When we moved from our last house to here, I "thought" I was being ruthless. I "thought" I was throwing away so much stuff, and treasures that I would have room to dance. We have been here 3 years now, and I have so many boxes sitting in the basement that I havent cracked the lid on. Now, what is in those boxes that was sooooo important that I HAD to save them? for most...dunnno. I have begun the sorting process, and found many photos, and love letters between mom and dad. once upon a time, they did love each other. I have scanned all the photos, and sent copies to all the kids, along with the letters. All those old clothes, uniforms, blankets, and stuff have been freecycled. go to FreeCycle.org and find a group near you. You list what you have to give, and someone shows up and hauls it away that can still find good use out of what you have. Old couches, clothes, household stuff. there are so many families without, that its a great list. They are all over the USA, and UK. I dont know about Canada.

I feel your pain. I DONT want to sort out things in the colder, cement basement. I want to sit on my couch, or comfy chair, and pick through the box. I have made piles that ARE in the basement, so when the hubby returns the stuff to the basement he has a clear idea of where its going. I have a Keep corner. A give it to another family member corner. A freecycle/salvation army corner, and a I just cant decide corner. I have found that simply sorting it into catagories has been very helpful. I have spoken to family to tell them what I am doing, and warned them that if they dont get over here to look, then they dont get to whine when its gone, given to someone else, or donated.

I hesitated so long about my parents love letters. its felt wrong to read them, but unless I read them, I didnt know if its a love letter, or a corrospondance that just didnt need to survive the test of time. The hubby has LOVED the shredder part when I am finding old utility bills. I ALWAYS call the company number for customer service, and make sure the service was stopped, and the balance is zero. Then, i set the shredder man on it.

it feels so good when you start making a real dent in it...keep up the good work.