The dust collector...step one

[rayinpenn]

It hadn't been started it in at least 5 years and was sitting by good ole red the snow blower in the garage . It too was red, dust covered but otherwise in great condition. Well anyone handy with small engines knows that carburetor would be gunked up. I put a little gas in it and pulled the cord and it coughed to life. It ran a bit then it would run no more. The Sears chipper cost me $500 11 years ago; it was first part of my two part assault on the mini forest/jungle on the side of my house. Chemical warfare was part two applied with a plastic sprayer-
A flyover application would have been too costly. I learned recently some of that stuff causes cancer - the plants revenge.

I put it on Craigslist, got a couple of calls and a nice fellow with a huge trailer and suv took it away and I had $125 in my pocket. Things are changing here -the pinball machine is sitting in the dinning room, moved from my sons room awaiting gifting to a colleague. Though I always complained about the junk decluttering has me feeling a bit funny. I try to convince myself it isn't the last chapter- rather just another chapter and I'm ready to turn the page.

 

[Palmtree]

It is hard to declutter but once the stuff is gone, you really don't miss it. We did a massive declutter when we moved about two years ago and we are getting ready to do it again.

 

[CaptTom]

I found the shift from collecting to decluttering was slow and almost imperceptible.

As a young man perennially strapped for cash, I really enjoyed going to yard sales and buying used stuff to fix up. Later I enjoyed buying shiny new things.

Now, I enjoy watching the trash collectors pick up and cart away my old stuff. I've made a commitment to myself to have two large black "contractor" bags and at least one bulky item out at the curb each week, in addition to our regular trash. I'm also planning to get back on eBay and Craig's List with some items I think may have value to others.

 

[Teacher Terry]

It does feel great once you great rid of a bunch of stuff. It can be hard to start but after a while you gain momentum.

 

[RobbieB]

I have a pinball machine in my dining room too. Not ready to sell it yet so I'm going to "stage" it in the garage for a while. Play it out there.

 

[Nodak]

I had a huge amount of old stuff that had belonged to my Grandparents. A couple of years ago I contacted a bunch of my cousins and told them they could have any of that stuff they wanted but that anything left after a year would be thrown out. I had a great time giving it all away and didn't have to throw anything.

 

[Fedup]

I did give away my lawn mower and very tall ladder when we moved. No grass to cut here and I don't intend to let my husband climb up that tall ladder ever. Some very happy contractors quickly picked up that tall ladder, IIRC