|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Oct 28, 2023 2:21:32 GMT
dropped off six bathtowels at the humane society...and came home with two cats (for DD23 and DS31 - we'll deliver at Thanksgiving -DD23 picked them out), lol. We might end up with a third tomorrow - dh really liked this older kitty...I'm not sure we're winning at this decluttering thing, lol  Best decluttering story ever! Go for the older kitty! They are so often overlooked. |
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Oct 28, 2023 4:33:34 GMT
dropped off six bathtowels at the humane society...and came home with two cats (for DD23 and DS31 - we'll deliver at Thanksgiving -DD23 picked them out), lol. We might end up with a third tomorrow - dh really liked this older kitty...I'm not sure we're winning at this decluttering thing, lol Total win in my book! |
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Oct 28, 2023 14:55:24 GMT
Best decluttering story ever! Go for the older kitty! They are so often overlooked. Dh left this morning with an empty cat carrier... |
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 28, 2023 15:53:40 GMT
dropped off six bathtowels at the humane society...and came home with two cats (for DD23 and DS31 - we'll deliver at Thanksgiving -DD23 picked them out), lol. We might end up with a third tomorrow - dh really liked this older kitty...I'm not sure we're winning at this decluttering thing, lol Pets donāt count as clutter, LOL. They go under entertainment. š¤£ |
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Oct 28, 2023 18:39:05 GMT
Callmenutz, so sorry about your husband! I seem to come and go on this thread. I have a question for you all. What do you do with your old scrapbooks? Are you keeping them? I'm not willing to throw out the photos. But I look at the shelves filled with scrapbooks that never get opened anymore and do wonder if I should downsize that. I'm in the same boat. I went through some and reduced the number of layouts. I made too many with our first grandchild. She doesnt need 6 layouts for her first Easter, for example. I've told my kids to toss them if they dont want them. I said keep nothing out of guilt. |
|
Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,682
Member is Online
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
|
Post by Chinagirl828 on Oct 28, 2023 23:08:19 GMT
It's been quite a while since I've done anything on the decluttering front other than continuing to dig up some very overgrown agapanthus which is nearly finished, although I've been following along with everyone's progress.
I made some small wins today, throwing out a pair of boots and a handbag that were both far to worn to donate, along with an old foam cushion insert which I found while tidying my wardrobe this morning.
|
|
Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,682
Member is Online
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
|
Post by Chinagirl828 on Oct 28, 2023 23:09:58 GMT
dropped off six bathtowels at the humane society...and came home with two cats (for DD23 and DS31 - we'll deliver at Thanksgiving -DD23 picked them out), lol. We might end up with a third tomorrow - dh really liked this older kitty...I'm not sure we're winning at this decluttering thing, lol Yay for rescuing kitties! I saw your later update as well, I'm always happy to hear of older kitties finding forever homes. |
|
|
|
Post by callmenutz on Oct 29, 2023 1:27:28 GMT
Today was drug take back day and I cleared a good portion of a shelf in the linen closet.
I was talking to one of the young men doing the work in our basement and asked him if he needed a cooler and he said yes because his had just broken. He seemed thrilled to get it!
|
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Oct 29, 2023 3:43:29 GMT
Today was drug take back day and I cleared a good portion of a shelf in the linen closet. I was talking to one of the young men doing the work in our basement and asked him if he needed a cooler and he said yes because his had just broken. He seemed thrilled to get it! For future so that you donāt have to hold on to them as long, Walgreenās has a box for old drugs. |
|
amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,447 
|
Post by amom23 on Oct 29, 2023 10:58:49 GMT
My MIL recently passed away. While she will be missed, it's a blessing. MIL leaves behind a VERY FULL large 2-bedroom apartment with an equally full 2 car attached garage. DH and his siblings are struggling with how best to go about the task. Two of the siblings who were trying to self-appointment themselves as the leaders wouldn't be able to effectively clean out a coat closet if they worked together. So this isn't going to be a fun process. The family has a 2 month deadline with the rental company which is actually a really good thing otherwise I'm honestly not sure they would get that apartment cleaned out. DH and I live locally, but 1 sibling lives a few hours away and the other 2 live out of state. At this point I'm trying hard to stay out of it. This is their mom and their problem to figure out.
You know there really is something to be said about dealing with your stuff while you are alive and well.
|
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Oct 29, 2023 13:19:07 GMT
My MIL recently passed away. While she will be missed, it's a blessing. MIL leaves behind a VERY FULL large 2-bedroom apartment with an equally full 2 car attached garage. DH and his siblings are struggling with how best to go about the task. Two of the siblings who were trying to self-appointment themselves as the leaders wouldn't be able to effectively clean out a coat closet if they worked together. So this isn't going to be a fun process. The family has a 2 month deadline with the rental company which is actually a really good thing otherwise I'm honestly not sure they would get that apartment cleaned out. DH and I live locally, but 1 sibling lives a few hours away and the other 2 live out of state. At this point I'm trying hard to stay out of it. This is their mom and their problem to figure out. You know there really is something to be said about dealing with your stuff while you are alive and well. That sounds like a big task. I wonder if there are any YouTube videos that talk about this specifically. I like to watch/listen to videos while Iām cleaning but maybe there are resources on how to go through someoneās things quickly. |
|
|
|
Post by alsomsknit on Oct 29, 2023 13:22:21 GMT
dropped off six bathtowels at the humane society...and came home with two cats (for DD23 and DS31 - we'll deliver at Thanksgiving -DD23 picked them out), lol. We might end up with a third tomorrow - dh really liked this older kitty...I'm not sure we're winning at this decluttering thing, lol ā„ļø |
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Oct 29, 2023 13:23:24 GMT
I tried to take clothes to Clothes Mentor yesterday but they are apparently moving so not buying right now. Ugh. I think I am going to wait since I have a lot of good items but we will see. Has anyone had luck selling anything on Mercari or Poshmark?
I also listed some of DSās books on marketplace (two sets of captain underpants, dog man and cat kid, etc) last week but so far no takers. Iāll give it a little more time but then will donate.
I want to create a monthly plan for working on at least one room per month. Sometimes I stress that I kept too much but I think if I can let that go, then the next time I tackle that space anything that hasnāt been used can seriously be considered to go. For example, I did the laundry room a few months ago and there is a lot of stuff in there that hasnāt been used since then. So so we actually need to keep that or not? Same with the kitchen.
|
|
|
|
Post by alsomsknit on Oct 29, 2023 13:27:48 GMT
Coffeemaker died. But, we replaced it.
Laptop was wiped and recycled.
Pillow tossed and actually left in the trash.
Have a few items that I am debating on for GW or the Free basket at work.
|
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Oct 29, 2023 15:47:12 GMT
My MIL recently passed away. While she will be missed, it's a blessing. MIL leaves behind a VERY FULL large 2-bedroom apartment with an equally full 2 car attached garage. DH and his siblings are struggling with how best to go about the task. Two of the siblings who were trying to self-appointment themselves as the leaders wouldn't be able to effectively clean out a coat closet if they worked together. So this isn't going to be a fun process. The family has a 2 month deadline with the rental company which is actually a really good thing otherwise I'm honestly not sure they would get that apartment cleaned out. DH and I live locally, but 1 sibling lives a few hours away and the other 2 live out of state. At this point I'm trying hard to stay out of it. This is their mom and their problem to figure out. You know there really is something to be said about dealing with your stuff while you are alive and well. That sounds like a big task. I wonder if there are any YouTube videos that talk about this specifically. I like to watch/listen to videos while Iām cleaning but maybe there are resources on how to go through someoneās things quickly. Peter Walsh has a book that addresses this subject, Let it Go. Itās about downsizing but includes information about cleaning out a parentās home as well. As always, I found it super helpful. |
|
|
|
Post by callmenutz on Oct 30, 2023 3:24:08 GMT
Today was drug take back day and I cleared a good portion of a shelf in the linen closet. I was talking to one of the young men doing the work in our basement and asked him if he needed a cooler and he said yes because his had just broken. He seemed thrilled to get it! For future so that you donāt have to hold on to them as long, Walgreenās has a box for old drugs. Thanks, so does our city government building. It just took my husband getting sick and this thread to get me motivated. |
|
|
|
Post by Legacy Girl on Oct 30, 2023 4:07:30 GMT
I tackled two tables in my family room that were loaded with stuff that was falling off every time I looked at them. Also ran the vacuum because our new puppy has been finding random pieces of paper throughout the house and shredding them in the family room. I'm exhausted from cleaning up her shredded messes, so getting rid of some of the paper clutter seems to be helping already. Score!
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Oct 30, 2023 16:00:12 GMT
I sent a dozen books home with my sister after her visit - yay! (Somehow my BIL didn't look quite as enthused, lol) - I know she'll pass them along again once she reads them though.
Our new permanent kitty seems to be settling in well - he got to meet our other cats this morning and he was so chill. Two of ours were also - but PadBear had BIG feelings that she expressed through hissing. We'll start introducing the two temporary kitties tomorrow I think.
|
|
|
|
Post by cecilia on Oct 30, 2023 16:10:27 GMT
Threw away rescue/outside/ German Shepard dog's old bedding. My Dad also threw away heavily stained/torn books. They couldn't be sold and didn't want to donate them so they got trashed. Took recycling off Friday too.
I need to list on eBay and get things straightened up in my room. Also need to toss some more stuff off the back porch.
|
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Oct 30, 2023 17:25:58 GMT
matt paxton has a book out.. keep the memories, lose the stuff. having seen his tv shows, I would check out this book. he is respectful to the difficulties of these tasks.
|
|
amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,447
|
Post by amom23 on Oct 30, 2023 18:47:26 GMT
Ok so this morning I was inspired by my recently deceased MIL to go through all of my jewelry. I didn't have a ton, but I purged about 75% of it. I also ordered a small jewelry box from Amazon to contain all of my fine/real stuff. That way if/when I pass my DH and/or kids won't have the hassle of trying to figure out what is real and what is not.
I also purged my dresses, purses and belts. I definitely feel I am being pretty ruthless. Everything is bagged and ready to be dropped off at Goodwill tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Oct 30, 2023 21:19:16 GMT
Ok so this morning I was inspired by my recently deceased MIL to go through all of my jewelry. I didn't have a ton, but I purged about 75% of it. I also ordered a small jewelry box from Amazon to contain all of my fine/real stuff. That way if/when I pass my DH and/or kids won't have the hassle of trying to figure out what is real and what is not. I also purged my dresses, purses and belts. I definitely feel I am being pretty ruthless. Everything is bagged and ready to be dropped off at Goodwill tomorrow. It's amazing how motivated we all get when we have to clean out our relatives homes! I am definitely not wanting to leave a mess for my kids like my parents did. |
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Oct 31, 2023 1:57:28 GMT
Ok so this morning I was inspired by my recently deceased MIL to go through all of my jewelry. I didn't have a ton, but I purged about 75% of it. I also ordered a small jewelry box from Amazon to contain all of my fine/real stuff. That way if/when I pass my DH and/or kids won't have the hassle of trying to figure out what is real and what is not. I also purged my dresses, purses and belts. I definitely feel I am being pretty ruthless. Everything is bagged and ready to be dropped off at Goodwill tomorrow. It's amazing how motivated we all get when we have to clean out our relatives homes! I am definitely not wanting to leave a mess for my kids like my parents did. Exactly, weāve been helping my mom with hers as she allows and each time we come home with a fire in our belly to declutter, organize and clean. |
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 31, 2023 2:13:46 GMT
Today was drug take back day and I cleared a good portion of a shelf in the linen closet. I was talking to one of the young men doing the work in our basement and asked him if he needed a cooler and he said yes because his had just broken. He seemed thrilled to get it! For future so that you donāt have to hold on to them as long, Walgreenās has a box for old drugs. Sometimes police stations or places like city hall will have a drop box for them too. |
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Oct 31, 2023 4:24:46 GMT
another motivation to clean is trying to find something you put away 8 months ago.. I searched the basement, my bedroom and the spare room for where in the heck did I put my new wide foot snorkel fins. we went on vacation sunday and I needed them. so I tore apart our bedroom and our "spare" room to find them (they were hanging in a bag on a hanger in the spare room closet) and found so much I want to get rid of when I get home. my camping gear is in a mess too in the basement after doing a bunch of back to back camping.. couldn't find my rain pants though I'm sure they are somewhere..
but, as result of my cleaning last year, I can still park my car in the garage (a major miracle in san francisco.. with a tiny house and a tiny garage space under the living room..
|
|
gensmith
Full Member
Posts: 168
Jun 2, 2020 8:49:08 GMT
|
Post by gensmith on Oct 31, 2023 6:08:34 GMT
I canāt believe the year is winding down.
I went to my daughterās house Sunday and helped her declutter her spare bedroom that had become a catch all. She had lots stuff in the closet that she had planned to donate last year. All together we got rid of two bags of trash and 7 bags of donations and some wall art donated. Plus I took home a bag š and she took a small bag of art supplies to her preschool she works at.
Itās a lot easier to declutter someone elseās stuff and she very easily made decisions to donate. The room is empty except for a desk and a few storage boxes in closet. Next weekend we are doing her walk in closet and wow thatās going to be a job. She has a lot of clothes, shoes and purses. I have two purses so she does not get that from me. My mom was the same way, she was always buying clothes, shoes and purses so I tell her she got it from her. š
It felt really good to spend time with her and help her.
Have a great day everyone!
Oh, I forgot to addā¦I stuffed the 7 bags of donations into her car and the trunk and back seat was full so she would donate them this time instead of letting them sit in the house for a year like she did before. š We shall see how long it takes.
|
|
|
|
Post by calgaryscrapper on Oct 31, 2023 6:27:38 GMT
gensmith, see if there is an organization that will take the purses. Here in Calgary, Purses of Hope fill and distribute them to different organizations. Careful about leaving bags of clothing on the back seat. People break into cars here if they see items in a car,
|
|
|
|
Post by lg on Nov 1, 2023 4:56:32 GMT
Peas, I read eight books on the (long) weekend I had and got my āto be readā pile down to two books.
Iām so proud, over the last month Iāve finally read them allā¦. I kept buying and reading additional books to my original pile and never got back to reading the old ones that were already there šµāš«
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on Nov 1, 2023 14:08:27 GMT
Peas, I read eight books on the (long) weekend I had and got my āto be readā pile down to two books. Iām so proud, over the last month Iāve finally read them allā¦. I kept buying and reading additional books to my original pile and never got back to reading the old ones that were already there šµāš« wow - well done! I'm not sure I'll get through my TBR in a lifetime. My goal for next year is to read more than I add (that was also my goal for this year but...) |
|
|
|
Post by **GypsyGirl** on Nov 1, 2023 14:46:36 GMT
Was at a class for Quilt Festival yesterday and ran across this. Thought of everyone on this thread immediately!   There are classes this week on how to organize your creative spaces. As my room is completely done I did not sign up, but did stop by her sales booth. If anyone is looking for guidance in organizing their creative space, check out her website: Lois Hallock - Clearview Designs. Lots of suggestions and information there. Her book for the DIY organizer is Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space. You can even buy a bumper sticker with the above saying on it! |
|
Best decluttering story ever! Go for the older kitty! They are so often overlooked. 
