This is probably the simplest way to see just how valuable -or not- our possessions really are. Have a garage sale to scale down your unwanted things. It is amazing how little they actually fetch in the open resale market and how much you wasted on your impulses. It has helped me everytime I go into a store and have an impulse to purchase more stuff to imagine it in a future garage sale.
Blessings,
Cindi Campbell

Is there anyone who does NOT have this problem? I have so much clutter it is shameful. My possessions are possessing me because I have to spend so much time dealing with them. This is so wrong. I am convinced it is a way Satan is working to keep me off-track, because every time I set out to work on the mess, my attempts are thwarted in one way or another. Satan had a lot of years' head start on me before I realized what the real origin of the problem was, so it's going to take a while to undo the mess. I hope everyone will read and heed this article! Linda

I recently moved and took advantage of the opportunity to purge in the process of packing and unpacking, resulting in about 1/3 less stuff. It was also a symbolic purge. Not only does my physical space feel less cluttered with the unnecessary, I feel like God wants to do some new things in my life and I wanted to make room for them. Out with the old, in with the new. I'll be starting a master's program in a few weeks, and I can see the fulfullment of another dream on the horizon as well. Stay tuned!

I have a hard/fast rule: when I change out clothes from winter to summer and summer to winter, if I did not wear it that season, it goes in the Goodwill box--regardless how much I spent on it--regardless how close I am to going down one size so it will actually fit--regardless! It is in the Goodwill box.

How absolutely true this message is. I was just visiting my Mom and she has about 70 Hummel figures. She loves them, but I took a good look and decided that I would want one as a remembrance, but certainly not the whole lot. A bit morbid thinking, perhaps, but realistic.

For those overwhelmed with clutter in your home, your head and your heart...please check out http://flylady.net/. Marla aka FLYlady is just an amazing woman changing lives around the world one baby step at a time.

Everyone needs to check out FlyLady.net.
God is surely using her to help people in this area. And it's FREE!

I just returned on Monday morning from a missions trip to Demician Republic.
I was there to help in building a church and building relationships with the people there. I did just that. They have very little stuff, but they are the happiest people I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with. They had very little that gets in between them and what they hold prescious which is their God... their provider. It was a life changing experience and one that came at the perfect time for me. I am so greatful for the experience. I went their thinking I was going to help them, but I realize what they taught me was priceless. They definitely have it right. Thanks for lettting me share.
Pam

I just finished reading a book about Rich Mullins titled, "An Arrow Pointing to Heaven" by James Bryan Smith and in it the author talks about Rich's philosophy on stuff and things and how unnecessary they really are only we don't realize it. Anyone who knows anything about Rich Mullins, knows that he often lived with friends and relatives, in their attics and guest rooms. Although he was a famous recording artist and sold many, many records and generated income off his concert tours, he never had any odea how much money he had in the bank because he didn't want to know. He wanted to live very simply, very basic and most of all, uncomplicated. Anything that would allow him to be closer to God without getting in the way. He mentions how those that are free of so much stuff and so many worldly things, are actually FREE. We are free to focus on God and not bound by the chains of fear that someone might steal our stuff or that we may lose or stuff, or goodness forbid that we may not have enough stuff! Reading that book changed myperspective and immediately after I finished reading it, I did a thorough spring cleaning and filled bags and boxes of stuff to take to the thrift store. We don't realize how much of a burden our stuff is on us until we experience the feeling of freedom and how much "lighter" we feel once we've gotten rid of it. Now I feel as if my channel to God is coming in clearer without all the static of my want and desire to accumulate stuff.

I have realized this exact same thing that recently I decided to keep reminding myself whenever I think I "need" to buy something. Am I going to use it? Is this going to make me happy? Am I being a good steward of my money as God instructs? As long as it's never far away from your mind to always think these questions thru before buy helps me alot, and the answer is always clear and somehow, that item doesnt seem so glamorous or needed anymore. Also, it's another big reminder when you hear of a death and all the stuff left behind. I think, "yup, it proves you can't take it with you!"

I DON'T HAVE MUCH STUFF ANYMORE. ALL THAT CLUTTER YOU ALL WERE TALKING ABOUT. I GUESS JESUS MADE A BIG POINT TO ME. THIS IS WHAT HE SAID: HE SAID IF YOU LOVE ME LEAVE YOUR HOUSE AND YOUR BELONGINGS. I DIDN'T WANT TO. I THOUGHT NA THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT. SO THEN DOWN THE LINE WE COULD NOT MAKE PAYMENTS ON OUR HOUSE ANYMORE. THEN HE GAVE ME SCRIPTURE TO LEAVE ALL OF MY BELONGINGS. IT WAS HARD BUT THEN HE BLESSED US IMEDIATELY. BOY DO I LOVE HIM EVEN MORE NOW. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ARTICLE. JULIE

After our last move, my husband and I decided that something goes out whenever something comes in. We haven't followed through 100 percent, but it sure makes a difference.

As a senior, I have decided that I want to see my children and grandchildren enjoy what they would like, so have passed them on. I even sold antiques to a dealer because the children did not want them. I hate clutter, always have, and I constantly donate. I've seen so many cases where children just put family "treasures" in the dumpsters. Avoid that, give and donate now. You will feel better about yourself and know that someone in need can use them. God loves a cheerful giver.

Great article - excellent reminder! I sometimes wonder if our continued interest in "stuff" is somehow connected to our God-given instinct to feather our "nests" - but in our consumer-oriented culture, it's gotten way out of contol. I doubt there are very few of us who won't, in one way or another, relate to your thoughts, Jane, and it's been something that I've been thinking a lot about in recent months, as I've tried to gear myself up for a clearing out of a lot of the accumulated junk we just don't need, want or like anymore!
Anyone read a recent item re: some individuals who all committed to not buying one new item for an entire year? Oooohhh..... it really got me thinking! Oh, may the Lord, and He alone, be our "Precious!!!!"

I recently read a book where the author states that everything we own is either a tool or an idol. Wow, did that get me thinking. He made things very clear for me. Since then I have eliminated tons.

In the past year, my parents died and my husband's aunt and we inherited two homes full of stuff. I kept only sentimental things but , OH, how many things? As an only child, I have no one to help me go through the things except my husband and men want to throw it all away. God has given me a wonderful insight where we have been able to give so much to a family in need and a church yard sale. Since I feel so alone at times, it was wonderful to know God cares for me and it is really more blessed to give than to receive.

Oh, yes!!!! This is something that God has been speaking to me as well. I heartily recommend a wonderful book on the subject called "Too Much Stuff" by Kathryn Porter. She deals with the heart issues as well as the practical. The thought from the book that I will never forget is "You can keep a clean house and keep all this stuff!" (my paraphrase). God is helping me process the issues in my heart that have lead to all the clutter (pride, having my security in things instead of in Jesus, etc.). I am finally getting free of the mounds of "stuff" and all the weight it has brought in my life (spiritually and emotionally, as well as taking up LOTS of space in my house)! I encourage anyone who has this problem to read "Too Much Stuff" and dig in to the heart issues with the Lord! The freedom is so worth it!

I have complained for quite awhile about the floor in my kitchen. The corners of several of the tiles had broken off. We recently replaced the floor. I have enjoyed the new floor so very much. I got a letter from the compassion child I support in Peru. I really felt ashamed of myself for complaining at all. She has a dirt floor. They also live in the earthquake area and it is very possible that what house her family had is gone. It has really made me stop and think about how unimportant possessions really are.

This is something we all struggle with!! My husband and I are hoping to go out on the foreign mission field in the future, and we would have to take only the most important and essential things with us. Everything else we'd have to sell or donate. So to kepe a handle on the clutter, whenever I am buying something I think "Would I take this with me?" Most of the time, the answer is no. It helps me to remember what the important things in life really are.

Oh what a struggle I am having right now with wanting more and more adn getting rid of the stuff I have. I really need help so if anyone has suggestions, I need them. I feel that mylife is getting chocked on things. I really appreciated the comments on the blog.

Frequent moves helps.

My clutter is more in wanting to keep everything my kids have ever touched. I guess the "new thing" I was always tempted toward was things for the kids. Fortunately they have outgrown toys and games, so my shopping has decreased.

A practical rule that helps me is to try to wait 10 days. If it is still wanted by then, then fine.

Avoiding malls is also helpful. It's hard to just window shop and not end up with something.

I know I am younger, which is why I have accumulated so many things, partly. But also because I could never afford to buy therefore I didn't even look. But even as God continues to bless and my income grows progressively, I've continued to be discipline and live off of approx 75% of my income, and save for more meaningful things such as travel and giving to a really worthy work. I think if we don't live up the limit of our means and make it a priority to give, it helps to not accumulate as many unnecessary things and instead act out the character of God as being a giver, which is more blessed than receiving.

We just recently had what is going to be the first of probably 3 yard sales, in order to rid ourselves of 20 years of clutter, not only did it feel great, but we made over $400.00 from our junk, which we in turn, invested right back into home repairs, getting our house ready to sell in about 20 months.

You see my husband and I are really planning on taking the plunge of simplfying and downsizing, and when our youngest graduates from high school in 2009 and goes off to college, we plan to sell the house as well as EVERYTHING in it and purchasing a 40 foot luxury motor coach RV and live in it full time, which will by deffintion require us to live with less STUFF and CLUTTER!!!

We are anxiously awaiting this new season in our lives, as we are very ready to be free from many of the trappings, the world attempts to convince us we simply MUST HAVE!!!

I recently moved as well. To Germany! We had a garage sale with most of our stuff located on the "free to good home" table. We got rid of a lot of stuff. I went to clean out my cabinets in one of my bathrooms. I threw out half used bottles of lotions, sprays, and other girlie stuff. I decided to weigh it all, since it was so heavy. 60 pounds!! Still, I got to Germany and I realized that I still had too much stuff! I have boxes in the basement that I still haven't unpacked. I feel a strong pull that God is going to use us here. Living clutter free is a way of being an example to others how a home can be inviting without the latest nic-nac.

Three years ago I had no choice but to lose all my "stuff". I became disabled, and with no disability insurance from a private company, I had to wait three agonizing years for Social Security Disability. By the time they decided that I WAS actually disabled, I had lost my car, home, and everything else that I could not pack into 3 small suitcases as I left the country for my husband's country, Sweden. It was only by God's grace that I could go there! I was fortunate enough to be married to a Swedish citizen. Now, after getting a back-pay check and paying off loans that I had from family and friends to get by, I have started life over, literally, and found the strength to leave "stuff" out of the equation. The only reason I have this computer is to keep in touch with children and grand-children in the States. I love my newfound freedom, but I don't recommend doing it the hard way as I did. However, I really recommend the simple lifestyle, as I am closer to God than ever before!"

I have found the best cure for the Western curse of consumerism and materialism is a short term stay in a developing country. Spend a few weeks in South America or Africa and then come home to that jam packed closet and you'll be taking a load to the Goodwill before you can say, "Purge!"

In the past few years, maybe it is just the time in my life or God has been "knocking" about the stuff in my life -- but I, too, am fed up with all of the clutter. I now look at things and think "get rid of it" and have gotten more radical with tossing out or donating items. We recently had a dumpster (for some construction work) and it was GREAT to clean out the garage too!
Part of my problem is I am a family daycare provider, so a LOT of this is job related. When my kids grew past toy/games/book stages - I still kept them for daycare. I do get rid of them when broken, etc.
Also, my daughter and granddaughter live with my husband and me - so there is also all of their "stuff." My husband is a book-acoholic - so. . .
I hope to retire within a year or so and ALL of the daycare stuff is GONE!! I will save a few memorable things but the rest --- no way.
Also, at some point after retirement - we probably will move and then, we can really purge! I want to simplify my life and my house.
I think we all have a "stuff" problem - it is just that our stuff is all different and God deals with us and it in different ways!

Any suggestions on getting rid of a few toys that my 4-year-old son had before he died? It has been 36 years! They are not good enough to give another child, yet I don't want them in the garbage, but it is time for me to let go......

I was forced to downsize a year and a half ago when we moved from the 3500 square foot home on 8 acres to a small 1200 square foot house on a freeway. I took months to sort through all our belongings...sort of doing it in phases. I wouldn't all fit in the house, so I got rid of what I could manage to part with and put the rest in storage. I set up my new household with only one set of pans, 3 casserole dishes, one set of siliverware...(you get the idea). I didn't have room to hang all my pictures or display ANY nick-nacks, really. I didn't even have room for a dresser in my bedroom! What I found was that my life was very rich and full without all the stuff. Every month I would go to our storage unit and sort through what was there, giving away what I could and saving only what I still couldn't live without.

This month, quite unexpectedly, I find myself living in another state permanently with only what I brought in my suitcase for a one week vacation: just a few pieces of jewelry, a few outfits, my bible and computer, one pair of socks, etc. It has been humorous, then unbearable,...then humorous again...as our belongings are currently trapped 1500 miles away due to circumstances beyond my control.

And so, once again, I have downsized. Not intentionally, but quite dramatically. What my family and I are discovering is that we really didn't need all our belongings. Life is rich and full and God is ever-present dispite the fact that all that is familiar and special to us is gone.

It's the same thing people experience in a house fire--a sudden disconnection from all things familiar. As a result, our family connection is much stronger, my communication with God, clearer. As we face an uncertain future I have no doubts that God has preserved for me and my family what is most important. It is not our furniture, not our clothes, not even our pictures and records of our accomplisments. It is who we are; it is the light He has put inside of us and the destiny before us; it is the love we have for one another; it is Him.

I'm the girl who comes to your yard sales and buys your bread machine, toaster, blender, all your beautiful glass, ceramic, and wooden treasures! I also purchase your sheets, towels, and your gorgeous linen tablecloths. Also, I have found some of the most beautiful clothes! To be honest, you furnish about 95% of my household belongings.
I thank you all so very much! I have a debilitating mental illness that will forever keep me from my career, (along with chronic physical illnesses) even with medicine and my faith. I am widowed, and I live on $623 a month SSI benies, so it is pretty tight.
Even so, I have even over-collected, and I love to give my extras to friends and anyone who is in need. I have also finally been able to slow down on my purchases! Thank you so much, and God bless every one of you!

I thought I was the only one. And do not think it does not happen in Africa: Iam from Kenya and I have stuff that's new and gathering dust: A cake mixer, weighing machine, blender,etc. My children keep asking me when I am ever going to use them, and I am too busy to even lift off the wraps! At one point my late hsband said he would not spend any more on a kitchen appliance until I proved I was using all that is already there.
I have just been reading about the lust of the flesh, and of the eyes, and this is it. Only a focus on Christ can deliver us from all this.

I am in the process of helping my Mum downsize into an apratment form a big house and it is very difficult to perusade her to get rid of so many sentimental things which she cries over when I say" no you can't take that you won't have room" It is almost like a death and I can appreciate how she feels but it has to be done otherwise she won't fit into her new home. I have vowed not to get cluttered in my home and not to take all the things she would feel happier about if I housed them instead of putting them in a sale. Do we need the clutter?

Yes, but mine is not from my buying it, it is from everyone spoiling my children!!! We have so much given to us through the year, and let's not talk about the holiday's and Birthdays! I think we live in a "I want stuff" driven world.....

I enjoyed reading all your comments about "stuff." Seems like we share a common problem! I just heard on the radio about a woman who went without bathing and shampooing and makeup for a couple months (I think she's writing a book on this experiment, and I didn't hear all of the setup or details on this). But one thing stuck in my mind: She said after several weeks of no makeup, her skin began to glow, and it looked the best it ever had. The dr. doing the commentary on this reminded listeners that all the stuff we use for cosmetic beauty and hygiene may actually not be that great for us! I'm not advocating forsaking showering or shampooing, but it made me think about the clutter of skincare products (all aimed at solving the problems of aging skin!) in my bathroom. Even there, I have too much stuff!

Clutter drives me mad and every now and then I have to put stuff out of sight...except for my elephants. Your ornamental variety elephants. Once many years ago I mentioned that I liked elephants so my partner and my children started buying them for me. I meant that I liked real elephants but this somehow turned into giving me stone elephants, fabric elephants, plastic elephants,metal elephants etc etc. I can't put the elephants away because the family will say,'But we thought you loved the elephants we give you'.
In any case where am I going to stuff a couple of hundred elephants?

Fascinating! I live in Australia and am amazed at the HUGE amount of STUFF many Americans take for granted! I agree with you, Sheri, visit a 'developing' country for a while (not just as a rich tourist) and witness true living without Clutter. As a transplant patient, I'll probably never make it, but we found friendship with refugees here in Aussie, an eye-opener. And Australia is very guilty as well! I think we've caught the 'consumer flu', well and truly, but thankfully, Jesus is always reaching out to love and cure us. Thanks to Jane and the rest of you. You've encouraged me to begin again on our 25 boxes of books, docs & Stuff before the Air Force moves us again at Christmas. I'll pray for you and trust you'll pray for me!

I'm like Tami. When I get the time, I go to garage sales and thrift stores. This is the source of most of my family's clothes, shoes, gifts, toys, games, decorating items, books, tapes, and movies. I have nine children and even though we live simply compared to many we know, it simply takes a lot to live.

So thank you for giving to the thrift stores and having garage sales. And thank you for bringing us your good clothing when you clean out your closets.

In some areas I have also had to purge and give to other families whom I know will appreciate things we don't need.

Thanks be to God for providing for His people. We have all we need for life and happiness in Him!

here is a sight that I have found helpful

It's already been suggested by a few others but if you are having a hard time with your clutter and keeping your home clean then you really NEED to check out www.flylady.net.

She is a wonderful inspiration to my family. We have removed from our home over half of the stuff we had and went from 2 children to having four children.

Our home is more peaceful then it has ever been before and I realize that part of that peacefulness is from us developing stronger relationships with the Lord but we had to toss the clutter away so that we realized we needed the Lord more. Our junk was keeping us from the relationship HE wanted to have with US! Now my home is never more than 15 minutes from company ready and we are blessed weekly by the families we have come into our home.

Our home is finally the blessing we wanted it to be to our extended family, friends and guests in our church community.

Stuff takes our time, our money, our attention, our relationship with others all away from the Lord.

If you can't take it with you, then is it really worth having in the first place?