Recently got back to the DISboards, and saw that I had been part of the Destash 2017 group, and found this new group. I definitely still need to be working on decluttering!!
I've become a "piles" person, with piles collecting - especially of paper items, but all kinds of things. And it's SO HARD for me to Let Go of stuff! (Loved the animated gif someone posted with "Let It Go!" )
I have 3 boys - ages 8, 13, and 15, and unfortunately 2 of them are following in my piles tendencies. And we've collected toys and clothing that have been through the family hand-me-down road (we're the end of the road).
In the past I've participated in a big kids rummage sale twice a year, but the rules have become increasingly complicated with more work needed in advance (entering item, price, & description in a database to print tags instead of just writing out the tags by hand) with a larger fee to participate. So though the boys liked getting money back for some of the things they agreed to part with, I think we're going to stick to donating for the most part now, and clear things out as we can instead of waiting for the rummage sale times.
I've tried to make a start again - did some straightening and clearing before we hosted Christmas, and am trying to make good on my annual promise to go through the Christmas bins and weed some things out as I put away the things we used.
Also got a call that Purple Heart will be coming through at the end of the month, so I'm using that as a deadline for a first run through to purge some things. Some have already been collecting in a "To Donate" area, but Purple Heart Veterans actually comes TO YOU and gets the stuff!
Recently found a "Happy Organized Life" site that had a few good tips - maybe some will help me (or you?).
One was not to touch the items (that you're deciding about) too much - as you touch, hold, handle them you develop more of an attachment to them - so try to think/decide before you touch the items as much as possible.
Then there were 5 questions to ask yourself while decluttering (maybe they've been posted elsewhere too):
1. Have I used this in the last 12 months?
2. Is it in good condition?
3. Do I love this? Would I buy it today if I saw it in the store?
4. Do I already have one of these?
5. Does this fit into the vision I have for my life?
Well best of luck to everyone for a good start decluttering in this new year!