Over the weekend, I started cleaning out my ironstone collection, pulling the pieces I felt ready to part with. As I was sharing pictures of the growing piles of stuff, I started getting messages essentially asking if everything was okay; if I was okay. Was there some big life event that was forcing this purge? Did I need some quick cash? Were we moving, or had I just received a worrisome diagnosis? It made me smile that letting go of things, some of which have been synonymous with my aesthetic for over a decade, brought such concern. I put those fears to rest and shared a link to the blog post I wrote about hitting my “stuff threshold” a couple of weeks ago. (You can read that post HERE.) This wasn’t brought on by any major life events but by a slow and subtle change within me that made me ready to part with more things.
If you’ve been following me for a long time, when I used to refinish furniture and buy and sell antiques regularly, you know that letting go of things I love is something I’ve been practicing for years. I’ve sold dining room sets I hand-painted with each family member’s initials. I’ve pulled pieces right off the walls and out of our rooms to sell. When things felt a little crowded in a cabinet, I would go in, grab a few pieces to bring to one of my retail spaces, or I would gather a collection for an online sale. I’ve practiced letting go of awesome, one-of-a-kind antiques as well as things I upcycled or made, things I really love, thousands and thousands of times. I sold or passed along family pieces and even ones that had sentimental value, but no longer worked in my home.
There are times when I cried, times when selling something made me sad, times when a piece would’ve been perfect in a spot in a new house, but I’ve very rarely, if ever, regretted selling or getting rid of something. It almost always feels good in the way that exercising feels good. In the moment, you might not feel like it, but the results are rewarding.
As I was gathering pieces and the pile was growing, I told Jeff that I was finding it a little sad and a little hard. He pointed out that this purge is completely self-imposed, and I don’t have to get rid of anything. He was right, but I was ready. I know I’ll enjoy the extra space and letting my favorite pieces shine. I also enjoy sending things along to a new home where they can be cherished. I’m clearing out great things, but they have become beautiful clutter in this house, in this season of life.
I have been mulling over the best way to sell these items, and I’m going to sell most of them to local vendors in lots. I know my blog readers and Instagram followers would love an online sale, but it would involve a ton of time to photograph and list everything, I’d have to invest in bubble wrap, peanuts, and boxes, and shipping would probably take a couple of days. It’s just too much to put on my plate.
I also assured those who were concerned that I might be selling too much ironstone that I have plenty. (I still need to stain a couple of those new shelves we made.)
See…plenty of stuff, but a lot more breathing room. I should’ve taken before pictures, but these were jam-packed.
So, if you’re watching the things I’m getting rid of with some amount of anxiety, I hope that has been alleviated. Someone on Instagram commented on a particularly rare piece, encouraging me to keep it. I responded, “No, I’m good.”
I’m good because I’ve practiced this a few thousand times over the years. I know that there are always beautiful, rare finds that will make my heart flutter. I know that I can part with sentimental things, and the memories remain. I know that the right amount of empty space feels better than too much stuff. I know that my house isn’t a museum or a storage unit. I know that stuff is just stuff, and I want the stuff I own to feel like an asset, not an obligation.
I am always amazed at how much ‘stuff’ you have and how well you keep it organized and clean.
Through the years I have been surprised at some of the things you choose to share with someone else. Like some of those chairs, (that you used) and your own dining room table. But, it is refreshing to see, as well.
I am not smart enough to keep track of that much, but you are remarkable about that and many other things.
Someone will really be happy with your things.
I’m reading this and thinking… good for you to set your boundaries! It’s actually liberating. I’m finding as I get older I’m just keeping or acquiring that which I absolutely need and love. It’s getting less every time!
It brings no joy to collect things and then walk around with the burden of all the stuff someone has to deal with (either yourself or loved ones if you die). There is not much I cherish enough that is worth trading my inner peace to have it. Not saying I don’t own things. I surely do. But these days I only get something if I still want it 6 months or a year later. Usually by then the impulse to have whatever it is has fled. Even seeing your purge pile makes me stressed knowing it’s only the tip of the iceburg…
Wow, Marian. I love that last line of your post “I know that stuff is just stuff, and I want the stuff I own to feel like an asset, not an obligation.” I am just about to start a major purge of stuff and going to make that my motto!
Yes, I too love that last line in particular! Assets, not obligations!
In the internet age, I always tell myself if I get rid of it and have too many regrets, then it can usually be found online. Well done! Keep going!
I know exactly what you mean. i get to the point where it feels like the things I have collected have started collecting me. They take too much space, too much time and not enough satisfaction in how they are being used. Then I fin
Sorry, my phone hiccuped and I accidently hit the submit button. The only thing I wanted add was sometimes the feeling is brought on by finding something you really would like to have and realizing there is just not enough room.
Last year I purged a van load full of stuff to a local fleatique vendor because I was just feeling overwhelmed with too much stuff. I’m in my early 60’s now and it feels so good to have less clutter. I remembered your words a few years back, “Keep only what you love or what is useful.” (or something like that), and it felt so good to clear out a lot. I still have more than enough, but that was a good beginning. Good for you for following your heart. Most times we don’t miss any of it anyway.
I’m trying to convince my husband to move to Italy. We visited and we loved it. This might sound weird but the thought of selling just about everything has me giddy.
I am local 🙂 to you, in Chambersburg. Are you selling any of it locally? Are you going to the Lucketts Spring Vintage Market?
You got this. It is healthy to purge when we have too much stuff. Now I sooo need to be doing it as well. Good for you. Your ironstone pieces have been wonderful to read about. BUT there really and truly is something to having less being more. Glad the pieces you decide to keep will shine and take center stage.
I’m happy for you. Good luck with your sales.
Over the years following you on this blog, I have been astonished at how much you have bought!!!
I sometimes would comment, less is more! So glad you have the desire to to do this now.
You are doing what I too, am slowly leaning into myself.. I’ve got three bags by the door for donation to start. I’ve been watching you let go of things for many years and I’ve admired to watch you look hard for something, sew covers, pillows, hunt for, of course, ironstone, knives.. and the list goes on, and to let it go so mindfully. If only I could be more like you 🙂
It never crossed my mind that there was an underlying reason.. it’s been a thing you do.. glad to hear that’s true in this case!
.. be well!
What local vendors are you sending your ironstone too? I live in Baltimore County.
I get it! Wish I lived closer to you/your vendors. Your ironstone is drool-worthy.
Did they make a covered butter dish in this?
I have searched with no results. Should I stop looking?
In a specific pattern or in ironstone in general?
Iron stone
Thanks for reading me..
Your last sentence really resonated with me. “I want the stuff I own to feel like an asset, not an obligation.” That is so true and something I need to keep in mind as I reduce my “stuff” as well. It always feels good to have organized cupboards and shelves and some empty space. Thanks for sharing your journey.