I am going through this process myself. The Marie Condo method doesn't work at all for me but I found Dana K White on You tube. She has a No Mess 5 step plan I have been using that IS working for me. No gathering of everything but more of a 1 drawer or cabinet at a time. I think as creative people we have more trouble with dealing with clutter since we can see so many ways of using a particular item.
Best wishes on your decluttering and I enjoy your articles very much!
Thank you Jan. I think I definitely veer towards one drawer/corner/ space at a time. The problem is keeping the momentum going and then maintaining it.
As with any of these ‘methods’ the only real road to success is implementing them and perhaps more importantly seeing them through and finishing the job 😂
The first thought - 30 books! I could never manage that, but like you events have led me to think about decluttering too. I don't have children and sorting out things for mum has brought me up short and I have been slowly clearing things that I really don't need to hold on to. But it is hard. I love the Swedish concept, and think it is very sensible and practical, and think consigning Kondo to the charity shop was an excellent idea!
I am sorry about all the worry you have about your mum. It is exhausting, isn't it? I hope you have a few peaceful days ahead.
I never think of books as clutter and of all my mum’s things they were the easiest to get rid of so I’m quite happy to hang onto my books… after all they bring me joy!
I think the Swedish concept is excellent and I’m finding it quite motivating. Much has left the house this weekend including years of tax returns etc that I no longer need! It does feel good!
And thank you for your kind words which are very much appreciated x
I confess books are the very last things I would let go of too. It does feel liberating to let go of such stuff and will try to continue to follow your lead!
Having gone through very similar times with my own mother a year or so ago we had a thousand books to clear, a house to sell, and lots and lots of clutter to deal with. I am on the last few boxes of Mums things which are on the too hard list. Familiar things to me but worthless to anyone else. Some years ago I read a book called "The life of Stuff" by Susannah Walker its a very moving read. Our loft is clear but our eves cupboards are full - next project! Just remember to have some nice days in between the decluttering days is my motto.
It can be good to know that it’s such a common experience and I guess we each have our own way of dealing with those ‘difficult to deal with’ things. And it’s great advice to have some nice days in between. Good luck with that last box Sheralyn
Trying to stay positive. This weather helps and it has been good to be outside the past couple of days. And the thought of a clear declutterred house and studio is very motivating! Especially as I have signed up for open studios again this summer!
This has been on my mind recently, too. In my own case, it’s always 'after I’ve done this (project) then I’ll have a proper sort out'. Which of course never happens. I’m also kept awake at night wondering what I’ll do when things like the very large black dresser in my step-mum's cottage, originally my mother's and before that my grandmother's, comes 'home' to me as promised…not sure it’d fit through the front door!
This week in my case I think it’s going to be ‘after the garden gets sorted’ Definitely don’t want to be inside clearing clutter while the sun is shining! Fortunately I didn’t bring any of Mum’s furniture home.
Oh Gina - I feel your pain! One of my great nieces (aged 8) asked me what I was giving up for lent - and I’ve just decided - I’m giving up one item of clothing or other possession everyday for lent. It’s a start anyway. And on a personal note, having lost both parents in 18 months I can say that everyone should plan (and pay for) their own funeral/cremation in advance to save a huge burden on their grieving families - leaving them more time to clear out neat and tidy sock drawers!
I do think that losing a parent at our age does rather bring the clutter of life into focus. However I never think of your home as cluttered it just feels as though it is beautifully curated with lovely things xx
I have taken to gathering all my husband's 'round tuits' in a basket and dumping it on his desk. He now has a lovely collection of baskets in his office....😆
Mine, however, are all in a teetering pile in my 'studio'...
Same boat! Photos, fabric, threads, art materials and above all so many books. But what I really want to know is how come you got lucky enough to be excused from making a tax return??
It’s the photos that I find overwhelming! No more working so that my income is now just the state pension seems to have done the trick with the tax man 😁
Thank you Gina, I always look forward to your weekly note. For the last 12 months or so I have been slowly trying to go through our house death clearing, not only to help our children but also whichever one of us is left alone, hopefully not in the too near future! I have also written down the details of my local sewing group, so someone can find a home for my sewing fabric, books etc. We downsized some years ago and found in the loft stuff I didn't even know we had. After moving house we no longer put anything in the loft and storage is now in an accessible cupboard, which also confines how much stuff we keep. The real problem I have is pre-digital family photos, as I have boxes and boxes of albums. Perhaps that really is one our children can sort for themselves after we are gone and hopefully enjoy looking back.
Interestingly the loft is one of the very tidy and uncluttered spaces in our home. When we moved from the large house that had been our family home for nearly 30 years it took us two whole days to clear the loft so we vowed never again. Our loft now contains only Christmas decorations and suitcases. We have agreed that the way forward is to schedule days for clearing rather than trying to do a bit here and there.
All easier said than done this clearing out! My Gran was always offering me things and my Mum said 'always take them even if you don't want them' every little bit helped. Unfortunately none of my children will take anything! Although one son is desperate that we clear our attics as he knows he will be the one who will do it otherwise. ☺️
Hi Valerie, Your comment seemed to slip through the clutter of my email system... something I usually keep fairly clear but have let slip recently! I do feel your pain but we are finding that little and often seems to be working for us!
I am going through this process myself. The Marie Condo method doesn't work at all for me but I found Dana K White on You tube. She has a No Mess 5 step plan I have been using that IS working for me. No gathering of everything but more of a 1 drawer or cabinet at a time. I think as creative people we have more trouble with dealing with clutter since we can see so many ways of using a particular item.
Best wishes on your decluttering and I enjoy your articles very much!
Thank you Jan. I think I definitely veer towards one drawer/corner/ space at a time. The problem is keeping the momentum going and then maintaining it.
Her ‘container concept' blew my mind! Haven’t implemented it, but baby steps 😬
As with any of these ‘methods’ the only real road to success is implementing them and perhaps more importantly seeing them through and finishing the job 😂
I have this fantasy of our well cluttered house remaining after our deaths as a museum to 21st century life. Just as it is.
Makes 'clutter' suddenly wonderful.
Not entirely sure anyone would want my house as a museum 😂
Maybe you'd need lots of clutter?
I hadn’t thought of it that way 😂
The first thought - 30 books! I could never manage that, but like you events have led me to think about decluttering too. I don't have children and sorting out things for mum has brought me up short and I have been slowly clearing things that I really don't need to hold on to. But it is hard. I love the Swedish concept, and think it is very sensible and practical, and think consigning Kondo to the charity shop was an excellent idea!
I am sorry about all the worry you have about your mum. It is exhausting, isn't it? I hope you have a few peaceful days ahead.
I never think of books as clutter and of all my mum’s things they were the easiest to get rid of so I’m quite happy to hang onto my books… after all they bring me joy!
I think the Swedish concept is excellent and I’m finding it quite motivating. Much has left the house this weekend including years of tax returns etc that I no longer need! It does feel good!
And thank you for your kind words which are very much appreciated x
I confess books are the very last things I would let go of too. It does feel liberating to let go of such stuff and will try to continue to follow your lead!
Having gone through very similar times with my own mother a year or so ago we had a thousand books to clear, a house to sell, and lots and lots of clutter to deal with. I am on the last few boxes of Mums things which are on the too hard list. Familiar things to me but worthless to anyone else. Some years ago I read a book called "The life of Stuff" by Susannah Walker its a very moving read. Our loft is clear but our eves cupboards are full - next project! Just remember to have some nice days in between the decluttering days is my motto.
It can be good to know that it’s such a common experience and I guess we each have our own way of dealing with those ‘difficult to deal with’ things. And it’s great advice to have some nice days in between. Good luck with that last box Sheralyn
Very tough times Gina. I can definitely relate. On the positive side, it feels so good to work in my declutterred studio…sooo good.
Trying to stay positive. This weather helps and it has been good to be outside the past couple of days. And the thought of a clear declutterred house and studio is very motivating! Especially as I have signed up for open studios again this summer!
This has been on my mind recently, too. In my own case, it’s always 'after I’ve done this (project) then I’ll have a proper sort out'. Which of course never happens. I’m also kept awake at night wondering what I’ll do when things like the very large black dresser in my step-mum's cottage, originally my mother's and before that my grandmother's, comes 'home' to me as promised…not sure it’d fit through the front door!
This week in my case I think it’s going to be ‘after the garden gets sorted’ Definitely don’t want to be inside clearing clutter while the sun is shining! Fortunately I didn’t bring any of Mum’s furniture home.
Oh Gina - I feel your pain! One of my great nieces (aged 8) asked me what I was giving up for lent - and I’ve just decided - I’m giving up one item of clothing or other possession everyday for lent. It’s a start anyway. And on a personal note, having lost both parents in 18 months I can say that everyone should plan (and pay for) their own funeral/cremation in advance to save a huge burden on their grieving families - leaving them more time to clear out neat and tidy sock drawers!
Glad your Mum has picked up xx
I do think that losing a parent at our age does rather bring the clutter of life into focus. However I never think of your home as cluttered it just feels as though it is beautifully curated with lovely things xx
I have taken to gathering all my husband's 'round tuits' in a basket and dumping it on his desk. He now has a lovely collection of baskets in his office....😆
Mine, however, are all in a teetering pile in my 'studio'...
Ha ha! I like your style 😁
Same boat! Photos, fabric, threads, art materials and above all so many books. But what I really want to know is how come you got lucky enough to be excused from making a tax return??
It’s the photos that I find overwhelming! No more working so that my income is now just the state pension seems to have done the trick with the tax man 😁
Huge load off. So glad for you !!
I know I used to dread it!
Thank you Gina, I always look forward to your weekly note. For the last 12 months or so I have been slowly trying to go through our house death clearing, not only to help our children but also whichever one of us is left alone, hopefully not in the too near future! I have also written down the details of my local sewing group, so someone can find a home for my sewing fabric, books etc. We downsized some years ago and found in the loft stuff I didn't even know we had. After moving house we no longer put anything in the loft and storage is now in an accessible cupboard, which also confines how much stuff we keep. The real problem I have is pre-digital family photos, as I have boxes and boxes of albums. Perhaps that really is one our children can sort for themselves after we are gone and hopefully enjoy looking back.
Interestingly the loft is one of the very tidy and uncluttered spaces in our home. When we moved from the large house that had been our family home for nearly 30 years it took us two whole days to clear the loft so we vowed never again. Our loft now contains only Christmas decorations and suitcases. We have agreed that the way forward is to schedule days for clearing rather than trying to do a bit here and there.
Thank you Gina, love to read your weekly thoughts.
Thank you Barbara, that is so kind
All easier said than done this clearing out! My Gran was always offering me things and my Mum said 'always take them even if you don't want them' every little bit helped. Unfortunately none of my children will take anything! Although one son is desperate that we clear our attics as he knows he will be the one who will do it otherwise. ☺️
Hi Valerie, Your comment seemed to slip through the clutter of my email system... something I usually keep fairly clear but have let slip recently! I do feel your pain but we are finding that little and often seems to be working for us!