Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2

[KBecks]

I cleared out the bag/wrap drawer in the kitchen.  We are pretty much completely done with plastic film wrap.  But would you believe I had four rolls of the stuff in that drawer along with two rolls of aluminum foil?  One of them wasn't even opened.  I kept the smallest one and donated the others to family that still uses film wrap.

Have you started using reusable covers or something?

[brooklynmoney]

Ok so I confess I am a book hoarder I have 200 left. I have already later down 300. I want to get down to 50 or less. I’ve dropped them at Salvation Army and Goodwill before any other suggestions for places to donate that take them?

[Raenia]

Today I broke down and recycled a pile of boxes that we had been 'saving' for our next visit to my dad's house.  Realistically, we can always find more boxes if we need them.  There is no need to keep a stash.

[Sibley]

I'm (slowly) emptying out my book room so I can paint it. Moved the first bookcase into the back bedroom a few days ago and finally got around to putting the books back on the shelves. Moved the 2nd bookcase today. Culled a couple of books that I don't want anymore. Also decided that since I haven't worn the darn boots in 2 winters, I should just get rid of them.

All in the box for the thrift store.

[Frugal Lizard]

I cleared out the bag/wrap drawer in the kitchen.  We are pretty much completely done with plastic film wrap.  But would you believe I had four rolls of the stuff in that drawer along with two rolls of aluminum foil?  One of them wasn't even opened.  I kept the smallest one and donated the others to family that still uses film wrap.

Have you started using reusable covers or something?

I have been trying to stop using it for about ten years.  First the kids school started litterless lunches and so I got plastic containers...The our CSA went re-usable containers. Now I mostly use a glass bowl with a lid.  Or mason jars.  I have some beeswax wraps but the rigid containers are easier and I can stack them.  At the same time we also went down to one fridge so I have to be very efficient with space allocation.

[mspym]

Finally took care of the donation pile that's been building in the hallway- I thought there were only 2 bags but found a third one we had started hiding underneath our bike panniers. And we took everything to the donation bin via our bikes! I also returned 2 DVDs and a book to the library on the trip so it was a good lil mission all round.

[KBecks]

I'm (slowly) emptying out my book room so I can paint it. Moved the first bookcase into the back bedroom a few days ago and finally got around to putting the books back on the shelves. Moved the 2nd bookcase today. Culled a couple of books that I don't want anymore. Also decided that since I haven't worn the darn boots in 2 winters, I should just get rid of them.

All in the box for the thrift store.

I am painting our living room / dining room before we get new carpeting.  This will push me to take care of a toy pile in the corner that needs to be addressed.  I will also cull our china cabinet.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

-Sold another few items on eBay
-Listed items on eBay (and donated some that won't be worth selling) from my closet, with an eye towards what's getting limited use during COVID

[Shinplaster]

Gave away an older Bissell carpet cleaner.  Person that picked it up seemed pretty happy to get it.   I have a trunk full of things to donate to Goodwill when I go out on Wednesday - clothes, books, picture frames, etc.  Moving is a great motivator for getting rid of your clutter. 

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Got rid of two Corningware baking dishes that I received as a gift 20+ years ago & have used 1x. Totally unclear why I've moved them 3x. But now, they are moved on to someone who will hopefully enjoy them.

[Frugal Lizard]

Games cupboards are sorted.

[LinneaH]

Decluttering/straightening inside kitchen cupboards before open house viewing Sunday. We have a pretty small kitchen/not that much cupboard space, and it needs to look larger/roomier than it is. Same for fridge.

Currently working really hard on decreasing candy supply as rest of family is away all day and cannot help me.

Gave away an older Bissell carpet cleaner.  Person that picked it up seemed pretty happy to get it.   I have a trunk full of things to donate to Goodwill when I go out on Wednesday - clothes, books, picture frames, etc.  Moving is a great motivator for getting rid of your clutter. 

Totally agree on moving as motivator, at least for me. ExDH not so much, but that will be his problem later on (I can write a lot about this, will probably do later in my journal to let off steam).
I am doing a lot of give-away on local Facebook page, putting stuff outside for easy pick up.

[LinneaH]

Currently working really hard on decreasing candy supply as rest of family is away all day and cannot help me.

some decluttering projects are tastier than others

They sure are! To be honest, this is where I made most progress. But I also decluttered some old pasta, some was trashed as it was a type we are not eating, and it was expired so I couldn't give it away. Note to self  - give away this stuff immediately if we happen to receive for any reason.
I also put some random pantry stuff out on the kitchen counter to be eaten in nearest few days. Pleased to have two opened less than half full bags of pasta decluttered for lunch.

I have also requested help from rest of family with decluttering more candy/ice cream tonight, as I cannot be responsible for everything :-)

[MountainGal]

A magazine went to my sister, and an unopened bottle of diet soda to mom.  :)

[MaybeBabyMustache]

My son rebuilt an old bike that we weren't using, and it sold in an hour. Junk out, cash in. We split the proceeds, and he's thrilled. He loves working on bikes & invested his money in additional bike repair tools.

[Shinplaster]

Got rid of a lamp, some random pieces of wood, and a power washer that always leaks at the base of the wand.  Everything at the end of the driveway, and gone within an hour.   I did put a note on the power washer about the leak, but the person that grabbed it didn't care.

[Freedomin5]

Donated a bag of clothes and shoes that DD had outgrown. Happy that it is no longer on the floor in DD’s bedroom.

[halftimer]

I'm happy with my progress lately. I put some small items in the community free table in my building (coupons, coloring pages, books) and they were all claimed. I took photos of some nicer items and made a 'swap list' presentation in google drive and shared the link to friends who claimed a few jackets, a closet organizer. I'm surprised that the Fitbit and Team Jersey haven't been claimed yet. I think the free price is a bit of a detriment actually, no one knows who else I sent the list to and assumes that someone else is more in 'need' than they are, and they don't want to take away things from someone in need. A nice group of people.

In a different clear out - I took a 20 year old duvet and stuffed it into a half filled foot cushion, and bought some fleece on sale to back a queen sized quilt that had been backless for many, many years. My mother made the quilt, and it was loved and used until the old backing/filling wore out. It was just too special to toss, so I slowly figured it out and now have a beautifully finished project and I can't believe I didn't do this before it just feels so satisfying to have it finished and useable!

[okisok]

Dang, this is one motivated group!!

I put my wobbly coffee table out on the curb and it was gone in no time. Thought about selling it, but I found it in the giveaway room (officially known as the trash room!) in my old apartment complex. Figured it was good karma to let it go for free.

[Sibley]

I have a car load of stuff to go to the animal shelter. Culled various beds and toys that my cats ignore and I'm tired of junking up the closet. Will swing by and drop them off today.

[RetiredAt63]

I have a car load of stuff to go to the animal shelter. Culled various beds and toys that my cats ignore and I'm tired of junking up the closet. Will swing by and drop them off today.

None of my dogs and cats were ever interested in pet beds.  Why would they be?  Sleeping on our beds and furniture is much nicer.   ;-)

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Received a referral prize for a race I'm running. It's not something I had a clear use for, so already listed on eBay. I want to ensure I'm not taking more "stuff" into the house.

Continuing a closet clean out, and ensuring everything left is something I love, and have a good understanding of where I'll wear it.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

-Went through kids closet & noticed he'd dumped his bag of ski stuff (to use the bag elsewhere). Re-organized everything, found a backpack to donate.
-Continued going through my closet, & found a shirt to list on eBay.
-Kids haven't played soccer in six months, & socially distanced practices are supposedly starting next week. 13 year old tried on his practice outfit, and it's basically shorty shorts & a crop top. He's grown quite a bit. All to the donation pile, save for a few pair of shorts in good enough condition to try & sell. However, had to order a couple of new pair on Amazon. Hopefully this size will fit.

[Sibley]

I have a car load of stuff to go to the animal shelter. Culled various beds and toys that my cats ignore and I'm tired of junking up the closet. Will swing by and drop them off today.

None of my dogs and cats were ever interested in pet beds.  Why would they be?  Sleeping on our beds and furniture is much nicer.   ;-)

Oh, the cats will happily sleep in cat beds. Just not those ones. But the furniture is fair game too. I've had something of a revolving cast of cats in the past year, so had accumulated some new/replacement beds. The rejects are then donated after appropriate cleaning. I do need to get a cat tree or similar, but not yet. Am also refreshing/expanding the cat toy selection for similar reasons. And hopefully the cats will be sticking around :)

[RetiredAt63]

I have a car load of stuff to go to the animal shelter. Culled various beds and toys that my cats ignore and I'm tired of junking up the closet. Will swing by and drop them off today.

None of my dogs and cats were ever interested in pet beds.  Why would they be?  Sleeping on our beds and furniture is much nicer.   ;-)

Oh, the cats will happily sleep in cat beds. Just not those ones. But the furniture is fair game too. I've had something of a revolving cast of cats in the past year, so had accumulated some new/replacement beds. The rejects are then donated after appropriate cleaning. I do need to get a cat tree or similar, but not yet. Am also refreshing/expanding the cat toy selection for similar reasons. And hopefully the cats will be sticking around :)

Yours are good kitties.  Mine always figured the best place for a nap was where it would be least convenient.  One loved paper, especially if the paper was student assignments being marked.  Cats are opaque.  And shed.   It made life interesting.

[happy]

Our council held a free chemical cleanout last weekend so we jettisoned 4 huge boxes of paint, random unused cleaning and garden chemicals, empty gas cartridges and an ancient gas cylinder. Not much was my stuff, it was mostly left behind by the previous property owner and stuff from my parent's house. It feels good to see the back of it.

[diapasoun]

Finally threw out a pile of things we'd been trying to find homes for via Buy Nothing to no avail. YESSSSSSSSS good.

[okisok]

Some of my clutter, some the neighbors'. They moved out over the weekend and filled up the communal trash bins with recyclables and some items in good shape. I sorted through it and put the still-good items in my car with my stuff I need to donate. Put the recyclable items into the appropriate bin. Now I just need to drop off the trunkful tomorrow on my way to work.

[FireLane]

Getting back on track with the decluttering that had to be put on hold for the pandemic.

I took down over a dozen boxes of baby and toddler clothes that had been taking up space in our attic. Mrs. Fl posted them on Buy Nothing, and they were snapped up immediately. It was super-convenient, the people who wanted them came and took them right off our stoop.

[Sibley]

Need some common sense applied please...

I have 2 beach/pool towels. I don't go to the beach. I don't have access to a pool, and when I do, it's either hotel or a friend's so they do have pool towels. Trying to figure out if I want to keep these towels. The most use they've gotten honestly is I used them to pack framed pictures.

[Poundwise]

Depends on your usual towel situation. We started using beach towels as bath towels because I got too lazy to put them away with the beach stuff, and it feels great to wrap up in the huge towel. But if you have enough towels, get rid of them!

I just finished emptying my mother's giant, stuffed house. Drove an hour back to my own (now overstuffed) house.  Then realized I had forgotten the shed. There isn't much there, so I posted the stuff on Craigslist and a guy says he's on his way to pick up now. Crossing my fingers that he takes it all.

[PMG]

How is your regular towel supply?  How about your cleaning rags supply? 

We often run out of both.  If someone gifted me two beach towels I would keep one intact for towel use and cut the other up into rags. 

it sounds like you likely don’t need either of them and that you definitely don’t need two.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Received a referral prize for a race I'm running. It's not something I had a clear use for, so already listed on eBay. I want to ensure I'm not taking more "stuff" into the house.

Continuing a closet clean out, and ensuring everything left is something I love, and have a good understanding of where I'll wear it.

-Already sold referral prize on eBay, so that's packaged up & getting dropped off at the mailbox.
-Had the kids try on all of their swim trunks, and made a stack of what we need to donate or sell, as 4 pair were too small. (We have a pool, so have quite a few pair.)

[MountainGal]

Re: towels, usually the local animal shelter will happily take them along with used sheets, blankets, and pillows.  :)

[Prairie Gal]

DS is home for a while and has been going to town decluttering stuff in the garage and the basement. I listed a box of misc. gardening stuff for free on FB Marketplace.

[slackmax]

Found 2 white dress shirts with obvious wear, in a big rubber tub. Since my local textile recycling is not accepting anything lately, I threw them out. Stress-free.

[shrimpwd]

I finally got around to listing a few things on marketplace and another site. We'll see if people are interested.

I'm notorious for finding things of value in my house, decide to sell them, and let the piles grow without listing them. Trying to get better at that. At least trash leaves in short order.

Hoping to have the 3 season porch cleared out in the next few weeks - I let family store things there for a while... (Going on four years)

I still have a decent pile of books I want to bring to the local store. They offer trade value and I'm looking for a few specific books they may have. Work and social distancing, with a bit of procrastination, are holding up that pile.

I always find the piles to hold me back from finding more things to let go of. My critical mass doesn't usually look horrible, but it drives me nuts (and yet I don't take action... Heh)

[Loretta]

I re-read the Feng Shui book Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life this week and overhauled my condo.  This afternoon I sent my 96-99 yearbooks down the trash chute and I must say it felt pretty damn good.  I kept the senior yearbook.  I also kept my dad’s senior yearbook. 

I threw away some defunct string lights and will eat some random fridge contents for dinner. 

[Sibley]

I think I will keep the beach towels. At least for now. I'm not shy about purging stuff in general, so if I'm having this much trouble deciding to keep or get rid of these I'm going to just go with the easy option.

[lazycow]

Back in Lockdown so no op shops open for me to donate 2 bags of random stuff, mainly clothes and books at the moment.
Am down to the tech clutter: checked my Olympus digital camera and uploaded the few photos from 2013 (!) The actual camera no longer works so will take it and charger to ewaste recycling when it opens again. Am trying to revive an old laptop whose keyboard doesn't work but thst will also go if I am not successful.
Emailed myself all the photos off our old ipad so I can finally edit and print the best ones. I like to have a wall of photos rather than look at them online. The kids like it too. In the process, I have deleted 100's of blurry and almost duplicates. I haven't done this since getting a smart phone several years ago and it feels good!
I want to start relearning the piano and I need to have a clean house and clear brain with nothing nagging at me and the photos were the last project. I bought at full weighted keyboard and donated the mini one I started with to a friend.

[LinneaH]

I'm not shy about purging stuff in general, so if I'm having this much trouble deciding to keep or get rid of these I'm going to just go with the easy option.

@Sibley, I think this sounds really reasonable. I will use this as well.
Possibly you are like me and many others, if you let them sit for a while, now that you have been thinking "actively" about them, you may end up either letting them go or find you will use them in a meaningful way, so they will not be idle any more. 

[slackmax]

I want to start relearning the piano and I need to have a clean house and clear brain with nothing nagging at me and the photos were the last project. I bought at full weighted keyboard and donated the mini one I started with to a friend.

I have been procrastinating about learning to play my Casio piano keyboard. I even have a book of popular piano music I can reference. I must get to it soon. I think my problem is that, in my 'real' feelings, I consider it a waste of time (even though it isn't).   

[diapasoun]

Got rid of some stuff sitting in a corner.

I need to tackle some papers that have been piling up and need to be filed. I think I need to make myself a fancy coffee and put on some music for this.

[ZsaZsa]

I finally got around to listing some things on Ebay...some of it was my Mom's, so there was some grieving, angsty stuff contributing to the delay. I finally feel good about it, so now is the time.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

@ZsaZsa - that sounds like a really positive step in the grieving process.

I've come to the realization that it's so much easier to live in a house, clean a house & just generally feel "in control" & "organized" when your house is tidy & decluttered. We are in the midst of numerous home projects, so nothing is where it belongs, and stuff is strewn about everywhere you move. It's both stressful, as well as really hard to clean & tidy. I am pretty clean, but have found myself throwing my hands in the air, because getting on top of it is such a giant project. I'll be very happy when this phase is complete.

[SunnyDays]

I’ve been in that “the house is a disaster” phase too due to lots of outdoor work getting done and no time for the inside.  It was making me so stressed.  Not being able to find things, shuffling things around to make room to move around and just looking at all the stuff laying around drove me nuts.  Made me realize that, in spite of getting rid of a lot of things last year, there’s still too much stuff.  So once all the outside work is done and the weather turns, I need to get back at it again.  Plus, Covid cases are starting to increase, so I won’t be eager to go out much.

[Raenia]

@ZsaZsa - that sounds like a really positive step in the grieving process.

I've come to the realization that it's so much easier to live in a house, clean a house & just generally feel "in control" & "organized" when your house is tidy & decluttered. We are in the midst of numerous home projects, so nothing is where it belongs, and stuff is strewn about everywhere you move. It's both stressful, as well as really hard to clean & tidy. I am pretty clean, but have found myself throwing my hands in the air, because getting on top of it is such a giant project. I'll be very happy when this phase is complete.

We're there too.  Feels like half the house is unusable - either a war zone of demo and construction, or stuffed full of furniture that belongs in the first category rooms.  We're sleeping in the smallest bedroom, the office and dining room are full of furniture that doesn't belong there.  The living room has been turned into a work-from-home space for DH.  Basically the only room functioning as intended is the kitchen (and bathroom).  Cannot wait for this project to be done.

[Prairie Gal]

Banner de-cluttering week here.

 - Returned three paintings and a large piece of glass to my sister that she asked me to store for her while she moved - 9 years ago!
 - Sold a little side table that I painted and fixed up quite a while ago. Never got around to putting the top coat on, but it still sold in 20 minutes.
 - Put a crapton of stuff out on the lawn for free, and listed on FB buy/sell sites. About half is gone already.
 - DS listed an old monitor that I had.

[Sibley]

Oh yes, I totally get the mid-project mess. I've got 4 house projects in process, in 4 rooms. One of these projects involved moving everything out of a room into another room. Plus, we had a bad storm and I moved a bunch of stuff out of the storm shelter closet to make more room just in case. And the sewing machine cabinet is laying down in the living room because I'm treating each leg for cat urine, then it needs to dry. It's just a mess. The handyman is coming this week to work on a bunch of things that I don't have the skill to do. But basically, my house is a mess.

To add insult to injury there - there's a box of stuff that is to go away, but the thrift store I want to take it to isn't taking donations yet.

Edit with an update:
Got the prep work I had to do for the handyman done (saving money!). Now I have oil primer all over me. Yuck. I've never found an effective, non-skin damaging way to get oils off, so I'll be spotted for a week or so while it wears off. I also have 3/4 of a quart of oil primer still. I will need to prime the repair with it, then will probably give the rest to my neighbor who will be doing significant work on his garage soon.

Also managed to declutter my to-do list. No significant improvement in the overall mess in the house, but that's not really going to happen for a few weeks. The cats are NOT helping. I've got toys everywhere, and Rosie redistributes them regularly.

[zygote]

I live in a small apartment in a big city. Pre-covid I would go to the grocery store 2-3 times a week, and just get what I needed for the next few meals. When covid hit, I started shopping weekly instead. I also started getting back ups of a few things to be able to stretch out the shopping or make up for availability issues. The one cabinet for pantry items quickly got out of control, and my "pantry" was basically 5 grocery bags sitting on the kitchen floor.

I got fed up and took everything out of the cabinet and the bags, got rid of a few things that were out of date, and reorganized everything. I still have 2 grocery bags on the floor, but I can deal with that. The ones that were most in the way are gone now, and everything is much easier to find.