Friday 5--decluttering edition

Sally writes: With Jo, Jon and Chris all moving to college and University accommodation there has been a big clear up going on in the Coleman household. We have been sorting and trying hard not just to junk stuff, but actually to get it to where it can be useful. On a brighter note we have used Freecycle ( check it out) to provide the twins with pots and pans etc that other folk were clearing out.Making the most of our resources is important, I have been challenged this week by the amount of stuff we accumulate, I'd love to live a simpler lifestyle, it would be good for me, and for the environment I think...With that in mind I bring you this Friday 5:

1. Are you a hoarder or a minimalist?
I am a minimalist trapped in a hoarder's world! I'm convinced that worldly possessions multiply like rabbits, and I'm not sure how stuff even ends up in my house. I've moved 10 times in the last 11 years (insane, I know), and even with multiple yard sales, trips to Good Will and Salvation Army, I still have too much stuff. I've thought about ebay, but who has the time?

2. Name one important object ( could be an heirloom) that you will never part with.
Hmmm....considering all things will be parted with at some point...well, maybe this special pottery jar created by a friend and mentor who has since died of cancer; it's beautiful, functional, and a real treasure.

3. What is the oldest item in your closet? Does it still fit???
A pair of 50+ year old Italian leather sandals that belonged to my mother. They're really elegant and comfortable, and the leather just keeps getting better with age. And yes, thankfully they still fit!

4.Yard sales- love 'em or hate 'em ?
Love going to them but don't have time to do so. Enjoy making money from hosting one, but hate the time and effort to get all the stuff ready. Like the principle of recycling other people's stuff instead of buying new.

5. Name a recycling habit you really want to get into.
Getting as close to zero rubbish as possible...and creating art from my junk. O.K. that's sort of two, but they're interrelated, right?

And for a bonus- well anything you want to add....
Check out Anne Basye's book Sustaining Simplicity: A Journal. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2007. It's a great, quick read that's also thought provoking and convicting.