I’m not a big fan of manic decluttering, but I have decided to make a concerted effort over the next few weeks to have a bit of a clear out. In the past couple of weeks (inspired by Rev Darkwater’s year [and beyond] of shedding) I have been trying to deal with one thing every day. Yesterday, this took the form of making pudding for the hens from a pot of semolina that had been languishing in a cupboard for way too long.
Some of my book collection… some of them are going to go
In fact, yesterday was particularly good because I also sold a pile of books. I used one of those buying web sites – you type in the ISBN of your book and they make you an offer. It’s very easy and does not involve all the time effort and stress associated with selling items individually via an auction site or shop. Simply agree (or don’t) then pack up the books, print out the address label and attach it to the parcel and drop the package off at the local collection point – in our case one of the newsagents in town. Throughout my life I have preferred to accumulate rather than shed books, but the time has come to admit that I have piles and piles of the things that I will never read again and many of them are simply making me feel weighed down by the past. Time to get rid of them and pass them on to someone who will be able to make use of them.
On the drying rack today
A slower process is associated with dealing with the vintage linens. I have progressed on from handkerchiefs to yards and yards of lace and broderie anglais. My focus at the moment is on laundering all of this, but I really also need to start adding my listings to the etsy shop, which is going to take ages to begin with, but should be worthwhile. In the mean time if anyone is looking for vintage or reclaimed lace, do give me a shout… I probably have what you need!! I’m finding the process of turning a box of tired-looking trimmings into beautiful, starched loveliness rather satisfying. I just hope there will be new homes somewhere out there where it will be loved.
How long I am going to be able to maintain shedding one item each day I don’t know, but I have certainly decided on a strict no net gains policy. This means that if I buy anything (other than consumables) from now on, something that I own will have to go. The house is already cluttered enough and we really feel the need to free up a bit of space (and not just by stuffing things in the loft).
With the arrival of some very special wool today (more on that later), I have another nice strong box in which to send off some more books… and earn some money to pay for the wool! That seems like a good exchange to me these days: text books out, wool in!
The Snail of Happiness 
katechiconi
/ April 5, 2016I wonder if we have one of those book selling sites down here. I could certainly use a bit of a clear out. And it’s probably time to have another garment and shoe cull…
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016There are several in the UK – and it is just so easy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wild Daffodil
/ April 5, 2016Are you able to give us a link to the book selling site?
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016I have been using ziffit.com – there are other sites, but I have managed a successful trade with these people and received the payment very promptly
LikeLike
Wild Daffodil
/ April 5, 2016Thank you Jan, I might just do a bit of clearing out myself.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016You could also try fatbrain.co.uk – I’ve never used them but a friend has and says they are good.
LikeLike
Wild Daffodil
/ April 7, 2016thank you.
LikeLike
Lisa K. Diamond, DNP-FNP-C
/ April 5, 2016I enjoyed your post. I agree, sometimes decluttering your surroundings makes other areas of your life not feel so chaotic as well.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016I don’t think I have a minimalist mind, but I could certainly do with a some clearer space in my surroundings!
LikeLike
insearchofitall
/ April 5, 2016That was my very thought this morning! Getting rid of books and more clutter. I couldn’t run away from home with all this baggage.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016I’ve already filled another box of books. It goes against my nature to sell books, but there are loads that I know I will never look at again if I am honest with myself…. and even doing this my bookshelves will still be full!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann
/ April 5, 2016I’ll give the book people a try too, I’ve way more than I need. I’d also love to see the lace you are trying to re-home, adding a bit to sewing projects would look nice. 🙂
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016If you let me know what sort of thing you are after, I’ll see what might suit
LikeLike
thecontentedcrafter
/ April 5, 2016As you know I’m all for ridding ourselves of the excess stuff – and I am by no means a minimalist! The thought that I am hanging onto things I no longer need just because once I paid money for them is, I slowly realised, a really crazy thought! 🙂 I love the new thought that my unrequired stuff is being honoured and used by someone who does need it 🙂
And the space is so lovely to have – I’m still learning that empty space doesn’t need to be filled All your lacy bits make me drool – but I don’t need any at the moment. 🙂
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 5, 2016I’d really like to clear some bigger spaces, but I don’t want to throw stuff out – I want it to be used, which can be very time-consuming unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Born To Organize
/ April 6, 2016Well done, Pauline!
LikeLike
crawcraftsbeasties
/ April 6, 2016Good luck with your decluttering… I’ll have to give this another go myself! Last time I just put all my unwanted stuff in a box, labelled it “for sale”… Then kept the box! 😆
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 6, 2016Ah yes… the actual getting rid of things part can be a trial!
LikeLiked by 1 person
katythenightowl
/ April 6, 2016I have to admit to finding it especially hard to de-clutter where books, and now yarn, are concerned, but I did decide to do as you are, and only bring something else into the house, provided I give, or use up, something in it’s place – well, mainly with the yarn, if I’m honest! Lol
When we moved to this house 14 years ago, I’d had to have a major, and very strict, declutter anyway, but time, larger bookshelves, and taking up crochet, have definitely filled up every corner of the house now 🙂
I did get rid of all of my course books, well those that I hadn’t want to keep, anyway, after I got my BA, and I’ve actually started tackling the monster that is my filing cabinet, but the books and the yarn are soooo much harder to part with! Lol
LikeLike
Born To Organize
/ April 6, 2016Removing visual clutter and passing on or selling things you no longer use will soon feel freeing. The more you do it, the better you feel. Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
sanseilife
/ April 12, 2016I like that, shedding one item a day, I think I can do that. Can I replace it with two? Seriously, this is a great idea and one that doesn’t overwhelm. Good luck and I am going to try it too (without adding back replacements).
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ April 12, 2016I’m not very good at extreme solutions and this seems achievable. Good luck with your attempt!
LikeLiked by 1 person