|
Post by dewryce on Jan 16, 2021 20:44:28 GMT
Ugh, I just came across a stack of these and I have NO idea what’s on them so I’m uncomfortable getting rid of them. Does anyone have any suggestions for viewing the contents? You will need a floppy disc reader, as well as a computer that is capable of reading them. It can be done but won't be quick. How to Read a Floppy Disk on a Modern PC or MacThank you! dewryce thanks! I was worried it was going to take a long time too, but I decided to take over my living room while I worked on it, so its forced me to move much faster than I normally would. Projects like this are easier to complete when you live alone (like me) and there aren't other people around getting into things, lol. It’s just DH and so I know what you mean! We actually have a room set up with tables just for this so that’s been very, very helpful! But you’re right, having it in my way and face all the time would be very motivating!
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Jan 17, 2021 0:57:06 GMT
decluttered several visa gift cards out of my wallet thanks to the advise on the gift card threa - they are now gift card balance at Amazon
decluttered my handbag - it was getting tattered so it's gone and replaced by one from my closet
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Jan 17, 2021 13:54:57 GMT
I got DH to go through his 2 sock drawers. He has one for athletic socks and one for dress socks. He hasn't worked in 7 years, so almost all the dress socks went in the trash. We filled an entire trash bag. I got rid of some of his too big sweatshirts at the same time, so I filled another bag for donation.
I love this thread!
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Jan 17, 2021 16:41:19 GMT
decluttered several visa gift cards out of my wallet thanks to the advise on the gift card threa - they are now gift card balance at Amazon decluttered my handbag - it was getting tattered so it's gone and replaced by one from my closet I can’t find this thread, what was the advice?
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 17, 2021 17:05:51 GMT
I can’t find this thread, what was the advice? Might be this thread. Basically, you use the visa gift card to buy an Amazon gift card, which can be reloaded.
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Jan 17, 2021 17:23:34 GMT
I can’t find this thread, what was the advice? Might be this thread. Basically, you use the visa gift card to buy an Amazon gift card, which can be reloaded. Thank you so much, what a great idea! We were going to just use it to pay towards a medical bill Monday, seemed the easiest way to spend it all since we do all of our shopping online and it will just decline if there isn’t enough on the card rather than allow you to enter another card to cover the rest of the amount due. This is much more fun
|
|
|
Post by JoP on Jan 17, 2021 17:30:55 GMT
I’ve gone through my wardrobe and have 2 bags ready for the Charity shop/goodwill once they re-open.
We're still under stay at home tight lockdown restrictions here In 🏴 - only essential shops open at the moment
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Jan 18, 2021 0:39:39 GMT
I can’t find this thread, what was the advice? Might be this thread. Basically, you use the visa gift card to buy an Amazon gift card, which can be reloaded. yes that
|
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,158
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Jan 18, 2021 0:47:55 GMT
Today a friend mentioned that she was cleaning out some boxes in the back of her closet and one was all candles. That got me motivated to go through the cabinet beside the bed that had two shelves full of candles and two shelves on the other side with candle holders and more candles that wouldn’t fit on the other side. I am now down to half a shelf of candles and then 1.5 shelves of candle holders. That allowed me to move my nail polish and pedicure supplies from the hall bathroom to the empty cabinet, which decluttered that bathroom some.
I have intended to do this for years, but almost never thought about it because I just didn’t open those cabinets much. Now it’s finally done and I have a load of things already in the car to drop off tomorrow when I’m out.
|
|
|
Post by natscraps on Jan 18, 2021 1:21:51 GMT
I finally went around the house, picked up all the books that I brought home from work and carried them down to the basement where they belong. I went through them all including the ones still shelved and purged 2 boxes worth. I teach preschool and easily have over 500 children’s books so it was quite the task. Long overdue.
|
|
|
Post by tentoes on Jan 18, 2021 18:45:55 GMT
I put away the rest of my Christmas decorations--you know, the ones that you forget about when you do the first job of putting the tree away. For some reason, there are always "things" that get left out!! So, they are put away, along with the Christmas Wrapping paper that was still out!! While I was in the barn, I put away a few of the boxes that were "out" back up on the shelves where they belong. I noticed a few things that I thought I gave to one daughter--so I came up with a plan--. I'm going to start a box with each of my daughter's name on it, so I can put things in those boxes as I find them. I've downsized so much in the last year, but there are things I want to pass on to my girls--(and my son) It's easy to get the things to my son because I'm living at his house now!! The girls live in different cities. So, just "coming up with a plan" has set my heart to ease. They have a "lot" of stuff already, but as I closed up my house, I found more that should go to them. I found a photo of my husband and I from several years ago while I was in the barn. I brought that inside for my room along with a big metal rooster that used to be in our living room. I think I will use that in my suite somewhere. Where? I'm not sure yet--but I've always liked that rooster, so I'll find a place. I found a teacup with one of my daughter's names on a piece of paper that was in the cup, so apparently, she's said she wanted that teacup! I put it in one of the boxes marked for her. I will try to work out there one morning a week until I work myself through the ton of stuff!! I have a big platter I know one of the other daughters wants for one of her girls. That will go in her box!! I feel like even though I didn't do a lot today, I made a plan!!
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Jan 18, 2021 19:39:20 GMT
tentoes - a plan always makes it easier. I have a box in my closet for my son - whenever we mail a box to him, we see if anything from the box will fit. Otherwise we'll bring it to him next time we see him or he'll pick it up next time he comes here. You should have seen us trading books when he was on temporary duty about 90 minutes from here - he packed a backpack full of books from the box for us at his flat and we refilled it with books from our box for him.
|
|
|
Post by prettyprettypaper on Jan 19, 2021 22:49:04 GMT
Hello, everyone! Can't believe it's already January 19th! I've been plugging away and making progress! I've taken several truckloads to the dump. *I took the plunge and took old pictures out of old frames to reduce bulk. This was difficult for me to do because I kept wrestling with the idea that these were the ORIGINAL frames owned by my grandparents. That is why it took me so long to finally do it. The frames were all discolored and showing their age, and I always wanted to remove the photos to place in albums after scanning them to share with the kids in the family. I finally went ahead and took them apart. Most of the pics separated from the glass okay, but one seems stuck. I will work on that later. NO REGRETS. *I have thrown out old craft supplies such as items that I had big dreams of altering one day. I had tons of Maya Road chipboard pieces in different shapes, mini composition books and pens to alter and give out as favors, OLD ink pads that were dried up, etc ... *Set aside a bunch of special occasion type kitchen items that were in a huge box in my storage area. These were things like a cake carrier (never used), cupcake carrier (maybe used once in the 12+ years I've owned it), a fondue set (never used), etc ... These are all going to the donation center since I heard they are now taking non-clothing items. *Went through my fabric and set aside some that will be given away. Same with my big dies. The small room where I store the majority of my craft items is looking SO MUCH better! I still have a lot of craft supplies -- but it's been downsized enough to where it's noticeable to the rest of the family and not just me. LOL I have some paper pads set aside to give away and have thrown out some really old paper that none of my friends would want, and I will eventually go through every single piece of paper to weed out more. Right now, I am getting rid of things, cleaning, and reorganizing but realized that I can't do 100% of the tedious stuff right now since I just have so much paper, stamps, and embellishments and am in a bit of a time crunch due to some upcoming home projects. I'm throwing out supplies that are easy to make a quick decision on such as my container of super old embossing powders that I haven't used in at least 5 years and the brayer I haven't used in probably 10 years or more! Now, why am I keeping my paper crimper, though? *sigh* Yes, I still struggle with letting go of some things, but I AM getting better! Overall, I am very pleased with what I've accomplished so far, not just in my craft storage room but with other parts of my home. I actually have some empty shelves in my storage room now, and that means I can move craft supplies that are in other parts of my home into that room and maybe even use that room to store other things.
*ETA: Most of the embossing powders I had were about 20 years old!
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 19, 2021 23:14:51 GMT
You have really done a lot so far prettyprettypaper ! If the family notices the difference, then you really did get rid of quite a bit. Way to go! Last night DH asked about some old photos from 1986 so I got that box out. That prompted me to get started on sorting those old photos. Today I went through 1983-86, tossed some photos, then made sure the individual envelopes were labeled with date/event. I also started pulling photos that had my oldest niece in them once I realized I had several of her with my grandparents and parents, all gone now. Went through my stash of new/unused Creative Memories albums and found a nice leather one with photo pockets. I am going to just slide the photos in by year/event, add a Project Life card with details on it to each group, then when I'm done I will send it to her. I've got a long way to go with this project, but at least I have gotten the ball rolling!
|
|
|
Post by jennoconnell on Jan 19, 2021 23:40:17 GMT
Today my DH, adult DS and myself along with my BIL cleaned out the large furniture left in my SIL's (who passed away right before Christmas) apartment. She was 54, divorced with no children and lived 2.5 hours away from us. We were able to rent a dumpster for $250 and almost everything was tossed. SIL had mostly 2nd hand furniture and recently bed bugs were discovered so just not possible to donate her furniture. At the end of the day it was just stuff and it had served it's purpose. But man you guys between just having cleaned out my mom's townhome and moving her into an assisted living apartment and now helping clean out my SIL's apartment I am really tapped out. I'm really over dealing with stuff. This winter I plan to take the time to go through things again in my own home. Obviously I am not a pack rat and regularly purge, but all this has me even more determined to get harsher about what I do have. I felt exactly this way after cleaning out my mom's home. It's emotionally and physically exhausting. Good for you for taking a little break before starting on your own home. Hiring a dumpster so you could get SIL home done quickly was so smart. $250 well spent.
|
|
|
Post by hockeymom4 on Jan 20, 2021 0:20:05 GMT
We are still working away. Still selling but with our stay at home order it has slowed a bit.
Have a bag for the local pet rescue of towels and blankets A bag of travel/hotel toiletries/toothpaste etc as well as a bunch of makeup bags and backpacks to a local group that makes up care packages for the homeless
Mailed a few stuffies to cousins (never met the kids but from FB I knew they would like them)
|
|
|
Post by prettyprettypaper on Jan 21, 2021 2:38:11 GMT
You have really done a lot so far prettyprettypaper ! If the family notices the difference, then you really did get rid of quite a bit. Way to go! Last night DH asked about some old photos from 1986 so I got that box out. That prompted me to get started on sorting those old photos. Today I went through 1983-86, tossed some photos, then made sure the individual envelopes were labeled with date/event. I also started pulling photos that had my oldest niece in them once I realized I had several of her with my grandparents and parents, all gone now. Went through my stash of new/unused Creative Memories albums and found a nice leather one with photo pockets. I am going to just slide the photos in by year/event, add a Project Life card with details on it to each group, then when I'm done I will send it to her. I've got a long way to go with this project, but at least I have gotten the ball rolling!
Thank you! DH is quite impressed with how much I've gotten rid of and how much progress I've made. I've opened up quite a bit of room for storage. Unfortunately, I still have Christmas stuff that needs to be put away. UGHH!!! I went to the donation center today. Thankfully, they did accept my non-clothing items. Most of what I had was non-clothing, and when it comes to that, it's been hit or miss as to what they will take since the pandemic started. Felt good to get all of that stuff out of my home.
I'm just about done with the storage/craft room and DD2's room. Don't have much to do in the kitchen since I did a major purge last year. Oh, wait. I do have to take down Christmas decorations there still. *sigh* The next huge project that involves sorting and tossing is my bedroom since I also have craft supplies in there as well as a big storage closet in there with beauty and house items. I hope to get started on that tomorrow, if not tonight.
The next big project is my bedroom, mainly because I have two rolling carts of craft supplies in there!!
GypsyGirl: I get it. Going through photos is a lot of work! I'm still thankful that I was THAT PERSON with the camera for many years, though. It's enabled me to share precious memories with family and friends years later. I'm sure you niece will appreciate all the work you put into the album!
I so wish I had better sorted and organized as the years went by. Let's not even think about the thousands and thousands of digital pics I now have. EEK! For now, I am concentrating on just making sure I have all the physical pics together and safely stored. I did already throw out some old Christmas photo cards and duplicates. The more tedious work will have to wait until later.
|
|
|
Post by prettyprettypaper on Jan 21, 2021 2:44:38 GMT
Just sharing a little tip regarding gift cards. I love gift cards because they take up very little space. We tend to get mainly restaurant gift cards as gifts. However, they sometimes end up sitting around for months, even almost the entire year!
This year, I am doing things differently. In the past, I'd just set them aside until such time that we decided we would visit a restaurant we have a gc for. The gc was often an afterthought. Now, I am scheduling meals so that we use up the gc's no later than February. For example, we had a Ruby Tuesday's gc so, last week, I calendared a Ruby Tuesday's takeout night to ensure we'd use the gc right away as opposed to who knows when this year. We have a gc for a crab place and plan to use that one next week.
|
|
|
Post by Scrapper100 on Jan 21, 2021 3:05:21 GMT
Just sharing a little tip regarding gift cards. I love gift cards because they take up very little space. We tend to get mainly restaurant gift cards as gifts. However, they sometimes end up sitting around for months, even almost the entire year! This year, I am doing things differently. In the past, I'd just set them aside until such time that we decided we would visit a restaurant we have a gc for. The gc was often an afterthought. Now, I am scheduling meals so that we use up the gc's no later than February. For example, we had a Ruby Tuesday's gc so, last week, I calendared a Ruby Tuesday's takeout night to ensure we'd use the gc right away as opposed to who knows when this year. We have a gc for a crab place and plan to use that one next week.
That's a good idea I was actually thinking of trying to do this to. Most of ours are several years old and I would like to use them up this year. We only have a couple of restaurant ones. The only GCs we regularly use up are Amazon and others take a while to actually get used. Thank goodness we are in California so they can't expire or charge a monthly fee. We found a few GCs to stores while going through my FIL's apartment and hope to find something to use them on to. They are not stores we normally shop at but figure we will find something to spend them on.
|
|
|
Post by cecilia on Jan 21, 2021 3:45:42 GMT
I hauled a load of stuff to Goodwill Tuesday. It was mainly stuff we had acquired for booths/eBay in lots that we deemed that it 'wouldn't be worth the effort' to price or list.
|
|
|
Post by prettyprettypaper on Jan 21, 2021 7:27:48 GMT
Just sharing a little tip regarding gift cards. I love gift cards because they take up very little space. We tend to get mainly restaurant gift cards as gifts. However, they sometimes end up sitting around for months, even almost the entire year! This year, I am doing things differently. In the past, I'd just set them aside until such time that we decided we would visit a restaurant we have a gc for. The gc was often an afterthought. Now, I am scheduling meals so that we use up the gc's no later than February. For example, we had a Ruby Tuesday's gc so, last week, I calendared a Ruby Tuesday's takeout night to ensure we'd use the gc right away as opposed to who knows when this year. We have a gc for a crab place and plan to use that one next week.
... Most of ours are several years old ... I have definitely had that happen, too! No more!!
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 21, 2021 18:15:51 GMT
Today I organized the drawer in the bathroom linen cabinet. It holds mostly medicines, thermometers, bandages, razor & blades, as well as some backup supplies. Drew a paper template and took that to Container Store yesterday. Everything is now neat and organized by category, a few things tossed, and many boxes gone thanks to the new storage bins. Ended up buying The Home Edit organizer bins, as they did not have the deeper iDesign drawer organizers in stock. My review of THE bins: The bins have straighter sides so things fit better inside and they fit better in the drawer. They are also stackable! I was able to stack a small bin sideways on a medium bin for optimal organization. They also have bin dividers for the small & medium bins. Put one in a medium bin and was able to take all the bandaids out of boxes and organize by size. Put a divider in a small bin and used for thermometers and small tubes of medicines. The only negative I have found so far is the cost. Bins are $7-10/each, while the dividers are $4-6/each. Also checked out the new Marie Kondo products. Everything was beautiful and very good quality, but $$$$. I have my eye on the Ori rattan baskets for my laundry room shelves, but that will have to wait for now. These baskets are stackable which is a nice feature.
|
|
|
Post by tentoes on Jan 21, 2021 18:23:29 GMT
ok, don't laugh, but I went through a few drawers in one of my chest of drawers today. I had three drawers full of nothing but socks--I apparently have a fetish for socks! The drawers were so packed I could hardly open the drawers! Some were no show, short socks, which I went through and got rid of a BUNCH of them! I gave a bag full of NEW ones to a granddaughter that wears the same size as I do. I got rid of three bags full of socks and underwear. (besides the ones I gave to my granddaughter). I remember when a store was going out of business I "stocked up" on socks, underwear, and bras. So, somehow I got rid of all of that, and the drawers are still full! How did that happen? I moved things around--all bras in one drawer, socks in 2 drawers, underwear in one drawer. Imagine the concept! The other drawers have pajamas, jeans, and sweatshirts, so not much to get rid of there. So ONE of my chest of drawers is all cleaned out. I recently cleaned out the other chest of drawers except for the top four drawers. (It's a double chest of drawers, with 5 drawers on each side, so the top two drawers on both sides are still unorganized.) One of these days I may finish cleaning out those drawers!!
We have a "pick up" scheduled for early February, so I got a good start on that!!
|
|
|
Post by tentoes on Jan 21, 2021 18:26:40 GMT
Also checked out the new Marie Kondo products. Everything was beautiful and very good quality, but $$$$. I have my eye on the Ori rattan baskets for my laundry room shelves, but that will have to wait for now. These baskets are stackable which is a nice feature. oh, yeah, those are a bit pricey!! But cute!!
|
|
|
Post by uksue on Jan 21, 2021 18:41:59 GMT
Best declutter this year was getting rid of Trump and his grifter family!
|
|
|
Post by tentoes on Jan 21, 2021 19:08:45 GMT
I got rid of another big bag full of sweatshirts, light jackets, and a few shirts. I think I'm finished for the day.
|
|
scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,814
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
|
Post by scrappinmama on Jan 21, 2021 19:29:57 GMT
I have an update on my wedding pictures. I thought I had accidentally thrown out my wedding proofs when I was decluttering. Well I found them! I'm so relieved! I'm decluttering my home office and found the box at the bottom of a drawer. I plan on finishing decluttering my office this weekend. I also decluttered my shoe collection today. I feel like I can get rid of a couple more pair so I may go back to that later.
|
|
|
Post by tentoes on Jan 21, 2021 20:05:35 GMT
I have an update on my wedding pictures. I thought I had accidentally thrown out my wedding proofs when I was decluttering. Well I found them! I'm so relieved! I'm decluttering my home office and found the box at the bottom of a drawer. I plan on finishing decluttering my office this weekend. I also decluttered my shoe collection today. I feel like I can get rid of a couple more pair so I may go back to that later. Oh I am so glad you found them!! One of my granddaughter's got married this past September, and the video guy didn't take very good care of the SD card because his dog ate it. Well, the sister of that granddaughter is taking the stills and making a video for her! This girl is 15 years old, and she's amazingly smart! It is going to be a really sweet present for the granddaughter!
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 21, 2021 20:09:32 GMT
Best declutter this year was getting rid of Trump and his grifter family! We've managed to keep this thread politics free for over 5 years. I'd really appreciate it if we can keep it that way. Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by prettyprettypaper on Jan 21, 2021 21:38:21 GMT
I have an update on my wedding pictures. I thought I had accidentally thrown out my wedding proofs when I was decluttering. Well I found them! I'm so relieved! I'm decluttering my home office and found the box at the bottom of a drawer. I plan on finishing decluttering my office this weekend. I also decluttered my shoe collection today. I feel like I can get rid of a couple more pair so I may go back to that later. What a relief! YAY!!
|
|