We're planning to downsize, our nest is too big, the chicks have long gone.

Is there like a Parkinsons Law for space? Stuff accumulates to fill the space available?

Hoarders? Uber Hoarders! But not just our stuff! Stuff from generations both above & below us. A pal's 40 year old car that was just for a few months, that ended up staying 4 or more years. It's now probably, occupying space, equally unused, somewhere else.

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Have filing cabinet, will file? Anyone researching the history of car insurance premiums 1978 to present day? A reminder for AA annual membership fee circa 1996 is always handy to keep! I transferred much to another filing container! Looks a bit like an old dustbin, holes in lower bit, chimney in lid...quite cathartic really watching the flames engulf reams of paper!

I've used trading websites to shift stuff. Dispatching is a bit of a pain but not as bad as (not very well) answering nerdy geek questions about computers games consoles & assorted games or others about washing machines & freezers!

A collection of still pretty good quality music playing things. What I'd called (very un PC) a ghetto blaster, a system with cracking speakers & a radio for travellers with AM, FM & short wave. I thought they'd be good for youngsters setting out in life & perhaps setting up in a bedsit or flat somewhere? Tried unsuccessfully to donate to a local young people's charity. No thanks, health & safety! They've all now gone!

What is it about things? Can't we let go? We hardened our criteria. If we'd been taken by the Grim Reaper, would anyone want:- every tie, thin, wide, silk, polyester, woollen I've ever owned, jumpers unworn for years, shoes, socks, tee shirts? All gone!

Have you decluttered? Do you need to? Can't you bring yourself to?

Oh no! Just remembered those bits of wood from bygone DIY projects, tins of paint, never been used tools? I'd better go! They'd better go too!