EXTREME DECLUTTER!

Erica, I see something very different than what I’m hearing you say … I’m seeing an exceptional teacher and Mom who tried to find the very best resources for her kids to learn. She realized that each child learns differently and some of those amazing resources are not the best for each of those children. But you know your kids’ learning styles so well because you are intimately involved and invested in their learning. I think you are amazing … you should be proud of yourself and not disappointed in your decisions. Congratulations. Your family is so very fortunate to have you!!

As a homeschool mom, I can imagine that all of those donated resources will be an enormous blessing to another family in your coop.

I found a way to let go of the monetary guilt…..Recently, my husband and I paid off all of our debt…it felt okay donating items once they were officially paid for. They served their purpose and I felt no guilt once I realized they were paid for. Your son will be over the moon with your hard work, momma! Great job!

As a retired teacher, I understand how exciting it is to find new materials to teach units, concepts, etc. I did not homeschool, but I bought/made numerous materials to improve my teaching. I do not regret the untold amount of money and time I spent helping children learn. It was so hard to part with everything but, hopefully, some young, new teachers have benefitted from what I collected over the years.

It must be hard homeschooling. 3 kids at 3 different levels with different learning styles. You are a very conscientious teacher. Your kids are very fortunate that you can meet their needs. ❤

Erica, you basically run a private school for 3 Kids. Imagine how much it would cost to outsource an education that empathic, individualised and adaptive as the one you provide for your three scolars! Of course I get the financial guilt, but the education that you provide for your Kids has so much value in comparison. And it‘s only reasonable to spend money on that and learn on the way. I think you do a fantastic job!🎉

Have you considered framing the quarter map? This is what I chose to do with sentimental baby stuff ("coming home" clothes, hospital bracelet, hospital hat, footprints, etc.). The shadow box hangs on our wall, takes up no space, and is a very lovely boost to walk by in our hallway every day.

One more thought on all those books you tried, but they didn't work for your kids. That's a good thing! In a public school, once the books are purchased, that's it. You're stuck whether they work or not. Yes, it's money spent, but that's the cost of being able to make the right choices for your kids vs the school system making one choice for all kids.

Good for you for finally giving your kids the closet to use for themselves. I've watched you struggle with the homeschooling inventory for a while now, lol, and I have to admit that it gives me stressful feelings to see those overflowing piles. I've had moments where I felt the primal urge to reach through the screen and try to convince you to pack it all up and give it away without thinking about it or looking at it. You've been trying to organize clutter because it's expensive and therefore not junk. However, we can all see that you've reached the point where you've accepted that even useful things can be clutter if they are sitting forgotten in storage. To let go of the guilt of not using everything in the closet is a big step. Pat yourself on the back for having made such a positive step. Thanks for sharing.

I'm a few minutes in. The "I forgot this was here" thing. Maybe take a picture of the interior of the closet and tape it to the inside of your planning notebook or something. If you're visual, be visual. I also LOVE lists. I'd make an inventory list of everything that's in there and put it in your binder downstairs. Add columns for subject or unit or level. Highlight it, make notes, make it useful for you! I would love to do this for you. Too bad I'm on the other side of the country. =)

Erica, I am cheering you on! No shame, no guilt. Just a loving mom who is pouring herself into her children as their teacher. You would have words of grace and understanding for another homeschool mom in your place. Extend that kindness to yourself. :)

Wow, thank you for the honesty and not editing out all the self-talk!

You did a great job. Now to implement your boundary method to put it all away. Having everything in one room will actually be easier because you will see it all. You won’t have to think about what you have upstairs.

I love how you talk through your process and decisions. It's so helpful! Also, I was SHOCKED when you said how much the homeschool books cost😱I had no idea. When I first started my minimalism journey 10 years ago one thing that really helped me with just in case items was: If I came across the item again during another round of decluttering and didn't remember the item, I let it go. I told myself that my brain only remembers the important things. So if I don't remember, my brain made the decision for me that I really don't need it 🤷‍♀️

FANTASTIC job recognizing each child's learning profiles and getting rid of stuff that does not support them.

I’ve struggled with financial guilt over unused homeschool supplies. Letting them go required shifting my mindset to being grateful I had things to bless others with. As in, maybe I’m the channel some needed resource can flow through to a family that needs it and can’t afford it. When I donated things with a blessing and a prayer that they would be found by someone who appreciated them, it was much easier and left me feeling good and not guilty. It works with all kinds of things. Sending good vibes and encouragement to you. ❤️

Yes to framing the quarter map!

When I have decluttered curriculum that I haven’t fully used, I always tell myself it’s still cheaper than a private school education! We are second generation homeschoolers, I’ve graduated 3 of my six. Enjoy the time with them. You are doing a GREAT job!

Erica you did a phenomenal job! I can only imagine the decision fatigue! You have not wasted a cent because you have blessed other homeschooling momma's! I love how you do reverse decluttering! Now go take a nap you deserve it! 😴 ❤

You are a blessing to those you donate to. It’s not wasted money, it’s a generous gift.😊