Great Advice on Parting with Possessions

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I've found a good way to downsize the clothes wardrobe, an endless chore. When changing the clothes closet to a new Season's clothes, hang all the hangers backward (hook facing you), The first time you wear something, put it back with the hanger facing the normal way. At season's end, STRONGLY consider hangers that have not been reversed. THOSE CLOTHES HAVE NOT BEEN WORN ! TOSS OR DONATE THEM....

Mary Ruth of MA 6:25AM September 25, 2009

My husband and I too have dealt with the belongings of our mothers. Those of my mother-in-law were not burdensome; she had lived in a small apartment and was not a collector. My mother first downsized from a 3 bedroom house to a senior living cottage. We had a living estate sale and I hated to see things I had lived with all my life go to strangers. Then upon her death I had more decisions to make. I incorporated a couple of chairs and some collectible items into our house. And now at age 73 I am trying to decide what disposition should be made with the china, crystal, depression glass, silver, furniture, etc. We have three sons, one granddaughter, one grandson and one daughter-in-law. Our granddaughter is not sentimental at age 19 about anything. At some point we are going to give each of them colored stickers they can shop with for furniture, electronics, dishes and whatever. I am taking pictures and listing what has some value so items will not wind up in a yard sale.

Jane N. May of OK 12:08PM August 11, 2009

After my second divorce, I discovered sailing. For the past twenty years, I've lived on a thirty-two foot sailboat. With the exception of a 16 year old 'island car', all my physical possessions fit on the boat. I have all the luxuries like air conditioning and Internet.
Thoreau said it best,” simplify, simplify.
.

Joe Murray 6:54PM August 05, 2009

of both my mother and my mother-in-law after they each passed away following a period of living alone, I can tell you something about saving too much stuff. Both of them (in different ways) were weighed down by their stuff and burdened for months and even years with the worry of needing to "sort it all out". They then were each too old to do it.
Less is better. For the house and for the emotions.

Muser of NM 11:44AM August 05, 2009