I tossed at least 6 big boxes of cereal today, and an unopened big jar of Nutella that said best used by Nov 2015. I was so in the habit of buying certain things, and then the kids went off to college, started working out, we changed eating habits, etc.
We are also likely just buying new tree lights this year, because we have many stands of unknown age/origin, and we want to be safe. We did cut tree down yesterday, but we don’t know when we will decorate. I’m thinking I can fill another bag with decorations not used in 15 years or more.
OK, @VeryHappy, time to change your avatar to puppy wearing a turtleneck. 
:o3
Here you go, @doschicos: Just for you, and just for tonight!!
Ok, @doschicos: Here you go. Just for you, and just for tonight. (The cropping didn’t work well in my avatar, but you’ll get the general idea.)
Thanks, @VeryHappy. Too cute and good use of the turtleneck. 
Such a sweet puppy, VH!
VH, try putting tabasco on the cones–might make her think again.
cute!
Thanks, all. I’m back to my old avatar. Also of dogs, of course. 
We are iced in this morning, and H is cleaning out! He just put 14 dress shirts on the give away pile.
We too are iced in this morning and I went through the sweater and turtle neck storage. One bag gone of ones I don’t wear and are too small. Also realized I don’t need any more sweaters! I alwyas like to shop the new ones each year but I have everything I need really.
Kid is on a roll - cleared out 40 pounds of school papers from her room. I have a bunch of stuff ready to go to Goodwill.
I’m impressed that so many of you are clearing things out in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle! Kudos!
Just read about a local place that takes new or used Christmas cards and used scenic calendars on our island, as well as shoe boxes. I may have to Make a delivery there.
I’m struggling to deal with items that used to belong to my ex-H (“used to” because per the divorce judgment, they’re mine now that the generous deadline for him to remove his stuff is long past). I don’t want to throw away things that would have value to someone (for example, tools, LPs) but I’m not driving on this cold, snowy weekend. So I decided to start moving things from the basement to the screened-in porch. Out of sight but closer to the car and garbage can; it seems like a good compromise.
@rosered55 I wouldn’t look at those items like they belong to you, now. I’d look at it like they belong to the universe.
Moving them to the back porch breaks the OHIO rule (Only Handle It Once), and just moves the problem in space, not in your mind.
I’d put them out on the FRONT porch, put an ad on Freecycle with a few pictures and the words “come and get it”. Then put a sign on the door that says “don’t ring the bell, just take any/all items you see here on the front porch”.
Boom, problem solved, snow or no snow.
If you are donating the things you are bagging up you should check if there is a local USCRI (US Commiittee for Refugees and Immigrants.) They are involved in settliing families and they need everything, from clothes to household items (sheets, blankets, pots and pans, etc.) I wish I knew about this org after I did the big clean out this summer. They also purchase new things from any money donated, so I’m giving a big check instead of gifts to friends this holiday season (we all do a donation now instead of gifts.)
A quick google will give you info about your local USCRI.
What should I do with LPs? Do people buy these? My ex-h had many in the basement. They would have been his if he had taken them but now, as someone said above, they belong to the universe. Some of the universe stuff goes into the trash but these seem as though they might have value to other people. Ideas?
I think there are still used record stores. Google to see if there are any in your area,
Yes, people will pay $ for many old record albums.
I’m going to throw a thought out there, @rosered55, having read your recent thread about your ex. This stuff of your ex-husband can wait. It’s the holidays. put it out of your head for now and leave it be. Focus on the holidays now. Go bake some cookies, listen to some music, drive around and see some lights, go sit in some cute cafe and drink some peppermint hot chocolate, read a good book. You can focus on purging his stuff in the new year. No need to focus on it now and stir up stuff at this time of year. The New Year is a good time to clean out and you can list and sell the stuff of value or donate it then. Just a thought.
Living in a house formerly resided in by a hoarder is worse at the holidays. If the house is messy, I’m at fault for being a slob; if it’s clean, I’m at fault for stirring up stuff. Darned if I do, darned if I don’t, seems to be my life story.