I'm Getting Rid Of Stuff, engaging fully in the GROS movement which has escalated to such a degree that it seems every conversation I now have with someone involves this topic.
It happened twice yesterday. It happened again this morning and the day had barely started.
Simplifying, de-cluttering, culling, de-hoarding … a few of the terms for the process.
Having much experience and interest in this adventure, the recent upsurge has brought forth these thoughts, both from my own life and conversations with others:
Being the first of the baby boomers to turn 65 – a product of that era, now officially a 'senior', with kids grown and flown, our ageing parents with all their 'stuff' – these are huge influences and factors for as many reasons as there are situations.
The critical mass of 'stuff' – both physically and mentally is another consideration. And the compounding experience of how good it feels to be liberated from 'stuff'. And how hard it can be to get rid of it. Both mentally and physically.
Last week I had to line up to donate stuff at Value Village; the parking area was full of cars and the cars were full of 'stuff' which people were unloading and which was being scrutinized by VV staff. I have never seen it that busy before. I had suitcases. When asked what was in the suitcases, I replied "More suitcases". The young man persisted with asking if that was all. I thought for a bit and said one had some raw fleece for spinning. He apologized but said they could not take it and as he was helping me take it out of the suitcase and put into a bag he mentioned bed bugs and "raw materials" and the three checks VV now uses. There are increasing restrictions on other kinds of 'stuff' at thrift stores, church bazaars, rummage sales, charity events, community free piles. Seems a lot of donations are 'garbage stuff' which then has to be carted away for a fee by the store or church etc. This is definitely affecting acquisition of more 'stuff'. And fueling the recent surge of GROS. And making us take a look at what we own and why.
If something has meaning or is used (or both!) it is a thing and not stuff and a thing makes a person feel good to see it or use it. A stored thing is usually stuff.
The guideline of "if it doesn't feel good to own it - toss it" is now being followed by the question of "where?"