<p>I’ve never heard of freecycle. I’ll have to investigate.</p>
<p>As for the things I’m trying to get rid of, books, my husband keeps reminding me not to include “classics”. Errrrg The concept of classics has now evolved from The Red Pony to today’s objection, Calvin & Hobbes. At this stage, I’ll never unload half ther books in our house! And my husband was the one who complained about all my books.</p>
<p>Books were very difficult for me to oart with, too. Then it got easier. I kept asking myself, when do I plan on reading this, again? Today? A year from now? When I am old? I did hang on to some keepers, but for the ones I was sitting on the fence about, I put a post it note on inside cover with the date ai needed ti read it by before discarding. My H always complained about my books, as well. He wanted to also hang onto ones that he had no intention of reading again. About once a month, i would pull out a pile to assess. I got rid of two whole entire bookcases of books! i still had more bookshelves - but that was a huge accomplishment. Now I have space for new treasures. </p>
<p>Sometimes I do pick up a book or two to purchase, but will be more ruthless about discarding the ones I do not want to save. It was a hard habit to break. </p>
<p>We have all of the Calvin and Hobbes books! Since they ARE my kid…they are staying. I did get rid of the Far Side collections…it was very hard to do that! </p>
<p>limabeans, freecycle is very very useful. For example, no one in their right mind would pay money for these two bedspreads on Craigslist – not that there’s anything wrong with them, not at all, but getting through all the clutter on CL is something else. FC is great for getting rid of computer monitors that are still good, old-style tube TVs. (I had a young woman pick up our old 32-inch; she was going to put it in her 9-year-old’s room and let him play video games on it.) We’ve also gotten rid of some very old, but very sturdy, bureaus that no one would pay good money for. I’ve found it to be extraordinarily convenient.</p>
<p>If you’re on Facebook, considering starting a local Swap/Freecycle group. We have one in our town and I have gotten rid of lots of junk, er stuff, and picked up some cool stuff too. All you need to do is invite your friends, and they invite friends and it becomes a virtual yard sale. </p>
<p>One of my kid’s sold a whole apartment of “stuff” by taking pics and posting it to his FB friends on his FB wall. It was easy peasy! Another option!</p>
<p>SIL told her son he could keep 25% of the profits it he sold her items on Craigs, Facebook, etc. (as long as he was home to show the items) These kids know how to git 'er done!</p>
<p>Hope this counts! Just gave eight brandy snifters we never used to a friend who is thrilled to have them! They are now out of my house!</p>
<p>Because I was thinking about this forum I pulled most of a drawers contents out today and am parting with a few pairs of silk underwear that has not seen light in years and probably would not fit anyway.
I had put a lovely red wool jacket in the pile a few days ago (I still try to do three items a day as I have been since about Oct. Make it a rule to get it done before bed. Sometimes if I have done a big pile I let a few days go by) but the jacket is haunting me so I guess it will go back into the closet.</p>
<p>oregon, I vote to keep the jacket.</p>
<p>Old (secondary) lawnmower and two metal tomato towers. Went to the alley and an hour later were gone.</p>
<p>I am really enjoying this thread and hope QuantMech didn’t leave the board with the recent changes to format.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Living-With-Less-Downsize-Possessions/dp/1908170980”>http://www.amazon.com/Living-With-Less-Downsize-Possessions/dp/1908170980</a></p>
<p>Living with Less, how to downsize to 100 Personal Possessions</p>
<p>^^As I read the thread, I’ve been reading this book and it is pretty interesting. I think I can do it, since the 100 items doesn’t include collections. Like Hunt, I’ve been looking them over but don’t think we have anything to really let go after downsizing for the recent move. The challenge for collectors is not acquiring more. IMO. Can I even define myself as a collector if I’m not currently collecting?</p>
<p>I’ve been going through drawers. My inspiration at this point is a friend who has made all his drawers and cupboards “beautiful” - each one a sort of work of art, still-life.</p>
<p>New to this thread…and very inspired by all your successes! </p>
<p>alh - I find myself stressed by visual clutter so I will admit that the cupboard over my cooktop is neat as a pin. There are times when I open both doors and stare into the space. It seems to calm me…</p>
<p>I have been good about donating the obvious items, but have wondered how those clothing resellers/consignment stores work. 2 weeks ago I dropped some stuff off for the first time and this morning I made another drop off and picked up a check for $87! Love it and am encouraged to dig deeper into my closet!</p>
<p>kajon, that’s terrific. Is this a high-end consignment shop? Was the stuff you sold “designer label” stuff? </p>
<p>Half-Price books so a little cash made too. Now on to a mis-mash room that is a mess and is in need of being reduced. It is going to take motivation for this one. Must move forward!</p>
<p>Two more kitchen cabinets done. One more donation bag. I’ll admit I have a gadget problem. So many kitchen gadgets, so little time to use them all. Sigh…</p>
<p>I got all new nice Copco metal drawer organizers. I took everything OUT but only put what I use back. I actually put the odds and ends in the trash (I mean really, who wants 20 pairs of old chopsticks?). Drawers look great! I have two more to do.</p>
<p>VeryHappy - it was a mix of good Levis, Ann Taylor, Chicos and Banana Republic. </p>
<p>The consignment store near me charges a $10 sign on fee. Then they give 50% of the sales price back to you. The shop sets the prices. Anything left there after 30 days gets marked down to half price. After 60 days, you have the choice of picking the stuff up, OR the owner donates to Goodwill. She ONLY takes clean, laundered or dry cleaned clothing that is not more than three years old (current styles and labels only). She is VERY picky…looks through every article. All need to arrive on hangers. She also takes jewelry, pocket books, and very gently used shoes. Same thing…nothing old style.</p>
<p>abasket- thought you should know just the title implanted an idea in my head and I have been going through closets, drawers, shelves, underbeds ever since. Thanks for planting the seed. Last weekend 10 bags. It is something I actually look forward to on weekends and am proud how nice things are looking.</p>