The Clutter Fairy Weekly Survey #221 Results
Exploring the Boundary Between Self and Stuff
Below are the results of our survey about audience experiences related to the topic for episode #221 of The Clutter Fairy Weekly. If you haven’t already done so, please take the survey.
Responses
To view the complete, detailed survey response from any respondent, click on their name (or “Anonymous user”) in the table below. You may also find it easier to read long responses in the detailed view.
| Name (click to view full survey response and comments) | Describe an item or collection in your home that represents something important about you or your life. | Complete the following statement: “If I had to let go of ___________, it would feel like losing a part of myself.” | Imagine if a complete stranger walked through your home right now. How might that stranger describe the person or people who live in your space? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pat | Fabrics/textiles, art supplies. | Fabrics | This person is a book reader and enjoys many subjects! She also likes sewing and coloring cards. |
| Julie | I have a big collection of fabric dating back to the 1970's. I shared the love of sewing with my grandmother. I even took my sewing machine to college, it was my emotional support gadget. Grandma brought me beautiful silk from Thailand, which I still have. Silk never disintegrates. It is in perfect condition. However the patterns are not my style anymore. It is hard to part with. I also have lots of other fabric which I'm admitting I will never use, thanks to Clutter Fairy. I'm ready to shed my identity as an excellent seamstress. As if to validate this decision, my sewing machine jammed up just as I was finishing re-covering my patio chair cushions. Maybe a sign. | My DIY projects. | "She is buried under boxes and boxes of photos, photo albums, yearbooks, and all her mothers stuff. Should I call 911?" |
| Ami | My layout of my son's stuff with his ashes. He died 4 years ago. | Corey's ashes | She's still grieving. It makes people sad. |
| Marsh | One dream I have for my future is to have a clean tidy orderly house! I am currently trying to go through 20 years of boxes of paperwork that I inherited! I have become stuck and it’s been a year and a half! I need motivation to begin again! HELP | If I had to let go of my puppy it would feel like losing a part of myself! | If a complete stranger walked through the cluttered areas of my house they would say…” This person can do this they just need to stick with it!” |
| Summer | A few old toys from my children--who are all adults | The old toys--I would feel sad. It would make me feel like I am not a mom anymore. | She gets lost in the cycle of decluttering and slowly re-cluttering. |
| Anonymous user | Old Technology Deceased Husbands possessions File Cabinet stuff Unfinished projects Family photos Digital photos Mental clutter regarding post trauma | Family Photos | Pretty organized person She must have been listening to the Clutter Fairy for a very long time. |
| Suzanne | My kitchen items such as Vitamix, instant pot, chopping board, salad spinner, food processor, my cookbooks, certain kitchen tools/gadgets,… I like eating, I must like variety because my foods and cuisines/interests are always changing, I prefer nutritious foods and I like to have kitchen equipment that make preparation easier and better, whatever better means to a person who wants things to be, dare I say it, perfect or better than average. I want to be healthy and I’m more motivated when I have access to the food, equipment, instruction, AND A CLEAN, UNCLUTTERED, AND EFFICIENT KITCHEN AND SET-UP. | Ooh, different direction. If I had to let go of my piano, it would feel like losing a part of myself. | This person must be in her 70s like the 1970s her house is in. 😋, what’s in her fridge? |
| Carrie | My framed college degree | my musical instruments | She plays a lot of musical instruments. |
| JEANNE | My Virginian White Oak basket collection made by the Cook Family. They are handmade from strips of the native white oak tree. I have had them for o.ver 59 years and multipurpose seasonally. They have been wool baskets, Easter baskets, toys and floral containers.. They are all on display and in rotation, Ecological, and beautiful , my baskets are part of my everyday, and holiday life. , | MY Hand woven baskets | She enjoys beautiful and functional items |
| Brenda | Most of my collections have gone digital Music and movies | My star trek varsity-style jacket won at convention | She sure has enough playing cards |
| Michele | Old family photos and cards from deceased grandparents. Pieces of jewelry , paintings. | Paperwork from current job... which i need to think about beginning to declutter as I hope to retire in ext 3yrs or so. | She is a teacher who likes to keep teaching books or course material ! She has not kept up with the house as I am now caring for my mum and seem to be living out of bags as I shuffle items over and back from my house to hers!! ( including items to donate from mum which I need to take away asap to my hse before she changes her mind ! |
| Janice | my knitting machine | my knitting machine | this person really likes to store yarn |
| Cynthia | Wedding dress | Photos | She likes to envision projects but gets distracted on the way to completion. |
| Linda | I have a lifesize doll (3-year old) that was the last doll I got at age 12.(I loved all my dolls.) This size was was the thing at that time. She is missing a leg. My mom tried to have her repaired and replaced the leg with the wrong size. I've tried to find a doll shop that might take her and maybe use her for parts, if nothing else. I can't stand the thought of my beautiful doll just being thrown in the trash. | My doll | She has too much clutter, she can't get around it to clean. |
| Anita | Dance clothes | Dance wear | Collection of paper and books! Someone might say we'll read. |
| Gabriella | My collection of books. It represents my diverse interests, my professional life, my inntellectual curiosity. | My 85 % completed Phd thesis that I abandoned many years ago. | It's a nice place, with well thought out arrangement of furniture to suit the rather small space. The decor is not a dime a dozen, integrating some treasured memorabilia, and is intentinally andrather sparsely placed. The living room is designed to be inviting for guests, with a dining and a couch area carefully arranged to keep the rather small room relatively spacious. The inhabitant is a minimalist with bathroom items (keeps just what she needs) maintains a sparse collection of kitchen appliances and minimal food storage, in contrast to an ample stock up on books. Items in frequent use are functional well organized. A lot of little projects are left incomplete. A handyman could very well spend half a day adding cabinet doors, mounting a light fixture, hanging a pinboard, etc., etc. Adding some distributed light sources would add coziness and extra charm to the living room. |
| Maureen | My collection of dictionaries represents my lifelong interest in learning languages | all my books | It would be hard for her to downsize to a smaller retirement home. There's a lot of books and CDs, although I can't see the CD player. |
| Brigitte | Course books of my education as a Colour Care Consultant and Teacher. I am retired in August 2020, still cherish them but never looked into them ever since… | If I have to let the course books go, it would feel as if I loose part of myself. No - not really 😉 But it would be a shame to throw away all that knowledge. So I look for a way to share it one more time. I started on TikTok to share the essence of it all, Many people saw it, but nearly no one gave a reaction… | She is a decent person, who loves to live in a cozy, tidy home. I feel very welcome here🤗 |
| Jo | My grandfather's union card in a cracked leather holder. He died when my father was five, and never had much chance to accumulate anything else to hand down. From his pictures, he always had a ready smile, a twinkle in his eye and from the way his children were all over him, he most likely had a joke to tell or a yarn to spin. I wish I could have known him. | My photos | She is somewhat old fashioned, loves the outdoors & nature, and is somewhat whimsical. |
| Teresa | A beautifully crafted jewelry box made as a gift for me. Handcrafted beads and unique beads I've collected over time. Certain pieces of jewelry that I made. | I used to collect many things, but now I'm really trying to cut it down. So I could let quilts, mason jars, most Salt and Pepper shakers, etc. go, in fact I'm just trying to figure out where they can to TO. But I do feel that my beading and collected jewelry are tied to my identity. If I didn't have those, something else would need to replace it, there couldn't just be a void. I have a box of photos - I don't really know what's in there, but I'd feel bad if it vanished. | * She has more beads than anyone would ever need * Not a lot of clutter, but a bit more time with the Dyson and a dust rag wouldn't hurt her |
| Anonymous user | Due to the dramatic change in my physical state about 15 years ago, I must keep a bulky collection of items that are necessary for my physical survival. Although it is said to be impossible, I hope to overcome this condition. Related to this situation is the collection of supplies I formerly used professionally to accomplish what I thought was my reason to be on earth. I can't use these supplies until I am well, but getting rid of them feels like giving up on my hope for recovery. | If I had to let go of the items that help me remember who I was before I became ill, it would feel like losing a part of myself. True, maybe that part of my life is gone, but my past is rich with experience and knowledge that I have to draw upon to discover a new life path. I do not want to fall into the trap of making my illness my identity. | The person who lives here is either moving in or moving out or maybe never got moved in, so probably doesn't know if she is coming or going, and needs to hire a housecleaner. |
| Anonymous user | My family history | Family pictures and memorabilia | The third example is hilarious, but unfortunately for me, it's true. I've been working on it and accomplished a lot of sorting, throwing and shredding, only to discover more. |
| Lisa | Organizing and thrift books by three different authors. | My Pam, Amy or Marla books | She sure likes having stuff delivered in boxes |
| Marsh | I am the item of artifact in my home! I am the ALL I surround myself with that relates to my history, my dreams, my future goals and my current desires to just clear it up! | "If I had to let go of me, myself and I, it would and does' f e e l like I am failing that vulnerable little me because my "stuff" is all I have left of my former identity, family/Familia/familial and prior life. Tremendous fear and brain chatter takes over. Great statement to write out because it helps getting to the core of what drives me (and maybe = all of us?) | My new Care/Case Manager had to do my home visit. I warned her that I do not do dishes. She asked such specific questions of me as she stood in the midst of my piles of stuff while inside my home. I was terrified of her denying me my needs for care and so on... Here is what she not only said - SHE TOOK A STAND FOR ME! as she described straight to my hurting heart! "[Marsh...} !!"*7#%!!" regarding the dishes. I have read your file and I was stunned at how you have continued to live with grace, kindness, compassion - within all the failures of support, poverty, failing health, traumatic family and then the sudden death of your beloved Spouse. That you suffered it alone and yet kept your inner faith. ..." "What I see as I look around at your home -the piles, the stuff and then = there are spaces clear, shiny, organized...all represents to me that a shattered human being is struggling to live here. To find love and safety again while reaching out beyond your basic comfort zone to live better and just be.” She ended with asking me [as I stood sobbing] “How I can Help?" I was approved. Whoo-hoo!! Thank you Gayle, TCF, Ed and each one of you. |
| Sue | Crystals that I have collected over the years | My paintings | Duplicates of everything |
| Becky | My refrigerator magnetics. My late husband and I collected them when we traveled. It reminds me of how much fun we had exploring the world. | My photos. Many are in frames and displayed around my house. The rest are in photo books. They represent my time with my husband, family and friends. | She loves her family since there are photos on displayed everywhere. |
| Celina | so I have ball jointed dolls. I've always liked fashion (coming from a poor family I couldn't afford nice clothes and had to wear hand-me-downs). So I dreamt of owning, modelling and eventually designing cool clothes. Nowadays I have a job totally outside od the field, but in my spare time I 'play' with my dolls: i dress them up, repaint and photograph them. They are extensions of myself in many ways. My dreams and goals are to finally find more time and organise an exhibition of their clothes. After 11 years of non-careful curating, I'm finally at the point of having the dolls I want. I used to own up to 12, now it's 5 and let's keep it more or less around this number 🙂 My dolls are my multimedia art outlet. Aside from that I collect craft supplies and fabric, but I figured this goes without saying that it's become a separate hobby I've been striving to tame lol 😀 | If I had to let got of my dolls, it would feel like losing a MASSIVE part of myself. | iId say to myself, in my mind (because I'm in fact very judgmental but never voice it) "If you're such an aesthete then why can't you just bother to clean the space clean?" Then i'd figure out it's the busy career girl who does to many things at once and has her priorities distorted... |
| Patty | Shells from all over the world | My grandfather clock | She likes lots of art and has run out of wall space |
| C | Family photo albums =history | my collection (50 years now collecting) | Almost the whole apartment is a museum! Interesting, but too much. |
| Yvette | My music CD collection. It represents 40+ years of collecting music that still resonate with me today. Over 300 disks, a vast collection which allows me to find exactly what I need to listen to at any one time. They are stored in pretty boxes and just looking at those boxes makes me happy. Opening a box is like travelling to a magic place. | In truth, I don't think that losing any object would feel like losing a part of myself. I am still me regardless of anything or everything, objects, or living companions (humans, plants, animals). My identity is only linked to myself as a whole entity. I just don't like decluttering something I know I will have a use for later on. But, if I had to leave in an emergency, the only "thing" I would ensure to take away with me are my dogs. Everything else, including my plants, could be replaced. I would be sad to lose curated collections and the money they represent, but they only are objects. Not a vital part of who I am. | She is messy person who lives for her dogs. |
| SaraDee | I have a large fabric and yarn collection. My fashion style has changed throughout the years but I still enjoy going through my stash and dreaming of what to make next. Sometimes though it brings back memories and can feel like going through an old photo album. I also have my grandparents furniture from 1930s. I love it but it really needs to be reupholstered. New furniture doesn't interest me. | My stuffed animals My fabric and yarn collection My car My furniture (vintage but I really like it) My piano My dog's bed and leash | This lady is so creative and eclectic. So warm and inviting. |
| Hila | Piano notebooks. I am start playing again this year. Drawing note I am learning to draw. | My notebooks, I fill that I forget all my knowledge. | She has stuff like a student |
| Anonymous user | Books Yarn Soldier letters ( from Iraq and Afghanistan) Photos Fine China and crystal | My photos, yarn, books | She’s interested in other cultures and time periods |
| Linda Kay | Art, a Hawaiian picture that we bought when we were on Maui. We often travel to Hawaii and so enjoy the entire feeling of the island. It represents being close together as a couple, enjoying nature, taking time for ourselves, and the Aloha (love) of taking things slower. | family pictures | They must enjoy Hawaii and look at all the musical instruments. |
| Anonymous user | Beads. Lots and lots of beads. An entire room FULL of beads. | My clerical collars | Cat mama w crafts…. |
| Katharine | Great-grandmother’s treadle sewing machine cabinet. | My dogs. 😉 My vintage 1960’s Singer Slant Sewing Machines. I’ve had a few for awhile now & when I’ve tried to pass them on, I physically feel ill. So they stay for now until I can get past those strong feelings.🙃 | House looks maintained, but the craft room needs help. 🤔 |
| Anonymous user | Chinese brush painting stuff paints, brushes, supplies, binders of notes, books, sketchbooks) | If I had to let go of my art supplies, it would feel like losing apart of myself. also my Mah Jongg stuff (sets, books, notes, dcorations) also my books also my holiday decorations (all holidays - birthdays, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, Easter, May Day, Summer Solstice, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year) | She's preparing for move with most of her stuff in boxes and overwhelmed with keeping paperwork organized. |
| Lela | My wedding rings and a few special pieces of jewelry my husband bought for me | my cats | They are cat people who don't have a lot of stuff. |
| Joei | Dolls from the tiniest doll house toy doll to baby dolls. I have sooo many fond memories of playing Barbies. I have supplies to make all kinds of dolls from various clays to sculpted cloth dolls or knit or crocheted dolls. | photographs | Is there a craft she isn't into and why are there Christmas decorations scattered around...I would describe her decorating style as somewhat organized chaos. |
| Krystal | I have a bunch of cake decorating tools, cake decorating books and even a turntable. I also have party supplies because I love a party | If I had to let go of the idea of decorating cakes and having parties, it would feel like losing a part of myself. | She likes to collect cookbooks and party supplies but hardly ever bakes or have parties. |
| Anonymous user | My family history | The third example is hilarious, but unfortunately for me, it's true. I've been working on it and accomplished a lot of sorting, throwing and shredding, only to discover more. | |
| Dee | My collection of books | My books | She must read a lot about everything! |
| Fee | Counselling books ,some read,some yet yo be read.Too many! Related to my therapy work which I care deeply about.Butvonly v occasionally use them for reference | All of my Counselling books /training materials | They love images of nature & their pets /family. They like keeping furniture even when not fitting the space. They don't seem to notice their space is overstuffed,as a small property |
| rowan | 10 black waterproof duffel bags - (three are currently my "chest of drawers for my bedding and clothes). The represent my need to be ready to be portable and my aspiration to be a "minimalist" (to be fair - I have foudn such amazing benefits from living a minimalist life). Certain theology books represent my religious aspirations, and the Book of Common Prayer given to me by my spiritual director is particularly important. | he Book of Common Prayer given to me by my spiritual director is particularly important. | (note on number two - if anyone saw my youtube viewing list, this would defintely be me) |
| Christine | a piece of furniture, a wood "secretary" that my mom and dad bought the year I was born. They gave it to me when I was an adult. | It represents, my past growing up in a loving family home. It represents my innocent and happy childhood, and my loving family in grow up in. | She has a lot of things going on, all at once, in a very small space. So she looks like she cannot keep up with her messy house. Organic vegetarian cook, crafty grandmother with the grandchildren, the only worker keeping up with the house as the spouse does nothing at home. |
| Cee | Photos and items to crop, display and place in photo albums (pre digital)😀 paper | Photos and albums, | Busy, scattered, several interest no order🙀 |
| Evelin | a musical instrument that I played in high school in the school orchestra | my beloved stuffed animals | She must me very lazy and love to eat because there are food wrappers everywhere. |
| Name (click to view full survey response and comments) | Describe an item or collection in your home that represents something important about you or your life. | Complete the following statement: “If I had to let go of ___________, it would feel like losing a part of myself.” | Imagine if a complete stranger walked through your home right now. How might that stranger describe the person or people who live in your space? |
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