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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jan 9, 2018 1:39:01 GMT
Went through the freezer and made a list of all the meat we have. I was thinking about doing this and then making a list in my phone so I can remember what we have. Ha. This is one area I start out strong with... but ultimately fail at... every time. I have made lists of what's in the freezer using several different methods, but I just don't keep them up. I am super organized about most things, but this is just one of those nemesis areas for me. I blame it on having a chest freezer -- what goes in, goes down, and may never be seen again! Lol. Seriously, I do use smaller bins within the freezer to separate some stuff by type. But those blooming chest freezers are just challenging to keep straight and organized. Never mind actually *knowing* what's in it. I should probably flag that as a project for this year -- to figure out a way to stay on top of what's in there better so it gets used in a timely fashion.
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Post by refugeepea on Jan 9, 2018 2:03:40 GMT
Ha. This is one area I start out strong with... but ultimately fail at... every time. I have made lists of what's in the freezer using several different methods, but I just don't keep them up. I am super organized about most things, but this is just one of those nemesis areas for me. I blame it on having a chest freezer -- what goes in, goes down, and may never be seen again! Lol. Seriously, I do use smaller bins within the freezer to separate some stuff by type. But those blooming chest freezers are just challenging to keep straight and organized. Never mind actually *knowing* what's in it. I should probably flag that as a project for this year -- to figure out a way to stay on top of what's in there better so it gets used in a timely fashion. Can you attach something like this to the side of the freezer? www.amazon.com/Caillebotte-Fruit-Magnet-Pad-Pen/dp/B0056C4JBS/ref=sr_1_12?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1515463228&sr=1-12&keywords=grocery+list+with+magnet+for+fridge+with+penThis is the only thing that works for making a regular grocery list with our fridge. Or would this work? I have an upright freezer and want to do this.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 9, 2018 2:08:30 GMT
Unfortunately the whole computer/scrap room is on me. I can't attribute it to him and it's the craft stuff that has the room cluttered. He will go in and pull the lawnmower booklet out of the file cabinet, but anything else he needs, he sends me to get it. He gets very upset that there are things on the floor and not everything has a place and gives me the silent treatment every now & again. At least the rest of the house is normally uncluttered. I live alone, so the whole house is on me. The first time I bought a house, I added 700 square feet to my living space. I had always told myself that once I had enough room, I'd be fine! I'll never forget the moment about five years later when I realized it wasn't the space. It was me. But I'm finally ready to do things differently. Stuff isn't making me happy.And there's your first and most important step, coming to that realization. Not just because you are out of room, but the root of the issue!!! I know it seems overwhelming since you're all alone, but think of all the people you don't have to consult when getting rid of things, and all the people you don't need to do the same and stop bringing things in the house. You are completely in control of what your house will look like and how it will function. No one else's needs need be considered. You can do this!
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Post by dewryce on Jan 9, 2018 2:33:00 GMT
spongemomscrappants and refugeepea something we do that might help y'all go through your meat before it goes bad; to start my menu planning each week I list out each dinner by protein (1) chicken 2) beef 3) pork 4) turkey 5) poultry*6) seafood/chicken**). And then I go through our freezer and our recipes to decide what we have and what we're in the mood for. We don't keep a stocked anything at this point, but I thought if you modify this towards your diet it might have you eating the pork or duck or flamingo or whatever that tends to be forgotten. I know deep freezes are great but with my OCD tendencies this is why I could never bite the bullet and get one. Too much of a PITA to organize. * DH likes to try fancy crap like duck. If he's not feeling inspired we do another chicken dish. ** we decide what we have extra of, what we're in the mood for that week. Shrimp or scallops one day and fish another is not uncommon in one week.
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Post by refugeepea on Jan 9, 2018 2:40:55 GMT
I know deep freezes are great but with my OCD tendencies this is why I could never bite the bullet and get one. Too much of a PITA to organize. I wish I had OCD tendencies. I have an upright freezer because I remember my mom cussing the deep freezer we had growing up and saying when this dies, it will be an upright! That's why I went that route. I didn't even know until 2 peas, that the chest freezers are supposed to be better.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jan 9, 2018 2:56:42 GMT
refugeepea and dewryce -- thank you both for the ideas! I think there's definitely a way for me to better stay on top of what's in the freezer.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 9, 2018 3:44:59 GMT
I know deep freezes are great but with my OCD tendencies this is why I could never bite the bullet and get one. Too much of a PITA to organize. I wish I had OCD tendencies. I have an upright freezer because I remember my mom cussing the deep freezer we had growing up and saying when this dies, it will be an upright! That's why I went that route. I didn't even know until 2 peas, that the chest freezers are supposed to be better. And that is why I don't have an upright either! That, and we can't get our stuff together well enough to prepare enough frozen ready made dinners *or* take advantage of the meat sales to make it worth it.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 9, 2018 3:50:18 GMT
your diet it might have you eating the pork or duck or flamingo or whatever that tends to be forgotten Don't eat the flamingo!!! <<<<<<<<<<<<<
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Post by dewryce on Jan 9, 2018 3:57:03 GMT
your diet it might have you eating the pork or duck or flamingo or whatever that tends to be forgotten Don't eat the flamingo!!! <<<<<<<<<<<<< ::Rollin::
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Post by refugeepea on Jan 9, 2018 5:07:49 GMT
My husband put together a three shelf bookshelf and we put it in the multi purpose room closet tonight! I desperately need to organize paperwork (paper & digitally). Tomorrow will be filing and shredding.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 9, 2018 5:35:08 GMT
My husband put together a three shelf bookshelf and we put it in the multi purpose room closet tonight! I desperately need to organize paperwork (paper & digitally). Tomorrow will be filing and shredding. Perfect time of year for it. Tax time and office supplies, especially filing supplies go on sale if you find you need any. For files where the contents won't change I put them in a paper or plastic school folder with brads, label the spine with a label maker, and store them like I would a manilla folder. I do this with bank statements (which I do reference), taxes, etc. That way if the folder falls everything is still contained and organized, and it's easy to pack up and take with me wherever in the house or on the road to research. Once you put it in there it's fairly permanent and doesn't need to be moved, but it can be. I only use manilla folder for things I will take out individually and/or replace like insurance info for the current year. I bought a lot at once in different colors during a back to school sale. All green for bank statement and all black for taxes
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Jan 9, 2018 13:07:39 GMT
I'm just doing one thing each weekend. This past weekend, I reorganized the pantry. It looks great and is now set up just right - for me.
Next weekend - the master bedroom closet.
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Post by mommaho on Jan 9, 2018 13:09:10 GMT
I need to go back and ready all the posts, you all are inspiring! So, it is the 9th of January and so far I've organized my Tupperware shelves, that is it. But, for me that is a start so I'll pat myself on the back for that one. LOL This weekend I'll be finally taking Christmas down, I just hate to see the pretty lights go away!
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Post by chitchatgirl on Jan 9, 2018 13:40:15 GMT
I've been decluttering for the past 6 weeks. Something about the lack of sunlight seems to set this off in me. Anyway, I've been really good about getting rid of stuff. However, for some reason, I can't bring myself to get rid of some of my dog's toys. I have a stash that I keep the extras of a couple of toys she's really fond of. But dang it of all things I can't get rid of the old ones. I feel like she "knows" I'm into her stuff because as soon as she sees it she will be playing with it. I almost need her to be out of the house so I can do it. I mean, she knows all of the toy's names and will go get it if you tell her to get a certain one.
That stinker is just as bad as a child when it comes to toys...
I guess of all the other things I've gotten rid of, a 12 inch cube box of toys isn't bad.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,923
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jan 9, 2018 17:41:25 GMT
It's been a busy weekend and week so far. I haven't had much of a chance to do anything new, but I am proud to report that I am maintaining my clean bathroom counter! It' still looks pretty and doesn't have an extra thing on it (except my hand lotion). I decided since it's winter and I'm using it all the time, I can leave that (and only that!) out on the counter. My family is amazed! LOL Just wait until the rest of the house gets into shape! LOL!
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Post by thracian on Jan 9, 2018 18:19:17 GMT
I live alone, so the whole house is on me. The first time I bought a house, I added 700 square feet to my living space. I had always told myself that once I had enough room, I'd be fine! I'll never forget the moment about five years later when I realized it wasn't the space. It was me. But I'm finally ready to do things differently. Stuff isn't making me happy.And there's your first and most important step, coming to that realization. Not just because you are out of room, but the root of the issue!!! I know it seems overwhelming since you're all alone, but think of all the people you don't have to consult when getting rid of things, and all the people you don't need to do the same and stop bringing things in the house. You are completely in control of what your house will look like and how it will function. No one else's needs need be considered. You can do this! Thank you! I need this after having a bit of a bad day yesterday. I sorted one box yesterday and started on a second but saw little spider webs and that set me off. It is frustrating to have boxes in every room. (Short version of my story: I moved a few months ago and no longer have a garage. Plus I also want to go through everything and purge, purge, purge.) I put my stats in my signature so I can see the overall progress I'm making. There are definitely some days (like yesterday) when I wonder why I even bother because it doesn't seem like I accomplish much. Tonight I think I'll take a break from sorting and work on straightening up the living room. Once that's done, I'll get back to sorting.
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Post by Linda on Jan 9, 2018 18:23:41 GMT
well done styxgirl - maintaining is the bigger part of the battle, I think
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Post by Linda on Jan 9, 2018 18:31:20 GMT
spent some time working in the shed - it's a big shed (we don't have an attic/garage/basement - and there's only one closet per bedroom - no coat/linen/storage closets). DH and I split in half - mostly because I'm more organised and don't like digging through his stuff to find mine.
I spent some time on my half today - re-arranged totes so it'll be easier to grab the holiday ones, put the Christmas totes out there, pulled out a plastic table/chairs (Little Tikes) that DH is going to give to a co-worker with a toddler (I certainly don't need it - my youngest is 11), pulled out a tote of wooden preschool puzzles that I'm going to offer to a friend for her preschool classroom.
I've identified some more totes that can probably be re-homed but I need to check with DH on those so will wait until he's home on a weekend so we can look together. (he's sentimental about some of the kids stuff). There are two booster seats (maybe 3) that need to leave also now that DD11 is finally done with them.
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Post by thracian on Jan 9, 2018 18:42:57 GMT
In the interests of keeping it real, this is my second bedroom at the moment. Once it is cleared out, it will be a library and spare bedroom. But obviously I have a ways to go before I get there.
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Jan 9, 2018 20:07:01 GMT
It's been a busy weekend and week so far. I haven't had much of a chance to do anything new, but I am proud to report that I am maintaining my clean bathroom counter! It' still looks pretty and doesn't have an extra thing on it (except my hand lotion). I decided since it's winter and I'm using it all the time, I can leave that (and only that!) out on the counter. My family is amazed! LOL Just wait until the rest of the house gets into shape! LOL! Maintaining is harder. However, making maintaining the priority is key to continued success. It takes longer to accomplish decluttering an entire house. The payoff is worth it though. As you maintain, you are building habits. Then, you become accustomed to having more rooms clean and tidy. By the time you are "done," your whole house is clean and it is SO EASY to keep it that way. Another result, you get rid of stuff from the completed room as you go. And, there is no temptation to move the clutter from room to room to be dealt with later. I highly recommend it!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 20, 2024 22:14:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 22:52:55 GMT
While cleaning out the kitchen cabinet, I found the cat feeder. We haven't had a cat in 3 years. I put it in the donate box. Meanwhile, dh is doing the garage and finds the cat carrier. He asks if I want it donated. I say, yes. Well, that donate box is still in the trunk of my car.....I want a cat!
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Post by refugeepea on Jan 9, 2018 23:24:45 GMT
I forgot to do paperwork today! I got sidetracked sorting through my son's stuff. His closet is organized though! I buy his clothes ahead. There's sizes 14-18 waiting to be worn! He's special needs and he likes sensory bins (they are popular with preschool kids). I went through the two rubbermaid containers and put stray pieces where they belonged and threw away the gross stuff. I put together his Valentine's bin and added Valentine's slinkies, bracelets, and plastic hearts. He is now only playing with the slinky.
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Post by refugeepea on Jan 9, 2018 23:28:29 GMT
In the interests of keeping it real, this is my second bedroom at the moment. Our extra multipurpose room looks similar to yours. I have these fantastic ideas for an extra room and my son's movie posters are still hanging on the walls. I stare at an Annabelle poster when I do crafty projects.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 20, 2024 22:14:08 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2018 23:36:33 GMT
Forgive me as I haven't read the first 9 pages, but I'm making decluttering my goal.
Dana White, "A Slob Comes Clean" is my spirit animal. I'm reading her new book as part of a book review program and I hope I actually follow through and do it. Her book is called "Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff."
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Post by dewryce on Jan 10, 2018 0:02:32 GMT
Forgive me as I haven't read the first 9 pages, but I'm making decluttering my goal. Dana White, "A Slob Comes Clean" is my spirit animal. I'm reading her new book as part of a book review program and I hope I actually follow through and do it. Her book is called "Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff." Thanks for the recommendation, I'm always looking for new ideas and motivation! Are you going to be going through your entire house or do you have specific areas that you plan to concentrate on? eta: dang Amazon doesn't have it. I guess I have to try and remember how to get books from my library Did you know she has another book coming out?
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Post by thracian on Jan 10, 2018 19:54:43 GMT
Tonight I think I'll take a break from sorting and work on straightening up the living room. Once that's done, I'll get back to sorting. This turned out to be a very good thing. I took the donation boxes out to my car. Broke down empty boxes and took them outside. Took some things that had piled up to the room where they are supposed to be. My living room is not perfect, but it's a lot better than it was, which helped with my discouragement. I will continue to clean up in there tonight, then tomorrow I will get back to sorting. It was a good reminder that it's best to take boxes out to my car as I fill them instead of letting them pile up. I also dropped off the four boxes to donate that were in my car, and that was really satisfying. I am glad there is a place I can take it just a few blocks from my office.
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rodeomom
Pearl Clutcher
Refupee # 380 "I don't have to run fast, I just have to run faster than you."
Posts: 3,670
Location: Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma
Jun 25, 2014 23:34:38 GMT
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Post by rodeomom on Jan 10, 2018 19:58:03 GMT
While cleaning out the kitchen cabinet, I found the cat feeder. We haven't had a cat in 3 years. I put it in the donate box. Meanwhile, dh is doing the garage and finds the cat carrier. He asks if I want it donated. I say, yes. Well, that donate box is still in the trunk of my car.....I want a cat! I vote to get a cat!
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Post by Linda on Jan 10, 2018 20:23:05 GMT
@elaynef - my vote is to visit your local pet shelter and see if you can fill that cat carrier with a new family member (or two)
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Post by Linda on Jan 10, 2018 20:24:14 GMT
not much accomplished today but I did go through one cabinet in the kitchen and pulled out some duplicates to donate - a canning funnel, extra measuring spoons (I think the two sets I kept should suffice) and measuring cups (ditto)
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 10, 2018 22:38:59 GMT
I haven't accomplished much this week other than getting on top of most of the paperwork. Today was for running errands since it will be raining tomorrow and another cold front coming through. I'm all set to stay home now for the next few days! One thing I am focusing on this year is bringing less stuff into the house. I swear that's half the battle! I did make a stop by the thrift store this afternoon, but didn't buy a thing! There were a couple of plush toys I almost bought to resell, but put them back. Made myself really think about how much I'd actually make, and also things I still haven't listed. There is more than enough to list in that disaster of a guest room! So not buying those means two things I don't have to deal with again in the future. The gorgeous baby alpaca knit scarf for just $3 was sooo tempting, but when I realized that I had several scarves I hadn't even worn this year (need to weed those out!), so I reluctantly put it back as well. If we count that as 'pre-purging', then I'm down 3 items! I also exchanged 2 Christmas gifts that I was never going to wear, DH's feelings be damned! He tends to get his feelings hurt if a gift is returned. He's usually a great gift giver, but these gifts totally missed the mark and made me wonder if he's paid any attention in the last 40 years. A short robe...something I have never, ever worn, as well as a workout t-shirt with a HUGE design on the front which I never wear. Turned out the robe didn't fit (arms way too long) and a smaller size didn't remedy that. In exchange I got a pair of workout capris and a plain t-shirt from the same store. Something I can and will use, not something just hiding in the back of the closet.
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