I have a confession to make. I have too much stuff. My last article talked about shopping in your closet before going out to buy the latest trends. Not only did I go into my bedroom closet I also checked out the basement closet and the numerous boxes and drawers where I keep my stash. It was pretty shocking.

To tackle this job with some organization I decided to start with my scarves. I found knitted scarves, knitted shawls, silk scarves and wraps, as well as older challlis wraps. They are square, they are long, they are rectagular, they are linen and wool and blends.

This has led me to ponder what do I really need and use? Will I ever wear these again and why am I keeping them all? The sad thing is I forgot about many of them. In my quest for finding a purpose now that I am no longer working I am embarking on a project to recycle, sell, share, and organize all my stuff.

I know that I must part with stuff. We buy things we don't need just because they are on sale. We buy things we already own because we don't organize our things and forget we have them. We need to save money and to also recycle what we have so others can use them.

I want to explore what resouces we have in this area to sell, donate, and share our things. I want to hear about what is special to you that you can't part with. I am not just a lover of shopping for clothes but also a collector of vintage things. I love old china, vintage purses and handbags, and costume jewelry to name a few. I know that I don't need all of what I have but would love to learn what others collect and how they have been able to part and recycle the things they no longer love and need. This is the phase of my life to downsize.

I am interested in more than just clothing. What about the wonderful magazines, yarns, electronics, eyeglasses, unfinished needle projects ? I have a hard time throwing things in the trash but don't mind giving it up if I know it has purpose to someone else. Where are your favorite places to give these items? Tell me your favorite places to donate and other ideas for the things you just don't need anymore. What about old prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and even running shoes.

I guess I am finally at the age where I realize I just don't need all the stuff I have accumulated through the years. I want to simplify. I want to finally feel I have organized my things so I can just go to the closet and pick out what I need without the hassle of digging through boxes filled with things I forgot about. My friends cleaned their tools last weekend and found 7 screwdrivers and 3 electric drills. We have to come together to help each other.

I would love to hear your ideas and places that I can explore and share in later blogs. We can spread our knowledge and inspire each other while learning to spend less and share more while cleaning out the closets !!