It seems that is all I think of, now comes the big part what do I keep and what do I sell. It seems too much to comprehend. Anybody got any ideas on how I can start to tackle this?
The keep versus sell or dispose of is one thing I've done. For me, the deciding factor in any item was "Did I LOVE it?" and if not, it went. Gradually many of the loves became "not really" and "what was I thinking?!"
So initially, start to cherry-pick your favorites.
This is the order I used when decluttering my life:
Yes it is difficult... however if your "stuff" is not creating the home you wish to live in, then get rid of the stuff!
#1. Kitchen
#2. Bathrooms
#3. Linen Closet
#4. Bedrooms, starting with the youngest (unless you're pregnant, anything outgrown goes)
#5. Bookcases and china cabinets (if you don't love it...)
#6. Living room
#7. My bedroom (which would have been a disaster during the cleanup as I know stuff would migrate there until either put away or tossed or donated.
The garage is a whole 'nother matter. IF you've one, then boxing up stuff for there from the 1-7 items would be fine IF each day you deal with one box -- Monday thru Friday. Weekends are not for work unless you wish it so.
There... that should keep you busy for a time.
And you'll be more ready than many when you finally find that ideal boat. I wrote a series of articles about this for my website. The page is found here:
janice142 topic Becoming Clutter-Free
Seriously rosemari, you can accomplish this but take small bites. As you proceed I suspect the momentum will build. At first though, the job can be daunting. Give yourself time and know that out here (afloat) life is grand.
I am so glad I am no longer owned by my Stuff.