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Monday, October 22, 2012

In love with Junk


How much are you attached to the junk? 
A weird question to ask, but if you ask me honestly, I would answer, that my love for junk is almost akin to love of a teenager for a new found sweetheart! This may sound preposterous but frankly it is the hard truth! The fast approaching Diwali set me in motion to clear my wardrobe which I detest doing on a normal day!
I opened a bag where I had stored my old mobiles, which keep getting accumulated at a pace faster than I could get rid of them! Soon I will be able to boast of having a small museum of a particular brand of mobiles as they evolved over the last decade! I chicken out at the thought of getting rid of them as each one has some memories associated with it. I relooked at them and after spending half an hour, I returned them back to where they belonged.

Next it was the turn of examining the old shirts, trousers et al! The older clothes serve me so much better in the hot sultry months that I find them most difficult to get rid of! The comfort they provide while working or relaxing at home is unmatched which no new clothes can ever provide! So except for the ones really unfit to wear, my dilemma remained and could not find much to get rid of!
The old folders of papers, cards, pictures, have so much value that even one gaze at the old cards given by relatives, friends or close family take me through the time machine and am transported back in time! The cute pictures drawn by my daughter, the lovely words, scribbled in cards given on birthdays, anniversaries, or even older cards are too valuable to discard. The older diaries are priceless, as I have jotted my travel accounts. It is a goldmine which cannot be discarded.

Another bulky folder which was gathering dust in a corner was pulled out with utmost care as if handling a fragile piece of crockery! I opened, it and my old report cards of school, the school leaving certificates, some merit cards and other accomplishments popped out! I looked back at them with awe as, the time stood momentarily! There was another roll by the side, and on opening I found the posters I had so lovingly collected of the Aircraft Carriers and ships hoping that I could decorate them on the wall one day! Alas, the posters could never make it to the walls of the house and quietly lay in the corner in the cupboard.   I had already spent more than two hours trying to identify what to get rid of without much success!

I turned my head around, and looked at the bookshelf! Nothing much, except some old magazines which I could identify to get rid of, but my collection of The Reader’s Digest and The Lonely Planet magazine are too precious to be discarded.

So after about another hour spent in rearranging and dusting them, I came to my bedroom on hearing a message beep on the mobile! I picked it up to open the Inbox! Oh gosh more than 600 hundred messages in the Inbox! I had been too lazy even to clear the mailbox. What is most annoying is that even the dozens of short messages sent by dubious property dealers and peddler of stray merchandize and promotion campaigns stayed in company of the nice greetings and messages which I had preserved!

Whether, it is the mailbox or the closets, the junk stays and it takes a herculean effort to get rid of it! Sometimes, we feel that this so called junk could come to our help one day as a reuse item! One needs a very strong heart to get rid of the clutter is what I realized! I would love to hear from you readers to suggest how you get rid of these assets which are priceless at times!

PS- Image Kind courtesy Google Images

85 comments:

  1. Your post reminds me that its time for my annual Diwali cleaning. Once upon a time I too hoarded loads of junk, but nowadays I am getting a little wiser. I inspect my cupboard for junk atleast two to three times a year. My belief has become that what I consider junk may be usable to someone, so I dispose it quickly, so that the other person can use it.

    Wow! I am the first to comment :)

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    1. I agree Rachna, that whatever is unlikely of use is best given away! Yes, this time I posted my mail to ensure you are first if you care to read:) Thanks a lot!

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    2. Ofcourse I care to read your posts. I actually look forward to reading them :)

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    3. I know you are one of the kindest readers I have and one of the most supportive one too, Rachna:)

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  3. Oh my God, you're a replica of my dad. Each and every point you mentioned there, is true for him as well. Not to forget, the Big Fights at home coz of those old clothes not being discarded :P

    And now, I miss him and want to go home. :(

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    1. That was a very sweet comment Akanksha! A big thanks indeed:) I kept the fight part out of this post...:)

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  4. I'm not as bad as you, but we do have a lot of ... er... junk - or should I say hidden treasures around the house!

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    1. I know Lady Fi how bad I am hence asked for help:) Thanks a lot!

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  5. :-) I used to have all sorts of things stored - mostly because we had a rather large house. These days, I am far better - a clutter free space is much better as the sheer thought of regularly spending time cleaning and dusting is crazy.

    I am on a major drive to "nikalo" currently :D

    Which reminds me...I must figure out what to do with all those audio cassettes and video tapes. Build a shelf maybe. :D

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    1. Ha ha, Vidya so you still need to decide what to do with audio cassettes! I forgot to mention them:) Thanks a lot!

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  6. Umm..it's hard to say what to discard. May be you should rent a garage or public storage and keep this stuff there and keep visiting the space whenever you feel like. That way, your house would be clean and rather ready to accommodate more junk. Wait, now am I suggesting you a good or worse idea? lol

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    1. Latha, I have a garage where I can stow away for the time being till I can manage to accumulate more junk, without hiring a public storage place! Thanks for planting this idea:)

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  7. Hi Rahul, good choice of topic, I must admit I used to be guilty of hoarding all sorts of unnecessary things too, but over the years I've learnt to toss them out. Its true that you must keep certain pieces of memorabilia that can't be replaced - photos, cards, souvenirs. For clothes, if you haven't worn it in 6months to a year - it should go. If something can't be used again or is obsolete, it can be tossed too. Start with something less important and slowly you will find it easier to let go of stuff.

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    1. Oh Sam, I know all you people are so wise hence needed suggestions!I think I will heed your advise and try to detach myself by doing an 'ABC Analysis' of the inventory accumulated and get rid of it:)

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    2. Let us know how the progress is going with your spring or rather winter cleaning! Have a wonderful weekend!

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    3. Ha, Ha... been keeping busy with clearing operation, Sam:) Have a lovely week ahead!

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  8. Accumulating junk holds true for most us - it is a common human trait. The longer the junk stays the more you get attached to it. The secret is never to accumulate the junk for very long periods - get rid of them periodically say every month or quarter. It is easier said then done :)

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    1. I finally have some company, Rama, who exhibits the same trait! Thanks indeed!

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  9. Ha ha ... That is what I would write about my sister! Sick of looking at the clutter everyday my brother-in-law bought another apartment adjacent to store all precious junk my sister loves! She even has preserved all my toys and clothes when I was little! I think she mainly preserves the fond memories associated with those things :) Nice post, loved reading it!

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    1. There will be enough people with similar traits Kusum:)You are lucky that collection on your behalf is being done by your sister!

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  10. Lovely topic! I am the one in the house who loves collecting all types of junk and stack it up in the cupboard. Just like you, Diwali for me also is one of the times when I (have to) sit down and clean the stuffs, but I really find it hard to get rid of any of it however hard I try. Needless to say then, my cupboard looks the messiest of all the members in my house. I am in need of a solution too :(

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    1. Thank you, Arti, that I have something similar to your trait! Maybe you could pass some influence of learning to write winners too, in your inimitable style:)

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  11. Rahul sir, you remind me of my nana. Aunt, mom and nani used to pester him to clear out 'junk'(according to them), but my nana wouldn't hear of it. So many memories associated with those things. I would also not be able to just throw them off. The cards and letters, ceritifcates, those have to be preserved for life. Mobiles and trousers can go I guess :-) Nostalgic one.

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    1. Feel so happy Jenny that his post could evoke some fond memories! A big thanks for that:)

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  12. I could identify with this post.. My collection includes all the b'day cards i have got since i was in 5th standard, all my merit certificates, some art and project files, and most important of all.. my school uniform!! However sometimes i am jokingly criticised for keeping all these things so safely till now!!

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    1. That reminds me Radhika that even my Naval uniforms are still stored though I quit long ago:) So you are not alone!Thanks indeed

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  13. Agree...some are so precious that one cant label them as junk...sp handwritten cards.

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    1. Very true, they are the most priceless possesions, Alka:)

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  14. I have a perpetual problem with things. They just keep getting piled up. Bigger problem is with hubby wanting to keep every tiny thing including wrappings :(.

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    1. Ha ha .. Rachna! Your hubby is like me in this regard:)

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  15. A good reminder post!Either you appreciate the junk you have collected or you trash them down mercilessly! I do the second, if I dont use a stuff for a month, that means I can survive without it!I give away to those that are needy and who will need it for their survival. Detachment... is the key!

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    1. I now need to be stonger like you Padmaja for being merciless in getting rid of the things not needed:)Thanks a lot!

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  16. this is exactly what my mom does... and me, to some extent!! :)

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    1. Good habits get passed down the generations , Ash:) Thanks!

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  17. Hahahah Rahul sir :D seems like :D you have not cleared anything :D you just recheked and made sure you have all the junks (occording to other silly soul like me) is in place and :D again assured yourslef that these are priceless :D
    lol :D

    :P Forget it Rahul sir keep everything :D every little thing are asset :D treasure it :D

    P.S: hope your wifey is not reading my comment else she will :D come hunting me :D

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    1. I have promised some readers before that I will get rid of the junk, but your suggestion is just contrary to that, Ramya! I need to remain the way I am and keep collecting more such treasures:) Right now, not sure what my wife will say, but rest assured you wont be hunted down!!

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  18. I am also in the habit of keeping clothes thinking, I might fit in them one day, and that day is always eluding me. Sometimes I do feel the need to clear up, and give away things that has been luring me keep with false hopes,I just don't think twice, and just pack them and give them to people who can wear them.
    I also feel having clothes that will never fit me, is a waste of space, and also this prevents me from buying new clothes, so the best solution is to get rid of them.
    I even have lots of books, which also needs to be given away to some deserving people.
    Ha! think of so much more space to keep new things. I feel we should give away things that has been lying around unused for a year.

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    1. I am getting a stronger message to get rid of old stuff soon:) You justified it so well Rama!

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  19. Oh my, Rahul sir, My loft is full of junk, I am really stupid I tell you, I am spontaneous buyer which sometimes i regret too.. because it has ended up having so many things .. that probably i did not want and since they a bit expensive too , Now I dont have the heart to throw them .. so they are stuck in the loft waiting that some day i will use them ..

    clothes I am getting fatter and fatter .. so I have again ended up putting my old clothes and suits in big bags .. hoping One day i will reduce which it seems is never gonna happen ..

    Right I need to get rid of some of the junk soooon

    Bikram's

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    1. Sometimes these possessions become so unweildy that one needs to find immediate remedy, Bikram:)

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  20. You are like my Dad and except for clothes I can't understand why there is a love for junk. Memories, may be. :)

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  21. You have no idea how much I manage to throw in the garbage every time I tidy up my closet.
    I never have anything to wear, like all other women.. but I throw several garbage bags of clothes a year.
    Bad conscience, I should have sent it to others who need it..

    Happy day to you:-)

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    1. Thanks a lot Tanya for that nice comment:) Happy week!

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  22. I'm not too bad. I dislike clutter so I don't hang onto things...

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  23. Some of these are really priceless Rahul, an old report card for instance :) For the rest, there are times when I am in a super-robot mood when I go on a cleaning spree and dispose off things before my mind has a chance to reconsider.

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    1. Jaishree thank you for relating the similarities! Now I also need to get detached to junk soon, to get rid of it!

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  24. ahahahah great topic!

    GREEN and CRUELTY FREE COSMETICS: what do you think about?
    http://www.cheapandglamour.com/2012/10/green-cruelty-free-cosmetics-what-do.html

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  25. I hold onto things hoping that they'd come handy sometime in future and hence I have a collection of clutter as well :D
    +Not Just My Allegories+

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  26. I can't stand clutter, but my man is a hoarder! He saves things hoping it will be of use someday. I'm going to show him this cartoon!

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  27. Thanks Ash for having related to the post!

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  28. I stood with you... it’s not easy to get rid of old things, even we drop few hold back a lot.
    600 messages is huge!

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  29. Dear Rahul, I understand exactly how you feel, I have trouble parting with anything that holds special memories for me, so I would say I am very attached to my 'junk', to me they are treasures.
    Have a lovely weekend!
    xoxoxo ♡

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    1. Ha ha Dianne, even you are like me:)Have a lovely weekend too!

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  30. very nice post.. with regards to clothes and dresses., this happens to me too.. most times old clothes become home wear, so that is okay..
    but sometimes stuffs that are gifted or some that i like, i just tend to keep them.. oft it happens that i get bored of some clothes though they will be in a good condition, and they just lay in there..

    my dad is that way too., and my mom does the clutter cleanin for him without his knowledge, she gives away his old clothes to the workers., which he realises only when he see s there wearing it..

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    1. A big thanks Dipthi for having taken time to read my older posts and finding that you rcould elate to them too!I think a little stronger will is needed to get detached to unnecessary things:)

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  31. You sound like my Mom! She is hopelessly attached to all things old and useless. You should go out of the house and let your wife handle it :-)

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    1. I know Purba that this solution may work best, but my wife too desists going near my stuff:)

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  32. In my house there is automatic clearing of clutter -- we shift houses so often that the unwanted stuff gets thrown out or given away. Though I collect some amount of junk with nostalgic value, clothes are something that I regularly give away.

    @Vidya Sury: digitise the cassettes and keep them for their nostalgic value. Sometimes cassettes get spoilt. I have begun doing it. Philips has a four-in-one model that lets you directly convert audio tapes into MP3. I am in the process of doing it. But hope to keep the casettes too, if the L&M lets me have my way!

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  33. Thanks a lot, Zephyr for that great advice to Vidya and indirectly to me as well as I too have a big collection of cassattes:)
    I too used to be transferred often while in Navy so I know what you mean!

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  34. I am glad to leran that there is someone who hoards more than me, hihi.;)) When I moved from my old house a year ago, my husband, then boyfriend, helped me pack. Well, he actually helped me by driving to the recycling centre with all that crap I have stored all over the house. He did it for two days straight, bless his heart. I was worried I would miss something, but I don't - I can not even remember what was in all those boxes we threw out. Thank god I moved or I would still be drowning in all that junk today.;)
    Have a great weekend,
    xoxo

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    1. True, Zuzana! Need to do some cleaning soon:) Thanks!

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  35. Good one. I love to have some selective junk.

    After long time visiting your blog, gonna see regularly. Have missed so many posts. :O

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    1. Nice to see you back Shreya after a while and it is indeed a pleasure :) I too also need to catch up with your blog!

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  36. I think most of us have this attachment to our old nick nacks..sometimes I too wonder why we are so attached to things?

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  37. Ha Rahul one time I did collect alot of junk but now I am just the opposite as I get rid of everything as I am so lazy to clean up. I hate dust around. So I realized more junk I have more cleaning and I took turn to getting rid of everything.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  38. Thanks a lot Ionela for visiting my blog and liking it too:) You have a very nice and colorful blog!

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  39. Rahul,

    Great topic!!
    " Whether, it is the mailbox or the closets, the junk stays and it takes a herculean effort to get rid of it! "---- I love collecting stuff, so I loved this meaningful sentence...LOL..

    A few years ago I got rid of 80% of my 'junk'...but, couldn't get rid of the books, old CDs, DVDs,albums, old sarees, gifts and other random stuff of sentimental value... It’s strange how we get attached to worthless things....but,yes... it's a heart wrenching decision to get rid of such things...:((
    Interesting blog!

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    1. Thanks alot Panchali, that you too found familiarity in situation:)

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  40. My dad is totally and I am partly like you. He says he can't get rid of old stuff and something might be useful at certain point of time later. I preserve old stuff to keep those memories. It is such a nice feeling when I look at all the stuff and go back to my memories. Time stops momentarily, as said :)

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    1. Thank you Pria, for that very nice comment:)We do get attached to things:)

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  41. Rahul..." Enamorado de basura "

    Creo que a mi nadie me gana en estar enamorada de basura, es como dices la llevo en lo que siente mi corazòn, guardo todo con mucho cariño.
    En bijouterie por ejemplo que no uso, he tenido oportunidad de regalar para un cumpleaños y no puedo porque es algo que me pertenece, le doy vida a mis cosas.
    En mi vestuario lo he ido reciclando, para el asombro de mis amigas, que no se dan las ideas que poseo en dejarlas a la moda e innumerables cosas imposibles de detallar, que pienso el dìa que me valla al màs allà, que han de hacer con mi basura....me imagino llegar un camiòn volcador y adiòs basura jajajja

    ¡¡¡ interesante nota !!!

    un beso desde Argentina

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  42. Todos estamos de acumular una gran cantidad de basura y cosas de valor sentimental que se convierten en difíciles de descartar, Dolly :)

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  43. I can't get rid of junk as well and I'm so attached to them. Even cleaning them takes me on a journey of thoughts and I could spend eternity doing it. And now we are about to relocate and I shudder at the thought of de-cluttering.

    Lovely to have stopped by. Though, I have seen you as a
    neighbour-commenter in many blogs, this is the first time I am stopping by.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Welcome to my blog Susan! You have a lovely blog too as I read through the posts and was a pleasent discovery! Hope to see you here more often!

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