I've procrastinated [and that is the key word] for years over
letting go of all my varied collections..

But clearing out my siblings rented flat was a suddenly imposed task
which had to be completed by a fixed deadline
imposed by the property's landlord...

That was a hellish job because sibling had a mess of mental health issues and physical disabilities,
and had become a compulsive internet shopping addict due a very high level of disposable income
funded from astute financial dealings in earlier life,
and then multiple credit card debts in the last years...

The 3 room flat was a hoard of mountains of mildewing unworn clothing
with price tags still attached,
and unopened sealed boxed computer & A/V gear which had years ago become discontinued.

What cousins didn't need, I gave away as much as possible to any charities willing to send a van to collect,
other tenants in the building, and on the last day of the deadline, complete strangers passing by outside.

Thousands of pounds of original retail price, frittered and unused.


But our house still ended up with a few carloads of personal belongings, unplayed CDs/DVDs/cassettes;
and several large boxes & bin bags of document paperwork which still need to be thoroughly sifted through.

My hoard is now hidden and relegated in priority under siblings stuff.

I dread the prospect of clearing out my mum's house when the time comes;
because I'm getting older, fatter, and gradually losing the strength and agility
needed for shifting fridges, cookers, & furniture,
and climbing ladders up to the attic.....