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Post by bunnyhug on Dec 30, 2023 18:02:18 GMT
I just saw that Clutterbug posted a "24 Things to Declutter before 2024" checklist on her social media ... I'm headed out to work today in a few minutes, so I don't have time to have a good look, but my skim of it was promising. I can probably find my own 24 things to get rid of ... or maybe not 'my own', but someone's in the house   Have a wonderful weekend and a safe, happy, and decluttered new year! |
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Post by cecilia on Dec 30, 2023 21:17:35 GMT
Took off recycling. It was crazy to see how much stuff had already been dropped off by 11 AM.
We had more stuff this time due to cleaning out the storage shed. Namely electronics. Employee said they just toss printers since they are so hard to recycle. Also said there's a guy who comes and gets what he needs/could use. Whatever is left is shipped off to recycle.
Need to take down tree and get Christmas stored. Taking a lot of self control not to buy clearance wrapping paper. We have enough for a few lifetimes
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 30, 2023 23:39:30 GMT
I was at a client's house last month and they had no living room furniture (just moved and I am not sure what happened to their other stuff). I offered them our old chair and an end table. She hadn't been getting back to me but I finally dropped it off today. I have a bunch of work stuff that has to be done by tomorrow night (end of the month) but I want to take the tree down at some point and get that room put back together.
Is anyone following a structured decluttering/deep cleaning plan for the new year? I'm looking for something, but may just make own. I want to work on one room at a time, but break the tasks into smaller pieces so I can do a little at a time if needed. And not make such a mess when I am working on things.
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Post by Linda on Dec 31, 2023 0:10:35 GMT
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mich5481
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,752 
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Post by mich5481 on Dec 31, 2023 0:32:22 GMT
I just saw that Clutterbug posted a "24 Things to Declutter before 2024" checklist on her social media ... I'm headed out to work today in a few minutes, so I don't have time to have a good look, but my skim of it was promising. I can probably find my own 24 things to get rid of ... or maybe not 'my own', but someone's in the house Have a wonderful weekend and a safe, happy, and decluttered new year! The past identity clutter speaks to me. I want to focus on that this year. LOL, that list feels like more than I can get done before 2024 gets here! |
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Post by dewryce on Dec 31, 2023 6:53:52 GMT
I was at a client's house last month and they had no living room furniture (just moved and I am not sure what happened to their other stuff). I offered them our old chair and an end table. She hadn't been getting back to me but I finally dropped it off today. I have a bunch of work stuff that has to be done by tomorrow night (end of the month) but I want to take the tree down at some point and get that room put back together. Is anyone following a structured decluttering/deep cleaning plan for the new year? I'm looking for something, but may just make own. I want to work on one room at a time, but break the tasks into smaller pieces so I can do a little at a time if needed. And not make such a mess when I am working on things. I really like the declutter calendars Beth from My Simpler Life provides. They’re mostly small tasks broken up by day. Great resource, and it gets you thinking about items you might otherwise have skipped over. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 31, 2023 16:40:04 GMT
well.. since I lost a significant amount of weight.. I have been going through clothes and such. (I need to do more work on it!!!) but I grabbed a sweater of my dad's that I just couldn't get rid of.. though it was way too small. it now fits.. so I can add it to my wearable clothes!! off the junk pile and into the closet. it was made by a lady in the 1940's.. because my dad as a teen did some big favor for her.. it has a zipper in front, and a beautiful royal blue. my dad said it was always the warmest sweater he owned. and wore it for 80 something years. the collar and sleeves were edged with thin fleece a few years back to protect it from more wear. so now I am going to wear it!!! This is just so lovely!
I talked myself into getting it done now, perfecting it later. Yes! Love this.
I try to remind myself, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good."
Mine is, without a doubt, paperwork. What about everyone else? Paperwork is definitely one of mine. I still have so many family member's important papers to be in control of. And there is so many medical & insurance related things to manage. It gets overwhelming.
I have a hard time culling kid books too. Me too.
Not that I still have four huge rubbermaid bins of kid books in the basement that we are done reading, or anything. No definitely not me. (Yes, definitely me).
I made myself get pretty real about what I honestly use. Love this idea.
thinking of how much I want to enter 2024 with LESS STUFF! Me too!!
More stuff = more work and time to manage said stuff.
downsize wrapping paper collection I bought one (admittedly huge) roll of double sided red paper this year to use. It's not Christmas specific, so I'm going to use it for birthdays this year too. I'm just going to keep using it until it is gone.
But after getting it, I realized I still have a little bit of other Christmas paper from years' past in my wrapping paper tote. I'll try to remember to use them next Christmas.
I think I am coming down with pneumonia again. 🤬🤬🤬 so I am going to try to clean up inside til my appointment Friday. I am getting tired of the lung issues. Think it was because I was around so much dust. I'm so sorry. I hope you feel better soon.
Wishing everyone who has participated in the thread this year a very Happy New Year! The 2024 thread will start on Monday! Thank you so, so much for keeping this thread going, year after year. I truly appreciate it.
Happy New Year!
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 31, 2023 17:00:53 GMT
I got covid for the first time during the second week of December, and I am still not back to 100%. The fatigue is just absolutely out of this world. I'm still coughing and just feel crummy. I'm not used to not feeling super healthy and strong. It's unsettling.
Yesterday I took out all the cardboard boxes from holiday deliveries, and put them in the recycling can, which was picked up.
Today is New Year's Eve, and for me, traditionally a day when I clean up holiday decor and clean for a fresh start for the new year.
This morning, I did take down the tree and put away the artificial tree, and all the stockings and ornaments.
I need to vacuum this afternoon.
And I've noticed a bunch of things in the basement that have been there quite a while (year+?), that just sort of get abandoned and forgotten there. I'm going to bag a bunch up and toss it this week's trash day.
Being sick this month, and the exhaustion has triggered a fear in me. What if I never get all the way strong again? What if this is my best now? I need to get the basement organized and tidy, and only holding things that are actually useful and necessary.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 31, 2023 19:38:14 GMT
Wishing everyone who has participated in the thread this year a very Happy New Year! The 2024 thread will start on Monday! Thank you so, so much for keeping this thread going, year after year. I truly appreciate it.
Happy New Year! You are most welcome! And a big thanks to you for getting the thread going in the first place all those years ago. There wouldn't be a thread like this without you starting it. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 31, 2023 22:04:42 GMT
Little NYE declutter update:
Vacuumed. Mundane chore, but always makes it better in the house.
I finished all the laundry. Towel/Linen hamper is completely empty. Clothes hampers are empty. I love a fresh start to the year.
Also cleaned out the fridge.
About the basement clutter:
I filled a huge black contractor bag with trash. More than I thought was even there.
I tossed (with their blessing) a bunch of clothes that oldest abandoned.
Tossed sand/beach toys that were a decade old. Last time we went to the beach, kids didn't even want to bring them. The age has passed, and those toys are gone.
Found a hoard of junk toys that I didn't know we still had. Mainly stuff from school parties. Tiny plastic Halloween things, the rings off of birthday cupcakes given by classmates, cheap pencils that never sharpen correctly. All gone.
I also have decided about the children books. The pristine ones will get donated to the thrift store. The ones that had been free from the library will go in a box out on the curb the night before trash day. They can either be taken for reading, or the recycling truck will take them.
A funny thing about used books is that they are not considered valuable to most. Believe me, I've tried to donate. All the organizations that want donations request very specific books, in new condition, and donated directly from their Amazon link. The elementary schools don't want used books. The library absolutely forbids book donation of used books (understandable, as mold/pests could ruin the whole library's stock).
So, I've made peace that the books were loved and used by my kids when they were younger, and have served their purpose. I'm allowing myself to see them as a consumable, & have been used. If I see a few that have meaning to me, I'll keep them, but for me.
I also decided that I want the three clear bins that are holding the books, to reuse.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 31, 2023 22:28:03 GMT
LavenderLayoutLady What about a Little Free Library for the used but still useful books? We have several of them in our area and any donations to them are welcomed.
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Post by ntsf on Dec 31, 2023 22:43:54 GMT
I came home from vacation with covid.. mostly over it, but it has put a dent in cleaning/organizing til we leave again. I am itching to take several big bags to goodwill on tuesday.. and cleaning out closet a bit.
I am determined to get out 4 bags in car tomorrow.. ready to go.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 31, 2023 23:45:24 GMT
LavenderLayoutLady What about a Little Free Library for the used but still useful books? We have several of them in our area and any donations to them are welcomed. I tried! *exasperated smilie here*
There had been one in a playground, but it was burned down. (why would someone do that?!) It hasn't been replaced, and I don't blame them. Years ago I had actually donated a handful of kid books there, back when my kids were in a stroller (so long ago!)
There are two others in my neighborhood.
One has a lock on it. Like a little padlock. So, I guess they don't want activity.
The other is right down the block from me. It is right by the front door of the house, on the lawn. I went to put a few books in, and the woman darted out of her house, and asked if they were Christian books. They weren't, and she said her LFL is geared just toward Christian books for her kids and the other homeschooler groups that visit her home. I just apologized and walked away. It kind of shook me up, because I felt scolded.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,682
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jan 1, 2024 3:06:04 GMT
DH has had a bit of a cleanout in his home office/man cave. He has decided to get rid of a large part of his DVD collection although he started having second thoughts about parting with some of the titles. We've agreed to box up everything he is considering getting rid of but store it for 12 months. Anything he hasn't reached for by the end of next year will go. I've listed some of his DVD racks on my local buy nothing group today so hopefully they will find a new home.
I also listed a picnic set we just don't use, and a fan that is no longer required. I'm hoping they'll all find new homes in the coming days as they are all bulky and awkward to store.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 1, 2024 4:28:51 GMT
LavenderLayoutLady What about a Little Free Library for the used but still useful books? We have several of them in our area and any donations to them are welcomed. I tried! *exasperated smilie here*
There had been one in a playground, but it was burned down. (why would someone do that?!) It hasn't been replaced, and I don't blame them. Years ago I had actually donated a handful of kid books there, back when my kids were in a stroller (so long ago!)
There are two others in my neighborhood.
One has a lock on it. Like a little padlock. So, I guess they don't want activity.
The other is right down the block from me. It is right by the front door of the house, on the lawn. I went to put a few books in, and the woman darted out of her house, and asked if they were Christian books. They weren't, and she said her LFL is geared just toward Christian books for her kids and the other homeschooler groups that visit her home. I just apologized and walked away. It kind of shook me up, because I felt scolded.
I don’t understand the purpose of a free library with a padlock. How does that work exactly? As for the second lady, it’s fine if that’s the type of books she wants there, but as free libraries seem so common a sign with those details is probably warranted. You didn’t owe her an apology and I don’t blame you for how you felt. You were just trying to do a good thing! As a child and for years into my adulthood my New Years Eve Day and later, the week(s) prior we’re always spent decluttering, cleaning and organizing absolutely every last thing I owned. When I only had a bedroom or small apartment that was much easier. I absolutely loved starting out the new year with all of my belongings in peak shape! This year we watched Reacher  To be fair I did try and get my planner set-up for the New Year, but discovered the one Imordered was a bit different than I thought and won’t work for my needs. So that will have to wait a few days. Major bummer. I did print out the Declutter Calendar for next year and got stickers for my planner to encourage me to participate ruthlessly. It’s not just decluttering but tasks like straightening up various parts of you desk. I don’t expect tons to leave the house, but I’m determined to stick with it and make as many improvements as I can. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jan 3, 2024 2:27:33 GMT
LavenderLayoutLady What about a Little Free Library for the used but still useful books? We have several of them in our area and any donations to them are welcomed. I tried! *exasperated smilie here*
There had been one in a playground, but it was burned down. (why would someone do that?!) It hasn't been replaced, and I don't blame them. Years ago I had actually donated a handful of kid books there, back when my kids were in a stroller (so long ago!)
There are two others in my neighborhood.
One has a lock on it. Like a little padlock. So, I guess they don't want activity.
The other is right down the block from me. It is right by the front door of the house, on the lawn. I went to put a few books in, and the woman darted out of her house, and asked if they were Christian books. They weren't, and she said her LFL is geared just toward Christian books for her kids and the other homeschooler groups that visit her home. I just apologized and walked away. It kind of shook me up, because I felt scolded.
That’s just sad! Have you looked at the online locator to see if there are any new ones in your general area? I just looked and there are a bunch near me that I didn’t know about. Several of them are located near public elementary schools or early childhood education centers. littlefreelibrary.org/map/ |
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To be fair I did try and get my planner set-up for the New Year, but discovered the one Imordered was a bit different than I thought and won’t work for my needs. So that will have to wait a few days. Major bummer. I did print out the Declutter Calendar for next year and got stickers for my planner to encourage me to participate ruthlessly. It’s not just decluttering but tasks like straightening up various parts of you desk. I don’t expect tons to leave the house, but I’m determined to stick with it and make as many improvements as I can.