My son, now officially a junior in college, came home last evening. He brought a lot more stuff into the house than I remember him taking. It's OK, though. I'm really glad he's here.
How do we encourage our adult children to clean out old things and simplify our homes (especially for when they leave?) Perhaps a better question is, do your parents still house any of your old things? It's easy to just move out and leave a lot behind.
I guess a plan of action could be to offer to take your stuff out of your parents' home if there is still a stash. With college kids or those heading off on their own, one idea I had is to let them box up sentimental items to store, but sort through old papers, notes from high school, etc. before they take off. At that point, you still have a clean guest room when they're gone. I don't know how this will work. I'll let you know as summer progresses! Any suggestions?
I sorted papers on the office desk today and distributed them to their owners to throw away!
Another sign of progress...I put the vase from my Mother's Day flowers in the give-away box. Before this year, I would have stuck it up in the cupboard with other vases figuring that I might use it one day. But, I have enough vases, so it's outta here! (I am still enjoying my flowers, which I placed in my favorite green, reproduction, depression glass pitcher!)
ReplyDeleteWith my grown kids I've stored a large box for each of them with "childhood memories" and have given some of these items to my oldest for his children. Josh, my youngest and not married, still has things here at his "home" especially since he's a Marine and doesn't really have a place. I also have things that I keep here for when Tim and his family visit but I keep it all in plastic containers under the guest bed, like sheets, towels, toys, books, etc... so it's still a guest room but will be ready when they come AND it's out of the way and organized. Now, I have to work on getting my "stuff" out of my Mom's house ;O Thanks for the conviction Heidi.;-)
ReplyDeleteYesterday I sorted through a boat load of paper in our office and got rid of it and I organized things on my desk.
*Heather - the box under the bed idea is great and sounds like you're very organized! That's awesome.
ReplyDeleteSometimes people say to me "you're so organized" - for various reasons...something I brought is in a folder, or I'm the mom with the bandaid or nail clippers in my purse or car. It always shocks me and I think "if they could see my house they would know I'm not organized!"
This year I figured it out. It's not that I'm organized...it's just that I'm responsible. If I say I'll do it, bring it, make it -whatever, I will. (I think the bandaids and nail clippers are from experience and from not even having a minute sometimes at home for my nails - so I do that when I'm waiting at soccer practice or something. The folder is because I know that something in the car could fall on the paper(s) and crush them - so I keep stuff in folders for car rides.) :) It's not from being organized!! (Maybe I just know myself!) Ha!