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

[Loretta]

I'm mailing out some festive stationery so we're reducing that stack a smidgeon.  And who doesn't love receiving non-bill mail?  :)

[crocheted_stache]

Things out of the house in January: 36.
Things out of the house so far in February: 6
Total for so far for 2025: 42

[oneday]

Since Jan 2025:

• 1 bag of ex-roomie's stuff
• scrap MDF
• nearly expired Covid tests
• knee scooter
• 1 box of ex-roomie's stuff
• 2 dining chairs
• extra headboard

New:

• dEck storage box
• accent pillow covers
• random phone accessories
• opened food
• sewing fabric

This was an absolute blitz. I listed everything yesterday afternoon & most of it is gone now. That's the magic of "free".

[JAYSLOL]

Just cleaned out the crawl space in the house we just bought, there was a ton of trash and random stuff left behind, I’ve got a full cargo trailer ready to go to the dump/recycling. Now I can store our seldom used camping gear down there

[crocheted_stache]

One pair of shoes left yesterday and four more assorted things left today, with some help from DH.

I accidentally posted one thing to not quite the place I'd intended, and the post happened to reach exactly the right person only because of the slip, so yay. The hand-off is going to be a little more challenging, but I'll deal with it, because I can't imagine too many other people wanting this niche item.

February total: 13
2025 total: 49

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Took old prescriptions I didn't need to Rite Aid, for the safe disposal box. That was 5 items out of the house. Also sold three items on eBay this week, including some really random items that I couldn't give away on BN. Happy to keep them out of the landfill.

[Frugal Lizard]

One of my neighbours came by to see if there was any of my mother's clothes she would wear. A whole laundry basket! A winter car coat, a rain slicker all the linen shirts, some tees. She said she would be honoured to wear them.  Just three baskets left.

[crocheted_stache]

Out went a laundry basket. It was claimed days ago and today was the pick-up for it.

February total: 15
2025 total: 50

Time to list the next batch this weekend. There are kind of a mess of clothes, sheets, and blankets in the out pile, and those don't seem to "sell" well on the free groups, so I may ask if anyone is headed to an animal shelter who could take the bedding and let the thrift stores around deal with the clothes.

[Josiecat22222]

three bags of household items (throw pillows, decor, work clothes) as well as some baby items picked up from local Buy Nothing Group headed to MIL this weekend to be distributed among the cousins/nieces and nephews who are all young people starting out first homes and growing families.

[crocheted_stache]

Over the weekend, I got around to listing some of the clothes. It's discouraging, because they're relatively unpopular, but a few things got attention anyway, and three more things went out today, with interest in another few.

Total for 2025: 53

[slackmax]

Small victory in finding a use for something I had been thinking of decluttering.

I was about to donate a big cushion that was made for a no-longer-had chair seat.  Even had it in the 'donate' zone at the head of the stairs. 

Turns out the cushion I was about to donate fits right into the uneven seat of my TV watching chair and evens it out nicely.  Comfortable and no back pain caused.

So I am keeping the cushion! It is now useful !  Whew, that was a close one, lol ! 

[crocheted_stache]

Another minor victory. I needed a bottle brush to clean my water bottles, especially the ones that won't work too well in the dishwasher. It was on my list of things to buy the next time I bothered to visit or order anything else from a larger, online retailer.

Today, I found a bottle brush I'd forgotten in a cabinet. It's a little scrunched, but it was in a plastic bag and otherwise fit for purpose. So score one for shopping on my own shelves.

I may get an opportunity in the next couple days to give a pair of dress shoes to someone in the community who's looking for such things for "starting over." She sounds a little desperate, so I'm offering assorted other clothing, too.

[crocheted_stache]

Dress shoes delivered, with a bag of other assorted clothing. Not sure how many things to count for that bag. Maybe 20. The recipient isn't the same size as most of the clothing (mixture of mine and a friend's), so I hope some of it works for her until she can find stuff that's more suited.

Also two out of three little glass jars went out with a product I purchased in bulk and am sharing some of with the beef nothing group. Third little jar will go next weekend, when the recipient is back in town. I save jars from jam, salsa, etc. for this kind of use, so I don't have to let go of Mason jars, but it's nice to use them for their intended purpose.

[oneday]

Since Jan 2025:

• 1 bag of ex-roomie's stuff
• scrap MDF
• nearly expired Covid tests
• knee scooter
• 1 box of ex-roomie's stuff
• 2 dining chairs
• extra headboard
• dEck storage box
• accent pillow covers
• random phone accessories
• opened food
• sewing fabric

New:

• 24" monitor
• 87 sewing patterns

[Ladychips]

If you don't mind sharing, how did you declutter the patterns? A friend inherited her MILs. I'd love to point her in a direction.

[oneday]

If you don't mind sharing, how did you declutter the patterns? A friend inherited her MILs. I'd love to point her in a direction.

Craigslist. Free. I took pictures of all the patterns, 4 in a frame to make it go faster. I think that helped.

Several people wanted them. Also, got a tip that the senior center has sewing classes & they could use them. Also, apparently there is a thrift shop in the area that focuses on arts & crafts. Also, someone else pointed out a sewing shop that has classes and a quilting guild might be interested. But in this case, I didn't try those sources.

[Ladychips]

If you don't mind sharing, how did you declutter the patterns? A friend inherited her MILs. I'd love to point her in a direction.

Craigslist. Free. I took pictures of all the patterns, 4 in a frame to make it go faster. I think that helped.

Several people wanted them. Also, got a tip that the senior center has sewing classes & they could use them. Also, apparently there is a thrift shop in the area that focuses on arts & crafts. Also, someone else pointed out a sewing shop that has classes and a quilting guild might be interested. But in this case, I didn't try those sources.

Thanks for all those ideas!!!

[slackmax]

Came across a few more boxes of old family photos I want to eventually return my late girl friend's family.  I keep coming across new stashes of her family photos now and then, lol. I moved them to the place I store all this stuff, so when I finally pull the trigger, I only have to make one trip to deliver them.  Still finding more, so not in a rush, lol.       

[crocheted_stache]

Four more things out today, one of which was a few pairs of jeans that were torn beyond repair. They went to a crafter who can cut up what's intact and make new stuff. I usually keep a few for repairs and crafts, too, and I do actually use them, but the more we can slim down, the better. There'll be another pair of worn out jeans soon enough.

ETA: today brings the 2025 (estimated) total to 81 things out of the house.

[Freedomin5]

Donated a bag of books to a book drive at DD’s school.

[crocheted_stache]

Came across a few more boxes of old family photos I want to eventually return my late girl friend's family.  I keep coming across new stashes of her family photos now and then, lol. I moved them to the place I store all this stuff, so when I finally pull the trigger, I only have to make one trip to deliver them.  Still finding more, so not in a rush, lol.       

How much of a trip is it? Or is it more the emotional journey that's holding you back?

[oneday]

If you don't mind sharing, how did you declutter the patterns? A friend inherited her MILs. I'd love to point her in a direction.

Craigslist. Free. I took pictures of all the patterns, 4 in a frame to make it go faster. I think that helped.

Several people wanted them. Also, got a tip that the senior center has sewing classes & they could use them. Also, apparently there is a thrift shop in the area that focuses on arts & crafts. Also, someone else pointed out a sewing shop that has classes and a quilting guild might be interested. But in this case, I didn't try those sources.

Thanks for all those ideas!!!

You're welcome. I hope she finds a new happy home for them all.

[crocheted_stache]

Someone just asked for a free shirt I posted over the weekend. They'll be picking up today.

[slackmax]

Came across a few more boxes of old family photos I want to eventually return my late girl friend's family.  I keep coming across new stashes of her family photos now and then, lol. I moved them to the place I store all this stuff, so when I finally pull the trigger, I only have to make one trip to deliver them.  Still finding more, so not in a rush, lol.       

How much of a trip is it? Or is it more the emotional journey that's holding you back?

 

It's a one hour trip.  Holding me back is : want to be sure I have ALL her stuff, so I only have to make ONE trip. I fear possible drama with some members of her family over her inheritance.  Don't ask for details, too boring. Even if there is drama (10% chance) it will be good to jettison these boxes of memorabilia I do not want at all, but probably some of her family DO want.    Win/win as long as I don't get sucked into visiting them again. They're not bad people, but I just don't like socializing with them. I was never accepted into the fold.

[RetiredAt63]

Came across a few more boxes of old family photos I want to eventually return my late girl friend's family.  I keep coming across new stashes of her family photos now and then, lol. I moved them to the place I store all this stuff, so when I finally pull the trigger, I only have to make one trip to deliver them.  Still finding more, so not in a rush, lol.       

How much of a trip is it? Or is it more the emotional journey that's holding you back?

 

It's a one hour trip.  Holding me back is : want to be sure I have ALL her stuff, so I only have to make ONE trip. I fear possible drama with some members of her family over her inheritance.  Don't ask for details, too boring. Even if there is drama (10% chance) it will be good to jettison these boxes of memorabilia I do not want at all, but probably some of her family DO want.    Win/win as long as I don't get sucked into visiting them again. They're not bad people, but I just don't like socializing with them. I was never accepted into the fold.

Could you just box it all up with a note and mail it?  Sure there is postage, but there is gas and wear and tear on the car and you if go in person.

[slackmax]

RetiredAt63,

You've got me weighing everything!  The current pile is about 30 pounds. Would be 3 or 4 boxes. I am considering mailing it.

Still would have to contact her family since I don't know who their current 'family historian' is. Actually my late girl friend was the former family historian, which is why I have this stuff.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[MaybeBabyMustache]

@slackmax - as a reminder, there are also USPS boxes that don't care about weight. If you can fit it into a box, the weight is not relevant. Those might work for some of your items that are heavier, if they are on the smaller side.

I haven't been focused much on decluttering lately, but did manage to:
-Sell some vitamins Amazon accidentally sent to us, and didn't want back.
-Sell a shirt that DH bought me as a gift & didn't fit properly
-Gave my dad a pair of shoes that DS19 claims he never wanted/doesn't know how he ended up with them. My dad is thrilled, and they are out of our house.

[stoaX]

DW went through some bins of stuff in the garage and found 5 items to sell or donate.  It's not a lot but it is progress.

[Frugal Lizard]

Three large boxes of clothes were waiting for pick up in the living room. They are now gone!

So much space.

[oneday]

Since Jan 2025:

• 1 bag of ex-roomie's stuff
• scrap MDF
• nearly expired Covid tests
• knee scooter
• 1 box of ex-roomie's stuff
• 2 dining chairs
• extra headboard
• dEck storage box
• accent pillow covers
• random phone accessories
• opened food
• sewing fabric
• 24" monitor
• 87 sewing patterns

New:

• small desk

Early next week, the final batch of patterns are supposed to go. I've also identified a few more bigger items to be listed this weekend. It was a slow week, but the deadline for moving approaches, so I've got to get cracking!

[oneday]

Since Jan 2025:

• 1 bag of ex-roomie's stuff
• scrap MDF
• nearly expired Covid tests
• knee scooter
• 1 box of ex-roomie's stuff
• 2 dining chairs
• extra headboard
• dEck storage box
• accent pillow covers
• random phone accessories
• opened food
• sewing fabric
• 24" monitor
• 87 sewing patterns
• small desk

New:

• 48 more sewing patterns
• 3 batteries (recycled)

[mspym]

@oneday 135 sewing patterns?! Good grief!

My tiny victories are throwing out a pair of jeans that are dead and beyond repairing and also a pair of shoes that are too gritty to donate. I’ve also decided to donate a knitting book back to the op shop from whence it came.

[crocheted_stache]

Out: stack of 7 music CDs, a victory both because they're gone and because I think they went to a person who's a fan of the niche artist.

[LaineyAZ]

Multi-family garage sale yesterday netted just $153 (sold mostly everything for $1 - $3) but now 2 shelving units in the garage are cleared. 

Also I like the idea of getting items to people who can really use them - we sold kids shoes (good to excellent shape) for only $1.  I let one woman buy the last 8 pair for only $5 and she was ecstatic.  I let a young boy have a toy for free and he was really tickled and asked me twice, "Free?" 
And I got to meet some new neighbors and gave them and our other neighbors the "friends and family discount" on stuff. 
All in all, not a big moneymaker but I believe some community goodwill was spread around.

[crocheted_stache]

Multi-family garage sale yesterday netted just $153 (sold mostly everything for $1 - $3) but now 2 shelving units in the garage are cleared. 

Also I like the idea of getting items to people who can really use them - we sold kids shoes (good to excellent shape) for only $1.  I let one woman buy the last 8 pair for only $5 and she was ecstatic.  I let a young boy have a toy for free and he was really tickled and asked me twice, "Free?" 
And I got to meet some new neighbors and gave them and our other neighbors the "friends and family discount" on stuff. 
All in all, not a big moneymaker but I believe some community goodwill was spread around.

Ages ago, a garage sale we held included a box of men's dress clothes we'd rescued from a neighbor's curb during extra trash week. Some were new with tags. I think the neighbors did the thing, "if we haven't needed the stuff in this moving box in the year since we moved, we're not looking, just tossing it." They didn't fit anybody I knew well enough to offer used clothes to.

Anyway, the box sat in the driveway probably until 3pm or so, when an old minivan pulls up. The occupants are not so well off and/or cautious with money. Dad fits the box of clothes, so I let it go for $5 for the whole box, and he's thrilled at the bargain. (I'd have been fine with free, but sometimes free is too cheap when trying to sell things.) If I recall, daughter also bagged a few T-shirts for $1 for the stack and I threw in a stuffed animal she liked as a gift with purchase.

As usual, the bargain for me was not to get back some pocket change but to unload stuff I won't use and to get it into the hands of people who will use it. I've told shoppers at my garage sales, "Make me an offer you can't refuse," and, "For 50¢ you can take it home and then decide."

[Sibley]

Trunk full of stuff to the animal shelter: a scratching post that has been rejected by 7 different cats, 2 cat beds which just are not liked, and a lot of cat food which mine will not eat. By a lot, I mean 8 or 9 cases of wet food, plus 2 bags of dry food. And a couple things of treats. Origin: the foster/hospice kitty died, so anything my 2 cats won't eat I gave to the shelter.

Also emptied the downstairs bedroom and used the carpet cleaner I'd been lent. Returned that, so it's out of the house. Various other cleaning accomplished as well.

[crocheted_stache]

A whole batch of sheets and blankets left the house today, destined for somebody's church charity efforts to help people getting back on their feet. I need to update my numbers, but the things being gone are the important thing.

The next couple things are listed.

[Serendip]

Feeling motivated to move things along..might be the spring weather

Donating
- a bag of fabric & craft supplies
- few hats
- books
- a squeaky toy that my dog has no interest in (a coworker wants it)

Hoping to add more to the pile by the end of the day :)

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Went through my eBay pile & removed a bunch of stuff & listed it on Buy Nothing. So far, out of the house is:
-2 pair of Levis that DS17 wore once
-2 brand new containers that DH brought to drive DS17 in when he was sick (they served as a vomit bowl, but he didn't get sick)
-A charging station
-3 packages of new Christmas ornaments. Picked up on BN, when I had dreams of re-doing our Christmas ornaments, but decided not to

I also recycled a box. More decluttering to come.

[Sibley]

Went through all the cat toys. Threw out a bunch of very dead ones, and bagged up all the rest that my 2 won't play with to take to animal shelter. End result the toy basket is only half full, and I have a very full grocery bag to donate.

[Loretta]

Culled a couple more articles of clothing and knickknacks.  I'm on a mission to use up some powder laundry detergent purchased in the pandemic from Sam's.

[crocheted_stache]

Delivered one Buy Nothing item today.

While I was looking for the next things to list, I found some little plastic plant pots (I guess), a couple of which were cracked, so I tossed the whole stack. They were too small to plant much of anything, anyway.

Total items out of the house in 2025: 103

[Sibley]

Last fall, I had gotten a new mattress, as well as a bunkee board to try. I tried the bunkee board, decided I didn't like it, swapped to the box spring (which I very intelligently kept), and then stashed the bunkee board in the back bedroom until I could get it to my parent's house for my mom to use.

Well, last night the bunkee board got moved to my parent's house. And mom's box spring got taken out for trash pickup today. And now I don't have a giant bunkee board hanging out in my house!

[Poundwise]

Well, last night the bunkee board got moved to my parent's house. And mom's box spring got taken out for trash pickup today. And now I don't have a giant bunkee board hanging out in my house!

That was a big win!

I tabled for one of my nonprofits, and one of the other volunteers took all the promotional materials (banners, flyers, etc) home so they are out of my house, hurray!  For an encore, I decluttered an electric skillet as well as scored a Buy Nothing hot plate for the elderly mother of a friend.

[Loretta]

Yesterday I discovered I had broken sunglasses and a random dish in my glovebox.  I threw away the broken cheap sunglasses and returned the dish to where I had borrowed it from. 

[mspym]

Mostly food related:
- turned old frozen bananas and blueberries into bread
- cooked up some quinces and apples, some frozen in takeaway containers for the future, a week's worth in the fridge for breakfasts. [Also unless something really pressing happens, I'm calling it on quinces for the year. I don't have to take on the job of using up all the quinces from the tree in the abandoned lot.]
- friend came by for social times (chatting while I made bread! dried the dishes as I washed!) and went off with 2/3 of my runner bean surplus, some silverbeet and some rhubarb. Also some brittle that Ofpym and I were clear needed to leave the house.

- Threw out a busted pair of jeans and some non-waterproof goretex New Balance shoes that couldn't be donated.
- Currently thinking about changing over my wardrobe to Autumn setting and what clothes get put away and what needs to leave.

[crocheted_stache]

The past week I dropped off some markers, some baskets, and a bicycle tire valve cap that wasn't on my list but that another Buy Nothing member needed and I had. Total items gone: 106 for the year.

I'm not even trying to keep count, but I recycled a bunch of the papers that were piled on my desk and emptied the paper recycling and the trash beside that desk. There's never food or anything smelly or wet in those bins, so it's fine if they sit there until they're full, but they were full and looking cluttery, so it was time. DH even vacuumed underneath.

[middo]

Hard rubbish collection, so we got rid of two old dog beds, since we no longer have a dog, and some old metal balustrading that was mostly cut into manageable pieces.  The balustrading disappeared within hours as someone scavenged the scrap metal.  I was concerned it may be too large for the collection, but problem solved.

[Sibley]

Big bag of cat toys to animal shelter, rejected food there as well.

I'd gotten a braided rug cheap for one room and after having it there for a year, its not working. To thrift store.

[obstinate]

Got rid of 25% of my clothes that I no longer wear any more, and my wife did the same. Got rid of some art that I never hung up, some old tools I had duplicates of, and some of the kids toys that they no longer play with.