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November 27, 2005
You don't need all your junk
Over the years I have become somewhat of a pack rat. There are things that I have owned for years and haven't thought about in almost that long. The only time I see some of these oh so important things is when I am moving — those long days of packing and unpacking all of my belongings that have grown over time.
Most of the things are perfectly good, but I just don't have a need for them. My rationale has been that if I get rid of these things that I might need them. Then I would just have to buy them all over again. More than anything I think college created this mindset for me. Not college specifically but my lifestyle while going to school. I was always broke and my life was in almost constant change. I have graduated and there is no reason to surround myself my material things that only make me feel guilty that I don't use them. The fact is, that I don't use the stuff and someone else could be. Even if I have to re-buy one or two things, who cares, other people will have things they need.
Regardless of my reasoning, I have had enough of it. Today was the first big huge step in the right direction. Dan and I dropped off somewhere around 200lbs. of clothing and linens off at Goodwill today. It was amazingly easy. We have been planning taking things to get donated for awhile now. Actually doing it took less than a day.
This is not just an it's easy once you get started speech. Goodwill really has their act together. The one we went to had a drive through drop off. Literally, you drive your car through these two buildings; stop and people come and take the things that you hand them. They give you a receipt, thank you and send you on your way. The people who work there go out of their way to make it quick and simple. I don't know if it is true outside of WA, but there are also donation drop off bins all around town as well.
I am not saying give away everything you own and use, but if you have things that you don't use or feel you need you should take the few minutes and give them away so that someone can use what you don't want. Places like Goodwill are great because they provide items at low cost and then use the revenue to job training programs and other community initiatives. If you have a place you prefer, by all means give to them. Either way, I bet it will make you feel great to get rid of one thing or a mountain of things.
Posted by layla at November 27, 2005 8:00 PM