Oh, how quickly things accumulate in our lives. There comes a time when it’s just time to let things go. I am extremely sentimental. Things bring back warm, happy feelings of good times and good people. That’s why I save things. I can look through my matchbook collection and relive years and years of vacations, youth trips and weddings. My childhood diaries bring me such joy. I love comparing the way life was in the 70’s to the way it is now. Really, it’s a different world and I feel that my children have missed out by not having such a simple life.
Most of my belongings have been stored in big plastic bins outside in the garage/barn, because there is no room in the inn. That means I have no storage in the house. We made a big investment in a dumpster (the kind they haul to your house and haul away when full…the kind on construction sites), and I’m telling you, it’s been the best investment we’ve made in awhile.
It was hard deciding what was keepable and what was not. When I found the bin of Christmas cards dating from 1990, I sat down with my daughter and went through them one by one. We smiled at all the children’s pictures – children who now have little ones of their own. My daughter was amazed and we truly enjoyed our time together. Then, I tossed them. At that point, I felt like I was on the show “Hoarders”.
I let Claire go through her toys. The Barbies went. The Polly Pockets went. But, the American Girl dolls stayed. Hannah’s Breyer horse collection is staying.
All of the sports trophies that seem to reproduce like rabbits are going. I have the children’s permission. Seriously, the trophy business in our town is surely a booming business, because trophies are handed out like candy.
I am keeping the Feltman Bro.’s baby clothes and the beautiful handmade dresses Aunt Becky made.
Then, I found the children’s schoolwork from preschool through kindergarten. There were Mother’s day hand prints, Thanksgiving turkeys and spring flowers. I went back to feeling 30 years old for a few moments. I picked out about 20 of the best pieces to keep, smiled over the rest, remembered those fun years…and let it go. That was hard, I’ll be honest. But, I have large art folders for each child and so, I really do have enough beautiful artwork.
Decorative pillows. Stuffed animals. Now, don’t they mutate just like the trophies? I took them to Goodwill.
I have so much more to go, but it’s a great feeling to let go of things.
Zuzu and Papa 
It's funny, we moved in nearly a year ago and still have boxes sitting around. The way I see it, if your stuff is still in boxes, then you probably won't need it or miss it.
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So, true, Rachel. We really have way too much stuff.
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I know how hard that was for you to let some of those things go. I'm the same way. I cringe to think of all the things I have stored under beds and in the closets and barn. It will be an emotional day to go through it all, like you have done. xoxo
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