Are you a hoarder, or are you like me, and throw or give everything away? I believe hoarding is a disease and a sign of depression. People who hoard are living in chaos, yet I throw things away, and then regret it.
I had clutter, but I also hate not having some of my treasures from my past. Is there a happy medium? Probably not. Organization is the key, but that is often easier said than done.
Do you have any suggestions for a happy medium? I would hate to be on a show like "Hoarders" but how do decide what to keep and what to give away?
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Comments: 18
I think you have to ask yourself some questions about stuff. For clothes: 1) Does it fit? 2) have I worn it in the last 2 yrs? If not, give to charity or take to a consignment store
For kids artwork: 1) either with them or by yourself, pick out 1-2 things from each school year & put in a file folder or box and label it 2) Don't keep all their baby clothes: pick out a couple of things and then take to charity or consignment store
Household items: 1) Can you use it in another room 2) Does it have sentimental value or is it worth something? 3) Sell it on eBay, Craigslist, consignment store or give to charity
And, if you have enough stuff once you've done this, have a yard sale! Call up a charity and they will pick up what doesn't sell.
Plumbing fittings, Especially brass copper cast and iron) if it is still usable.
Screws, (both metal, machine and wood), nuts, bolts, washers, (not nails really, and never a flat head screw - I hate them).
Odds and ends of raw wood pieces, from small slats to plywood, molding etc (if over 2 or 3 inches long).
Hinges, knobs, pulls, shims, etc.
I have 20 drawers that stack (5X5X20), that I seperate them into, plus about 100 small drawer cabinet things, where I seperate hardware.
As long as it is not damaged, I keep it.
I love making things from "scraps" - small shelves, boxes etc.
Paper? Not a chance. My bank statements, and Credit Card statements I keep 5 years. Utility etc - one year.