It’s almost Spring! I have been motivated lately again to get rid of things, free up, eliminate clutter. I guess I feel that way because it is approaching Spring.Renewal! Getting everything in order in the house before we head for the outdoors. I am in the mood. Maybe you are too.

Some years back, a young mother related how she wanted more cupboard space in her kitchen. She thought perhaps new cabinetry might be the answer, but she and hubby couldn’t afford that expense. She discovered instead that if she got rid of all the things she didn’t need or use taking up space in those cabinets, she would once again have room for her other items. She did just that and suddenly had spacious shelves.

YouTube has become my go-to for inspiration when I need motivation to pare down. The idea of living with less, and not needing to possess so much is not new. “Minimalism” is gaining momentum with the young crowd. However, paring down should also be a priority with the “grandma” crowd as well. I am not ever going to fit in a “little house,” nor live with two pots and four cups. But I definitely want to get rid of objects that take up space, and rob my time caring for these things.

Many of my Senior friends have discovered that their cherished antiques and hand-me-downs are not going to be “lapped up” by their kids. Many of these kids and grandkids do not want the china, crystal, pottery, Precious Moments, Nativity collections, Hummels, or any other objects that were so treasured by previous generations.

For Pete’s sakes ... whoever Pete is ... we have inherited antique clocks, books, snowshoes (from a logger grandfather), pictures, heirloom chairs and other too many to mention objects from our deceased relatives. Some of it I love. Some I just plain feel guilty giving away.

It’s time to say good-bye to this stuff while I still have control. This is my assignment: I had better find homes for these things, if I care for them at all. “Move on out! Get along little doggie!”

Here’s my advice. If the object does not give you pleasure now, if you never use it, if you are merely feeling obligated to keep it for some reason, then let it go.  

Someone else might really like it. Someone may want one. Gift it. 

Just lately, an old friend gave me/us an inversion table. Her husband had passed away, and my guess is that it was his. She read the column about my wanting one. She blessed us with the table, and, at the same time, she also freed herself from an item she no longer needed or wanted. Oh happy day!

I possess a few items that I will put up for sale because they are antiques. However, if they do not get a bite, then off to the second hand store they go, with my blessings. Remember, once you decide to let it go, don’t take it back.

I  keep a large basket close to the closet to add giveaways as I see the need. Once in the basket, no taking out! I put anything that I don’t want in that basket. When it’s full, then off it goes to the secondhand store.

Decluttering is a continual process. Don’t invent excuses to keep things. If you really love it even though it’s useless, then by all means, keep it. But if you are feeling remorse because something or other came from dear Aunt Louise, or cost you a pretty penny, those are not excuses.  

Get goin’! 

I am going to continue this subject for another week. It inspires me, even if it might not inspire you!

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com