belgiangal
Shy Member
Posts: 40
Jul 9, 2014 1:31:37 GMT
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Post by belgiangal on Jan 10, 2022 1:56:44 GMT
I am going to try to join in this year! I love to organize. I have done multiple rounds of purging and organizing in the past but it kinda feels like it’s creeping in on me again. I am thinking I will just try to add a small project or two each weekend when I am doing regular chores.
This weekend I had a ton of catching up to do on chores after 2 weeks away around the holidays so I started extra small 😉 I pulled out a dresser drawer that mostly holds jewelry but also a few other random things and went through it completely. I threw away a pile of empty bags and boxes, made a pile for donation and re-organized the rest. There is probably a good deal more that should be donated or sold but it is in much better shape! I’ll call it a win for now.
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Post by Linda on Jan 10, 2022 2:19:25 GMT
tomorrow's project is to tackle the kitchen drawers - specifically the one with my baking stuff (measuring cups, spoons, and so on) which is turning into a junk drawer and the three with various utensils which are a mess. I'm thinking purging is a good starting place.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jan 10, 2022 2:48:25 GMT
Today, without mania, I managed to put all the stuff in my living room away and got rid of my too big clothes. They will stay in storage for a year. There is no crap anywhere. My bedroom looks amazing and I did this all today. Yay!
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Post by cecilia on Jan 10, 2022 6:47:31 GMT
Pretty sure the Goodwill nearest me is glad I didn't donate anything today. We have been purging eBay overstock. Estate sale company gave us 300+ plus books so we donated a lot of those too.
My Dad has a pile going for the 'spring fling' clean up event the town hosts in April. The city and county set up huge dumpsters all around the county so people can throw away large items, etc away without paying dump fees.
I am trying to clean up the 'she shed'. I have donated about 200 books I had listed. all of those went to Goodwill too. We have been trying to spread it out between the 2 in our town and 2 others we pass while stocking a flea market booth.
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Post by Mary_K on Jan 10, 2022 14:15:54 GMT
My goal this year is: THE GARAGE MONSTER!
It will probably have to wait until Spring/Summer but it WILL happen this year.
Mary K
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 10, 2022 16:20:47 GMT
My goal this year is: THE GARAGE MONSTER!Good luck! We did that one a few years ago and it's great to have it done. Getting to that point was tough going though!
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Post by Linda on Jan 10, 2022 17:27:47 GMT
so much progress on this thread - well done! Mary_K - the garage is on my to-do list also...we're trying to set up a home gym in there (and for all the spreadsheet people - we have a second garage and plenty of driveway space for all our vehicles and guests so won't have to park in front of anyone else's house, lol). Did my kitchen drawers - moved some stuff around, tossed some junk, added unneeded and duplicate stuff to the donation box, and they look much better...at least until DD15 puts dishes away again. lol
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Post by Linda on Jan 10, 2022 19:41:59 GMT
made some progress on the garage - broke down all the empty boxes and made a pile so DH can take to the recycling drop-off (no kerbside here). Tidied some stuff up and moved the exercise bike so it can reach an outlet - and thus be used.
Most of what's left requires DH to do x before I can do y...
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,733
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 11, 2022 3:41:43 GMT
I think I’ve got my bike storage figured out. I bought 4 racks to test them out since they are a little spendy. I love the way this turned out. The bikes are easy to hang up and then fold over so the car fits. SO says it looks like a bike library. 4 bikes down, 4 to go!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 11, 2022 14:50:42 GMT
I think I’ve got my bike storage figured out. I bought 4 racks to test them out since they are a little spendy. I love the way this turned out. The bikes are easy to hang up and then fold over so the car fits. SO says it looks like a bike library. 4 bikes down, 4 to go! Great solution! That system reminds me of the rug display racks at Home Goods! Just flip through the racks and pick the bike/rug of choice!
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,733
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 11, 2022 14:57:04 GMT
I think I’ve got my bike storage figured out. I bought 4 racks to test them out since they are a little spendy. I love the way this turned out. The bikes are easy to hang up and then fold over so the car fits. SO says it looks like a bike library. 4 bikes down, 4 to go! Great solution! That system reminds me of the rug display racks at Home Goods! Just flip through the racks and pick the bike/rug of choice! It really does! We are going to sell our other townhouse, so I'm really trying to pare down my stuff. The garage was the most daunting, so I'm glad it's starting to look less like the Beverly Hillbillies live here. Next, I'm going to have my handyman, carpenter build under stair storage drawers. SO wants a dedicated spot for his fly fishing stuff. I'd rather have it there than in our closet! Now if only I could get DS (20) to leave the nest!
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Post by Jamie on Jan 11, 2022 18:06:47 GMT
i got a box of pictures, slides and movies off to be digitized.. reducing the clutter in someways.. something dealt with. I have hopes for the weekend as the rains have stopped for a week and it is a little less damp in the house How are you digitizing your pictures? My aunt scanned all hers into her computer last year and got rid of the hard copies and we thought she was nuts. But I'm actually starting to think she was onto something. I would still like to be able to print a copy if need be for something, but to have so many books and stacks not in books has started to get to me this year due to the rest of the purging I've been doing.
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Post by cecilia on Jan 11, 2022 18:43:20 GMT
Going to try to organize my clothing today. And by my clothing I mean the stuff I have listed on eBay. I have probably about 150 pieces in my closet.
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Post by Megan on Jan 11, 2022 18:55:32 GMT
I don't have any goals other than "less stuff." We have a smaller house by Instagram standards and are bursting at the seams with two small boys.
I broke down and did what I said I wouldn't-I paid for a decluttering course online.
My first steps:
I cleaned out my purse.
I took everything off our fridge (and have kept it that way).
I also cleared off our dining room table. Most things were just excess from Christmas crafts but it's all either in the garbage/recycling or put where it should be.
I currently have two bags of clothes to donate in the back of my car.
Speaking of cars ... even though it's in the 10s out DH emptied out the back seat of my car so there's no random books or toys left.
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Post by teacherlisa on Jan 11, 2022 21:27:31 GMT
This week on my weekend i plan to finish my master closet. I have some command hooks coming, I got nice new hangers and I framed a cool poster I am going to hang up.
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 13, 2022 13:37:55 GMT
I'm starting to pack the first boxes for our move in March. Let the additional purging begin! I am donating some tablecloths and a mini crockpot. I bought it years ago for $5 and have never used it. I also tossed some stained napkins. I am sure the stains didn't show when I ironed them and put them away.
If I didn't even remember I had it - certain tablecloths - out it goes!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 13, 2022 13:46:53 GMT
This week I was fine-tuning the organization in my sewing room. Pulled a total of 12 quilt magazines and pattern books off the shelf. A friend wants them, so they have already been loaded in my car for the next time I see her.
One of my projects is to make a 'stitch book' of the stitches on my new machine. I dug through my bin of solids and found some fabric from a brand that I don't use now. Rather than buy more fabric, I've pulled that out. It won't matter that it's 3 different colors since it's just for my reference.
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Post by Linda on Jan 13, 2022 14:43:28 GMT
One of my projects is to make a 'stitch book' of the stitches on my new machine. I dug through my bin of solids and found some fabric from a brand that I don't use now. Rather than buy more fabric, I've pulled that out. It won't matter that it's 3 different colors since it's just for my reference. that's an excellent idea - my everyday machine has a reference card but I also have my mum's machine that has cams and I have NO idea what stitches
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 13, 2022 15:02:52 GMT
One of my projects is to make a 'stitch book' of the stitches on my new machine. I dug through my bin of solids and found some fabric from a brand that I don't use now. Rather than buy more fabric, I've pulled that out. It won't matter that it's 3 different colors since it's just for my reference. that's an excellent idea - my everyday machine has a reference card but I also have my mum's machine that has cams and I have NO idea what stitches My machines (Bernina) come with a manual that show each stitch. I still find myself doing a test stitch though to see what it looks like IRL and to get a better idea of actual size and repeats (on decorative stitches). This YouTube video has some good ideas on how to make one. How to Create the Ultimate Stitch Book
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Post by Linda on Jan 13, 2022 15:20:02 GMT
that's an excellent idea - my everyday machine has a reference card but I also have my mum's machine that has cams and I have NO idea what stitches My machines (Bernina) come with a manual that show each stitch. I still find myself doing a test stitch though to see what it looks like IRL and to get a better idea of actual size and repeats (on decorative stitches). This YouTube video has some good ideas on how to make one. How to Create the Ultimate Stitch BookThank you - I'm adding that to my to-do list for BOTH machines (my 3rd machine is straight stitch only and c.1928)
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Post by ntsf on Jan 13, 2022 15:25:48 GMT
I use scancafe to digitize my pictures, slides, videos and movies. they have been around a long time and I am happy with their sales. but there are many other services. I have gotten inspiration for other organizing aspects of photos via a facebook group--professional photo organizers.
monday, I will have installation of my new windows in my "study" currently the new bookcases are in the middle of that room and all the books, photos and scrapbook stuff is in my living room and dining room. so next week, I could spend lots of time getting rid of stuff, and organizing stuff on the shelves and making it a useful room.
I spent time yesterday working on my spare bedroom.. it is full of stuff and I need to make it useable for my daughter who is coming on a 2 month visit from new zealand, if the stars line up.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,754
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Jan 13, 2022 16:25:40 GMT
I've been here a year now. The first few months were spent with an injured ankle, broken clavicle that finally healed and then promptly froze requiring PT. That behind me, my goal this year is to make this place more "home" and "mine". Not that this is anywhere near awful but it wasn't done I had had planned before injury. Some stuff just got put "wherever" as the easy road was the only road. Now I want to put the thought into where stuff goes and what I want to keep and have as decor. I know it'll be a longer haul than if I had the time in the beginning to place things thoughtfully with the blank slate ahead of me. The slate is no longer blank having been lived in it for a year but I hope to continue making it mine. Whatever that is and however long it takes. I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. DS has taken an interest in the downstairs too (his room and all the rec audio/visual stuff is down there) so we've been doing some stuff together. Last week we bought, framed and hung some movie posters for the wall at the base of the stairs and it looks nice and sets the mood of the upcoming downstairs space. He's hung some of his movie/gaming art around the tv and his computer area. Hung stuff we brought from move on the reclaimed wood wall behind the bar as well as some bar like games. A fold up ring (in a string) toss game among them. We're kind of at the point I'd have wanted to be a couple months in from the move but sh!t happens. Lol Good luck and even more importantly, enjoy the process and have some fun! Below is link to photo of wood wall behind bar. (the colored repurposed wood in the foreground). The lath farm art, Packer sign were hung long-ish ago. The horshoe above farm scene is one I found walking along a field back in the farm. I love thinking about the horse of the past helping it's human grow stuff. http://instagram.com/p/CPJrseZANOh
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Post by MichyM on Jan 14, 2022 19:52:15 GMT
Ok, I'm ready to join in this year. I've been in my place for 4.5 years and it is amazing how much "stuff" I've accumulated in that amount of time. UGH! I don't know if I'll do well with a year-long goal list...too much pressure so I'm going to go with a January goal. And it is to deal with all the clothing/shoes/bags I have. My clothing size has changed substantially in the last few years (I've steadily gained in that time..BOO HISS) so I have multiple sizes that no longer fit. I have a lot of my old favorites in storage bins...and they haven't been touched in a while. So, this month's goal is to deal with all that. >>> This week's goal will be to completely clean out my dresser and closet. Sort out trash/donate/consign. <<< Then I will move on to the bins in the office closet. And lastly the built in drawers in my bedframe. It kills me because I tend to go with high quality clothing, so it's painful to watch all that money go down the tubes BUT...I'll FEEL so much better once I'm done and it's out of the house. If I don't come back to report in a couple of weeks....would someone please TAG & NAG me? I might need a little outside motivation! Thanks so much for starting this thread **GypsyGirl** Hey! I got back here on my own without anyone nagging me. Yay me! Closet and dresser are done. I got a burst of energy last night at 8pm and finished up. Oh the joy of having clothing organized by color again (my preferred method of organizing it) and drawers where I don't have to dig dig dig for the thing I want! I probably could have purged more, and did come to the realization that I am a major sock collector. I have dozens of pairs! Maybe I'll do a second purge again in a couple weeks. Baby steps Next up: my jewelry drawer - I have an entire large drawer in my dresser just for jewelry. Much of it is handmade, so separating the purging from remembering how long it took/how much it cost to create the jewelry will be a challenge for sure. Also, I still need to go through the drawers in my storage bed. I bet I can empty out at least 3 of them. I'm giving myself a week to get my act together to get these two chores done. The goal of all this purging in the bedroom is that I'd like to replace my bedroom furniture, but I need to find out how realistic it would be to get rid of the bed I currently have with 6 large storage drawers and to replace it with a bed without.
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Post by cecilia on Jan 16, 2022 20:53:51 GMT
I am trying to work on listed ties today. Trying to get them boxed by brand or theme if holiday ones.
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belgiangal
Shy Member
Posts: 40
Jul 9, 2014 1:31:37 GMT
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Post by belgiangal on Jan 16, 2022 21:05:40 GMT
Weekend #2 of my just do something every weekend goal…
Cleaned out the kitchen freezer. I am apparently a closet chicken hoarder … oops!
I also cleaned my vehicle inside and out.
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Post by deafpea on Jan 18, 2022 4:11:35 GMT
Progress report:
We've stalled a little because some of the elements we need from Ikea are out of stock. So DH hasn't done anything in his office. I have my office mostly set up the way I want it. I have two card tables that are my temporary craft/sewing space. They are approximately the size of the Ikea table top so it's given me an idea of how things will look. I've got almost everything put away. There's still some stuff downstairs to move up here. The book boxes are still here since the bookshelves will be moved downstairs to DH's office but we want to be sure that they'll work with his desk setup, so that's on hold.
Christmas boxes have been moved to shed. Laundry and bedding are done. I got a plastic bin for the new Aerobed, pillow and sheets so they'll all be together. I've gathered stuff to donate to families in need at my school. I just need to inventory that for the PTA and make arrangements to have it picked up or I'll take it to school for storage until the items can be distributed.
I had a whole bunch of stuff thrown into my bedroom when we were cleaning up for DS20's return from Italy, Christmas and having my DD stay with us during Christmas. I got all that stuff sorted and dealt with. Yay!
I've straightened food pantries and the downstairs bathroom. Vacuumed upstairs today.
Little bits and pieces here and there but it adds up to progress and things done so I'll take it!
Merilee
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 18, 2022 9:59:59 GMT
How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.
And that seems to be how I'm going about decluttering, tidying, and purging.
Some tasks are what my mom would say, "Is like shoveling sand against the tide." Things that are a perpetual task, that will never be finished, but you have to do anyway just to maintain.
Every week I clean out the fridge. Freeze meal servings from recent meals. Toss anything that should be.
And every week I ask, muttered under my breath, "Why would someone leave a literal spoonful in a big bowl instead of just eating/tossing it & washing the bowl? Why leave it for me to find?"
I also decided that January was a good month to toss my old underthings and replace with new. Maybe I'll try to stick to a January & June schedule this year.
I still need to clean up & clean out my big important papers binder. It stresses me out.
I also am trying to take steps to make a daytime wardrobe & nighttime wardrobe.
Yesterday I took steps towards the night one. I bought a new long warm robe, a pair of Dearfoam bootie slippers, and a new nightgown. Now my goal is to buy 6 more nightgowns.
Nighttime wardrobe is the easy one.
My plans for a daytime wardrobe is to buy jeans that I like how they fit me (why is this part such a hassel?!), A nice pair of black slacks, and jeweltone tops.
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 18, 2022 11:35:38 GMT
I took 7 more boxes and bags to Goodwill yesterday. I had no idea how many children's games I had stashed. That was one whole box.
I am starting to pack for our upcoming move, so I know there will be more stuff to let go.
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Post by MZF on Jan 18, 2022 12:55:56 GMT
I made a big boo-boo! DH & I cleaned up the garage and I took some things to donation. I went to vacuum the other day and realized we had donated almost all the attachments to my newer cordless vacuum. We went to Goodwill to see if any way to find them--nope. I only have the crevice tool as it was attached to the wand. So I've ordered another attachment to be able to actually vacuum flooring, but that was an expensive mistake. But the garage looks good......
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,203
Jun 26, 2014 5:46:37 GMT
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Post by lindas on Jan 18, 2022 14:50:11 GMT
My guest bedroom has been a collection site for everything I want to get rid of and it was overflowing. I scheduled a pickup with Greendrop so it forced me to finally box all the stuff up. 10 boxes are heading out the door. Cleaned out the freezer and the coat closet and cleaned off the desk in the office. I went through the cabinet in the dining room and got rid of some tablecloths and napkins that no longer match my color scheme.
My New Years resolution was to get my clothes hoarding addiction under control. I love clothes and shoes and have a hard time parting with things so I’m trying to wear everything at least once then if I don’t like how it looks or fits it’s going in the donation box. A few things have already made their way into a box.
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