I have been watching videos on minimalizing for quite a while and as a result have been reorganizing drawers and shelves, getting rid of stuff I'll never use, but also finding things I didn't know I had misplaced. I have also been giving things away to people who actually be using them and that feels best of all. What is most appreciated is being able to see the bottoms of drawers and shelf space in closets.
I can't say I have a favorite YouTube video on decluttering, but several years ago I bought Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up". Now she has a couple of videos on Netflix: "Tidying Up" and "Sparking Joy" and they're bound to help!
Life is so much more peaceful when I don't live in clutter! I have a long way to go in the decluttering department but every place I clear is a victory!
I've given lots of quilting fabric to Safelight, which trains low income women to find ways to create income, one of them learning to sew items for sale. They have a restaurant called "Dandelion" which trains women in restaurant skills. Their food is delicious. I would encourage "retired" fabric arts devotees among us to gather up some fabric and contribute it to Safelight...and also go at lunchtime and eat a Dandelion.
The old I get the more I realize that what's truly valuable is not things, but people. Retail therapy only works for a few short moments, but good relationships are the best treasures.
Thank you for this wonderful idea for fabric donations, Isabel, and for your other recommendations. Hendersonville Safelight's website is https://www.safelightfamily.org/store.htm. Their store's address is 133 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville. Note that donations are made by appointment only, by calling 828-693-7157.
This is WONDERFUL! Having moved to a retirement community--and an apartment much smaller than our house in Brevard--we have now been downsizing for years, and it continues to be challenging in every dimension (closets, kitchenware, artwork, fabric stash, half-finished projects of every kind...). But you are an inspiration, Deda! Thank you so much!
This all rings true for me and my husband. We currently struggle with this project. But-- I also see it as part of my recycling and reducing waste project for the end of the year. The struggle continues.
I have been watching videos on minimalizing for quite a while and as a result have been reorganizing drawers and shelves, getting rid of stuff I'll never use, but also finding things I didn't know I had misplaced. I have also been giving things away to people who actually be using them and that feels best of all. What is most appreciated is being able to see the bottoms of drawers and shelf space in closets.
Isabel, please share the link to the best video you've found. I really like the giving away part. And of course the spacious feeling you describe.
I can't say I have a favorite YouTube video on decluttering, but several years ago I bought Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up". Now she has a couple of videos on Netflix: "Tidying Up" and "Sparking Joy" and they're bound to help!
Life is so much more peaceful when I don't live in clutter! I have a long way to go in the decluttering department but every place I clear is a victory!
I've given lots of quilting fabric to Safelight, which trains low income women to find ways to create income, one of them learning to sew items for sale. They have a restaurant called "Dandelion" which trains women in restaurant skills. Their food is delicious. I would encourage "retired" fabric arts devotees among us to gather up some fabric and contribute it to Safelight...and also go at lunchtime and eat a Dandelion.
The old I get the more I realize that what's truly valuable is not things, but people. Retail therapy only works for a few short moments, but good relationships are the best treasures.
Thank you for this wonderful idea for fabric donations, Isabel, and for your other recommendations. Hendersonville Safelight's website is https://www.safelightfamily.org/store.htm. Their store's address is 133 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville. Note that donations are made by appointment only, by calling 828-693-7157.
You're very welcome, Deda. Thanks for the additional information!
Loved this! and loved Sam's perspective! I am going to send you a book!
Thank you, Gene. We need to collect perspectives so we don't get too serious!
This is WONDERFUL! Having moved to a retirement community--and an apartment much smaller than our house in Brevard--we have now been downsizing for years, and it continues to be challenging in every dimension (closets, kitchenware, artwork, fabric stash, half-finished projects of every kind...). But you are an inspiration, Deda! Thank you so much!
I like the way you define the dimensions, Helen, not so overwhelming. Today I cleaned out file folders from old art projects, got a full wastebasket.
This all rings true for me and my husband. We currently struggle with this project. But-- I also see it as part of my recycling and reducing waste project for the end of the year. The struggle continues.
The way you say this, Beth, it seems that together we all should be able to come up with a way to reduce the struggle. I'm very interested in that.
Ha Ha, I've been cleaning out too, and taking things to the thrift store.
I, like you, save some things because of the fabric. Make something out of it one day. However, I also cleaned out my bag of fabric. Some go for rags.
Feels good, and creates more air flow in closet.
Some things go back in Pipers closet to be decided on later. Need to go through her closet now. Haha!
Cindy, I love your momentum. On to the next thing down the hall!
I love Sam’s comment, it is so true about a man’s closet.
Yes, I'm a little envious!