2017 Declutter and Organization Thread

[bean29]

Jan 11, 2017 9:15:01 GMT -5 whoisjohngalt said:

Jan 10, 2017 18:35:50 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

I'm starting to just toss stuff with no conscience as to how much money I wasted.  This weekend it was the upper cabinet in the bathroom.  I tossed Secret Clinical deodorant, some poison ivy preventative that expired in 2010 that I never heard of, some nail polish remover, some eye make-up remover that had dried up, and a few other things I've forgotten.

When my aunt died, I remember my cousin having to sort through this type of junk, all of it dusty and out of date.  

This is the kind of clutter I can't stand.  Expired food, expired Health & Beauty stuff, and so on.  

I told a friend today that I wish I could get rid of all the furniture in my house and start over. 

Unfortunately, I can't afford that.

Big sigh!

I've been going through this too.

About a month ago I threw away TONS of make up.  Very expensive make up .  But it was over a decade old.  And I haven't used it in almost a decade.

I just recently went and bought some new stuff, but only a couple of items.

I also went through 3 of my kitchen shelves and again - threw away TONS of stuff - old salad dressings, sauces, spices. 

It hurt and felt great at the same time. 

LOL, I did this right before Christmas.  I went through our pantry cabinet and tossed all kinds of stuff that was open or the date was old.  I know there was a bottle of real maple syrup with only a little in the bottom, and it seemed all congealed so I just tossed it.  Right around New Years, DH made pancakes for the family and was looking for the real Maple Syrup he knew we had .  I just claimed I did not know what happened to it, and he assumed we had used it all up. 

I was thinking recently I need to go through my family bath cabinet again.  That bath is used by my two kids, and they also live in an apartment on campus.  I think a lot of stuff in that bathroom is abandoned or orphaned and they are really not ever going to use it.  I am thinking about selling my house and moving to the next county for lower taxes...so decluttering is extra important.  Going to try to drag DH to a home building/remodeling show this weekend.  Normally he would not be interested, but he is the one that started the we should move thing.

ETA, Nail polish is something I tell myself to get rid of every time I look at it.  How long is it good for anyways?  I have been getting my nails done in a salon since DD was in HS, so it is at least 5 years since I did my own nails.  I don't like doing my toenails myself, so I get a pedicure about 4x a year too.  There is a good selection of nail polish in both medicine cabinets though.

[Iggy aka IG]

Jan 11, 2017 10:03:11 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I was raised in a wretchedly messy, cluttered house. When I transitioned to adulthood, I realized I had no idea how to be a "housekeeper"; I didn't even know how to clean, really. It took me probably two or three years to even realize that and another five years to teach myself to be a decent housekeeper.

For me, maintaining a clean house is so much easier than cleaning a house. In other words, once the house is clean, it's easier to keep it that way if I follow the routines I've set up. So, I encourage those of you who are struggling to keep at it. Get rid of stuff. You don't need it. It just makes your physical and mental approach to your home more difficult. Know that once you've gotten rid of the stuff and established how you want to maintain your home, it really will be easier. You will have so much more free time and be so much more relaxed. 

Ours wasn't messy, per se, but my mom, well, I wouldn't say hoards stuff, but it's difficult for her to let things go, you know?  We moved a lot when I was a kid, and she and my dad owned two restaurants, so they chose to work 7 days a week.  I just remember boxes and boxes of stuff in basements, garages, etc.  One time my dad had enough and tossed a few things from the garage.  Mom came unglued.  He gave up.  To this day she has a carport storage closet filled with boxes and who knows what.  I heard when she opened it one time, things nearly came toppling out.

At Christmas she brought crudites in a plastic poinsettia serving tray from the 70's, I believe.  She said she was going to leave it with us because she is trying to get rid of stuff.  It is now in the donation box in my truck. 

[startsmart]

bean29- for the nail polish I've been thinking about choosing my favorite shades and taking them with me to the nail salon. That way I can do touch ups at home! I've done the gel manicure but hate how it damages the nail for so long, time to go back to simple. If you do decide to get rid of it consider offering it around to friends with younger kids. We bought a bag of 20 nail polishes at a thrift store when my cousins came to visit and had so much fun painting each others nails. For $2 none of the adults cared if it dried up or we used the whole bottle. Clumpy nail polish just gets a splash of nail polish remover and a good shake and it's usually fine  

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 10, 2017 18:41:17 GMT -5 plugginaway22 said:

The only thing that has stuck with me, from back when Fly Lady was big, was the 'get dressed and in shoes' thing.  Damn does that work for me!  I crank some music, put on sweats, with socks and sneakers, and I am sprinting around this house!

I am good with that but I wear flip flops around the house, not real shoes. I use my toes to pick up lots of stuff when I drop it so it's annoying to wear the real lace up shoes.  (and I really do drop a lot of stuff sadly)

[megaptera]

We've been doing some opposite of de-cluttering. DH and I have been buying light fixtures for the new house and storing them in the dining room of the current place. (Includes all indoor, garage, and outdoor fixtures. ) Allegedly, we should be able to take them to the new place next week so they can be installed. The house is coming along slowly; sheetrock is up and painter and septic are supposed to start next week, with flooring the following week. Weather has been crappy here, so that's been slowing things down I think.

I finally got all Christmas stuff packed up a few days ago, but only took the bins out to the garage to their storage place this morning. This week, I want to completely clean the great room and file paperwork that needs it. Baby steps.

[startsmart]

Jan 1-7th:
go through papers in the office - halfway done
scan 2016 files from office and add to shredding box

Jan 8-14th:
finish finance PP for upcoming class
Add quarter round to 1 bedroom - 11/14 done in master bedroom
catch up on laundry - all clean, working on folding
talk to charity about burp cloth donation
Finish reading 2 books (1/2 done)
Workout 4 times (2/4 done)
Sort through sweaters to donate

Got a little behind this week since my electrician pushed back work in the guest bath to tomorrow. Installing the quarter round in the master bedroom means that furniture is all askew and I'll need to empty out the hall closet tonight for the electrician and the master closet to finish up the trim. 

I also found 2 leaks in the roof thanks to all this wind and rain so in addition to the electrician this month I'll need to get a roofer out + maybe a plumber to replace the sink disposal. Thanks house! 

[tcu2003]

Peter Walsh 31 Days to Get Organized challenges.

Day 1 - TABLE TOPS
Day 2 - SET UP A DONATION BIN
Day 3 - GIFT BAGS
Day 4 – TACKLE THE FREEZER
Day 5 – UNDER THE SINK
Day 6 – TWO DRAWERS IN YOUR OFFICE (OR ELSEWHERE)
Day 7 – SHOES, SHOES, SHOES
Day 8 – THE CRAZY TANGLE OF CORDS AND CABLES
Day 9 – SOCKS AND UNDIES
Day 10 – SUITCASES AND LUGGAGE
Day 11 – GET BACK IN TOUCH

Day 12 – KITCHEN UTENSIL DRAWER
No – you haven’t used that melon baller since 2002 and you know it!! Today it’s all about the kitchen utensil and gizmos drawer. I’d love to hear what makes the cut and what ends up in your donation box.

[tcu2003]

Last night I tackled my socks and undies drawer, and DH and I went through everything on top of our catch-all built-in where we come in from the garage.

Slowly but surely I'll make some progress!

[startsmart]

Got the hall closet emptied out so the electrician can access the attic crawl space (to install a new light) and now I'm working on the quarter round for that space. I have a few things from that closet that I want to sell/donate and then work on the shelves idea but we'll see what I feel like doing after today. 

It's supposed to rain a little more today after pouring last night and then 5 days dry so I would really like to get the gutter downspout fixed before the next storm rolls through. 

I also want the electrician to replace a few lightbulbs on a fixture that's nearly impossible to reach and work on (it's up on a 12' vaulted ceiling) so my living room isn't so dark. 

[debthaven]

Very bad day at school.

A student from the main campus died in a bus accident in Asia yesterday (he was on a year abroad). A student from my campus (one of my former students) committed suicide yesterday. Obviously we are all very upset and we've all been spending hours on the phone talking to each other.

ETA: We English teachers are trying to convince the school to get a psychologist in for a "crisis intervention".

[Jaguar]

Oh debthaven, I'm so very sorry. << HUGS >>

[startsmart]

debthaven - I'm so sorry! That's really rough to have 2 tragedies back to back. I know you teachers are doing all you can for the students but I do hope they listen and bring in some counselors who are trained in such issues. 

[wvugurl26]

Sorry debt. I hope you can convince them to bring a trained person in.

[taz157]

Jan 12, 2017 15:24:23 GMT -5 startsmart said:

debthaven - I'm so sorry! That's really rough to have 2 tragedies back to back. I know you teachers are doing all you can for the students but I do hope they listen and bring in some counselors who are trained in such issues. 

[debthaven]

I got an email back from the head of the Bachelor's program, she's trying to get someone in for Mon. She's an absolute .

[busymom]

I am so sorry debthaven, for all of the tragedies your campus has suffered.   Until a counselor can get to your campus, are teachers there allowed to give students a hug?

Wind chill levels here are still below zero, so it's difficult to get anything accomplished.  I have to keep shoveling snow out of our garage (it sticks to the bottom of the cars, & melts off onto the garage floor), and, due to the cold, I need to chip off the ice that is forming on the floor, too.

DH got paid today, so I've been going through our bill pile.  That's always fun. 

Unfortunately, DH caught whatever I had, so he's been sicker than a dog.  And, when he can't sleep at night, neither can I.  Oh well, at least I feel like I can function now.

[debthaven]

Until a counselor can get to your campus, are teachers there allowed to give students a hug?

Happily, yes. There are no rules on my campus (yet?) about touching students.

[dee27]

Oh, Debt, I am sorry about the student deaths. I agree a trained counselor would know exactly what to say to the student body.

[debthaven]

Dee I haven't wanted to ask you this, but is your ODS in France? If he's anywhere nearby, I'd be very happy to reach out to him.

If he's nearby (Europe?) and there's anything I can do, please let me know.

[dee27]

Thank you, Debt. You are very kind. Per ODS the family was flown back to a US hospital.

[tcu2003]

I am so sorry about the student tragedies, debt.

[debthaven]

Dee you must be so relieved!

[dee27]

I am!!!

[debthaven]

I've been waiting for a PW challenge I needed to do, so tonight I decluttered my socks / stockings / underwear / bra drawer.

I finally got rid of most of the stuff I will never again fit into in this lifetime. I kept a few sentimental items back, just in case.

ETA: Got rid of two old bathing suits too.

Left this week
- get tire fixed ?
- rewrite letter

The car hit 100K recently and it needs a major tune up we can't afford, so I'm putting that and the tire off until the next CC cycle. I've been pumping up the tire every 2 days but since my new job is quite far away, it worries me. But I'll do it till we get to the next CC billing cycle in about nine days.

[dee27]

Do European cars have a spare donut? I would be nervous driving on a tire that loses air, too.

[moneysquirrel]

Debt -- So sorry to hear about your students. Grief counseling is a good idea for the faculty. I unfortunately know from experience that situations like this need that additional help.


Mid-Week Update:

Jan 8, 2017 20:59:13 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

This week's goals:
Home/Personal

Continue with progress
Exercise -- Monday -- cancelled due to illness -- currently on the mend
Maintain cleared flat areas.
School

7th test -- one more set tomorrow
Place approved copy on web site -- Done
Run off grade sheets for projects -- Done

Crafts – Some will take longer than one week

Witch earrings (1 pair to go) -- Done
Continue crocheting baby gift (pattern has 74 rows and 2 ruffles) – hope to get to row 30 this week. (Think I am on row 18 now.) -- Not quite sure which row I am on but not to 30 yet.
Snowman Earrings (6 pairs) -- On Hold -- Missing a few items needed to make them. Have a few made so not a pressing need.  Decided to create a necklace set instead since I need to make a few items prior to the spring shows. 

[startsmart]

Well I got the new bathroom light installed and it's fantastic! The living room light bulbs were also swapped out so it's nice and bright again. Bad news is that my electrician is moving and I would love to get the garage lights installed before he goes which means I have 2 weeks to make the decision if I'm going to do it. The parts are only about $100 but I'd add on another hour or 2 of his time. Decisions, decisions.

I've been going through the fabric I have and what I need to make more burp rags. I have 50 that I can begin sewing anytime and fabric for another 54 once I buy about 8 more yards. The good news is that I have a 20% off coupon and this flannel is regularly on sale so I'm hoping I can get it pretty cheap! Some part of my brain knows I should go ahead and sew the 50 I have matched up but the more logistical side of my brain reminds me to work in an assembly line and knock out all 104 at once. Note to self: buy more white thread too. 

[Sharon]

I did some major decluttering today, unfortunately it was all at work.  Our building is way larger than our current staff needs.  The company leased out over half of one floor.  Ironically this was the mostly densely populated part of the building but with were certain computer components are it made the most sense.  We have been in this building close to 15 years and people have tucked stuff here and there in empty cubicles.  We now have 16 more people who will be working on our floor and are undergoing major changes.  Even some of the people on our floor are moving to accommodate the people moving up.  I spent over half my day today going through boxes of files etc that were left behind when people left the company.  I filled 3 huge recycle bins full of paper and multiple office waste baskets full of other non recyclable stuff.

Too bad I'm not that ruthless at home.

[megaptera]

My condolences to dee and debthaven.




Yes! The great room has been cleaned and organized (well, except for the large pile of light fixtures sitting in the corner ). It only got done because I forced myself to report back to you all, lol.

Plans for the weekend are to finish all laundry and clean off the counter where all the paper stuff accumulates and cheer on the Seahawks.

[tcu2003]

Peter Walsh 31 Days to Get Organized challenges.

Day 1 - TABLE TOPS
Day 2 - SET UP A DONATION BIN
Day 3 - GIFT BAGS
Day 4 – TACKLE THE FREEZER
Day 5 – UNDER THE SINK
Day 6 – TWO DRAWERS IN YOUR OFFICE (OR ELSEWHERE)
Day 7 – SHOES, SHOES, SHOES
Day 8 – THE CRAZY TANGLE OF CORDS AND CABLES
Day 9 – SOCKS AND UNDIES
Day 10 – SUITCASES AND LUGGAGE
Day 11 – GET BACK IN TOUCH

Day 13 – CONQUER THAT MAIL
This is a tough one for many but go for it! Today’s challenge is a two-parter. Gather up all the mail in your home AND establish a central home – like a mail tray – for all mail moving forward.