For some reason over the last 6 months or so, I have felt the urge to start divesting myself of things I no longer want/need/use. I have made some tiny forays into this effort, but nothing drastic. Yet. But last weekend I got a wake-up call – the people across the street packing up and moving.
I could not believe how much stuff was coming out of one small Cape Cod house. Aside from the desired items they were loading up into a very large trailer, making repeated trips to their new place, there was a ton of stuff bagged and more piled in front of their house for garbage. Mind you, when the garbage truck came through Monday morning, it stopped still in front of this wide mound; one of the fellas made a phone call; and they emptied the two actual garbage cans – exactly what we’re allowed – and moved on leaving everything else there.
A few days later, the owner of the property came by with a clean-up crew.They piled all that into a good-sized trailer and then filled yet another one with what was left behind inside the house! I didn’t have the time to watch all this for long – only occasional observations – but I am still floored by how much was jammed inside such a small dwelling. It left me looking around my house, thinking what can I let go?
I am always amazed at the “stuff” we humans amass. I see so many people with one and two car garages which they fill to the brim and leave their cars outside. I would give an eye-tooth for a garage to put my car in. I’ve never had a garage and can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t jump at the chance of not having to clean their car off in bad weather. Why do we accumulate so much that we don’t need, leave alone even look at?
I do consider myself fortunate that I have no attic and only a tiny basement. It keeps me honest. Everything I own has to fit inside my living space. Even so – the prospect of having to pack up and move again someday? It has me eyeing and evaluating everything I pass – do I really need/want it? Watching that train wreck across the street gave me pause. A cautionary tale, indeed.
Still A Dreamer 
This tale is all too familiar… hording is an American way of life, I fear. When I sold my 800SF condo, the entire contents was absorbed into my new single family home. Fifteen years later, I am amazed how the voids have been filled…so one day I too shall need the downsizing rules I posted about a few years back…bit by bit, many things are currently being sold in Free ads in my local paper, and much else goes to the local SPCA rummage store, where items become treasures and all monies go to supporting the critters.
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Your last point is also a good one. I asked a friend if she knew someplace that would appreciate some particular items and she said our local food bank is always looking for donations for their thrift shop. So soon they will be getting one of my “extra” sets of dishes. Some stuff can definitely hit the trash, but other things really could be used and enjoyed by someone else.
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A good reflection, Jeanne. Stuff creeps up on a person and before you know it, it’s multiplied! Seriously though, I think people go through a time of acquiring things without realizing how much they are adding up. I have a friend who always gives away one or two things for every one new thing she buys or is given.
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I do agree – when younger, we tend to accumulate. As we grow, our belongings and “treasures” grow. And then one day we realize what we have. Also, many of the things I have are of sentimental value … it’s hard to think of getting rid of them. Your friend has a great idea to maintain balance. That and periodically doing a mild purge. 🙂
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