I, Rodent

I am a pack-rat.
It's a relative term, which means that I am incapable of throwing stuff away.
When I was married, I thought I was not a pack-rat, because my husband really seriously had a problem in this area. He kept everything. Most of it was on the floor. The garage was filled with a stunning array of cars, parts, tools, and various preparations for Y2K. Not to mention the unspeakable stacks of useless garbage.
After he ran off and abandoned me for a life of crime, I downsized into the house I currently reside in. This house has a three car garage. Which, even after the massive purge that moving involved, was still too full to park in. Over the years, I have eliminated all but one bay of stuff. I could park two cars out there, if I had them. The third bay has tools, toys, and bikes.
I was all feeling tidy and proud.
Until I met Tim.
This man donates books he's already read, because he figures there's no sense keeping them. He has zero clutter. There are no nick-knacks on his whatnots. There are no half-used bottles of product under his sinks. There is an absolute dearth of useless junk in his abode.
I keep, and love, every book I've ever read. They are displayed on bookshelves, with doilies and bookends, for all to see. You can borrow some, if you'd like.
I keep, in a large Rubbermaid box, all of the costumes I have ever had occasion to wear. Who knows when they might come in handy?
What? You don't wear costumes?
I have every piece of jewelry I've ever owned. Those large plastic pieces from the 1980s are back in style, too. So there.
I keep stuff that I can't really afford to replace. Stuff I might possibly have need of in the immediate, or distant, future. Stuff that has some sentimental value.
I have way too much stuff.
If Tim ever were to, I don't know, propose....I would have to look hard at my collection of stuff, and begin to eliminate.
I sooooo need a 12-step program!
I have been thinking about what I can bear to part with. Even if I get rid of almost all of my furniture, and my costumes, and half of my beloved books....there's still enough to overwhelm Tim's house, to say nothing of his psyche. The things I love most are the artwork, the porcelain, the lace, and the books.
I'd rather get rid of my clothing and............Hey, there's a thought:
If I got rid of my clothing, perhaps he wouldn't notice all the clutter.