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Living Lightly

Decluttering My House, One Identity at a Time

Decluttering My House, One Identity at a Time

My house is sluggish. It’s tidy, but dragging. I’ve felt it slowing down. Losing power. Burdened. Inefficient.

An efficient house feels different. Lighter, somehow. You can find things when you need them. There isn’t the last minute race to hide piles before guests arrive. At the end of a day, everything goes away easily and peace reigns once more.  

When I think about a “green” life, being rid of excess stuff is part of it. Green living is freer living. Simpler living. Being able to choose my next adventure because I’m not weighed down. Not by toxins, not by guilt, not by bad food or bad influences. Not by hurry, nor debt, nor stuff.

In the past week, I have extracted 12 full boxes of stuff from 3 ½ seemingly orderly rooms.

What got me started was a sudden moment of clarity.  I opened familiar drawers, and instead of seeing familiar stuff, the stuff had coalesced into various “identities”.

Among them, I found identities I have had in the past. Identities I thought I wanted to have in the future. Identities I feel I ought to have now, but don’t. Hiding among all those, were the relatively small number of identities I actually have right now.

Over time, I had collected a lot of supplies for these mostly-idle identities. This paraphernalia cost me time whenever I look for something I need right now. Time is a very precious currency. When I have to dig through past and possible future identities in order to find what I need for my current Identities, I waste Time.  

There’s nothing wrong with dreams and plans and ambitions. But when “what might be” and “what was” blocks me from accessing “what is” right now, I miss out on fully living today. This took a bit of navel gazing to figure out exactly who I am right now, and certainly this will be ongoing as I grow and evolve. Who I am changes, which is part of the fun of this adventure called life.

This idea of identifying identities gave me a strong framework to apply to the objects in my house. “Is this item part of who I am today, or will it be part of my certain future?” If not, out it goes. This also helps me when faced with a buying decision. “Does this item fit who I am right now, or in to the clear direction I am going?” I do not want to refill these beautiful spaces I am clearing. We need to white space around our focal points.

So right now, this day, here are some of my identities – big and small – and the stuff I’m keeping to equip them.  

  • I am a raiser of children. (Keep their necessaries and joys.)
  • I am a keeper of a comfortable home. (Keep the comfy and inspiring furnishings and decor.)
  • I am a feeder of a family. (Keep the useful cooking gear, spices, cookbooks.)
  • I am a doer of laundry. (Keep the baskets, drying rack, cleaners.)
  • I am a maker of lemon marmalade. (Keep the canning gear.)
  • I am a teacher of baking biscuits. (Keep the cookbooks, the tools.)
  • I am a blog writer. (Keep the computer & pleasant workspace.)
  • I am a helper of a college student recording a podcast. (Keep time to spend with others.)
  • I am a declutterer of cabinets. (Keep the boxes to be filled with donations.)
  • I am an enjoyer of past travels. (Keep the albums and journals.)
  • I am a puzzle assembler. (Keep the puzzles I enjoy assembling.)

(Not a complete list! I am a wife, I am a reader, I am a friend, I am a child of God…)

Here are the identities I found hiding in forgotten corners. Some of these are identities I had in the past, but no longer, and some are identities I thought I might have some day, but have lost interest or the time. I cherish the memories. I don’t need the stuff.  

  • I am not a grower of winter vegetables. (No time this year. Out go those seeds and that guilt.)
  • I am not a repairer of electric trains. (Out goes the broken train, idyllic though it sounds.)
  • I am not a reader of books about English Renaissance or the Reformation. (I was once, I enjoyed it, but not for the past 20 years.)
  • I am not a maker of from-scratch pasta. (Out go the two never-used pasta makers.)
  • I am not a grinder of my own meat. (How I ever thought I would be is beyond me. Out goes the meat grinder.)
  • I am not a decorator of cakes. (For my skill set, tasty must equal beautiful. Out go the books and inordinate variety of sprinkles.)
  • I am not a high school English teacher. (I was once. It was a good thing. Out goes the box of “Teaching Supplies” and curricula.)
  • I am not a concert pianist. (I enjoy playing casually as the mood strikes, but out go the Rachmaninoff concertos and the guilt that I ought to be more.)
  • I am not a lifelong quilter. (I’ve made a few, but I never think, “I have some free time. Let’s quilt.” Give me a crochet hook instead. Out go those bins of fabric.)
  • I am not an enjoyer of certain travel souvenirs. (Out they go. Make a mental note not to buy so readily on future trips.)
  • I am not a calligrapher. (I enjoyed my class. I learned some skills. I haven’t used my quill in 15 years. Out it goes, with all the ink.)
  • I am not a reader of toddler books. (My kids are way past this. I kept the favorites that still bring joy.)

I am good with the identities I’ve chosen for today. I can see them clearly and with greater purpose. I am excited about them. Happily, my identities for today do not bind me to what my identities are in the future, and that is a beautiful thing.  

This identity concept still doesn’t account for all of the extra stuff in my house. There’s still the 46 coffee cups I just counted in my kitchen. 46! How does that even happen?!  

Nonetheless, the really entrenched stuff, the stuff that is deeply tied to my emotions, my public guilts and private shames, is most often caught up in this whirl of identities. I am letting them go. May they live a long and happy life bringing joy and utility to others.

That is another beautiful thing. Those bins of excess fabric? You may turn them into gorgeous quilts that will warm and hearten. Those pasta makers?  You may use them to feed and cheer. Sitting where they’ve been in my house has, in a sense, robbed others of a means of warmth and comfort.  

What Do I Do With What I Don’t Want

In my last post, Everything You Buy Is Trash, I discussed generating less trash, and here I’m talking about getting rid of things. With a little thought, I can find happy, loving homes for most of the excess in my house, without resorting to a landfill.   

Here’s where all that stuff I evicted is going:

Much of it to a yard sale benefiting a Mom’s group I’m part of. (But I certainly could have hosted a Kitchen Swap, and hopefully exchanged my pasta machines, meat grinder, and cake decorating gear for pie or bread pans! But not another mug.)

The toddler books to a friend with younger children.

The English Renaissance books to our library’s used book store.

The electric train went to a mom in my Mom’s group for her husband to fiddle with.

The music books to a local music exchange.

The fabric is going to the quilting group at my church.

For other ideas of whom to benefit with your castoffs, check out this thorough list.

What about you? Who are you and what stuff is holding you down from being fully that? Open your closets with new vision. Instead of seeing the same ol’ stuff, see if you can find identities that don’t fit you anymore, or perhaps never did. I’d love to hear about some of those strangers you end up evicting!

Further reading

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Erin says:

I love this perspective on using your identities to decide what is still useful and meaningful in your life. And I’m also a big fan of donating items to specific people and groups that can use them, rather than just taking them to Goodwill where they still might end up in the dump (which I have to admit I still do if I must). One of my favorite donations was a ton of trophies my daughter collected over the years from many dance competitions. These trophies didn’t have her name on them or anything unique to her. They were the ones that everybody got for a job well done. I absolutely did not want these in my basement any more collecting all the spider webs and taking up half the floor, but couldn’t stand the thought of throwing them in a dumpster. I made many phone calls around town to see if there were any groups that would take them to give their kids for events. I almost gave up until someone got my message and reached out, who knew of a kids club that could use them for their upcoming event. I was so happy to be able to contribute and hopefully the kids were excited to get trophies for their job well done. I still kept my daughter’s trophies that were meaningful to her and represented a special time in her life. But it’s much more valued with the memories they hold. Thanks

Stephanie says:

Hi, I’m just curious about the reference to cutting meat . My first thought was a proper burial for all the body parts of sentient beings who’s identities were taken away . I stopped eating animals as a 10 year old child in the 70’s didn’t even know what vegetarian or vegan (8 years later and I am forever). So as my identity “a voice for the voiceless” I ask if you got rid of an animal body part slicer, beater, weapon of mass destruction bc you know that it’s wrong to steal and non vegan is stealing animals away from their mothers / families bc animals do not want their lives’ stolen and there is no such thing as humane slaughter I mean “humane” and “slaughter” they are “life” or “murder” 2 very different words. I think of “pig” and “cigarette” bc eating pork causes cancer. Fact. But humane and slaughter never go together. Who wants to be slaughtered? People actually think you can murder something and it won’t hurt maybe they think it won’t even bleed? Or that the animal has no problem being killed if it is done with a sharper knife or held differently or if the person is actually such a hypocrite that they believe the brainwashing that went into that label. I think human kind murder. Hmmm? Anyway you definitely had many faces / identities so did your food have a face? I’m sure being an educator and mom you aren’t a thief duh you wouldn’t identify yourself as taking an animals life I mean that is prison time for taking a humans life. Or a kidnapper stealing babies from their moms. I won’t go further with dairy I’m not going to talk about slavery and rape or an identity of slave or victim. So I did enjoy your decluttering identities and I’m thinking you can identify as a vegan bc you seem way to intelligent not to be as you parted with the “meat” “butcher” identity. The animals say thank you 🙏
I say thank you 🙏
-a voice for the voiceless

Kathy says:

My family and I prefer casual meals over formal dinners. So I sold my china and crystal over 10 years ago. The people who bought them were so happy!
I realized I would never do counted cross-stitch again. I gave my supplies to a grateful cousin.

Sarah says:

I am highly impressed with this identity concept, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of it before however it is so so very helpful. How many items have I accumulated identifying with someone I simply am not‼️ This is extremely unfortunate, I am grateful to have found this article because I think to myself all the things I no longer identify with as well like you, past professions etc. today I am a mom, and most of my identity revolves around that and being as comfortable and simple in that, sure I have several other identities however being a mom takes precedence over them all, minimal everything is most helpful as a mom to little ones. I no longer identify as a nail technician, however I enjoy doing my own nails and toes and my daughters so out goes the excessive nail equipment,(nine pedicure spas occupying my entire garage to be exact) I no longer identify as a Nite clubber, however I do like to go to dinner and a movie or once in a great while out with my girlfriends, out go the many party shoes and dresses I never wear. I’m much more comfortable in modest attire I don’t mind getting dirty. I’ll keep my absolute favorites. This is such an eye opener and has given me a sense of clarity even the Marie Kondo method could not. Who doesn’t love to daydream about what could be or what was? However what is, is most important, if you want to be something be it, don’t hold onto to an item and hold an identity in that item, what a robber of potential. If you made this identity concept up yourself your a genius♥️ Even if you didn’t your still a genius for blogging about it as it will hopefully assist me in getting my stuff together in this house that’s bursting at the seams.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Sarah- It’s great this article resonated with you so!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Karen- I’m so glad to hear this article was a help to you!

Merit says:

Hello! My husband, two toddlers and me just moved to an apartment slightly smaller than our previous apartment. Specially the kitchen storage place and the closets are smaller in general. I loved to just going through our stuff and to be able to let go of so many things. 5 car loads went to the recycling center, donation centers and new homes. I was really happy to give away in hope that “my stuff” would be finally used or reused for its intended purpose.
I wish I had read this blog before. The idea of identities is a great way to let go of stuff and the GUILT that I’m not who I was or I’m not who I want to be nor the size I wish to be. (Not saying I won’t ever be, but there’s no need to accumulate guilt clothing or kitchen utensils).
In a couple of years we are planning on doing a renovation of our apartment and I want to take the time again to go through every single thing we have and re-evaluating if it still fits in our lives. Thank you!

Genette says:

Oh my gosh Lisa, your concept of “identities” is brilliant, and I can readily see the benefit of who I am “NOW.” I struggle mightily with letting go and believe you have shared “a more excellent way.” I feel inspired, energized, and excited! THANK YOU!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Genette – I am so very glad!! Time to move forward!

Lynn says:

Excellent post! I just found your blog and am so delighted to have subscribed. I’ve already read two other post and have to agree on what you are conveying to your readers and I am also learning a few new tips.

Blessings,
Lynn

Lisa Bronner says:

Glad to hear my blog is a helpful resource for you, Lynn!

Laney says:

This is wonderful! To those who have referenced Marie Kondo I love her but this method of using your identities is actually even easier for me to comprehend. I believe that I will combine the 2 and it will be majestic!
I do want to know what you think about this though…I am a makeup artist and have been for several years. This means I have so much high end makeup that I couldn’t even begin to use it all. It is valuable but would take forever to sell it all piece by piece. It’s all brand new and in its packaging dose any one have any ideas? I am already having a garage sale but I’ve never seen high end cosmetics at a garage sale sooo I’m at a lost??
PLEASE HELP!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Laney- I’ve had success selling items through a local buy/sell/trade social media group. If you’re looking to donate, a local cosmetology school or organization that guides people through job placements & interviews would surely be happy to have it. Hopefully readers will chime in with more suggestions.

Terri says:

Laney, Just started reading the wonderful posts on this site today. As I’m not a new convert to simplifying life, once a year I sort out my own closets and attic for things I no longer need. Recently I started to sell what didn’t go to charity to other people on eBay, and in doing so have paid for an occasional grocery shop or family movie day out with what money I made from it. But what has totally surprised me is how much I enjoy reselling online! So much so, that now I am in the process of growing my own online business!

My point is, consider reselling your sealed makeup online, (it’s fun!), and if that’s not for you, it’s very easy to just pack it all into a shipping box, pick a price, and list it on Facebook Marketplace, (you can choose to ship only – instead of meeting someone to sell it to locally if you are more comfortable with that). Then let me know the title of your listing here? If I don’t buy it from you to resell, I’m willing to bet that at the right price someone else will! Best wishes, Terri

Eva says:

I have finally accepted the fact that my children don’t want much of what I have saved. They don’t have the memories I associate with a particular item. They have their own memories.We have 5 Children living in 5 different states than the state where their dad and I live. I have been sending pictures of items that I’m going to donate to the Salvation Army in a group text.(my parents, grand parents, and great grandparents where Salvation Army officers to honor them). Most of the time the Army wins!

Jean says:

Loved all your advice. And to be honest with you, I will probably use every hint and idea you shared.
But where can we purchase all the products without running from store to store to find them.

I heard a seven year old boy say that when we are young, we can’t collect enough; But when we get old we can’t get rid of enough.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Jean – I love the advice of the seven-year-old. Such wisdom! I think that decluttering our errands, and our schedules, is just as important as decluttering our households. For Dr. Bronner’s products, check out the store locator on the Dr. Bronner’s site, where you can see what stores have what products in your area and find which have the collection you want. Another option is ordering online, either from the Dr. Bronner’s webstore or elsewhere like Pharmaca or Frontier.

Jan says:

This post fits me, too! I ‘retired’ (read: forced out by pandemic) and we just moved from a three-bedroom home we lived in for 30+ years to a 2 bedroom townhome. No more need of lawn mower, snow blower, lawn edger! Combined guest room with craft room – pared down lots of items for crafts I will never do. No more need for ‘work clothes’ – bags and bags of clothes went to donation centers. No more need for formal dining room set – part stayed with new owners, part donated. Pared down kitchen stuff to the things I always use, donated rest. Kids’ stuff went home with kids. Definitely feeling lighter and more unencumbered by ‘stuff’!

Miranda M. says:

Lovely. This fits so well for me right now. I just finished When the Heart awaits by Sue Monk Kidd an absolutely fantastic book about spiritual formation in mid-life as I have felt the need for some spiritual sorting of my identities. Can’t recommend it enough. But I digress. The kids are gone in PA for a few weeks and I wanted to do a massive declutter and overhaul while they are gone. This is just the inspiration I needed, plus it was nice to “hear your voice” as an old friend and former identity (Mops mom) I oft times miss.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Miranda! Great to hear from you, too! I’m so glad this fit in with where you are right now.

K Morgan says:

Thanks for the great post Lisa! I like to go through things seasonally – we have a loose rule in our home – if it doesn’t get used in a year, out it goes to bring joy to someone else! I appreciate the suggestions for things and would like to add another: https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/
I found a local group in my town (via Facebook) and have had many takers for specific items (for instance, I just gave away our daughter’s large collection of Care Bears to a teacher, who was looking to provide some comfort to her students). It does take a little effort to post items and determine who gets your stuff, but I find it is a good option for specific things that might otherwise not have as much meaning if taken to Goodwill.
Keep up the good work!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi there – Excellent! Thank you for sharing the resource!

Gretana ty Iltha says:

Lisa, thank you for sharing your insights on this process. There is a new Netflix series titled “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo” that you might enjoy. The series is based on her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing”.

Andrea says:

Hey Lisa – I relate well to your description of a sluggish home and also look forward to the lightness of a house that is not clogged and burdened. I really LOVE this concept of identities past, present and future. Not only will I think of you when I clean my shower (peppermint soft scrub & I have a thing – man I love that stuff) but also, very soon as you have inspired my to face the reality that ‘I am no longer a scuba diver’ and ‘I am no longer a hula hooper’. Heh heh – love to you from Pete, Michaela and Hamish too. xx

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Andrea! Though some may be past, I know you have a good many adventures left in you! And I bet you could still hula a mean hoop, if you had the time. And inclination. Love to all, from all here!

Kathryn says:

THANK YOU, Lisa! What an inspiring, pragmatic, wise post! I’m printing it out to be put in my revolving file to look at again next Januar 1st – for the next 10 years or more.

The practicality and brilliance of your ideas and musings are truly food for the soul, seeds for every “heart-garden” waiting to be planted.

Please continue sharing your honest, pragmatic wisdom – you’re a beacon in this world!

With thanks, admiration and gratitude, Kathryn

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Kathryn- Thank you for your kind words. I love the idea of tucking this away to revisit each year. Decluttering is most certainly an ongoing task.

Tamara Renee says:

Hi Lisa, This is truly the BEST article I have ever read on decluttering. Thank you that there was no shaming involved. I love the idea of looking at the things I have collected through the eyes of “who am I”, “what identity do these things belong to”. After being injured 3 years ago I had limited movement and got caught up with purchasing anything and everything online. Now I am surrounded with stuff I don’t need and as I am slowly being able to do more for myself I will start to declutter with the focus on my identity associated with each item. For the first time I feel I have been gifted with a method that will work for me. THANK YOU!!!

Lisa Bronner says:

Thank you, Tamara! I am so happy to hear this article spoke to you.

Lumen says:

My husband and I are currently on a similar venture. We grow most of our own food, cook from scratch (would LOVE a pasta machine!*), make bread, craft our own cleaning supplies (praise to Dr Bronners…it’s all we need, really!) and feel great at the end of the day for creating less impact for the rest of the world to manage. Just as we consider ourselves simple/minimalist people, we invariably ‘trip’ over an object that sits idle, with no real identity (and continue to do it day after day). What about us? Then it hits us that it is time to purge, release the weight of the quick and simple, at that time, pleasures that now bring us unwanted stress and take up valuable space. It is important to consider not only the impact of your choices for the planet but also for ones self. If we cannot create a better, more efficient personal space at home, we cannot create the same outside of it. We want to be examples to others and it starts at home. Thank you for this motivational (and funny) post. It is a reminder to always take time to consider what is reasonably best for you in the long term, prior to taking ownership of it. * will trade for a vegetable spiralizer!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Lumen- I too have found myself “tripping” over an unused item – repeatedly – without seeing it. Until suddenly I do. Which is a sure sign it’s time for some decluttering. My pasta maker has been passed along to a new home. Perhaps your local thrift shop has one there just waiting for you!

Maggie says:

What did u do with your piano music? I
have a trunk full of my mother’s. She was
Very accomplished – so there is some difficult
and old sheet music and books.
Thanks!

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Maggie- I am giving my music to our local Music Exchange, and many music stores also sell old music. It can also be donated to a nearby high school or college or music teacher. If you’re crafty, there are all kinds of DIY projects to turn music into cards, wall art, magnets, even jewelry. Some good gift ideas for a musician there. Some old music can be have value to a collector, depending on copyright date, rarity, condition, etc.

Karen Daniels says:

Excellent post! I too have been purging our home of the previous identities (love the use of that word here). I feel so free and much more clear minded. There’s also an added bonus…I have less to dust!!!

V.B says:

Hi Lisa,
Here in the suburbs of Chicago we are getting ready for a “Once a Century” weather event ( riiiight…it is Chicago). Expecting -45 degree windchill readings so it’s the perfect time to dig into those cabinets and closets and take control. I have already done a Minimalist purge in my house but you are right in saying somehow it resurfaces and clogs the arteries of life. My project of “who I am now” started when my last child went off to college. I learned to sew back in high school. I also enjoy visiting thrift stores which can be dangerous when trying to keep the clutter at bay. So I focus on buying thrift cashmere sweaters and turn them into fresh repurposed scarves for Vets and the homeless. Everyday I create I am surrounded by one of the most luxurious fabrics in every color of the rainbow! It’s a gift for me as well. Finding what we are passionate about is much easier without all “who I was” cluttering up our lives. Let’s us be the best version of ourselves. Thanks for your inspiring blog.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi V.B.- I love how your gift to others is also a gift to you!

april says:

How AWESOME is your service to others……….thank you for the wonderful idea. Do you have a website with pics, I would love to see your creations.

Blessings, April in Idaho

James Cunningham says:

Lisa, It’s always a pleasure reading your blog. An inspirational pleasure actually! I think you struck a chord with me when you mentioned the 46 mugs! So we aren’t the only ones who accumulate coffee mugs! As I said to my wife, we live in a house not a drop in centre! Things will have to go OUT. As we’ve just become grandparents (December 17 ??) we will have to be able to accommodate a new set of ‘souvenirs’ & ‘stuff’ New circumstances, New priorities! Thanks for the little push needed to begin the process. Jim.

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi Jim- I’m glad I’m not the only one to have so many mugs! Congratulations on your new identity as grandparents. Enjoy!

DSS says:

Loved this article. I shared it with my sister (an English professor) because of the imagery and with a friend who shares my zeal for regular “organizing” because of the practicality. With decades behind me, I have often felt slightly sad at saying good-bye to “identities I have had in the past. Identities I thought I wanted to have in the future. Identities I feel I ought to have now, but don’t,” even though it was necessary. I love the shift from “sacrificing to make time and space” to “focusing on the joy of now” especially as the past looms larger and the future becomes much smaller. I’m always up for a good round of organizing, but I’m even more excited this time around. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

Lisa Bronner says:

Hi DDS- I’m glad this post resonated with you, and thank you for sharing it!

About Lisa Bronner

My grandfather was Dr. Bronner, my family makes soap, and I share ways to use it plus tips on greener living.

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