2016 Declutter and Get Organized Thread

[Iggy aka IG]

busymom , how did the garage sale go?

Knee Deep in Water Chloe and debthaven

moneysquirrel , you teachers are amazing.  Look at all that "homework" you have.

kjto1 , I hope you recover quickly.

~~~~~~~~~
I added about 10-12 mini shampoo, conditioner and lotion bottles to the donation bags and finally dropped them off this morning.  Two bags of stuff out of my life forever. 

This weekend was a time of tackling things I'd been putting off for a LONG time.  Gave my self a pedicure, dusted and vacuumed the main floor, and assembled 15 work outfits.  If I don't do the latter, I end up wearing the same slacks, shirt and blazer combos.  Ho hum.  I also cleaned out the fridge, figured out this week's dinner menus, did 6 loads of laundry, made deviled eggs, salads for work lunches, fudge and a peach cobbler using fresh peaches from our tree. 

[debthaven]

How lovely to have a peach tree Iggy!

I folded the laundry before work. After work I got a bunch of phone calls from friends and my sister asking how the weekend went. I spent 45 min on the phone with my widowed friend. It's getting very hard to see her now that we're both teaching, but I just don't have the strength to go out on weeknights these days.

I'm feeling seriously exhausted from the craziness of the past month. I really need things to settle down. Unfortunately I have a meeting on the main campus on Sat, which means a 3-4h trip each way. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. 

Of course DS3 forgot some stuff: his hard drive, his favorite games and his (French) student cookbook. He never finished going through his desk or shelves by the way. His best friend's mom is going over soon so I'm trying to find / gather that stuff. But she's flying, so I'm not sure how much (if anything) she'll be willing to take (although we took all of her DD's kitchen stuff with us because it was so heavy). Whatever she is willing to take is more than he has now, right?!

This week
- pharmacy
- Shitepile

[busymom]

Mmmm! Fresh peaches! That sounds REALLY good to me.

The garage sale went as good as could be expected, considering it got cooler out.  We now have less stuff in the garage, & a bit less in the basement.  I am putting together a large box to donate, & by next Spring I should have enough stuff organized to attempt another sale (hopefully the weather will be warmer).

Now I'm trying to play catch up, as I had to run out to get some groceries & other things.  My garage is mostly back to normal, with more space.  But, I'm behind on laundry, housework & paperwork, so I need to work on that. 

[lund]

Debtheaven,
Can your DS ask the bank if they can help solve the problem that he, a UK citizen who has been residing abroad, has, and wave his passport as he is asking?

(It once upon a time many winters ago helped me being in a similar situation in another part of Europe. The bank people seemed to use the need for an address/phone number/SSN equivalent as some kind of way to deny unwanted clients without getting accused for discrimination.)

(Another thought: If your DH has a bank account in the same bank, can your DH ask the bank about helping with setting up a bank account for your DS?)

It is good to hear that you are back home!

[debthaven]

Glad the sale went pretty well Busy! You're on a roll!

Kj I hope your recovery goes well.

[debthaven]

Debtheaven,
Can your DS ask the bank if they can help solve the problem that he, a UK citizen who has been residing abroad, has, and wave his passport as he is asking?

We tried (several times with several banks) ... no.

(Another thought: If your DH has a bank account in the same bank, can your DH ask the bank about helping with setting up a bank account for your DS?)

We tried that too, with DH's 2 banks, on 2 separate occasions. Each time they said that since DS3 is over 18, they don't care about DH's bank account.

They all told us to fill in the info online. But they require a UK phone number, they wanted his UK address. Then we were told to use DH's cousins' address (the cousins agreed, obviously!) At that point the banks ask how long DS3 has lived there, and where he lived before. So we phoned back and we were told that if there was no trace of DS3 officially residing there, the file would be thrown out, AND flagged for fraud! This is AFTER the people from the bank suggested we do that! So we gave up and told him to wait till he was on campus, figuring they would have more experience with his situation. Thankfully I had the idea of getting the pay-as-you-go phone so at least DS3 has a UK phone number (because they won't process the application without one!)

It is good to hear that you are back home!
Thanks Lund! It's good to be home! Although I miss DS3 terribly.

And I'm sorry, I should have updated ... DS3 went to the OTHER on-campus bank this morning. They require a letter from the university confirming his address and the fact that he really lives there, then they will open a free account for him! It will take DS3 3 days to get that letter, then he has to open the account, and then he has to wait 3-5 business days for a (debit) card, but it's all on its way, so that's good news!

ETA: DS1, who studied in the UK 12 years ago, reminded us that it took him 3 weeks to finally get an account, and then another week to get a debit card.

[debthaven]

I crashed last night so maybe I've caught up on sleep and can manage to be more productive.

This morning I semi-Shitepiled, I dealt with all the rental RE mail. I'm keeping up with the house / laundry.

I was asked to come in for an interview for teaching hours at the business school I test for every June / July. My friend who works in both schools told me they know me so it's just a formality. I really don't know how I could handle a third school but I don't want to refuse them. The appt is mid-Oct (no exact date yet), either for Jan or next Sept. If it's for next Sept I would give up the primary job, but if it's for Jan, I don't know what to do.

[busymom]

Hiya Kids! It's DD's birthday today, so right now I've got a spice cake baking in the oven to help her celebrate.

House is still a train wreck from the garage sale, but now we're taking apart the both of the kid's bedrooms to get ready for their flooring installation next week, although Friday all of the hardwood will be dropped off (in each room).  Next week will be chaotic until that project is completed.  Maybe then I can get the house back into shape.

The bill paying is all caught up for the moment.  I keep getting emails and telephone calls requesting different information regarding the sale of Mom's house.  No rest for the weary, but things should lighten up at the end of October.  But then, we'll have to focus on getting ready for the holidays. 

[debthaven]

Busy I'm sure it will be bittersweet to sell your Mom's house but it will be good to have that off your plate. Happy birthday to your DD!

[Chocolate Lover]

[jeep108]

Busy congrats on selling your mom's house.

I need to call Simonmed to get my MRI bill to send to Aflac

Take my car through emissions after work

Grocery Shopping


Library. 

[WholeLottaNothin]

I need to get back into the decluttering. We have so many clothes I want to scream. We just have too much stuff in general. The fence people are supposed to be coming tomorrow to fence in the backyard. They are supposed to confirm today but I haven't heard anything so who knows if that will happen tomorrow or not. I am really tired lately and just can't seem to sleep when I get the chance. The almost 2 year old is still teething, it seem so neverending. I would pay good money for a nap. Sorry for the rambling post. I really just need to blitz it and be done. Slow and go is not working for me.

[debthaven]

DS3 got the paper he needs to open his bank account! He received it 15 min before the bank on campus closed, so he's going tomorrow morning.

[snapdragon]

Sept 28, 2016 10:18:59 GMT -5 busymom said:

Hiya Kids! It's DD's birthday today, so right now I've got a spice cake baking in the oven to help her celebrate.

My ultimate favorite cake is spice cake --- not to confused with carrot cake in any way, shape or form.  

[zibazinski]

I got four shelving units from ikea. I'd have bought more and will but four was all they had. Thank heavens for a cordless screwdriver. Put those suckers together and I'm doing some serious organizing. No more boxes of stuff.

[plugginaway22]

Gave DD and SIL a chair and ottoman that I didn't want anymore. Still have a massive oak coffee table in garage that I haven't decided how to get rid of.  DD says it could bring $100 on Craigslist but not sure I want to go through that.  Also have an antique 'Eastlake' headboard and footboard in the garage, similar on EBay going for $500.  BUT, I have never sold on Ebay and so it just sits in garage taking up space.

This Fall weather is putting me back in the mood to de-clutter, so hope to make more progress this weekend.  Definitely can gather a large donation bag of clothing that needs to go.

[debthaven]

I cleaned out my backpack after work and washed everything inside. The backpack and makeup case are in the washing machine.

It wasn't planned but an exploded yoghurt will do it every time. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Sept 28, 2016 20:22:41 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

I got four shelving units from ikea. I'd have bought more and will but four was all they had. Thank heavens for a cordless screwdriver. Put those suckers together and I'm doing some serious organizing. No more boxes of stuff.

zibazinski, while building our house years ago, and living in a hotel room with boxes in storage and at my office, once we moved into our home, I swore we'd never have a cardboard box on the premises.  Holiday decorations, etc. are housed in plastic containers, and other keepsakes are stored in pretty hat boxes, etc. 

So, still working on the master bathroom project.  DH is out of town this week, so I haven't bothered him about finding the original shower head.  I did finally CLR the current one and it seemed to help.  I also CLR'd my BR sink faucet, the powder room's and the fridge water dispenser.  We really need a water softener!

I also used up the remaining Mr. Clean cleanser to clean toilets and tossed an old spray bottle used for vinegar which stopped working.  More room under the kitchen sink!  I took inventory of what is left.

Since he's gone, I washed DH's throw blankets, and Fabreezed the heck out of his recliner.  I also wiped down the stainless steel appliances, seasoned the cast iron skillet, and did a boatload of dishes. 

[Chocolate Lover]

Making me tired just reading that Iggy!

[Iggy aka IG]

Here, Chocolate Lover. 

[Chocolate Lover]

There's caffeine in chocolate you know.    But that's a good start!

[Iggy aka IG]

[Chocolate Lover]

[moneysquirrel]

Checking in to Update the Weekly List: Managed to get quite a bit of the school items done. Not much of anything else. 

Sept 25, 2016 18:29:48 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

Current Week List:

Home: 
--Maintain Progress
--Flu Shot -- personal
School:
-- 5th projects @60 -- Done
--6th projects @100 -- These are due tonight.  Weekend project.
--5th test @ 60 -- Done
--6th & 7th quizzes -- 8 sets @190--4 sets done, 3 sets will be given tomorrow, 1 set will be given on Monday
--Duty-- 1 more day
-- Parent Teachers Conferences -- Tuesday -- Done
--Tutoring -- Done
Crafts:
--Work on CR necklace--still trying to finish this one
--Finish black necklace -- Done
--String one item for upcoming craft shows 
--Finish pin
--Beaded Rope

[debthaven]

Moneysquirrel I'm amazed at how much marking you have, and you always seem to keep on top of it.

I was home today and didn't do much. I did two loads of laundry and met DS2 for lunch (he works nearby on Fridays).

I have to get up at 6 to go to the main campus tomorrow.

ETA: I finally got a few other things done:
- straightened up DS3's bottom bookshelf which was a mess
- dumped the Stuff from on top of his desk into a bag (with his permission) because I want to be able to dust the desk. (You may remember we did his closet for the first time in 7 years last summer, but not his desk or bookshelves.)
- cleared out the guest room. I hadn't realized there was still a few kitchen items in there that DS3 decided not to take at the last minute, so I took those back down to the basement.
- did some laundry I found in DS3's basket and room

[wvugurl26]

Iggy CLR might work better for your shower head but I have good luck with vinegar. I soak overnight.

I've been making slow progress but I've come up with some ideas to better use limited space.

[Iggy aka IG]

Good idea, wvugurl26.  There was just a little bit left of the CLR to use up.  I'll use vinegar next time.

[TheHaitian]

Made $50 asking 2 accent chairs.

$130 so far decluttering.

Some stuff we will just donate or throw out

[countrygirl]

Sold a very old truck we had bought, 1977 F600, paid $2500 but sold for $2000,

that's fine its gone. We bought a newer one in a package with a backhoe.

Sold a couch today for $100 and a very nice full bed for $80. It was clean, let the

waterproof cover, mattress pad, and a set of sheets go with it. The family was

thrilled. They got about a $600 mattress set, but items like that are hard to resell.

Now if the recliner will go and the TV stand plus a floor lamp I will be happy. Then

going to try and sell a daybed frame. We have got to get rid of stuff.

I have in the basement a couch, 2 leather recliners, and a regular recliner. I took the

cushions off the couch and BJ sleeps on a blanket on it half the time.

We are going to sell the huge couch in our living room, the distance from the front

to the back is so far its uncomfortable to sit on. DH loves sleeping on it but company

really has no where to sit. I'm looking at some flexsteel ones to replace it. Will

run at least $1200 before tax. Not right this minute though, want to get the right

one. Next year thinking of replacing the living room and our bedroom carpet, we

shall see.

Oh and I sold the 4 little lake lots for $22,750 before commission and some fees, glad

to get them gone, so been a good month so far.

Next spring the duplex, though we have thought of doing it this year.

[Sharon]

I actually got DD to go through a few things in her room tonight.  She only took a small bag of stuff with her but we through away a 6-7 inch stack of old papers from college.  Notes from different classes she took.  She had each class in a separate folder.  There were a few she kept but most are now gone.  She did also fill a wastebasket full of stuff.  I also have direction on what to do with some binders of stuff.