Have you ever dumped it all and started over?

Yes, I agree that it would be crazy to do that. Have you ever done a purge? That's a basic place to start. Get rid of anything you don't love and won't use.

No, but if you think that would help you, I'm in favor.  Sounds like fun!

I think we have all felt that way at one time or another. I was thinking of it recently but had to tell myself "are you crazy? this is some great stuff and most of it they don't make anymore". even though I like to purge stuff periodically, I am very careful about the stuff I  can't replace.

The day after I retired I donated one closet full of clothes to Goodwill.  It was the best feeling ever.  Fast forward seven months and somehow a part time job crept back into my life and I have very few clothes to wear to this nice office.  Ugh.  

(hiding my head in shame)

Yes. I started scrapbooking almost 12 years ago. The first few years I bought everything I could get my hands on. And then my style changed and I couldn't find a single thing when I needed it. So when my DH built my studio upstairs, I gave away (and sold) probably 90% of my crap. I only kept things I LOVED.

Its been about 7 years since I did this and I am so much happier now. For me, less is really more.

You're not nuts. It's just stuff. Time and sanity are far more precious.

We were getting ready for a basement remodel and I had to pack up all of my scrapbook supplies. THAT was eye-opening - and embarrassing. I kept my basic supplies and most recent kits out. I gave a lot away, and everything I was afraid to part with got packed and well labeled. Six months later.... I don't miss any of it, I still have plenty to do with the time and limited supplies I have access to, and I am much more intentional with my purchases. Now I need to find a good home for the six boxes that are in my storage room. 

Again, it's just stuff.

I have never lost a sock.  Is that weird?  I also had my boys start doing their own laundry at 7, so I don't know if they have either.  I just buy them a dozen pairs at Christmas and never ask.

Me about 1 month ago? You are nuts. No way! Don't do it!

Me about 1 month later? We have been purging the house. If there are 25 cookbooks maybe use 2 of them keep 5. The rest are gone. Linens, towels, cookie tins. You get the idea. We have about 30 bottles of shampoo.

I looked at my scrap space and there is a lot of good stuff in there. There is tons of really old CRAP I will never use in a million years. I have these huge whatever ______. Or this UGLY paper but I got it in a kit and I paid for it therefore have to keep it. And there are things I will never put on a page. Not no nor ever. Once I purge the next area I will attack the scraproom. There is stuff I just love and will always love and I will keep that. The BIG Bazzill buttons that were huge and translucent (maybe they were Rob and Bob?) they can go, too. I am half way through my life now and I need to buy experiences and memories more than I need things. I don't need more clothes. I don't need another car. I don't need more shoes (well I do need some but that can wait). I am good for makeup and perfume. It's time to downsize my life. If I haven't used something in 20 years it can go. It really can.

So, to answer your question, this is me here, the super shopper extraordinare who has her own store in her basement. I have tons and even I am thinking about downsizing a LOT! Do what you do to make you happy!

Nope, not crazy - but I might start with a deep purge and see what's left.

I don't think it's nuts. Why would you keep stuff from 20 years ago if you haven't used it? If it makes you happy then there's no problem, but if it is making creating harder and less enjoyable, then I say go for it.


Lisa Moorefield did an excellent article on how she downsized her supplies. I haven't quite gone that far (and I didn't have as much to start with) but it really appeals to me.

Seriously considering this,or at least a major overhaul. I'd like to be able to have everything in one area within reach and well organized. I think it would be so much less overwhelming!

I totally get where you are coming from, but like others suggest a good, deep purge would help.

I've done it a few times. Sometimes it's nice to just pack some things away out of sight as well. I did that with some "maybe" stuff. Literally put in a rubbermaid tub in my garage. If I thought of stuff from it that I wanted or could use, I would go grab it. Then after a few month the rest was donated.

I definitely need to clear my work area sometimes and just have a few select items within reach to streamline and be more efficient.

Just don't get rid of staples like tools, adhesive, inks, etc. You will always use them.

Everyone I know who's purged their scrapook stuff feels better afterwards. If they are still crafting, they are more inspired. If they're no longer crafting, they don't have to look at their stuff and feel guilty. Now, if I could just get on board to do it myself...

@devildog About your stamps: you say you love them. Do you use them?

And on the doc-dads - can you purge 1/2 off them and still have plenty? Then do that.