heirlooms

Oh Purpledaffodil when my offspring left home I gave each of them a box with all their carefully kept reports, art work etc admittedly they were a bit surprised but I know 2 of them still have them as for the youngest well that`s anybody`s guess.

I watched a very early house-decluttering programme when they first started and one piece of advice stuck in my mind, although I have to admit to never having been able to take it.

It was that you should only keep one small thing to remind you of each person you want to remember as long as it brings you a happy thought, and why would you need anything more? I have found that one happy thought is just about adequate for deceased friends, but not for family. I'm working on it though.

I'm desperate to start decluttering. There is just so much stuff I have to get rid of before we downsize again towards the end of the year. I can't be bothered with car boot sales so I've decided to ask DGS3 to put things on our local eBay and he can have commission on anything he sells.

There's also an auction room about half an hour away where I hope to sell all mum's wall plates, vases, tea sets etc.,

I just have to get motivated

I started yesterday, mainly because we have a big stall at our village fete that has some lovely things on it that are sold for charity. Yesterday a lovely water set with a matching pair of vases was wrapped up carefully, amongst other things. It's really quite cathartic. My house is far too cluttered.

De-clutters of the world unite

What a good idea Sparkygran. I might have a go, but they never seemed to leave that finally. Kept returning for various reasons as if on elastic. I think they have gone now, but you can never be sure. DDs OH suggested to her that they might move in with us to save up for a house. Luckily DD knows her father at his worst far better than her OH does who only sees him with his party manners. She vetoed that idea very smartly.