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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 31, 2016 16:24:36 GMT
Happy New Year! Many thanks to LavenderLayoutLady for the Great Purge of 2016 thread. It was a big help for me this past year. Because there seem to be others like myself who are still slogging away at clearing the clutter from our homes, I am starting a new thread for us all. Feel free to post your victories, no matter how small! I found it helpful to document the progress I made. If you are still working on your home (or plan to get started this year), what are your goals? My personal goals for 2017: * Get a handle on the mounds of paper in my dining room. 2016 got it out of the closet, now I plan to get rid of it! * Get the boxes and boxes of photos into albums (paper & digital), as well as let go of all those duplicates I've been hanging onto. At least it is all in chronological order already! * Clear the junk out of the guest room so that I actually have a proper guest room! * Decrease the size of my sewing stash by either using it up, selling it or donating it. * Be more mindful of what I do purchase and bring in to the house. For those who like a concrete plan, I've dug around and found a few online challenges. You will have to sign up for each website though. In the past I've done the challenge by Apartment Therapy and found it helpful. 40 Bags in 40 Days - Decluttering challenge for Lent (Mar 1 - Apr 15, 2017) The January Cure - Apartment Therapy- sign up and receive a daily assignment during Jan. to help you get your home clean and organized. Decluttering 2017 in 2017 - sign up and receive a chart to keep track of items as you work towards purging 2017 items 52 Weeks to An Organized Home - sign up and receive a new challenge each Monday to help you get your home organized 91 Day Declutter Challenge - Mary Organizes - free 13 week plan, has Facebook group. She does sell a printable pack (optional) so that you can get the entire plan up front. We can all use some inspiration from time to time, so here are some links with articles that looked useful. Collection of Decluttering Articles - Apartment TherapyArticles on Many Aspects of Decluttering - MaryOrganizes - including getting rid of sentimental items, surviving decluttering as a couple, what to do with the good stuff Becoming Minimalist - Collection of ArticlesIf you have any good tips for getting & staying organized, please share them with us! Here is one that I have always found to be helpful. Tip: All drawers need organizers - the bathroom, the kitchen, the nightstand, even the junk drawer! Having organizers in a drawer gives items a specific spot to live. I find that with the organizers, you are more likely to keep things organized within the drawer. You can buy them or make your own from boxes. My method is to decide what is going to be stored in that drawer, and group them by use & size. Once you've done that you can figure out what size organizers you need and make a list of the length/width of each section. Before I head off to the store, I make a paper template of the inside drawer dimensions. After I pick the organizers I think will work, I spread out the template and get to work arranging them. Once I get the layout organized, I take out my phone and get a photo of that layout so when I get home I can replicate it! Don't worry about looking weird, the other shoppers are going to think you are brilliant! ****************************** ETA: Below are links to ideas and products people have suggested that help with organizing and cutting down on clutter. Sterline Roto Lazy Susan Caddy - suggested by gillyp PrintFriendly - turn any online page into a .pdf to be saved on your computer. Can be done from the PF website or by installing a PF button on your browser toolbar. Really cuts down paper clutter. Adjustable Drawer Dividers & Expandable Bamboo Cutlery Organizer - Suggested by jenjie who used them with success Why Deleted Files Can Be Recovered... - article on how to ensure computer files are really deleted from Linda See kibble 's post on how to organize & purge photos on Page 3 WhiteHouseBlackShutters - Organizing Ideas - great ideas on decluttering and organizing
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Post by mrssmith on Dec 31, 2016 17:02:04 GMT
Ooh - thanks for posting. I need some structure. I do like to organize/purge, which was a lot easier when we moved a lot (5 times in 9 years). Now we've stayed put for about 8. And had 2 kids....
A big YES to organizers! I finally did that in our linen/bathroom closet and it's been a game changer.
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Post by Linda on Dec 31, 2016 17:06:48 GMT
Thank you for starting this thread! And finding all the links for us!
My organising/decluttering goals for 2017?
-deal with the sheds - get rid of a bunch of stuff and organise/label what is left. I'm hoping to get DH on board with this - we each have one side of each shed (one shed is hopefully leaving). -decrease my sewing stash by sewing up or donating. -paint the spare room and get it set up and organised (right now it just has the boxes from the Christmas decorations) - NOT let it become a pit. Goal is for it to have exercise equipment, LEGO, and a guest bed. -keep plugging away at clutter by going BACK through every room with a critical eye - and by limiting what comes home (easier said than done as DH is a big culprit there)
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Post by melodyesch on Dec 31, 2016 17:15:58 GMT
Great thread. DH and I decided that each month we would take one room and touch everything in it to really take a look at everything we own and to try to pare down our junk. We're starting with our guest room. The guest room closet is a dumping ground for things that don't have a home. 75% of things in there need to go!
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,146
Jun 26, 2014 5:46:37 GMT
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Post by lindas on Dec 31, 2016 17:18:26 GMT
I've already started. So far I've;
Cleaned out my spice cabinet and tossed all the expired stuff.
I bought a new set of Rubbermaid food storage containers and gave all the mismatched pieces to dad and DH.
I'm in the process right now of cleaning and organizing the pantry.
Monday I start taking down all the Christmas stuff. I'll be purging and cleaning the basement as I put things away. I'm allowing myself a minimum of a week for this job but may need longer. It's a mess down there and I can't get my carpet and furniture for the finished space until the whole basement is organized.
DH is a paper hoarder and I'm out of file cabinet space so once I'm done in the basement I'll start scanning and shredding. It's our paper compromise, only things we need the original of get filed. Everything else he wants to keep has to be scanned.
After all that I'm going to go room by room ending with the garage. I want everything done inside by spring so I can work in my garden and enjoy the outdoors.
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Post by ShesaRenegade on Dec 31, 2016 17:20:39 GMT
Thank you so much for this thread. I love the idea about making a template of your drawers. I am seriously going to have to try this. My goals for this year are, but not limited to:
-declutter file drawer of miscellaneous stuff -get rid of duplicate photos. I have already scrapped all of these pictures, but can't seem to rid myself of the duplicates (sentimental reasons). Some I will send to my children in case they want them (baby pics, etc.) -scrapbook my Peru trip and my New Zealand trip-this will get rid of a lot of the paper clutter in my craft room -clean and organize guest bathroom -decrease the amount of scrapbook items (paper, embellishments, etc.) -clean out my travel items-do I really need an extra vitamin container just for travel? -try to figure out how to decrease the amount of stuff on the shelves in my garage -clean out guest room closet -rethink my kitchen cabinet and how items are put in them
That's all I can think of right now. It will be fun watching how everyone progresses this year.
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LeaP
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Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
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Post by LeaP on Dec 31, 2016 17:23:25 GMT
At its most primal, I must find a place for everything we already have. OP, your drawer organizer point resonates. We have moved twice in the past 3 years, so we have been pretty good about decluttering. Unfortunately, I live with three humans and two mammalian critters that shed endlessly in every nook and cranny. We did get the "Eye-vac" that was recommended here on the pod, so our fur issues should soon be under control.
My 15-year-old daughter is exploring minimalism by spreading all her stuff around the house. Her room looks great because her books, cosmetics, clothes, bags are all over the house. Kind of like her experiment with being vegan where she ended up subsisting on French fries.
I think I have to lead by example and tackle the last couple of boxes of papers and memorabilia that I have.
The Minimalist guys documentary was on Netflix. It was somewhat disappointing. It was more about their book tour than about how people live with less. Like others have speculated here, I wonder how long one can actually live in a tiny house.
Off to check out your links...
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Post by micheley on Dec 31, 2016 17:29:49 GMT
Thanks for starting this and posting the links!!! I'm in - starting tomorrow. General goals are to get rid of unwanted/unused crap and tame the paper tiger. Off to checkout links and come up with a game plan.
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Post by redshoes on Dec 31, 2016 18:04:52 GMT
My 15-year-old daughter is exploring minimalism by spreading all her stuff around the house. Her room looks great because her books, cosmetics, clothes, bags are all over the house. Kind of like her experiment with being vegan where she ended up subsisting on French fries. ... Hilarious!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 31, 2016 18:08:56 GMT
The Minimalist guys documentary was on Netflix. It was somewhat disappointing. It was more about their book tour than about how people live with less. Like others have speculated here, I wonder how long one can actually live in a tiny house. I told DH that I was going to pitch a show idea to HGTV. It will be a 1 year follow-up to all those people (especially couples) who moved into those tiny home & campers! The show will explore how many of them are still together! The first 2.5 years we were married were spent in a 350 sq ft married students apartment on campus. It's a miracle we survived that! Good luck to everyone with their plans and goals! This afternoon I am taking down what little Christmas decorating I put up. It will go back in the boxes later, but they are in the garage (detached) and it is pouring rain today. While I'm at it, I have pulled 12 books from the bookshelf to donate. I'm really having to keep myself on focus though. That's one of the hard parts of decluttering - staying on task!
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Post by shamrockpea on Dec 31, 2016 18:11:50 GMT
Where can I buy inexpensive and good organizers?
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Post by mom2rjcr on Dec 31, 2016 18:15:11 GMT
My goals for 2017 are: -destash and declutter my craft room; reorganize craft closet and drawers -clean out and organize linen closet -clean out and organize former craft closet in dh's office -clean out pantry and reorganize -clean out kitchen cabinets and reorganize -replace shelf in laundry room with cabinets and build counter over washer and dryer -clean out garage -reorganize master closet
I love shopping and have a problem with buying things that I don't really need, so a personal goal is to buy less and only buy something that I need. For every item I bring home, one item must go.
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Post by gillyp on Dec 31, 2016 18:16:15 GMT
Thank you for the thread and those links. You have done a lot of work for us! I'm looking forward to checking them all out.
I need to get a handle on everything! At the start of the year I printed off the phrase "if not today, then when?" in the hope it would spur me into being more proactive as I am so bad at putting something aside with a view to doing it later but instead it would just add to the clutter. Every time I found that phrase under the mess on my desk, it did! I would get more done with it in my head so I know it helped me. I'm going to frame it and hang it above my computer so I'll see it everyday and hopefully start living by it.
My first purchase of a cube storage system arrived yesterday so I hope to start building it tomorrow and see if I can get some semblance of order in either my closet or one of the hall closets. I'm certain there will be a lot to throw out first.
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~Lauren~
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,876
Jun 26, 2014 3:33:18 GMT
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Post by ~Lauren~ on Dec 31, 2016 18:16:36 GMT
I tend to purge and organize 3-4 times a year but I'm always up to doing it again. I'll get back to this post.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 31, 2016 18:24:59 GMT
Where can I buy inexpensive and good organizers? I bought mine at BB&B with coupons. You could also check with the dollar stores, WalMart or Target. January is when you will find lots of organizing supplies on sale. When you buy the individual organizers, check to make sure they have straight sides. You will get a better fit and use all your space. I've had some in the past that have a slight slope to the side and/or a rolled edge to the top. Both of those eat up precious space! My favorite right now are the ones made from bamboo. Save
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Post by hop2 on Dec 31, 2016 18:46:54 GMT
I need to learn how to do this. I'm not a hoarder but I could be, I attach too much emotion to 'things' and I get bogged down with the 'what if' I use this for x,y or z.
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Post by jenjie on Dec 31, 2016 18:48:55 GMT
I got this 45 gallon wheeled tote at Walmart. It seems they have the best price. I was able to fit FOUR blankets, plus accompanying sheets, plus an extra king size bed pillow and there's still probably room for an extra blanket or towels. I'm saving these things for use when we rent a place at the shore. Using this tote frees up prime storage space in my bedroom closet. I want to work out some kind of basement storage and am not sure what I want to do. But this fits the bill for this need perfectly.
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Post by genealopea on Dec 31, 2016 19:02:37 GMT
I'm in! I spent the day today organizing the pantry. I'm starting the Autoimmune Protocol tomorrow and I'm purging everything that I need to avoid. Tomorrow I'll re-arrange all of the kitchen cabinets. My priorities for 2017: - organize my quilting stash - re-do my scrapbooking room; clear out anything I'm not likely to use. I've got too much stuff. - organize my genealogy paperwork. Scan and file everything. My current system isn't working. - the garage. That'll take months. - organize DH's closet. He's got stuff in there that he hasn't worn in years. It's time. - do a magazine purge. I used to tease my mom about her "magazine hoarding." Oops. I now have a collection to rival hers. lol - Christmas decorations. Seriously, they take up my entire attic. I was much happier this year when I didn't put everything out. I think I can let a lot of it go. The rest needs to be well-organized and labeled. It might take me until March, but it's going to be done right this year. Looking forward to seeing everyone's progress! Happy New Year!
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Post by paperaddictedpea on Dec 31, 2016 19:11:55 GMT
I'm in! I'm currently thinking about my goals and will come back to post them.
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
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Jul 1, 2014 20:20:18 GMT
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Post by rickmer on Dec 31, 2016 19:25:19 GMT
ugh. i worked on this in 2016. i would say i got rid of close to 30 black garbage bags to charity. my kids are now 9, 11 and 16 so growing out of toys and clothes fast these days. when i look around, my house looks *somewhat* lighter but not that noticeable. what i have learned from this is... i must have brought somewhere close to 30 bags of new stuff into my house over the last year. which i can't even BEGIN to try to understand. i am NOT a shopper - kinda hate it actually. i blame the kids.
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Post by worrywart on Dec 31, 2016 19:26:22 GMT
. Like others have speculated here, I wonder how long one can actually live in a tiny house. This would be a great idea for a show Tiny House Hunters Revisited and catch up with the families 2-5 years down the line and see how/if it all worked out!
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Judy26
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MOTFY Bitchy Nursemaid
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Post by Judy26 on Dec 31, 2016 19:26:24 GMT
I'm definitely joining in this year. I need to go room by room. I only wish the rest of my family would get on track. I hate when I organize something and then they mess it all up.
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MsKnit
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RefuPea #1406
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Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Dec 31, 2016 19:27:49 GMT
Big goals:
1. Empty 90% of the contents of the mudroom and organize the rest. 2. Empty 25% of the contents of the storage room. Organize the rest.
3. Tackle the scrap area.
Otherwise, I simply want to maintain what has been accomplished so far.
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Post by Lexica on Dec 31, 2016 19:28:29 GMT
I think doing this will help push me along as I go through everything in this house, packing some up to move with me and selling or donating what I don't need. Or maybe I should say don't want, because I don't NEED that much to exist, I just like to have certain things around me for creature comfort.
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Post by kibble on Dec 31, 2016 19:37:12 GMT
I did really well in 2016 (I moved so that motivated me)
I don't have a ton a purging left, but right now I'm working on my digital scrapbook supplies. Even though they don't take up physical room, I need to have them organized to make it easier to find things. I'm hoping to finish today. I've deleted a couple thousand files I nknow I won't use.
My goals for 2017:
-Finish converting my sons scrapbook to digital, take photos of the old physical pages, then toss. -clean out underwear and sock drawers, toss anything ripped/stained and any unmatched socks. -Once house sale goes through, I want to scan in any original paperwork related to old house so I can keep a copy just in case, but toss they physical stuff. -clean out my car and actually keep it clean. My home is usually spotless, but my car is the fmamily trash can I think.
The biggest thing is I just want to really think before I buy. I want to become a thoughful shopper so I don't end up wasting money on crap I don't need, won't use, and have to clean up after.
Nothing overly difficult, but important. When I'm organized and have no clutter, I'm just happier at home. I don't to spend my free time taking care of things or cleaning up more things.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 31, 2016 19:44:35 GMT
- do a magazine purge. I used to tease my mom about her "magazine hoarding." Oops. I now have a collection to rival hers. lol Best thing I ever did to curb my magazine addiction was get a subscription to the Texture app. No more stacks of magazines and I have access to almost 150 titles! They are currently offering a 3 month subscription for $10. Also, eBates is offering a $10 rebate. So if you use ebates, you could essentially try it out for 3 months for free!
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Post by freeatlast on Dec 31, 2016 19:45:34 GMT
Thanks for starting this thread. I definitely need the help and support.
On Tuesday, I cleaned out my master closet and took 5 large bags of clothes and 3 boxes of misc. household goods to Goodwill. I still need to do a bit more in there but it's ok for the time being.
On my list to accomplish in 2017: 1) Clean out my laundry room. It's gotten to be the dumping area for all things on the main floor. 2) Clean out my second floor bathroom. The linen closet and the sink cabinent need some attention. 3) Finish the office area upstairs. I started but haven't finished. I lost interest when I saw the amount of shredding I need to do. 4) Clean out the guest bedroom and have it be usable as a guest bedroom. Right now it's holding the overflow of my craft room. 5) And last, but not least, finish my craft room. I've made great progress but it's time to make some more tough decisions and let more go.
I'd be really happy to get all these done this year.
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Post by jennyap on Dec 31, 2016 20:08:26 GMT
I'm in! I did a bit in 2016, but lost track in the second half of the year, and without really meaning to buy much the clutter seems to have got worse again.
Off the top of my head, primary goals are: - find a home for everything (and make sure my DH knows where it is too!) - actually get stuff out of the house. We have a big stack of things to sell (old phones and the like) but we've been slack on dealing with them, so even though mentally we've moved on from them they are still taking up space. This would help with the previous goal too! - thorough purge and reorganisation of the craft room. Just way too much in it (and although I still scrap, my mojo has mostly disappeared recently so I'm using it at a glacially slow pace) - purge digital files - particularly excess photos
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Post by katlady on Dec 31, 2016 20:25:43 GMT
I did get rid of quite a bit crafting supplies in 2016, but i know I can get rid of more. For instance, fabric. I used to quilt so I have a lot. I went through it this week and got rid of some, but still kept most of it because I "loved" them. But I haven't quilted in years. So for 2017 I really want to atrack the remaining craft items.
I also need to purge a lot of digital stuff. That is hard for me to purge and organize.
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Post by realm on Dec 31, 2016 20:27:04 GMT
Great idea! I have a small house and way too much stuff. I think I need to start by grouping like items together and then paring down from there. My big issues are paper, clothes, books, craft supplies, dishes and galssware. If I can get these things under control I know it will make a huge difference.
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