Downsizing

Hurrah! We have bought a home! Now the fun begins, sifting through years of accumulated "stuff" in readiness for the big move and a fresh start! I have lived in various rental accommodation over the past 12 years, but I think the majority of my 'accumulation' has happened over the past 3 years. In those years, I have gotten engaged (gifts!), married (more gifts!) and turned thirty (and some more!).

I used to be a hoarder. I used to keep all sorts of stuff, often for sentimental reasons, but also, quite often, just because. Andy would say I am still a hoarder and I guess there are elements of my hoarding past that still linger, but some things are just too darn useful....or have potential to be useful, to get rid of!

Good quality jars for instance, like Moccona coffee jars. I love those things! I have one full of buttons, I like to decant honey into them (because I buy honey in buckets). Or jars with the little swing latches on them. They're good too! I have one in the bathroom full of sea shells! Sea shells, many of them are too pretty to part with, and who doesn't like to be reminded of a lovely walk on the beach!

So I have written a list of questions to assist in the 'pack or chuck' decision. I tried to create a flow chart, but I am not very computer savvy!

What purpose does it serve? Now the answer to this can simply be 'it is beautiful', which would indicate that its purpose is to bring aesthetic pleasure.

Do I have more than one? If the answer is yes and it is a thing that one only requires one of, then the second (and third ad fourth) are off to Goodwill*!

Have I used it in the past 12 months? Now when the answer to this is no, this does not automatically condemn it to the Goodwill pile.

Am I likely to use it in the future? If yes, then hang onto it. If mmmmaybe, then it goes to the mmmmmaybe pile, if no, Goodwill!

If things are a gift - Do I actually like/use it? If no, proceed to next question.
Am I still even in touch with the person who gave it to me? If no, Goodwill. If yes, assess that persons memory recall and ask yourself if they will be looking for it when they pop around.

And the most important question of all - Where will I put it in our new home? My ultimate domestic fantasy is a place for everything and everything in its place.

*Goodwill is used as a generic term for any charity op shop. The pile is growing by the minute, so I suspect my goods will be distributed evenly between Red Cross, The Salvos, Save the Children and Goodwill.