Comments on: Job! Purging! Help!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:57:51 +0000

How do you get past it? As you are throwing it out, think of all the new stuff you can buy to replace it

Think…if I can purge this now, I can binge later.

Just pitch it and get down here!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:49:41 +0000

First congratulations on the wonderful news!

Secondly, I am anti-pack rat. I toss immediately. If it’s something I don’t THINK I’ll use/need then it goes. We did do a huge purge a few years back when we moved across country to FL and back again a year later. It’s hard to let go of some things, but it feels so good to chuck things. Like starting new. Plus it gives you an opportunity to do a little shopping

Oh, and we are both used to basements…full, functional basements. Living in FL without a basement was very odd. I’m not sure I could have ever gotten used to that!

By: Christine

Christine — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 21:04:22 +0000

You know what helps me get past the pack rat mentality (which I definitely have)? Knowing that the stuff I am getting rid of will actually be used and help another family. And once it is gone, you quickly forget you owned it because you buy new stuff! LOL

Good luck!

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:57:13 +0000

Yikes, I don’t envy you with all the work there is to do. Let me know if you need any help with the kids. I could come and take them out for a bit if you need me to.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 04:14:02 +0000

First big congrats! What a great opportunity for you!

You totally need that guy from Clean Sweep who was on Oprah the other day. He says that generally if you have to take time to think of whether or not you love it or use it, you should get rid of it.

I am very aware of the fact that our next move will mean a much smaller house…there is nowhere else in the country where we could have the same standard of living (at least not with dh’s company). So purging is constantly on my mind. One thing I can say, is that there is nothing I have gotten rid of that I regret letting go.

Books were tough for me…I practically brought a library back from Chile when I studied there…but the fact is that I won’t be reading them again, and I don’t need the books to remind me of the amazing experiences I had there.

I am also a recovering consumer…I would love one day to do a year without “consuming”–hmmm…maybe I will go buy the book about that, LOL!

By: nicole

nicole — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 03:04:19 +0000

When it comes to purging, you need to just close your eyes and toss. Matt likes to say, if you can’t remember that you own it, before you see it when your packing, then you don’t need it bad enough.

CONGRATS on the job offer!! I wish you were coming alittle closer to us, but I can live with TX.

By: Robin

Robin — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:19:01 +0000

So how far are you moving? Any closer to me?

By: Christina/Mrs Broccoli Guy

Christina/Mrs Broccoli Guy — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:31:31 +0000

I stink at purging. And I’m a consumer too - probably for some of the same reasons you are. But I don’t feel guilty - I just take credit for our healthy American economy!!
I think if it has a future use, keep it - too often we trash stuff just because and then later I regret it. (This week I’m regretting tossing a huge stuff Elmo - Zeeb would have loved that thing!)

By: E.

E. — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:34:24 +0000

You know how some people turn into “the crazy old cat lady”? I will, undoubtedly, become “the crazy old book lady.” I never go to the library, I just get on half.com or go to the Half Price Book Store and buy whatever I need. And while I’m there, I also buy things I don’t need but want to read. I have stacks of books I want to read but don’t have the time. Purge books?!?!? Obviously, that’s a challenge. And homeschool supplies — well, we’re considereing adding on to our house so that we have a mother-in-law suite downstairs and a larger school room upstairs! I agree with Jenn — it multiplies in dark cupboards. As do the toys. Good luck, and congratulations on the job offer!!!!!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:18:11 +0000

Please let me know what answers you find. While a little less of a consumer than you describe yourself as I am a little more pack-rat in exchange. I swear homeschooling stuff mulitiplies in dark cupboards! I am in a constant state of wanting to rid our house of STUFF and feel like moving may be the only way to do it….you know look at every single little thing and think “is it worth the space and hassle/time it takes”?
That would all be in a world with more than 24 hours in a day though with a house that gets cleaned often.
Dreaming…..