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Post by dewryce on May 5, 2022 6:26:52 GMT
I’m trying to find a way to view the old discs that you’re trying to take apart, all without having to purchase something. I hadn’t considered our library until just this second. I just can’t convince myself to get rid of them without viewing what’s on them. I just paid $37 to our local computer gurus to extract photos from a couple of old floppies - I knew that they had photos but had no idea what photos...it was more than I had expected honestly but....thankfully it was just the two. Two…sounds like heaven! I would gladly pay the fee if that were all. I am calling the library tomorrow, we’ll, today. Hopefully they’ll have something to use there or borrow. How do y’all get your parents to get rid of stuff? My mom is probably moving into my Grandad’s home. But she’s a heavy smoker and if she takes half of her stuff the new place will be overcome as well. I’m happy to help her wash everything possible. But items like books, wrapping supplies, they just aren’t salvageable. And the thing is? She probably hasn’t wrapped a present in years. But she’s got an entire closet full of wrapping paper and bows, ribbons and tissues, plain boxes and decorative boxes. That all just reek of smoke. I don’t want to hurt her feelings but seriously, at least half of her stuff should go. Maybe 3/4.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 5, 2022 9:07:06 GMT
This thread is a happy place.
Have continued to do lots of yard work since the weather is pretty nice.
Built a compost bin of sorts with hardware cloth, so that it looks like it is an on purpose fixture of the yard, and not just a rotting pile.
Finally was able to plant three flats of flowers in the bed I dug. And filled two front porch planters with annuals.
Inside I tackled a kitchen drawer that needs retackling every year or so. It had gotten so full of single use tools that it could bare close properly. (I'm not the one buying these things.)
I ripped not one, but two, pairs of jeans this week. Thankfully while at home. Obviously tossed, and will be replaced soon.
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Post by Linda on May 5, 2022 11:29:25 GMT
How do y’all get your parents to get rid of stuff? My mom is probably moving into my Grandad’s home. But she’s a heavy smoker and if she takes half of her stuff the new place will be overcome as well. I’m happy to help her wash everything possible. But items like books, wrapping supplies, they just aren’t salvageable. And the thing is? She probably hasn’t wrapped a present in years. But she’s got an entire closet full of wrapping paper and bows, ribbons and tissues, plain boxes and decorative boxes. That all just reek of smoke. I don’t want to hurt her feelings but seriously, at least half of her stuff should go. Maybe 3/4. my sister and I had zero success with getting mum to get rid of stuff befre she passed. My sister resorted to cleaning expired food out of the pantry, fridge, and freezer while mum was sleeping but everything else ...mum always said 'you two can fight over it when I'm gone'. Hopefully you have more success
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Post by mikklynn on May 5, 2022 12:49:38 GMT
mikklynn - You are really making progress! How many days/weeks left until the move? One week from today. And yes, I am freaking out! So many of you fellow declutterers are on fire. Good work!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on May 5, 2022 14:29:30 GMT
How do y’all get your parents to get rid of stuff? My mom is probably moving into my Grandad’s home. But she’s a heavy smoker and if she takes half of her stuff the new place will be overcome as well. I’m happy to help her wash everything possible. But items like books, wrapping supplies, they just aren’t salvageable. And the thing is? She probably hasn’t wrapped a present in years. But she’s got an entire closet full of wrapping paper and bows, ribbons and tissues, plain boxes and decorative boxes. That all just reek of smoke. I don’t want to hurt her feelings but seriously, at least half of her stuff should go. Maybe 3/4. All you can really do is encourage and offer your assistance. Does she hate to spend money? If so, try the angle of it being less expensive to get rid of things prior to a move. I was fortunate that mom was pretty pragmatic and started to get rid of stuff in the 5 years or so prior to her passing, both by donating and handing things down to daughters & granddaughters. As for the smoke smell, unless she has quit smoking that is a lost cause. Even worse, it will take over your grandfather's house once she moves in. It won't matter what you get rid of now, the smell will go with her as long as she smokes. From experience, the cost of smoke abatement is not cheap either once they move out or pass away.
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Post by Linda on May 5, 2022 15:03:21 GMT
shredded tax papers from 2014 - yay!
put a dozen empty CD cases in the donation pile - the round, colourful ones
put a damaged photo box in the cardboard recycling pile
in the opposite direction - we bought a second carpet cleaner last night to keep upstairs. It seems wasteful to have two but I have difficulty carrying ours up and downstairs (it's heavy and I have knee issues that make stairs a bit difficult) and with two senior kitties (we actually have 4 seniors but only 2 with daily accidents - Midnight is 20 and LF is 12.5 with medical issues) ..one who is mostly upstairs and one who is exclusively downstairs - I'm doing carpet and/or upholestry cleaning pretty much daily.
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Post by dewryce on May 5, 2022 19:02:17 GMT
How do y’all get your parents to get rid of stuff? My mom is probably moving into my Grandad’s home. But she’s a heavy smoker and if she takes half of her stuff the new place will be overcome as well. I’m happy to help her wash everything possible. But items like books, wrapping supplies, they just aren’t salvageable. And the thing is? She probably hasn’t wrapped a present in years. But she’s got an entire closet full of wrapping paper and bows, ribbons and tissues, plain boxes and decorative boxes. That all just reek of smoke. I don’t want to hurt her feelings but seriously, at least half of her stuff should go. Maybe 3/4. my sister and I had zero success with getting mum to get rid of stuff befre she passed. My sister resorted to cleaning expired food out of the pantry, fridge, and freezer while mum was sleeping but everything else ...mum always said 'you two can fight over it when I'm gone'. Hopefully you have more success Thank you. I just want her to live in a happy, healthy environment that doesn’t weigh her down, ya know?
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Post by calgaryscrapper on May 5, 2022 19:06:59 GMT
You could say you are going to donate the wrapping supplies. Instead, drop them off at your community blue bin recycling.
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Post by dewryce on May 5, 2022 19:08:31 GMT
How do y’all get your parents to get rid of stuff? My mom is probably moving into my Grandad’s home. But she’s a heavy smoker and if she takes half of her stuff the new place will be overcome as well. I’m happy to help her wash everything possible. But items like books, wrapping supplies, they just aren’t salvageable. And the thing is? She probably hasn’t wrapped a present in years. But she’s got an entire closet full of wrapping paper and bows, ribbons and tissues, plain boxes and decorative boxes. That all just reek of smoke. I don’t want to hurt her feelings but seriously, at least half of her stuff should go. Maybe 3/4. All you can really do is encourage and offer your assistance. Does she hate to spend money? If so, try the angle of it being less expensive to get rid of things prior to a move. I was fortunate that mom was pretty pragmatic and started to get rid of stuff in the 5 years or so prior to her passing, both by donating and handing things down to daughters & granddaughters. As for the smoke smell, unless she has quit smoking that is a lost cause. Even worse, it will take over your grandfather's house once she moves in. It won't matter what you get rid of now, the smell will go with her as long as she smokes. From experience, the cost of smoke abatement is not cheap either once they move out or pass away. Ha! She has bipolar disorder like me, and she loves to spend money. That is what I was afraid of with the smoke. There is a lovely covered porch at Grandad’s house. Well, hers now. Anyway, I was telling her she needed to smoke outside every single time hoping that would help. Do you have a ballpark figure since we are in the same general region? She doesn’t care about spending her money now, but she is determined to leave something to us. I tell her the same thing I did my Grandad, which is to spend your money while you are here to do so but she won’t listen. But she refuses to acknowledge that she is unlikely to get her life insurance since she purchased it when she was a non-smoker. Ugh, so frustrating! I just want her to love the environment she is living in rather than it weighing her down! Anyway, thank y’all for listening.
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Post by dewryce on May 5, 2022 19:14:32 GMT
You could say you are going to donate the wrapping supplies. Instead, drop them off at your community blue bin recycling. I would but lying really, really bothers me even if it’s for a good cause. And, she want to keep them because in her mind she gives tons of presents and wants to wrap them beautifully. I thought I came up with a great solution, but she didn’t bite. For a few years I have used white glossy paper and some of my enormous collection of ribbons to wrap everything except Christmas. My ribbon stash is finally almost gone and so I’m going a different route. I am going to buy 2 papers (bright and cheery and silver for babies/weddings) and tons of ribbons to go with them. And I will use these papers for everyone. That’s it. So I asked to make a day or least an afternoon of it with her, and we could go to our favorite stores and also do lunch. The plan was to put them in one long clear bin (container store for the win) and leave them at Grandad’s, her new house. Nope, no deal.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on May 5, 2022 19:16:53 GMT
Do you have a ballpark figure since we are in the same general region? This figure is from 6 years ago and was for a house about 1,500 sq. ft in the Wimberley area. The company came from San Marcos. Just the abatement was a little over $5,000 (it took two ozone treatments). Add in repainting the entire place (because smoke/nicotine damage the paint over time) and other other problems the cost to get it ready to sell was in the $10,000 neighborhood. I just want her to live in a happy, healthy environment that doesn’t weigh her down, ya know? As much as we want for them to live their best lives, we have to accept at some point that they are going to do what they want. With mom gone now, I wish I had pushed a little less and bit my tongue a bit more. She lived her life on her terms and at the end of the day that is all that matters. She had no regrets which is what we should all aim for IMO.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on May 5, 2022 19:21:34 GMT
I’m trying to find a way to view the old discs that you’re trying to take apart, all without having to purchase something. I hadn’t considered our library until just this second. I just can’t convince myself to get rid of them without viewing what’s on them. Amazon sells external floppy disc readers for $20 or so. At least check out the link so you know what to ask for at the library. For me it would be worth the $20 to not have to deal with going out to the library.
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Post by dewryce on May 5, 2022 19:23:07 GMT
Thanks **GypsyGirl** . I am not pushing, I ask gently once and if she says no I back off immediately. It’s really hard to watch other people make bad decisions, especially with my control issues. But I recognize they are her bad decisions to make so I drop it. My biggest issue is that she does have regrets. But again, they are hers to have/make. Yeah, my mom lives in a house 3 times that large in the area where Austin and Round Rock converge. Ouch. But good to have a ballpark number in mind so thank you for sharing! eta: That external reader is perfect, thank you! Just need to find out what OS our ancient laptop has and one will be on the way. Definitely worth it. …purchased and will be here tomorrow for under $20. Thanks again,the peas are so helpful!
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Post by cecilia on May 6, 2022 1:21:54 GMT
Took 2 loads of books to GW. They gave me the boxes back from 1 load since the books were dumped into a salvage bin. (GW Arkansas recycles books).
I need to go through my clothes to list on eBay box. I am not in the mood to list. I may just donate the stuff back. I just have tons of polymailers I need to use one way or the other.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on May 6, 2022 1:27:08 GMT
I just wanted to take a moment to say that this is one of my favorite ongoing threads. I don't post so much, but know that I am reading and cheering each of you on nonetheless.
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Post by tentoes on May 6, 2022 3:10:46 GMT
Remember back a couple of weeks ago I put my mom's mink stole in the donation bag? The Vets are going to come in a couple of weeks to pick up our donations, but I talked with my ddil about the mink coat and although it's still in the donation bag, she thinks I should keep it--and coming from her--someone that gets rid of so much stuff--that really hit me. So, I guess, for now, the coat is staying. I had actually got used to the idea of getting rid of it--but I think she's right. I will leave the rest of the stuff in the bag though, and as I'm packing for vacation, I'll be looking to fill up that donation bag with other stuff!!
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,640
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on May 6, 2022 3:55:02 GMT
Remember back a couple of weeks ago I put my mom's mink stole in the donation bag? The Vets are going to come in a couple of weeks to pick up our donations, but I talked with my ddil about the mink coat and although it's still in the donation bag, she thinks I should keep it--and coming from her--someone that gets rid of so much stuff--that really hit me. So, I guess, for now, the coat is staying. I had actually got used to the idea of getting rid of it--but I think she's right. Maybe now is not quite the right time, but if you have regrets about keeping it, it will be easier to pass on or donate in the future.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,640
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on May 6, 2022 3:55:50 GMT
I just wanted to take a moment to say that this is one of my favorite ongoing threads. I don't post so much, but know that I am reading and cheering each of you on nonetheless. I agree. I don't post anywhere near as frequently as some, but I do check in every time I see it on the front page, and I know you'll all be here to cheer me on when I do make decluttering wins.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on May 6, 2022 4:06:32 GMT
So, I guess, for now, the coat is staying. That warms my heart! Now just isn't the right time, especially if your DIL is saying that as well. I just wanted to take a moment to say that this is one of my favorite ongoing threads. I don't post so much, but know that I am reading and cheering each of you on nonetheless. I agree. I don't post anywhere near as frequently as some, but I do check in every time I see it on the front page, and I know you'll all be here to cheer me on when I do make decluttering wins. So good to hear that the thread is helpful to those who post. I find it nice to have a place to share my victories and progress, because it isn't really riveting dinner table talk for my family! . This year I just started the thread and have been more hands off (and posting less), so it's been nice to see it keep going thanks to all those who post, even occasionally.
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Post by tentoes on May 6, 2022 14:46:08 GMT
I too enjoy this thread. It was very encouraging when I was actually getting rid of so much stuff!! I'd put things in bags and come over here and post, and somehow it made it easier to get rid of the stuff!! And the GOOD part is--now that I have gotten rid of a whole house full of stuff, after 2 years, I hardly miss any of it!! There are a few things I wish I hadn't parted with, but "on the whole" I don't miss much of it. Thanks everybody for the encouragement.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on May 6, 2022 16:19:04 GMT
I've decided to add all the links and product suggestions in the thread to my first post on page 1. Sometimes you remember the thread you saw something in but can't seem to find it later so I thought this might help, especially as the thread grows longer each month. If I miss something, or you want to share something, just post here and I will add it. It may take a few days to go through the entire thread but I have added a few links.
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Post by cecilia on May 7, 2022 1:31:19 GMT
Dropped off 2 loads of books at Goodwill. They gave us boxes back from 1 donation. Manager was the one who took them and she knows we donate a lot.
We are about to get out of one flea market. Going to put a large sale on to get rid of stuff then will probably donate a lot of the stuff we don't sell. We don't have room.
I cleaned up Baby's toys and threw some away. Same with his old blankets.
I need to go through my "to list on eBay" boxes. No motivation to list.
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Post by MZF on May 7, 2022 1:50:41 GMT
I've decided to add all the links and product suggestions in the thread to my first post on page 1. Sometimes you remember the thread you saw something in but can't seem to find it later so I thought this might help, especially as the thread grows longer each month. If I miss something, or you want to share something, just post here and I will add it. It may take a few days to go through the entire thread but I have added a few links. This is a great idea! Thank you for doing this. This is one of my fav threads, as has been mentioned by previous posters. I don’t post a lot, but always read and enjoy it, so am glad it’s here.
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Post by deafpea on May 7, 2022 2:04:24 GMT
Hi, Declutter Peas! I haven't been here in a LONG time--full time work + full time school + family = not a lot of extra time! The semester (and year!) are over now and I have a week off before I start summer classes. They'll be online only (no class meetings) so I should have some more time to do things I want to do! Last weekend, we got rid of an old overstuffed chair and 2 twin mattress sets that had been sitting in the garage since December. We got a new sectional for the living room. The couch and loveseat were re-homed to a family from my school who could use them, but the chair was so worn out and torn up it wasn't suitable for donation of any kind (except to the dump, LOL). Same with the mattress sets--too old and worn out to be of any benefit. We didn't have a vehicle to transport them to the dump til this last weekend when we were able to borrow a truck. There's still a lot of work to do in the garage but just having that big stuff out makes things look so much better! Fridays are early out days at school, so I've spent the afternoon cleaning up my office. I've recycled a lot of paper, thrown away a lot of trash and put things away where they belong. Glad to be back here and I'll be posting more often! Merilee
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Post by MZF on May 7, 2022 2:09:26 GMT
DH and I have been going through all the boxes and bins in the attic (18), the garage and the shed (lost count). There is now NOTHING in the attic, an empty shelf in the shed, and a half empty shelf in the garage. Taking a vacation this week, but when we get back, will post a few things on marketplace and donate what doesn’t sell in a week. Getting it done—Yay!
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Post by mikklynn on May 7, 2022 12:54:18 GMT
I have mentioned over and over how I have purged in preparation for my move next week. OMG. I still feel like I have a lot of stuff! The biggest category is scrapbooking stuff. I think I need to take a hard look at everything as I unpack it.
Fortunately, my new place has a lot of storage.
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Post by ntsf on May 7, 2022 17:52:30 GMT
it is small, but I got rid of two bags of books yesterday.. my child is home after 4 yrs and is getting rid of stuff. more to go!! she said she is either getting rid of left stuff from her childhood or taking it with her (she lives in new zealand) so more is going!!
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Post by natscraps on May 7, 2022 20:02:47 GMT
I finally braved the big deep shelf in my closet. I’ve gained quite a bit of weight in the past year so I tried on every single pair of shorts and capris. Every single pair size 10 or below went in the donate box. I only kept a few pairs of the size 12 pairs from 2 years ago and a few size 14 from last summer that I absolutely loved in hopes that I lose a few pounds over the summer. Got rid of most of my dresses. I rarely have an occasion to wear them and the ones I have I’ll probably never fit into again. Middle age sucks. So overall 32 pairs of bottoms, 6 dresses, and 5 shirts made it to the donate pile which I’ll take on Monday. And 5 ratty swimsuits made it to the trash.
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Post by lg on May 8, 2022 5:09:27 GMT
My husband went through his clothes and got rid of three full bags to the local charity. In my mind this is the equivalent of me getting rid of a room full of items so this is a MAJOR WIN! He also went through some old collector cards and we sold a few doubles or unwanted ones on eBay so we made a little cash too. We also decluttered some kids toys and donated a heap to the local home school mums for them to take (like a free garage sale) which has given us even more space. Yay! I’m another long time lurker/stalker on this thread and just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the inspiration
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Post by dewryce on May 8, 2022 5:12:39 GMT
I have mentioned over and over how I have purged in preparation for my move next week. OMG. I still feel like I have a lot of stuff! The biggest category is scrapbooking stuff. I think I need to take a hard look at everything as I unpack it. Fortunately, my new place has a lot of storage. Something we did that helped, was that we would not bring things into the house unless we were absolutely certain we wanted it to be a part of our new home. Instead, we kept them in the garage. Our fear was that in storing them inside we’d be much less likely to purge them later.
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