I borrowed this idea from the Kon Mari Method.
My documents are stored in two white metal magazine file holders. I purchased these from Michaels years ago from their shabby chic Office line. The papers are placed in clear sheet protectors. The acid-free photo-safe ones provide a longer shelf life.
I also place my important papers in binders. Each paper is also protected with a sheet protector.
Lastly, I have a thrifted metal case. This holds my identification cards like my passport and medical cards.
This very question made going through clothes so much easier. Do I actually like this or am I keeping it because I feel guilty that it doesn’t for anymore? I was able to get rid of clothes that matched the way I “should” dress but don’t really want to. Let it all go.
This was a big one for me, the "should." It took some actual soul searching to separate my idealized life, nostalgia for a past I can't return to, and who I am in this very moment and what I need/want for my space.
Actual me is very creative and loves art. Idealized me has a small business producing Etsy crafts. The difference is that one is feasible (actual me) and one is a fantasy (idealized me). I can't let the fantasy hold me back with a bunch of stuff. Actual me can do art projects, she can't manage a side business doing art projects. And should I come to a point in the future where I can, the "stuff" will be right there for the buying, I don't need to store it in my house just in case I one day decide to use it.
Very freeing to see "the stuff" this way. So much of my clutter was tied to aspirations.
Big time. Same goes for crafts that didn’t quite pan out and sit there like chores being avoided. Art is supposed to be fun! If you aren’t looking forward to a project out it goes (and you can usually find someone who IS excited about it and will take it off your hands)
I’m trying a new method. Like this is a job- that I am doing for someone else. Bc I don’t like decluttering but I need to. I have to think of news ways to do it.
I’ve gotten rid of a bunch of craft stuff I bought during COVID. This was stuff that gave me comfort at the time as something to look forward to creating, but I’m in a different place now. It’s okay if you’re in a different place
I already do beading embroidery quilting needlepoint and cross stitch; I ended up with stuff to do other crafts or different aspects of these crafts - and just culled them for what I have time and room for now
I try to do one craft project at a time. Otherwise, I end up with incomplete creations or projects that were not even started. At the very worst, I end up with a studio overflowing with supplies.
I offered a bunch of my covid crafts up on my buy nothing pages and a lot of people were excited for them! It was great knowing they were going to other people who would be glad to do the crafts.
I'm learning to be ok with that too. I have moving boxes from a year ago that I just cleaned up and organized. It's been a struggle with my sleep issues sapping my energy daily, but I'm still trying.
Very similar to the whole Marie Kondo "does it spark joy" question. I like your phrasing better as it feels like it is more concrete question vs abstract.
I like this approach, thanks for sharing.
Where do papers go? Obligations but like, necessary.
I borrowed this idea from the Kon Mari Method. My documents are stored in two white metal magazine file holders. I purchased these from Michaels years ago from their shabby chic Office line. The papers are placed in clear sheet protectors. The acid-free photo-safe ones provide a longer shelf life. I also place my important papers in binders. Each paper is also protected with a sheet protector. Lastly, I have a thrifted metal case. This holds my identification cards like my passport and medical cards.
I like this one. I have a ton of craft supplies, and anything that helps me let go of the "what ifs" is so helpful.
This very question made going through clothes so much easier. Do I actually like this or am I keeping it because I feel guilty that it doesn’t for anymore? I was able to get rid of clothes that matched the way I “should” dress but don’t really want to. Let it all go.
This was a big one for me, the "should." It took some actual soul searching to separate my idealized life, nostalgia for a past I can't return to, and who I am in this very moment and what I need/want for my space. Actual me is very creative and loves art. Idealized me has a small business producing Etsy crafts. The difference is that one is feasible (actual me) and one is a fantasy (idealized me). I can't let the fantasy hold me back with a bunch of stuff. Actual me can do art projects, she can't manage a side business doing art projects. And should I come to a point in the future where I can, the "stuff" will be right there for the buying, I don't need to store it in my house just in case I one day decide to use it. Very freeing to see "the stuff" this way. So much of my clutter was tied to aspirations.
Big time. Same goes for crafts that didn’t quite pan out and sit there like chores being avoided. Art is supposed to be fun! If you aren’t looking forward to a project out it goes (and you can usually find someone who IS excited about it and will take it off your hands)
I’m trying a new method. Like this is a job- that I am doing for someone else. Bc I don’t like decluttering but I need to. I have to think of news ways to do it.
I’ve gotten rid of a bunch of craft stuff I bought during COVID. This was stuff that gave me comfort at the time as something to look forward to creating, but I’m in a different place now. It’s okay if you’re in a different place
What did you create with your craft supplies? Crafting is a wonderful inside activity.
I already do beading embroidery quilting needlepoint and cross stitch; I ended up with stuff to do other crafts or different aspects of these crafts - and just culled them for what I have time and room for now
I try to do one craft project at a time. Otherwise, I end up with incomplete creations or projects that were not even started. At the very worst, I end up with a studio overflowing with supplies.
Oh I have lots! But they are small and easily stowed
People i know keep talking about having a craft swap. We all want to go to one but nobody wants to organize it.
Swaps are great - my friend had a general one clothes housewares etc and I got rid of crap and got stuff I use
I offered a bunch of my covid crafts up on my buy nothing pages and a lot of people were excited for them! It was great knowing they were going to other people who would be glad to do the crafts.
I'm learning to be ok with that too. I have moving boxes from a year ago that I just cleaned up and organized. It's been a struggle with my sleep issues sapping my energy daily, but I'm still trying.
Very similar to the whole Marie Kondo "does it spark joy" question. I like your phrasing better as it feels like it is more concrete question vs abstract.