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

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.

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

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.

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

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".

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

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:

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

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.

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

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. ;)

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

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:

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

DUMPSTER !!!!!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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)

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

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:

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

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