I am a hoarder... or a pack rat... a collector maybe?? I dunno what I would be classified as, but I do know that I'm super busy trying to get things in order before the holiday break. I am finally going to "suck it up" and part with some of my many, many craft items (I knit, crochet, sew, bake, paint and paper craft). I seriously considered just putting aside the things that I absolutely want and having a friend come in to "clean out" the rest. I would not be at home, of course, but then I thought better of it. I need to do this for me...I need to do this for my family. Our house is not small, but it's not huge either. Living space is at a premium now.

For the record, I don't keep junk and trash lying around. My house is clean just overflowing with my craft stuff. I literally have stuff stored in every room except the bathroom. This used to be a running joke among my friends..that I have enough stuff to open my own craft shop. It's not funny anymore. I want some organization in my life again. I NEED organization in my life again. I want to be able to pinpoint exactly where something is and not spend 30 minutes digging through boxes looking for it.

Admitting that there is a problem is the first step in fixing the problem, right? I'm just hoping it isn't going to hurt too much. It is only stuff after all. I will not be parting with any machine or cartridges. I will not part with my papers, glitter, ribbon... I will have to weigh this very, very carefully. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for reading. I feel better now.

Oh I am right there with you. I get my area all organized and set up, then I add something new I like doing, currently stamping and coloring on cards too. Then, for some reason,when I add all of these new things, my area is unorganized and bursting at the seams again.

Maybe you can still have your friend come over to help you and give you some support, it can be a very difficult thing to do. It sounds like you are really ready to make a change, just stay focused on your goal. There is also a website called freecycle. You post the things you want to give away and if someone wants it, they send an email and you arrange a pick up time and leave it on your porch. Good luck!

It's all the coupon's fault! I to have alot of stuff mine is just in my craft room, I have
moved stuff around so much sometimes I can't even remember where something is,or I buy something only to find I already have it, poor DH walks in my room and just shakes his head. So you are not alone. I have been redoing things though getting rid of stuff I don't use cleaning out alot and it realy does feel good to have a clean place to play.Good luck with your clean out.

Have you ever seen the saying "My husband let's me keep as many crafting supplies as I can hide from him"

When my teenage son moved out of the house I turned his room into my craft room.

I found a group on Facebook that did a challenge. We all wanted to get rid of some scraps . . . which we were calling (s)crap since so many people have heard from spouses "why don't you get rid of that crap". Anyway, the first lady put some scraps in a box and shipped them to the next lady. The second lady took some scraps out and then added some of her own and shipped to the third lady . . . and so on and so on . . . then we all created things out of the other person's (s)crap! One person's (s)crap is another person's treasure!!!!

Just a suggestion.......... A local school or girl scout group would love to have what you don't want or don't have the time to use. What a wonderful time of the year to make a donation!!! All those busy little kids, making stuff for the people they love for Christmas.......

It is hard to give away things, but it may help to know that there are really people who will put the items you donate to good use. I was a teacher for years, I loved it when crafty moms donated an old hoard to me. I was able to give my students art with more than just the usual school issue construction paper and white glue...... It is much easier to let go of our stuff when we know it will bring joy to the people who are receiving it...... Merry Christmas :-)

Wow, all of you have such great ideas. I know that many people are recycling their extra supplies, etc. to various groups, charities, schools, etc.

Mama C is collecting items for her prison craft ministry with a group of ladies she is working with and there are various people who have crops for charity and need donated prizes for those too!!

I know several ladies who have various clubs, groups, etc. that always welcome supplies. I have a friend who has a 4-H Scrapbooking Club, another friend who does crops, etc. for both 4-H and FFA fundraisers.

Senior Centers, Girl Scout Troops, libraries, and schools will all welcome items.

We have a Weekday Education school in our church that has a pre-school class as well as afternoon daycare and they are always looking for items.

If you want to sell items, I am sure there are plenty of ebay, etc. sites to sell on, but if you just want to donate, there are lots of places.

Good luck with your endeavor - I too want to organize and get things neater so I can find what I have on hand. I will wish everyone luck and hope I can get more organized as well.

Penny

I am not a hoarder. I am a collector!!! However, I really need to stop collecting yarn. Paper takes up much less space.