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Friday, December 31, 2010

What I use


I just read this post by Creature Comforts and then read the original post by Apartment Therapy about stuff we actually use vs. stuff we have. It's something I have been thinking about for a while now, sorting through all the things and stuff and forgotten objects. Digging in the recesses of the closet and in the boxes taped up since the move, and seeing what really there and what's worth keeping. For a while I felt like I if I did it, I'd have to go crazy getting rid of stuff and then I'd regret losing what I got rid of. But I've realized that I don't want minimalist decor and a completely clutter-free home. I can lose the pot with the broken handle, the stained dishtowels, and the skirts from college and never miss them. But the mismatched silver from my Grandma, the vintage tablecloths I love to use for everyday, and the stack of magazines I still flip through, these will stay. For me, a little clutter is okay if it's meaningful and happy. Somewhere in the purging, I think I'll find the balance between that which I use and love and that which is just taking up space.

Anybody else ready to purge? What's on your list to keep?

4 comments:

Sarah said...

I am so, exactly with you. I'm fascinated by minimalism but it's just not for me. A little clutter is cozy.

And personally, I think that creativity requires a little excess--keeping some things that you might use, or are charmed by but haven't figured out what to do with yet.

Erin said...

Perfectly put, Sarah! I guess creativity does require some excess.

slc said...

i'm facing the same thing, just in reverse. i'm going to be getting married, moving, and merging my stuff with his soon... and the decisions of what to let go (and how to work with the stuff i don't) is a little overwhelming.

my problem is the cosmic "what if": what if i need this, what if i can't find this again if i decide later that i do, etc., etc.

so far, the stuff i'm tossing is clothes... <> they're safe.

(btw, beautiful blog-- in both appearance and concept...)

Erin said...

I know what you mean, slc. The "what if's" have always gotten to me. But I've found that 9 times out of 10, I've never gone back and used the item I saved because I thought I might someday use it.

Congrats on your upcoming marriage!

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