I've lived in my Edinburgh flat for a little over nine years. The first home I bought, it has served me well, but for the past couple of years I've been eager to move on. Largely because my bookshelves are full and I have no more room for more shelves, but also because I'd like a spare room, better parking, and possibly even a garden. I've no idea if I will have the patience or enthusiasm to maintain a garden, but I'd like to try.

In preparation for selling up, I've been taking stock and clearing out. I had a particularly aggressive tidying session a few weeks ago, in which I brutally chucked clothes, books, boxes, technology and more. I got rather angry with myself for holding on to so much crap - why was I keeping boxes for things I no longer owned? - but also for things I liked, like jackets and shoes which no longer quite fitted. Most of that was pretty easy to justify ditching, but other things have given me pause for thought. Books are always painful to dispose of, so I went through my bookshelves and picked books which I will never want to re-read. It wasn't a long list.

I have collection of old computer games which I probably can't even play any more, but haven't quite managed to let go. I have worn-down boots that I used to love; perhaps they could be re-heeled? I've ditched electronic equipment, but found an old iPod I had forgotten I owned and can't image ever using. There's a stack of CDs, representing nearly 25 years of collecting music (it's a small selection, I'm no audiophile). Will they ever be played again? Even in my car, all music is streamed now. A few DVDs - I'm not even sure my DVD player works.

And still more books.

There's also stuff of a more ephemeral nature. Friends of mine still own tickets for every music concert they have attended; I never did that but I do have various things which serve no practical purpose, and have no particular place, but I've held on to over the years. In the interests of lightening the load, should they go? I worry that by disposing of these more transient items, I am also disposing a little of my history and my identity. Or is that just sentimentality? I've never considered myself a sentimental person.

The flat is now much emptier, and much cleaner, though the cupboards are still full and I still have some decisions to make. I'd better take another look at those bookcases...

  • I should probably add, that when I say "chuck" or "ditch", wherever possible I mean recycle at the local recycling centre.