Author Topic: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2 (Read 1441579 times)

okisok · « **Reply #4350 on:** November 29, 2020, 12:00:28 PM »

Returned an item I bought on Wednesday that I ended up not needing. I *did not* want to drive across town again to return it, but I wanted the money back in my account and the item out of my car. And I wanted to be able to post that it was done, so I did it. It took less than an hour and now the full amount I paid is back in my account. I didn't have to move it repeatedly or take pictures to sell it on the secondary market for less.

Dropped off another trunk load of donations to Goodwill while I was out.

Cut up an old pair of felted wool house shoes into insoles for my rubber boots. The boots are great, except in cold weather. I realized I was shying away from wearing them when it was cold and rainy because they felt so cold. Now they are so cozy! I came home after wearing them out and forgot to take them off because my feet were so warm and comfortable. One useless pair out and one less-than-desirable pair fixed.

Sibley · « **Reply #4351 on:** December 01, 2020, 10:25:28 AM »

Finally primed the book room last night. 1 can is empty and drying out for the trash.

slackmax · « **Reply #4352 on:** December 02, 2020, 12:30:12 PM »

Have identified a hand knit wool multicolored big floppy shirt that I was sure someone would want at the flea market ( but no interest) as destined for donation.
Just a matter of time now. Next time I'm going that way, it goes.

Frugal Lizard · « **Reply #4353 on:** December 02, 2020, 04:52:03 PM »

We went through the Christmas lights, if less than 2/3's of the lights were burnt out, off they went. Now all the strings are up and will fit into a smaller box when they come down.

mspym · « **Reply #4354 on:** December 02, 2020, 05:11:39 PM »

Ofpym cleared out a whole clutter corner the other day while I was in back-to-back meetings.
this morning we are intermittently going through the overflowing with paper cube of our Billy bookcase and ripping up things we don't need to keep anymore.

Sugaree · « **Reply #4355 on:** December 03, 2020, 06:57:20 AM »

I sold a few things on FB marketplace recently and have a few more things going out today.

I also FINALLY got DH to take the 15 year-old, only-semi-working TV out (the one that his buddy is supposed to fix).

DH seems to be decluttering some. One of the medications he takes has the side effect of compulsive behavior disorder, which has turned his packrat tendencies into borderline hoarding. Now that the med seems to be leveling out, he's getting better. Sorta. I keep telling myself that at least it's not compulsive gambling...

okisok · « **Reply #4356 on:** December 03, 2020, 05:59:33 PM »

I got some more items posted on Marketplace. I'll give it a week, then lower the price, then one more week and it gets donated.

I've started decluttering tasks as well as things. Instead of dreading and putting off things like making appointments, untangling insurance issues, etc, I just do it as soon as it pops up. In the main, it's taken less time to just do it than mental energy to avoid doing it.

And for new items coming in, I try to only touch it or decide about it once. No more putting mail aside to look through later, no more putting papers in a pile to look through when I get a minute. I just take the minute to put it away, do the task, or toss it.

slackmax · « **Reply #4357 on:** December 03, 2020, 07:15:57 PM »

Spent half an hour sorting through some costume jewelry and low cost sterling jewelry, to get it ready for jewelry store clerks to evaluate. Small stuff, so no big decluttering, but it has to be done anyway. Felt good just knowing I had spent the time on it, toward the final goal of a decluttered house.

Finally took the quart tub of old blackened frozen peaches out of the fridge, threw out the peaches, rinsed and recycled the plastic tub. Less 'cold ballast' in fridge now, but one additional quart of open space.

Took the big floppy knit shirt to salvation army and put it in the bin.

Identified another book for donating to the library.

Captain FIRE · « **Reply #4358 on:** December 03, 2020, 07:25:05 PM »

Trying to pass the baby stuff on quickly once we're done with it. Out:
- Newborn, 3-6 mo clothes, swaddles
- Some pump parts I'm not using
- Mobile we never used
- Pregnancy books
- Bassinet
- And today, the baby swing! Getting the tree tomorrow to replace it.

Bassinet and swing are big wins, take up so much space.
Sadly, we accepted a bunch of bulky toys recently from our neighbors so we're still in arrears on "stuff" in the house.

diapasoun · « **Reply #4359 on:** December 04, 2020, 12:51:15 PM »

Identified a pair of pants for donation.

okisok · « **Reply #4360 on:** December 04, 2020, 05:47:57 PM »

Took a bag of lights to a coworker. I am peeling off the last layer of stuff in my house, getting deep into drawers and storage areas. I was going to donate the bag and she mentioned wanting some. She was super happy with them and I got them out of my house. Now I have two more empty plastic storage boxes to get rid of.

Update on no junk drawer--I'm really enjoying having that drawer back in my kitchen. The big serving spoon and spatula fit perfectly in there, right by the stove and fridge. Why did I ever think I needed to devote an entire drawer to rubber bands and scrap paper?

NotJen · « **Reply #4361 on:** December 04, 2020, 09:13:11 PM »

Quote from: okcisok on December 04, 2020, 05:47:57 PM

Update on no junk drawer--I'm really enjoying having that drawer back in my kitchen. The big serving spoon and spatula fit perfectly in there, right by the stove and fridge. Why did I ever think I needed to devote an entire drawer to rubber bands and scrap paper?

My kitchen is big enough that I have a junk drawer AND a junk cabinet. When I move, the junk draw goes directly to the trash (saying that for accountability!), until then, it's not space I would otherwise use. Today I happened to throw away 2 tubes of super glue from the junk drawer that had hardened, as well as some craft glue from the craft closet that's not any good (looking for something to repair a coffee table drawer that fell apart for no discernable reason).

I went through all my printed-out recipes in the kitchen today - threw out some that I know I didn't like, and the rest I am going to put in a binder for easier use and storage. It appears I don't have a 3-hole punch, which seems impossible considering how many 3-ring binders I got rid of earlier this year. Did I never have one, or did my XH take it when he moved out 10 years ago? I guess I'll never know...

RetiredAt63 · « **Reply #4362 on:** December 05, 2020, 06:37:35 AM »

NotJen, if you have (oops, buy?) those plastic sleeves for papers, they have the holes for the binder and the plastic will protect your recipes from splatters.

NotJen · « **Reply #4363 on:** December 05, 2020, 06:56:53 AM »

Quote from: RetiredAt63 on December 05, 2020, 06:37:35 AM

NotJen, if you have (oops, buy?) those plastic sleeves for papers, they have the holes for the binder and the plastic will protect your recipes from splatters.

I might have a few of those sleeves. I do have a 1-hole punch I can use, it will just be a little more work.

sb510 · « **Reply #4364 on:** December 05, 2020, 08:24:13 AM »

New to this thread! I actually sorted through a lot of old clothing earlier this year but haven't managed to donate/get rid of all of them yet. My remaining clothes fit into two medium-sized wire baskets and my wardrobe is otherwise empty, which is an odd but liberating feeling. I'd also love to use up most/all of my skincare in the next two-three months before repurchasing only the stuff I actually need. Does anyone have any experience with this? Paper clutter is also an issue I'd like to tackle, although I might start with one pile in one part of the house instead of Marie Kondo-ing it like I did with clothes.

SunnyDays · « **Reply #4365 on:** December 05, 2020, 10:52:53 AM »

Quote from: NotJen on December 05, 2020, 06:56:53 AM

Quote from: RetiredAt63 on December 05, 2020, 06:37:35 AM
NotJen, if you have (oops, buy?) those plastic sleeves for papers, they have the holes for the binder and the plastic will protect your recipes from splatters.

I might have a few of those sleeves. I do have a 1-hole punch I can use, it will just be a little more work.

I used some old photo albums, the kind with the peelable plastic on the cardboard pages for recipes. The recipes stick to the page and don't slide around and it's still wipeable.

NotJen · « **Reply #4366 on:** December 05, 2020, 11:22:29 AM »

But the splatters were what I used to pull my favorite recipes out of the pile! All are successfully in a binder now - and the cabinet over the microwave holds only that one binder.

Sold some wineglasses last night and a large planter this morning on FB.

MayDay · « **Reply #4367 on:** December 05, 2020, 01:41:16 PM »

Whew, successful day today! In prep of Christmas and because I get sick of looking at stuff on surfaces, I did some decluttering.

Gone (well in a box by the car to get dropped off):
-an Aloe plant that did not give me joy because it kept trying to tip over
-5 crystal glasses that were a wedding present, did not bring me joy
-1 pair of pants that was too tight/clingy for work but which I will never wear outside of work (too dressy)
-a couple shirts that I haven't worn in a year
-a cool toy that a neighbor gave us, but that after the initial novelty we have no use for
-a few other odds and ends

Also cleaned out old fully melted candles from.the fireplace.

But coming in: a dog and all his supplies! We are adopting a 6 lb, 8 year old yorkie!

mspym · « **Reply #4368 on:** December 05, 2020, 04:19:19 PM »

@MayDay Yay for a dog! and now you have made space for him!

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #4369 on:** December 05, 2020, 06:39:14 PM »

Sold: 4 crystal glasses, a makeup sample, & a book

Went through my stationery area. Gave away 25+ greeting cards, a few birthday treat bags, St. Patrick's Day treat bags, gift card holders, & a bunch of other stuff through Buy Nothing.

When I'm feeling better, I'm planning to re-organize the entire cupboard.

mspym · « **Reply #4370 on:** December 05, 2020, 08:01:16 PM »

Tiny wins
- I am letting myself abandon a book at the 25% mark and that will be going to the nearest street library when I go for a walk once it cools down a little.
- I also threw out the jar of semi-dried tomatoes that had gone creepy looking and the well out of date packet of vegan queso that we were never ever going to make up.

MayDay · « **Reply #4371 on:** December 06, 2020, 10:16:30 AM »

More successful decluttering over here:

1 large box of clothes that DD outgrew or doesn't like. People need to stop buying her clothes because she has gotten picky! Gone are the days of dressing her up in cute outfits.

1 tub of misc stuff (toys) that the kids aren't quite ready then part with, but are willing to pack up in the garage "for now".

Came in: 1 dog sweater, green with a red bow to look like a Christmas package. Lolol I crack myself up.

Cassie · « **Reply #4372 on:** December 06, 2020, 10:28:20 AM »

Finished decluttering my closet because I lost weight. Someone gave my husband 5 boxes of inside Xmas lights which are going and I need to go through our coffee mugs and then donate.

Frugal Lizard · « **Reply #4373 on:** December 07, 2020, 09:23:21 AM »

DD suggested that we go through all the Christmas decorations and give away anything we don't use. I did a huge purge last year by myself as I put everything away but amazing to have a kid on board with the decluttering. (Could it be that she is avoiding doing her own stuff?)

RetiredAt63 · « **Reply #4374 on:** December 07, 2020, 10:29:47 AM »

Quote from: Frugal Lizard on December 07, 2020, 09:23:21 AM

DD suggested that we go through all the Christmas decorations and give away anything we don't use. I did a huge purge last year by myself as I put everything away but amazing to have a kid on board with the decluttering. (Could it be that she is avoiding doing her own stuff?)

She is getting in practice, exercising her decluttering muscles.

We hope. ;-)

diapasoun · « **Reply #4375 on:** December 07, 2020, 11:01:10 AM »

Accidental decluttering: cracked a champagne flute, tossed it out.

MountainGal · « **Reply #4376 on:** December 07, 2020, 12:26:32 PM »

Burned old tax, home loan and refinance documents via the burn barrel. :)

zygote · « **Reply #4377 on:** December 07, 2020, 12:27:27 PM »

I did a big digital declutter because my dropbox was getting full. I also need to send my work computer to IT soon and wanted a nice, clean back up first. I didn't realize how much mental energy was being taken up wading through an old file organization system that wasn't serving me anymore. Much better.

okisok · « **Reply #4378 on:** December 07, 2020, 05:55:08 PM »

Quote from: NotJen on December 05, 2020, 06:56:53 AM

Quote from: RetiredAt63 on December 05, 2020, 06:37:35 AM
NotJen, if you have (oops, buy?) those plastic sleeves for papers, they have the holes for the binder and the plastic will protect your recipes from splatters.

I might have a few of those sleeves. I do have a 1-hole punch I can use, it will just be a little more work.

This is how I store my recipes. They wipe right off, they're easy to clean, and easy to reorganize. When the pages get too gross, I just switch out the page and keep the recipe.

NotJen · « **Reply #4379 on:** December 07, 2020, 06:44:45 PM »

Listed 9 new things to FB Marketplace over the last couple of days. Most were from the pile I was supposed to deal with a long time ago, and some were things around the house that caught my eye. One item already went to the post office, and the others are put away in the 'eBay closet'. There are still a couple of things left in the pile that I either need to list or throw away.

slackmax · « **Reply #4380 on:** December 08, 2020, 10:31:41 AM »

Made up the last pouch of powdered pudding mix, so I recycled the box. Not bringing any more pudding mix into the house.

Similarly, found old package of powdered alfredo mix in fridge. Used some of it yesterday, will eventually use it all up, not replace.

Still enjoying, and noticing, the extra space in the fridge since I got rid of the old quart container of peaches.

Found an old empty jar of kikkoman soy sauce in a cabinet. Keeping it cuz it looks so interesting, and cuz I have been so good at using up, and recycling containers for a lot of the other stuff in there.

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #4381 on:** December 08, 2020, 06:59:44 PM »

-Listed four Papyrus sealed gift card holders this weekend on eBay. Sold, & they are on their way to their new owner.
-Decluttered & organized stationery drawer, & turned previous large tub into container for school supplies. Entire area is much better organized, easy to use, & tidier.
-Went through & adjusted eBay listings to group like items, adjust pricing, etc. Made a quick sale this afternoon.

diapasoun · « **Reply #4382 on:** December 09, 2020, 04:04:58 PM »

Partner got some hand-me-down clothes from a friend; he took what he wanted and the rest, plus a vase, went to Goodwill yesterday.

Turned a tiny bit of clutter into organizational help by using an old stationery pack box to hold some seed packets. Once seeds are planted, it all can get recycled/tossed!

Frugal Lizard · « **Reply #4383 on:** December 10, 2020, 06:23:00 AM »

An empty scrapbook paper container, a whole box of leftover craft kit paint tubs - all of them empty or dried to a solid rock with the lid adhere on forever and another bin of various paints that I haven't cracked open since 2017. These are now gone from the craft cupboard and two shelves are empty!

slackmax · « **Reply #4384 on:** December 10, 2020, 08:28:42 AM »

Two empty shelves! Nice.

Poundwise · « **Reply #4385 on:** December 10, 2020, 09:49:42 AM »

Got rid of two bookshelves which were blocking access to my garage freezer and workbench, and some nursing paraphernalia. I also got rid of our old dishwasher. Craiglist free section is the bomb!

SunnyDays · « **Reply #4386 on:** December 10, 2020, 10:44:20 AM »

Well, I had thought I was done with decluttering last year, but since then, I have found the following items to donate:

- 21 books
- 2 glass bowls
- garden stepping stone
- bag of wax melts
- phone charger
- lettuce keeper
- 3 TV dinner trays
- sieve
- 3 tennis balls
- various greeting cards
- cookie tin
- over-door hanger
- various cat toys
- 2 vintage tupperware containers
- candle
- eye glass case
- 6 drinking glasses
- box of straws
- various sewing supplies
- 2 huge cardboard boxes

I managed to just get it all out of the house in the brief window of thrift stores being open between 2 lockdowns, so glad for that. Now its been decided by the powers that be that they are an essential service, so if I find anything more, it won't be sitting around for months.

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #4387 on:** December 10, 2020, 07:47:08 PM »

Crushing it, @SunnyDays ! Nice work. I've slowed down my progress this week. Work is busy, but I have tomorrow afternoon off & am hoping to find some junk to get out of the house.

Frugal Lizard · « **Reply #4388 on:** December 11, 2020, 06:13:24 AM »

DD saw the paint in the give away pile and now it is back in the cupboard.

Swish · « **Reply #4389 on:** December 11, 2020, 08:35:21 AM »

Quote from: slackmax on November 07, 2020, 03:40:46 PM

Quote from: Swish on November 06, 2020, 09:53:12 PM
So round 2 I cleaned out the garage of a ton of junk. Hope this motivates some of you to get off your butts and free up a parking spot. We can now fit the car in the garage again!

Chainsaw - $350
Skill saw - $50
Spare wrenches - $40
LEGO phone - $25
Tonka truck - $5
Clipboard - $3
Corelle dishes - $30
Bike - $20
Bunk bed - $200
Bar table - $125
Memory stick - $4
Extension cord - $4
Dora wallet - $2
Motherboard - $10
Graphics card - $20
WeeRide copilot - $40
Helmets - $8
Shoe bench - $50
Baby chair - $3
Shop vac - $40
Toy chest - $10
Pro shop Voucher - $100
Random lights - $10
Fridge - $500
Outlet - $5
Worklamps - $20
Axe - $5
Fan - $5
Clock - $4
Art - $35
Grinder - $15
Cooler - $30
Laptop Battery - $8
Reciprocating saw - $40
Bouncer - $25
Bike - $35
Tv stand - $125
Skate bar - $5
Oscillating saw - $50
Diesel oil - $20
Chainsaw sharpener - $30
Chariot stroller - $650

Total: $2,756

Wow! High prices. Where do you live? How did you sell the stuff? Yard sale?

@slackmax we are in Canada so if in the US adjust for currency. We sold mostly using facebook market place and kijiji. There is a PIA factor but I just piled it all in middle of garage for a few weeks and what ever didn't sell we donated/threw away. Some of the bigger items were pretty high end as well and in very great shape, chainsaw, fridge, chariot. My problem now is my parents found out and dropped a bunch of their crap off to sell so might be best to keep it a secret ;)

NotJen · « **Reply #4390 on:** December 11, 2020, 09:30:27 AM »

After making some more sales on Marketplace recently, I scouted the kitchen again and listed 4 new items/sets.

One is a wire basket that I like and could probably use if I got rid of 1 of the other 2 similar containers I have displayed in my kitchen. But the fact that I haven't used it ever in this house (that I remember) means that it really should go!

I still need to decide if I want to keep my small-pot drip coffee maker. I haven't used it in a long time, but it's nice to have a backup in case my primary brewer goes. I wouldn't go out and buy a backup, but since I have it already...

Sibley · « **Reply #4391 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:18:00 AM »

Quote from: Frugal Lizard on December 11, 2020, 06:13:24 AM

DD saw the paint in the give away pile and now it is back in the cupboard.

If I'm reading the right post, those paints were dried out, correct? Toss them. If your DD has a fit, your DD will not die.

If however I'm misunderstanding and those paints are still good, then your DD had better start using them. Soon. Because if you get through the next month or two and she hasn't touched them, then out they go and she can have all the fits she wants - she had her chance.

MountainGal · « **Reply #4392 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:22:15 AM »

Excellent job, everyone!

Recently:
~Mailed off a bunch of Harley Davidson items to a friend who still rides.
~There are two pairs of eyeglasses ready to be donated to the Lions Club bin.
~Will give a stack of cookbooks to a younger neighbor who likes to cook. (I also have 3-ring binders with plastic sleeves for my old recipes. Now days I just look up recipes online.)
~Focusing on using up last year's gift wrap, cards and bows in order to not buy anything new.
~Three gift bags full of Christmas decor, stockings, etc. went to families who might appreciate it a few weeks ago.
~Received a gorgeous food arrangement in a reusable basket. My neighbor mentioned last weekend if I ever wanted to part with it.... So, when I do my annual holiday baking in a few weekends, I'll put what I bake for her family into said basket.

Frugal Lizard · « **Reply #4393 on:** December 11, 2020, 11:52:35 AM »

Quote from: Sibley on December 11, 2020, 11:18:00 AM

Quote from: Frugal Lizard on December 11, 2020, 06:13:24 AM
DD saw the paint in the give away pile and now it is back in the cupboard.

If I'm reading the right post, those paints were dried out, correct? Toss them. If your DD has a fit, your DD will not die.

If however I'm misunderstanding and those paints are still good, then your DD had better start using them. Soon. Because if you get through the next month or two and she hasn't touched them, then out they go and she can have all the fits she wants - she had her chance.

The dried out pots were in the garbage. The ones back in the cupboard still have some juice.

Sibley · « **Reply #4394 on:** December 11, 2020, 01:57:47 PM »

Quote from: Frugal Lizard on December 11, 2020, 11:52:35 AM

Quote from: Sibley on December 11, 2020, 11:18:00 AM
Quote from: Frugal Lizard on December 11, 2020, 06:13:24 AM
DD saw the paint in the give away pile and now it is back in the cupboard.

If I'm reading the right post, those paints were dried out, correct? Toss them. If your DD has a fit, your DD will not die.

If however I'm misunderstanding and those paints are still good, then your DD had better start using them. Soon. Because if you get through the next month or two and she hasn't touched them, then out they go and she can have all the fits she wants - she had her chance.
The dried out pots were in the garbage. The ones back in the cupboard still have some juice.

Cool! Your DD gets to do some painting soon.

oneday · « **Reply #4395 on:** December 11, 2020, 07:40:41 PM »

Recycled last year's tax guide! Prompted by getting this year's. Now I know I don't need it after tax season is over, and will recycle the new one sooner.

mspym · « **Reply #4396 on:** December 11, 2020, 08:01:33 PM »

I used up a bottle of shampoo! [I am working through the backlog of half-bottles]

Weisass · « **Reply #4397 on:** December 11, 2020, 08:35:19 PM »

Sold a bunch of baby stuff in fb, tossed a pile of clothes the kids wore through.

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #4398 on:** December 12, 2020, 03:36:27 PM »

Dropped off a bike with a friend. It's now out of our garage & back to its rightful owner. More space, & less mental energy worrying about getting it back

Roadrunner53 · « **Reply #4399 on:** December 13, 2020, 06:17:16 AM »

I have to laugh, once in a while we turn on QVC and watch some of the products being demonstrated. Everything the hosts talk about is a must have. One of the hosts always says he has a set in a particular color. Seems he has one of everything that QVC has ever sold. Does he live in a warehouse? LOL! Every time I buy something I cringe because I have no more room for anything! I took a rosemary potted plant from outside and brought it in for the winter and it is almost impossible to find a surface to put it on.

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Author Topic: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2 (Read 1441579 times)