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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 1, 2020 17:15:03 GMT
Wow! 2020 is halfway over. Hopefully the second half of the year will have less craziness than the first half! After not doing much of anything towards my decluttering goals in June, I am going to have to step up the pace this month. We are in the design stage of doing a small remodel on our dining room (pull out paneling, close one door and narrow another one) which will result in a redesign of one kitchen wall. July's goal is to start getting rid of stuff in the dining room. This also means that the guest room has become top priority because that's the room that will hold the furniture from the dining room during the work. Time to get busy!
What are your goals for July? Looking forward to hearing about what everyone is getting accomplished!
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Coffee Mom
Full Member
Posts: 200
Dec 18, 2018 0:16:30 GMT
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Post by Coffee Mom on Jul 3, 2020 12:29:55 GMT
Good luck with your remodel!! That’s big, but will be soooooo nice at the end!!! Not much from me. I have been recovering from surgery and it has been going very well! I’m slowly getting the house picked up this weekend. It looks like a tornado ripped through! My husband was so great and took care of my every personal need but he is a terrible housekeeper and we have two toddlers. Rofl Not only that, but I took up several sewing projects as soon as I could sit up (I’m doing a baby quilt + matching accessories for a new baby in the family). Doing that was very healing!! But now it looks like my entire sewing stash barfed over our bedroom and it is time to play catch up cleaning. Lol I did get an e-mail about the dumpster we got for my mil last month. It was 3,000 pounds of junk!!! I told my husband that we are never leaving a mess for our kids!!
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Post by dewryce on Jul 3, 2020 19:29:20 GMT
Jumping in to wave and say ‘hi!’ I don’t know why but seeing this thread title and thinking about it has been giving me anxiety for the last couple of months so I’ve been avoiding you! But I’ve been thinking about y’all and wondering how everything is going. tentoes I hope you have been able to go through as much as you wanted to before the move. Spongemom Scrappants Have y’all finished going through the old house? I saw a post that mentioned your DH was liking the less is more in your new home. Did that hold true until you finished moving? I’m not actively working on decluttering specific areas, more working on projects. But both of us are in a good headspace so that as we come across items we aren’t in love with it’s been super easy to let them go. We gave a lot of things to my cousin a month ago and have an SUV trunk space full of more for her or her housekeeper. She takes a lot of items and sells them in Mexico so I am happy giving them to her because I know they will be used and not overburden other donation entities. I can imagine that a lot of people did some decluttering during lockdown! **GypsyGirl** Are your contractors using masks? We have some work we need done but it’s a lot of heavy breathing to do this manual labor so I’m not looking forward to having strangers in our home. Not much from me. I have been recovering from surgery and it has been going very well! I’m slowly getting the house picked up this weekend. It looks like a tornado ripped through! My husband was so great and took care of my every personal need but he is a terrible housekeeper and we have two toddlers. Rofl I did get an e-mail about the dumpster we got for my mil last month. It was 3,000 pounds of junk!!! I told my husband that we are never leaving a mess for our kids!! Growing up, when I was sick one thing I always loved, is that when Granma and mom would take care of me, they took care of my environment too. Such a comfort as it affects me so much! DH tries very hard, but it doesn’t come natural to him. As far as leaving a mess for others, with our very high risk of complications from COVID19 it has been on my mind as a potential current concern. Huh, I wonder if that’s why this topic has been causing me anxiety. Anyway, it has at least really put what’s important and being happy in our home environment in the forefront of our minds. Due to the anxiety I don’t really want to set any goals for the month. Usually taking control helps it but just thinking about doing that right now is making me tense. But I will say that I’d like to get back to making it a priority to actively go through specific spaces and get rid of all.the.things.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 3, 2020 21:00:37 GMT
I'm on the same routine.. cleaning out my dad's old condo to get ready for a total remodel. we have spent a few hours visiting the window store, the tile store the fireplace store.. but today while dh was out hiking, I tackled some of the high kitchen cabinets.. so have a box to donate and about 3 garbage bags... we are going to go to dump on tuesday again..my parents had a lot of empty cans with plastic lids and jars.. they never bought storage. I also emptied refrige of all the old dressings and stuff that had accumulated.
got some bins for the kitchen stuff we are saving, and rented a tiny storage unit to hold them and anything else.
so when I get back to my regular house...with no dh for at least a few weeks, I am going to tackle my child's room and the basement again.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 3, 2020 21:33:08 GMT
I am going to tackle my child's room and the basement again. The one thing that amazes me about the decluttering/downsizing process is just how many layers there are. You can go through a room once and make tremendous progress, then later on go through the same room and find so much more to get rid of!
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Post by tentoes on Jul 3, 2020 23:55:37 GMT
dewryce I am officially "moved." We are going over to my house tomorrow to pick up some yard stuff. I have a couple of plants I want to move over here--in pots. We have lots of room in the yard here. I still have the shed to get through, but the house is empty. The flooring guys come next Thursday to help decide what I'm doing about that--I have until September to get through the shed. My granddaughter will be moving over there in September, and I want everything done by then. tentoes I hope you have been able to go through as much as you wanted to before the move
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Post by tentoes on Jul 4, 2020 0:01:09 GMT
I do have some goals for July-- I have a doctor appointment this week, vet appointment this week, groomer appointment for the dog next week, an appointment with the flooring guy this coming week, a bridal shower to attend next week--
and in between all that, I want to get some progress in done in the shed!! and maybe the garage--ugh
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Post by dewryce on Jul 4, 2020 0:26:49 GMT
dewryce I am officially "moved." We are going over to my house tomorrow to pick up some yard stuff. I have a couple of plants I want to move over here--in pots. We have lots of room in the yard here. I still have the shed to get through, but the house is empty. The flooring guys come next Thursday to help decide what I'm doing about that--I have until September to get through the shed. My granddaughter will be moving over there in September, and I want everything done by then. tentoes I hope you have been able to go through as much as you wanted to before the move Yay, how did it go? Were you able to let go as much as you were hoping to?
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Post by dewryce on Jul 4, 2020 1:03:18 GMT
I have spent the last 2 days decluttering the cookbook area. Most came from the thrift store at $1 a pop so I dont feel bad that I purged over a dozen books. Those will be donated back. A few books were trashed after I tore out the few recipes I liked or wanted to try. I have a system now, where I put the recipe in a designated pocket of a 12 pocket organizer. From there, once I make it, it goes in a permanent binder or in the trash. Im trying to challenge myself to cook different foods. We did the same thing with our cookbooks and it revolutionized the way we meal plan. Sounds extreme but it is awesome. The only difference is that everything is in binders. I need to buy stock in Staples (binders) and Avery (page protectors).
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Post by tentoes on Jul 4, 2020 2:23:13 GMT
dewryce I am officially "moved." We are going over to my house tomorrow to pick up some yard stuff. I have a couple of plants I want to move over here--in pots. We have lots of room in the yard here. I still have the shed to get through, but the house is empty. The flooring guys come next Thursday to help decide what I'm doing about that--I have until September to get through the shed. My granddaughter will be moving over there in September, and I want everything done by then. Yay, how did it go? Were you able to let go as much as you were hoping to? I still have way too much stuff--I went from a 1300 sq foot house to a 400 sq foot MIL Suite! And it's full. And I still have the shed and garage. The barn we're building should be finished this coming week, so we'll have a place to move some stuff from the shed and from the garage. Thankfully, my granddaughter will be in my house, and since they are just getting married, they will probably take most of the tools in the garage just to help them take care of the house and the yard. What they don't want, my grandson just got married too, so he can go through the stuff also. Trying to get everybody in the same place at the same time to go through stuff has been the "problem." My son gets 1st pick of the garage stuff--so between the three of them, they should have a good time. My husband had every kind of tool you can think of!! Some of the stuff is already over here--like the table saw, and some things my son knows he wanted. It will be interesting.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Jul 4, 2020 3:04:18 GMT
Good luck with your remodel!! That’s big, but will be soooooo nice at the end!!! Not much from me. I have been recovering from surgery and it has been going very well! I’m slowly getting the house picked up this weekend. It looks like a tornado ripped through! My husband was so great and took care of my every personal need but he is a terrible housekeeper and we have two toddlers. Rofl Not only that, but I took up several sewing projects as soon as I could sit up (I’m doing a baby quilt + matching accessories for a new baby in the family). Doing that was very healing!! But now it looks like my entire sewing stash barfed over our bedroom and it is time to play catch up cleaning. Lol I did get an e-mail about the dumpster we got for my mil last month. It was 3,000 pounds of junk!!! I told my husband that we are never leaving a mess for our kids!!We had to go through everything my parents owned last fall after my dad died and we moved mom into a much smaller place. The scope of it was overwhelming at times. Today DH brought home a 4 drawer file cabinet so he could free up space in his office that is full of file boxes. He was asking me if he should keep old paperwork. My answer, over and over was, "If we don't throw it away our kids have to." I think after he saw what happened with my parents house, and knowing what his parents house looks like, he is having some sympathy for what our kids will end up having to go through and is willing to be proactive.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 9, 2020 14:50:35 GMT
Hello friends!
I'm glad to hear of everyone's progress and thought processes.
About a week ago, I dreamt that I was decluttering my room, and as I was pulling out known furniture, I would find small nesting tables and folding chairs that I didn't remember ever owning. Thankfully in my dream I had no qualms about tossing everything.
Today I tackled my clothing. I pulled everything out (mind you, everything is not a whole lot), and tried on everything.
I tossed anything that was in the "fix" pile. If I haven't fixed it by now, it will never happen.
I tossed faded and worn out clothes. Several shirts worn to death.
And tossed anything that I've avoided wearing. Like the pink tee shirt with material so thin that it has to have a cami underneath.
I also learned that a dress that I haven't worn in awhile still fits beautifully, and I'm glad to have it as an option, should I need it.
I also put away all my winter jammies and sweatshirts. No point having clothes I won't wear for several months take up so much room.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 10, 2020 11:56:34 GMT
I'm trying to work on the garage, but it's been too hot. I ordered some small plastic boxes with locking lids from Amazon for all the random boxes and bags of nails. They can stack neatly and I'll be able to see what is in the box.
My goal is to get rid of one set of metal shelving.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Mar 28, 2024 17:04:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2020 13:02:52 GMT
My sewing area is a mess. I am trying to make enough comfy acceptable masks for possible back to school but due to pandemic change of routines I also put my work bag there when I get home. So now there is another layer of stuff. I did create a "clean mask" area near the garage with a wall hook for each of us so I can visualize who has enough masks.. ! I went thru my knitting basket a bit yesterday but it still needs help.
Stuff has been building up everywhere and it seems harder to make decisions. Shortages activated an inborn tendancy to hoarding...spray bottle from detangler is good for hand sanitizer from the distillary. Certain containers might be useful...sigh. my husband is worse than I am....may have to wait til a vaccine to really get rid of stuff. We did get an old couch out to the curb for disposal though. That was good.
My fridge needs a cold hard look. Is that a pun?
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Post by tentoes on Jul 11, 2020 22:26:09 GMT
I found some bags of clothes in the bottom of the closet this morning, so unpacked them and got rid of a plastic garbage bag of sweaters and pants, and a couple of pair of pajamas. The rest of the sweaters got stacked nicely on a shelf in the closet. I also got rid of a couple of pairs of worn shoes, and a pair of almost new slippers that were too small for me. I also got rid of some M&M caramel candy--I ate it--does that count?
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 11, 2020 22:29:13 GMT
I also got rid of some M&M caramel candy--I ate it--does that count? That's the best kind of decluttering!
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Post by tentoes on Jul 11, 2020 22:33:24 GMT
oh the flooring guy did show up this week, and we'll get started on that project on the 20th of this month. After that is finished, we can have the painting done. We might be finished with my house (for my granddaughter) by mid August--then she gets married the first weekend in September. She moved some of her kitchen stuff over there this past week.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 11, 2020 22:33:55 GMT
I also got rid of some M&M caramel candy--I ate it--does that count? That's the best kind of decluttering! That is what I thought too!! Yummy!
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Post by curiouscrafter on Jul 11, 2020 22:41:15 GMT
I’m still working on purging and organizing. It’s been a reminder of what I have and what I may never use again. This morning I tackled the empty bags. I take all my paper packs out of the bags (with the sticky strip for closure). Also, the zip top bags that CTMH paper comes in. I must have had over 100 of them. Because for whatever reason I held onto them over time. I tossed all but 5 as I just don’t have a purpose for them, and know when I buy more paper packs I will get more. They kinda replenish themselves!! But if anyone has ideas on how to re-use them, I have until Monday when the trash man comes!
Now I’m deciding on all the foam alpha stamps I have. Haven’t used in at least 10 years - will i again? I feel like I’m holding onto them for sentimental reasons.
It’s a slow train, but I’m still on it and moving forward.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 11, 2020 22:48:28 GMT
Now I’m deciding on all the foam alpha stamps I have. Haven’t used in at least 10 years - will i again? I feel like I’m holding onto them for sentimental reasons. It’s a slow train, but I’m still on it and moving forward. I have so many stamps!! Wood, and foam!! I think I'll go through them before they get put away in the shed. I do use them when I make cards, but now that my scrapbook pages are digital, I don't use them there anymore. How many stamps do I need for making cards?
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Post by bc2ca on Jul 15, 2020 22:56:04 GMT
It's always fun to find something hiding in plain sight that really should have been decluttered out the door years ago. The need to replace our washing machine has led to a mini-renovation of the laundry room. The cupboards are being removed along with a set of jumbo wine glasses that have been sitting there for at least 11 years. They were a gift when we bought this house 12 years ago and very pretty, but really impracticable to use. They were so top heavy and easy to knock over that they were boxed up and sort of forgotten. They were fun for a party trick as BIL bet me he could fit an entire bottle of wine in one. I took the bet and lost. All the warranties and maintenance records from the previous owners are also there and it's time to clean them out. I think the furnace and AC unit are the only things we haven't replaced.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 15, 2020 23:19:24 GMT
I am back home from my dad's old condo.. leaving dh to continue to talk to all the subs and the contractor.. and enjoy the mountains.
I am taking a rest day, thursday is dentist for a crown.. then back to clean out at home!!! motivated after cleaning out the condo... did bring home a copper laundry tub.. my dad used it for wood. I need to find a use or it or move it to a kid or someone.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 16, 2020 0:10:31 GMT
You'd think, since I just moved to my son's house in March, that I wouldn't have much to get rid of here!! Well, after being here for awhile, there are things I've decided I really don't need anymore. I thought I'd use them, but I think I can do without them!
I decided I have too many sheets. I usually take the sheets off the bed, wash them, dry them, and put them back on the bed!! So why do I need 5 sets of sheets? I don't. So, I got rid of two sets of sheets. I also brought 8 towels over here--I usually use one a day, and wash clothes every three days, so I got rid of 3 big towels.
I got rid of several sweaters. It's been so hot that I can't imagine being cold again!! But they were ones I hardly ever wore. I know winter will be here again one of these days, but I have plenty more to wear. I don't know how many I put in the bag, but there were several. I also got rid of 7 pair of jeans, and 4 pair of shoes, two robes, and 3 pr of pajamas. I got rid of a drawer full of nylons or pantyhose. I hardly ever wear them anymore! There were also a bag full of socks, and several bras. I think all my clothes fits in my chest of drawers now--except for what is hanging up!!
So, then I visited at my own home, and went through the three under-sink areas. Got rid of a whole bunch of stuff over there--and several broken plastic boxes too. I filled a big garbage can with stuff. I'm done over there now (in the house). I still have stuff in the shed and in the garage to go through.
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,685
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
Jul 22, 2017 4:59:41 GMT
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Post by luckyjune on Jul 16, 2020 1:21:07 GMT
I was ruthless in my closet and took six bags of clothes and one bag of shoes to Goodwill. I am closer to only having the clothes I wear regularly.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 16, 2020 3:51:12 GMT
Today I started in on the guest room (aka Pit of Despair). I've decided to just spend a half hour or so each day doing something. Today I moved all the surplus empty boxes (kept because they were "good" boxes and might come in handy someday!) to the recycling bin/garage for DH to cut up.
Took 4 bins of mom's old paperwork outside to air out for the next few days in the sun. She & Dad were smokers, need I say more? My plan is to take the lids off during the day and let them air out. Rather than lug them back inside, I'm just putting the lids back on, then will repeat tomorrow. I simply can't sort through the boxes until that smell has lessened.
Dug out DD's art caddy from her college art class. Tossed all the stuff that was in bad shape, added a few items to the donation box, and merged the rest with my arts & crafts supplies. The actual caddy was added to the donation box since I didn't have a use for it.
Baby steps!
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Post by Linda on Jul 16, 2020 5:03:32 GMT
I really need to go back through all the rooms again - it's been well over six months since my last good go-through and we're starting to look at houses for a possible move and I do NOT want to pack and move stuff we don't need (because I have the nagging feeling that except for a couple of big pieces of furniture, it'll be another DIY move despite my vow never to do that again when we moved in here).
Just not quite sure where to start...
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 16, 2020 5:23:28 GMT
it'll be another DIY move despite my vow never to do that again when we moved in here) The thought of packing and moving is part of what keeps us here for now. We've moved 18 times, but always at company expense. That was hard enough, I don't even want to think how hard DIY moves are! Good luck in your house search. Are you staying in the same general area? As for where to start, maybe start on the North side and work your way around the house clockwise? Put all the room names in a hat and draw one? Or just dive in anywhere!
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,703
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Jul 16, 2020 7:22:36 GMT
My house is a dusty tornado zone at the moment. Lockdown has meant no requirement of anyone coming round and seeing it, combined with DH being home all the time, creating dust and ordering stuff. He gets rid of some of the boxes, but he is gradually filling our home with new stuff without getting rid of the old, and none of it has a home except on the floor of the study, which he has taken over. I'm almost as bad with the projects that I start and can't finish because either I need DH's help and he's too busy, or he sees me doing something and says it needs to be done a better way and he'll do it when he gets time - and doesn't. And I haven't been well enough to keep up with what I normally do. I feel defeated at the moment. But today I'm going to clean the bathroom. That hasn't been filled with stuff, so I can still get to things to clean them. That's a start, right?
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Post by Linda on Jul 16, 2020 13:31:04 GMT
it'll be another DIY move despite my vow never to do that again when we moved in here) The thought of packing and moving is part of what keeps us here for now. We've moved 18 times, but always at company expense. That was hard enough, I don't even want to think how hard DIY moves are! Good luck in your house search. Are you staying in the same general area? As for where to start, maybe start on the North side and work your way around the house clockwise? Put all the room names in a hat and draw one? Or just dive in anywhere! Yes -we're planning to stay local. Good idea to just dive in and work my way around the house
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Post by Linda on Jul 16, 2020 13:31:48 GMT
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