How to I throw things away?

Question

I seem to be a bit of a hoarder... clothes, knick knacks, everything. Thing is, i'll always think i'll need it later. My apartment is not too small, but not big either, and my place isn't one of those crazy peoples apartments, but i really would feel better if i could just get rid of some stuff and deep down inside, i want to be a minimalist (yeah right!)... So anyways, I also think that my hoarding is my way of giving myself something to do, so i won't think about bigger scarier issues... does that sound like something hoarders do?

So if anyone has any inspirational words, please let me know! I already know the 1 year rule... and please, NO dumb responses.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think we're a lot alike (especially the minimalist thing...ha ha ha!).

One thing that works for me is to pack up a bunch of the things I think I might want later and put them in the attic or closet.  Then a few months later I can go through them and be way more objective.  Some things I really do want,  others, not so much.  It's not as quick as "Clean House", but it helps me keep it down a few notches!

Answer 2

  I think you may be over-analyzing it a bit. I think it's more than likely nothing more than exactly what you said.  You always think you'll need it later. If you're familiar with the 1 year rule then chances are that you have some idea how many millions of people (myself being one of them) are cursed with the same affliction. I'm afraid the only advice I can offer is to suck it up, take the Nike route and "just do it" The good news is that it gets easier and easier suprisingly quickly and before you know it, you start to notice and appreciate how much more pleasant life is without the clutter, not to mention the stress over the clutter. Good luck.

Answer 3

Don't throw it away have a garage sale !

Answer 4

I Like To Keep Stuff Too, But My Mums The One That Throws My Stuff Away :(  Me And My Grandma Are The Same But I Think You Should Just Have A Big Clean Up And The Things You Really Really Really Don't Need Chuck Em' :D

Answer 5

well i tend to be a pack rat myself.

it runs in the family.

you can think of it this way- what you don't need someone else might

you can bring things to goodwill and get a receipt for your donation and claim it on taxes.

you can give it away via the yahoo freecycle group for your area

you can have a yard sale or post things for sale on craigslist and make some money

i'm not sure if people hoard to hide from issues. generally it's an ocd issue.

Answer 6

Hello,

I am the same way and I have are some good solutions to earn extra money from your hoarding, plus you will be able to bring happiness to others and not waste stuff in a landfill by throwing it all away. It is a solution that will put your hoarding to good use by helping not only yourself but others too.

1. If you have clothes, shoes, and knick Knacks to get rid of you can sell them over EBay!

2. Second hand thrift stores will buy them.

3. Have a garage sale.

4. Sell to a friend that does flea markets or sells used clothing.

5. Sell to your friends.

Here are some good solutions that will not earn you money.

1. Give to a friend or relative.

2. Give to a charitable thrift store.

3. Give to a church.

4. Give to a homeless shelter.

Please do not throw them away even if they are not in the best of shape!! There are already too many nice or still wearable clothes rotting in landfills. :) There are a lot of people who can use all of your old clothes and shoes.

If you cannot find anyone to take them then drop me an email and I may be able to help. We are always looking for used clothes or sneakers for our family.  If you have stuff that will fit us, I may be interested in buying some of it fron you. If they do not fit us, then maybe we can find somebody who will take them. Please drop me an email if you have any question and maybe we can be of help to each other.

PS: See my profile. :)

Answer 7

I am just the opposite.  I throw everything that isn't nailed down away b'c I hate clutter!  I have a husband who is more like you.  He keeps everything, so it gets interesting at our house.

I have a garage sale once a year every summer to get rid of things that are still useful and good.  I figure someone might as well get some use out of it.  I give a lot of things away to ppl who I know will want it, too.

The only things I throw away anymore are things that are broken, stinky or have no more use b'c they're so old.