January (and the first part of February), have, predictably, been slow for work. This year, during the slow time, I read a book about tidying up. The approach of the book is a bit different that the usual ‘maximize your storage’ stuff. The author, Marie Kondo, opines that one’s clutter problems come from simply having too much fucking crap.
Since my current domicile is the size of a postage stamp, it gets cluttered very quickly, so I was about ready to try anything. I didn’t go as extreme as she recommends, but I did dump a massive amount of stuff – out-of-style clothes, brik-a-brak, about 3/4 of the re-usable shopping bags that have been breeding on the shelf in the kitchen, shoes I can’t wear any longer, way too many bath towels (I think they were having babies, too), etc..
Not only is my place less cluttered, but since there’s a place for everything, it’s been staying uncluttered, which is really unusual for me.
The other weird thing that’s happened is I’m now very reluctant to buy anything new – clothes, shoes, kitchenware, whatever. All I can think when I look at it is that it’s going to upset the nice calm zen(ish) atmosphere I’ve got without all that goddamn crap crammed into every single crevice and cranny.
Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend and walked past one of those stores that sell that resort-wear I love so much. On sale. Like really on sale. And I looked, shrugged and kept walking.
Sweet.
Next up, I tackle the avalanche of old family photos. I figure I’ll scan the ones I want, send the rest to my sister, because if they’re in her house, they’re not my clutter any longer. Heh.
Filed under: life in LA, Non-Work, Off-Topic, apartment, beauty, Declutter, health, home, kitchen, Los Angeles, Marie Kondo, ron herman
Totally Unauthorized 
Now move on to books. After 20 years, you will not read it. If you have read it, you will not read it again.
Your next move will be so much easier!
Next do your books.
After moving them a few times, I realized:
1) if unread, will probably never be read
2) if read, will probably not be re-read
3) even pretty picture books rarely are viewed
4) they are heavy
5) we are not 1%’ers who feel a need to display a vast library in order to impress others w/ our intellect
6) it’s a liberating feeling to be done w/ all that
7) libraries are a great function of our government.
I sold/gave away many boxes of them. Kept about 5; 2 picture books, 3 cancer books (for diet information).
Oh, then the LP’s. Got rid of 13″, kept about 800. It’s a start.
I got rid of most of the books when I moved here. Went from a room full of them to two shelves. Got rid of the LPs, a long time ago, too. Now I think I need to start dumping CDs.