discard something for every new thing I acquire

I hired a friend to make me some skirts for the fall/winter season.
So far, 2 have been completed – a lovely blue/black/green plaid and a floor length flannel that feels like a soft, comfy blanket.

In addition to paying her for the sewing, I gave her two skirts suitable for work that I no longer wear. She needs work clothes; I need to keep a zero-net quantity of goods – so it works out!

Most of the items were actually from a friend’s house, where I was helping them move (and purge). Still, at least a third of the box was my stuff – old technology, some clothes, a blanket – and that counts.

At least one box of computer / technology related things I no longer use. A caller ID box from the 80’s? Why do I still have this? Enough phone cable to wire a small office? It needs to go.

This is a “two-fer” – as it provides progress towards another goal of getting rid of computer related stuff I don’t need or want; and, since I have a box of other items to take to Goodwill, allows me efficiency in my trip by taking more stuff.

Technically, I should be purging some clothes, as a balance to clothing (well, costume stuff) I recently bought – but I don’t have much in the clothing area that hasn’t been pruned already.

I’m counting it anyhow, as the net volume of “stuff” will be balanced even if it is not “in kind”.

I took another large bag of stuff to Goodwill this weekend; mostly career clothes and a couple of casual wear items; plus two books. This was a collection of items I set aside, one at a time, as I added new things to the house.

This goal hasn’t gotten any easier, which is why it remains active on my list. I have to consciously force myself to purge in proportion to acquisition; I’m always worried that I “might need” the older items. The fact is that I seldom miss them once they are gone, and I need the discipline that this goal creates. It keeps me from over-buying because I know I must choose something I already own that I “like less” to be discarded.

I’m not 100% consistent, especially in terms of books – but I am getting much, much better about it.

I brought 3 pairs of leather pants, 2 vintage hats, and 4 costume tops, to a clothing swap this past weekend. I only brought back one costume top – and lots of hugs and kisses :)

Yay for more items out of the overstuffed closets, and for having the discipline to get rid of things!

I haven’t bought anything except consumables (groceries, supplies etc.) for a while because moving has kept me busy and broke.

I’m still discarding / purging things anyhow. I gave away a box of miscellaneous stuff (music CDs; old telephones; mismatched silverware; a brooch I never wore; etc.) to the cleaning ladies yesterday. They take what they want and redistribute the rest – so I don’t feel badly about “just throwing it out”.

I’ve got a box going of “perfectly good stuff” that I don’t use, need, want, or find beautiful anymore.

As I unpack boxes of things I’ve not seen in over 18 months, it’s much easier to look at the items objectively: I haven’t used it lately, so do I really want to find space for this in my new home?

This purging process will offset some of the purchases I’m making to feather the current nest – I should still end up at “net zero” from a stuff perspective.

I rounded up two medium sackfuls of miscellaneous stuff – shoes I never wore, hand cream I didn’t like the scent of, clothes that don’t fit, etc. – and gave them to my cleaning lady this week. She ships what she doesn’t want back home to Brazil… so my stuff may get to travel further than I have!

Of course, at this rate, I am not exactly clearing out the clutter. But at least I’m keeping it from growing larger.

Considering I’ve been acquiring some fairly esoteric clothing items over the past four or five months – and investing rather substantially to do so – I’d like to see if I can accelerate the discard rate. On an item for item count basis, I’m on track – but not even in the ballpark on a $$ value basis.

I forgot to pack walking shoes on my trip to Las Vegas, and ended up buying a pair of sneakers so as not to ruin the trip with blisters and sore feet.

I’m giving away two pairs of sneakers in exchange – since I’m also behind on shoe purging in general.

Or donate…or sell…or whatever. I understand the point here is to get it out of my house/car/office. And I can do it. Why just a few months ago I donated (good condition) and recycled (poor condition) over 100 books from my collection. Go me. Let’s tackle that DVD and CD collection now!