The magic of tidying

I think it's good if your clothes can be reused and loved again @EternalFlower . I wouldn't know where to sell clothes but I think there's a vintage shop a couple of suburbs away.

I don't think I hang onto things for guilty reasons but I do feel shame and regret handling some things particularly old work and study materials. I think those associations have gotten in the way of dealing with them. Other things I feel sentimentally attached to, or they remind me of old aspirations.

I have to start an exercise program so I'll have to clear a floor space. I'd thought til now it wasn't too bad.

Hello there Tidiers 🙋

I've been away for a while leading up to the much anticipated visit from my brother and SIL late last month.

In the end I cleaned up only what was absolutely necessary in the caravan and threw a tarp and old blanket over the outdoor sofa prior to them arriving. And surprise, it went fine and they didn't seem shocked at the way I live. They were actually very supportive. So that was a relief.

Now I am preparing to go and visit my daughter interstate and trying to decide what and how to pack in my limited, messy space and it's a nightmare. I'm procrastinating and struggling to get on task and just wanted to share.

I have a list of what needs to be done before I go and another week and a half to do it but can't seem to get started.

I just want you all to wish me luck I guess. Thanks for reading and take care, RedHorse 🌹🐴

Hi @RedHorse it's good the visit from your brother and SIL went well

Getting over the hump and getting the ball rolling sounds like the hardest part of your packing. Do you have suitable bags or luggage?

I've finished going through a box of papers and am now at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. There's no shortage of stuff needing attention, in fact there's so much it's a bit intimidating. So you're not the only one feeling overwhelmed atm. I know I just need to start somewhere, anywhere, and aim for maybe half an hour. On a better day I can do more.

Yours in solidarity

Dimity

Hi @Dimity, yes I have dug out and dusted my suitcase and a backpack for carry on luggage. Now I just need to transfer the contents of my handbag from old one that's falling apart into its less than ideal replacement AND pack the other two.

Getting started is definitely the problem. It's cramped and poorly lit in the van but it's what I've got to work with.

Well done on finishing the box of papers @Dimity and now onto the next box. If you have done it before, you can do it again. Slow and steady wins the race.

Glad to be working in solidarity with you.

Take care,

RedHorse 🌹🐴

Greetings @RedHorse have you started packing the suitcase?

I've tackled another box, old course notes this time. I did some trimming in the garden, then I took a garbag and walked down the street picking up litter. I'll keep plugging on, doing a little at a time, as you suggested.

Hi @Dimity, I am pleased to report that I have packed and labelled my suitcase and am starting to feel like I can actually do this trip.

I went into town today to fill my prescriptions and pick up a toiletry bag and other bits. Have done what I can with those and my carry on luggage is well on the way to being ready come Monday 😊

I do have a bit of a mess around me that I hope to clean up before I go. I know I won't want to deal with it when I get back.

Well done you on continuing with your box clearing, gardening, picking up rubbish and walking. You should give yourself a pat on the back. I hope your progress continues to be steady.

Take care,

RedHorse 🌹🐴

So glad to hear of your progress @RedHorse .

Thanks for your kind words. It's an effort and I feel I'm constantly restarting from scratch, or that I'm going backwards. I aim to do more each day but so often fail, and have to begin again.

Every day a new beginning @Dimity, even 10 minutes of sorting or discarding a single item is progress. I say this to you and myself as I am feeling a little wobbly today with the necessary pre-trip clean up.

Although it may feel like you aren't making progress, I can assure you that you are as long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other.

You've got this my friend.

Take care,

RedHorse 🌹🐴

I hope your day is going well @RedHorse and you're achieving everything you wished for

Have a good trip tomorrow