share post

Decluttering Things You Love

by | May 28, 2015 | Decorating Inspiration, Organization

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

Decluttering Things You Love

I‘ve been on a decluttering rampage. Nothing has been safe from my decluttering mission. If there is one thing I have grown more certain of since we have lived here, it’s that I don’t like keeping (or the possibility of moving) random stuff. We downsized tremendously to move into this house (our old house was twice as big), but even after years of decluttering, we still had SO MUCH STUFF. TOO MUCH STUFF.

It wasn’t all mine. Some belonged to others. We had family members moving over the past few years and we hung onto things we liked that they might want (they didn’t end up needing them). I hung on to things we liked and thought we might use someday (we didn’t). I had a special box of broken things I loved that I planned to fix (and never did). We had nice stuff that was given to us that we finally acknowledged we will never use. Our house was slowly decluttered over the six years we’ve lived here, but our garage was still full even though every year we cleared it out a little more.

Finally when faced with the idea of moving it all, we got serious. We were ruthless declutterers. We gave away SO MUCH stuff, even stuff we liked. And you know what? Giving things away you’ve hung on to for far too long is therapeutic, even if you happen to really like what you gave away! You know what brings me more joy than holding on to boxes of stuff I like just in case I might find a use for them someday? Giving away things I like but no longer use or don’t have the space for.

Today over at The Decluttered Home I’m pondering some of the issues surrounding decluttering things we love, come join me!

13 Comments

  1. Seana Turner

    I enjoyed your list of alternatives to simply keeping everything!

    Reply
  2. Terry

    I just read your article and tried to comment but wasn’t allowed because I don’t have a password. So I came back here to let you know how much I appreciate your list for decluttering sentimental artwork and keepsakes. I printed the list so I have a copy to refer to whenever I need motivation and courage to let go and make room for new and better things!

    Reply
  3. Corinne Fudge

    Right there; right now! Feel like the Plastic Box Queen at the moment :/

    Reply
  4. Jo

    I have had to do this this
    entire past year & to the present! We are moving out of state and we just both recently retired. We have donated a lot, sold some and have offered some sentimental items to family members who thankfully were very happy to receive them. It feels good to know these items will be loved & enjoyed by others. It is very cathartic, but also a great feeling knowing others are able to be benefited by these still very useful & or beautiful items. Great suggestions, Melissa!

    Reply
  5. Natalie

    I LOVE decluttering. I love it so much, sometimes I start to run out of things to get rid of! :)

    Reply
  6. LZ Cathcart@ The Summery Umbrella

    I love number 3. ‘Why do I feel the need to keep this?’ Such a great question to always ask yourself! I find that whenever I’m keeping items I don’t use often I don’t have an answer to this question. I will definitely keep this in mind from now on to end the clutter!

    Reply
  7. Sarah

    My main reason for decluttering is so that my kids are not overwhelmed with stuff when I’m no longer able to keep it myself.

    Reply
  8. Maggie

    I also had to do this. A house of 26 years sold and moved to the city in a small loft.. Some things I look back on and wished I had not sold. But if your planning on moving soon those movers really sock it to you on the weight.. We have moved so many times..my best advice get a national mover and make sure what they quote you sticks.. They like to make up for it on the other end..

    Reply
  9. The Office Stylist

    I can totally relate! I always make sure to do my spring cleaning. If not, my house will literally become a storage box. Way too many things, haha.

    Reply
  10. Sharron

    I am going through the same thing! Some things I look at and wonder why we moved it across country. Other things I have tears in my eyes thinking it was a family piece and none of my kids want it. Will continue on and know that all my hard work will pay off in the end. Good luck to you during your journey.

    Reply
  11. joanne

    I’ve been trying to unsubscribe but it doesn’t work.

    Reply
  12. Julia

    I am SO enjoying your book! De-cluttering is therapeutic. Is there an online space where we can meet to swap/send things we love and would happily give away (but can’t bear to throw away)? I enjoy the online site paperbackswap.com because I found that it’s much easier to send a nice book to someone who wants it, than just to get rid of it not knowing whether it will be used. I wish there was such a place for other items.

    Your site is wonderful!

    Reply
  13. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

    Melissa, I love decluttering, too! I live by the “Item In, Item Out” rule — otherwise, things could get pretty crazy!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Terry Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

Decor Finds:

browse categories:

browse archives:

let’s stay connected!

Follow for daily
Home Inspiration:

get my free decorating guide

home decor inspiration, free downloads,
and more, straight to your inbox

css.php