When It's NOT Yours

Isn't it SO easy to get over things when it's NOT your problem? When someone else is going through something we can easily laugh it off or go it's NOT that bad.  But I have to remember that I need to take a step back and look at things through their eyes. Not always easy.

Over the past few days I have been "torturing my girls" (Their words NOT mine) by making them go through their bedroom and crawl space to get rid of things.  I never knew a kid could have so much STUFF! I have been trying to do things with them in small bits rather than have them do it all by themselves. I know how overwhelming it all can get. This is my strategy:

Three piles...

1. Trash - For anything that is missing pieces, torn, stained or just plain junk.
2. Yard Sale - I know some would argue with me about this one (just get it out of the house!) But the way I look at it, if I can make any money back, it's better than nothing. Besides I do have a space for all of my yard sale items and I'm located at an excellent place and have made out very well at previous sales. (NOTE: I had three yard sales last year with new items at each sale and have used 6-10 tables at each one. I also invite friends to join in the activity to make the day all the more interesting.) Once the sale is over, anything that is left is IMMEDIATELY taken to a donation center.
3. Find Me a Home - Easier than it sounds since my youngest had a whole drawer (27" X 17" X 7") full of trinkety junk! Dressers were heaped with who knows what.  So the goal is now if it doesn't find a home, then it's home is elsewhere and not in ours!

I could easily throw the girls stuff away, or give it away, etc. But then I remember how all of my things used to "disappear". I didn't want to be the one that they place a guilt trip on later when they say, "Mom, why did you ever get rid of my...?" This way it is their decision, not mine.

My hope in helping them in this endeavor is for them to learn a few things...

1. It's all just STUFF! Most of the items are luxuries, not necessities. Less is More. Less clutter allows you more space and time to do things that make you happy.
2. It's OK to let things go. As my oldest daughter said to me, "But...Grandma gave me that shirt. I CAN'T get rid of it." My response? "Grandma didn't expect you to wear it forever. It's time to let it go." This was the beginning of my realization that perhaps I had a problem. Perhaps I needed to get over my attachment to MY stuff! (NOTE: If you have the same issue, let me suggest that you take a picture of it and let it go.I would hold on to things because of the memories it held. But now I can easily see a picture of it and still recall those memories. Bonus? Takes almost no room at all.)
3. Perhaps we need to think before we buy. Do I really NEED this or do I WANT it? In essence this should help us all with money management as well.

Well, off to do a load of laundry!