The Grand Cleanout - July 2014

I am making slow project on my goal

To be ‘move ready’ by June 2015

since my post in June. The pile of clothes to donate and electronics to recycle has grown. The grand cleanout will be finished for 2 rooms with another couple of hours of effort. It is hard to let go of items I’ve had for a very long time but know that I will never use again. Here are some examples of what I mean:

Travel books. I have quite a collection that I’ve kept because I reasoned that I would reference them as I planned trips. But I’ve noticed recently that I am more likely to do research on the web than in the books. The web is more likely to be up-to-date. So not I am getting rid of the books unless they have really good pictures!

Thread. Years ago I did a lot of sewing and I bought thread when it was on sale. The spools are at least 25 years old at this point (so may be deteriorating a bit) and I can’t imagine that I will ever need that much thread for the few sewing project I might undertake.

Office supplies. There is a closet full that have accumulated over the years. I used to take notes into blank books --- but now the notes are electronic. I send emails rather than writing snail mail letters so the box of envelopes and specialty papers are orphaned. Even a ream of plain paper and laser printer cartridges are lasting for a very long time at the rate I use the printer now! It’s hard to give up the security that all those supplies near at hand has provided but at least half of it needs to go.

There is a lot to do before the August post.