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  1. My clutter usually comes not from wanting to get rid of things but from wanting to dispose of them properly. I can't just throw things in the garbage. I have to make sure they are recycled, donated, or returned to proper owner. This causes things to pile up as I search for the perfect solution. Add some procrastination and it can be sometime before I get things out the door!

  2. Rochelle, I so fall into this trap! I have a closet of things I need to donate (I always have a "donation station" in our coat closet) and if I don't keep up on, it just becomes clutter. I think finding the right way to dispose of the item is a good mindset to have. Our landfills are plenty full! Scheduling in decluttering time may be helpful – like when you run to town, you don't leave without a bag to the thrift store. This has helped me incredibly! Glad I am not the only one 🙂

  3. I can honestly answer that I know someone who literally asks if I wear something they gave me, if I still use something they gave me and also ask where I have it. That person is my mother. She has issues with people getting rid of things she gave them..no matter how long ago. But its ok for her to get rid of something you gave her, of course. I want a simple uncluttered life but it stresses me to deal with her in order to get there. ugh

    1. Charlotte, it sounds like you are in a really tough situation. It may not be the actual clutter that is the hardest thing to overcome, but the emotional struggle it entails. I think that no matter what you choose, it will be difficult, but what is going to make the most impact and help you reach your ultimate goal? It probably is to get rid of the clutter, but know that it may involve some difficult conversations. I encourage you to start a box with all of the things that you want to get rid of. If she would like it back, so be it, but otherwise I would encourage you to donate it. If she asks, tell her that you know someone else needed it more than you did. Maybe be intentional about who you give the items to, so that she knows it went to a good home. Let me know what you think and if you need any other suggestions, let me know Charlotte!

  4. Charlotte, I feel your pain on this one. I come from a long line of sentimental horders, and I am known as the black sheep of shameful discarding! I feel stress around holiday time knowing people are going to send me gifts that I may or may not need and will feel tons of guilt about passing on to someone who might need it more since it will inevitably be mentioned at some point. In the last few years I have finally realized the best way to deal with this is to be honest and creative about our wishlists, letting family know the kids and I don't really need anything particular, but maybe a membership to a local museum or tickets to a concert. This year I admitted I haven't had time for baking and Mom was happy to send a big box of holiday treats that we are happily consuming! Win – win.

    1. Christa, thank you for sharing! I so agree with you that the holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the season. You don't want to offend anybody, but letting items that will just take up unnecessary space, are hard to hang on to and bring into our homes. What a wonderful idea to give specific suggestions (which are sometimes easiest), while doing something together as a FAMILY! I think those are sometimes the best gifts – time spent together. Thank you for sharing these great ideas Christa!

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