Unloading Excess

I have a real hard time getting rid of stuff that
1) I like
2) Was expensive (like clothing) but no longer fit, are out of style or are uncomfortable
3) Might be able to be used in the future, even broken stuff that could be used in craft projects, for example
4) Gifts, what will the giver think
5) Is used only occasionally like SILVER serving pieces, kitchen appliances and gadgets. What if I need it as soon as I donate it??? I might really need to zest a lemon in the near future!

Therefore, my home is crowded with STUFF that is taking up space and, as my friend Lynn pointed out requires me to clean it, store it or look at it (and feel guilty about having it). SO, I am on a mission to divest myself of some of it.

First thing I did was go through the kids clothes in the basement that I was saving for our church consignment sale. I loaded it into the car and took it to the shop where they accepted about 5 pieces and gave me $12.71 for my troubles. I am taking the remaining items to another 2 stores today. What doesn't "sell" there will be consigned at church (in October) and marked DONATE...so it doesn't come back into my house. This requires a lot less work since I don't have to go back and pick it up at the end of the sale, saving me time as well!

Next step is to find an adult consignment store which will accept my items. What they don't accept will have to go to Goodwill or something. Honestly, do I think I will wear those Linda Evans jackets with shoulder pads in this lifetime again? The hardest part of this will be taking the time to find a store and DOING IT. I have a phobia about going to new places like this...

I plan on using up what is in my pantry and freezer
I plan on using up my craft supplies before buying any additional (scrap booking, card stamping and knitting/crochet projects, fabric)..this will be hard!
I plan on making a list of what I want/need to buy and not purchasing items that are not on the list
I plan on keeping track of purchases and shopping impulses (what is my motivation, emotion and money spent)
I plan on re-purposing items
I plan on organizing my stuff better so I can find what I need instead of purchasing new.