Ridding Myself of Clutter

This has been a week of clearing away some clutter. Its amazing the connection there is between what is lying deep inside of us and what is reflected in our surroundings.

This week I noticed for the first time that its hard for me to let go of a lot of things. I keep a lot for the sake of sentimentality. Old letters. Old birthday cards. Baby clothes. Books. Magazines. Old toys. Old blankets. Memories.

What have I been so afraid of? Why have I been afraid of ridding myself of meaningless things that do nothing but take up space in my life? These things weigh me down. They keep me from moving. They keep me stuck in a place of familiarity that only feels safe...but in reality, is quite destructive.

Yes, this week, I have thrown out and given away so many things. I feel like a weight has been lifted. I feel lighter and more free than I have in a very long time.

I've had the power all along to get rid of these things. And that makes me sad, to know I could have felt this way years ago. But I will take this gift now as it has fallen on me. And I will continue to move forward....ridding myself of the clutter both in my life and in my mind.

Comments: 15

Madame Donna C. Aug 18, 2006, 4:26pm EDT

Cheryl, nicely stated. I need to do the same thing except my reason for stockpiling is unfortunately simple laziness. Whatever our reasons, the outcome is the same--that freer, easier feeling! Aaaah.

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Manette S. Aug 18, 2006, 4:27pm EDT

That sounds really great! I have gone thru several spells of ridding my life of clutter; but I need to go for another round again.

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Kathleen G. Aug 18, 2006, 4:32pm EDT

My parents moved from a house to an apartment a few years ago. They had to give away and throw away a lot of their things. But as my father pointed out, it's not the things you get sad about so much as the memories that surround them. I try to clean house a couple of times a year, but I'm still a pack rat.

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Linda H. Aug 18, 2006, 4:39pm EDT

I started clearing the clutter out starting in june, gave away some things,sold some stuff on a auction site, and agree when you start clearing the clutter it feels very freeing,guess as i am getting older material things don't seem that important anymore, rather put the money in the bank then spend it on stuff i really don't need...simple is better...plus when you start clearing the clutter you feel like your surroundings and your life is more organized, more in order...i know that my clutter stressed me out, just looking at it...and cleaning knicknakes..well i just don't want to do that anymore.. i am advid refunder/couponer...and stockpile on stuff i get free or near free...i have a bunch of stuff..but figure those items will get used up,and bottles, cans and what not will get thrown out after use,so i don't mind that clutter as that is temporary...

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Lydia O. Aug 18, 2006, 5:41pm EDT

I find it very telling that when I am stressed I begin to clean--it always helps! Even if that's not *technically* what's stressing me, it's like it lets off the same kind of steam that's threatening to make me blow. Great piece!

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Marian L Aug 18, 2006, 6:03pm EDT

Very well said. I always feel better after cleaning out some clutter. It's like a weight has been lifted. Seeing the extra space and the new organization of a closet, room, etc never fails to make me feel a bit better about life in general.

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Leslie - The Soap Lady! Townsend Aug 19, 2006, 1:09am EDT

I found cleaning clutter and getting rid of stuff like junk mail much more rewarding when we lived in Maine and used a wood stove for heat..it was so much fun getting to BURN that trash, use it to light the stove etc instead of having to bag it up!

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anjum wasim D. Aug 19, 2006, 4:43am EDT

Dear Cheryl, I too have a large collection of personal items.Eversince my two daughters left home , I mean got married I have been saving their personal clothes gifts papers greeting cards and so many other things. On my request my husband has now bought me two small suitcases to put away certain extremely precious items(I think they are) I have explained this to my daughters that I am making a 'Treasure Chest of memories ' for you.You will open this box after some years and then you will know. So I wonder when I will finally be able to say'that I have cleared the rooms, er.. er..cupboards'.My son smiles and says'Mom this will never finish' well.....its a challenge now.

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Shelly W. Aug 19, 2006, 9:49am EDT

It just comes when it does,when the time is right to clean up,sometimes we get too busy,and don't realize all we have collected over the years,it isn't easy letting go,of what once was,to move forward in many ways is the key to one's internal happiness,less clutter,more freedom,Shell

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Nancy S. Aug 19, 2006, 10:22am EDT

Cheryl, this is an amazingly accurate commentary on to what and why we hold on. Reassessment every now and then is a wonderful thing. We all need to practice this on occasion.

People often comment to me on how neat my house is. Others say it's a little empty-looking. For me, I have learned that a cluttered, chaotic space causes the same state in my mind. So now I minimize and minimalize.
Works for me.

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Carolyn W. Aug 21, 2006, 1:16am EDT

I keep cards until the next year just in case that's the last one I receive from them.

You are right it is freeing to rid yourself of clutter. My parents are pack rats and I never want to be that way so I find great joy in getting rid of things.

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Mona S. Svendsen Aug 22, 2006, 6:17am EDT

Cheryl, you should read a book called Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. It truly wonderful. I have read it several times, and it gives good explanations on what you felt and why. There are some small chapters that you may feel are a little too far fetched, but just skip those. I did.
It will give you the strength and the get-go to keep rid yourself of the clutter in your life. I have done it and it is amazing!

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Cheryl W. Aug 22, 2006, 6:22am EDT

Thank you, Mona...I will definitely read it!

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Eric Roth Feb 21, 2008, 4:54pm EST

Excellent article!

"Own only what you can always carry with you: know languages, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag." Alexander Solzhenisyn

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Ridding Myself of Clutter

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