Doris Puls

What could one possibly write about after over 60 articles in the Alpena News? I had a chance to sit down with my brother-in-law who lives in a lovely, very large log house on Lake Michigan. I interviewed him for this article knowing some of his decluttering tendencies (or lack of them).

Maybe some of you can relate to wanting to hold on to things because they are good memories. This guy has volleyball shorts from 20-30 years ago as well as about 20 trophies which include sports and car show awards from years ago. He says these are some of the “feel good” items he saves.

Then there are the many (60?) boxes of papers from owning his own business. How long does one really need to keep them? He didn’t feel comfortable shredding them even after 7 years and now, 12 years and 2 moves later, they aren’t in the way so he just keeps them stored. They would require much work to take them away so it is easier to ignore them. (Does that sound familiar to anyone?)

When I asked if he donates anything he admitted he really doesn’t buy much of anything. He seems content with what he has and doesn’t really have extras of things. He jokingly said he might get rid of clothes that are 27 years old. (Do you have clothes that you’ve kept that long?)

I do know him as a very generous person. He gives monetary donations to causes that he believes are important to him. I see him as a content, retired guy who is happy living his life without disturbing what he owns.

When asked if anything needed organizing he admitted his desk is what is messiest. But he also knows where everything he needs is. (Can

anyone relate to that? Don’t ever try to organize a desk of such a person without them being there and wanting you to!).

When I asked if he knew what was in all of the boxes in the basement he admitted there were probably 7 boxes he couldn’t identify the contents of without opening them. They have gone through 2 moves with him. (Do you have such boxes?)

Did you see yourself in any or all of these situations? We all have our comfortability as to how we keep our homes. The important thing is to be content with where we live.