Downsizing and need encouragement + tips!

[bluewillow]

Hello everyone,
This is only my second post here, but I have been reading a lot and really enjoy everyone's posts.

This may sound really hokey, but I need some encouragement... or rather, a cheering section! My husband and I currently live in an old and well used mobile home on about 2.5 acres, and are planning to build a nice new cabin behind it on our land. My husband plans on doing most of the work himself, along with our son, who, lucky for us, is a licensed general contractor. The cabin will be 24 x 24, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, somewhere around 550 square feet, and truly will be very nice. Our mobile home is around 760 square feet, so it won't be a huge difference, but nevertheless, it is up to me to perform a major declutter/downsizing very soon. We are empty nesters with all our kids grown and families of their own, and we don't need a lot of space. It may not sound like a big deal, but now is the time that I must part with a lot of sentimental things, such kids' toys and artwork that I have kept for over 20 years, along with 20+ years' worth of quilting and sewing supplies, books, china, etc! How do I find the courage to purge those items, since I will not have room for them? I would love to hear from anyone else out there who has undertaken a similar downsizing project: how did you go about it, how long did it take, mistakes you made, do you regret parting with certain items, was it worth the stress, and did you feel better once finished, etc.

By the way, the good useable items will be donated to Goodwill or to benefit someone else-- not thrown away unless it is just plain junk. Also, we are building our cabin on a very frugal budget by buying materials on sale, items from salvage yards, and we're even going to use the new ceiling fan and stainless sink that my husband installed in our MH just last year. I intend to document our progress and hopefully can share it here.

Sorry this was such a long post:o Thanks in advance!

[Laura]

I am in the process of purging right now, but for different reasons.
It has been heavy on my mind, if I dropped dead tomorrow, my children would have to wade through all 'stuff, papers and clutter'.....not knowing what to keep and what to pitch.....get bogged down in little sentimental things.

I started in my MB, with the closet.
I was stunned and amazed at how many trashbags of shredded doc.s I really had. Stunning. Everything that didn't fit, went in a bag. Everything I have not worn in 6 months, went in a bag. Shoes, purses, old computers, old printers, old monitors, books books books..........all went to good will or free cycle.
Then I came across things I could sell on Ebay. About 10 very sell-able items. Maybe 2-300.00's worth of stuff.
That's just my closet.
It felt so good to get all the junk out. To know if I did croak that it will be easy to clean out the stuff that is left.

((I would highly recommend freecycle.org for free items, even building supplies))

I can't speak to the size difference......our first home was 765 square feet, and it was tight. (3 kids, ages 1, 3 and 4) But maybe make a list of 25 things you simply cannot function without......then purge whatever is not on that list.

I know that when I get a space clean, purged, items sold and given away it is a sense of relief.

HTH

[GoodDaughter]

About the only real tip I can offer is one about clothing, shoes, coats etc., and that is if you haven't worn it for a year or two, you'll never miss it. For me, it was true. A few years ago I went through the closet and dressers and got rid of something like 5 or 6 big trash bags full of perfectly nice clothing and shoes that I just didn't have any use for. I keep a couple of nice skirt and blouse sets and a couple pair of dress shoes for funerals or weddings, and that's it.

We've been in the same home for many years and sometimes it's a challenge to not let things get out of hand.

[NCLee]

Since it's going to be a while before you can move, I'd like to offer a couple of suggestions.

First, do the purge/downsizing in stages.

Go through your home with the idea that you're going to have a yardsale. Pick out those things that you know you're not planning to keep. Things that don't have semential value. Things that you don't use and know you won't use them in the future. Have a yard sale!! Every dollar you make will be a dollar towards your new cabin. Even if your yard sale only nets enough money for you to buy fabric to make new curtains, that's money you've saved. You may net enough to pay for the supplies to wire or put in some of the plumbing.

As you're going through things for your yardsale, toss anything that you know is trash. Maybe paperwork, maybe that colletion of Cool Whip containers or 5000 wire ties from bread wrappers. Save a couple of each for use and toss the rest. Uhmmm, maybe those Cool Whip cartons will sell for .10 each.

Next go through those things that are important to you. Simply to get them organized. For example, your fabrics and sewing supplies. As you go through them, pack them in storage totes and put in your spare bedroom. With your children's drawings, put together a pack for each child. One is for the child, the other is for you to keep. For example your son may like a folder containing some of his first grade, second grade pictures.

Get a trunk, if you can, to put in your cabin. In that put the things that you absolutely will not give away or sell. Your wedding pictures for example. The lace shawl that was your grandmothers. Your son's baby quilt.

After you've gone through everything and sorted/organized your treasures, just wait. Wait until you actually move into your cabin before making final decisions on those things. You may be kicking yourself later, if you sell or give away a favorite quilt now, only to learn later that it would make a beautiful wall hanging in the cabin. You kept the set of dishes A, only to learn that set B would work better in your cabin.

After you move in, have a final yardsale or donate to a charity those things you still have left that you can't pass on to the next generation in your family.

You have an advantage that a lot of folks don't have, if I understand correctly. Since your cabin will be across the yard, you can take your time. Much different from someone who must pack up and move on a particular date to a new location across town or further.

FWIW, we did something similar to this. Our old mobile home was across the yard. As we moved stuff, made the final decisions on what to keep. Then, swept the floor and turned the keys over to the person who bought it from us. Had an understanding with him that he wouldn't move it until we finally cleaned it out.

Hope some of these thought help. And welcome! Looking forward to seeing your progress reports as you build your cabin.

Lee

[nhlivefreeordie]

I can relate to what you are going through. My first wife was a pack rat, EVERYTHING was sentimental to her. When we split up after the kids were out of the house, her priorities changed and she couldn't wait to get back to city life, she left with what she wanted, and the rest was left up to me.
Being a minimalist myself, I had that if you haven't used it in 6 months, get rid of it. I was still relatively young and wanted to reduce the stuff, 95% of what was left went to the dumpster. That left me with my clothes, guns, and fishing gear.
Thet second wife, ( a truly huge mistake ) brought ALL of her belongings with her into the marriage, a 26' moving truck stuffed to the gills, again, the dumpster got a lot of things, but not enough. After she decided that she hated the north ( from GA ) and wanted out to move back, I was again left with a pile of stuff I didn't want when Lynn and I got together. The good thing is, I already had a storage unit to put everything in to figure out what we were going to do. Lynn is also a pack rat, one walk in closet is stuffed with her clothes...........from when she was in HIGH SCHOOL!!!
We have a 2,100 sq ft house, and it is just the two of us and the dog, and the house is full. It took some time to get her into purging, and it was like pulling teeth at first. We wanted to get rid of the storage unit fee, so we decided to have a yard sale, thinking that we would make a few bucks maybe, and at least free up that monthly charge to be used elsewhere toward our goal. By noon time that first day of the yard sale, I was almost out of stuff, and had to make several trips that afternoon to bring in more merchandise. By Sunday the storage unit was empty, so one goal was accomplished, and we made about $600. That was fall '08, and I talked her into another sale. with what was left over from the first sale, plus we started working on the attic. The second wife had left 6 large heavy contractor bags of work clothes behind. Me knowing nothing about clothes had every intention of loading the truck up for Goodwill, a friend of Lynns suggested trying to sell some, as they were expensive clothes, according to her and Lynn. I invested in some clothing racks like you see in the department stores, figuring I would sell those too. Well............I think the biggest hit of the second sale was all of those clothes, woman were flocking in, ( they must have a phone tree ) and between the clothes and other items, we pocketed well over $1,000. NOW she is ready to start purging with a purpose, so that she can yard sale the stuff. I hope between now and our move to the homestead in 4 years, we can cut down by at least half of what we have now. I was shocked at what people will actually buy, things I thought would never sell. So now I give most everything a chance.
I sold one pistol many years ago that I regretted selling, ( I don't part with weapons anymore ) and I sold a '71 Road Runner with a 426 Hemi in it a year or so after I got married the first time. I actually shed a couple tears when the kid drove it out of the yard, those are the only two items I have parted with that I regret. Sentimental value is just something we use to not deal with the fact that it is taking up space, but we feel uncomfortable letting it go. It does get easier once you start seeing what you can do with the money you are making, and the space you are opening up.

[Mom5farmboys]

I agree wholeheartedly with Lee's post, it is almost the same advice I was thinking of givng you word for word!

We started a home remodeling project about 7 1/2 years ago, and I needed to pack everything up when we started. I keep a rubbermaid tote for each child with their name written on it in permanant marker, for artwork, awards, memorabilia, home movies (videos), pictures, school yearbooks, anything I think they may like when they are grown. My plan is once they have established themselves in their own homes I will give their tub(s) directly to them to do with what they wish. But you could sort it and offer it to them now, chances are they will be delighted to have it.

Secondly I had packed so many things that after about 3 years I went through all my boxes again, and was suprised to find things that I had forgotten about, and had gotten along with fine not using, so at that time I purged again and reduced my storage by about half.

[pamsabear]

As the daughter of a woman that will inexplicably throw away or sell something of great sentimental value I can tell you how painful it can be to the adult children. I just wish that she had asked my brother or I if we would like to have those things.

It would be lovely to have a family gathering with the intent to allow your children to pick out items that have sentimental value to them. You might be surprised to see them pass by an expensive item that was seldom used and ask for the old bowls that they ate their cereal from while young. Have them take turns to avoid any disagreements.

Trust me they will appreciate your giving them input and you will appreciate them taking the stuff away.

Pam

[Deberosa]

We downsized into this tiny place this year. In addition everything had to be moved 3000 miles to the new homestead! Everything had to fit in a 28 ft trailer. It was packed full.

Fortunately a partial purge had been completed two years before when we redid the floors in the old house. Still had to decide what else had to go.

Alot of the stored food had to go - there was too much to ship. I kept all tools, could not bear to part with them. There were sentimental items, like my carousel horse and a huge concrete horse head piece of art. We brought both freezers but one is going now - downsizing still! Lots of extra furniture went plus the canning jars - I managed to replace those already since my mother had a store of them in PA. I did several purges of clothes as mentioned - I only have a tiny portable closet that all my clothes fit in now! I didn't fare as well with the book purge. ;-)

Good luck - it's a challenge but I've found simplifying is not so bad.

[nhlivefreeordie]

As the daughter of a woman that will inexplicably throw away or sell something of great sentimental value I can tell you how painful it can be to the adult children. I just wish that she had asked my brother or I if we would like to have those things.

It would be lovely to have a family gathering with the intent to allow your children to pick out items that have sentimental value to them. You might be surprised to see them pass by an expensive item that was seldom used and ask for the old bowls that they ate their cereal from while young. Have them take turns to avoid any disagreements.

Trust me they will appreciate your giving them input and you will appreciate them taking the stuff away.

Pam

That right there is some very good advice. Great Plan!!

[Anon001]

I agree. I'd ask the children first and possibly let them help go through things.

My little house is 24 x 24. I built it post and beam with no interior walls, except around the bathroom. I felt that an open floor plan would feel larger than with interior walls. Also, I built it and installed my solar system for less than $5,000.

It will be worth it to you when you get moved.

The other thing, I agree with Lee about doing it in stages. I have some thing that have been stored for over 10 years. I'm now deciding what to part with. It isn't easy, but I know that where things are going, they will be well cared for. Let your children have a say before you get rid of things. If you are sentimental they may be also. You may also be surprised that they may be sentimental about things that you're not.

Good luck.

Paul

[cubcadet]

I can`t speak for most but, I would say it all depends on what you plan to do the rest of your life. Seems like you will have an unused trailer after you build your new house. Why not put everything in it, all catalogued and packaged. What is your physical location? Near a main highway or a resort area, lakefront communities, etc.? Alot of people who come into your area with spending cash? Might be worth while to hold onto everything you own, try to gradually open a WHAT-NOT type shop in the trailer. Put high price tags on everything you have and offer it for sale. Research prices on ebay and calculate the average selling price for a similar item(s) that you have. Put out signs, flyers, etc.. Wait and see. Wouldn`t hurt to find out what can be sold that way. I personally am doing just this. I am gonna open up my big ground floor livingroom and use it for a showroom and get some display cases, put up alot of steel shelving I got real cheap. As I sell things, I plan to take the money and buy more, better things. I comb craigslist and freecycle for good stuff for real cheapo or nothing. Many good things you sell may be items that out of staters may just be crazy about. I recently sold an old Jotul 602 woodstove through craigslist and got numerous callers. The guy who bought it was actually from Colorado, on a Christmas trip to family in Maryland. He made the trip from Maryland to NE Pennsy to pick it up. I bought it 10 years ago for $100, and sold it to him for $250. I could have gotten more for it. But, I`m using the money to buy things I need. I picked up a convertable sofa, and loveseat for $225 and have some beer money left over. I may just sell the furniture in the spring for about $50 more. Just a thought.

[patience]

Being a pack rat, I am a poor one to give advice here. However, we did downsize from a 45 acre homestead with a huge barn and numerous outbuildings to a modest home on an acre lot. We had an auction. It was the only sensible thing to do. My collection of Mther Earth News magazines, #1 through #65, I gave to a friend. Gave the 150 lbs. of LP records to another friend. Gave my gun and reloading books to another friend. Anything in the way of farm equipment got sold, along with a huge load of wood shop stuff.

My wife kept about a roomful of the kids' stuff, although they were grown and married. She still has a stash under the couch of that stuff, never looked at in 20 years except for Spring cleaning time. My memorabilia are small things--Dad's gold pocket watch, a paring knife made by Grandpa, and some of his wood tools I still use. We both kept photos.

Utility was the basis of our decisions for what to keep or sell. If we could not use it (hog feeders, cow kickers, log tongs) it went to the auction. I am presently building a pile of useless junk for my kids to deal with when I finally croak. :p They will have a field day!

I wish you all the success you can stand with your new home. Don't stress about the decisons too much. I find that the older I get, the less I remember, so it doesn't matter to me if things are gone. :D

[cwatson]

I think PamsBear had it right. My mother always throws things out or gives them away without asking us if we would be interested (I talked to her about this and it is getting better) but she actually had nothing left from my grandmother.

I have been working on downsizing for almost a year now and have made great progress but still have a LLLLLOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGG way to go. 2300 sf and only one grown child at home. I have been working for months to clean out old paperwork for the same reason someone else mentioned, I don't want my children to have to do it for me some day. The good news is the office paper is being shredded and turned into bedding for the chicken coop. When their through with it you don't have to worry about identity theft :)

There are somethings that I just won't part with like my Great grandmothers unfinished quilts and quilt tops, her quilt patterns, my knitting stash etc. I have the bad habit of colleting material that "I just know I can do something with".

Finally DH and I created a new policy on what comes into the house. If it is not edible and it comes into the house then something must be taken out of the house. This goes for clothes and everything else. It helps to stop what little downsizing I have done from creeping back up on me.

Good luck and stay strong.

[jonvee]

Everyone's given some great advice. The only thing I would add is to remember that this dosen't have to been done all at once. When I started I had items I couldn't decide on, so I packed them away during round one and looked at them later. As you get a feel for the process and what you truely consider valuable or sentimental it becomes easier to get rid of stuff.

It can be an overwhelming daunting chore so break it down into small projects, like the hall closet one day, the desk another. I use to play a game with myself - one closet, cabinet or counter at a time then stop for a day or two. This way I made steady progress, but didn't feel like I had to get it all done today.

Something I have found helpful when I've helped friends declutter is to start with the things that are easy to decide on, like old paperwork, magazines, newspapers stuff like that. It gets you in the swing of things and once you start to feel the freedom and calm that I think decluttering brings the process becomes easier. Also when you have more space for important things like stock-up supplies you begin to look at "stuff" in a different light.

Now I keep up on things weekly. Nothing comes into the house that isn't useful or serves a purpose. That helps keep it manageable. If things to get out of control I can usually go through the house in a weekend.

Good luck. I think you'll enjoy the results.

[anna]

I agree with not being in a rush. I absolutely hate it when I get rid of something and then have to purchase the same item new. I need to sort and get rid of a lot too. But I have room and I'm not planning on going anywhere so I don't feel pressed.

When downsizing quite a few people build a storage unit and organize things that are used only occasionally there rather than getting rid of them. Canning equipment, empty jars, large roasters, Christmas decorations, that type of thing. If the storage unit is a really clean tight building, out of season clothing, blankets, extra towels/bedding used for guests can also be stored there.

My mother went thru pictures, cards, letters, etc. she'd saved and gave each of us a box of stuff and each of the grandchildren a large envelope. She returned letters they'd written to her, school pictures, special event pictures etc. I don't know about anyone else but my youngest dd was thrilled with her envelope.

[Brenda]

This is an excellent thread!!!! I have already learned that I am not alone! I am a packrat and a fabric addict!!!! I have an entire room full of fabric on bolts and quilting supplies, etc. I have got to start getting rid of alot of the stuff I have gathered over the years. I am going to get started!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kawalekm]

I'd wait till the cabin's finished and it's moving in day. The physical act of packing things up is what will help you the most in deciding what to keep. Leave the rest for the time being back in the trailer. After the cabin's set up and you're living comfortably, it will be time to go through the trailer and sort through the rest.

I like C.C.'s suggestion that you use the trailer for storage, but if the trailer is destined for something else, that's when you decide to donate/discard/burn what remains. If it's not already inside the cabin, you'll have to justify why you need to keep it at all.
Good luck,
Michael

[TSJ]

Has anybody ever looked into buying a storage shed like they sell at Home Depot? If so, do you think it is worth the money?

[firegirl969]

My mom did something a little different when it was time for her to get rid of our 20+ year accumulation of life. She gave the pictures, artwork, mementos, school items, etc she wanted to get rid of to each of us if it was made by, included each of us, whatever. Then we could do what we wanted with it. She even made picture albums for each grandchild for their birthday with pictures that included them. (Mom is a camera nut) Maybe you could do something similar for your kids and not feel bad about getting rid of stuff as you are passing it on to them and if they choose to get rid of it, that won't be up to you. Make a box for each kid.

[gregabob]

Has anybody ever looked into buying a storage shed like they sell at Home Depot? If so, do you think it is worth the money?

I've done this--it's where I store file folder boxes and spare car and truck parts. Keeps the clutter out of the house. With shelving stuff is easily accessed.

[bluewillow]

Hello everyone!
I just had a really nice long response typed out and when I hit "post", it went away!!!:( So, I'll keep this one short-- I just want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for your responses, hints, and suggestions!!! I really got a lot out of your posts-- one thing I have done already: I listed several items on eBay, sold them successfully, and made enough money to order our house plans!! Now I am fired up and ready to proceed. I have printed out all your posts and have them filed in our House Notebook that we have started. My husband has already ordered the dry-in package and got the prices locked in, and as soon as the weather breaks, we will start on the foundation!! YAY, I am so excited!! Will keep everyone posted on our progress-- Thanks again and hopefully there are a lot of people who can benefit from the great ideas here!

[bluewillow]

I am in the process of purging right now, but for different reasons.
It has been heavy on my mind, if I dropped dead tomorrow, my children would have to wade through all 'stuff, papers and clutter'.....not knowing what to keep and what to pitch.....get bogged down in little sentimental things.

I started in my MB, with the closet.
I was stunned and amazed at how many trashbags of shredded doc.s I really had. Stunning. Everything that didn't fit, went in a bag. Everything I have not worn in 6 months, went in a bag. Shoes, purses, old computers, old printers, old monitors, books books books..........all went to good will or free cycle.
Then I came across things I could sell on Ebay. About 10 very sell-able items. Maybe 2-300.00's worth of stuff.
That's just my closet.
It felt so good to get all the junk out. To know if I did croak that it will be easy to clean out the stuff that is left.

((I would highly recommend freecycle.org for free items, even building supplies))

I can't speak to the size difference......our first home was 765 square feet, and it was tight. (3 kids, ages 1, 3 and 4) But maybe make a list of 25 things you simply cannot function without......then purge whatever is not on that list.

I know that when I get a space clean, purged, items sold and given away it is a sense of relief.

HTH

Hi,
In reference to your first paragraph about children having to wade through the "stuff" left behind, I agree with your totally!!! That has been weighing on me for quite some time-- let me just throw this in here not to be depressing, but I am a 2 1/2 year breast cancer survivor (early stage and C-free now!) and that sort of experience changes your entire perspective on the stuff lurking in one's home. And I feel sure my kids won't want 90 percent of my stuff, and what they do want, I'd like to give it to them now. So, this is going to be a dual-purpose purging expedition that will return huge benefits!

As I stated in my 'thank you' post to everyone and to follow your advice, I have already sold enough on eBay to pay for our house plans (ordered them yesterday!) And I had all but forgotten about Freecycle-- I will have to get hubby going on that website!

Again, thanks for your post!

[bluewillow]

Hello Backwoods Home Friends!

It has been almost a year since my original post asking for your encouragement for my major downsizing project, and you can bet that I took ALL your great advice to heart, stored it in my brain, and used it whole-heartedly! I wanted to give an update, as well as add my thoughts on my accomplishments over the year, so here goes:

We worked day and night all year to finish our new cabin (not even stopping for fishing or hunting season), and we spent the first night in our new warm & cozy home on December 1, 2010, :dance3:just days before western NC was slammed with bitter cold temps and deep snows (so much for our "mild" winter). With that said, I just want to say that the downsizing was tough at times, but I DID IT!!!!!! I did have the luxury of taking my time to sort through the stuff, and the more I purged, the easier it became. My plan was to have a yard sale, but that just didn't happen, but happily I found many others who were having benefit sales who welcomed my donations! It was a win-win situation-- I purged and donated and they benefitted! My son's church had a fund-raiser yard sale, so I happily blessed them with items such as McCoy pottery and a full set of pink Willow Ware china-- things I never dreamed that I could part with, but it felt so good to finally turn loose!!!

Without rambling on further, I will sum it up for anyone needing encouragement now: Downsizing is very hard work, even emotionally painful at times, but IT IS WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF EFFORT!! I can't begin to describe the wonderful feeling of lightness and freedom that I have experienced by letting go of "stuff". I never want to go back to living like we did with stuff everywhere that we really didn't need or use, packed in plastic bins and hidden in closets. We now have just what we can use in our home, but with enough room to display the sentimental and truly meaningful "things" with pride. My sincere thanks to all of you who helped me, and I hope I can help to inspire someone else's downsizing project! (I apologize if I sound like an info-mercial, but I really didn't think I could pull it off like I did, knowing my pack-rat self!)

Eventually I plan to post some photos of our new home when I have more time-- our home computer died on Thanksgiving Day and we have decided not to replace it for now (one less thing to find room for and to spend money on!)

Be well and take care!

[NCLee]

Thank you for returning and giving an update on your progress. IMHO, it's wonderful to know how a question/story ends or at least progresses to the next chapter.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures, when you have time to post.

Congratulations on completing and moving into your new home. Sounds like your timing was just about perfect! I can't being to imagine how much blood, sweat, and tears it took to get you to that move in day. But, I can imagine, to some degree, how good that day felt. Again, congratulations.

May the Lord Bless Your New Home.
Lee

[Laura]

Thank you for the encouraging update bluewillow!!

[kaijafon]

that is awesome BlueWillow! as a packrat myself, I've purged/downsized so many times it isn't even funny! I'm in the middle of another one right now! Thankfully, I have the time to take my time this time. (wow, a lot of "time" in there, lol)

I also was going to go the yard sale route but am finding myself, just giving/donating things. It is very freeing and easier knowing one's treasured are needed or will be used by another. :)

Thanks for the warm encouragement of your posts!

[nadja]

Hello everyone,
This is only my second post here, but I have been reading a lot and really enjoy everyone's posts.

This may sound really hokey, but I need some encouragement... or rather, a cheering section! My husband and I currently live in an old and well used mobile home on about 2.5 acres, and are planning to build a nice new cabin behind it on our land. My husband plans on doing most of the work himself, along with our son, who, lucky for us, is a licensed general contractor. The cabin will be 24 x 24, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, somewhere around 550 square feet, and truly will be very nice. Our mobile home is around 760 square feet, so it won't be a huge difference, but nevertheless, it is up to me to perform a major declutter/downsizing very soon. We are empty nesters with all our kids grown and families of their own, and we don't need a lot of space. It may not sound like a big deal, but now is the time that I must part with a lot of sentimental things, such kids' toys and artwork that I have kept for over 20 years, along with 20+ years' worth of quilting and sewing supplies, books, china, etc! How do I find the courage to purge those items, since I will not have room for them? I would love to hear from anyone else out there who has undertaken a similar downsizing project: how did you go about it, how long did it take, mistakes you made, do you regret parting with certain items, was it worth the stress, and did you feel better once finished, etc.

By the way, the good useable items will be donated to Goodwill or to benefit someone else-- not thrown away unless it is just plain junk. Also, we are building our cabin on a very frugal budget by buying materials on sale, items from salvage yards, and we're even going to use the new ceiling fan and stainless sink that my husband installed in our MH just last year. I intend to document our progress and hopefully can share it here.

Sorry this was such a long post:o Thanks in advance!

Instead of giving it all away to the goodwill or whatever, why not have a yard or garage sale and make a little money ? Even if it were only a couple of hundred bucks, sure helps buy some lumber or wire or insulation etc .

[offgridbob]

Let the kids have back their pictures and the stuff they made in school so they can share it with their kids. Make a list of the stuff you haven't touched in the last few months, that can go. And remember when you build your new place take advantage of all the old and new storage ideas that have come up. Google "storage ideas" and you may be able to incorporate some in the new place. Have heart my friend, it's tough but think of it as a new chapter in your life, a fresh start, time to clean up the old and start with the new.

[JonChristina]

I have massively downsized on our journey to homesteading.
It has been an emotional process as well as a physical one.
I listed items on craigslist and had 5 yard sales.
As each items found new homes, I felt a little bit of my past life slip away but I had to keep the goal of homesteading sharp in my mind.


I downsized from 2400 sq ft house to a 900 sq ft. home which was a 5 hour drive away. I had to really decided what was important to me.

If I had a chance to do it over again, I would have purchased and installed a shed to store items. I am a crafty woman...I love to create, upcycle and reuse everything. I have found myself replacing items I sold.

This project can be done and if you explore all your options, hopefully a comprise can be found.
Good Luck..!

[randallhilton]

I'm a struggling "collector" but here's a thought about those sentimental items:

Think like a curator at a museum. They sift through artifacts and archives to assemble collections which represent events, eras, or other perspectives of importance. For example: Instead of keeping all the first grade papers and pictures, for example, select a few -- two or three - which best represents your youngster's first years of school.

I there's a series of letters, like love letters, letters from school or while abroad, they may need to be kept intact but you don't have to keep every birthday card.

Your goal is to capture the essence of the wit and compassion of your loved ones but do it in a way that can be enjoyed during an afternoon of browsing.

Once you've selected your museum artifacts, send the rest to the family members and let them decide what to do with the rest of it.

[patience]

I had to re-read this thread for my own benefit. Wife and I need to do a purge on our stuff, after 45 years of marriage and accumulation of stuff inherited from several relatives. Our older DD has helped by taking some things she wanted, but our younger DD is too far away to do that. We need badly to declutter, so I have to look over all the advice here, including what I said a year ago. :sarcastic: It's a LOT easier to say than to do it!

As our homestead developes, I find there is often junk in the way of progress. Much of it, though, is project materials that will get used up, and some already has been used. When our solar system is finished I will have a lot of room from those things moving outdoors.

I'm now working on downsizing my machine shop, to make room for my own projects. That is one HUGE undertaking, and there is quite a bit of $$ sitting there in the form of machines and tooling, so the decisions come harder than for excess dinnerware and such, at least for me. Since demand for machine tools is practically non-existent now, I couldn't sell the stuff for much, so it comes down to what value these things have for us in the future. Yeah, I will have a need for a metal lathe, but not for 4 of them! Will keep 2 and sell 2. One is sold, and another probably. I've sold several other machines, and have more to go.

I have built 2 sheds for garden equipment and STILL have 2 tractors sitting outside!! Talk about being an incurable packrat...:o Yeah, some of it has GOT to go. :( Well, I DID have FOUR tractors sitting outside, so I guess that is progress.

[Cil]

Just remember there are other places to donate stuff besides the local thrift stores. Books? How about the local hospital? Furniture? Try finding a group for troubled or abused kids. Just a thought.

[Nancymw]

Do it in stages; it is easier on you. Each week I tackled one closet and just did a few things to give away - clothes I just loved but didn't wear etc.
Sometimes I just moved some of them out of the closet to hang in the garage. Then from there out. Little steps at a time. Less emotionally training. Can't believe how attached you get to things!!!
Jewelry photos momentos etc. I divided up and gave to each of my children. I am still purging but making progress. Lots of piles for a garage sale also.
Good luck.

[EarthMama]

Bluewillow, if 200 more square feet to your cabin will help you to not have to part with a lot of things you'd rather not part with, why not build the extra room? A 10x20 ft. room wouldn't cost a whole lot to add to your new cabin... and even being empty nesters, I'm sure you'll enjoy the space. Room for hobbies & those things that give us comfort by being around, means a lot of us in our older years. If your son is a licensed contractor, go for it!!

Enjoy that new abode! :-)

~EarthMama

[TigerAl]

Received some good advice on this very topic many years ago. When trying to determine wether to save or pitch, never ask yourself, "Will I ever need this?" The answer will always be "yes" and you'll never get rid of anything. Instead, ask yourself, "If I will ever need this, can I find it somewhere else." Let the purging begin.