 040 :2excited:

[KathieI]

'50 Ford pick up w/ spare engine, a pontoon boat, 2 fishing boats, a camper, a backhoe, an ATV, a ski jet, a casket (holloween prop), an antique lawn tractor, a John Deere, a snow blower, a welder, compressor, chain saws, --- how does a woman get rid of that stuff? Scary thought.

Bernie, what's scary is, do you really think we believe that Nonie was the one and only storing this stuff? Doesn't sound like her "girly" type things, so I guess you had a hand it in too. Better start helping her!! Its your junk also.!!

Just an observation! Kathie

[nONIE]

Thanks for stickin up for me Kath. You tell em! How the hail do you dispose of a backhoe?? :dontknow:

[Shirleevee]

Brightspot, here are two helping hands

www.encouragingcoach.com/programs-decluttergroup

www.declutter-guide.com

Sailor and I are on our way back to NY to attempt to sort out, "STUFF"!

Regards,

Phyllis

[Just Susan]

Nonie I have an idea...backhoes dig trenches...dig one...dump all the "stuff"... cover...and move. You will be back by Memorial day.

[KathieI]

Being a 'city' girl all my life, I have no idea what a backhoe is??? Does she walk on the corner of LAX and Sepulveda??

Kathie :redface:

[graciegirl]

Kathie. Kathie. Kathie. ::)

[KathieI]

Gracie, I apologize.... I'm really very, very shy you know!! :redface: :redface: :redface:

[chelsea24]

Shhhh Kathi! Are you talking about Engineer Guy's hoe again! LOLOLOLOL Well, you're absolutely right! Sounds like a lot of guy stuff to me too. It's not going to take you years Ms Nonie. That's simply unacceptable! Engineer Guy, help Nonie, grrrrrrrrrrr.....

[Lady Jan]

.

[KathieI]

Agree Chels!!! :agree:

Could you see our "little" Nonie using a backhoe? Whatever that is??? Doubt it.

Nonie, don't stand for it. Sistah's unite on this!!

[nONIE]

Susan, I loved your idea,about digging a trench and burying everything! How absolutely clever of you. It sure would make my life easier. I would even learn how to operate it!

BUT......... a MIRACLE HAS OCCURED: Hubs just told me he found someone to buy the backhoe and we havant even gotten back to N.Y. yet. YAAAAAAAAA!
Only 5,600,000 items to go!!! 040 :2excited:

[Just Susan]

Oh Nonie don't let the backhoe go...make it a package deal. If they want the hoe, the rest must go....with it.

[Shirleevee]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/declutter-support/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emptynesters_declutter/

Two yahoo groups to help with decluttering.........GOOD LUCK!

Shirleevee :bigthumbsup:

[Bernie]

OK Nonie I got the barn cleaned out!!!!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg287/Bugb8/BarnCleanBernie.jpg

But what do I do with these black and white things??? :dontknow: :dontknow:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg287/Bugb8/Cows.jpg

[nONIE]

OMG :yikes:Does the salvation army take cows?????

[chelsea24]

1rnfl 1rnfl Bernie! That's a riot! Nice to see you're smiling face. GET A DUMPSTER!
And hurry back to TV! hugs, chels

[renielarson]

AUCTION?

[mcelheny]

Bernie,
I'm a former Dairy Princess!!! :) The black and whites are my breed. :)

[Rokinronda]

I heard that there is a soon to be empty pasture here near 466 and Morse. :joke:

[Barefoot]

OK Nonie I got the barn cleaned out!!!!
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg287/Bugb8/BarnCleanBernie.jpg
But what do I do with these black and white things??? :dontknow: :dontknow:
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg287/Bugb8/Cows.jpg


Bernie, :a20: :clap2:

[jimmali]

Dem dare critters beez called Holsteins..Dey haint "freshened" yet -------so we all calls them "heifers". Yup

[nONIE]

jammili,

What kind of talk is that? will we all sound like that if we post at 2:30 AM? LOL ::)

[mcelheny]

Dem dare critters beez called Holsteins..Dey haint "freshened" yet -------so we all calls them "heifers". Yup


Thanks-I knew all that but I can't spell! ;D
I've got country in my bones. ;D

[784caroline]

Bernie
Will the Black and Whites fit on that U-Haul Trailer ?

[redwitch]

TFF

Okay, now that the barn is cleaned out, who's cleaning the yard?

[nONIE]

Hey Red,

Wanna take a little trip?? All expenses paid to Grumpy N.Y. What a deal!

[redwitch]

Nonie, dahlink, for you anything!

[Rokinronda]

I invision a celebratory bonfire PARTY! ::) Flip flops, shorts and tank tops, pina coladas in hand, close eyes and let the warmth bring visions of TV in your very near future! NOW I SAID BONFIRE, NOT BARN FIRE!

[nONIE]

No flip flops, shorts or tank tops in this neck of the woods Ronda. cold_cold

But I do like the idea of the party and the pina coladas , and I would also consider the Barn fire now that the cows are out!!! LOL

[Just Susan]

Bernie, Nonie, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for those pictures. My daunting job, pales in comparison, to what you have to do. My load feels much lighter now. Wow, where did you get all that stuff, and why???

God Bless you darlings, you need a miracle. I like the auction idea.

[Frangyomory]

We had over 30 years of a two story, 4 bedroom house so I know how you feel. What I suggest after NOT doing what I should have done is: If you don't LOVE it or ABSOLUTELY CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT, get rid of it!!!!

This is the best advice I can give you. Even though we did give away a load of furniture, etc., we still had more to donate to Habitate for Humanity's thrift store in Leesburg (who will come and pick it up) when we moved in.

Of course, we really downsized from the 4 bedroom to a CYV. If you are moving into a larger place, you shouldn't have as much difficulty.

Best of luck and wishing you many happy and healthy years as a Villager!!!!! :bigthumbsup:

[nONIE]

Fran,

Thankyou for the good wishes. With this mess awaiting me, Im wondering if Ill ever get there!! :dontknow:

[Barefoot]

Nonie, I feel your pain. I am also packing and turfing stuff out. I know that with every box and every drawer I have to pick up the object, turn it over, look at it from all angles, think about it, wonder if I'll be sorry if I throw it out, wonder if I should give it instead to the Salvation Army, wonder if I would ever use it again, wonder if my grandkids could use it.

Then I get so tired I put it back in the box and go to bed. It just ain't that easy.

[nONIE]

Thanks Bare, I know your are facing the same decisions in downsizing. Im finding out kids and grandkids dont want any part of our things, they dont even want their own things that we have stored here for them.

There is a pot of gold at the end of all this called TV. It makes it all worth the effort.

[samhass]

I could have written the laments from you and Nonie. Where did I get all this stuff? Why did I buy it? I may never want to shop again. I thought I would shop while up here. I shopped in my closets. Some of it seems like new again. I have been trying to pawn stuff off on the kids. Seems they want to shop for their own junk!





Nonie, I feel your pain. I am also packing and turfing stuff out. I know that with every box and every drawer I have to pick up the object, turn it over, look at it from all angles, think about it, wonder if I'll be sorry if I throw it out, wonder if I should give it instead to the Salvation Army, wonder if I would ever use it again, wonder if my grandkids could use it.

Then I get so tired I put it back in the box and go to bed. It just ain't that easy.

[KathieI]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg287/Bugb8/BarnCleanBernie.jpg

Wait! Wait!!

I think I like those white rockers!! I'll take them but you can keep the guy sitting in them.

Kathie

[Just Susan]

No wonder we are all friends. We seem to be of a certain type. We can write each others posts.

I agree with Bare...I examine endlessly, when I can't decide I just pack it, to deal with it in TV.

I agree with Sam...I don't know why I bought all this s--ahhh stuff. I feel I have single handedly supported our economy. We are headed for a recession because I quit buying. ( I know you can all say the same thing)

And Nonie my kids don't want a thing either. Not even their stuff. I stored, then moved from CA, then stored that stuff just for them and they don't want it???? Yep, they don't want it.

And Kathie for all I have just said, those rockers are very cool aren't they...hmmmm.

[Rokinronda]

Looks like there are some hidden treasures, for sure! And one right out front! ;) I had 1,500 sq. ft. + full basement packed w/ 30 yrs. of stuff and it was TOUGH. A barn, thats like another house! Our son took his collectibles, comic books, sports cards, games, futon, couch, his TV and another, pots pans, and other stuff he could use for his 1st apartment. Worked great for us. I secretly saved his ninja turtles, school papers, photos, and as much as I could fit in a couple of bins, and brought them here. I gave my treasured tea cup china collection to a dear friend. My sis took a curio cabinet, I made hundreds of dollars with a couple of yard sales. I sold hundreds of dollars worth on ebay. Donated everything else. We bought nicely furnished here and got it down to 35 boxes of treasures, 52" TV, and my artist easel on a moving truck (mini moves) and a car filled to the roof with 3 dogs and all I could squeeze in. Boxes had fav. books, old clocks, photos, home movies, slide projector, my paintings, a few antiquities, stereo, more small treasures (lots fit in a box) , favirite kitchen gadgets and utensils, sewing machine, 80 Record albums out of 700. 5 boxes were for my kids. Our daughter (here in FL) was thrilled that I saved her cheerleading outfit, cabbage patch dolls, her ET doll, music box, jewelry, school papers, etc.. Our son is getting his stuff mailed to him bit by bit each christmas. He sure loved his little indian outfit this past year. I BOUGHT new kitchen pans, small appliances, dishes, glassware, towels, decoratives, sheets, CLOTHES! It was like giving ourselves a bridal shower! Sometimes its less $ to buy than to ship. Hope this gives you ideas!! I'm not rushing you or anything. HAH! ;)

[dadspet]

Bernie

Arrived Wed, Not a Buffalo in sight for three days now! But I'm sure glad to see you found a place to get rid of those back and white things ( I think their called cows-BTW). Wonder how much it cost to ship them down here? Looks a lot like NY pastures now :(!

[jojo]

Can't figure out who wrote the original post about the 37 year accumulation. I sure do identify - we have lived in our home 37 years also. I have packed 89 boxes this week. Probably should heed the advice on this thread and pitch more. Will be in TV on July 21. The next phase will be shopping. One step at a time - Sell, buy, pack, move....

[mac9]

We had 32 years of accumulated "stuff" in a 4 bedroom, 2 storey house. I too spent the fist few weeks looking, brooding and putting stuff back in drawers to decide about later. Then I remembered that this is a new phase in our lives and we needed to move forward. We've owned our Camellia for 2 years now and have fully furnished it as we used it as a vacation house. Storage in any house in TV is at a premium. That's when I invented the "5 second rule" for us. Look at something and be able to say where it will go or be stored within the first 5 seconds or else it goes into the trash or donate pile. There are no other choices. It was hard at first, but we will be moving to TV 7/17 and will have only a few things in the trunk of our car! I actually feel liberated and am glad that we decided to do it this way.

[784caroline]

Nonie
Had our major garage sale this morinng and despite the rain in N Va, we had a very successul sale (alot of Ducks came out)...and in the end, 99% of what was left went to the local thrift shop. That said we still have ALOT of stuff to get rid of and the movers come friday!

[JeanneBeannie]

Nonie, I feel your pain. I am also packing and turfing stuff out. I know that with every box and every drawer I have to pick up the object, turn it over, look at it from all angles, think about it, wonder if I'll be sorry if I throw it out, wonder if I should give it instead to the Salvation Army, wonder if I would ever use it again, wonder if my grandkids could use it.

Then I get so tired I put it back in the box and go to bed. It just ain't that easy.


Yep...I have been doing exactly that for months Bare...."look at it, think about it, wonder if I will be sorry if I throw it out etc. etc.", do I have a garage sale, which I did once and swore I would never do it again lol, store it, throw it out etc.?!? :shrug:.
I get so overwhelmed looking at it all, and dont think I have the energy for the garage sale thing, but I guess if I find a home in TV and sell here soon...hopefully I will find energy I didnt know I had lol? :shrug:.
I know I should have a garage sale, but no one in this town rents tables...any ideas from my fellow TOTV'ers with all there clever ideas? :bowdown:. I could probably open up a Christmas Tree Shop in TV with all the Christmas things I have...everyone that comes here says it looks like the North Pole at Christmas. :1rotfl:
Help!!!! :faint:

[krash]

If you have a ton of stuff, how about having an auctioneer come in, and have them sell everything there on the premises? The selling price only goes up, compared to a yard sale where the hagglers try to nickel and dime you. Granted, they will take a percentage of the proceeds, but your excess stuff will be gone in a few hours.

[njbchbum]

Organization is the key in this process - as is having the space to process things!

That said, first ask a few friends to help you lug and sort. Then sort all items according to KEEP, SELL, DONATE, TRASH. When one does not have the space to keep everything under one roof, consider renting a small storage space for one month [if you have one close by within an easy drive after a day of sorting]. Moving the sorted items out of sight and reach makes it easier to avoid the separation anxiety that this process raises.

Allow yourself to take a good amount of time to accomplish this sorting - it can become sort of a 'grieving process' over the loss of your 'stuff'; and it gives you a chance to have a change of mind.

Then 'hire' your friends to conduct your yard sale...the more you are removed from this part of the process the less likely items are to return to your KEEP category. Do make sure that you are available to answer questions and to circulate among the shoppers to make sure that items do not disappear. Have lots of cash on hand for making change - carpenter aprons work real well at yard sales. Have some shopping/grocery bags/small boxes available for your shoppers to take their treasures home in.

Anything left from the yard sale goes into the donate pile and you are done! Count your cash and break out a nice bottle of wine and some pizzas/sandwiches for your helpers.

If you choose to enlist the help of your friends in this process, [if not done in the initial sorting phase] you might consider offering them first chance to select something from your SELL items [before the start of the yard sale] as a memory of you and all you are sharing.

And once you get to TV and realize "I didn't really need this after all" - keep it in the garage or a spare room and save it for a yard sale there!!!!!

[ggdawg]

Feel your pain! 5 yrs ago we put a sign in the yard to sell up north thinking it would take time. Sold in 3 weeks...had to store stuff & rent till retirement 3 mo. later. Downsized in TV BIG time from 2 story house. Brought the whole mess here... still sorting. The bright side of this is that you can control weight gain by the sheer fact that if you get too wide, you can't get through the narrow path in the garage to the golf cart!!!! Hang in!

[nONIE]

Its been over a year since I originally posted this thread and I want to Thank you all for the great advice. Im sure so many of you are going thru this right now. Its not an easy task especially when you are a saver and collector as I was but amazingly I discovered I dont need or miss any of the things I sold or gave away.

Looking so much forward to my journey to The Villages and Im not bringing much with me. It will be great fun to start over furnishing with new in TV.

I guess my best advice would be to go the auction route. They pick it up, sell it for you and send you a check. Easy peasy, if your not looking for high prices on things. It was a lifesaver for us.

[TrudyM]

Some of the stuff I have was left by my mother (from her mother)
Totally not my style but I have carted it from piller to post through 5 moves.
Not to mention my husbands comic book collection. Someone here suggested auction houses and I have found a few online that specialize in hand painted dishes and others for comics. I think that is the way to go but I do feel guilty selling things that my mother thought where family heirlooms.

[nONIE]

Trudy,

I can relate completely to the guilt problem. I still have many things of my mothers and grandmothers that I have to part with. But the one that weighs heaviest on my heart is her baby grand piano. I have kept it in my home since her passing. It is an tique and has a special history to it. It was special made for one of Al Capones brothels. It is hand painted and very unusual. I have had it on E-bay and Craigs list at a very low price and could not sell it on either. I have asked family members if they want it and noone seems to have room for it. Now I have to have our local auctioneer cart it away . It was very special to my mother and she played it daily for 50 yrs. or more, and I would love to sit and listen to her beautiful music.

Sorry to go on and on about it but it really hurts to have to part with it, wherever she is, I know shes going to be really upset with me, but what choice do I have????

[salpal]

We are moving TV in a few years but I have already started. As far as emotional aspect of "things" I saw one of those organizer shows where the host said something along the lines of "That statue that Aunt Martha gave you does NOT represent Aunt Martha, she lives in your memory, not in the statue".....I try to remember that. Also, I tell myself that I want an easier life when I get to TV, that we will be on the go all the time and that too many things ties you down in many ways. My 2 cents.

[salpal]

As the only daughter of the only daughter, I have lots of family treasures, not worth much in monetary value, just sentimental. I wrote a family history and included as much information about family tree that I had and where each piece came from and gave them away, piece by piece to younger family members, neices, nephews, cousins, etc. They were more thrilled about the piece because of the paper history that came with them and I now think they will stand a chance of being passed on again.

[JeanneBeannie]

As the only daughter of the only daughter, I have lots of family treasures, not worth much in monetary value, just sentimental. I wrote a family history and included as much information about family tree that I had and where each piece came from and gave them away, piece by piece to younger family members, neices, nephews, cousins, etc. They were more thrilled about the piece because of the paper history that came with them and I now think they will stand a chance of being passed on again.

That is a very nice and wonderful idea! I am sure your family members appreciated the thoughtfulness and time you put into doing that. For me...I would rather receive a sentimental gift that has family history than anything else.
In fact you just helped me with a dilemma I have been having over all my Christmas things...thank you! I have been giving my son a special Christmas treasure every year for 31 years on Christmas Eve, i.e. villages, music boxes, glass old fashion ornaments, dishes etc. etc. and not knowing what on earth to do with it when I move. So...to hold onto it for him till he has his own place, I am not going to sell it, I am going to put it in storage till then. Thank you!

[gpmtheide]

So he made me this deal. If I go home and start cleaning out the attic, the cellar, the barn and the house, and then sell the house, We can spend more time in TV Yaaaaaaaaaa!

Where do I begin???? :dontknow: I have been a collector and horder for almost 40 years,any suggestions would be very much appreciated! ::)

Here's the easy way: Do you want to spend $$$$ to move it? Yes, or No.

[yippeedee]

I have been downsizing slowly but successfully by using Craigslist especially for bigger items.. They have every category imaginable!!

If you are in a big enough town / city that has it's own site then list the item, make sure you put a photo and as much info as possible. I find it is better to not put your phone number especially if it is a popular item and contact them..

They come to your home..check it out, load it up and off it goes with $$ in your pocket and it doesn't cost a dime...just a little of your time!!

If it is furniture or something from inside i move it to my carport and take a photo , list it and then wait.. they don't even have to come in your home.. i have sold alot of things that way. If you list it a couple times and there are no replys, it is either too high or not of interest and off to Goodwill it goes!! I want to get rid of things so i price it to sell!!!:pepper2:

There is also a Free section.. list what it is and take a photo!! They will come and take it.. Perhaps they can use it or will have a sale of their own!! It is a huge way to recycle and i prefer this to a dumpster although if things are of no use, damaged or just plain junk then definately start filling up the dumpster..

Just a thought!! Photo's are a MUST though as i know for myself i don't look at ads without photos!! Good luck on your project!! :bowdown:

[JeanneBeannie]

I am a very happy camper today thanks to Nonie's great advice about getting an auctioneer to come in and take away some things. Not only is he taking some things....he is taking everything!!!! :a040:
They come in and wrap it, pack it, move it, and sell it!! :coolsmiley:
So if some of you are in the same dilemma of what to do with "stuff" I highly recommend this idea!! I feel like a ton has been lifted off my shoulders!
Thank you Nonie...you are a genious!! :clap2:

[nONIE]

Im so happy for you Jeanne., Things are finally comming together for you.

As Bare would say "easy peasy"!!:laugh:

[clod]

I have the perfect flow chart to resolve the "stuff" issue but am unable to import it here. Anyone wishing a copy please e-mail me at
sundog48@gmail.com & I will forward the solution to the problem.

Steve :crap2:

[#1HawkeyeFan]

We also are downsizing and moving to our new home in TV in December. We are consindering using the POD. Has anyone used this process for moving and if so what was your experience?

Thanks in advance! You all have been so helpful in many ways already. By the way we can hardly wait to create many new friendships!

Kathy & Don

[SUNreporter]

There's a reputable guy in Lady Lake who will ebay your stuff, he takes 25% for the hassle of photographing, researching, listing, packing and shipping your stuff. He even ebayed a $10,000 boat for a friend of mine and a $3,500 motorcycle. Might take a while for him to get rid of 37 years of stuff and some of it probably wouldn't sell, but it might generate some extra cash. His email is Garyplus5@comcast.net

[Bernie]

The advice in this thread got us to TV. We buried St. Joseph and sold the house, donated to museum and charity, gave away to family and friends, auctioned, sold at garage sale, dumped, recycled, shredded, bartered, e-Bay’ed, Craigs listed, burned, moved, stored, and shelped. We finally arrived today!!!!!!

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg287/Bugb8/Arrived.jpg

[ssmith]

The advice in this thread got us to TV. We buried St. Joseph and sold the house, donated to museum and charity, gave away to family and friends, auctioned, sold at garage sale, dumped, recycled, shredded, bartered, e-Bay’ed, Craigs listed, burned, moved, stored, and shelped. We finally arrived today!!!!!!


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Susie

[champion6]

OMG
:22yikes:

[Julie]

The advice in this thread got us to TV. We buried St. Joseph and sold the house, donated to museum and charity, gave away to family and friends, auctioned, sold at garage sale, dumped, recycled, shredded, bartered, e-Bay’ed, Craigs listed, burned, moved, stored, and shelped. We finally arrived today!!!!!!


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Susie

Now you're gonna have to remove "TV Wannabe" from your location. Congratulations! :wave:

[oatmealgirls]

The advice in this thread got us to TV. We buried St. Joseph and sold the house, donated to museum and charity, gave away to family and friends, auctioned, sold at garage sale, dumped, recycled, shredded, bartered, e-Bay’ed, Craigs listed, burned, moved, stored, and shelped. We finally arrived today!!!!!!


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Susie

WOW Susie, congratulations are in order!!! Welcome to TV!!! :welcome:

[Aceskaters]

I downsized from a 3000 sq ft 5 bedroom house to an Amarillo. The people at Goodwill and the junkyard knew me by name! There were so many things that had been handed down from past generations (hand made quilts, fine china, tatted linens, silver) that I just couldn't part with...so, I decided I was now officially old enough to USE these things. I got rid of a lot of the store bought everyday stuff that I used when the kids were still around and now I eat my meals on Spode and Haviland, keep warm in hand made quilts, and serve my guest on silver. This eliminated a lot of stuff that had no sentimental value and I enjoy my family's heirlooms everyday.

[Bettiboop]

Ok...I think I need to start back at the beginning of this thread and read again. I'm not making much progress with cleaning out my years and years of "stuff"...so far I seem to be just going around in circles and not getting anything accomplished. Yikes!!

I am going to take a deep breath and regroup...and then keep on keepin' on!

I can do this! LOL:faint:

[Julie]

Ok...I think I need to start back at the beginning of this thread and read again. I'm not making much progress with cleaning out my years and years of "stuff"...so far I seem to be just going around in circles and not getting anything accomplished. Yikes!!

I am going to take a deep breath and regroup...and then keep on keepin' on!

I can do this! LOL:faint:

Betty, what is your timeline as far as making it to TV?

[Bettiboop]

Betty, what is your timeline as far as making it to TV?

Julie, we really don't have a definite timeline yet, but I would guesstimate 2 years before being able to be in TV full time. I would love it to be sooner, but for now we have other obligations that will keep us here for a bit. At the rate I'm going it looks like it will take me those 2 years to prepare to downsize. :D

[Julie]

Julie, we really don't have a definite timeline yet, but I would guesstimate 2 years before being able to be in TV full time. I would love it to be sooner, but for now we have other obligations that will keep us here for a bit. At the rate I'm going it looks like it will take me those 2 years to prepare to downsize. :D

Two years, WOW! That gives you loads of time. The hardest part of downsizing is to try and not accumulate anything new during the process. I keep seeing things I think I need but, have to keep telling myself if I really need the item I can purchase it once I make it to TV.

Good luck with your two year downsizing project.

[nONIE]

Bettiboop, Start now today eliminating everything you dont want or cant use, It is an endless task and you will be grateful you started the elimination process early. We started a good year before we sold the house and we still had TONS of stuff at the end that we didnt know what to do with.

Julie, that was such a wise statement about not accumulating more in the meantime. I LOVE to shop and buy cutsie things and it was so difficult not to buy new things, but I was tough on myself and didnt buy anything new in the past year knowing it would just be one more thing to drag to TV. Unfortunately , I still cannot let myself go crazy now that we are here because there simply is no room for anything new.

I will have to direct my energies into exercising and dancing instead of shopping, much more beneficial in the long run. Wow! this sure is a whole new lifestyle.

[Bettiboop]

Two years, WOW! That gives you loads of time. The hardest part of downsizing is to try and not accumulate anything new during the process. I keep seeing things I think I need but, have to keep telling myself if I really need the item I can purchase it once I make it to TV.

Good luck with your two year downsizing project.

Thanks Julie! I'm hoping things will turn out where I don't have to wait the 2 years...thus I'm trying to downsize now so I'll be ready - just in case.:D

How soon are you going to make it to TV? I agree with you on waiting to purchase things when you get to TV. The less that has to be moved, the better!

[Halle]

:agree::agree::agree:

Bettiboop, Start now today eliminating everything you dont want or cant use, It is an endless task and you will be grateful you started the elimination process early. We started a good year before we sold the house and we still had TONS of stuff at the end that we didnt know what to do with.

Julie, that was such a wise statement about not accumulating more in the meantime. I LOVE to shop and buy cutsie things and it was so difficult not to buy new things, but I was tough on myself and didnt buy anything new in the past year knowing it would just be one more thing to drag to TV. Unfortunately , I still cannot let myself go crazy now that we are here because there simply is no room for anything new.

I will have to direct my energies into exercising and dancing instead of shopping, much more beneficial in the long run. Wow! this sure is a whole new lifestyle.

We don't plan on being fulltime residents till 2013. I have already started getting rid of stuff and I will probably still have way too much when it is time to move. Nonie you are right there is not room in our house in TV and I'm not buying anything else. I'm on the "Eat it or Wear it Plan" if we can't do one or the other we don't need it.

[Bettiboop]

Thanks, Nonie. I'll just take it one item at a time and try not to feel overwhelmed. I know it is just a necessary "evil" that I have to go through but at least there is a nice bonus at the end...TV!! I'm so looking forward to being much more active with exercising and dancing, etc. Without a doubt it is going to be so good for me!

Halle, I like your "Eat it or Wear it Plan"...that is a good way to look at it. ;)

[Julie]

Thanks Julie! I'm hoping things will turn out where I don't have to wait the 2 years...thus I'm trying to downsize now so I'll be ready - just in case.:D

How soon are you going to make it to TV? I agree with you on waiting to purchase things when you get to TV. The less that has to be moved, the better!

Betty, as luck would have it, OUR HOUSE FINALLY SOLD!!! Or rather I should say, it's in escrow which is set to close November 2nd.

We plan on taking a week or two driving cross-country touring America while we're on our way to TV, the promised land.

[nONIE]

Congratulations Julie!

Im so happy for you! How long was it on the market?

[Bettiboop]

Betty, as luck would have it, OUR HOUSE FINALLY SOLD!!! Or rather I should say, it's in escrow which is set to close November 2nd.

We plan on taking a week or two driving cross-country touring America while we're on our way to TV, the promised land.

Fantastic, Julie! It won't be long now! Have fun on the cross country drive. That sounds like fun!

[Julie]

Thank you nONIE and Betty!!! Our house was on the market 8 long months. Selling a home in this real estate market was frustrating, to say the least.

Tomorrow we have all the home inspection people coming over to the house. I'm fairly certain it will pass everything which includes the overall home inspection, the chimney and something else that I can't remember right now. I'm hoping to feel less anxious following all of these inspections. :1rotfl:

[champion6]

Congratulations, Julie!!! The best is yet to come!

[nONIE]

Julie,

I sure know what your going thru. Its a real rollercoaster ride trying to sell. Ours was on the market 7 long months and the excuses people gave us were just unbelievable, from her grandmother falling down a set of steps like ours and breaking her neck to 3 acres not being enough property to take walks while saying the rosary. The excuses for not wanting it got old very fast!:ohdear:

We were thrilled to find a nice young couple who thought they died and went to heaven when they found our old farmhouse. Theres a home for everyone thank goodness!!

[Niels]

nONIE,

I'm jealous of you and Jeanne Beannie. Both of you have already made it to TV while I'm still stuck here in upstate New York for another winter. I've only just started to get rid of all the accumulated stuff in my house. Then I still have to put it up for sale and go thru that hassle.

Well, I only have another month at work and then I can retire and will be able to work on this project full time.

Niels

[Julie]

Julie,

I sure know what your going thru. Its a real rollercoaster ride trying to sell. Ours was on the market 7 long months and the excuses people gave us were just unbelievable, from her grandmother falling down a set of steps like ours and breaking her neck to 3 acres not being enough property to take walks while saying the rosary. The excuses for not wanting it got old very fast!:ohdear:

We were thrilled to find a nice young couple who thought they died and went to heaven when they found our old farmhouse. Theres a home for everyone thank goodness!!

nONIE, Don't even get me started on those excuses...we had one family that came in five times and ultimately said our baseboard wasn't high enough. :shrug: (the baseboard was installed previously to our owning the house) WHATEVER!

Thanks Champion. :)

[djplong]

This has been quite a read. I see myself already running into some of the issues raised.

I'm a recovering pack-rat. Because I moved around so much when I was a kid, I clung to everything I possibly could. When my adoptive mother died in 1990, moving into her house was, in a sense, one of the worst things I could have done. I combined moving into the house of a pack-rat (there were suitcases in the basement that had stuff in them from 1968) with my own pack-rat-ness and having gotten married 3 years earlier to a woman who also kept *everything* (though I didn't know it at the time).

I knew I had a problem one day, years later. The house I've been living in since 1990 is a 10-room house with a 2-car garage and shed. 3BR upstairs, one on the main floor where the living, dining and family rooms are in addition to the kitchen along with a complete basement that had a 'summer bedroom' (no heat but nice and cool in the summer, window on the backyard) that later became my now-ex-wife's "dog shop" where she did grooming. That should paint the picture of how big the house is - and there were four of us living there - us and our two daughters.

I heard my wife say "Maybe we should get a storage area".

That's when I finally started breaking my habits. Not completely and not all at once. But when four people can't live in a 10-room, 2.5 bath house, something is WRONG.

Years pass, stuff accumultes to the point where we're not too far away from becoming one of those families you see on "Hoarders". I give up on cleaning because, no matter what I do, 2 days later it looks like I haven't done anything. We no longer have friends over. I can't even repair the house because the wife won't let anyone in the house. It gets so bad that tax appraisers can only do "drive by" appraisals since she won't let anyone in the house - all while arguing with the towwn clerk to take her word for it that the house isn't worth what they say it is.

Around my 44th birthday in 2006 she moves out, hoping (among other things) that she can have a better relationship with her boyfriend (who subsequently moves to Florida). A week later I hire an appraiser for a walk-through. The appraisal comes back $84,000 less than the tax appraisal. The following year, I actually get a check for $1000 back from the town as a 'rebate' of property taxes (I filed for an abatement and let an assessor in for the first time since 1994).

For three years I've been working on this house that has suffered from the benign neglect of the situation for 15 years. Cracked foundation, broken heaters, doors, painting, floors, most recently new roofing over the garage. All while trying to reclaim the house and make it liveable.

In early 2009 a heating pipe burst causing over $20,000 in damages. Because it took weeks for me to notice (due to the location of the break), there was mold all through the basement ceiling. They called in the guys in the bunny suits to work on the house. I filled two flatbed dumpsters with trash from what was destroyed and contaminated in the basement - and yet still my basement is cluttered (still working on it).

I still have a couple of rooms to be done. The divorce was finalized lasty year and this past weekend the last pass through attic crawlspaces got the last of the stuff that my ex wants. She hasn't changed her ways. Now she's paying some $300/mo in storage rental fees.

What wasn't done by professionals, I did in the only way I knew how based on all the moves I had when I was a kid. You work on one area at a time. Clean THAT ONE SPOT. If the spot is a room and will take more than one session, then attack it in order. Start somewhere and go clockwise or counter-clockwise around it. Do it until it's done. Then don't touch it. Heck, put up yellow tape if you have to.

I now have one daughter who's graduated college and one who's about to graduate high school. Those two rooms (one now 'unoccupied') still look the way they did the day their mother left. My older daughter has learned some and hasn't replicated things in her apartment. My younger daughter still can't budget her time to allow for cleaning.

It's not easy. Each thing you put your hand on has memories and triggers all kinds of reactions. It's slow going and not always pleasant (especially when you've gone through a divorce).

I'm 47 now. My finacee is my age and now we're looking towards retirement as something we need to decide on - at least for what we want to try to accomplish. She's got all her stuff too (raised 3 kids) - but it's boxed up nice and neat unlike how mine was!

I have the luxury of time. Don't rush it. Set small, reasonable goals - things you CAN accomplish so you don't get overwhelmed and feel defeated before you start. It may be a huge job, but it can be broken up into little jobs.

Good luck.

[jebartle]

Sell the "STUFF" with the house, problem solved....Yea!....We only packed our underwear!....No really, we gave most of the junk to Habitat (one mans junk is another's treasures) and of course there is the "Garage sale" call it an estate sale and it will be gone tomorrow....giggle......j

[Trish Crocker]

I just want to thank all of you....at this very moment, there are movers bringing stuff INTO my house, my husband had 3 tons of stuff in storage!! Since we can't have a garage sale here in our city, we brought a lot of it over to my inlaws. with the remainder here so I can see what I want to keep and what to give the kids....hoping to have the good weather last long enough to have a sale next weekend at the inlaws. I took a break from it all to check TOTV and noticed this thread...feels so much better knowing that everyone has gone thru this and survived...Thanks again..now...back to work :)

[Bogie Shooter]

Sell the "STUFF" with the house, problem solved....Yea!....We only packed our underwear!....No really, we gave most of the junk to Habitat (one mans junk is another's treasures) and of course there is the "Garage sale" call it an estate sale and it will be gone tomorrow....giggle......j

You gave good advice. The original poster was looking for help...........in April 2008!

[brostholder]

My wife and I have been happily married for almost 40 years. But we just may kill each other trying to get through this move. :cus:

[graciegirl]

OH MY SOUL NONIE! For a minute there I thought you were still trying to get rid of your stuff. Thank goodness you have done that since this was a revived thread from 2008!!

To those about to do it, or are doing it, you have my heartfelt sympathy and support. It was one of the toughest tasks that wasn't really SERIOUS that I have ever dealt with.

To those thinking about moving across country to a smaller home.

Please listen to me.

Don't buy anything new and start throwing stuff out. If your spouse won't throw stuff out. Get rid of your spouse.

[GTTPF]

Good Luck None!!!!! We are going through 33 years of stuff. My wife is harder to let go of things than I am. Personal and sentimental things must come with you. They are who we all are. Remember you have limited storage at TV. I would rather get rid of the other stuff and buy new if need be at TV. Less to move. I'm all about filling the dumpster. I know it's really hard to do, but it must be done. There are great organizations to give a lot of stuff to. Like Veterans, Lupus, salvation army,and many church organizations. The old rule If you haven't used it in a year get rid of it. GOOD LUCK! Just think you will get to come to TV more and play. :thumbup:

[cricket1]

It's really quite simple---the moving companies charge an average of $.50 a pound to move things. When you are trying to decide on whether you bring an item or not, ask yourself if the item is worth $.50 per pound---or if you'd rather not pay to get it to TV. Let's face it, all of it is just STUFF. Leave it behind and get more when you get to TV!

[CarGuys]

We just said "

" This is gonna hurt!" Start heaving! Three weeks later it was gone. We now feel better and do not miss any of it.

Kids, charity other familys are happy! Movers with their scale are not!

We are now Stuff free!

Yea

[Challenger]

"Stuff accumulates to fill the space allotted to it"

From 3250 sq ft to 1450 Sq ft in TV-- Ahh!! that feels better.:D

[tainsley]

Going through the same thing right now...yard sale starts in one hour. It is easy for me to get rid of "stuff" knowing I am downsizing. Who needs all that "stuff" anyway? I am trying to convince my husband! Here come the earlybirds now!

[Joaniesmom]

Hi Nonie,

We went from 4,100 sq ft to 1,680 sq ft. Cleared out 49 years worth of stuff. Turns out it was pretty easy. I donated everything appropriate (like my business suits) and then contacted a local auctioneer. They actually came in, put everything into "lots", took pictures and had an online auction. Everything went smoothly. Kinda like eBay. I do admit, however, that it was a little difficult to see some of the items leave the house. But it was a small price to pay to move here!

Good luck!

[maddie101]

I have already instructed my kids " no gifts for the holidays". I insist on roll over gifts. They can get us things we need for the new house when we move in 2015 and I will redeem my holiday gifts at that time. They both came for the closing this past Monday and they are as excited as we are. We have over 4300 sq feet going to a Gardenia. This post was calling out to me. I have a fourth generation bedroom set that nobody wants. So sad.

[CassieInVa]

I know this is an old thread, but its a popular subject. We just returned from our LSV and we have a 3 story townhome and storage unit to go through before we can paint, recarpet and sell. I have two children who are not interested in my fine furniture, much of it antique. It is heartbreaking as I have collected (antique prints, linens, silver, china, books, etc.) for over 35 years and it is difficult and time consuming to donate, give away or sell (for next to nothing).

I tend to love objects and enjoy seeing them everyday. Those will be the tough ones for me. Im thinking of maybe having a "living estate" sale after packing what we do want to take in a pod. Then donate or toss what doesnt sell. Then we can easily paint, carpet and put house on the market. This is definitely going to be tough, but coming to TV will be worth it!

[lhasalady]

Since I had no one to help me I hired a Senior Move Manager. He helped me sort through everything in my home, pack boxes, move furniture and stage my home for sale. My house sold in two weeks. We are now preparing for a "moving" sale.

There is a web site for the National Association of Senior Move Managers at NASMM: Welcome (http://www.NASMM.org) to help find a service in your area.

I couldn't have done all this by myself. I will close on my new home in TV next month. Can't wait!

[MartyRR]

I feel you. We had a 5br house with an walk up attic FULL of "Stuff". I let my children have first walk through to grab anything the wanted. After that I sold the pieces of furniture we were not taking with us. - (Most of it did not make the move as the style in No. VA is much too dark for my FL home) The rest of the furniture I sold via Craigs List.
What didn't sell got donated. Same goes for much of my clothing as I no longer would be needing business suits. LOL.. I now live in shorts and sandals. I must admit my husband was the best at either taking stuff to the dump or convincing me to just give it away. And.. after all that we still brought too much with us.
My advise is if you haven't used it or touched it in a year... find it a new home.

[stroglass]

We are doing this now in preparation for the move My husband cleared out the basement while I was at work only the garage is left and after next week we should know what house we will have in Tv the rest will be easy. I never thought abut how much we had but we sure wasted a lot on things we did not need. We both have turned over a new chapter We only need to have something if we are going to use it

[alanmcdonald]

In our case we are going to do it in two steps. The really unused items will be picked up by a local charity next week.

The furniture we will not be taking will be picked up the day before the movers arrive in 2015.

[patfla06]

After spending the better part of this year cleaning out our house,
it has cured me of BUYING ANYTHING for my house!

We're still at it and hope to have even more stuff gone by the
time we sell and move to our house in T.V.

[Foruhun]

Keep this in mind.... you may love your house (and things in it) but your house (and those things) don't love you back. We had all our pictures (from 40 years) scanned and put on to DVD's. Got rid of all the photo albums! Once you downsize you think twice about ever buying "stuff" again. Who needs a Christmas plate, Easter plate, Thanksgiving plate, USA plate, when one plate will do?

I would advise that many of the homes here have areas above the kitchen cabinets that look very bare without anything up there. If you have a collection or theme, save to put in that space. Good luck!

[patfla06]

Keep this in mind.... you may love your house (and things in it) but your house (and those things) don't love you back. We had all our pictures (from 40 years) scanned and put on to DVD's. Got rid of all the photo albums! Once you downsize you think twice about ever buying "stuff" again. Who needs a Christmas plate, Easter plate, Thanksgiving plate, USA plate, when one plate will do?

I would advise that many of the homes here have areas above the kitchen cabinets that look very bare without anything up there. If you have a collection or theme, save to put in that space. Good luck!

Love your ideas about the photos!

Our house in Tampa has so many shelves (built-in bookcases,
Plant shelves, etc.) so I have so much stuff like that.
I think when I get to T.V. I should have a garage sale!
(We are in a neighborhood now where we cannot do that.)

[SantaClaus]

I know this is an ancient thread, but it sure holds true even today. One part that really hit home for me is:

My hubbys Santa collection is our big problem now. He doesn't want to part with it bit it really takes up tons of space for something that's seasonal.
He's the Clark Griswold of our neighborhood, so it'll be hard for him...


I, too, have scads of Christmas decor (I know! shocking) some of which I display all year. It's going to be hard trimming back in that department. I think I can be (and already have been) pretty relentless elsewhere. Some Christmasphile is going to hit the mother lode at our final yard sale!

[CarolSells]

Dear Santa,

We all feel your pain, many people here have great Christmas displays and they're still so much fun to see! But it all has to be stored for 335 days in a hot attic or garage.

I will have been here a year on April 22nd. I scaled down to the stuff that I couldn't live w/out (small uhaul trailer and 2 stuffed SUV loads) and still think that I brought too much at times. I know it sounds crazy, but I get very anxious about my sons having to take time to come here and wade through it. I think your perspective on things changes depending on the circumstances. Just an opinion.

[Madelaine Amee]

Dear Santa,

I know it sounds crazy, but I get very anxious about my sons having to take time to come here and wade through it.

You have put everything in the right perspective with that one sentence. IMHO we should not leave our lives for our children to throw out, not fair to them.

On a lighter note - we made a move from one State to another and I was having trouble getting rid of stuff in the attic, i.e. their school reports, their childhood photos, the little clay thingee of their hands and feet when they were babies. Well, finally one of the boys said "no worry Mum, I'll do it". He laid heavy plastic sheeting beneath the attic stairs and I stood at the bottom of those stairs and cried while he literally threw everything out of the attic onto the floor. EVERYTHING, even the little clay hands feet were smashed in the process.

It's only STUFF....................

[OBXNana]

This thread began 6 years ago and is timeless. We are going through 37 years of stuff to compact to a house 1/3 the size. We asked ourselves how do we get rid of the cute things our kids (now mid 30's) made as youngsters? Then we remembered going through my mothers items 4 years ago of the cute things I had made. It was fun to see the things, but it was time to let go. We've started 3 piles, with each of our children's names on. They can make the decision of what they want to keep from their early craft days.

We know all the furniture can't fit. To sell it for penny's on the dollar isn't financially responsible when we have children that can use the items. They can have what they want. Other items we can donate.

Now for my question. What do you do with something you don't use often, but when you need the item, can't live without?

[mixsonci]

So he made me this deal. If I go home and start cleaning out the attic, the cellar, the barn and the house, and then sell the house, We can spend more time in TV Yaaaaaaaaaa!

Where do I begin???? :dontknow: I have been a collector and horder for almost 40 years,any suggestions would be very much appreciated! ::)

I have a crazy mess of my own to deal with when I retire in December. I work for the State Dept. Foreign Service branch, so I live and work overseas. All of my stuff (furniture to dishes) has been in storage for close to 20 years and I have bought stuff through the years and added it to the pile. I have no way of remembering most of what is even in there (I know I have 2 living room sets) and I can't even get to it until they deliver to my house in TV next January. So there will be no sorting through and throwing away what I don't want ahead of time, that is going to be fun:cryin2:

[stroglass]

Just finished that job it took us months of work it was sad that no one wants to take donations we just had to dump a lot of really good stuff .We cont to get rid of stuff once we got to TV and discovered we could not use it .Good luck with you move

[Madelaine Amee]

I have a crazy mess of my own to deal with when I retire in December. I work for the State Dept. Foreign Service branch, so I live and work overseas. All of my stuff (furniture to dishes) has been in storage for close to 20 years and I have bought stuff through the years and added it to the pile. I have no way of remembering most of what is even in there (I know I have 2 living room sets) and I can't even get to it until they deliver to my house in TV next January. So there will be no sorting through and throwing away what I don't want ahead of time, that is going to be fun:cryin2:

You have one thing going for you down here - there is abject poverty everywhere outside of TV, so your items will probably be treasures to the needy.

We also have a wonderful Sheriff who supports the Florida Youth Ranches and they will literally take everything, and then they write you nicest thank you letter imaginable, and it is hand written by one of their boys/girls. Makes you feel good about doing it.

I get calls every week for clothing, for appliances, you name it, there are literally dozens of collection services in this area.

[mixsonci]

You have one thing going for you down here - there is abject poverty everywhere outside of TV, so your items will probably be treasures to the needy.

We also have a wonderful Sheriff who supports the Florida Youth Ranches and they will literally take everything, and then they write you nicest thank you letter imaginable, and it is hand written by one of their boys/girls. Makes you feel good about doing it.

I get calls every week for clothing, for appliances, you name it, there are literally dozens of collection services in this area.

that sounds wonderful. I would love to do that and I'm sure I will have lots of stuff to give them. How do I contact them, of course it won't be until next January but still it's not to early to think about.

[Madelaine Amee]

that sounds wonderful. I would love to do that and I'm sure I will have lots of stuff to give them. How do I contact them, of course it won't be until next January but still it's not to early to think about.

The mail we get from them is from:

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches
PO 2000, 2486 Cecil Webb Place,
Boys Ranch, FL 32064 1-800-765-3797

There is a more local number, but unfortunately I don't have it right now, but someone else who uses TOTV will have it.

[uprivergirl]

Well everyone has made me realize I better get started clearing out stuff now. We have 46 years of stuff to sort out.

Steve you reminded me of all the stuff we had to get rid of when my grandmother passed. Her stuff was only important to her. My kids don't care about the things I have collected over the years.

The problem will be my husbands garage.

Mintjulep what a great idea to have a friend come help you with the task of getting rid of stuff.

I guess I will get started de-cluttering even before our visit in May.

[raynan]

First, had a yard sale and sold big items on Craig's List. We had a lot of colonial furniture, yard equipment and a spare refrig. which went that way. Second, books don't sell so we donated to the library and a huge truckload to the local literacy center. They were thrilled to get them. Then, we invited all the relatives and neighbors and their kids and grandkids to help themselves to what was not coming to FL. You'd be surprised how many dorm rooms, first apartments and cottages were outfitted this way. We brought a small café set to use as a kitchen set, a love seat and club chair that saw better days and our new tv and 2 older small tvs and our bedroom set. We could sit and watch tv, eat in the kitchen and sleep. Then we took our time when we learned our way around the area and went out and bought our furniture and made a lot of good deals buying floor models. A year later, we donated the older tvs and the den set and bought new when there were sales. We had 33 years of "stuff" so I really sympathize. It wasn't easy but it was fun buying some new "stuff". When you realize how much it costs to move things it's easier to part with them and to be more realistic about what will work here in your new home. Good Luck. Nancy

[SantaClaus]

I'm still reading through these old posts and found this one particularly helpful:
As far as emotional aspect of "things" I saw one of those organizer shows where the host said something along the lines of "That statue that Aunt Martha gave you does NOT represent Aunt Martha, she lives in your memory, not in the statue".....I try to remember that.


That is so true. I recently decided that I'd been lugging my yearbooks around long enough, so I broke out the digital camera, took pictures of a dozen or so pages that held anything sentimental for me, and chuck about 100lbs of useless paper in the recycle bin. You know what, I didn't feel a loss at all, I felt liberated! We have probably 7 years before TV and will probably need every minute of that to empty our 4000sqft house, full attic, full basement and 2 story 40x40 barn/garage! Where did all this junk come from? When my wife and I married 20 years ago I moved from Atlanta with U-Haul's smallest trailer (4x6 I think)... I was an apartment dweller and left most of my furniture with my roommate and the trashman. We moved here 10 years later and it took 2 of U-Hauls largest trucks, their largest trailer and a car carrier bristling with strapped-on goodies and a minivan filled to the roof! If we were to move everything we have now, I'm guessing it'd take two tractor trailers. It's insane! Like I said, I'm working earnestly toward the goal and hope it can be accomplished in the "limited" time we have. Again, really enjoying the thread and the commiseration.

[tippyclubb]

I can so relate to this thread as I'm going through it now. I started preparing for the move last summer and I'm finding the more I sort through the keep pile the smaller it gets. I keep asking myself with every item, do I really need this? When is the last time you used it? If there's any hesitation in the answer I am tossing it.

Its so very hard to get rid of things and I can't let emotions and memoires get in the way. I keep repeating to myself yes I'm losing so much now, but there's so much joy and happiness to be gained in my new life without these material possessions.

[Bonanza]

So he made me this deal. If I go home and start cleaning out the attic, the cellar, the barn and the house, and then sell the house, We can spend more time in TV Yaaaaaaaaaa!

Where do I begin???? :dontknow: I have been a collector and horder for almost 40 years,any suggestions would be very much appreciated! ::)

Please don't simply throw things away.
There is always or usually, someone that can use your discards.

Make a stack of things for Goodwill or the Salvation Army; they will pick up.
Have a garage sale.
Ask friends if they would like any of your stuff.
List some things on Craig's List.
Sell things of value on eBay, as a for instance.
Bring your personal treasures; otherwise you will always regret it.

[jspornhauer]

So he made me this deal. If I go home and start cleaning out the attic, the cellar, the barn and the house, and then sell the house, We can spend more time in TV Yaaaaaaaaaa!

Where do I begin???? :dontknow: I have been a collector and horder for almost 40 years,any suggestions would be very much appreciated! ::)

You should hire a certified senior move manager in your area. If you need help finding one I can ask the national association of move managers to find one.

[Madelaine Amee]

I resurrected this thread this morning with a specific purpose in mind. Has anyone opened the estate sale information posted by Blessed & Grateful this morning? I opened it and could not believe the accumulation of "stuff" in this home which now has to be sold. I am sure it was a beautiful home with many wonderful items, but now it is room after room of unwanted "stuff" that someone has to clean out in order to sell the house.

This should be a good answer as to why we need to downsize either before coming here or as soon as we can. I cannot imagine what my boys would think if they had to come to Florida to empty this amount of things out of my home! If you love your kids get rid of it before they have to ...................

[SantaClaus]

It seems that some folks have a kind of mental illness when it comes to either hoarding stuff or, in the case of a gal I know, shopping. When she and her husband moved to Summerfield they had to ruthlessly downsize, especially since they were buying a furnished model home. But this gal just couldn't "turn off" the shopping compulsion, so she ended up filling every out-of-sight void of that house (her husband would never allow things to accumulate in the open or she'd have stacks in the guest bedroom). Once she ran out of room she'd instead buy "gifts" for family; mostly junk from Marion Market that she thought was cute but nobody else had any interest in. Now that we've finally convinced her we have too much stuff already she has started stowing her stash in her snowbird neighbors' houses; houses she volunteered to keep watch over. This past month, one of those neighbors died and their house was sold in 3 days (sight unseen?) and she has been in a panic moving her stacks from one snowbird house to another! She swears she's thinning it out. All I can say is I hope he passes before she does, because the embarrassment and betrayal would be very hard on him. I really do think it's a sickness, and I'm worried it may be in my blood, too.

Edited to anonymize.

[OBXNana]

Has anyone considered freecycle? It's a national group that keeps things out of landfills. There is a group in Lady Lake. You register on the site. You can then post you have an offer of an item. Another freecycle member will contact you through email if it's an item they can use. Everything is free and can not be resold. One persons trash, is a treasure to someone else.

One member of the freecycle group in our area takes broken computers. He combines the working parts from each, puts them together, and donates the working computers. We had a gentleman pick up skids that had stones delivered on that we used for landscaping. We had no use for the skids and he made outdoor furniture with them. In both these cases, it would be classified as trash. The most interesting was used bubble wrap I posted. One person said if it wasn't claimed, they'd love to use it for a kids New Years Eve party and they could jump on it to make it pop. Can you imagine how thrilled someone might be with a new to them table or chair?

Please consider this option before throwing an item away.

[SantaClaus]

Has anyone opened the estate sale information posted by Blessed & Grateful this morning? I opened it and could not believe the accumulation of "stuff" in this home which now has to be sold. I am sure it was a beautiful home with many wonderful items, but now it is room after room of unwanted "stuff" that someone has to clean out in order to sell the house.


Oh My Gosh!!! I saw the pictures posted here on TOTV and thought "that's not too bad." But then I clicked the link http://www.blessedandgrateful.com/events-page.html to go to the website. I cannot believe the sheer volume. At least the family isn't having to deal with it and the task was handed off to an estate sale company. "Dear God, please help me to not be a slave to stuff, Amen"

[CathyandJohn]

When we got ready to move here we kept only the things that meant the most to us and had an auctioneer come in and clean out the house and barn for us. He had the auction at the house and sold everything. We bought all new when we got here so we did not have to have a moving van. We downsized and it felt really good to get rid of a lot of Stuff! No regrets on our part as we offered the kids to get what they wanted....which was not much. Good Luck!

[EnglishJW]

Has anyone considered freecycle?

We have been working on the accumulation problem now for a number of years doing most of what has been suggested. Freecycle is a useful option and we too have met some very nice people using it (in NJ).

[SantaClaus]

I don't much care for FreeCycle, personally, because it's hard to find stuff you want... it's just one long email with every item available listed without categorization. The mods on FC can be a bit of a pain, too. I prefer Craigslist, both because you can list stuff in categories and you can include rich content: like maps and pictures. And it provides you a convenient way to be contacted by interested parties anonymously, via an email forwarder. Admittedly, it is marginally more involved to create a CL posting, but worth it IMO. But hey, they are both free so why not try them both.

[rosygail]

I just had exactly the same problem. I went online and found an estate sale company. We packed up what we were keeping, and they sold the rest in one weekend! There was no extra work for me, all I did was pack what we were bringing with us. They sorted, priced, displayed and staffed the sale. I wasn't even home on the sale days. We had a great experience. Estate sales are not just for the deceased!

[llaran]

A good hint I received was to take a picture of sentimental things and then get rid of it, donate,sell,trash. It is hard!!!:welcome:

[Biancarose]

You can donate many of your unwanted items to Ye Olde thrift Shop located on 441 across from the log cabin and the MMR computer store. All proceeds are for the Villages Hospital. You can call 352-353-0232, she's an organizer to help you with sorting.

[jtdraig]

Ah, but to get to the point where you are donating things, you have to steel your resolve to get things to one of three piles; the first, stuff to recycle or donate; the second, stuff to toss; and, third, stuff to pay the moving van to go to Florida. Then, you have to have the fortitude to restrict everything to one of those piles. There is no fourth pile called indecision. This is hard, very hard and we failed the first few times by having the fourth pile. Finally, we got to the three piles but we still moved too much stuff down here. It is a struggle but it can be done.

[2BNTV]

Post is from 2008!!!

1.Throw stuff that you haven't touch in over a year out.
2. Donate books to library.
3. Furniture, to charity. Family and friends too!!!
4. Yard sales.

It's like the joke, "how do you eat an elephant?"

"One bite at a time"

Start immediately and rest if you must. It is so much easier to go thru on's junk, if it's done in waves.