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Post by Linda on Dec 18, 2022 14:38:59 GMT
Also trying to use up odds and ends of wrapping paper. It must have been the year for it as I've done the same thing this year, with a lot of success: two rolls completely finished, and three more that are down to pieces that are only good for really small gifts. If they don't get used in the next few days they'll go in the recycling bin. same here - I made drawstring bags from Christmas fabric last January so used up odds and ends of paper wrapping the gifts to be mailed. I figure some more will get used up wrapping stuff that doesn't fit in the bags. Didn't buy paper last year and won't this year either.
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Post by lg on Dec 20, 2022 13:22:40 GMT
Now I can finally move back into the house as all the flooring and painting is done (we basically had to move out twice!) I’m 80% finished going through all the boxes of stuff from the house. In the mean time I cleaned out the garage shelves too and got rid of so many Allen keys and random bolts! Final total: Two full rubbish bins Nine yellowed ceiling vents removed and replaced with white ones Ten full boxes of items donated to my nannas church for their monthly yard sale One council clean up of hard rubbish where they took about seven cubic metres of stuff from broken appliances to the old bannister we demolished About 20 Lego sets to go through and list to sell for my son as he’s finished with them Ten items listed on eBay and four already sold (some were old toys so I’ll give the money made to the kids) So many items have left the house it’s awesome! And then Christmas will come and the kids will fill the house with new presents ahhhhhh!!!!! One thing I’ve learnt is that making sure that you park your car in the garage means you keep it free from accumulating random tubs and boxes filled with things you don’t really want… I also found this old YouTube clip I watched while decluttering very interesting! m.youtube.com/watch?v=3AhSNsBs2Y0
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Post by Linda on Dec 20, 2022 15:22:40 GMT
lg - well done! that's a HUGE accomplishment! Straightened out my side of our closet - filled up a box with clothes to donate ...a dress that has never fit, several pairs of capris I haven't worn in 2+ summers, a pair of white jeans that I've never worn, a hoop skirt/petticoat/hoops that were given to me for my girls and they had zero interest in, a shawl (ditto)...I still need to go through the crate of bags and the (small) boxes on the shelves but right now, Christmas is blocking access (it's a small closet that DH and I share and that also houses part of the a/c system - it's NOT my favourite part of this house...I keep saying I never want to share a closet with DH again and yet, every house has had a shared closet)
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Post by cecilia on Dec 20, 2022 17:39:25 GMT
Been trying to clean up back porch, tossing too dirty to salvage stuff. (Like fabric stuff). Trash can is barely halfway full though so I may try to work on that some more today. We have all of our present wrapping done so I may start taking all the odds and ends to my shed and store them together (labeled) for next year.
Also need to get all of my unalbumed scrapbook pages together and where I can start putting them in order.
To the point where any kind of activity besides the every second things (breathing, etc) wears me out so idk how much I will get done. This year has been exhausting. Add COVID in the mix and I am just out of it.
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Post by Linda on Dec 20, 2022 17:51:56 GMT
To the point where any kind of activity besides the every second things (breathing, etc) wears me out so idk how much I will get done. This year has been exhausting. Add COVID in the mix and I am just out of it. ((((Hugs))) and prayers. I hope the new year brings better health and more energy
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Post by ntsf on Dec 20, 2022 22:01:41 GMT
on sunday, I got the car into the garage!!!!! it scrapped bottom on cement but it fit!!!!
we have a small. house and a tiny garage. so this is a miracle. first time car in the garage in over 20 yrs. a pile for donation and a pile for dump is near garage door.. will do run after christmas.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 20, 2022 22:11:15 GMT
on sunday, I got the car into the garage!!!!! it scrapped bottom on cement but it fit!!!! we have a small. house and a tiny garage. so this is a miracle. first time car in the garage in over 20 yrs. a pile for donation and a pile for dump is near garage door.. will do run after christmas. It's the best feeling when you are able to get a car in the garage after not being able to! Is there anything you can do to help with it scrapping bottom? We have a 3 car garage and were unable to get a car into for many years due to it being filled with so.much.stuff. ![:blush:](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/R6yG4nI0YHiVm0wktwl4.jpg) In 2012 we moved home from expat life and began working on getting it cleared out. It took DH's new car getting vandalized in the driveway to give us the push to do it. Took us a year, but we did it! Now our cars live in the garage unless we are gone in them. Great feeling!
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Post by ntsf on Dec 20, 2022 23:14:36 GMT
we are thinking about some ramps.. the car has about 1 ft clearance on each side.. 1927 house. we go up a short steep driveway.
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Post by Linda on Dec 21, 2022 0:04:11 GMT
on sunday, I got the car into the garage!!!!! it scrapped bottom on cement but it fit!!!! we have a small. house and a tiny garage. so this is a miracle. first time car in the garage in over 20 yrs. a pile for donation and a pile for dump is near garage door.. will do run after christmas. that's awesome - we have a double garage attached to the house but the only car that fits through the doors is our Mini Cooper - everything else is just too big. So we built a separate garage, lol. We use the original one as a workout room -there is some stuff stored there but if we donate the donation boxes and recycle the cardboard - the Mini will fit.
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 21, 2022 14:17:55 GMT
I dropped off 3 boxes/bags of stuff at Goodwill. I have another box of home decor and 2 lamps for DD to look at to see if she wants for her future house.
I've already started another box for clothing to donate.
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Post by Linda on Dec 21, 2022 16:11:55 GMT
mikklynn - well done - it's the best feeling when the stuff actually LEAVES. I'm hoping we can do a donation and recycling run on Fri or Sat and clean out that section of my garage. I did find two more dresses to get rid of - they are comfy, round the house dresses but they've seen much better days and it was time.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 29, 2022 10:46:13 GMT
End of the year push!!
Why do I always feel for frantic to make headway right before the New Year?
Yesterday, came home from work and immediately took down the Christmas tree (before I could talk myself out of it because I'm tired).
Stockings, ornaments, and tree put away in the basement.
Moved displaced furniture back into place.
Cut Christmas ham off bone. Froze some, put some on plate for sandwiches, made ham & swiss quiche.
I still need to:
Donate two bags of clothes.
Break down the million little boxes from Christmas deliveries. They're sitting in the basement waiting to be dealt with.
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Post by lg on Dec 29, 2022 13:53:34 GMT
Another four bags of stuff going out the door, a bag full of clothing to be donated, and filled the neighbours recycling bins with my cardboard box collection (hanging onto a few for listed eBay items but if I have 20 things listed why do I have 30 boxes saved to post them to their new owners?? Especially when most of the items listed will fit into an envelope!?!) after I filled our recycling bin of course! Two boxes to go through outside remaining. Two more items listed for sale. One half finished project completed and the left over materials thrown out or donated.
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Post by Linda on Dec 29, 2022 14:01:03 GMT
Didn't buy paper last year and won't this year either. except DH bought Christmas paper after Christmas...sigh
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Post by monklady123 on Dec 29, 2022 15:05:04 GMT
My project for today is to pull EVERYTHING out of the freezer and organize, throw away unknown object and/or those with freezer burn, and start over. This is just the freezer attached to the fridge so it's not the huge task it would be if I had a free-standing freezer. But it's gotten so out of hand...we play tetris every time we buy anything, we shove stuff in front so we can't see what's in back, etc. Heading to the kitchen RIGHT NOW!
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amom23
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,352
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Dec 29, 2022 15:11:40 GMT
DH and DS are leaving for a golf trip so that gives me the house by myself for a few days. I'm going to take down Christmas and then straighten up my decor storage area. I wanna do another sweep of the kitchen cabinets then box up the items I am willing to donate that I've been keeping in the basement while I decide (it's really not that much). I have some random cleaning I should do. But I also want to watch some DVR tapped stuff along with some Netflex. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/MNrJDkDuSwqIMVw33MdD.jpg)
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 30, 2022 12:12:48 GMT
My project for today is to pull EVERYTHING out of the freezer and organize, throw away unknown object and/or those with freezer burn, and start over. This is just the freezer attached to the fridge so it's not the huge task it would be if I had a free-standing freezer. But it's gotten so out of hand...we play tetris every time we buy anything, we shove stuff in front so we can't see what's in back, etc. Heading to the kitchen RIGHT NOW! I should do this today. Our freezer is tiny. And apparently I'm the only one who even eats leftover meals that I freeze.
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Post by monklady123 on Dec 30, 2022 12:17:48 GMT
My project for today is to pull EVERYTHING out of the freezer and organize, throw away unknown object and/or those with freezer burn, and start over. This is just the freezer attached to the fridge so it's not the huge task it would be if I had a free-standing freezer. But it's gotten so out of hand...we play tetris every time we buy anything, we shove stuff in front so we can't see what's in back, etc. Heading to the kitchen RIGHT NOW! I should do this today. Our freezer is tiny. And apparently I'm the only one who even eats leftover meals that I freeze. I threw away so many little bits of unknown "whatevers". ![:blink:](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/pd7N3dneptLj3pbgz5Gd.jpg) I also found some beef stew which we had for dinner last night. My dh will eat leftovers that I've frozen because I'm the main cook. He'd never go rooting around in the freezer though to see what was in there. And while I was on a roll I went through the fridge also... threw away various condiments and salad dressings that had only a few drops left in the bottle (sigh...), and consolidated two mayonnaises and two ranch dressings. We had doubles because we bought them when we were at the beach a few months ago (yes, we go to the beach even when it's not summer) and I just forgot we had two in there. lol I cleaned the freezer since I pulled everything out, but didn't do that with the fridge. That will be a project for another day.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 30, 2022 15:44:45 GMT
monklady123 Good job! This morning I broke down all the boxes from Christmas deliveries. stripped the cardboard of tape & labels, and laid it out on top of the finishing (as opposed to the pile still being added to) compost. I just put it down as sheets, so that in the spring/summer, when I need browns, I can then rip it up to use in whatever pile I'm working on. I'm doing laundry today, trying to get it all done. I've already started a gift pile for the birthdays coming up this year. There were just a few little things that I didn't gift the intended kid, because it would've thrown the balance off. They weren't things he asked for, so I'm holding onto them till his birthday. I also picked up a couple small Lego things that I saw at Target, to hold for gifting.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Dec 30, 2022 23:14:07 GMT
Bad thing is I brought home something I made and I have no idea what to do with it. I just wanted to make a quick comment on this. I occasionally go to one of those paint places or a make-something type event and end up with something either not my taste or that I just really won't use. I have zero compunction about donating that stuff. I got the pleasure out of the time I spent with others and the process of creating it -- I don't have to *keep* it. Let that stuff go!
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Post by cecilia on Dec 31, 2022 0:13:10 GMT
I need to take all the Christmas stuff to the shed.
I have taken off the vast majority of eBay listings. Went from 800ish to 50. Took most of the books and odds and ends to Goodwill. Need to take clothes now.
Also been throwing away toys Baby (aka rescue/dog that showed up) has had for a while/gotten muddY. I have a bedding set bag that I am using as a trash bag outside. (We usually use those for storing my Mom's yarn but this one has holes in it).
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Post by Scrapper100 on Dec 31, 2022 3:34:18 GMT
I didn’t participate much at all this year ![:(](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/mYSUyHtG9Jrcmm_ydVcK.jpg) . I’m hoping there is a new thread for 2023. I need to purge and organize this year. I have been going through some craft supplies this week. Mostly just reorganizing which is long over due. I wish I had purged some Christmas stuff before Christmas but I guess that will happen next year as I doubt anyone wants stuff now. I need to make a list and then in November post stuff on the buy nothing groups.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 31, 2022 17:20:43 GMT
Happy New Year's Eve! It's been a great year for decluttering and organization based on the 25 pages of posts! Even though I haven't posted much this last quarter, I've been faithfully reading everyone's posts. I've done some work around the house, purging a good bit when we moved back into the front of the house early Fall. Last week I got rid of a box of books and a big shopping bag full of odds & ends. To date I miss none of the items I got rid of. Funny how that always happens. Spent a couple of hours in the storage unit mid-December and made a lot of progress. Everything is out of boxes and the boxes have been recycled. Brought home several bags of old clothing, family linens, etc that will become my January focus. All the photo/scrapbook stuff is now in the armoire and ready for me to tackle. The storage facility has a really nice conference room in the lobby, with drinks and snacks provided. I can just sit down there and go through a box or two when I have some time. I didn’t participate much at all this year ![:(](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/mYSUyHtG9Jrcmm_ydVcK.jpg) . I’m hoping there is a new thread for 2023. I need to purge and organize this year. I have been going through some craft supplies this week. Mostly just reorganizing which is long over due. I wish I had purged some Christmas stuff before Christmas but I guess that will happen next year as I doubt anyone wants stuff now. I need to make a list and then in November post stuff on the buy nothing groups. Yes, I will start a new thread sometime tomorrow morning (1.1.23). Hope to see you, and everyone else, around more this next year! As for Christmas decorations, go ahead and try listing them now while you have them out. You may be surprised to find that Christmas stuff goes nearly any time of the year, especially if you are giving them away for free. Now would be a great time while people are still gathering their's and putting it away. If it doesn't go, then go ahead and choose what doesn't stay but box it separately from the keepers and label it as such. That way if you do wait until next fall, the hard work is done. I have taken off the vast majority of eBay listings. Went from 800ish to 50. Are you getting away from eBay completely? Curious as to why you would make such a big drop in listings. I haven't sold there in 4 years, but have thought about listing a couple of things in 2023. Nothing too big due to the IRS reporting changes.
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,411
Jun 26, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
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Post by theshyone on Dec 31, 2022 17:51:26 GMT
My resolution is to join the 2023 threat here, and post weekly on progress.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 31, 2022 19:41:10 GMT
Tackled the fridge & freezer clean out this morning.
Finished the laundry.
Cleaned up the youngest kids bedroom. Put away clean clothes. Pulled out outgrown clothes & shoes to donate.
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amom23
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,352
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Dec 31, 2022 19:53:02 GMT
This isn't new advice, but still really good to repeat as we head into the new year.
When helping your children declutter their bedrooms/playrooms,etc. don't question their decision to let something go. By questioning them with an "Are you sure?" you make them question their own judgement. That can then be carried into adulthood. So encourage and support them without making them 2nd guess their decisions.
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Post by cecilia on Dec 31, 2022 20:07:05 GMT
Happy New Year's Eve! It's been a great year for decluttering and organization based on the 25 pages of posts! Even though I haven't posted much this last quarter, I've been faithfully reading everyone's posts. I've done some work around the house, purging a good bit when we moved back into the front of the house early Fall. Last week I got rid of a box of books and a big shopping bag full of odds & ends. To date I miss none of the items I got rid of. Funny how that always happens. Spent a couple of hours in the storage unit mid-December and made a lot of progress. Everything is out of boxes and the boxes have been recycled. Brought home several bags of old clothing, family linens, etc that will become my January focus. All the photo/scrapbook stuff is now in the armoire and ready for me to tackle. The storage facility has a really nice conference room in the lobby, with drinks and snacks provided. I can just sit down there and go through a box or two when I have some time. I didn’t participate much at all this year ![:(](//storage.proboards.com/5645536/images/mYSUyHtG9Jrcmm_ydVcK.jpg) . I’m hoping there is a new thread for 2023. I need to purge and organize this year. I have been going through some craft supplies this week. Mostly just reorganizing which is long over due. I wish I had purged some Christmas stuff before Christmas but I guess that will happen next year as I doubt anyone wants stuff now. I need to make a list and then in November post stuff on the buy nothing groups. Yes, I will start a new thread sometime tomorrow morning (1.1.23). Hope to see you, and everyone else, around more this next year! As for Christmas decorations, go ahead and try listing them now while you have them out. You may be surprised to find that Christmas stuff goes nearly any time of the year, especially if you are giving them away for free. Now would be a great time while people are still gathering their's and putting it away. If it doesn't go, then go ahead and choose what doesn't stay but box it separately from the keepers and label it as such. That way if you do wait until next fall, the hard work is done. I have taken off the vast majority of eBay listings. Went from 800ish to 50. Are you getting away from eBay completely? Curious as to why you would make such a big drop in listings. I haven't sold there in 4 years, but have thought about listing a couple of things in 2023. Nothing too big due to the IRS reporting changes. Not totally. I couldn't compete with the big time book sellers. I would have a book listed for $4 plus shipping, they would have exact one for $3.99 with free shipping. Going to try to stick with vintage boxed Christmas and unopened needlepoint kits.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Dec 31, 2022 22:07:30 GMT
Yes, I will start a new thread sometime tomorrow morning (1.1.23). Hope to see you, and everyone else, around more this next year! Yay! I'm already thinking about some goals for deeper purging and some reorganizing for this coming year. Are you getting away from eBay completely? Curious as to why you would make such a big drop in listings. I haven't sold there in 4 years, but have thought about listing a couple of things in 2023. Nothing too big due to the IRS reporting changes. Just FYI, the new reporting laws will not result in any changes by the IRS this year. They announced that they could not get ready in time to process the sheer volume of new 1099s that would be generated so nothing changes with them until 2024. (In reality, "we" are supposed to be reporting ALL income already no matter how small, but the new regulation requires 1099s by any platform where you 'make' $600 or more per calendar year.)
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Post by Linda on Dec 31, 2022 23:38:42 GMT
Yes, I will start a new thread sometime tomorrow morning (1.1.23). Hope to see you, and everyone else, around more this next year! Thank you! I appreciate you starting the thread each year and encouraging all of us!
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
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Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,521
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jan 1, 2023 0:13:08 GMT
I will start a new thread sometime tomorrow morning (1.1.23). Hope to see you, and everyone else, around more this next year! I'm glad there will be a new thread. I haven't decluttered as much as I would have liked this year, but this thread helps me keep it top of mind even when I'm not actively emptying out cupboards or trying to get rid of things.
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