Saturday, January 14, 2017

To Keep or Not





Last year I read Marie Kondo's books on tidying up our homes.   “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and "Spark Joy."  Reading Marie's books she explains her theory about not keeping  anything in your home that doesn't bring joy!  I know many of you have read her books as well and have used her methods to tidy your homes.  She suggests doing this job all at once!  For me it's too daunting, but we have used her thoughts in cleaning up our storage areas and other areas as well.  Having a finished basement is a wonderful place to store unused items in closets and "away from view" of our normal living space.  It's good and it's bad.  It's very easy to just take it to the basement!  Our son calls it our "marinating spot!"  As much as this is hard to admit, it's true. 





We have always given away items we no longer use to Amvets.  It's very easy to bag up unwanted items that others may want or need.  They pick up your items right from your driveway.  The proceeds go to help veterans, so it's a win win in our minds.  So many bags and boxes have left our home since we began this purge.




I found a box of David Winter cottages recently and now they are displayed on the mantle in our Florida room.  They really remind me of our time in England.


During one of our recent clear outs, we discovered a drain issue that needed repair.  After Grayden made the repairs we needed to fix the floor to the cabinet.  So while retrieving the wood for the repair, I came across a box marked, dolls.  I used to have my dolls above the chifforobe in the guest room upstairs.  Thinking about these dolls made me realize that I needed to display them or get rid of them.  I can't get rid of these dolls!  Some were my childhood dolls and some were my sister's dolls.  They have been with me for so long, they need to be displayed.  We had a shelf downstairs that used to be in my kitchen.  It would make a nice shelf to put a few of the dolls on in the guest room downstairs.


This shelf would have been on the should we keep it or should it go list.  I'm happy we were able to find a place for my dolls and use the shelf as well.  The Kon Mari method is a little too strict for me, but it has helped us to rid our home of many items we were not using.  I can feel our home sighing relief.  





Last year we purged our closets of our clothes that we no longer used.  I now can store all of my seasonal clothes in my closet as opposed to storing non seasonal clothes downstairs.  We've lived in our home for 43 years.  I imagine if we had moved more we would have gotten rid of a lot of the stuff we are now.  Even though we have gotten rid of many items that would never be used in our home, I have come across items that should be used again.  That makes me happy.


Have you used the Kon Mari method?  I'd love to hear your ideas of tidying up your home for better organization.  








 


53 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, I was just watching an episode of Gilmore Girls where they mentioned a book that talks about 'giving items away that don't bring you joy.' I wonder if this is the same book? It makes sense too, doesn't it? But I'm glad you kept your dolls, Martha Ellen. They are darling, and treasures from your past. It's amazing how much we accumulate through the years. In my recent move, I gave away about 11 bags of stuff. That's a great idea to store your seasonal clothes in one closet and your regular clothes in another. I think it's very thoughtful of you to give away those things that aren't being used to someone who could really use them. Good for you, Martha Ellen.

    Have a pleasant weekend, my dear.

    ~Sheri

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    1. It may have been the same book, Sheri. It's quite popular! You are smart to have purged items before your move. Since we haven't moved in 43 years we have accumulated too much stuff. We have kept things that we thought our children would want one day, but it's been very little of that. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. ♥

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  2. I didn't use that method (the joy method) but I did use the "how long since I used this or needed this or missed this" method. I took LOADS of stuff to a charitable thrift store and it felt so good. I have a whole pile of stuff to sell that I need to get loaded into my Etsy shop that is sitting there waiting for me to open it.

    I found that there were lots of things that I didn't need that I thought I could never part with. I took loads of stuff to both my daughters and gave my sons whatever they had said they wanted over the years. It feels so good to have 'lightened the load'. You are so right about the basement and storage. It is a good/bad thing!
    Hope you have a great night- xoDiana

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    1. Diana, I know you must feel so good about giving your things away that you no longer need or want. It's really a simple process that feels so good. I'm so glad that Grayden is on board with this process as it makes it so much easier if I were doing it alone. I imagine our children will be thankful one day that we have done this. Enjoy your weekend. xo ♥

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  3. I heard about this kind of purging but I'm too stubborn to follow a guide so I just do it my way. I have been purging steadily but there are things I just can't let go of for sentimental reasons. My mom really got into collecting dolls a while back while she was doing ceramics and bought a pretty display cabinet. She grouped the dolls inside on several shelves and it kept them clean and dust free. She has her mother's doll as well as hers from the early 1900's and 1920's. I don't know what me and my other 3 sisters are going to do with all of them. My big concern is that my kids don't have to be loaded down too heavily with all our stuff to get rid of some day. Dan has been cooperative and helpful too so that takes some pressure off of me. However we get there it's a good thing to do!

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    1. Liz, I'm a do it my way type of gal as well. I do worry about all of the collections, etc. that one day will have to be dealt with. It can be quite a challenge for those left behind. I hope you are staying warm and cozy. ♥

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  4. I haven't used that method, but I do enjoy cleaning out and purging every now and then - and it's not an easy task!!!

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    1. Winter is a great time for us to tackle indoor projects. When spring comes I'm busy in my garden. Marie Kondo's method is quite strict, but really helped me to be more ruthless in the purging process. ♥

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  5. I find her too ruthless, and maybe some have a certain ruthlessness within them so that this method works, but for me it will never work for I am anything but; I am sure some will call me too soft! I prefer the William Morris concept, "have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” After all, he was a master of both! I also do not care for what I perceived as a disregard for family heirlooms!
    I often find that, as soon as something is given away, regardless of how long I've had it, within a day or two I am looking for it! {giggles}
    I tend to have a very good gut instinct for knowing when the time is right for many things, and my gut instinct is what I use to guide me more than a book.
    It is interesting to read the thoughts of others on this!
    ~~~Deborah xoxo

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    1. Family heirlooms will have to be discarded by someone other than me, Deb! I am an old softy when it comes to those and have them displayed in our home and not stored away. The accumulation of kitchen items no longer used, Christmas items no longer used, and clothes no longer used need to be given away to someone who could use them. Also having a husband that feels a need to save everything is quite a problem. Having been raised by parents from the Depression certainly plays a part in this issue. I love William Morris' quote and I'm so glad you brought it to mind! xoxo ♥

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  6. That method is way too severe and harsh for me. It makes me rile up just to think about it. However, as you say, there are many things that can be taken from it. I am using my garage for "marinating" and it should get a huge cleaning come spring. I love that you are displaying the houses that remind you of your trips. Also displaying your beautiful dolls is a nod to your own story. That's what I love about homes...they must tell a story. So many don't. They are attractive and beautifully appointed, but as empty as empty can be.

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    1. I think most of us feel the same as you, Vee. Kon Mari is way too severe, but certainly gives some ideas to take away. You are spot on with "Attractive and beautiful, but as empty as can be". Love that! ♥

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  7. Your doll display is lovely. Aren't you glad you didn't purge them or the shelf? They look like they are in pretty good shape. When I consider this method of purging, I find that many things bring me joy. Too many. I've brought some things over to my son's house recently that I've been keeping for him and he isn't too happy because they are sort of minimalists. But I know he did not want me to throw out his artwork. Possessions are both a joy and a hassle.

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    1. Dotsie, I have stored so many of our children's possessions that I thought they wanted. The last time Samuel went to see his folks we loaded a suitcase full of his Mom's things. Some of it she wanted and some of it she didn't. But now it's her decision and not mine. ♥

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  8. I think Winter is a perfect time to reorganize your home. I'm currently in the process of trying to reorganize some of belongings. This is a great post and I love the doll display!

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    1. I agree Pilar. When the weather warms my thoughts turn to outdoor activities. ♥

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  9. Hello Martha Ellen,
    Oh I am so happy you kept your dolls and found a place to display them. They are so adorable! Family heirlooms should never be discarded as far as I am concerned. Too many wonderful memories, right?
    Martha Ellen, thank you so much for visiting, and I am happy the piggy made you smile. Tell your grandson thank you too. haaahaa.. I loved his comment.
    blessings,
    Penny

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    1. Hi Penny, I'll tell Samuel when he gets home. Yes, there are many things that tell my heart not to let go. Have a wonderful week. ♥

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  10. Wow, Martha Ellen, 43 years in one home! I can't imagine how much "stuff" you have accumulated in all that time. We've been in our house only 11 years, and we have accumulated a lot. In 43 years, I would probably have several tons of "stuff."

    I have never read those books, nor do I follow that method. I just try to get rid of things I haven't used in years.

    Blessings,
    Patti

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    1. Patti, you are very smart to routinely go through things and get rid of them. I don't want anyone to think I haven't gotten rid of things in 43 years. Because we have storage areas in our basement, it has been a little too easy to just take items to the basement and it was way past time to get ruthless! ♥

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  11. So happy that you saved your doll collection, Martha Ellen! It must bring you such joy to see them on display. I am definitely a 'spark joy' kind of gal. In fact, a group of four friends have gathered on a few occasions to share our 'tidying up' tales, discoveries, and many laughs! I have followed so many of KonMari's tips. She certainly mellowed her philosophy in her second book, after getting married and having a baby. :) I took advantage of last week's cold weather to finally complete tidying up the LAST closet! Of course, I saved the treasured photo albums, our Christmas decorations, and beloved books in this big closet. Lots of recycling happened last week! My car now has several very nice winter coats to drop off at the donation center this week. Wintertime is the perfect time to tackle these big projects, while our gardens sleep. Wishing you a cozy week ahead, Martha Ellen! ♡

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    1. Congratulations Dawn for tackling the last closet! It must feel so good to have completed that task. It's an interesting process that we have followed since Christmas. It's become kind of a game. We will continue to tackle storage areas as time permits. I really like knowing that someone will enjoy those things we no longer need rather than having them boxed up in our basement. Someone will certainly enjoy your generosity of warm winter coats. Enjoy a wonderful week ahead, my friend! ♥

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  12. Those doll's are so adorable.. Let them stay with you.. they are not only dolls, they are carrying many memories.. :) big hug..

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    1. Krishna, the dolls are staying. We put up a shelf to display them. Have a great week ahead. ♥

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  13. Oh yes!! I am so glad that you no intentions to give up these darling dolls for they are so sweet and lovely!! I like each and every one and they look so sweet on display!!
    Sending love your way sweet Martha Ellen !! xxoo Linnie

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    1. Linnie, they seem to be quite happy to out of that dreadful box! Love to you, my friend. xoxo ♥

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  14. Hi Martha Ellen
    I am aware of that book but I have not read it. When my mother passed away I was the child responsible for clearing out her home of over 60 years. My mother was very sentimental and it was a big job to decide what to do with all her possessions. My siblings took a few things for their homes, as did I, but after having an estate sale I donated everything else to charity. Two years later I moved west from my NY home of 36 years. I am also sentimental so I had to decide many times what to keep of my possessions and what to donate. I have to admit it felt good to lighten our load. I am trying not to begin to add on more while living here in our new home. I still retained things that held wonderful memories for me but they are nicely displayed so they don't take up too much space. Your doll collection is wonderful! I definitely would not have given up my dolls if I still had them. I did save my daughter's dolls and now my granddaughter owns them which is sweet.

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    1. Pat it sounds like you have followed a path similar to us! I guess we humans have a thing for collecting! We too have cleaned out our parent's homes and found places for their possessions, some of which reside in our home. The cherished heirlooms should be passed down to our children one day. Even though they are just things they do link the past to the present and I find comfort in them. Have a nice week ahead. ♥

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  15. OK..Martha Ellen. I see a Bye'Lo baby and a Madame Alexander! I have a lovely doll cellection also and did not unpack them when we moved back to Texas. I used to have them all on display as both my sister and I were avid doll collecters. I miss my Betsy McCall doll given to me by my grandmother. I cannot part with them. If they make you happy and you love them, my vote is to keep them. I know doll collecting has gone out of style, but why? These are just treasures in my mind and memories of your childhood!

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    1. Don't worry Betsy, the dolls are staying put. I've never been one to stick with what's in and what's out. I would love to see your treasured dolls. We put this shelf in the downstairs guest room and I think the dolls are glad to be out of that dreaded box. Have a great week. ♥

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  16. Martha, Darling little mantle houses you have there. I am glad you could never toss out those dolls, they are part of your history. I don't know the Kari method of cleaning, but I do have my own methods. Firstly, I have to be in the mood, which will hit at the weirdest of times. I may open a bathroom cupboard, and think, "OOH< need to toss that old medicine!." Before you know it, I've pulled out everything in the closets, the drawers and I've got 3 trash cans going and several Good Will bags. By the end of the day, and it will take a day at least, I've "purified" the room and feel pretty good about it. Good Will gets a good majority of my booty, so they're always happy to see me coming!

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    1. Jeri, I love your method of clearing out. I personally dislike clutter. So much so I'll sometimes move things to the basement and now I have to go through all of it. It is an amazingly good feeling to do so. I should be doing more of it today! Enjoy working on Trimble Manor. Now that's a house that would never get cluttered! ♥

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  17. I've been doing that do, but I do have a lot of treasures that I will never part with! It does make you feel good to pass along things that are in still good condition, but someone else might be able to use:-D

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    1. Winter is a good time to tackle these projects. Treasures that bring us joy should always have a special place in our homes. Have a great week. ♥

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  18. That's a good idea to bring the stuff out of storage and use them for awhile to make sure whether or not you want to keep it or not. I have shelves in my laundry room where I store things sitting out that I don't want to get rid of but enjoy looking at when I'm in that room--makes doing laundry and ironing less tedious. Some of the things find their way upstairs during different seasons from time to time, then go back on the storage shelves.

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    1. Cathy, my laundry room has similar items on display. Grayden's grandmother's washboard, an iron I tole painted years ago and little knickknacks that make me smile as I work. Have a nice week ahead. ♥

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  19. I have not read Spark Joy but I will look for that book. I like to keep working to make my home more efficient. I DID read the other book and it helped me with organizing my clothes. I should do more...always need to clean out more and donate. Of course I LOVE the dolls on your shelf. Do you happen to know what the dark haired doll that is sitting down is? She looks like one I have a photo of from my childhood. They are all very precious! Hugs!

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    1. The KonMari method helped me as well with rolling clothes in my dresser. It really does take up less room. Especially with sweaters.
      The dark haired doll is a Betsy Wetsy. She probably is my most loved doll. I got her for Christmas and one of my cousins poked her eye out! My parents had her fixed for me. I remember spending many hours pretending to be her Mama. ♥

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    2. A Betsy Wetsy...yes, I can see it now. How precious! I'm so glad you have kept her and loved her all these years! Hugs!

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  20. Purging and organizing is hard, hard work! As we prepared to move last year, we did lots of purging. (One can accumulate quite a bit in thirty-five years of living in the same house . . . and you have lived in your home even longer!) With a deadline before us, we made a lot of decisions in a short amount of time. We threw away, gave away, and donated. I do have a few regrets . . . three, to be exact. (Interestingly enough, we discussed this very thing at dinner tonight and I confessed my three regrets to my family.) But what is done is done, and overall, I feel good about what we accomplished.

    The job is never totally done, is it? There are already some areas I need to reorganize in the new house!

    I love that you found new life for old things there at your house . . . things that continue to bring you joy!

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    1. It really is an ongoing process, Cheryl. So far I've not felt regretful about any of the things we've donated. I can't imagine having a deadline like you had. It would be difficult to make decisions rather quickly. Today I found a hanging stack of shelves and we put it in our grandson's room so he can stay more organized. I can't believe the hodge podge of items we have discovered. ♥

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  21. Love your blog and glad to have found it. I love the marinating room as your son calls it, that is exactly what my room downstairs is doing right now and I haven't bothered it a bit. I need too. Will have to read about the Kon Mari method. Sounds interesting.
    Happy week ahead
    betsy

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    1. Thank you Betsy for stopping by my little blog. Winter is a great time to tackle jobs that clearly needed doing in our home. ♥

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  22. I did a huge Marie Condo-inspired purge a year ago but sadly clutter has been creeping back in. Darn that love of shopping.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. That is an issue with me as well Amalia. I will say I do give pause before bringing anything new into our home. ♥

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  23. I am in tĥe process of purging myself!

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    1. Congratulations! It is a wonderful feeling to clear our homes of clutter. It's an ongoing process. Thanks for stopping by. ♥

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  24. Oh my...there is NO way I can do it all at one time. I have fibromyalgia and I push it to much one day, I pay for several days. I used to be able to do that but those days are long gone. I have done some in my craft room and I sent 3 kitchen trash bags and a box to Goodwill, 3 bags of trash to the trash and 3 good size boxes to another woman that wanted what I got rid of. It felt nice but......its been a week since I have done anything else like that. I seriously need to get on it.

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    1. Hello Pam, breaking the task into smaller pieces is the only way to get a job done. It sounds like you are doing the same as we are. It does feel good to rid our home of clutter. Thank you for stopping by. ♥

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  25. We do tend to have a de-clutter / sort out once a year ... because isn't it amazing the things that sort of creep up on you!

    We have moved a few times over the years and it's amazing how moving home helps you sort things out.

    I often find it best to do one room at a time or even just one side of a room, depending on time and other constraints.

    Happy sorting!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan, moving would have certainly curbed the things we have stored all these years. It's such a good feeling to declutter! One area at a time is all I can handle. ♥

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  26. So happy that you have your doll collection out to be enjoyed. I need to do so much cleaning out ... just so hard to do. Maybe I need to read that book you mentioned. We built a large workshop with storage and I think that was a big mistake. Glad you stopped by to visit my blog ... happy to have you follow me. Will follow you and come back to visit soon. Love your blog.
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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    1. Thank you Audrey for stopping by! It is a hard thing to clean out storage areas when it's put away. I hope each day is better for you. ♥

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