Friday, January 22, 2016

Don't Rummage Through Your Purse in Public

Another 15 seconds of fame for your blogger, AM.

This time, I appeared (three times in one night) on a local news program...rummaging through my purse.

Said rummaging was during a class on decluttering, downsizing and reorganizing.  I didn't know I was being videoed until the next day, when my co workers gleefully told me about my candid appearance in the video.  Oops.

Exhibit one for decluttering and downsizing:  my purse.  I think I was rummaging for a pen to take notes.

Anyway, our local Office for Aging sponsored this class on decluttering and downsizing.  It was more a sharing of common experience, along with a couple of hand outs.  I was one of the few caregivers there but there were a lot of middle aged and older people there to find out how to take control of their lives back from clutter.

I'll bet many of my readers struggle with this.

So do many bloggers.

The name of Marie Kondo even came up.  Yes, we do have a lot to learn from this decluttering expert from Japan, but if I bought her book, it would join the other thousands hundreds of books in my house.  Along with unread magazines.  And nostalgic knicknacks.  Clothes I don't fit into.  Shoes. Stuff from my grown son's childhood and things I am storing for my mother in law. Paperwork.  Ah, all that paperwork.

I even found out there is a clutter support group that meets once a month in our area.  On a weekday, of course, when I work.  But I did learn a lot in the class, and I am ready to tackle the clutter.  Not like Marie Kondo would.  But I will find my own way.  I have to.

One small step at a time.  I (and my belongings) will be happier for it.

Do you have a problem with clutter?

21 comments:

  1. I have a hard time calling it clutter, but yes, it is concerning. I have been downsizing my collections, which as you know encompasses everything from ART to ZIPPERS. Like you I am and will continue to do so in my own way. Enjoyed your purse digging analogy and the oops!
    Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

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    1. I need fewer collections - I didn't even mention my collections of yarn - enough material for three crocheting lifetimes!

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  2. Decluttering is difficult task for me. I agree with you, Alana, one small step at a time is good :-)

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  3. The clutter struggle is real! I believe that there is so much we want to hold on too, that we don't realize that if we cant let go of the old there is no way to enjoy the new.

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    1. One of the suggestions at the decluttering class was - bring one item in, one must go. Or two must go. It's good advice but will be hard.

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  4. Some people love Kondo's book and others really think it's dumb. I've seen some parodies of it. As an avid clutterer, I won't read it. LOL

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  5. I used to until I got so annoyed with it that I said, No more! I've read the book and now continue to follow the minimalist/simple living movement in general and it is so liberating.

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    1. Clutter really does weigh me down. The teachers told us there may even be a link between clutter and weight gain - it's a fascinating subject.

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  6. Nope, I hate clutter. I can't stand it.

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  7. I have more of a problem getting rid of stuff and then wishing I hadn't. Which is why I spent time last month looking for a large Santa that I had given away.

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  8. IF it was as easy as just having purse clutter. I have entire house clutter! However when I de-clutter my purse, I always find money at the bottom so I'm happy to get rid of the clutter to find the cash.

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  9. Any time I clean up my clutter, I can't find anything! I generally know what pile what thing is in. But, yes, I have too much Stuff and I really really need to clear stuff out. Maybe I need a clutter support group, then!

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  10. I have a clutter issue, too, and am reading Marie Kondo's book, also. Challenged myself to declutter one area of the house for 52 weeks during 2016 and am writing about it on my blog -- and taking before and after photos. It's kind of drastic but it's working so far! http://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2016/01/21/decluttering-declared-week-2-52/#more-8921

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  11. I have places where things collect, but I can't stand having too much stuff around, so it gets cleared out pretty frequently.

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  12. I declutter the house a few times a year BUT I have a hard time getting rid of it. It all usually ends up being stored in the garage instead! Opps!

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  13. Yes. And every time I think about it, I look around at all the crap, notice a stray ball of yarn, find a crochet hook, and think about something else. But thank you for reminding me. :)

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  14. I used to have a horribly cluttered home. My estranged husband is a hoarder and my own collections of things didn't help with the problem. When I left in 2014, I could only bring a very small amount of things with me. Where I live now, I still have very limited space, so I cannot own all of the things I once did. I still have issues with books and clothes, but for the most part, my life is so much less cluttered now. One tip I have learned along the way: if it is in a box and you haven't opened that box for more than 5 years, donate it. Do not open it to see what's inside, just take it somewhere and donate it. Apparently you haven't missed whatever is in there in the past 5+ years and you won't miss it when its gone. Cheers!

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