Author Topic: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2  (Read 1249360 times)

SunnyDays

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4700 on: February 07, 2021, 06:32:29 PM »
Good going, Slackmax!  You’re not crazy, you just need to think about things differently than you have been.  Feel the pain and do it anyway!  Feelings come and go, but you don’t need to make your decisions based on them.  Chances are that you’ve never missed anything you’ve let go so far, and look what you’ve gained - space!  Satisfying, no?

halftimer

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4701 on: February 07, 2021, 07:59:52 PM »

If anyone needs a new Youtube series to follow: Curiosity Inc just took on their second hoarder home.

Thanks for the reminder. I watched the first dozen videos in December when I was home sick, then never finished watching them. It was highly motivating to see so much stuff that used to be very expensive reduced to a few fantastic finds mixed in with tons of things that had to go out as garbage.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4702 on: February 07, 2021, 09:51:55 PM »
Today it was pretty nice for February in Idaho, so I did a little decluttering outdoors. Got the burn barrel going and torched some small scrap wood and branches, and part of the Christmas tree. Picked up some broken up pieces of concrete and moved them up where they can go out with the trash. Repurposed an unused squat rack as storage for additional scrap wood that had been haphazardly stowed in the back corner of our yard.

Dutch Comfort

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4703 on: February 08, 2021, 06:28:15 AM »
Jay!!!!! another oven-dish sold and out of our house. It was a nice one, but after 8 years still stuck in its original box. Seems like I did not need it after all....... well, let's say it was from my pre-MMM time.....
I need to clear out my kitchen again, since my kitchen cupboard is overflowing..... mostly food items, so need to make the family EAT IT ALL!!!!! We started with sausage rolls for lunch!

Sugaree

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4704 on: February 08, 2021, 07:33:43 AM »
The decluttering effort is making small steps forward.  Sold about half of my diaper stash a few weeks ago and made a decent dent in the formal living room/dining room this weekend.  I've still got about 5 boxes of kid's clothes that I'm going to sell/donate.  And a big box of baby/toddler books that will be dropped off at the thrift store this afternoon if my coworkers with new kids/grandkids don't want them.  And I've got to find somewhere to put the boxes of xmas decorations.  But, it's getting there. 

My husband, who has always shaded towards being a packrat (as does his father and our son), has been taking a medication for the last 8-12 months that has a known side effect of compulsive behavior disorders and it's been manifesting itself as compulsive collecting of rocks.  So, I've been trying to keep that collection from invading the house.  My son did admit this weekend that we have too much stuff and he knows I'm not purging stuff in order to be mean.  That's a nice change.  He even helped clean up this weekend without too much bitching. 

Nederstash

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4705 on: February 08, 2021, 01:08:36 PM »
Found out that a pandemic is an excellent time to be selling boardgames! Six of them out the door and a nice sum in my pocket (it pays to keep things in good shape!!) Also made my sister happy by giving her my stand mixer (used only once).
 
Also angling to get rid of my tv... but I don't know what I'd do with the empty wall?? I don't really want to buy more stuff just to fill a vacuum.

NotJen

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4706 on: February 08, 2021, 03:48:49 PM »
Found out that a pandemic is an excellent time to be selling boardgames! Six of them out the door and a nice sum in my pocket (it pays to keep things in good shape!!)

What's your secret?  No one has seemed interested in purchasing any of my boardgames.

Sent out a DVD today.  Profit was only $2.71, but better than nothing.

midweststache

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4707 on: February 08, 2021, 07:18:43 PM »
Gave away (via Buy Nothing / FB Parent Groups)
- hanging storage organizers
- bridesmaids dress that's two sizes too big
- decorative wine bottle holder
- four pint glasses

Sold (via FB Parent Group)
- infant travel system
- heated mattress pad (ppu)

Thrown Out/Recycled
- kids' art / old KiwiCo projects
- chipped/old glasswear
- broken kids' drinking glasses

I tried to take our e-waste to be recycled last week and the darned drop off site wasn't accepting donations! I can't fault them - Covid-related precautions - but that wasn't on the website. I just want someone to take my old iPhones! I was hoping to stick with free city drop offs, but now I'm hunting down other sites. I also have yet to shred my paper, as I'd like to watch it happen but everywhere I've found simply puts it in a locked box for mass shredding at a secure site. Some of my documents are old tax returns and, call me paranoid, but I don't want to deal with identity theft - so not a chance I'm taking.

T-minus five weeks until the move. I'm pleased with the progress we're making!

Polaria

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4708 on: February 08, 2021, 11:50:10 PM »
Also angling to get rid of my tv... but I don't know what I'd do with the empty wall?? I don't really want to buy more stuff just to fill a vacuum.

Maybe you can rearrange your room? If your room tends to be centred around the TV, it is no wonder that you feel something would be off if the TV was not there anymore.

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4709 on: February 09, 2021, 07:37:02 AM »
-Sold another two items on eBay. Will get them packaged & out of the house today.
-Went through the other side of our medicine cabinet & found expired stuff. Tossed that, recycled the containers.
-Continuing to discreetly go through my husband's closet (I have his permission, but he is a bit more of a pack rat. I've agreed to group like items, make a pile of suggested donations, etc). I can only do a bit at a time, so it's taken me a while.

Weisass

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4710 on: February 09, 2021, 08:17:13 AM »
Well, I just successfully rehomed a large box of DVDs, a bunch of PS2 games, and a dozen or so outfits for 12-24 month kiddos.  Slowly making my way through the churn of unnecessary items that comes with having kiddos. But feeling like progress is being made.

next up: goal is to go through our small attic. There is not a ton of junk up there since we moved to our house in 2017, but I would really like to clear it out, because I think we may be able to finish it and make use of it for our kids. That means we can't keep stuff up there, though. So I force some work clearing out books, old craft supplies that have no realistic use, and finding a new space to put a few things (suitcases, eg) that don't get a lot of regular use. you know, the usual.

SimpleCycle

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4711 on: February 10, 2021, 11:37:20 AM »
Found out that a pandemic is an excellent time to be selling boardgames! Six of them out the door and a nice sum in my pocket (it pays to keep things in good shape!!)

What's your secret?  No one has seemed interested in purchasing any of my boardgames.

Sent out a DVD today.  Profit was only $2.71, but better than nothing.

If they are in good condition, I'd try Facebook Marketplace and a reasonable price ($5 each or so).  I've bought several this way.

NotJen

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4712 on: February 10, 2021, 12:06:47 PM »
Found out that a pandemic is an excellent time to be selling boardgames! Six of them out the door and a nice sum in my pocket (it pays to keep things in good shape!!)

What's your secret?  No one has seemed interested in purchasing any of my boardgames.

Sent out a DVD today.  Profit was only $2.71, but better than nothing.

If they are in good condition, I'd try Facebook Marketplace and a reasonable price ($5 each or so).  I've bought several this way.

I've had them listed there for $5, but no bites.  I have them all together as a group, maybe I'll try breaking them up in to individual posts.

In other news, I just listed my kayak for sale :(  :(  I suppose it doesn't make sense to keep it at this point.

Zamboni

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4713 on: February 10, 2021, 04:33:11 PM »
The agony of the single sock.

Sigh.

So many single socks.

okisok

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4714 on: February 10, 2021, 06:02:45 PM »
I've watched both hoarder house series on the Curiosity Inc channel so far, and it's wonderful! They are so kind and respectful to the previous owners of the homes and their workers. They return financial documents, family photos, etc to the families.
They find really cool things, too! To echo another poster, it is really sad to see gorgeous, expensive items that might have been crushed or burnt if the Archbolds weren't willing to sort through everything.

In decluttering my own home, I've gotten rid of two undershirts that I was going to mend (again), but they were too far gone. Also out with some worn cleaning rags and a kitchen towel I'd already mended twice. I turned some bath towels into unpaper towels since I had a few too many of the former and not quite enough of the latter.

I've found it's really helpful to set a boundary on items. For instance, I like to have a dozen unpaper towels, but was down to 7. I only need three bath towels, but had 8. So I turned one bath towel into kitchen towels and am donating the rest. I don't need to hold onto the other 6 bath towels just in case. I can get new ones in less than 20 minutes for under $20 (thanks to Erica Lucas' YouTube channel on minimalism for that metric!). The extras are in good shape, so they're off to bless someone else who is transitioning from homelessness into housing.

oneday

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4715 on: February 10, 2021, 08:01:28 PM »
Many old reels of Super8 film tossed, after converted to digital. Now they only take up space on my hard drive.

SunnyDays

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4716 on: February 10, 2021, 10:21:02 PM »
The agony of the single sock.

Sigh.

So many single socks.

Perform some (mis)match making duties and pair them up!  As long as they’re similar weights and colours, they don’t have to look exactly the same.  Who sees them under pants anyway?

middo

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4717 on: February 11, 2021, 03:03:07 AM »
The agony of the single sock.

Sigh.

So many single socks.

Perform some (mis)match making duties and pair them up!  As long as they’re similar weights and colours, they don’t have to look exactly the same.  Who sees them under pants anyway?

I feel the difference of odd socks.  Can't do it.

We don't have odd socks.  Always wash them in pairs.  (There are only two of us).  When we had kids, we had endless single socks.

Dutch Comfort

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4718 on: February 11, 2021, 05:00:59 AM »
Checked the ice skates (we finally have ice here!) and found a pair that is way too small for our youngest. So onto Craigslist it goes! Already found a 2nd hand pair for replacement for him on Craigslist as well. Found another pair for myself while I already have a newer pair. So the old pair will go (on BuyNothing, since they are from my childhood years...... so quite old).

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4719 on: February 11, 2021, 01:49:22 PM »
Organized our spare toiletries into two areas. I can now see everything we have, which is a tremendous help when planning, budgeting & just deciding what to buy. I'm way over stocked on most toiletries, which is great. Now we can use those items & not buy more. Organization for the win!

middo

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4720 on: February 11, 2021, 02:33:24 PM »
We have replaced a couple of widow panes that cracked when we had the foundations rebuilt a while ago.  Got rid of the glass in the rubbish, well wrapped in many layers of plastic that a mattress came in and had been used as a paint drip sheet.

I would have loved to have been home when it went into the rubbish truck, to hear the noise.

okisok

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4721 on: February 11, 2021, 04:42:00 PM »
Took a bag of items to the little library in my neighborhood. This one has one shelf of books and one for food.

Made a crockpot stew of bits and bobs from the pantry and freezer. Now it's pretty well cleaned out before I pick up groceries this evening and I have a few meals prepped for the rest of the week.

Used some cobbled-together packing supplies to mail off a small gift. I now have zero mailing or packing supplies! A coworker asked for moving boxes, so they got the last of the boxes I had.

Ate the last of the Christmas clearance chocolate, just in time to stock up on Valentine's clearance chocolate next week :)

halftimer

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4722 on: February 11, 2021, 06:00:55 PM »
A few more items out, and it feels so good. Lots of warm stuff out - which will hopefully help someone through the super cold snap we are experiencing. Donated a feather duvet since someone in our house is allergic and I don't want to accidentally put it on their bed (again), a wool winter coat, a new hat and new double knit mittens.
Then, filled a big box with groceries, toys, hand sanitizer that was gifted to us, and a few dozen home made cookies and left them safely outside the apartment of friends newly diagnosed with Covid. They only requested some eggs and butte, but we added in all same comfort items that people gave us when we were sick - cough drops, juice, soup, and some treats. Is it bad that I'm happy we helped, but more happy about all the big winter items that are no longer taking up closet space here?

happy

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4723 on: February 12, 2021, 05:56:33 PM »
Ate the last of the Christmas clearance chocolate, just in time to stock up on Valentine's clearance chocolate next week :)

LOL!

I've been busy weeding and mowing - does that count as decluttering? Still managed to get rid of a small bag of linens/clothing to donate.

oneday

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4724 on: February 14, 2021, 09:55:06 AM »
@happy , maybe you have a gardening season and a decluttering season?

Made it to the post office finally and sent 5 packages that had been waiting on my procrastination.

Yesterday, rode along with a friend to the haz mat station to keep them company. As a bonus, got to include the lone CFL bulb I found after my last trip to haz mat. Then we had biryani. A satisfying decluttering!

happy

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4725 on: February 14, 2021, 02:29:26 PM »
@happy , maybe you have a gardening season and a decluttering season?


Ha! Yes!, Thats it. Hard to get past the weeding and mowing with hot weather and lots of rain.

MayDay

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4726 on: February 14, 2021, 02:43:22 PM »
I had another good round of weekend decluttering!

Things out:
-5 cans of paint
-a box of blank cards (to craft your own)
-a pile of records from my parents
-some books and puzzles into the LFL

It is extremely cold here so none of the items are actually out yet because no one wants to pick up in this weather. But they are waiting by the front door.


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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4727 on: February 14, 2021, 04:37:36 PM »
-Listed an item on Buy Nothing. If it has no takers, I think it will sell well on eBay
-Finally got a buyer for a bike my son bought, fixed & sold. He earns the money & I'm happy to support his COVID hobby, but I have to coordinate with all of the potential buyers, so I'm happy to have this out of the house
-Discovered my son's fitted sheet had a foot long tear in it. He brought it up only when his foot started getting suck in the night? Ordered a replacement on Amazon, and planned to find something to "make do" until that arrived. Turned out I have a random solo fitted twin sheet in the linen closet. Cancelled the Amazon order, and we're all set with a new sheet. No idea where it came from, but I'm happy to have it.

PMG

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4728 on: February 14, 2021, 06:38:12 PM »
I dropped off assorted things at a friend's yesterday, with their permission!  She was actually really excited about one organizer that just doesn't fit in our house, said it completes her.  It's especially nice to get rid of something if someone else thinks it completes them! lol

Today I got down the glass drink dispenser I bought (at thrift) a couple years ago imaging using for lemonade at picnics. Well, that hasn't happened... and we've since acquired two plastic drink dispensers. They aren't as pretty as the glass one, but we use them for camping, and they'll also work if we ever do have a party and want to serve lemonade.  So, I'm a bit reluctant about letting this go, but I think I do it, and I think it's the right move.  We sure could use the cupboard space. 

I washed out plastic shower curtain liner and it cleaned up nicely, so I will remove the one I had in my online shopping cart.  When I hung it up I used a different fabric curtain with it, we both really like the texture of it compared to the curtain we have, but the color is too dark. It makes the already small bathroom feel even smaller.  I'll take it down and let that go.  Again I'm oddly reluctant about this one, but I've tried it.  It doesn't work.  Writing here for accountability.

I figured out and hung two more frames in our bedroom.  We still have a stack of frames and art we're trying to mix and match and get the house just right.

We got some gifts mailed off and that allowed us to get rid of a pile of stuff from the living room.

And, I listed my old sewing machine on ebay. *deep breath*  One of my other items sold, but the buyer never paid, so I'm waiting for the case to close so I can list again. I haven't quite decided how long I will let ebay items linger.

I'm feeling good about things.  I've been making and effort to make sure the kitchen counter is cleaned off almost every night, and that just inspires both of us to keep after things.  It's good momentum. 

okisok

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4729 on: February 14, 2021, 07:25:07 PM »
Added two sweaters to the donate pile. f I'm not willing to wear it for a video meeting, I'm never going to wear it. Out it goes! That will balance out the two pairs of new pants I just got for work.

Remembered to get birthday cards out of my stationery stash and get them in the mail on time.

I have a new book ordered so I'll go through the shelf to see if there a book I can donate.

Now to get my taxes finished, get the paperwork digitized, and off my desk!

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4730 on: February 14, 2021, 10:54:46 PM »
An old metal box that was made to be a slide storage container, similar to this, I inadvertently offered to Room Mate. We both have a "thing" for storage containers. Since the slides are now digital, this box can leave my life. As I was lamenting that she just made a run to the donation station for both of us, of course I find this one thing that could have also gone. And she might want it. But might not. So it sits on the coffee table while she decides. Sigh.

It can only be my problem for 2 more weeks, max. Hopefully less.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4731 on: February 15, 2021, 12:38:13 PM »
Lots of snow on the ground, so I'm inside taking care of minor to-do items. Yesterday I used up two small containers of chalk paint as the base coat for a furniture painting project.

Now I'm having a satisfying morning decluttering my desk area. It started with getting a new power strip with more USB outlets so I could get rid of the (probably somewhat unsafe) piggy-backed bunch of cords and adapters. Repaired my desk supply organizer with some fabric tape. Threw out some small appliance instruction booklets (can always find online if needed).

Thinking about dumping my collection of Mother Earth magazines in the recycle bin, but maybe I should see if anyone in my local gardening FB group would want them.

I'm also finally taking all the files off of my old computer to transfer to the laptop that replaced it about a year ago. The old computer had been set up in the kitchen so I could get to the files if needed, but it will be better to have it all consolidated to the new machine. Sorted out some outdated electronic accessories (16 mb memory card anyone??) to be disposed of. Repurposed an old camera case to carry my rechargeable handwarmers.

Threw out a toilet plunger that doesn't work very effectively.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4732 on: February 15, 2021, 03:41:05 PM »
 - gave away a mattress topper to a group that is making bean bag chairs for a school
 - listed three more decor items on FB Marketplace. Why do people always feel they can offer less? Got smart and listed for $5 more than I wanted.
 - put some more books and odd and ends in the donate box. There is a lady that wants stuff that people are donating so she can try to sell it, with the full disclosure that they are trying to save up for a down payment on a house. I might give the stuff to her. Beats giving it to Value Village so they can make a profit.
 - I also packed up a bag of craft stuff that I would like to donate to an after school program, but I'm not even sure if those are running right now.
 

ETA: Wow! That was fast! All the items sold within a couple of hours.
« Last Edit: February 15, 2021, 05:59:36 PM by Prairie Gal »

halftimer

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4733 on: February 16, 2021, 05:56:58 PM »
Mixed success here - I got rid of 2 big bulky items we would never use by trading them locally for 5 small items. I will definitely use 4 of the new items, and the 5th might get donated soon now that I've tried it out but I'll wait a bit.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4734 on: February 16, 2021, 06:06:19 PM »
The Buy Nothing crowd has been reluctant to come inside my building where you have to ride in an elevator etc to get to my doorstep where I typically leave things outside my door.  Going to visit the big thrift store tomorrow afternoon with a friend and will donate 2 bags of clothing and housewares.  The already pretty cheap thrift store emailed me a 50% off coupon that’s good Wednesday-Sunday.  I will look for some new work dresses because a few of mine are getting too stretched out around the neckline. 

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4735 on: February 16, 2021, 06:45:12 PM »
I sold a dog crate I no longer needed and listed an unwanted gift on eBay.

Next up is an electric water bath for preserving - bought second hand but never used >_< It's in a massive box in the garage and the associated bits take up half a shelf in the kitchen so this would be a massive win. I'll be able to rearrange a couple of things, get the dog stuff a proper storage space (she wasn't a part of the family when we first moved in a year ago).

I made a list of items I want to get rid of / areas to tackle in a list in descending order of space they take up. So the biggest wins will come first, genius!

lazycow

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4736 on: February 16, 2021, 10:05:59 PM »
This month has been an awesome decluttering success! My 20 yo (ADHD) daughter semi-graciously allowed me to help her declutter and organise her bedroom for the first time ever! Previously, I would do it once or twice a year, when she was at school (usually started because we were out of teaspoons, forks and bowls - hidden in her wardrobe, under the bed, chest of drawers). Anyway, we went through EVERYTHING.  I lost count at 400 items gone, not including rubbish.

I tried to dispose of everything in as an environmentally-friendly way as possible without driving myself crazy. There was sooo much empty packaging (cardboard went to green waste bin, plastic went to soft plastics recycling program), but surprisingly not much actual trash. The car is full of stuff to take to the local op shop when our lockdown finishes tomorrow, and my neighbours took some of her childhood toys and books for their grandkids. I am so very proud of her for facing up to her mess, and working out how and why it got this way. Hopefully this clear, calm new space will allow her creativity to flourish again. It will certainly cause less friction between her neatnik father and her!

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4737 on: February 16, 2021, 10:25:12 PM »
@lazycow that is a stunning victory and high fives ✋ for your daughter in tackling this. These things are hard enough without having any sort of executive function shenanigans on top of regular This Problem Is Too Hard

lazycow

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4738 on: February 16, 2021, 10:36:03 PM »
@lazycow that is a stunning victory and high fives ✋ for your daughter in tackling this. These things are hard enough without having any sort of executive function shenanigans on top of regular This Problem Is Too Hard

Thank you @mspym. I wish I had been aware of how neurodivergancy (is that a word?) actually manifests. For years we just thought she was lazy, and I am so very sorry about that. Fortunately she is a very loving, and forgiving girl.

Coincidentally, I was just posting a comment on your journal!

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4739 on: February 16, 2021, 11:17:58 PM »
@lazycow Well done! How long did it take, and how did you keep up the momentum?

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4740 on: February 17, 2021, 01:22:24 AM »
@lazycow the tone is not for everyone but Unf*ck Your Habitat is pretty amazing for people with executive function issues, depression, mental health problems etc and managing your environment so it doesn't contribute to the downward spiral.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4741 on: February 17, 2021, 08:37:59 AM »
We used a number of bits and bobs hanging about our space to make a three shelf seedling starter stand.  Lumber, some wheels, wire shelving, Styrofoam, cardboard, ceramic tiles all came in handy.  And then the leftovers found their way to the proper disposal bin.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4742 on: February 17, 2021, 09:28:49 AM »
Awesome win, @lazycow

@okcisok - the line about not keeping anything I'm unwilling to wear on a video call - amen to that! I've been taking a similar approach, which has been helpful.

For me:
-Returned a few things we don't to Costco that have been sitting in my closet waiting an opportunity. Money in, junk out.
-Gave away some crafts on Buy Nothing. Bonus, they came from my son's room, and it's hard to get anything out of his room.
-Gave away a sun visor on Buy Nothing. Never been used, so I'm happy to get it out of the garage
-Sold running ear buds on eBay, and they are off to a new owner

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4743 on: February 17, 2021, 03:25:18 PM »
Sold and shipped the last couple of motorcycle tools I pulled out of tool box.

We have a large box of odds and ends to donate to our local SPCA thrift store.

Took two vintage Japanese watercolour's to get reframed (original frames were hideous and did nothing to highlight the paintings) - this gets clutter out of a closet and will get art on the wall.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4744 on: February 17, 2021, 03:36:29 PM »
Small bag of clothes/ tablecloth donated. I gave a set of watercolour pencils sitting idle to a friend of second child. Looking at 2 cardboard boxes of items packed up for donation sitting in my study and thinking I need to get them out soon.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4745 on: February 17, 2021, 04:00:00 PM »
Two books to the street library, one returned to the actual library. Some day I will get around to putting up manga for sale on gumtree.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4746 on: February 19, 2021, 03:06:01 AM »
Lazycow I find it helpful to designate an "in progress projects" location. We have a low dresser as our living room sideboard and I use one of the drawers for in process craft projects (paintings, knitting) and my nightstand for books I plan to read soon (library or my own). It needs to fit in those places, and I put them away, don't keep them out.

Maybe designate a drawer or shelf each in your room for books and other projects.

Thanks @MayDay! I took your advice on board, and moved the little bookshelf that was in my bedroom to my craft/yoga area and all my unread books, plus library books are corralled on it. Plus I have designate a storage basket for each craft project. Now I just need to clear the big spare bed of photos. I keep all the family photos (haven't printed any out since around 2013 though) in a big box, but I am planning on picking my favourites and creating a second photo wall. I just stick them up in neat rows with a bit of washi tape, which does the job. The grown up kids love to look at themselves when they were younger. Lots of happy memories.


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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4747 on: February 19, 2021, 05:39:35 AM »
Have sorted out the shoe collection. Found 6 pairs (of various owners) with holes in it, so they are not even good for gardening anymore. Out they go!
Next on the list is the kids summer clothing collection...... spring is starting soon so I should check what still fits and what can be sold/donated/trashed.
And I need to declutter the 2nd floor hallway. This is also my WFH space but is now also full of toys and other items that need a home (whether in or outside the house....).

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4748 on: February 19, 2021, 09:21:33 AM »
Have sorted out the shoe collection. Found 6 pairs (of various owners) with holes in it, so they are not even good for gardening anymore. Out they go!
Next on the list is the kids summer clothing collection...... spring is starting soon so I should check what still fits and what can be sold/donated/trashed.
And I need to declutter the 2nd floor hallway. This is also my WFH space but is now also full of toys and other items that need a home (whether in or outside the house....).


Shoe Goo is great for patching holes in shoes that are otherwise wearable.  I've used it on a cheap pair of gardening shoes and a slipper that the dog chewed.  They have new life now.

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Re: Continued: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter! PART 2
« Reply #4749 on: February 19, 2021, 09:45:29 AM »
+1 on the power of Shoe Goo (or cobblers, in the case of fancier shoes). Though I also support your decision of getting rid of 6 pairs of shoes if you simply have too many overall.

I was considering buying a new tote bag. Then I remembered I had tote bags already. I gave one bag away in a batch of donations to a local charity shop that funds research on blindness, and repaired the handle of a second tote bag that I used so much it was starting to wear through. Net result: -1 bag in the house, and one more saved from the trash by fixing it.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!