ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,803 
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Post by ellen on Jan 1, 2024 22:39:10 GMT
Today I worked on the closet in my entry. Now that I am retired and just need a wardrobe for subbing a few times a month it is much easier to downsize. I pulled out all sorts of shoes, boots, and jackets today. Some went into the trash, some will go to Goodwill, and the athletic shoes will given to a PE teacher. Tomorrow I am going to pull several things from my bedroom closet.
eta - just helped my husband with his closet. We’re coming along.
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Post by buddysmom on Jan 2, 2024 0:07:27 GMT
I just spent 4.5 hours organizing/decluttering/purging my closet.
I now have 44 empty hangers!!
Ordered a purse organizer from Amazon which might help a little for that. Purses take up so much room and never look neat.
I could probably have gotten rid of more pant/jeans but didn't want to try on a bunch of stuff that I know won't fit right after Christmas.
So hopefully tomorrow I'll head out to donate 4-5 bags of stuff!
It looks so much better!!!
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 2, 2024 0:50:00 GMT
mich5481 I had similar issues with my mother while packing up her house. She has significant short term memory issues. It helped to tape boxes shut and move them out as quickly as possible. Could you make tags in your handwriting to tape over her handwriting? They could say mich5481 on them.
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mich5481
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,751
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Post by mich5481 on Jan 2, 2024 1:22:38 GMT
mich5481 I had similar issues with my mother while packing up her house. She has significant short term memory issues. It helped to tape boxes shut and move them out as quickly as possible. Could you make tags in your handwriting to tape over her handwriting? They could say mich5481 on them. Thanks for sharing the tips! My plan is to make at least weekly trips to donate stuff and to put it in my car as soon as it is ready to go. |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 2, 2024 1:51:09 GMT
Thanks for hosting the thread again **GypsyGirl** ! Lots of goals for this year but my headspace is pretty disorganized right now so I’ll get them all rewritten or organized when I’ve settled mentally. One thing I am doing again this year (have done many times, off and on sometimes full on others) is The Declutter Calendar from My Simpler Life. We are at the maintenance phase of decluttering, and great at getting rid of something as soon as we realize it doesn’t serve us, but things can always be tweaked. I’m also hoping to note odd areas that got missed and could use a little work and incorporate them into a cleaning/maintenance schedule so that they’re actively worked and not forgotten. Anyway, the item on the declutter calendar today is Let go of old, freezer burned food. That’s it, that’s the entire task. Have more time and energy? Bonus if you organize a bit in there and/or wipe things down. |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 2, 2024 2:12:55 GMT
Small progress is still progress: last night I went through my two carryon suitcases and my wheeled underseat bag. I took out all of the extra stuff in them and stored the underseat bag in one of the carryons - while I wish I would have fit in the matching suitcase, I'm glad it takes up less room now. I need to wash all of my packing cubes and store then in one of bags. I also need to go through the little case that I slip in the seat pocket when I fly and organize it. I keep nose spray, prednisone, gum, tissues, mints/hard candy, wired earbuds, small face mist spray, small hand lotion, extra mask, wet wipes, small packs of Purell, and Biotene gel in it - my ears are terrible, so the nose spray, prednisone, and gum help with the problem! I don't have any plans to fly this year, so I need to take everything with an expiration date out and make a list of things I'll need to refill it with for the next time I fly. The bag is big enough to hold my phone and my Samsung Galaxy Buds2, so it is super handy. Once I'm done with that project, I'll place the bag in the carryon with my packing cubes. I need to do something similar with my 311 bag and non-liquid toiletries bags. If I drive somewhere, I'll typically just bring my full sized products, but I probably need to use up my travel toiletries so they don't go bad. Some containers I refill, others I get new things. I need to make a list for each bag of the items I typically put in them to make my life easier the next time I pack. We seem to organize our travel items very similarly. Definitely make that list, it will help a lot. I also have a master packing list that I can just copy for different trips. I tend to think of things well ahead of time, so I just open the app and add it right then. Like if I wanted to return something to MIL, will have a birthday gift, have something to donate that they want, want to wear a specific outfit for an event, etc. I’m not sure how much you travel, if it’s fairly often this might help. Something we do that works super well for us is to keep some items packed in our suitcase at all times. A first-aid kit, an electronics bag with charging station/blocks/cords cords, extension cord (use frequently at in-laws and camping) for all of our electronic items. Even have an extra cord for DH’s sports watch and our camera. A well stocked toiletries bag that has a section for items you often need but never bring with like mini sewing kit, lint brush, ear plugs, nail file, clip for curtains, tiny bottle laundry soap, etc. Pop-up laundry container and bag. Robe, slippers, and hooks for the bathroom. We have ebags with items we use on longer trips that we throw in when we need them. Between these items, my lists, and a section of our closet where we keep travel supplies there is very little thinking involved and we very rarely forget something. We also have a list of things to do before long road trips (including car maintenance, verifying reservations, etc.), and a few convenience items we add to the vehicle for that, things to remember to do and pack the morning of a trip like clean out fridge, take out trash, check all locks, adjust lights, make sure deep freeze closed, etc. Oh yeah, in our travel section there is a basket where I keep containers to remind me of things that get packed every time with pill holder, jewelry case, a bottle for distilled water for our CPAP, and the box for sonicare toothbrush. We keep a regular one packed but prefer to bring this. If there is anything left in that basket when it’s time to go we forgot to pack something. Anyway, if you ever want to (over)think travel organization I’m your girl! |
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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 2, 2024 8:49:16 GMT
I'm excited to see this thread pop up. I had mixed motivation and success last year. We have a couple of larger house projects on the plan for this year including replacing flooring, so I'm hoping this will encourage me to actually make some real progress on decluttering as I feel like we have so much stuff.
I look forward to seeing all the wins, big and small, this year.
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Post by mommaho on Jan 2, 2024 9:00:10 GMT
Took note of what we have plenty of, and don't need to buy next shopping trip. I so need to do this when I clean out my pantry - who needs 3 bottles of the same salad dressing!  |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 2, 2024 12:07:29 GMT
Declutter task of the day from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar:
Set up a donation station/box/closet
Bonus: Go forth and find an item to place in here! Check that drawer in your dresser you never open, the back bottom cabinet in the kitchen, a book buried on your bookshelf, you know best where your clutter is hiding. I encourage you to start putting items in here the second you realize you don’t want them, and then load the container in your car as soon as it is full. Don’t forget to start a new box, I save my big ones from Amazon for this task.
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Post by Linda on Jan 2, 2024 15:22:12 GMT
Thanks for sharing the daily tasks dewryceOne of my big goals this year is to end the year with less physical books on my TBR than I started the year (ie I've read and donated more than I've brought in). I donate MOST books as I read them either to Goodwill or by passing along to family/friends. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jan 2, 2024 15:42:27 GMT
Hey all - I really need to do some decluttering/organizing! I went through almost every drawer/cupboard a couple years ago and then got stuck in areas where I needed a family member's input. I think I'm going to just go for it this year if they're not available. My husband and daughter are pack rats so they have stuff that just makes zero sense. I also want to redo my baking area to make it more organized. But first up taking down the Christmas decorations and really evaluating anything that stayed in the bins - if it hasn't gotten out of the basement, do I really need it?
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Post by mbanda on Jan 2, 2024 16:07:51 GMT
Happy New Year!
I started NYE & New Year's Day by purging my closet which has been long overdue. I've worked from home the last 4 years so I had lots of "office" tops and pants and shoes I purged - 12 trash bags to be exact. I also had lots that just didn't fit so I got rid of those as well. I am committed to only keeping things that fit NOW and that I feel good wearing. I had 4 space bags in another closet full of sweaters. I was able to let go of most of those and now ALL my clothes are in one closet instead of two which I love. Now I just need hubby to do his side of the closet....someday!! I also went through my sock/undies/pjs drawer & got rid of a lot there as well.
Clutter is a big anxiety trigger for me. I can get very anxious and overwhelmed when I feel like my house/space is closing in on me. Since I work from home I feel this 24/7. There is no where to escape.
Goals for this year:
1 - Kitchen & Pantry - I already told DH this room was next and he is on board
2 - Christmas Decor - DH & I have committed to going through ALL the Christmas bins including the ones in the attic and seeing what can be donated/purged
3 - Junk drawers - we have a built-in area in our den and the 4 drawers in that unit are a disaster.
4 - Craft room - I don't feel like there is a ton I need to do in my craft room but there are some areas within the room that I can purge/organize. Specifically the closet in the craft room needs a good cleaning out. It's a catch-all for luggage, gift wrap, keepsakes, art supplies...I think there is a lot that could be purged.
5 - Makeup & Hair Care drawers - need to go through these and toss some stuff that I no longer use.
These are my Top 5 - I hope to get through all of these by July then set a new set of goals for the remainder of 2024.
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Post by cecilia on Jan 2, 2024 19:05:56 GMT
About to head to what I call sort of PT. It's a local hospital's pool walking program. $40 for 11 visits where you exercise on your own while others PT. After it I need to work on my room.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 2, 2024 23:51:29 GMT
katybee posted this information on stopping junk mail (and if you go to the provided links they tell you how to do email as well. Thought it could be helpful here. There are good ways to seriously decrease the amount of paper mail you get. I know some people really like paper bills, but I simply do not understand the appeal. All of my bills are digital. I can access my accounts whenever and from wherever I want. I have never, in 15+ years, had any negative consequences from going digital. (We’ve had many threads debating this and I know people like what they like). I blocked all credit card offers, and that was most of my junk mail. In Texas, I got so many flyers and random junk mail. I tried to block it using this website: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-junk-mailBut I never had any luck. But I don’t get flyers and sales circulars/coupons anymore. I’m think maybe California has laws against it? It’s SO wasteful! I still get a couple of paper catalogs (I never signed up for them) and need to get those stopped. But sometimes I go days without getting any paper mail—and that’s the way I like it! Not only is it better for my mental state and clutter control, it’s better for the environment. Did you mail in the form after you filled out the information on the website?
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,462
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Post by katybee on Jan 3, 2024 1:38:10 GMT
katybee posted this information on stopping junk mail (and if you go to the provided links they tell you how to do email as well. Thought it could be helpful here. There are good ways to seriously decrease the amount of paper mail you get. I know some people really like paper bills, but I simply do not understand the appeal. All of my bills are digital. I can access my accounts whenever and from wherever I want. I have never, in 15+ years, had any negative consequences from going digital. (We’ve had many threads debating this and I know people like what they like). I blocked all credit card offers, and that was most of my junk mail. In Texas, I got so many flyers and random junk mail. I tried to block it using this website: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-junk-mailBut I never had any luck. But I don’t get flyers and sales circulars/coupons anymore. I’m think maybe California has laws against it? It’s SO wasteful! I still get a couple of paper catalogs (I never signed up for them) and need to get those stopped. But sometimes I go days without getting any paper mail—and that’s the way I like it! Not only is it better for my mental state and clutter control, it’s better for the environment. Did you mail in the form after you filled out the information on the website? It’s been a few years, but if I recall, the website was messed up and I couldn’t even get to that point. I used to get huge circulars with pages of ads and coupons in TX multiple times a week. But here in CA I never do—so I’m not going to worry about it. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jan 3, 2024 3:03:25 GMT
Has anyone read "How to keep house while drowning" or "Outer order, inner calm"? I heard about the first one by KC Davis a few weeks ago and had it on hold from the library but decided to just use an audible credit for it. I'm curious if anyone else has read of listened to these and what you too away from them.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 3, 2024 16:28:52 GMT
Declutter task of the day from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar:
Declutter top of kitchen cabinets and dust.
I’ve read the suggestion of putting wax paper on top of your cabinets so they’re easier to clean. Has anyone tried this? If so, what were your results? It seems to me some dusting would still be needed around the edges and in the crevices on the outer edges of your cabinets unless you cut the paper to fit exactly. Which seems like a lot compared to dusting. Thoughts?
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jan 3, 2024 16:31:04 GMT
Declutter task of the day from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Declutter top of kitchen cabinets and dust.I’ve read the suggestion of putting wax paper on top of your cabinets so they’re easier to clean. Has anyone tried this? If so, what were your results? It seems to me some dusting would still be needed around the edges and in the crevices on the outer edges of your cabinets unless you cut the paper to fit exactly. Which seems like a lot compared to dusting. Thoughts? The tops of my cabinets are visible from my living room (kitchen is right below) so the wax paper wouldn't work. But now you have me wondering if some kind of wipable surface would be easier to clean (and maybe decorative?) than the wood, which is kind of textured. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 3, 2024 16:59:54 GMT
I have done the wax paper trick before and it worked fine. The cabinets had a lip at the top that hid it though. The problem dusting regularly is that it usually requires use of a ladder (for me at least). The older I get the less I try to climb ladders. With the paper I was only up there once or twice a year. I don't have to do that now since our cabinets go to the ceiling. The tops of my cabinets are visible from my living room (kitchen is right below) so the wax paper wouldn't work. But now you have me wondering if some kind of wipable surface would be easier to clean (and maybe decorative?) than the wood, which is kind of textured. What about using the non-adhesive shelf liners? They do have some colors that might work with your cabinet color. Otherwise, I'd look for scraps of vinyl flooring (squares or planks) that match and put that up there. |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 4, 2024 13:20:34 GMT
Declutter Task of the Day from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar:
Declutter top shelf of one of your kitchen cabinets.
Bonus: Make it a messy one. Or, take everything out and wipe down shelf before you put it back.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 4, 2024 13:22:01 GMT
Declutter task of the day from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Declutter top of kitchen cabinets and dust.I’ve read the suggestion of putting wax paper on top of your cabinets so they’re easier to clean. Has anyone tried this? If so, what were your results? It seems to me some dusting would still be needed around the edges and in the crevices on the outer edges of your cabinets unless you cut the paper to fit exactly. Which seems like a lot compared to dusting. Thoughts? The tops of my cabinets are visible from my living room (kitchen is right below) so the wax paper wouldn't work. But now you have me wondering if some kind of wipable surface would be easier to clean (and maybe decorative?) than the wood, which is kind of textured. Id be tempted to stain and seal/varnish (with matte) or paint the top of your cabinets to match the cabinets. The varnish or paint would make for a smoother surface than unfinished wood. |
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Post by cecilia on Jan 4, 2024 15:57:59 GMT
Got 5 of the shirts washed and hanging up to dry. About all I got done yesterday. Still need to work on my room. Need to toss a bunch of stuff.
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mimix3
Full Member
Posts: 100
Jun 15, 2020 0:56:27 GMT
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Post by mimix3 on Jan 4, 2024 16:32:48 GMT
Christmas is down but its all piled in the garage. I have to wait on the hubby to get on a ladder.
I cleaned out the guest room closet and purged a few things. Put my books on the bookshelf (what an idea!), photo albums out of a box (from where we moved 3 years ago) and on the shelf,
I dumped two WM bags full of old spices out of the spice closet. I still have several things to do, but its coming along.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 4, 2024 18:20:43 GMT
Just did a quick pass through the pantry drawers and cabinet and I'm amazed at how I can always find something to toss. I was putting away and restocking some things I picked up at the grocery yesterday and am still marveling at how much less stuff I have in my pantry storage. Part of it is that we began eating more healthy food (less processed) this past year after DH's health problems. The other is that I am no longer stockpiling stuff. I keep just 1 extra of things we go through regularly. Note - I can do this because it is just the two of us and there are no children at home! It's just so exciting to open the doors/drawers and see things without having to shuffle them!
Also started a new donation bag today. I keep a bag or box on the bench in the foyer which is the center of the house. Makes it easy to just drop things in as I go by that spot so many times each day. There are 3 full bags stashed in the guest room that I will go through shortly and verify the missing scarf isn't in those bags. Once I do that those bags will leave with the housekeeper later this afternoon!
The other things I have been doing are decluttering/purging my email and social media accounts. As soon as a newsletter or sale alert comes in I hit the unsubscribe button and delete. Already seeing a difference there. For Instagram, I reassessed what subjects I was most interested at this time and have been muting the accounts I don't want to see for now. Some accounts I just unfollow. Now when I open IG for inspiration it's more fun and appropriate to where I am currently creatively. I did the same in the Fall for my Pinterest account and it's now more enjoyable to go there as well. Can post more on how I went about that later if anyone is interested in my system.
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Post by ntsf on Jan 4, 2024 20:16:55 GMT
got two returns and a huge bag of clothes donation in the front hall.
will go out after lunch to get rid of them.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 4, 2024 21:15:43 GMT
The other things I have been doing are decluttering/purging my email and social media accounts. As soon as a newsletter or sale alert comes in I hit the unsubscribe button and delete. Already seeing a difference there. For Instagram, I reassessed what subjects I was most interested at this time and have been muting the accounts I don't want to see for now. Some accounts I just unfollow. Now when I open IG for inspiration it's more fun and appropriate to where I am currently creatively. I did the same in the Fall for my Pinterest account and it's now more enjoyable to go there as well. Can post more on how I went about that later if anyone is interested in my system. I definitely would be interested! One of my daily declutter to dos is digital decluttering. When I’m where I am mentally right now, which is haphazard and not able to concentrate, my digital life suffers along with everything else. Open a million tabs, take tons of screenshots, bookmark anything and everything, ignore email, etc. So I made a list of areas I want to work on and many times throughout the day I’ll take 5 minutes “Alexa, set timer for 5 minutes” and concentrate on going through an app/website/photos/files/bookmarks, etc. I’d see my progress faster if I spent all of my 5 minute breaks on one area, but I need to know there is progress being made in all areas. Now, that’s not to say I don’t get really into a particular area and keep going long after my 5 minutes is up, but during the next 5 minutes I move on to something else. I’ve done this before and have been very successful. Now if I could just figure out how to avoid the mess when I’m cycling in the first place! |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jan 4, 2024 21:18:28 GMT
Declutter task of the day from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Declutter top of kitchen cabinets and dust.I’ve read the suggestion of putting wax paper on top of your cabinets so they’re easier to clean. Has anyone tried this? If so, what were your results? It seems to me some dusting would still be needed around the edges and in the crevices on the outer edges of your cabinets unless you cut the paper to fit exactly. Which seems like a lot compared to dusting. Thoughts? The tops of my cabinets are visible from my living room (kitchen is right below) so the wax paper wouldn't work. But now you have me wondering if some kind of wipable surface would be easier to clean (and maybe decorative?) than the wood, which is kind of textured. Glad Press N Seal would work great for that, and also for the shelves in your refrigerator. |
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mich5481
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,751
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Post by mich5481 on Jan 4, 2024 21:45:24 GMT
I bought a few ornament storage bins from Michaels yesterday and last week. They match the ones I already have, and since they are straight sided, they'll stack up evenly.
I had planned to buy them last year, but waited too long after Christmas to look for them, and they were all sold out.
Now I am going to pack up the ornaments. I have three main categories: Star Wars, travel/place related, and everything else. I plan to use the fourth bin to store the hand carved nativity sets I purchased in 2022 in Oberammergau, Germany.
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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 4, 2024 22:15:12 GMT
I had a picnic set listed on my local buy nothing group which was picked up yesterday. It's only a small win, but it was one of those things that was always in the way where it was stored so I'm glad it's gone somewhere it will be used and appreciated.
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Post by mommaho on Jan 5, 2024 9:41:57 GMT
The weekend is coming and we are expecting snow. Since I work outside of the house I'm way to tired to do anything when I get home but have been continuing my file and digital purging at work which feels great! This weekend my plan is my kitchen cabinets - I don't even want to know what the oldest expired item is! |
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