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Post by kckckc on Jan 1, 2018 20:41:57 GMT
I am in. DH is off work this week, so I won't get much done - hope to start next week. I need to clear out every closet in the house, including our huge attic closet where I keep shoving stuff I don't know what to do with (I should probably get rid of a lot of it).
Perhaps more than clearing out, I need to stop buying stuff - I like to wander around thrift store/flea markets/antique malls and always end up bringing things home.
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muggins
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,861
Jul 30, 2017 3:38:57 GMT
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Post by muggins on Jan 1, 2018 20:52:51 GMT
I’m in. My goal is one box per week. I’ve already started with my towels and extra bedding. I have way more than one person will use. Have you thought about donating them to an animal shelter? Lots of animals are dumped at this time of year and the shelters are often in need of extra towels and bedding:)
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Post by Karene on Jan 1, 2018 21:05:30 GMT
I'm in. I have organized 2 cabinets in the kitchen so far and the cabinet in the microwave trolley. Everything used to fall out when the door was opened so it had to be done. Today we also put away all the Christmas stuff and took the tree outside. In order to put the tree up, we need to move the piano into the narrow hall, so it is nice to get it back in its place.
I need to go through my clothes again. And the rest of my kitchen cupboards. The basement and garage need organizing but I'll wait until the warmer weather.
Right now I am actually organizing the folders on my computer.
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Post by crittsmom on Jan 1, 2018 21:21:29 GMT
I'm in, I just can't.stand.it.anymore. Word for 2018 is to simplify. Get rid of the clutter.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,854
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jan 1, 2018 21:21:58 GMT
I'm in. I have a 6 bedroom house - and there is only 4 of us living here. I have a craft room ( which I cannot walk into at the moment it's soon messy/cluttered) One room is a dedicated junk room ( HAVE to sort this out) The other empty room has all the fishing stuff in, and the left overs from my DDs room when she moved downstairs. I would also like to go through my cupboards and sort out all the plates and dishes that don't get used. This sounds like us! Any spare space we have is FULL of who knows what!!!
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jan 1, 2018 21:27:34 GMT
I love these threads as I really believe in constantly reassessing my belongings to cull out what's no longer wanted and appreciate what is now treasured. I enjoy reading what others are doing and chiming in on what I've accomplished.
As a resource for those interested in decluttering, I really recommend the Marie Kondo books -- especially The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Her approach to asking if your belongings "spark joy" for you can be eye-opening. It helps you to get rid of that stuff that you keep for other reasons. Especially reasons like "it came from my family" or "I paid so much money for it" or "I might need it *some* day."
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Post by hockeymom4 on Jan 1, 2018 21:32:11 GMT
I am in, heading out of town Thursday night for a hockey tournament so the big push will start the next week. Goals for this week: Christmas stuff away; sort fridge/freezer/pantry to see what I need; try to get family onboard with meal planning ( we eat out far to often because nobody knows/cares what we eat... but complains about what I prepare!!!!!) I am starting WW next week so have to be prepared for that
Spent time today making lists and doing up a pretty “organization” binder..... likely could have had fridge and freeze4 sorted in that time
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,854
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jan 1, 2018 21:34:08 GMT
I'm in. The plan, initially, is to follow Bowl Full of Lemons' Organization Challenge. It begins the 6th, in the kitchen. Already put the boy on notice that I may be asking for his assistance. Plus, there are some things that I want done that my husband is not going to be happy over doing. Tough! I am so tired of this house. We bought it off his Uncle & Aunt over 20 years ago. I am convinced that he is dragging his heels on doing anything to it until all members of that family has passed, because if it was good enough for them, it should be good enough for us. Snoopy forbid he should offend them by changing anything. I still need to find the missing Christmas ornaments. Bought some Lennox ones and have no clue where I put them. There is another type that was on the tree last year that I can't find. They were pricey, even on sale. Christmas decorations went up late this year. So, no hurry to take them down so long as the tree takes water. Gives me time to find the missing ornaments. I recently read a book that was good. It wasn't well written. Kind of choppy. However, the ideas were good. I didn't care for his ideas regarding pictures though. LOL! Clutter Busting Thank you for starting the thread for 2018, styxgirl!
Thanks for posting about the Challenge at Bowl Full of Lemons. I think I'm gonna give that a try! Best wishes!
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Post by lancermom on Jan 1, 2018 21:42:46 GMT
Yeah! Cleaned out my pants drawer. Even if I lose weight, I won't wear them. Normally if I buy something, something has to leave. I got bad at that in 2017. I am really going to do my best this year.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,942
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Jan 1, 2018 21:48:35 GMT
We decided to organize our storage room in the basement today. We got rid of a few things, and combined some boxes and it looks awesome and completely organized. I'm very impressed with us!
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,942
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Jan 1, 2018 21:54:26 GMT
We've only been in this house for 9 months, and we purged a lot before moving. But stuff still collects and can get disorganized, so there is still stuff to do. Things I need to get done are:
Reorganize the pantry Reorganize the top of the shelves in the master closet Put the office in order. That's the one room we still haven't put together since moving in. The basement family room needs a bit more tidying/organizing. File a year's worth of papers, receipts, etc.
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Jan 1, 2018 22:17:12 GMT
I'd like to join in this year. I need to start with my craft space(s). The craft supplies have grown to encompass half my pantry. This has to stop.
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Post by missbennet on Jan 1, 2018 22:47:17 GMT
I'm in. This project is already underway as we are packing to move, and I try to take advantage of moving to declutter and unload stuff. Did the office and paperwork a couple weeks ago, shredding 15+ years of old tax returns and paperwork; reduced all paperwork to two plastic bins.
We'll be paying for the movers by weight of our belongings, so we are feeling pretty motivated.
Goals for 2018:
* Declutter the kitchen and unload pans, dishes and tools that haven't been used in the last year
* Thin out wardrobe during packing
* Declutter office supplies and miscellaneous stuff from junk drawers, utility shelves, etc.
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Post by thracian on Jan 1, 2018 23:05:46 GMT
I am totally in!
I moved in October. Before that, I lived in my house for 14 years. I did some sorting/purging before I moved, but I have a lot left to do. So much stuff! In my new house, there are boxes in nearly every room because I lost a garage. I am so ready for my rooms to look like the rooms they are supposed to be! But I'm also feeling very overwhelmed. I'm hoping this thread can offer some inspiration and commiseration.
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 1, 2018 23:11:45 GMT
I'm in. My house is generally pretty organized, but we've been here 30 years, so stuff has accumulated.
I filled 2 boxes to donate today. I purged some kids books and extra dishes.
I love this thread.
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dantemia
Full Member
Posts: 306
Jun 27, 2014 19:28:17 GMT
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Post by dantemia on Jan 1, 2018 23:21:45 GMT
We just moved out for a remodel in June and back in in November ... so while packing we decluttered a lot and moving back in same thing. My goal for 2018 is 1. Stay decluttered 2. Really think about before buying something If I need it and If I have a place for it.
Still need to go through the garage some .
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Post by Legacy Girl on Jan 1, 2018 23:25:51 GMT
I got the first floor of my house "company ready" toward the end of 2017. It looks really good, and is a major goal achieved. The updated goal is to maintain it. That leaves the second floor, the basement and the garage as areas with, ahem, huge opportunities. Hoping to make more donations to charity this year than ever before, including purging all of the baby gear and remaining clothing from when DD was little. Today, I made minor progress on little things that will help me to function more efficiently. Reorganized my Pinterest boards so I can find recipes to cook more often and eat in more frequently. Also, organized my spices (while digging for the caraway seeds I only use on New Year's Day). If anyone needs oregano, I have four duplicate bottles. Oh, and I clipped digital coupons for two stores. Always makes me feel more organized than I ever was when I was clipping paper coupons from the newspaper.
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stecho
Shy Member
Posts: 24
Mar 8, 2015 4:04:05 GMT
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Post by stecho on Jan 1, 2018 23:32:37 GMT
I’m in. We have been in this house for 13 years and it is cluttered And overwhelming. I am not really sure where to start. Lol. The kitchen makes the most sense.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 1, 2018 23:54:17 GMT
Questions for fellow organizers.
1. Medical records: What medical &b dental records do you keep? How long? I'm talking about general medical care such as doctor's visits, prescription records, etc. I have a storage container full of those records and would love to get rid of it if possible.
2. Records from the sale of a house: How long is it necessary to keep these? I didn't realize just how much paperwork I still had from the sale of our first house back in 1991.
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Post by peanutterbutter on Jan 2, 2018 0:01:24 GMT
I have been on a mission to reclaim my house from the holidays and hholiday build up!!
I purged a lot of paperwork over the summer. There were a fair number of things I wanted to keep for general reference, or just in case - I scanned a lot of things and it them in electronic folders - I do regular back ups of my dgital files - it has deftly helped and I will be scanning things regularly from now on.
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Post by kckckc on Jan 2, 2018 0:05:33 GMT
Questions for fellow organizers. 1. Medical records: What medical &b dental records do you keep? How long? I'm talking about general medical care such as doctor's visits, prescription records, etc. I have a storage container full of those records and would love to get rid of it if possible. 2. Records from the sale of a house: How long is it necessary to keep these? I didn't realize just how much paperwork I still had from the sale of our first house back in 1991. Medical records - as soon as I have reconciled the records and the insurance payments, I throw them away. (We don't have any chronic, ongoing medical issues, so this is just routine stuff) House sale - I'd like to know this too; we sold our first house in 1988 and I still have the paperwork.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 2, 2018 0:06:16 GMT
Are you in? What are your goals? I'm so in! I tore down the Christmas tree today, all hints of Christmas are put away. And I feel so much lighter already. My goal this year is to only own what I love, and to use it, and not feel badly about replacing it when it is worn out. I find myself good about initially buying a pack of socks or undies or any other item that is for me only, but then neglecting to throw out my old stuff and replace it with new stuff. My motto this year needs to be: Would I let my kids wear that? No chance would they be wearing socks with holes, undies that were past their prime, clothes with "only one or two stains, so still good enough." Nope. Not anymore. I'm also not keeping things out of guilt. I tossed a stack of magazines that I bought for less than two dollars over a year ago and had just been living on a shelf in my room. I perused them, got what I could out of them, it was time to let go. No more thinking of tossing things as a waste. Just giving myself that space back. Another part of this year is that I am truly making an effort to only spend money on what I need to spend it on. I'm making a lot less this year than I did the previous 3 yrs, due to a change of job. I can't afford to spend money on scrapbook stuff that will just sit on my desk because I don't have time to use it, or on make-up that I never actually wear anyway. I'm not saying I will never buy it, but just that I want to use what I have already for now, instead of giving in to the impulse to spend to satisfy some need or hole in me.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,854
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jan 2, 2018 0:11:23 GMT
Are you in? What are your goals? I'm so in! I tore down the Christmas tree today, all hints of Christmas are put away. And I feel so much lighter already. My goal this year is to only own what I love, and to use it, and not feel badly about replacing it when it is worn out.
I find myself good about initially buying a pack of socks or undies or any other item that is for me only, but then neglecting to throw out my old stuff and replace it with new stuff.
My motto this year needs to be: Would I let my kids wear that?
No chance would they be wearing socks with holes, undies that were past their prime, clothes with "only one or two stains, so still good enough."
Nope. Not anymore.
I'm also not keeping things out of guilt. I could have written this word-for-word! Best wishes for this new year!!!
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,854
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jan 2, 2018 0:13:56 GMT
I’m in. We have been in this house for 13 years and it is cluttered And overwhelming. I am not really sure where to start. Lol. The kitchen makes the most sense. That website www.abowlfulloflemons.net challenge starts in the kitchen too!
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,091
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Jan 2, 2018 0:16:37 GMT
I’m in. I plan to go drawer by drawer, shelf by shelf. We also have a storage space in the basement of our building and an off premises store room. The off site space, I’d like to commit an hour a month to wade through what’s in there. IMO about 80% of it can be sold or tossed but DH isn’t really willing so I have to ease into it because it’s his stuff too. I figure an hour will go fast and be enough time to fill the car with things to sell & donate plus toss some things that are no longer useable.
Does anyone have ideas on how to convince a significant other to purge? And I’m taking about things that have been boxed up and unused for years. This is really my biggest challenge.
The ultimate goal is to have breathing room in our apartment, use the basement store room for off season clothing, suitcases and Christmas decorations and if I’m dreaming, get rid of the off site space but at the very least downsize to the smallest store room space bc there is a piece of furniture that I know DH will never get rid of and it doesn’t fit here (both in style and size).
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Post by #notLauren on Jan 2, 2018 0:21:10 GMT
I'm in. Today I cleaned out my medicine cabinets. Got rid of extras and expired medications and toiletries.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 2, 2018 0:40:33 GMT
I have been doing a pretty good job during the last few months. But I need to train the rest of my family to put things where they belong. Any tips on that? Haha! When you figure it out, let me know. So excited to see the annual decluttering thread lives on! Thank you for starting a new thread styxgirl! I'm definitely in for 2018. Ditto!! Peter Walsh said in his 30 days to get organized, is put signs around saying don't put it down, put it away. My mantra for this month. It's like the saying, "Only touch things once." You deal with the item (mail, etc) when you first have it until putting it off until "later." Questions for fellow organizers. 1. Medical records: What medical &b dental records do you keep? How long? I'm talking about general medical care such as doctor's visits, prescription records, etc. I have a storage container full of those records and would love to get rid of it if possible. 2. Records from the sale of a house: How long is it necessary to keep these? I didn't realize just how much paperwork I still had from the sale of our first house back in 1991. For medical records, I only keep the newest, most relevant stuff for myself and my children who are, on the whole, healthy. I keep a binder for my two kids with chronic conditions, because so much of the medical info necessary to refer to through the year, and it is easier to make sure that the different doctors all have the same info. I haven't sold a house, so i don't know the answer to that one. Today I cleaned out my medicine cabinets. Got rid of extras and expired medications and toiletries. I did that yesterday. Tossed a few meds that were too close to their expiration dates, made a list of what to replace, and tossed lotions that were cheap and I didn't like.
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smga1
Shy Member
Posts: 40
Jun 28, 2014 23:57:26 GMT
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Post by smga1 on Jan 2, 2018 0:42:04 GMT
I am in too. This weekend, I cleaned out my two boys dresser and my dresser. I also went through all of my winter clothes. I have three trash bags to donate. This week, I plan on working on our little mud area in the kitchen.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,920
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Jan 2, 2018 1:18:01 GMT
Goal: Minimize the stuff in the whole house + garageI did the declutter thing a couple of years ago, but I know I did not get rid of as much as I really should have. I feel that the more times I go through the house, the better I get at getting rid of stuff. I commit to a SECTION of my house a week. The section could be big or small depending on other commitments, but 1 step forward is better than zero. I hope to be ready to tackle the garage by the time the spring weather gets here. ETA: I work outside the home, so this will only be evenings and weekends. ETA 2: I forgot to add I did put away the holiday decorations today. Normally this would be taking place next weekend. I am so proud of myself.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 2, 2018 1:18:20 GMT
I’m in. I plan to go drawer by drawer, shelf by shelf. We also have a storage space in the basement of our building and an off premises store room. The off site space, I’d like to commit an hour a month to wade through what’s in there. IMO about 80% of it can be sold or tossed but DH isn’t really willing so I have to ease into it because it’s his stuff too. I figure an hour will go fast and be enough time to fill the car with things to sell & donate plus toss some things that are no longer useable. Does anyone have ideas on how to convince a significant other to purge? And I’m taking about things that have been boxed up and unused for years. This is really my biggest challenge. The ultimate goal is to have breathing room in our apartment, use the basement store room for off season clothing, suitcases and Christmas decorations and if I’m dreaming, get rid of the off site space but at the very least downsize to the smallest store room space bc there is a piece of furniture that I know DH will never get rid of and it doesn’t fit here (both in style and size). Three things worked with my DH: 1) Reading It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh. This book, more than any other decluttering/organizational book, really spoke to me and to my DH to a lesser degree. I found myself reading nodding my head for every reason people keep things and being so very energized and motivated after every read. I wrote notes in the margins as I went along and then asked him to do the same. I am about to read it for the nth time and I can not recommend it enough. Different books work for different people so maybe pick up several at a used book store. I like Mari Kondo's (sp?) book too, and found some good ideas, but just didn't connect with it as much as with Peter's book. 2) Seeing results when I did a major purge and reorganize in certain areas. Sure, my craft room results were impressive, but didn't affect him much so didn't motivate him. He had a pretty large collection of sports stuff, including posters and signed pieces, enough to take over an entire room. I asked him to let me guide his decorating in his exercise room and did so using some of Peter's guidance. We went through and picked out the things he treasured the most and highlighted them in this room. 4 walls full of posters became 4 favorites, framed. Countless figurines and pieces were pared down to a dozen or so and displayed on a new masculine glass and metal shelf that took center place as soon as you walked in the room. There was a box and or two of things he wasn't sure of so we kept it, but as time as gone on he's been ready to let it go because he loves his new space so much and has experienced how much more he appreciates the treasures he has kept. The gist of this lesson of Peter's was if you own this item and are storing it because it means so much to you, it should have a place of honor in your home. 3) Good old-fashioned math and money. Another concept from the book was working out how much you were paying for storage space in your home. It was very eye opening. And with DH, money talks. We we have been married for 22 years, living together for 24 and it was a very painful process to get here. I really feel him having an open mind when reading the book was where improvements really started. When we go through things now he is often the one to talk me into getting rid of things.
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