Tuesday
The deliveries all arrived as promised yesterday and the timings from the three different couriers meant that I was able to fit in my daily walk - around the marina and a short way along the towpath. I got all the washing done and hoovered upstairs but still need to hoover and wash the downstairs floors, so that's a job for today.
Once the housework is over and done with I'll turn my attention to the decluttering. It's going well! Today the focus is on sorting through some of the music books. I still have lots of my reference books which I no longer use or need as the internet has made them redundant for me, but they may be of use to anyone studying their higher level music exams so I will make a start on listing them on eBay. I've also remembered that Ziffit accept music tutor books so also on the to-do list is to check the ones I've already sorted and put aside for charity. Yesterday I found someone to buy the collections of badges, so if the paperwork turns up I can get those in the post today - there's nothing of any great value so this is just a sale based on quantity to realise some cash rather than send it to the charity shop. C will be here tonight, and tomorrow night if necessary, to help me catalogue the remainder of the photography equipment so once that's finished I will be able to sort out the paperwork for the quotes - so not quite a completed task as I don't know how long it will take for the companies to quote but the hardest part will be done, which is a relief.
Slowly, step by step I am getting there. Last time I considered letting these items go I struggled to make a decision as I wasn't ready but I've obviously moved forward as this time, although there's still an emotional element to it, I'm finding it easier than I expected. I don't find it as difficult with my own property like the music books and my old cameras, but the emotion is tied up in all the items that belonged to my late partner. It is time though, long overdue, and making the effort to dispose of some more unwanted items is lifting a weight off my shoulders.
At some point in the day I'm hoping to catch up with J, assuming she's not tied up with grandma duties, and there's my daily walk to fit in as well. It should be a productive day!
It'd a strange coincidence but I was chatting with my sister-in-law the other day. Our husbands are brothers who are collectors of similar things and they were busy talking about their collections. We both agreed if we were in your situation we would declutter and I could well imagine what an enormous and emotional task that would be. I've never been a collector of things myself and I know I could live a minimalist life but that will never happen now, I know that as I don't have the physical energy to do it. So you have my highest admiration for letting go of things x
ReplyDeleteI was a collector but not to the extent that my partner was. When I moved into this house his things filled two bedrooms ... boxes and boxes of the stuff. I've gradually worked through it and at the same time have made decisions about my own things. I am moving towards wanting fewer possessions, not exactly minimalist but nearer that than the cluttered look of the previous home we shared together.
DeleteI'm so glad everything is falling into shape for you. Slowly sorting out Dad's things is making me look at my own with much more of a critical eye too.
ReplyDeletexx
Thanks Joy. I'm living a completely different life now so the decisions on which of my own things stay or go is getting easier. xx
DeleteSounds like you had a very productive day, yesterday! You accomplished a lot! Getting rid of collections is very difficult, especially if they have memories attached! So, well done on whittling down the collections! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased with what I achieved yesterday. I won't get everything on the list done today as I'm getting tired, but every little bit helps. The majority of his collections were sold at auction so I'm left with making decisions about the remainder. Once the music books have gone I will have space to put the rest of the stuff in cupboards and can take my time to deal with it. This latest push to declutter will clear the floor space in my music room which is why I am making the effort.
DeleteIt's a subtle thing the way grief and mourning changes over time and perhaps it's in relation to our attitude to the loved one's objects that we can chart our journey to healing and recovery.
ReplyDeleteAs you say when you can let go more easily it marks a change- which you might not have otherwise noticed. Best of luck today and over the next few days. Thinking of you. J. P.
My initial problem was placing my late partner's own sentimental value on the items which added another layer of emotions to work through in order to be able to let his things go. It is a very subtle thing but gradually my own attitude to the majority of the items have changed. Each time I've tried to tackle the decluttering there are more things I am ready to let go of. Thanks J.P.
DeleteYeah that you got your walk in yesterday. It's a great way to clear your head of all your to do lists & just take a moment or two for that breathe. Over the last 15 months a lot of stuff has come into our house with nothing going out! As things are beginning to open up again, besides the hair dressers, I'm hopeful that the charity & donation sites start accepting things again along with stores that sell 2nd hand/new to you things. A new chapter for you in letting things go that you once held, the memories stay the things go. :)
ReplyDeleteThe walking is becoming more of a habit probably because it does just that ... clears my head and provides a little period of calm in my day.
DeleteGood luck with your own clearing out.
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Eileen, you are successfully carrying out the tasks you set yourself.
There are decisions that are sometimes difficult, but it is necessary to act to be lighter.
Hugs and good week.
Ailime
Thanks Ailime. I think today's list was too long as I haven't ticked off much at all but at least I've done some of it! I know I'll feel better once it's all done so just have to keep going.
DeleteHope you have a good week too xx
I understand how emotions get tied up with things that belonged to a loved one. My parents were collectors of crafts and art they picked up in their world travels, and now that they've been gone several years I'm just getting mentally able to sort through the stored boxes to clear things out. I wish you the best in your letting go of your partner's things. Celie
ReplyDeleteIf I can keep going I will finish within a month or two so am nearer the end than the beginning. It's been an emotional journey alongside every thing else that's happened in the eight years since I lost my partner.
DeleteI wish you well with your own efforts to deal with your parents' belongings xx