need help decluttering

I recently moved to NC and separated from STBX so I'm in a unique situation where everything is in boxes (just bought a townhouse). I've never thought of myself as a pack rat (and definitely not a hoarder), but there's a LOT of boxes, which seems crazy for me and DS.

Part of my issue is clothing. I have a lot of vintage stuff that I want to sell (can't bring myself to just donate to a thrift store). There's also some stuff that I think would look cute on me when I lose weight. I've been overweight over 10 years (during the marriage), but I've already lost 10 since the separation, so I don't think it's a pipe dream that I'll be able to lose more over time. I don't have any extra $$ to re-buy clothes when I lose weight.

Additionally, since I'm on a fixed budget, I look items and think I need to keep them b/c I might need it one day (paper, gift bags, stuff that goes in the junk drawer like batteries, etc).

I've made a few piles - things to donate (already up to 5 boxes), things to sell (vintage clothing, vintage cake pans, etc), things for STBX, and stuff I've thrown away. But there are a *ton* of boxes still left to unpack. I feel overwhelmed and and trouble getting motivation to tackle it.

What are your tricks to getting rid of stuff? I know some of it is emotional (I remember how I looked when I wore it, or how I felt when I bought it, etc) and I know I need to look past that, but I keep thinking.... when I lose the weight.... yada yada.

Re: need help decluttering

When you lose the weight though do you really think you will wear it again or will you want to buy new things?
You said you have been overweight for over 10 years so the clothes are at least 10 years old right?
Won't you want new styles to celebrate your new body?
It can even be a motivation to lose weight- if I lose this much, I can buy a hot new outfit, etc.

Maybe think of it that way and just donate the stuff that no longer fits?

need help decluttering

I could get rid of some (and already have), but I couldn't afford a whole new wardrobe since I'd also have to buy new bras, etc.

Re: need help decluttering

Set a goal to unpack just one box at a time.

Separate that box into the appropriate piles, but make sure those piles have a dedicated place, like another labeled box. Don't put stuff just anywhere.

If you feel motivated, tackle another box.

I cleaned out FIL's hoarder apartment - from walking over piles of garbage and stuff all the way down to the bare walls. It was overwhelming at times, but broken down into manageable tasks, it became easier.
Took me almost 6 months of weekends, but it got done ! I was ruthless in throwing stuff away because it was old / in bad condition / no longer useful.

Re: need help decluttering

The biggest thing I've done lately is look at something and say.. does this bring me happiness? Even clothes that fits, if I feel "ugh" about wearing it, I've tossed it. & I've made SO much room in my life for things that make me happy by doing so!

Re: need help decluttering

Decide on a place to store things and limit yourself to that space. I have one small plastic bin of gift bags/wrap. Any new ones have to fit in there or get tossed.

Clothes - decide to keep 1 or 2 boxes, not 20. Used clothes often have stains set in over time, even if they were clean and fresh when put away.

As you unpack, put it away. If there's no "home" for it then you need to get rid of it or get rid of something else to create a home.

How much can you really sell used vintage clothes for? Is it worth your time and effort? If so, put up the listings and get rid of it. I've found excellent, perfectly good things difficult to sell. It's just not worth my hassle for a few bucks. Even sitting waiting on people who never show, etc. I just donate 90 percent. Are you willing to live and deal with the clutter while you wait to sell?

While you may be totally successful at losing weight, your body does change with age. You might find things not fit the same way even with the scale saying the same. Bras especially stretch out, etc. be critical and only keep something special

need help decluttering

As someone who has lost a ton of weight, get rid of the clothes. Those clothes you are holding onto will not give you the feeling you are looking for when you lose the weight. And for affording new clothes, you can make a killing at thrift stores and clearance racks. And those clothes will bring you a joy you have never known before.

Re: need help decluttering

Re: need help decluttering

If money is tight don't throw away useful items.

For the clothes, I would only keep more classic pieces that you know for sure you'll wear again. If it's too trendy, sell or donate.

You said you're in a townhouse but if you can logistically do a garage sale they are great for decluttering. It is amazing what people will buy.

need help decluttering

I love getting rid of clutter. My DH loves holding on to things that he "might" need one day. My recent method has been - "have we used this in the past 2 years?" For clothes, it was getting rid of anything that I haven't worn since I was pregnant with my first son. I may some day lose the rest of this baby weight, but none of my clothes were expensive. I don't need to hold onto my cheap Old Navy shirt in case I lose weight. The only thing I held onto was a nice winter coat that maybe someday I'll fit into again.

need help decluttering

I would recommend a consignment shop for the clothing you want to sell--you may be disappointed at the amount of money you make from selling used clothing--it is a time consuming endeavor that often does not pay off.
As for holding onto clothes that you have not worn in 10+ years- choose a few of your favorite pieces and get rid of the rest. The reality is after having a child then gaining and losing weight your body changes--add to that the natural progression of aging--it sounds like you are setting your self up to be disappointed. You are going to have to rebuild your wordrobe after you lose weight--this can be done slowly overtime-It is definitely tough on a tight budget but can be done.
I do not see any reason to throw away consumable items like batteries, paper and gift bags as long as they are new or in good condition. My method to declutter is to go through items and on first pass discard anything that is stained, broken or worn out. Then I look at what is left and keep the things I use or really love. If there are items like clothing that I wear but do not feel good in I donate them. For items such as books, etc. I keep favorite novels, cookbooks, etc but once a year I go though everything and donate books. For my daughter I go though all of her clothing at the end of each season and give away anything that no longer fits. I pass along toys, etc to friends with younger children. Our town also has a take it or leave it program associated with the recycling yard- if I have toy in good shape that friends do not want I can bring them there.

need help decluttering

good tips here

Re: need help decluttering

Maybe look into Poshmark (it's an app) for clothing and accessories you would consider selling. My colleague has had a lot of success with it, and I just started to dabble in it.

You don't have to pay for postage (they send a free shipping label), and they take 20% of your sale proceeds as a fee. The rest goes to you (you can get it direct deposited or sent as a check).

If you do something like this (or in a similar vein), you can put the money you earn aside in a "new clothing" fund for when you lose more weight, or to buy things that make you feel good at your transitional weight.

As far as other items -- even if money is tight, I would really evaluate what you want to keep. I always err on the side of "I'll keep it because I may need it and use it again." But lately, I'm reevaluating - the honest truth is, if I haven't used something in a year, I'm likely not going to use it (unless it's a really niche item).

Also, if I pull everything out of a closet, drawer, bin, etc., I often find I have many versions of the same thing. Pick the best one or two, and get rid of things that are showing wear or aren't as good quality (even when it comes to things like towels, kitchen items).

It is hard to pare down, and can be emotional, but I know I enjoy and use what I have so much more when it's well organized and easily accessible and not buried under "stuff." And I find donating things makes them easier to part with, because I feel like I'm helping someone else.

ETA - for the useful items, it may not be a matter of getting rid of them, but finding a place for them and organizing them. I know you said that money is tight, but sometimes you can better organize a space with some bins or drawer dividers or baskets. (Even from somewhere like The Dollar Tree.) I know my linen closet is in much better shape since I bought some baskets to hold rolled hand towels and wash cloths, soaps, candles, etc. Instead of just being jumbled clutter, everything is organized, and I can assess how much I have of certain essentials. With things like wrapping paper and gift bags and other supplies, I designated part of a utility closet in my basement. I bought a standing wrapping paper holder thing from one of DS's fundraisers to corral the rolls of wrapping paper and other related gift items. So for things that you know you can and will use, I would assess your space and figure out how you can find ways to make more storage and organize stuff better. There are a lot of home organization blogs that have very innovative and inexpensive ideas on this!

Message edited 9/29/2017 10:49:47 AM.