Author Topic: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!  (Read 1850031 times)

Astatine

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2900 on: December 13, 2015, 10:41:41 PM »
This is still my favourite thread on the forum :)

But, the one thing that neither of us anticipated is how it has changed our perspective.  We now think MUCH more about what we bring into the house in the first place.  If one of us is considering buying something, one of us will eventually say "how long before it winds up in the box?"  It has really forced us to change our thinking and to look at things in a long term perspective.


Well done! I've always done some decluttering but after I did a major purge of stuff a couple of years ago, it changed my perspective in a similar way. If I get something, then I will almost certainly have to get rid of it. So now I don't even want free giveaway stuff (unless it's a consumable that we use).

KiwiSonya

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2901 on: December 14, 2015, 12:45:19 AM »
I'm feeling a change in perspective too! It's great to hear others stories. This is the first year I have asked for no presents and I mean it. Just like I have decided to stop using my body as a garbage bin for rubbish food, my home is no longer a storage unit for the past.

theadvicist

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2902 on: December 14, 2015, 02:30:28 AM »
I wrapped all our Christmas presents this weekend. I stuck with one roll of wrapping paper so that I could finish it, and I did! I still have another roll which is part used. Once that is used up (next year? How ridiculous storing it for YEARS) I will buy simple gold / red / silver paper which can be used year round. No more girls birthday paper, boys birthday paper, and two coordinating Christmas prints.

I also found myself not wanting to give gifts in a nice Christmas gift bag I got from someone else, because then I won't be able to use it another year. Huh, what? Use it! Get it out of the house. If I'm distraught next year that I won't have a pretty bag to use for the gifts, I can buy one. But I certainly won't keep this one to use, because if I'm refusing to use it now, when will I decide the time is right?

I have a tape dispenser on a piece of elastic that distributes one pre-cut length of tape at a time. It's really good, I like using it. But, I only use it once a year (it doesn't seem worth getting it out for a single gift, and this is the only time of year I wrap a bunch), so, when it ran out of tape, instead of adding one more specialised thing to my shopping list, I stuck it in the donate box and used my standard tape dispenser instead.

I tried to use up all my Christmas bows, and resolved not to replace them. I have plenty of real ribbon I save if I want to decorate gifts. If I don't care enough to tie that properly then I don't care enough about nicely decorated gifts to waste the worlds resources on shiny stick on bows (not criticising those who use them, it's just I don't care enough to put real effort into it, so it seems silly to bother at all).

Even though all my Christmas stuff (gift bags, labels, bows, ribbons) was all corralled in one larger gift bag, having that small corner free now feels great. Whatever doesn't get used on the last few gifts I will donate.

cjottawa

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2903 on: December 14, 2015, 08:58:18 AM »
...

We keep a box in the house that is destined for goodwill (or craigslist/ebay, etc).  We each put one thing in the box every day...


I love this idea! I'm going to start that tonight. (though I'm pretty minimalist already so I'm not sure how much stuff is going to hit the box)


Quote
...We now think MUCH more about what we bring into the house in the first place.  If one of us is considering buying something, one of us will eventually say "how long before it winds up in the box?"  It has really forced us to change our thinking and to look at things in a long term perspective...

Most definitely this. That was a big mindset shift for me.

"Every Thing You Own is a Relationship You’re In"

Tangentially related: a pedorthist I know says a lot of "off the shelf" aftermarket insoles (Dr. Scholl's etc) amounted to "expensive experiments" - you buy them, find out they don't work for you, and you've got a $20 piece of junk laying around.

A lot finite-non-zero-number of "things" like that still come into my life.

My shift in mindset: I ditch those things FAST instead of holding on to them.

I see a lot of people hang on to those "expensive experiments." (my parents' junk drawer and garage being filled with good examples)
« Last Edit: December 14, 2015, 03:33:35 PM by cjottawa »

riverffashion

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2904 on: December 14, 2015, 02:04:33 PM »
I wrapped all our Christmas presents this weekend. I stuck with one roll of wrapping paper so that I could finish it, and I did! I still have another roll which is part used. Once that is used up (next year? How ridiculous storing it for YEARS) I will buy simple gold / red / silver paper which can be used year round. No more girls birthday paper, boys birthday paper, and two coordinating Christmas prints.

I also found myself not wanting to give gifts in a nice Christmas gift bag I got from someone else, because then I won't be able to use it another year. Huh, what? Use it! Get it out of the house. If I'm distraught next year that I won't have a pretty bag to use for the gifts, I can buy one. But I certainly won't keep this one to use, because if I'm refusing to use it now, when will I decide the time is right?

I have a tape dispenser on a piece of elastic that distributes one pre-cut length of tape at a time. It's really good, I like using it. But, I only use it once a year (it doesn't seem worth getting it out for a single gift, and this is the only time of year I wrap a bunch), so, when it ran out of tape, instead of adding one more specialised thing to my shopping list, I stuck it in the donate box and used my standard tape dispenser instead.

I tried to use up all my Christmas bows, and resolved not to replace them. I have plenty of real ribbon I save if I want to decorate gifts. If I don't care enough to tie that properly then I don't care enough about nicely decorated gifts to waste the worlds resources on shiny stick on bows (not criticising those who use them, it's just I don't care enough to put real effort into it, so it seems silly to bother at all).

Even though all my Christmas stuff (gift bags, labels, bows, ribbons) was all corralled in one larger gift bag, having that small corner free now feels great. Whatever doesn't get used on the last few gifts I will donate.

I have not bought ANY gift wrapping supplies for 5 years. I reuse tissue paper & gift bags. And cut cards I receive into gift tag size . also receive cards on occasion and use these, or make a card.

KiwiSonya

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2905 on: December 14, 2015, 02:56:09 PM »
...

We keep a box in the house that is destined for goodwill (or craigslist/ebay, etc).  We each put one thing in the box every day...


I love this idea! I'm going to start that tonight. (though I'm pretty minimalist already so I'm not sure how much stuff is going to hit the box)


Quote
...We now think MUCH more about what we bring into the house in the first place.  If one of us is considering buying something, one of us will eventually say "how long before it winds up in the box?"  It has really forced us to change our thinking and to look at things in a long term perspective...

Most definitely this. That was a big mindset shift for me.

"Every Thing You Own is a Relationship You’re In"

Tangentially related: a pedorthist I know says a lot of "off the shelf" aftermarket insoles (Dr. Scholl's etc) amounted to "expensive experiments" - you buy them, find out they don't work for you, and you've got a $20 piece of junk laying around.

A lot finite-non-zero-number of "things" like that still come into my life.

My shift in mindset: I ditch those things FAST instead of holding on to them.

I see a lot of people hang on to those "expensive experiments." (my parents' junk drawer and garage being good examples)
Your post really made me think. I am an experimenter. I love trying new things from condiments to hobbies to clothes styles. And I do move on but often the stuff stays.  Knowing my tendency for short term infatuation I am trying to get over purchasing lots of stuff to support the latest thing and borrowing kr using other people's stuff (like at a night course). My home and attic are still full of things that I once loved but have moved on from and they need to go. I love that Raptitude article. I have read.it before but it really spoke to me this time. I have things that I don't love but keep because I need them.  I was planning to just live with that but now see value in getting rid of those and replacing them with examples I do love (in a gradual and fiscally responsible way of course! ).

KiwiSonya

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2906 on: December 14, 2015, 02:55:18 PM »
...

We keep a box in the house that is destined for goodwill (or craigslist/ebay, etc).  We each put one thing in the box every day...


I love this idea! I'm going to start that tonight. (though I'm pretty minimalist already so I'm not sure how much stuff is going to hit the box)


Quote
...We now think MUCH more about what we bring into the house in the first place.  If one of us is considering buying something, one of us will eventually say "how long before it winds up in the box?"  It has really forced us to change our thinking and to look at things in a long term perspective...

Most definitely this. That was a big mindset shift for me.

"Every Thing You Own is a Relationship You’re In"

Tangentially related: a pedorthist I know says a lot of "off the shelf" aftermarket insoles (Dr. Scholl's etc) amounted to "expensive experiments" - you buy them, find out they don't work for you, and you've got a $20 piece of junk laying around.

A lot finite-non-zero-number of "things" like that still come into my life.

My shift in mindset: I ditch those things FAST instead of holding on to them.

I see a lot of people hang on to those "expensive experiments." (my parents' junk drawer and garage being good examples)
Your post really made me think. I am an experimenter. I love trying new things from condiments to hobbies to clothes styles. And I do move on but often the stuff stays.  Knowing my tendency for short term infatuation I am trying to get over purchasing lots of stuff to support the latest thing and borrowing kr using other people's stuff (like at a night course). My home and attic are still full of things that I once loved but have moved on from and they need to go. I love that Raptitude article. I have read.it before but it really spoke to me this time. I have things that I don't love but keep because I need them.  I was planning to just live with that but now see value in getting rid of those and replacing them with examples I do love (in a gradual and fiscally responsible way of course! ).

Maya

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2907 on: December 14, 2015, 07:45:49 PM »
Got through the top shelf of my closet and threw out a bunch of magazines, listed a few things to sale. Two laundry baskets full of stuff. I have so much more to go.

MrsPfennig

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2908 on: December 17, 2015, 01:43:05 AM »
This thread inspired me to to clean out my office. Today is my last work day in 2015 and I cleaned out 15 books that are 26 years old and I will never read them (I inherited them from a coworker).

theadvicist

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2909 on: December 17, 2015, 02:49:01 AM »
Got rid of loads more craft supplies. I've realised I love trying new things, and once I've mastered them to an acceptable (to me) degree, I'm ready to move on to new things. This isn't a failing, it just is. I'm going to focus on the fact it makes me a renaissance woman, rather than flaky. I can let go of the old supplies knowing someone else will enjoy them.

Tackling these last few 'hard to let go of' items seems to be making a huge impact on how my house feels. It's similar to the first few months of the year when I saw a marked difference day to day. These items were things that I couldn't let go of, but always seemed out of place where I kept them (probably because I knew I wasn't going to use them again, so I was keeping tucked in corners in inaccessible places).

I'm slightly behind target on getting rid of 2015 in 2015, but confident that with a big push at the end of the year I can do it. I still can barely remember a single thing I've donated.

Also, I have four huge bags for charity in my car, but finding a time to drop them off when the charity shops are open and I don't have to go out of my way is proving harder than clearing out junk! May try to batch a few errands and get it done today.

cjottawa

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2910 on: December 17, 2015, 07:26:05 AM »
Got rid of loads more craft supplies. I've realised I love trying new things, and once I've mastered them to an acceptable (to me) degree, I'm ready to move on to new things. This isn't a failing, it just is. I'm going to focus on the fact it makes me a renaissance woman, rather than flaky. I can let go of the old supplies knowing someone else will enjoy them.

Tackling these last few 'hard to let go of' items seems to be making a huge impact on how my house feels. It's similar to the first few months of the year when I saw a marked difference day to day. These items were things that I couldn't let go of, but always seemed out of place where I kept them (probably because I knew I wasn't going to use them again, so I was keeping tucked in corners in inaccessible places).

I'm slightly behind target on getting rid of 2015 in 2015, but confident that with a big push at the end of the year I can do it. I still can barely remember a single thing I've donated.

Also, I have four huge bags for charity in my car, but finding a time to drop them off when the charity shops are open and I don't have to go out of my way is proving harder than clearing out junk! May try to batch a few errands and get it done today.

GREAT perspective!

I've learned that about myself: I become a "subject matter expert" at something (be it fly fishing, or paintball, or silk screening), invest a lot of time and money into it, then move on. I consider it the cost of learning. Years later, if I decide to participate in that activity, I have the knowledge and wisdom to know what NOT to buy: my kit can be tiny.

Fly fishing, for example: I ditched my large rig(s) years ago and now own Tenkara gear that fits in a single tube, and simple sling pack, taking up next to no room. I even got a folding net that slides into a pocket of the bag. Before I "got good" at it, I'd have had no idea what was necessary and what wasn't.

Quote from: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2015, 07:29:06 AM by cjottawa »

ZiziPB

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2911 on: December 17, 2015, 11:49:46 AM »
Dropped off a few items at the consignment store and picked up a check for $109 for items sold previously.  I have a few items to list on Craigslist.  I need to tackle paperwork and the filing cabinet next.  Making progress but I need to get better about not filling the voids created by getting rid of things and not bringing new stuff home.

riverffashion

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2912 on: December 17, 2015, 02:51:09 PM »
Moving progress:
I tend to write everyday , and hav for many years. Ripped up (dont have a shredder) and recycled HUNDREDS of pages. Win .
Big incentive to write on my laptop. Ha! My laptop is barely functioning however, something to think about..

Sister C

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2913 on: December 17, 2015, 02:51:36 PM »
Great thread!  Got rid of probably 60% of my clothes earlier this year using Mari Kondo's method.  I still have plenty of clothes and now they are all items I love and use.  My new challenge in that area is not inviting too many maternity clothes into my house now that I am pregnant.  So far, no maternity purchases!

My next goal is to declutter our kitchen- I love to cook and have acquired way too many gadgets over the years.  I would guess we only use 50% of our kitchen items on any regular basis. 

relena

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2914 on: December 17, 2015, 03:20:35 PM »
I got rid of about 70% of my books (donated to our local library). It felt nice.

jordanread

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2915 on: December 17, 2015, 04:04:47 PM »
After breaking down some numbers in my journal, I reached out to a few people on Craigslist who restore and resell stuff. I'm going to be heading over to my storage unit (BAM!! Face Punch) that I haven't even been into in 6 months to see what they will take. I don't even care about the money honestly. If I get nothing for it, I'm still saving over $2000/year just by not keeping the damn storage unit.

Cookie78

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2916 on: December 18, 2015, 09:28:51 AM »
Last night I reached my goal of decluttering 2 things per day for 2015! I was struggling a bit at the end, but discovered a drawer full of trinkets and crap that I hadn't gone through yet which put me well over the top. I still need to work on paperwork decluttering and photos, but that may be next year's project. :)

Sister C

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2917 on: December 18, 2015, 12:19:18 PM »
Last night I reached my goal of decluttering 2 things per day for 2015! I was struggling a bit at the end, but discovered a drawer full of trinkets and crap that I hadn't gone through yet which put me well over the top. I still need to work on paperwork decluttering and photos, but that may be next year's project. :)

Nice! Slow and steady :)

My wife scanned or shredded 90% of our paper files the other weekend- took her probably 4 hours.  The few things we need to keep in paper format (like the deed to our house) fit in a small box.  (Photos we haven't touched yet.)

Cookie78

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2918 on: December 18, 2015, 01:10:59 PM »
Last night I reached my goal of decluttering 2 things per day for 2015! I was struggling a bit at the end, but discovered a drawer full of trinkets and crap that I hadn't gone through yet which put me well over the top. I still need to work on paperwork decluttering and photos, but that may be next year's project. :)

Nice! Slow and steady :)

My wife scanned or shredded 90% of our paper files the other weekend- took her probably 4 hours.  The few things we need to keep in paper format (like the deed to our house) fit in a small box.  (Photos we haven't touched yet.)

Awesome. I'm looking forward to achieving that level so much!
I put in an hour or two of paperwork decluttering this summer and was surprised at how easy it was once I started. I got rid of all the easy things, like 10 year old phone bills and pay stubs. I'm not sure why it's so hard for me to get started again. 4 hours seems like it's well worth it just to have it off my to do list!

horsepoor

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2919 on: December 18, 2015, 01:25:56 PM »
Two pairs of worn out running shoes in the trash today (not worth donating because they're very lightweight and the uppers rip about the time the soles lose their bounce).

I need to find a box to start the next round of items to donate.  I have at least 4 items earmarked for the box and I'm sure I can find more.  Getting things donated before the end of the month for the tax write-off should be good motivation.

Pulled out a pair of boots that I haven't been wearing because the liner has ripped out around the heel.  Decided they're in too good of shape otherwise to throw away, and that I'll wear them if they're repaired, so they will be dropped offat the cobbler for repair next week.

jordanread

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2920 on: December 18, 2015, 01:37:56 PM »
Just sold a good chunk of things in the storage unit. Not only am I saving >$200/month, I made $70. Boo yah. Also made some new friends.

Squirrel away

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2921 on: December 19, 2015, 06:04:06 AM »
I feel so much less stressed with fewer possessions. I've done really well this year with getting rid of clutter.

I hope next year is even better for all of us.:)

NoraLenderbee

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2922 on: December 19, 2015, 12:46:36 PM »
Took our jar of coins in to the coinstar machine at the credit union and replaced it with $33 in cash. This is the first money I've made from decluttering, so I'm quite excited. (OK, I didn't actually *make* money, but I converted a pile of metal into liquid cash that takes up much less space. )

Anatidae V

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2923 on: December 19, 2015, 05:35:52 PM »
I decluttered 300 emails and 5 regular sources of emails. Down to less than 500 in my normal inbox! Note for my other 3 email addresses (professional, blog and work).
Got rid of another 150, down to 350. Yay! I might actually start having time to read then soon :P

Just sold a good chunk of things in the storage unit. Not only am I saving >$200/month, I made $70. Boo yah. Also made some new friends.
Took our jar of coins in to the coinstar machine at the credit union and replaced it with $33 in cash. This is the first money I've made from decluttering, so I'm quite excited. (OK, I didn't actually *make* money, but I converted a pile of metal into liquid cash that takes up much less space. )
These sound very satisfying.

LaineyAZ

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2924 on: December 20, 2015, 06:36:12 AM »
Staples.com has a coupon for free shredding up to 5 lbs.  For those papers that are confidential or private and for those who don't have access to a home or office shredder, this would be ideal.  Expires Dec 31st so it's an incentive to use the lull between Xmas and New Year's to get this done.

Squirrel away

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2925 on: December 20, 2015, 06:44:26 AM »
Next year I need to get rid of the rest of the copper pennies I had been keeping in a box. It was Marie Kondo that said that it was a stupid idea as most people never bother to go and get them changed. I keep taking a handful out when I go to the shop but the box is still about one third full!

I think I will get rid of some decorative items too. I have had a wooden buddha and a white birdcage ornament for years but I don't really like them any more. They will be bought by someone else if I give them to a charity shop and I've realised I prefer to see mostly empty surfaces.




KiwiSonya

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2926 on: December 20, 2015, 10:56:25 AM »
Good idea, Londoner38. I take my change torhe local fruit and vegetable market so it never seems to accumulate.  It seems disrespectful of money to leave it in a box idle and I know our reserve bank has in the past appealed for us to cash in our coins to prevent them having to make more -seems everyone is stashing coins.
I'm staying with my parents for the holidays and have realized how much I love my spare surroundings.  Every surface here is covered in knick knacks and I have the overwhelming desire to sweep them all off just to see a bare surface. My mum has bought a bunch of stuff for us from the op shops and rather than take it all and sort it at my home,  I will do that here so I only take things that we will love and use and discretely return what we don't to the nearest clothing bin. One of my goals for 2016 is to be a better gate keeper to prevent refilling my home. Ks

jordanread

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2927 on: December 20, 2015, 05:23:32 PM »
Ah, just made a goodwill run. Got rid of one chair, one small bookshelf, an old vacuum cleaner, two giant boxes of books, and two bar stools.

Now, I only need to get rid of a kitchen table, a huge nice entertainment center that I don't want (solid oak and well constructed), a corner desk (that I totally forgot about), and a bigger bookshelf. Once those are gone, my stupid storage unit will be empty. If only I had a fire pit...it is all mostly made of wood, and I could just burn it.

horsepoor

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2928 on: December 20, 2015, 06:36:07 PM »
Ah, just made a goodwill run. Got rid of one chair, one small bookshelf, an old vacuum cleaner, two giant boxes of books, and two bar stools.

Now, I only need to get rid of a kitchen table, a huge nice entertainment center that I don't want (solid oak and well constructed), a corner desk (that I totally forgot about), and a bigger bookshelf. Once those are gone, my stupid storage unit will be empty. If only I had a fire pit...it is all mostly made of wood, and I could just burn it.

Those old oak entertainment centers make great raised garden beds.  Just flip on the side and fill with dirt. 

I've spent most of the day sifting through my things and have two three more boxes to get rid of.  It's down to time-consuming detail work now, but I think it's worth it.  I've had my eye out for some new buttons to dress up a rather boring cardigan, and today I found some perfect ones I'd completely forgotten about right in my own home.  Sewed them on the sweater and it now looks 100 times better and I have one less piece of clutter.  Also used some spare shoe laces for my horses' new tail wraps.  My shoe and clothing situation is pared down enough that I'm able to get rid of some storage pieces and move most of my shoes into the closet (along with the hamper).  My dressers have tons of space and the tops are 100% clear. 

Should be poised to swoop in and finish up the rest of the house once I go on my staycation next week.  Hoping husband will take note and get rid of some of his crap but I know better than to push the issue. 

jordanread

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2929 on: December 20, 2015, 06:47:04 PM »


Ah, just made a goodwill run. Got rid of one chair, one small bookshelf, an old vacuum cleaner, two giant boxes of books, and two bar stools.

Now, I only need to get rid of a kitchen table, a huge nice entertainment center that I don't want (solid oak and well constructed), a corner desk (that I totally forgot about), and a bigger bookshelf. Once those are gone, my stupid storage unit will be empty. If only I had a fire pit...it is all mostly made of wood, and I could just burn it.

Those old oak entertainment centers make great raised garden beds.  Just flip on the side and fill with dirt. 

Holy crap. I didn't make that logical jump. I was thinking I might have to cut them up, and was trying to figure out how to reclaim the wood for my raised bed I was building. Skipping that step is absolutely brilliant. Might be a touch high, but I suppose I could partially bury them in need be. Thank you!

Oh, and I forgot to add I have a bowflex ultimate in there too.

horsepoor

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2930 on: December 20, 2015, 08:47:01 PM »
Cool, I wasn't sure if you were a gardener or not.  Glad you can use it.  I have a couple tall beds and freaking love them.  So easy to tend without as much stooping.

So... maybe use the BowFlex as a trellis?  ;-)

YogiKitti

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2931 on: December 20, 2015, 11:44:12 PM »
I hadnt felt "done" for some time and today managed to pull out 4 grocery bags worth of clothes. Now I think I have gotten all I can and now it is time to be ruthless on what comes in my home. Last week I received several small gifts and I gave away the pretty gift bags right that day.

MMMaybe

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2932 on: December 21, 2015, 03:05:17 AM »
About a year ago, I started dealing with the mountain of toiletries that I owned- stuff that I'd bought, stuff from hotels and stuff I'd been given. Its taken a full year to use most of it.

I think I am down to 10-15% of what I had!

theadvicist

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2933 on: December 21, 2015, 03:19:52 AM »
Finally managed to take those bags to the charity shop.

I also dropped a suit off at the dry cleaners. I don't know why, but I've been avoiding doing this for ages. I feel like with less stuff to manage errands don't seem as daunting anymore. (It's probably because my car boot is now finally empty. For most of this year, it has had bags in it in the hope I will pass a charity shop when it's open).

I also reduced the number of folders in my email accounts. I practise inbox zero, but had way too many folders, some of them defunct. Now, it's not only easier to decide where to file something, it's quicker, because all folders fit on one screen of my Outlook app, so I can quickly file without scrolling.

And lastly, on Sunday I needed an outfit that was smart, but not businessy. I didn't want to wear a dress. And this left me with virtually nothing. I realised I now have ZERO trousers that aren't jeans, and only one skirt that isn't part of a suit. And I was kind of annoyed. And then I realised, well, I do have one skirt, so that's everything that I need. I put it on, made an outfit I have never worn before from other stuff, and actually felt great in it. I realised that had I worn the trousers I was cursing myself for donating, I would have felt uncomfortable all day, as I just did not like them. So, my lesson for the weekend was: enough, really is enough.

I never understood people saying, "It's easier to get dressed with fewer option!", but I think I'm starting to get it. I only had one thing I could wear, so the decision was made for me. It was so obvious there was no, "hmmm, this or that?". I just wore the only suitable thing, and because I'd been ruthless, it was something I liked. A shallow and ridiculous revelation, but it did blow my mind, just a tiny bit.

Squirrel away

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2934 on: December 21, 2015, 05:00:12 AM »
I looked at my birdcage and it has a crack in it so it was unfortunately binned rather than donated.

Good idea, Londoner38. I take my change torhe local fruit and vegetable market so it never seems to accumulate.  It seems disrespectful of money to leave it in a box idle and I know our reserve bank has in the past appealed for us to cash in our coins to prevent them having to make more -seems everyone is stashing coins.


Yes, I think it is a habit I've had since I was a child when you used to put the pennies in a jar, count them up and take them to a bank, but I don't know why I'm continuing it as an adult.:D

FunkyStickman

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2935 on: December 21, 2015, 09:09:26 AM »
I'm feeling a resurgence of decluttering coming on, especially considering the holidays are approaching. I will see if I can make a big push to clean out my closet again.

AlwaysBeenASaver

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2936 on: December 21, 2015, 09:12:18 AM »
I've been working on decluttering my computer CDs. It turns out I have installation CDs for computers I haven't had in many years and software CDs that don't even run on my current computer.

JLee

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2937 on: December 21, 2015, 09:41:00 AM »
I've been working on decluttering my computer CDs. It turns out I have installation CDs for computers I haven't had in many years and software CDs that don't even run on my current computer.

I went through a stack of backup CDs/DVDs that have been laying around for so many years...I found some dating back to 2000!!!

The vast majority of them were no longer relevant, but I did find some stuff (old photos) that I copied to a flash drive. I tossed the discs.

NoraLenderbee

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2938 on: December 21, 2015, 10:55:41 AM »
I just wore the only suitable thing, and because I'd been ruthless, it was something I liked. A shallow and ridiculous revelation, but it did blow my mind, just a tiny bit.

That's not shallow or ridiculous. It's the magic of tidying up. When you like everything you have, and you don't have stuff that bothers you, getting dressed becomes something you don't have to worry about any more. So far, I've only thoroughly tidied my socks and underwear, but even there, knowing that everything in the drawer works and fits is genuinely gratifying. It's amazing how much energy we (well, some of us) expend dealing with clothing-baggage, and how freeing it feels to discard even a little.

smalllife

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2939 on: December 21, 2015, 11:00:05 AM »
Bit of a loss or stagnation, but my brother says he wants two chairs that are in our attic.  They're out of the way, but we had decided to list them on Craigslist (they need a deep cleaning or reupholstering and none of the local charities will take donations in that condition).  Which means waiting a year until he graduates and can them them with him.

Oh well.

But, I did go through our attic storage and put a healthy pile of things in our donation pile - out of season clothes that didn't get missed, etc.  There will be more when I put away the tree and go through the storage dump-all.  It's the last vanguard of clutter in the house, mostly left over from the renovation days.

MandyM

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2940 on: December 21, 2015, 12:09:39 PM »
About a year ago, I started dealing with the mountain of toiletries that I owned- stuff that I'd bought, stuff from hotels and stuff I'd been given. Its taken a full year to use most of it.

I think I am down to 10-15% of what I had!

I've started to do this just recently. I can't wait to have it all cleared out. Its tempting to just toss it, but I love to use things up even more. I will probably take a moment and just combine all the like products into larger bottles.

horsepoor

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2941 on: December 21, 2015, 01:33:00 PM »
About a year ago, I started dealing with the mountain of toiletries that I owned- stuff that I'd bought, stuff from hotels and stuff I'd been given. Its taken a full year to use most of it.

I think I am down to 10-15% of what I had!

I've started to do this just recently. I can't wait to have it all cleared out. Its tempting to just toss it, but I love to use things up even more. I will probably take a moment and just combine all the like products into larger bottles.

I did that too- consolidate and conquer!  Almost through most of it.  For some reason I have way too many bandaids, but I'm not willing to increase my injury rate in order to use them up.

I finished the Kondo book yesterday and it's evidently had an effect on me, because I came to work this morning and immediately rearranged things in my cubicle and got rid of some things that were stashed under my desk for the last few years.  Planning to do more this week since we'll be reorganizing the office in the not too distant future and having things under control will make the cube move much easier.

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2942 on: December 21, 2015, 05:43:53 PM »
[...]  For some reason I have way too many bandaids, but I'm not willing to increase my injury rate in order to use them up.
[...]

That is awesome!! Just for the record, I did get my entertainment center back to the house, and will be using them for raised beds as you suggested. Also, just for the sake of having more fun, they aren't called raised beds. They are going to be called EGC Modules (Entertainment Garden Center).

MMMaybe

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2943 on: December 21, 2015, 07:27:47 PM »
Quote

I did that too- consolidate and conquer!  Almost through most of it.  For some reason I have way too many bandaids, but I'm not willing to increase my injury rate in order to use them up.

Hah, yes I also have more Bandaids than any person could expect to use in a lifetime! But they don't have an expiry date so in 20 years, maybe we will be ready to buy a new box!

cheddarpie

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2944 on: December 21, 2015, 07:39:58 PM »
I finally gave in and this weekend bought the three Billy bookcases I'd been eyeing at Ikea (and stained a nice lumber top to tie them all together) to create a more organized media area with books on the shelves and TV and Wifi router on top ... after moving things around to reorganize the living room, I've now packed up a huge bag of things (including about 25 books) for Goodwill and sold on Craigslist my two Expedit bookcases, two other folding bookcases (wtf with the bookcases!), and two random stools that were serving as plant stands for more than DOUBLE what I paid for the Billy setup. So I've managed to significantly declutter, buy/make something I love, and make a profit off the whole thing ... feels pretty awesome. I'm having surgery in January and will be holed up in my living room for way too long so I'm motivated to have it set up in a way that feels good (joyful, even!) and not anxiety-provoking ... thanks for the inspiration, Mustachians!

KiwiSonya

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2945 on: December 21, 2015, 08:53:31 PM »
Awesome work everyone! Spending the holidays in my family's cluttered homes has reinforced how important serene spaces are to me now. I find it draining to look at cluttered surfaces, trip over piles of stuff stashed around and walk along paths where the trees and bushes attack you (yes, even cluttered gardens here). I've talked to everyone about what I'm doing and the benefits but they're not especially interested.  Will keep my room neat as a pin to have a sanctuary to escape to. Will be even more motivated to do more decluttering when I get home.  Keep up the good work everyone. Ks

brooklynmoney

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2946 on: December 21, 2015, 09:23:05 PM »
About a year ago, I started dealing with the mountain of toiletries that I owned- stuff that I'd bought, stuff from hotels and stuff I'd been given. Its taken a full year to use most of it.

I think I am down to 10-15% of what I had!

I hoard these even though I travel for business at least once a month. This weekend I dropped them off at my local church good bank for their clients. It's nice to think someone who really needs them will now have access to them.

Astatine

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2947 on: December 22, 2015, 01:49:44 AM »

That's not shallow or ridiculous. It's the magic of tidying up. When you like everything you have, and you don't have stuff that bothers you, getting dressed becomes something you don't have to worry about any more. So far, I've only thoroughly tidied my socks and underwear, but even there, knowing that everything in the drawer works and fits is genuinely gratifying. It's amazing how much energy we (well, some of us) expend dealing with clothing-baggage, and how freeing it feels to discard even a little.

So much this. I have about a third to a quarter of the clothes I used to have but also have zero "don't have anything to wear" syndrome. Basically, I like everything that's in my closet so in the morning I just reach for a shirt and a pair of trousers, scarf, necklace, and I'm done. Zero thinking about what to wear and zero anxiety. Plus, I've basically stopped shopping for clothes because I like everything I have. So liberating.

This! I decluttered my clothes ruthlessly a few years ago and while I have less, everything goes with everything and it's so much easier than it used to be. And there's no "but it's nice, really, so I really should wear it" but not actually wanting to wear it.

Squirrel away

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2948 on: December 22, 2015, 03:37:52 AM »
I like everything that's in my closet so in the morning I just reach for a shirt and a pair of trousers, scarf, necklace, and I'm done. Zero thinking about what to wear and zero anxiety.

Exactly the same with me.:)

riverffashion

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Re: Getting rid of stuff / Clearing out clutter!
« Reply #2949 on: December 22, 2015, 09:42:00 AM »
I like everything that's in my closet so in the morning I just reach for a shirt and a pair of trousers, scarf, necklace, and I'm done. Zero thinking about what to wear and zero anxiety.

Exactly the same with me.:)

I'm still not there yet- in terms of loving all my clothes. I hav been there at certain points when I was younger.. Think miniskirts and stilettos of which there are many ha-ha! Anyway, I DO NOT dress that way anymore, I like comfort , cute, and style wrapped in one. And I'm VERY picky! And I do do not buy clothing(anymore-) . I am lucky to be recieve ample  castoffs from my lovely coworkers, some clothing of which I love. . , except of course I purchase  shoes and undergarments. . maybe I should ?? Idk, any thoughts?
Oh, and yes I hav greatly pared down my wardrobe already, think approx a dozen tops, half a dozen each pant and skirt. Mixing and matching, and using different shoes, handbag, makeup, and jewelry add quite a bit of variation.
« Last Edit: December 22, 2015, 09:46:27 AM by riverffashion »

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!