spring cleaning

[marni]

years ago a very wise older woman and weaving and handspinning mentor started telling me to ""burn the dogs" at least once a year. In this context a "dog" is a handweaving or handspinning project which is not going anywhere, is occupying space on the loom, bobbins on the spinning wheel, room on the spindle shaft and is drawing psychic energy from you. The idea is to undo it, take it off, rip it out and get rid of them.

I have extended that to become my spring cleaning ritual. I go through the house and try to get rid of at least 10% of the stuff, by giving it to charity, the library, another spinner, a beginning biker, the food pantry etc.

It gives you a tremendous feeling of lightness and freedom. Sometimes, at least as far as fiber goes, I do it several times a year.

[Miranda]

years ago a very wise older woman and weaving and handspinning mentor started telling me to ""burn the dogs" at least once a year. In this context a "dog" is a handweaving or handspinning project which is not going anywhere, is occupying space on the loom, bobbins on the spinning wheel, room on the spindle shaft and is drawing psychic energy from you. The idea is to undo it, take it off, rip it out and get rid of them.

I have extended that to become my spring cleaning ritual. I go through the house and try to get rid of at least 10% of the stuff, by giving it to charity, the library, another spinner, a beginning biker, the food pantry etc.

It gives you a tremendous feeling of lightness and freedom. Sometimes, at least as far as fiber goes, I do it several times a year.

That is an excellent analogy! You can actually hire the author to help clutter bust your home. When he goes to someone's home he assumes about 75% of the items they own are no longer of current use to them. I think once you get to a point that you have order, oncce a year of purging out is great maintenance. Before I read this book, I actually started the process. So true, it does feel absolutly freeing!

[Catrin]

I did this when I moved in October - though it wasn't intentional. I just hate moving and got rid of a lot of stuff that I hadn't used in a long time so I wouldn't have to move it. I've noted that it is much easier to keep THIS apartment in order

[Miranda]

I did this when I moved in October - though it wasn't intentional. I just hate moving and got rid of a lot of stuff that I hadn't used in a long time so I wouldn't have to move it. I've noted that it is much easier to keep THIS apartment in order

Ha... YES... when you have less stuff, it's less to clean and keep up with too.

[Jolt]

I did this when I moved in October - though it wasn't intentional. I just hate moving and got rid of a lot of stuff that I hadn't used in a long time so I wouldn't have to move it. I've noted that it is much easier to keep THIS apartment in order

That's what I'm working on right now--will be moving soon and am trying to get rid of a bunch of stuff I haven't used so I don't have to move it. And I am hoping to have an easier time keeping clutter from building up in the new place...

[malkin]

We're planning a move too, but over the weekend we decided to keep a bunch of the 'get rid of' items and have a grand garage sale/ party to meet the neighbors when we get there.

I'm sure it won't seem like such a grand idea when we have to CARRY all those boxes of stuff we don't want.

[ASammy1]

We are currently in the process of moving (3rd one in just over a year ) and I have purged so much "stuff." It feels so good to just get rid of the clutter.

Last year I discovered Fly Lady (flylady.net) and it has truly changed my life.

[emily_in_nc]

Last year I discovered Fly Lady (flylady.net) and it has truly changed my life.

I have an online friend who does that, but it's so perky it kinda rubs me the wrong way.

[celticgarden]

years ago a very wise older woman and weaving and handspinning mentor started telling me to ""burn the dogs" at least once a year. In this context a "dog" is a handweaving or handspinning project which is not going anywhere, is occupying space on the loom, bobbins on the spinning wheel, room on the spindle shaft and is drawing psychic energy from you. The idea is to undo it, take it off, rip it out and get rid of them.

I have extended that to become my spring cleaning ritual. I go through the house and try to get rid of at least 10% of the stuff, by giving it to charity, the library, another spinner, a beginning biker, the food pantry etc.

It gives you a tremendous feeling of lightness and freedom. Sometimes, at least as far as fiber goes, I do it several times a year.

Ahhh, same for knitting although it's "destash" or RIP WIPs.

Feng Shui subscribes to the concept of accumulating stuff = blocking energy, to the detriment of your health, wealth and happiness! I read a fun little book called "Move your stuff Change your life" and have to agree that decluttering is a way to free up feelings.

I have only recently started to act on this though. Something about Spring can bring on a fit of getting sh*t done. Cleaned out a ton of stuff from the basement last weekend and donated much to Goodwill. Cleaned out the garden shed, a closet. I think it has to do with the kids being older and that in and of itself is a joy.

As for fiber, well, when the economy was good I accumulated a lifetime (so it seems) supply of yarn. Think I'll keep that :-) And the back issues of Organic Gardening mag (from the McGrath years).

happy decluttering.