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

[Sibley]

The 10 year old laptop is gone! Wiped and reloaded it, gave it away to someone who wants to play with linux.

And the 5 year old laptop is gone! Wiped and reloaded it, gave it to a neighbor who has a super old and broken computer, no money for a new one, and generally helps out with various things. Also the 2 spare power cords went with it, they don't fit the new laptop. And the power cord which Beren the Cat had chewed up is going to e-waste.

[Freedomin5]

Gave away a bunch of stuff that had been sitting in my closet.

[Josiecat22222]

attended our local "Junk in the Trunk" event--- this is an offshoot of our Buy Nothing Group where the members meet quarterly at a parking lot, put out all of our unwanted items and members of the community wander and take items that they would like from the offerings.  I'm always amazed at the items I consider junk that someone else would like. 

For example:
- two potholders woven by my son in elementary school on a "loom" that I have never used (too small) --they were the first to go!
- some tiny pieces of old wedgewood, decorative or great for a tea party- taken by a little girl with a great smile
-a figurine gifted by a loved one that I have never liked, but kept because I loved the giver- also taken by a little girl
-red solo cups (unused-- only a few were taken...I thought they'd be a hot item!
- a sled- gifted to a grandmother for her grandkids to use when they visit

Not selected was a table that I thought would be the first to go!  but we took it to goodwill after the event, so I hope it finds a good home.  Similarly, a double walled lidded wine glass never used...but got NO interest.  Also to goodwill.

My observations were that EVERYONE was trying to offload mugs and water bottles and clothes.  Reminder that that these have almost no "second life" and to mindful in purchasing....I cannot imagine how many are in landfills.

[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
• 48 more sewing patterns
• 3 batteries (recycled)

New:

• curtain rod
• books, books, books

There's more, but it will have to wait until after the move at this point.

[mspym]

Getting close to time for seasonal changeover and I've cleared out a bag of donations. There's a couple of items I'm parking for later consideration but there's a bunch of things that I'm not excited about bringing out or storing for next year and they can all go.

[Loretta]

I donated a box of knickknacks and 2 articles of workwear today.  I am culling the herd, dang it ;)

[Frugal Lizard]

I was cleaning up the mold along the edge of the washing machine, and got cleaning around the water softener. And there were two pieces of gypsum board leaned up against the salt reservoir. I think I have moved them at least once before after spilling potting soil down there. They were probably cut outs from when the HVAC was redone in May. Instead of putting them back, I chucked them. Why didn't that happen months ago?

[Sibley]

I'm getting a dresser today, which will allow me to consolidate and reconfigure clothing storage. Multiple items which are currently storing clothing will be able to go away. Will also be rearranging some stuff in my bedroom to accommodate the new dresser.

Also took apart the screen wall (purpose: to separate cats that aren't getting along yet). That goes back to my parent's house and into their garage. Yes, I'm junking up their house but it came from them originally, I don't feel bad.

[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
• 48 more sewing patterns
• 3 batteries (recycled)
• curtain rod
• books, books, books

New:

• mop (broken)
• excess moving boxes

There's more, but it will have to wait until after the move at this point.

The move has happened...things will begin to move out again, hooray!

[Freedomin5]

Threw away two big bags of trash. Sold several items.

Once my clear plastic bags arrive, I will bag up and donate a mountain of clothes that no longer fit us.

[Freedomin5]

Gave away several bags of clothes, as well as a box of toys. I have three bags of clothes left to donate.

[RetiredAt63]

Got a big bag full of good fabric and yarn and some other stuff to a thrift shop yesterday.   

Took all my empty wine bottles to the Beer Store, got some change and some car space.  I don't drink much, so the bottles accumulate slowly and then sit in a bag in the car forever until I  happen to be near a Beer Store.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

I haven't made much progress on decluttering in a long while, but finally got a few things done yesterday:
-Listed an item on eBay
-Pulled out three items from my closet to give away on BN, as well as 2 necklaces. Need to get these posted.

[Sibley]

Old sheets to animal shelter, and an empty cat food box (they use them for kitten litterboxes).

Bag of clothes and few odds and ends to thrift store. I forgot to grab the box sitting right next to it of course.

[JAYSLOL]

Sold some old bulky kids stuff like a wagon, outdoor play table and a slide today

[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
• 48 more sewing patterns
• 3 batteries (recycled)
• curtain rod
• books, books, books
• mop (broken)
• excess moving boxes

New:

• vacuum
• area rug

[Shinplaster]

I finally got back to decluttering a little.   One huge bag off to donation this morning, and another that is set aside for our condo corp's 'giveaway' day in May.   It started out as large items only, but now is also a chance to put out toys, kitchen things, etc. that you don't need anymore.    Our grandchildren are getting older and don't play with some of the things we have here for them now, so it's time to pass them along to some of the neighbours' kids.   

Only caveat is no food, and we must make a neat display, since it's in our parking garage and cars still need to go in and out.    Last year everything we put out was gone within half an hour, so I'm hoping for the same success this year.    I managed not to bring anything home from anyone else's pile either, which I counted as a success.   Best free garage sale ever - no need to worry about the weather, because it's all inside, and a great chance to chat with the neighbours while we wander around and look at what everyone put out.

[Freedomin5]

One vacuum, one Christmas tree gone, and three bags of clothes gone.

[diapasoun]

Three bags of stuff off to Goodwill, mostly pregnancy clothing and some stuff that we used at our baby shower.

[Freedomin5]

Gave away a small side table, a tent, a few books and DVDs, a cushion, and a few bags of craft materials and small toys. Threw away a bag of old papers.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

DS18 is a massive clutter bug, so I had him go through his stack of tshirts yesterday & choose two for elimination. They are in fine shape, but are too small, so I will give them away on BN, or donate.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Finished both of DS18's senior nights (soccer & tennis), so listed all of my remaining adhesive letters & numbers for posters on Buy Nothing. A mom with two graduates of her own picked them up yesterday. Glad to keep them in circulation until they are used up.

I also sold a pair of shoes on eBay. I haven't had any eBay sales in months, so this was a nice surprise.

And, while I was looking for something in a cupboard, I found our electric kettle. We have a built in hot water dispenser in our sink, so we don't need the kettle. Listed it on BN & have someone interested.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Found more stuff in our kitchen when cleaning, and gave away a 9x13 Pyrex (apparently, we had 3) & a juice container (again, we have several).

[Poundwise]

About 1/8 of our garage was filled with bags of clothing and textiles. Our big church tag sale is coming up, so I moved most of these to the car.  I also organized textile waste and other items that will be given away.  I can't say this is a complete win, because from past experience there's always the possibility that we'll need room in the car for something else before I drop it off, then I'll have to move it all back to garage.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Donate the pull up bar the teens used, before they started going to the gym regularly. It is not great on the trim, so I'd prefer they not use it.

[Sibley]

Finally (after 2 years) did the paint touchups in the bathroom.
Threw out 2 bathroom rugs because despite my best efforts, I was unable to remove the cat urine smell entirely.
Finally (after 3 years) took apart the old metal swing and left it out for scrappers.

Unfortunately, I also burned my finger in the process of the swing removal. Possibly severely. Real chance of an urgent care visit in the morning to get it looked at.  Update: finger is a 2nd degree burn, healing just fine.

Next: I plan to go through the paint storage and pull out a few that I don't want, see if I can donate them somewhere.

[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
• 48 more sewing patterns
• 3 batteries (recycled)
• curtain rod
• books, books, books
• mop (broken)
• excess moving boxes
• vacuum
• area rug

New:

• mattress topper
• bags & more boxes

[Serendip]

Took 20lbs of sensitive paperwork to a professional shredder. Feels great to move that along.

[Freedomin5]

Cleared out a box of scuffed up Tupperware with missing lids or broken clasps.

[Poundwise]

About 1/8 of our garage was filled with bags of clothing and textiles. Our big church tag sale is coming up, so I moved most of these to the car.  I also organized textile waste and other items that will be given away.  I can't say this is a complete win, because from past experience there's always the possibility that we'll need room in the car for something else before I drop it off, then I'll have to move it all back to garage.

Alas, I called it!  The tag sale organizer asked that we hold on to our stuff until the week before the sale. So I had to shlep everything back to the garage. To do: go through kids' room and find more items to donate.

[LaineyAZ]

A question for the those working with thrift store donations:

Are running type shoes considered okay to donate if the runner thinks they are no longer decent enough to use for running (scuffed, frayed, a bit of sole worn down) but the shoe itself is okay for someone really in need?
Or should they be trashed?

[MaybeBabyMustache]

A question for the those working with thrift store donations:

Are running type shoes considered okay to donate if the runner thinks they are no longer decent enough to use for running (scuffed, frayed, a bit of sole worn down) but the shoe itself is okay for someone really in need?
Or should they be trashed?

I use my "no longer for running" shoes as either casual walking shoes, or for errands, until they are really ready to fall apart. After that, there is a sports store near us that recycles all sports shoes. (Our local place is called Sports Basement, but perhaps you have somewhere near you that offers this?) It's free & they have a giant bin when you walk into the store.

I went through our bathroom cabinets yesterday, and came up with some additional things to give away:
-A new package of Biore pore strips (a teen request, and now they refuse to use)
-A hair removal product I tried, but didn't like
-An unopened nasal decongestant
-A makeup sample

All picked up from Buy Nothing. I also found an eyelash serum (unopened) to list on eBay, and a pair of pants to list on Buy Nothing as well.

79 items out of the house for the year

[Loretta]

I recycled 2 bottles of expired liquid medicine from circa 2018, ate the remaining pickles in a jar and used up a bottle of cinnamon sugar.  Inspired by Earth Day this week I guess. 

[crocheted_stache]

I dropped off a bunch of old prescription glasses at the Lion's Club donation bin at the library today. I hope they'll serve somebody else who needs them.

[diapasoun]

Someone on the local baby+kids FB group posted asking for items for her niece who just recently got out of a shelter and into housing. Bassinet, bunch of outgrown onesies, extra bottles, and some extra baby care supplies are out of the house with someone who can definitely use them.

[slackmax]

Sold some stuff at the flea market. Biggest items were two folding tray tables. Sold them to a sweet old vendor lady, for $1 each.

Unfortunately for me, the same sweet old vendor lady sold my Vintage Avon Wonder Woman mirror collectible, like new, in box,  for $1 to someone while I was away from my table.  :(   It's $20 minimum on the internet.   Lesson learned: something like never leave your table unless absolutely necessary, I guess. Ugh..

[crocheted_stache]

We just put a free box in the driveway in time for dog walking hour. So far it's half a dozen of the small, annoying things that are more trouble than they're worth to list on the free groups, but I'm hoping there'll be a little momentum to add things.

[Freedomin5]

Gave away a desk, painting, shoe rack, and several plants.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

-Donated a pair of pants
-Listed two new items on eBay (a longer term decluttering effort, I suppose)

[PMG]

I’m not super actively decluttering but I do find it so satisfying to get things to people who will use them. We went to a u-pick strawberry farm today. I took along the bucket from a different farm last year and left it behind for others to use. We took berries home in our own containers. I also took a pile of grocery bags and left them for others to use at the farm stand and saw someone with one before we left. (I wish Kroger pickup had a no-bag option, I’ve written to them and asked.)

Earlier this week I was able to give some garden plants and seeds we won’t use to someone else. So exciting to see them excited and to build some community.

[crocheted_stache]

Dropped off a few items at their new homes today and reloaded a couple new things in the free box, which has been pretty well shopped over the past day.

[crocheted_stache]

I'm glad I'm finally back to the decluttering after a bit of a hiatus during April. I found homes for a handful more things that still need to connect to their new homes, including some craft supplies for crafts that were making no progress.

[crocheted_stache]

Dropped off another batch of items tonight and some more things found their way out of the free box. Item count is now (at least) 129 for 2025.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

I went through DS18's room with him, and we got rid of a lot:
-A bunch of stuff for Buy Nothing (soccer gear, etc)
-His club soccer bag, which we will donate back to the club
-A box of summer camp gear, from when he & DS19 were counselors. We know someone working there this summer, and will pass this along
-He agreed to give up a bunch of shirts, and have them turned into a memory quilt, which is awesome. I need to source this.

All told, about 40 items out of his room. Hurrah! It will be a long way to go to get this guy ready for college, because he is a hoarder!

[slackmax]

Opened up old cabinet in basement, found lots of stuff to toss, donate, or sell. Put some 'keep' stuff from other parts of house into cabinet. Tossed, donated, and sold some of the cabinet contents already.

[LaineyAZ]

Opened up old cabinet in basement, found lots of stuff to toss, donate, or sell. Put some 'keep' stuff from other parts of house into cabinet. Tossed, donated, and sold some of the cabinet contents already.

So many basements, attics and garages are black holes for stuff.  In my own area I see so many cars parked on driveways or in the street because the 2 or 3-car garages are full. 

I'm remembering one hoarder show where the workers had to remove an enormous amount of stuff from the attic and the head of the cleanup crew actually installed a lock on the attic so the hoarder homeowner couldn't toss any more stuff up there.

[Sibley]

There was a latex paint recycling drop off Saturday, so I gave them many cans of paint. I would have liked to do the same with my parents house, but they didn't want to give up any of their paint. Oh well.

Also dropped off two huge garbage bags full of the cardboard half boxes that wet food comes in. The shelter uses them for kitten litterboxes, so good timing for them.

[Serendip]

My mother has been slowly able to let more of her things go, so every time I visit if she offers me anything I take it. Then I use, donate or junk it.

Last time I even paid for a checked luggage so that I could bring a bag of old clothing that she offered me..half went to the consignment store (some vintage gold), some were donated to thrift and I even found one or two things to use.
Everytime I go (and help her) it reminds me not to hold onto so many things. Towards the end of my life I’d rather be gardening, reading or enjoying walks with fiends than sorting through old magazines and trinkets.

[FrugalShrew]

Everytime I go (and help her) it reminds me not to hold onto so many things. Towards the end of my life I’d rather be gardening, reading or enjoying walks with fiends than sorting through old magazines and trinkets.

I love this framing of what you'd rather be doing with your time!

Last week I finally let go of a pair of beautiful like-new LL Bean hiking boots. They were one of the few remaining pairs of conventional shoes that I had left, and it was hard to declutter them because they were so nice--and of course the sunk cost fallacy that I paid for them but didn't get my money's worth out of them. But the reality is that I wouldn't wear them hiking now because I'd wear a pair of my barefoot shoes. And if I just keep them in my closet, they will get brittle and eventually no one will be able to use them. So I sent them off into the world (via a thrift store) for someone else to enjoy. May you have many happy hiking adventures, boots!

[Josiecat22222]

I went through DS18's room with him, and we got rid of a lot:
-A bunch of stuff for Buy Nothing (soccer gear, etc)
-His club soccer bag, which we will donate back to the club
-A box of summer camp gear, from when he & DS19 were counselors. We know someone working there this summer, and will pass this along
-He agreed to give up a bunch of shirts, and have them turned into a memory quilt, which is awesome. I need to source this.

All told, about 40 items out of his room. Hurrah! It will be a long way to go to get this guy ready for college, because he is a hoarder!

@MaybeBabyMustache - I swear we are living parallel lives.  My college bound DS has so many clothes (many well past their prime) that they don't fit in his drawers!  I cannot wait to purge his room with him.