While trying to salvage memories and useful things from my Mother’s and Sister’s houses, it is never more clear to me that “Stuff Becomes Junk.”Mom is gone. Sister is incapacitated. I am old trying to pick up the pieces.
1 – Why Do We Hoard the Unimportant?
My Mother grew up on a farm during the Depression. It was very common for her generation to save something because it might be useful in the future. She handed down that philosophy to we children, and us to our chidren, too.The “might be useful” things I found were paid bills from 25 years ago, copies of People Magazine and other monthly throw-aways, clothes she had not been able to wear from 50 ears ago, plastic spoons and forks from fast-food meals… You know what I mean.I am ashamed that I did not visit her more often and help clear out this clutter.Start now so your children won’t have to go through what I’m experiencing.
2 – Even the Nice Things Become Junk
My Sister was a classy lady in her day. She still thinks she is – I guess I do, too. She was happy to spend thousands on clothes, shoes, furniture, and hats.
I have already gathered 6 large bags of clothes from her closet. I have another dozen to go. I’ll also have a couple bags of shoes.She’ll never wear most of these.
She still wants them.
They are Junk.
She wanted some specific, expensive furniture pieces. One was moldy, 2 were broken, none were usable. They had become Junk.
3 – Because It Is Junk, It Must Be Replaced If Used.
When trying to furnish her 1-BR apartment in the Assisted Living facility, it became apparent that the musty “I Gotta Have It” furniture was not acceptable. I have spent a few thousands replacing the bed and bedroom furniture, the living room furniture, and miscellaneous accessories – none as nice as the originals.
If it had all been cared for, she would have what pleased her.
Now, it is all Junk.
Don’t buy Stuff.
Take care of what you have.