Just stumbled here, I know not how. I have so much 'crapola' that it's hard to believe. I don't have any kids, just adult nieces and nephew. I know they don't want my mother's stuff (thanks, mom - I didn't want it either) and I don't want to leave a bunch of my stuff for them to deal with whenever that may be.
A few years ago I made the round of the consignment shops. Dallas, of course, has a lot of them. They were already full of things like my mother had and they couldn't sell any of it and certainly didn't want to add more.
At one time I did ok consigning clothes. Now it's become so upscale that if something is more than a year old the consignment shops won't take it. So I've donated a lot of clothes and have nice deductions when tax season comes around.
A number of years ago I bought a shredder. Burned it out. By the 3rd one I burned, I finally read the instructions. What's up with shredding for 5 minutes and then letting the shredder cool off for 30? So now I throw stuff into boxes and periodically go to a place that will shred everything for me for cheap. Got 2 1/2 boxes full and still more paper to sort through. Should have tossed or scanned everything years ago.
Last week I loaded up the back seat of my car and took boxes and bags full of doodahs and such to a local charity. Now that was cathartic! However I did end up buying a lampshade for $8 for a naked lamp in my 'office'.
Have to admit that I'm one of those people that can't keep things off of any available surfaces. Haven't always been like that. I'm glad I have pictures to prove it. Don't know what happened but no matter how long it takes, I'm getting rid of it all (well, not all) and keeping my house clutter free again. Wish me luck.
