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

[Sibley]

Handful of items put into a box to be then taken out of the house. One place is closed on Sundays and it's too hot to drop the rest off at the giveaway box outside the local church this week. But, they are in the box so I can find/remember them.

[crocheted_stache]

Got back in touch with person-formerly-here whose stuff was in a box in the garage. I have permission to pass along the pile of clothes. I didn't even ask about the mishmash of hangers. All the clothes and most of the hangers are listed. Let's see if I can find a taker.

One keychain, one special-purpose hanger, and a pocket scissor are out of the house today, and a handful of the other things already have some takers. Let's hope the rest of the posts I made get some attention, too. What's left can go in a free box in a few days.

[Raenia]

I finally (belatedly) did my seasonal wardrobe changeover. Tried on all my shorts and capris, and the ones that don't fit well went into the donation box. Also finally decided to let go of two pairs of high quality socks that I just never liked.

I also finally wore a hole in one of the last of my cheap socks. Quest to have only good socks is two steps closer to fruition!

[Frugal Lizard]

De-cluttering one step forward - two steps backwards.

My adult son has moved back in with the entire contents of his one bedroom apartment. I am finding myself getting stressed about the clutter. But I can manage my own clutter and continue to chip away at that stuff.

I had a several rolls of old drawings that needed to be shredded. I realized they would be destroyed if I used them under the wood chip mulch to smother the turf. Now we have no lawn so I should return the rotary mower to a friend and get that space in the garage back.

[crocheted_stache]

I finally (belatedly) did my seasonal wardrobe changeover. Tried on all my shorts and capris, and the ones that don't fit well went into the donation box. Also finally decided to let go of two pairs of high quality socks that I just never liked.

I also finally wore a hole in one of the last of my cheap socks. Quest to have only good socks is two steps closer to fruition!

Congratulations!

A few years back, I got some socks that I decided I really like. (Mine are Darn Tough. Your mileage may vary.) I didn't quite do it all at once, but I'm a grown-up who doesn't spend a ton of money on really anything else, so I got several more pairs to make up a week's supply plus a couple spares. Then I went back through all the old ones and culled anything that I knew was droopy. I have small-for-an-adult feet, so it's a little too easy to find socks that are too big. The rest of the ones I discarded were just stretched-out, sagging cheapies.

I did not wait to wear holes in all the old ones. I have never looked back.

If I ever find bras I love that well, I will get at least four, make a note of the model number and brand for when they self-destruct, and happily send my old ones on their way. Every bra I've ever owned slides off my shoulders as fast as I can push it back up. One batch came with a tag crowing about how the straps definitely would not slide. Of course, they were some of the worst culprits.

[Raenia]

I finally (belatedly) did my seasonal wardrobe changeover. Tried on all my shorts and capris, and the ones that don't fit well went into the donation box. Also finally decided to let go of two pairs of high quality socks that I just never liked.

I also finally wore a hole in one of the last of my cheap socks. Quest to have only good socks is two steps closer to fruition!

Congratulations!

A few years back, I got some socks that I decided I really like. (Mine are Darn Tough. Your mileage may vary.) I didn't quite do it all at once, but I'm a grown-up who doesn't spend a ton of money on really anything else, so I got several more pairs to make up a week's supply plus a couple spares. Then I went back through all the old ones and culled anything that I knew was droopy. I have small-for-an-adult feet, so it's a little too easy to find socks that are too big. The rest of the ones I discarded were just stretched-out, sagging cheapies.

I did not wait to wear holes in all the old ones. I have never looked back.

If I ever find bras I love that well, I will get at least four, make a note of the model number and brand for when they self-destruct, and happily send my old ones on their way. Every bra I've ever owned slides off my shoulders as fast as I can push it back up. One batch came with a tag crowing about how the straps definitely would not slide. Of course, they were some of the worst culprits.

Hah, Darn Tough are the ones I just got rid of. They just made my feet sweat like crazy. I'm slowly switching to Icebreaker, but I am trying to wear out my Gold Toe cotton socks as well to stretch out the purchases.

[crocheted_stache]

I finally (belatedly) did my seasonal wardrobe changeover. Tried on all my shorts and capris, and the ones that don't fit well went into the donation box. Also finally decided to let go of two pairs of high quality socks that I just never liked.

I also finally wore a hole in one of the last of my cheap socks. Quest to have only good socks is two steps closer to fruition!

Congratulations!

A few years back, I got some socks that I decided I really like. (Mine are Darn Tough. Your mileage may vary.) I didn't quite do it all at once, but I'm a grown-up who doesn't spend a ton of money on really anything else, so I got several more pairs to make up a week's supply plus a couple spares. Then I went back through all the old ones and culled anything that I knew was droopy. I have small-for-an-adult feet, so it's a little too easy to find socks that are too big. The rest of the ones I discarded were just stretched-out, sagging cheapies.

I did not wait to wear holes in all the old ones. I have never looked back.

If I ever find bras I love that well, I will get at least four, make a note of the model number and brand for when they self-destruct, and happily send my old ones on their way. Every bra I've ever owned slides off my shoulders as fast as I can push it back up. One batch came with a tag crowing about how the straps definitely would not slide. Of course, they were some of the worst culprits.

Hah, Darn Tough are the ones I just got rid of. They just made my feet sweat like crazy. I'm slowly switching to Icebreaker, but I am trying to wear out my Gold Toe cotton socks as well to stretch out the purchases.

Maybe I should try DH on some Icebreakers. My feet are usually colder than I'd like, if I'm wearing socks at all. He'd like his socks cooler. I was trying to get him going on Darn Tough because he goes on wearing socks after they are worn through and giving him blisters and stuff.

[Sandi_k]

If I ever find bras I love that well, I will get at least four, make a note of the model number and brand for when they self-destruct, and happily send my old ones on their way. Every bra I've ever owned slides off my shoulders as fast as I can push it back up. One batch came with a tag crowing about how the straps definitely would not slide. Of course, they were some of the worst culprits.

I feel your pain. I have never had a bra with non-slip straps, except for racer-back. And I cannot wear those, as they tug on my neck too much. Since I had a spinal fusion in 2008, that level of tugging has meant pain.

I recently succumbed to hope once more, and bought a bra from Glamorise, as they also advertised no-slip straps. The strap placement is not *quite* a racer back design. but they ARE far enough inset that they don't slide!

It's called the "MagicLift Front-Closure Posture Back Bra" and it was $40. No underwire, and the cups run a little big. But I have found it extra awesome when traveling, because I am not constantly fighting purse and luggage strap placement, along with the annoying bra strap slippage.

ETA: corrected typos

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Oooh, @Sandi_k - I will need to check out that bra recommendation!

[Sandi_k]

Oooh, @Sandi_k - I will need to check out that bra recommendation!

It's not perfect - the seams in the cups show through T-shirts, and the cups are a little baggy. And I would prefer an underwire, as it bunches up a bit on the underside as it is.

But I love it for the non-slip straps, and the front closure - much easier to put on if I'm still a little damp from the shower....

[41_swish]

Although it wasn't my clutter, I helped my parents clean and declutter their garage and it looks world better and they got rid of a bunch of junk that was just collecting dirt and sold the valuable piece on Facebook.

[mspym]

I’ve put the bag of donations into the car to give away tomorrow!

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Confirmed with DS18 that he has no need for his graduation gown (wanted to verify he didn't want any additional pictures) & that we did have an undecorated cap. Reached out to a friend who will pick both up for her rising senior.

[crocheted_stache]

Gone: one more computer wrist rest than needed and a book that was more large and fancy than interesting to read. I have a bunch more little things to connect the rest of the way to new homes over the weekend.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

Sent off my 24 tshirts/jerseys/uniforms I've been collecting for DS18's Tshirt quilt. I was able to use all of the shirt halves, and then 20 of the flip sides (the "garbage" that weren't going to be made into the quilt) could be used as cleaning rags. The other four were jersey material with lettering & they needed to be tossed. So, we should be getting back a very usable quilt, in exchange for these shirts, many of which were well beyond the point of wearing.

[Josiecat22222]

Sent off my 24 tshirts/jerseys/uniforms I've been collecting for DS18's Tshirt quilt. I was able to use all of the shirt halves, and then 20 of the flip sides (the "garbage" that weren't going to be made into the quilt) could be used as cleaning rags. The other four were jersey material with lettering & they needed to be tossed. So, we should be getting back a very usable quilt, in exchange for these shirts, many of which were well beyond the point of wearing.

I swear we are living parallel lives.  I had a Tshirt quilt made for my college bound son...with jerseys and his favorite shirts since childhood.  We had secretly been saving them for 18yrs.  We gave it to him on graduation night and were pleasantly surprised by how much it meant to him.  Hope you are enjoying your summer with your boys, @MaybeBabyMustache

[MaybeBabyMustache]

@Josiecat22222 - we really are! I didn't think to save the early ones, and I had to put out a call on our Buy Nothing to find some of them, like both of his soccer clubs, and a few from his elementary school. As a result, his is much more high school skewed. He is a total keeper of things, and this was also a great way to get him to get rid of his old shirts, buy turning them into a memory via the quilt. That line of thinking totally worked & I am pretty sure he will also be thrilled with it. Good for you for planning it and surprising him!

[crocheted_stache]

Sent off my 24 tshirts/jerseys/uniforms I've been collecting for DS18's Tshirt quilt. I was able to use all of the shirt halves, and then 20 of the flip sides (the "garbage" that weren't going to be made into the quilt) could be used as cleaning rags. The other four were jersey material with lettering & they needed to be tossed. So, we should be getting back a very usable quilt, in exchange for these shirts, many of which were well beyond the point of wearing.

I swear we are living parallel lives.  I had a Tshirt quilt made for my college bound son...with jerseys and his favorite shirts since childhood.  We had secretly been saving them for 18yrs.  We gave it to him on graduation night and were pleasantly surprised by how much it meant to him.  Hope you are enjoying your summer with your boys, @MaybeBabyMustache

I used to attend an annual, small-town quilt show, not because I do any quilting or live near there, but as a chance to see a friend I don't see very often and to go admire others' creations. They held a big quilt auction as fundraiser for the club, and for 15 or 20 years they had the same auctioneer. I think he did it for free or maybe gas money and a box lunch. He was otherwise a cattle auctioneer, and he wore a big hat and a big belt buckle to the quilt auctions, too. Maybe he was someone's husband or neighbor, but mainly I think he just liked the variety and the break from auctioning cattle.

Well, all good things must come to an end, and the auctioneer finally announced his retirement. I guess the quilters got word ahead of time, because at the very end of this guy's last auction, they hauled one more quilt up onto the stage. I forget if they let him read off the description and admire it aloud or sit there puzzling why he was out of stuff on the list to auction but they weren't. Anyway, they'd figured out his interests and made this quilt just for him as a surprise, and the manliest and most articulate fellow you'd ever meet got all speechless and choked up.

[Freedomin5]

We have successfully gotten rid of an apartment’s worth of stuff. My favorite part is the ayi, who took all of our little odds and ends, even the extra toilet paper, half-used shampoo, body wash, and dishwashing detergent.

[Sandi_k]

We have successfully gotten rid of an apartment’s worth of stuff. My favorite part is the ayi, who took all of our little odds and ends, even the extra toilet paper, half-used shampoo, body wash, and dishwashing detergent.

What/who is an ayi?

[crocheted_stache]

Three more items dropped off today, including some tea I decided we weren't going to get to and a handful of wire clothes hangers left with by someone who's no longer here.

I mostly don't count taking out the trash toward my totals, but I tossed a folder full of shred stuff in the shred bin at work, because it's much easier and faster than hand-feeding my shredder and then clearing the clogs.

Total so far for 2025: 190 things out of the house.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

@crocheted_stache - so lovely that they did that for him.

I found a strapless bra that I hate, and have worn once. I'll give that away on Buy Nothing, because it's an "in demand" brand (Skims)

[SunnyDays]

We have successfully gotten rid of an apartment’s worth of stuff. My favorite part is the ayi, who took all of our little odds and ends, even the extra toilet paper, half-used shampoo, body wash, and dishwashing detergent.

What/who is an ayi?

Not the OP, but an ayi is a combination of housekeeper, cook and nanny common in China.

[crocheted_stache]

Major attempt on the office today. Heaps of paper in the recycle bin or the shred bin. Several entire categories of books get a chance on Buy Nothing before I haul the lot to the library donation. I finally made a decision to part with a couple of junk-but-emotional things that belonged to a late loved one. DH was there to catch me when I burst into tears. He's been amazingly patient with what is mostly my mess.

There is still a long ways to go before we can move the rest of the things out of here to do the work we have planned, but I can see most of the surface of my desk for the first time in a long time.

I have one thing I'd like advice about. I have a working-almost Brother plastic sewing machine. It was the department store cheapo model. And like cheapo bicycles and musical instruments, it's really not a good deal. It makes tangled wads of thread as often as it makes the intended stitch. I feel like it would be a shame to toss it, but I also feel like no one experienced at sewing would put up with it, and it would be a disservice to give it to a beginner. I can put it on Buy Nothing with ample disclaimers and it will go, but the recipient will not be getting a good deal even for free. Any thoughts on the right thing to do with such an object?

(I have another sewing machine I inherited from my grandmother, which I'm definitely keeping. It's a couple decades older than me. It does a straight stitch, forward and back, but it's built like a tank. It's the one I've been using to accomplish any sewing since I got it.)

[tygertygertyger]

My two cents - I would post it on Buy Nothing with the disclaimers, if it runs most of the time.

If it's more like 50/50, then I'd throw it out, crummy as that is.

[Sibley]

Its possible someone wants it for parts or learning experience of taking apart and servicing sewing machines. I would offer it up. Not your problem is someone can't read the description.

[PMG]

I am a sewist. It probably needs some cleaning and adjusting and would run ok (as good as a cheap machine can! You do get what you pay for.). Definitely worth posting with honest description. Or if there is a free fabric or craft group in the area, they may connect you with someone who wants to take it on. Back in the day I used to collect and rehab machines for a nonprofit kids camp near me.

[41_swish]

I need to learn how to sowe. I have some pieces of clothing that I would really like to repair.

[crocheted_stache]

I need to learn how to sowe. I have some pieces of clothing that I would really like to repair.

In our area, there's an organization called Repair Cafe. Volunteers show up on a Saturday and take over the program room at a library or community center and do their best to help people troubleshoot and repair their own stuff. The work on small appliances, bicycles, electronics, and clothing.

Other options for getting stuff fixed:
-Pay a dry cleaner who offers mending and alteration services.
-Ask for help if you have a Buy Nothing Group or similar that encourages gifts and asks of time and talent. (Read the rules. Freecycle, while very similar, is explicitly not for this kind of request.)
-Take a sewing class if one is offered through the Parks & Recreation or adult education. Sometimes, local sewing and quilting shops offer classes, or they know who around does. (Keep in mind that sewing and mending, while related, are slightly different skills.)
-If it's reattaching the occasional button or closing up a seam that has come open, get a needle and thread, and watch some Youtube on the subject. There's a little technique involved, but no rocket science.

[crocheted_stache]

Three more things left the house today, and the next few are all lined up for new homes.

[Frugal Lizard]

6 more packets of seed are sown. All the sprouting potatoes, garlic and onions are planted or composted.

All the old degraded weed cloth across the front of the vegetable garden has been picked up and is in the bin. Old plant tags and string and bits of pots are collected up. It looks so tidy!

[41_swish]

@crocheted_stache I know there is something similar where I live. I just need to sign up and go do it