Am I holding my Stuff or My Stuff holding me?

That new piece of furniture, wall decor, Clothing & appliance. That cloud of What to buy Next?

I know the feeling, constantly trying to acquire something new. Its like I was in war with space in my house. Always trying to fill in with new stuff.

Results- Debt, more time to maintain stuff, complicated spaces in house, No Gratitude (race of acquiring more), confusion  & lack of time overall.

I read somewhere, Your physical clutter later becomes your Mental clutter. I felt that there were times I could not put my thoughts together or express my feelings clearly even in small matters.

So last year I started Disowning Stuff. You see, we are more attached to the feeling of owning something then actual stuff. I did not want to be in that cycle of seasonal declutter. I sort through every room of my house, to see what is essential and what is there out of peer pressure or “suppose to be there” feeling.

I had done many petty decluttering projects before. This time I understood letting go has to be long lasting. So when I gave away things, I also gave away the feeling attached to it (not including sentimental items, that is another blog altogether).

In last one year, I have donated vans load of items. I was shocked to see how much stuff was hiding in my house, even though it was right in front of me. I never took account of it. some of the stuff came with us while moving from apartment to house. it was siting there never opened, never used, almost 3 years. I was merciless this time.

Wondering what stuff went out,

• Old Stroller
• Broken , unused toys ( My daughter dont even look at them)
• Tons of clothing (not appreciated, wrong size, What If’s)
• Old wires/electronics(Why?)
• Grill (used 2 times, we prefer cooking in house)
• Broken Blinds(Can you believe it?)
• Tons of plastic ware(Multiples)
• Paintings
• Hands Down (I accepted it all, being nice)
• Books( Sitting there, we go to library regularly)
• Shoes (we wear our favorites and rest of them wait)
• Appliances ( waiting to be fixed or supposed to be there)
• Random Stuff( Last owner of the house left for us)
• Holiday Decor( more than needed)
• Shelves (Many of them What if’s)
• Furniture (uncomfortable or broken)
• Linen (multiples for emergencies)
• Box springs (were sitting in basement)
• Exercise Equipment (impulse buys)
• etc etc etc

When I was done sweeping thru it all, I was left with things I actually like and use. House felt bigger and in order. As I had already left the war of acquiring new things, our finances are getting in better shape. We have more time to do meaningful activities in our life.

Its a constant fine tuning in life. Keeping a check on what comes and goes out of house. I  regularly look at my possessions intentionally and ask why I have this in my life. We always park the idea of new purchase for few days to see if we really miss having that item in our life.

Now not only we got rid of clutter but as a bonus our life’s priorities are more clear. More spouse time. More uninterrupted quality time with my daughter. Better health. Better finances.

Let me know if you’ve gone thru any such experiences where you felt stuff is taking over your life. Is there any particular item took you by surprise while donating or getting rid of it.

In hope of discovering myself more deeper and making you part of my Simplifying Journey.

Logging out

Shivi

Please feel free to comment or give feedback. Also I would love to know about any changes you made or plan to make to live a joyous life.

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