lettinggoblog

Letting It Go... on the Main Line

Hello Neighbor! I’m finding that it takes as long to let go of stuff as it did to acquire it all! In case you’re in my position where boxes of memories just piled up over…

Hello Neighbor!

I’m finding that it takes as long to let go of stuff as it did to acquire it all!

In case you’re in my position where boxes of memories just piled up over the years and were stored in the attic, I’m writing more on the topic of letting things go. Hope it’s helpful. If you can still walk in your attic or basement, please consider this as a cautionary tale to begin de-cluttering sooner rather than later!

Learning to let things go is a process and I’m getting better at it.  I wrote previously about that process and defined that the memories, not the stuff, keep me holding on.

I’ve recently found it helpful to imagine a new family discovering my attic treasures and incorporating them into their home. It’s also fun to be on the lookout for parents of younger children in the neighborhood who could enjoy the hula hoops, stilts and doll houses waiting patiently in the attic for kids to appreciate them. An added bonus in giving items away is that it’s good for the environment, keeping usable items out of landfills.

Area thrift stores are listed here, and area consignment stores are listed here.  Some new discoveries are shared here.  All these places made good homes for my stuff that continue to be useful in someone else’s home.

It’s really getting easier. I’ve learned from Marie Kondo to ask if it sparks joy.  What sparks joy now is saying thank you to the items and giving them to others.  Learning to say good-bye feels lighter, freer and simultaneously finds me saying hello to the long-hidden attic walls.

Letting it go,
Jane