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Post by SweetieBugs on Sept 8, 2023 19:47:02 GMT
I am trying to downsize my belongings for a move in the next few years. I've had a large stash of towels in my bathroom cupboard that I need to donate. The issue is that 2 of the sets were gifts to me and my husband (he has since passed) and have our first names monogrammed on each towel.
Sadly, we never used these towels even though we've had them for over 12 years because they are a very light cream color and I can't stand the look of a dingy towel which is inevitable for this light color. I prefer to use medium colored towels.
Anyway, I really need to clear out my towels but it just feels wrong/sad to let these go. I also have to hire someone to bring down all the holiday stuff from my garage and go through and donate a huge amount of that as well. Downsizing because your spouse has died is so hard!! It's compounded by the fact neither of my kids are in a position to take any of these items and I just can't hold onto them until they may be.
Sorry, I just needed to put this in words.
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Post by katlady on Sept 8, 2023 19:52:48 GMT
Hugs to you!!
Maybe use the towels for the few years before you move. Then you can enjoy them for a little while before they get dingy looking.
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Post by 950nancy on Sept 8, 2023 19:54:58 GMT
Use those towels for packing fragile items for your move. Maybe just keep one of them and let as much as you can go.
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anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,832
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Sept 8, 2023 20:03:11 GMT
Donate them to an emergency shelter... they aren't worried about the names on them... some families leave with absolutely nothing...
An animal shelter also uses towels n blankets
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Post by Basket1lady on Sept 8, 2023 20:05:28 GMT
You can certainly use them as suggested. Otherwise, donate them. Your local charity shop can easily sell new towels, even if they are monogrammed. Vet clinics and animal shelters can also use them.
Try not to get too bogged down in the details. “But it was a gift”, “This has never been used”, “But it was expensive” is why you have all these items. I’m one to keep things if I have the space, but if you are downsizing, those are good reasons to let something go. Keep what you need and use.
We are in the midst of moving into our downsized house. It’s been a week and there’s already a big pile in the garage. We moved so much with the Air Force (18 moves in 33 years!) and kept a lot in case it would work at the next house. Now it’s time to purge.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,521 
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Post by bethany102399 on Sept 8, 2023 20:28:14 GMT
I was going to say your local animal shelter won't care about the names on the towels, and they'll use them.
Hugs, I tried to help my mom with this after my dad died and it was very hard for her. she didn't do much and basically dumped it on me rather than get rid of it. trust me when I say your kids appreciate your taking care of it now.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Sept 8, 2023 22:28:33 GMT
It's hard to close the type of chapter, that you are closing.
Hold on to all the memories, and let go of old tangible items. Don't feel obligated to keep something, simply because it was a gift.
Letting go of things and stuff, can be freeing and cathartic.
Simpler, lighter, less is more.
I would donate the towel, blankets, sheets, etc... to the animal shelter.
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Post by littlemama on Sept 8, 2023 22:39:32 GMT
Maybe take a photo of one of the towels and then donate them. Or keep one of them for a set period of time and if you dont use it or think about it, then donate that one
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Post by gillyp on Sept 8, 2023 22:54:46 GMT
I would cut the monograms from one towel, hem them and appliqué onto dark velvet or similar then mount them in a frame. The rest I’d give to a shelter.
Whatever you decide, it will be hard. I’m sorry you are having to do it.
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Post by nlwilkins on Sept 8, 2023 23:05:57 GMT
I am trying to do the same thing. You have my respect for tackling this. I still cannot bring myself to get serious about it. Maybe when the weather gets cooler.
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Post by FrozenPea on Sept 8, 2023 23:07:17 GMT
Moving & downsizing is hard enough adding a loss makes it even harder. My heart goes out to you. ❤️
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Post by femalebusiness on Sept 9, 2023 2:32:12 GMT
I would cut the monograms from one towel, hem them and appliqué onto dark velvet or similar then mount them in a frame. The rest I’d give to a shelter. Whatever you decide, it will be hard. I’m sorry you are having to do it. That's a great idea. She could also make small pillows out of the towels with the monograms on the face of the pillows. |
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Post by SweetieBugs on Sept 9, 2023 2:47:51 GMT
It's hard to close the type of chapter, that you are closing. Hold on to all the memories, and let go of old tangible items. Don't feel obligated to keep something, simply because it was a gift. Letting go of things and stuff, can be freeing and cathartic. Simpler, lighter, less is more. I would donate the towel, blankets, sheets, etc... to the animal shelter. I've been feeling weighted down by my belongings and it does feel better to donate and move it out the door. It's just hard going through the process far earlier than I ever expected and by myself instead of together as a couple. I know someone will benefit from all these towels as they are all in new condition. We bought four sets of towels from Costco for our guest bathroom and never used them either. My loss will be someone else's gain. |
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Post by SweetieBugs on Sept 9, 2023 2:50:50 GMT
I am trying to do the same thing. You have my respect for tackling this. I still cannot bring myself to get serious about it. Maybe when the weather gets cooler. I'm sorry you're going through the same experience. It took me a long time to start packing DH's clothes. I still have half of them in boxes under my bed. His shirts all tell a story and have so many memories tied to them. I didn't throw away his toothbrush for over 6 months. I hope you can find the strength to begin the process. I think spring is a nice time to start it as the days turn longer and there's more "hope" in the spring. |
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Post by Zee on Sept 9, 2023 3:01:05 GMT
Hugs... They always need towels at the Humane Society/animal shelter. That's where I would donate them.
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Post by pjaye on Sept 9, 2023 11:29:46 GMT
I was going to say your local animal shelter won't care about the names on the towels, and they'll use them. That was going to be my suggestion as well and a really nice way to ensure that the towels will be used in a positive way - to give some comfort to homeless animals. I'm also one who struggles to let go of items, but I tell myself that the memories are in my head, they aren't attached to the items. Letting the items go doesn't mean letting the memories go - they are still ours forever. |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,731
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Sept 9, 2023 11:49:52 GMT
I’m sorry, that’s a hard thing to go through with all the memories. As to the towels, you didn’t like them enough to actually use them, so why not donate them? Or use them until they get dingy and then donate to the shelter.
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 9, 2023 12:55:35 GMT
I have no advice, just hugs. I still have some of DH's clothes.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 9, 2023 15:44:02 GMT
Another vote to donate the towels to an animal shelter or groomer. Our groomer is always asking for donations of towels people no longer need or want. She goes through a ton of towels every day bathing pets and they get worn out fast. Maybe knowing the towels will finally serve a good purpose will help with the fact that they’re like new and have never been used.
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Post by papersilly on Sept 9, 2023 16:30:53 GMT
if you haven't use them, and will not use them, let them go. like you said, you need to downsize. i am in the same boat. we are moving in a few short years and i really have to cull the herd of household goods. i understand the guilt. i understand the "what if i need this later on". but i'm not going to pay mover to drag that stuff to the new house where i still won't use them. i think it's okay to let your towels go if they are not your style and you don't like dingy looking towels. i've seen those in bathrooms and they are not appealing.
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ladipop
Junior Member
Posts: 73
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Post by ladipop on Sept 10, 2023 4:39:25 GMT
maybe get a teddy or something made from the towel, incorporating the monogram??
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