Stuff

[Cracker]

We recently replaced the carpeting in our upstairs/bedrooms. I had to pack up everything on closet floors, in drawers and all the bric-a-brac on top. I tossed or donated a ton of "stuff". It was great. I'm gradually going through the downstairs and garage now. I think by the time I'm done I will have gotten rid of about ¹⁄₃ to ¹⁄₂ of our stuff. I do feel lighter.

I even question the wisdom of keeping large amounts of sentimental stuff. My parents kept scrupulous photo albums. After my dad died, my mom mentioned that she'd like my sister and I to go through them and keep the pictures we want and toss the rest. We haven't done it yet. Out of the 1000's of pictures they have, I might want 10 (if that). I already have most of the special ones. It's sad to toss them but that's probably what's going to happen.

It's freaking amazing how much stuff we have. You don't notice until you empty drawers and cupboards.

Donate your stuff and get receipts. It really makes a sizeable difference on your tax returns.

I'm bad about storing electronic pictures and never printing them. I need to organize all those into electronic albums. Someday, maybe. I have too much paper around here. I really need a shredder. I'm always afraid I'll need this paper or that report.

I'm going to find a place that picks up my stuff and leaves the receipt in the mailbox. The less fuss it is to get it gone, the more likely I am to finish. Sometimes I just chuck stuff in the trash to get it gone.