It's hard for me to throw stuff out!

[alternateme]

I have too much junk and I have been trying to get rid of it, but I am having a hard time doing so. I know what the value is of the things and I know what I could sell it for and those two prices are too far apart making it difficult for me to get rid of anything. It stops me every time. Does anyone else have this problem and if anyone has been able to overcome it, how did you do it?

[jaine]

By value do you mean sentimental value to you? Or monetary value?

If your worried about the monetary value, ebay is a great way to ensure that you're selling it for the best possible price. Just sell things in season (for example don't try to sell an air conditioner in the winter or a snowboard in the summer, unless you want to deal with questions about shipping it to Australia. ) Ebay usually surprises me in a good way ... I sold a sofa for $350 and I thought it was going to sell for $200.

[snafu]

1st, why are you buying so much 'junk?' For the most part there is not a lot of value in 2nd hand, used merchandise. You need to examine what you would pay if you were the buyer, rather than the seller.

There are many on-line sites like Buy and Sell, Craig'slist and Kijjiji. Have a look at the prices and be realistic if you want to divest yourself of stuff. Many of us have instigated the new item in - old item out rule. Nothing new/new to you can be purchased until something of that size goes. Frankly, I find it too much of a hassle to be a re-seller and send boxes of stuff to charity outlets so that someone else can enjoy items I not long use.

[jaine]

Another angle on this issue is that you could switch to buying used things instead of new in the future. That way there won't be a gap between the price you paid and the price it will sell for.

[PrincessPerky]

Try subscribing to flylady.net for a time. read all her articles about clutter, delete the rest if you like.

[rob62521]

I have a difficult time throwing things out as well because of the way I was raised. However, there are alternatives...donating or Ebay or having a garage sale or taking things to an auction. I do caution you on your thinking when it comes to value...something is only valuable if you have a buyer. So, although something might have a book value of $100, if you don't have a buyer, it really doesn't have a value.

That being said, I have resolved that I like having a neat house instead of a lot of stuff. And, if I can part with it, I either donate it or send it to the auction. I figure if I get something at the auction, it's more than what I had and I also decluttered my space.

Hope you find a happy medium.

[cschin4]

I throw things out all the time. Literally. If you want to sell things, do so. I had a yard sale one time and it was a big PIA and just not worth the trouble. I don't want to sell stuff in the paper or on ebay. I don't want to be bothered. It really doesn't matter what you think your junk or stuff is "worth". In reality, it is only worth what someone is willing to pay you for it. If you can get a few bucks out of something fine. But, if it is going to annoy you to sell stuff too cheaply, then simply pack it up and take it to Goodwill for a tax write off.
I give stuff away all the time just to declutter and get rid of it. I don't care what happens to it as long as it is gone. For me, it is worth it to get rid of it, not have to store it, clean it maintain it or have it take up space in my house. I don't hold on to things. Most things literally are junk and most new stuff I buy is going to wind up in the basement at some point and no longer really be used. So, why keep it? I just let it go. You can look at it as if you are blessing someone else who can use and might need it.

[jaine]

It's so true ... most clutter is just something that needs something done to it eventually. Donating stuff shortens the to-do list.

ETA: Please donate or sell instead of throwing stuff out! No need to fill up a landfill.

[sy1979]

Have you tried Freecycle? People who need the stuff you no longer will come and collect it from your house. That way you don't have the rigmarole of selling it and you know it not just getting thrown good luck

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Right now I am in seriously decluttering mode. I sell everything, even if it's 1/10 the value. It's at least sold. I'm going to have a yard sale and then donate the rest.

[myrdale]

Well first off ask yourself, how well has selling stuff worked out for you in the past? In the past 5 years how much have you sold?

Second, consider giving the stuff to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Chances are your stuff isn't worth to other people what it is worth to you. Also giving stuff away tends to make me feel alot better than selling stuff.

Lastly, when was the last time you used some of this stuff. If its been 5 years since you touched it, throw it out! My folks are mild hoarders, and I make a point to live a life with out stuff. If I don't use it I throw it out or Goodwill it.

[PrincessPerky]

What about the cost of keeping the item? things that are unused not only take up space in your house (which you are paying for) they also often require work, dusting, moving to get to other things, or even repair.

Sometimes it costs more to keep an item than to donate it.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I keep a reusable grocery bag in my closet and put everything in there that I don't like or am tired of. My sister is a 45 year old single mother with two girls. Every month or so I give her what is in the bag...last time it was an array of salt and pepper shakers, new makeup, 3 shirts, digital frame, brand new lamp shades.

She loves to look through it and then she donates the rest. I love to help her and I know it is fun for her to go through everything.

Do you know someone that would like your odds and ends? Even knick knacks...

[jaine]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

What about the cost of keeping the item? things that are unused not only take up space in your house (which you are paying for) they also often require work, dusting, moving to get to other things, or even repair.

Sometimes it costs more to keep an item than to donate it.

This is so true!! I'm in "donation" mode right now - mostly because I want to shorten my to-do list. Time is so valuable.

Any object that requires me to do something with it is being donated. That includes clothes that need to be altered, clothes that need to be dry-cleaned, shoes that need to be repaired, pots that need me to buy plants, lampshade that needs me to buy a lamp, blank notebooks waiting to be filled, posterboard waiting for me to draw something, etc. etc. etc.

I'm truncating my to-do list and I love it!!

[PetMom]

Jainie - those are some good strict rules there for dejunking.

I donate good sellable stuff to a few charities and that is now our charity contribution.

Don't know if they have it on hulu or internet but there is a slew of shows about hoarders - that will motivate you if nothing else will.

Fly lady (mentioned in a post) is also a great motivator in getting rid of things - great website that is free.

Nice things that are not needed by a charity are set out day before and the people that like to recycle actually pick up the items. A trellis was out there and someone got that, once an old tv, some old vhs player - that saves the trouble of any freecycle listings.

[joanirae]

Originally Posted by alternateme

I have too much junk and I have been trying to get rid of it, but I am having a hard time doing so. I know what the value is of the things and I know what I could sell it for and those two prices are too far apart making it difficult for me to get rid of anything. It stops me every time. Does anyone else have this problem and if anyone has been able to overcome it, how did you do it?

yes, I had the same problem. So I started small. A closet, then a few drawers, a space in our garage, etc. I realized that just because some one gave me something I really was under no obligation to keep it. And the items that I bought here and there were just taking up space. I've made so many trips to our local thrift store they almost know me by name. I didn't care that I might have gotten money on some of the items.I just wanted to simplify my life and home. I've been de-cluttering for months and I've got to say, our home looks a whole lot better. And with alot of stuff gone, we have the room to keep things organized and orderly. Just jump in and start. You can do it!

[rob62521]

Besides the hoarders shows, Clean House is also a good show to watch...it's not as bad as hoarders, but it always motivates me!

[Accurise]

I too am a pack rat. Here are some advice on your situation
- stop buying "junk" in the first place
- initially have a yard sale then donate to leftovers
- ask a close friend(s) that knows you very well and ask if you need to keep any of you "junk"

[Accurise]

I too am a pack rat. Here are some advice on your situation
- stop buying "junk" in the first place
- initially have a yard sale then donate to leftovers
- ask a close friend(s) that knows you very well and ask if you need to keep any of you "junk"

[charley_alford]

It’s really hard to let go of things we’ve accumulated because there are so many memories attached to them. Grit your teeth and do it. Ask a friend to help; s/he will be more objective that you are.