After the flood last year we arranged to have our garbage company deliver a large dumpster. The conversation went something like this:
"Hi, I'd like to have a large dumpster delivered for some demolition materials."
"Ok, we have small, medium and large."
"Large, definitely large."
"Are you sure ma'am, the large container is as big as a bus."
"Sheesh, don't you have anything bigger?"
In fact we filled that big-as-a-bus container to the brim, not only with wet carpet and drywall but also with every manner of broken and useless stuff. It was cathartic and I was hooked on the branch of Stuffology known as de-cluttering. You would have thought that the cubic yards of items we put in that dumpster would have made a significant difference. NO!
I opened closets and looked with new eyes. One-by-one I emptied closets and rearranged taking carloads full to the Goodwill Store. I soon became their new best friend. Still, the sheer volume of stuff didn't seem to be affected. Suddenly it occurred to me that something wierd was happening. I think I've got it figured out.
IT BREEDS AT NIGHT WHEN I'M NOT LOOKING!
I'm totally serious. This stuff is breeding. How do I know? Here's the latest pile to be delivered to the Goodwill.
When I went to bed last night there were bags of books and a stuffed yellow Duckie. But when I woke up this morning there was one more item - a book on how to make stuffed yellow Duckies.
I rest my case.
I don't need a sporty little sedan, I need to convince the Farmer to get me a big pick-up truck. With more carrying capacity I can possibly get ahead of this breeding colony. Get it out of here quick, before it breeds, that's my new mantra.
I did grant a reprieve to one of the books because I thought one of my readers would be interested in it. I know alot of you say that you don't sew. This is perfect for you. It's called "Sew No More Holiday Decor". That's not just Christmas either, the projects cover all the major holidays.
So, must leave me a comment letting me know you're interested. I'll pull a name on Monday.
Wish me luck. I'm setting up motion detector cameras this evening to try and catch this stuff in the act!!
17 comments:
That's funny...I think my clutter must be breeding too...I once read that when you shop, for every bag you bring into the house, you should take a bag out...well, I guess that's been my problem!
IT does breed... especially yellow duckies and RABBITS!! lol - I would be interested...
I feed my stuff anti-breeding food. It is the only way I can keep this small house looking decent.
After two intense weeks of hauling John's stuff to Goodwill and every other Thrift store we could think of, I understand completely. Now I need to begin the process right here. If the cupboard is stuffed to the brim, it's not working and something must go.
Would you believe that I've just had a tour of the big barn? I nearly fainted. Sigh.
I fully understand the breeding problem! The garage just keeps getting fuller and fuller. My sewing machine is still in the basement and I cannot reach it. So, this book would be very helpful until my DH can unearth it!
I agree with the whole stuff breeding thing. I've been trying to de-clutter since I moved into this house, 3 years ago. I still have a room I can't even go in, plus tubs and tubs of stuff everywhere! It is just too much! :-)
Stuff just grows like weeds, doesn't it?
I love purging stuff... it really does feel fantastic. I need to find a place to do it here where it will actually mean something.
I'd be very interested!
our clutter breeds , but we give it to charity once a month !
Oh, I'm definatly interested. I'm so wanting to drag out my sewing machine. I see so many nice things and there's a really cute quilt shop by my house.
There is nothing like a flood to turn treasure to trash! I am in the mental preparation phase of de-cluttering....
I have started to unload some of my stuff through Freecycle. It is the greatest thing. I tell people what stuff I have, someone claims it, and then they come pick it up. I just cleaned out one cabinet in the kitchen and made two boxes of stuff and someone wants my tupperware odds and ends.
That being said, of course I'd love to add to my stuff with the book you want to unload.
I am very interested.Just boought a new sewing machine...used it once in the 2 months I have had it. Lol
I hope we get a report on the video camera experiment. We had to do that once to figure out how our furniture was getting destroyed when we were out. (Actually, WHO was destroying it. We were pretty sure how.) It turned out to be a hilarous video.
My stuff doesn't breed (though I have lots), but the papers. I don't understand how I can't keep my disk clean. I look, and it's covered with papers that I'm sure didn't exist the last time I was there.
Isn't it amazing how a basement flood can rid you of soooo much extra "Stuff"? Mine flooded when all that water flooded everywhere around here. I took out piles, ginormous piles of junk to the curb. (no dumpster - even though I begged for one).
But I presently have 10 large bags of stuff to go to Goodwill - and some small furniture. You'd THINK with the chickens fleeing the nest right and left, that they'd take some of this with them. HAHAHAHAHA! nope.
Hey FW I love this post. Ok, I'm sorry I don't know, but did your home flood? If so, I'm in the same boat with you but for different flooding reasons, I'm sure. Anyway, it never occurred to me rent a dumpster for all the trash. What a great idea!
Bayou Woman
Thanks for confirming that stuff breeds at night. I've suspected that this has been happening at my house for a long time, and now I know I'm not crazy ~ stuff really does breed!
Blessings,
Wanita
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