Hey everyone! I've contemplated this query before as I seem to have a terrible time getting rid of things. I think I hear some head nodding going on! However, I usually redeem myself when I find exactly what I need in my stash to add that final touch to a project. My issue isn't with decorative items. My collection of those items is pretty small -- I don't have an entire room or even an over-size closet for an in-house store.
My every-day decorating pieces fit nicely in a small cabinet in our garage.
Now some of you might look at my "Momma-Cave" and think I have a problem with supplies......
but, nope, I really and truly use what I have and rarely make new purchases.
Fabric? No, I have a very small stash and pretty much only buy for specific projects.
Now, The Man would say I have a problem with seasonal decor, but we truly disagree about that.
We currently have four of these over-head storage racks in our large garage & plan to add one more. This one holds the Fall, Halloween & Thanksgiving decorations.
This one and one other hold the Christmas decorations. When the additional rack is added, all of the window screens will be stored on it -- here in AZ, we have regular screens & sun-shade screens.
The Man might do some fussing about my accumulated holiday decorations, but he really does like seeing our home all decorated -- truly he does!
No, my problem is with........
MAGAZINES!!!!!
Nice close-up view of my hoarding issue -- my magazine collections were jam-packed into these cubbies, plus I had several magazine holders that were bulging, too!
Just as an aside, this set-up in my Momma-Cave has been moved. If you want to see what has changed, you can view it HERE.
So, back on topic, here is my "true confession" -- when we moved almost two years ago, I did a change of address on no less than 15 magazine subscriptions and those were just mine! I know, crazy! I was getting 8 magazines related to scrapbooking, paper crafts and quilting alone, plus several others -- Martha Stewart, BH&G, Country Living, Real Simple. etc. Yes, I'm hanging my head in shame. At that point, I decided I was in serious need of a 12-Step Program!
I'm serious, here is what I'm implementing:
Step 1 was to allow my subscriptions to expire. Gasp! That sounds easy enough, right? Well, have you heard about automatic renewal? It's just a little something that periodicals like to toss out there and possibly trip you up. You have to be vigilant about all those notices you get that your subscription is expiring -- they will try to sneak in one of those "If we don't hear from you by a certain date, we will renew your subscription automatically." What?
Step 2 was to make a plan to clear out all of these magazines that had accumulated. Hmph! I could just put them all in the recycling bin? Heck no! There are so many good things I might need and patterns that I definitely want to make. I simply have to go through each magazine!
Step 3 kind of happened by accident. As I was looking at those cubbies where the majority of my magazines were residing, I decided I really wanted to use them for another purpose in my Momma-Cave, so that meant the magazines had to go some place else while I did the weeding out process.
Step 4 was to decide what I would do with the things from the magazines that I wanted to keep. Since I'm planning to be "ruthless" about the things that I do keep, I'm trying to think "small scale."
Step 5 is a "light bulb" moment of something that I had already implemented but had not been diligent about keeping up! Do y'all know about Smash Books? I started using them last September, you can read all about it HERE. Other projects became a priority, and the Smash Books went to rest on my book shelves. Now I had a renewed interest.
Step 7 is to grab a few magazines each night when I sit down to watch TV with The Man and cut out what I want to keep. I'm keeping my "Scrap It" Smash Book right there with me so I can immediately "smash" things into the book.
Step 8 is to mix up my magazines, because I have a short attention span and get bored quickly -- give me variety with a few scrapbook mags and a few quilting ones! If I'm going through a quilting magazine, I simply tear out the pages related to the pattern, make a stack, and then later put them into page protectors in the binder.
Step 9 is to simply file anything that isn't related to scrapbooking, cards or quilting. I have a file drawer for those kind of things, but I no longer file anything that I know I can find online if I need to. It's just that sometimes you need a picture -- you know, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Step 10 is to take the magazines I have finished looking through immediately to the recycling bin.
Step 11 is to keep these baskets of magazines right out where I'm constantly reminded to keep going.
Step 12 is to never allow this to happen again. I am sure I will get the urge to subscribe to a magazine again at some time, but I will be very cautious about what I subscribe to.
Does anyone else have this problem? Do share, and we can form a support group! I'll be letting you know when I've made it through all my magazines -- I've actually already made quite a dent!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!
I love to party with these fine bloggers:
The Tablescaper at The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
Karen at Sew Many Ways for Sew Darn Crafty
Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday
Karen at Sew Many Ways for Sew Darn Crafty
Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Dawn at Creative Cain Cabin for Budget Decorating Party
Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Mondays
Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home
Kathryn at The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Mondays
Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Leslie at House on the Way for Twirl & Take a Bow
Mary Beth at Cupcakes and Crinoline for Project Inspired
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Karin at The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Kelly at Live Laugh Rowe for Live Laugh Linky Party
Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home
Pamela at From My Front Porch to Yours for Treasure Hunt Thursday
The Tablescaper at The Tablescaper for Oh, The Places I've Been
Jody & Stan at Rooted in Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays
Amanda at Serenity Now for Weekend Bloggy Reading
I don't have to deal with that magazine renewal thing because I don't subscribe to any, my friend does and then she gives me her magazines when she has read them. Works for me! She does get fed up with the subscription woes though. I can totally relate the hoarding of supplies. And it's true, we do need that stuff and it's great to find things on hand when they are needed! Good luck convincing your husband.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Looks like a great solution to reducing the volume of magazines.
ReplyDeleteKC
OMG, I thought I was the only one!!! They were like old friends, never could get rid of them!!! Then it happened....a money shortage, subscriptions were the first luxury to go, including newspapers and periodicals. Fine and dandy, but what to do with the boxes and baskets full??? I began the same process like you, but I use manila folders with pockets and manila accordion folders.....cheap!!! While watching tv in the evenings I began the cutting and tearing out of favorites. Some magazines had too many items in them so kept the whole thing!!! Each folder is labeled and numbered for easy access, and are kept in a bookcase, mostly in my sewing/craft studio. I am not done yet, still going through stacks and now just found a box in the basement of more!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo keep up on new issues, I spend one day a month at B&N with coffee and a sweet and read all I like!!! Spend no money, bring nothing home....that's my motto!!!
I'm hearing that I'm definitely not alone in my obsession with magazines! Your system sounds a whole lot more detailed than mine -- good for you. I like your idea of going to B&N -- that sounds like a great way to spend a hot AZ afternoon! Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteHoarding is just another word for being prepared for anything. Lol! Way to cut back on your magazine collection!
ReplyDeleteToodles,
Sara
Thank you! I was never a girl scout, but I do believe in being prepared!
DeleteI love those over head storage racks in your garage! Would you mind telling me where you purchased them? My hubby has wanted to do something like that for a long time. We have solar screens on all our windows, but they're not really made to be removed. It makes it hard to photograph pics for the blog with almost no natural light. :) I can relate to the magazine thing. I still get a little thrill when I open my mailbox and there's a new magazine for me to read! Makes me want to grab a cup of tea and curl up by the window and read it. I also try not to keep articles and stuff if I know I can find it online, but I also like to have an actual printed picture too. :) Sounds like you have a pretty good system in place.
ReplyDeleteI'm Helen and I have the same problem. The way that I have begun to handle it is to not subscribe! That is unless it's a magazine that is on our NookColor. And an extra bonus is that I've been able to try new mags, for one issue without having to continue. Kicker there is that I have forgotten to stop it before the next issue. Still, I'm thrilled to not have my home weighted down by all those issues and getting those looks from my understanding husband. Now, I have to admit, even the PB, HD, Lowe's magazines or whatever they're called grab me...maybe others reading, too. Yeah, there will be maybe 2 items I think I'll need or want! And the truth is that I am still going through the pretty and old decor mags ripping out select pages. The more I think about it..maybe the Recycle Center is the best idea. And ladies, can't we actually read other blogs to get "free" ideas. Yeah..free and freedom from the clutter that doesn't leave unless we let go of them. I'm trying for myself now and for y'all. Can we do this...remember my subscriptions now do not take up one inch of space and they can stay permanently on the NookColor like forever. Carol, you have no idea how timely your post was...I really am in the middle of dumping stuff today. Thanks for this great post. Hugs, Helen
ReplyDeleteI was laughing so hard about the magazines. I don't subscribe to any. When I worked at the office I'd bring some home to read every now & then but take them back. I recently won lifetime to Folk but have yet to receive a copy. Shall see how that one goes. Good for you that you found a solution. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem until I learned that I can read a lot of the magazines on their website. Several years ago, I got rid of a ton of magazines. I still have a few old Christmas ones, but you know, I almost never go back and look at them.
ReplyDeleteI should throw them out, too :)
Thanks for the ideas and inspiration. Guess I'd better get busy.
Hooked on magazines also! You are not a hoarder! LOL You found great storage solutions!
ReplyDeleteYour definitely NOT a hoarder Carol!!!! Creative people just like to see nice things and make nice things, and for that, we need our materials and inspirations around us! Plain and simple! I am the same as you, so don't fret my dear, you are definitely not alone on this.:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vel! I'm now adding you to my "Support Group".......lol!
DeleteThis isn't hoarding, this is just collecting. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteNo hoarding stones being thrown by me, either. You outlined great steps for others who have this same problem. I tried saving clippings a few years ago, cutting out all subscriptions and finding cute containers for magazines. What has been helping me avoid buying new ones the last year (though a few have snuck home with me) is to shop my stash by organizing them by month and season instead of by brand. Like how the Christmas issues suck us all in and make us want to buy them when there is a nip of cold in the air...I can just go through my stack and the old ones seem like new again.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I need to do too. I think the binders & page protectors are a great solution!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I can identify with you! I always keep my magazines because I go back to them time and time again. I've tried to "cut out" and "catalog" certain things, like vignettes, kitchen, bath...but inevitably it means I have to cut through something else I would like to save! I only subscribe to 3...won't subscribe to more than that.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!!!
Blessings,
Cindy
I had 10 years of Martha Stewart back issues (and some Neiman Marcus catalogs) and put them on Craigslist for free. An artist who was working on a children's book that would be created in collage-style came and took them off my hands. Our only subscription now is Consumer Reports and that really belongs to my husband. Jo @ Let's Face the Music
ReplyDeleteCarol, these are great tips for us magazine lovers. You should see my nightstand. lol. You are one of the features today at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/05/sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_12.html Have a happy Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteI call myself a "collector" just when I feel as a hoarder, myself, lol... Actually I have magazines all over my house, it's incredible!!! Hope you join Seasonal Sunday, at the Tablescaper, as Alma is having a party challenge, "where do you keep it all,". Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteFABBY