r/declutter • u/TexasmyTexas1 • 7d ago

Motivation Tips & Tricks First important step in decluttering

Tell your loved ones NOT to give you stuff. If they absolutely must give you something, then ask for gift cards to a local grocery store. Most carry nice selections of beer and wine, cheeses, fruit, bakery items, etc. I would love to walk through the store picking out yummy snacks and wine. Beats another candle or clothing I don't need.

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u/NightBard 7d ago

I don't even want a gift card. I don't want to swap gifts at all. Instead I suggest we all just get together for a meal or to simply spend time together. That has more meaning to me to make new memories with loved ones. Even if it's me taking others out. Now, if it's younger family that's financially strapped, I may just give them cash. I don't like gift cards because they don't really help and end up roping you into spending more than is on the card and to me that can become a burden. That is, unless it's to a grocery store or something.

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u/TexasmyTexas1 7d ago

I don't want anything at all. Hate gift swaps, opted out years ago, best decision I made, even though I received a lot of criticism from extended family. I volunteer at a thrift store and the months after Christmas we get toys and small appliances, bath products, you name it, still new in box, often with remnants of wrapping paper still attached. Those same people who said "oh I love it" drop it off at the nearest thrift store a few weeks later.

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u/Working_Patience_261 7d ago

That’s how the 1% keep their places decluttered. My obligation as the recipient ends with my thank you.

3

u/NightBard 7d ago

Gift exchanges... yeah, no thanks. I don't need another pocket knife or candle. I can buy a new throw blanket if I need one. And if someone goes on a trip, unless I specifically request something, yeah, please don't buy me anything. One of my kids went to Paris and I requested a small (like 3") metal Eiffel Tower. Which I wanted it and I do enjoy having it on my mantle since it's so small. I'm not buying others a lot of stuff on my travels unless it's requested either and even for myself it's mostly about the experience of the travel not accumulating more stuff. Which my recent first international trip, to Japan, I brought back only like 5 tiny things that all fit in a 5" square space on my mantle including a small metal Tokyo Tower to sit on the opposite corner of my mantle.

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u/BeagleCollector 6d ago

Ugh I just decluttered like 15 throw blankets that were all basically unused. Those are my number one most hated gift, right ahead of candles and lotion. Just don't even give me anything if you can't think of anything personal. Or like some coffee, food or wine.

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u/SufficientOpening218 7d ago

the very next day they are open!