2017 Declutter and Organization Thread

[countrygirl2]

Got DD's SS representative payee report done and submitted online.

guardianship reports for DD and MIL now up to date

One rental acct in Texas, only 1 property left up to date

Next is my big one to get up to date, printed the bank
statements need to enter into quickbooks and reconcile.
I do everything by class so I can see if each unit is
profitable or not so will do that as I go along.

I'm 2 or 3 statements back, mostly little purchased items
to deal with.

[bean29]

The fun of Medicare enrollment for the in-laws is behind us. I swear one rep was intentionally misleading DH. She was giving him 2017 plan info vs. 2018. I had the plan summary from medicare and started confirming the stuff and she was like oh, do you want 2018 info? 😬 DH nearly left his Dad in a plan that didn’t cover his insulin! That is such a huge time sink. Left their house last night with a headache and it is still with me.

[Iggy aka IG]

bean29, hope your headache goes away quickly!

Happy Friday, everyone!

This weekend's goals:
Priority-finish the two things I didn't get to last week (Christmas cards and Swiffer the kitchen floor)
The usual laundry and dishes
Added:  Tackle the storage container project.  I'll elaborate Monday after I'm finished.

This time last year DH and I had our previous house on the market and it was a very stressful time.  My goal is to have everything finished (I put my last Amazon order in yesterday, and I'm finished with work the 20th) so I can actually relax and enjoy the season this year.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

[bean29]

I want to clean the house and get the tree up.

I had sent a note asking to have my family Christmas eve at 3 pm. Then asked my MIL if she wanted us to host, and she said She wants to cook Pozole, and did not want to transport it, so My SIL wanted Christmas at her house, and I gave it up to her. Then after checking with DH’s family on time, I sheepishly asked my family to move the time to 5 pm, so we can see both sides of family. Looks like it is a go.

Now I just have to get ahead of gift buying and wrapping. I have a decent start, need something for DH and MIL. I need to work at least 4 hours Sunday Too.

[countrygirl2]

I had a horrible headache yesterday with this whatever I have. The chiropractor adjusted
my neck and it was gone immediately and has not come back!!!!

[bean29]

Countrygirl, glad to hear the Chiropractor helped. I should call for an adjustment. My problem the other day was either stress or migraine related. RN I have some TMJ related pain.

DS gave me $200 twords an X Box one X, just ordered it from best buy. DD is getting the older version, he wanted the newer one so he gave me $$. I did my dishes and have some laundry going. I’m going to set up a table in the basement for gift wrapping.

I have an oil Change at 2, then will stop at best buy to get the X-Box 1X.

[wvugurl26]

I have most of the stuff from my house moved. Today I'm trying to find a place to put it all.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Good morning, ladies!
We’re having a normal Saturday. Chores, baking, dance, school stuff.
I also want to get in some deep cleaning in the kitchen.

[busymom]

Well, we're going to be stuck doing our Christmas decorating at the last minute this year.  I got a call back from the company that's supposed to replace our siding.  There's still a few people ahead of us, and the outside temperature determines when the work gets done.  If my siding isn't replaced by December 22nd, it won't be done until after the New Year.  But, just on the chance they get it done before Christmas, I can't hang anything on my wall, so, here I sit.      Oh well, I'm just going to focus on what I CAN get done, & worry about the rest later.


We got copies made today of a family pic including the kids.  That'll be going in the cards to our closest friends & relatives.  I'd better get back to working on those cards.

[wvugurl26]

4 bags of clothes and an old DVD player were dropped off at Goodwill.

2 bags of plastic bags were dropped off in the recycle bin at Walmart. I bought a new package of 9V batteries so we can put new ones in the smoke detectors.

I returned a mattress bag we didn't use to Home Depot and birthday decorations to Party City. I'm doing good at getting things out of the house today.

I picked up a big wrapping paper bin at Target this morning. All of the wrapping paper is in one place now.

[TheOtherMe]

I sold an item on a garage sale site on FB.  We meet tomorrow for the exchange.

Can't believe how many messages I received.  First one was obviously a scam.  I also don't understand why people were sending messages at 2 or 3 am.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

[Sharon]

The house is once again a disaster, part of that is because I have an undecorated Christmas tree in my living room and the furniture is shoved every which way etc.

My goals for today are to:
1. Get the tree decorated
2. Get the living room back in order and vacuumed
3. Do Laundry
4. Make a grocery store run
5. If there is time left over AND I feel like it then make room in DD's old room since they will probably be spending the night with me next Friday.

[Sharon]

Dec 10, 2017 10:04:34 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I sold an item on a garage sale site on FB.  We meet tomorrow for the exchange.

Can't believe how many messages I received.  First one was obviously a scam.  I also don't understand why people were sending messages at 2 or 3 am.  

I can totally understand sending message in the middle of the night.  On a weekday I am up between 3:30 - 4:00am because I start work early.  If I can't sleep I will get up and mess around on the computer.  In other words I am frequently on the computer at odd hours.

[TheOtherMe]

2 made no sense.  I think they were drunk.

[wvugurl26]

If it was a legitimate message maybe they work second shift and are winding down. Some people keep different hours.

[Sharon]

Dec 10, 2017 12:47:17 GMT -5 Sharon said:

The house is once again a disaster, part of that is because I have an undecorated Christmas tree in my living room and the furniture is shoved every which way etc.

My goals for today are to:
1. Get the tree decorated
2. Get the living room back in order and vacuumed
3. Do Laundry
4. Make a grocery store run
5. If there is time left over AND I feel like it then make room in DD's old room since they will probably be spending the night with me next Friday.

I pretty much got my list done.
1. The tree is mostly decorated, just need to put a few more things on the tree.
2. The living room is back in order, at the least the furniture is, and I have vacuumed.  Need to do something with the tubs of tree stuff.  If I find a place for them in the garage then that will finish up #2 and #5.
3. I have clean clothes for the week at work that is all I care about.
4. Done

I also went and helped my Mom rake leaves for 1 1/2 hours.  We got both her garbage cans full, so she is good for the week.

[Iggy aka IG]

Dec 8, 2017 10:48:48 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

This weekend's goals:
Priority-finish the two things I didn't get to last week (Christmas cards and Swiffer the kitchen floor)
The usual laundry and dishes
Added:  Tackle the storage container project.  I'll elaborate Monday after I'm finished.

This time last year DH and I had our previous house on the market and it was a very stressful time.  My goal is to have everything finished (I put my last Amazon order in yesterday, and I'm finished with work the 20th) so I can actually relax and enjoy the season this year.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

I actually completed a to do list for the first time in a LONG time.  The cards took 2+ hours!

In addition to 5 loads of laundry, I also scrubbed 2 toilets, sort of dusted the rec room, and wrapped a few presents.

The storage container project referenced above:  I have 8 large plastic storage bins in a downstairs closet.  3 for Christmas decos, 2 for Halloween (last month a misc one was emptied to make the 2nd Halloween container), 1 for gift wrap supplies (tissue, gift bags, ribbon, etc.), 1 for Easter/Valentine's Day decos, and the last one ended up being another misc over the years.  I wanted it cleared out so I can put Christmas stuffed penguins and stockings into it instead of putting them into a plastic bag.  Saturday I listed a majority of the items online to sell (for free!), most of which are misc party decos and 12 gift bags.  I haven't had any takers yet, and if I don't, I'm going to drop them off at the church basement today where I donate clothes, etc.  (Ahem, I still haven't dropped off the bag of clothing from what, last month?)

Next weekend I'll do my holiday baking-7 things are on this year's list.      The following weekend we'll have family over for an early Christmas Eve prime rib, Secret Santa exchange and stockings.

All this being said, I'm going to take a break from space clearing and to do lists for the holidays.  I'll still be here to cheer y'all on, however.

[bean29]

I got my oil changed. They say I need a brake job (New rotors), and new tires. 

I picked up the X-Box and returned some items at the mall.  Picked up a gift for DS.  Came home, and I told DH I wanted to set up a table in the basement for gift wrapping.  He wanted to do it upstairs, so he went down and got a table and set it up.  A gift I had ordered for one of his co-workers came on Sat, and he insisted it was wrong size.  I swear it is what he told me to order, but we decided I would go exchange it while he wrapped.  I set up the gifts with names, and he wrapped while I ran to Kohl's.  Bought gifts for DH while I was there.

We put our tree up yesterday.  I decided to bring out my Nativity Scene which I have not used in years, b/c my DD is doing the RCIA program (basically being confirmed as an adult).  I also brought out my Collectible Santas b/c DD described them as one of her Christmas Favorites last year and I haven't had them on display for years either.

So, my nativity scene is Fontanini.  I think it is 4" figures.  I am missing the Gloria Angel.  It might be mixed in with my Christmas ornaments, but IDK.  So, my boxes are marked 14.95 or thereabouts.  So I thought I'll just buy a new one.  Apparently Fontanini stuff is collectible.

I bought these before 2000, probably in the early 90's when we lived in our first house.  Collection I have is retired.  I was having trouble finding the exact one I need on e-bay...and I ended up asking my self - should I be trying to buy this, or should I try to sell my set?  I have some other Collectible Ornament's that I never put out, that I might well try to list on e-bay.  I will look into it when I am at home.

I only did a little laundry this weekend, and we did not Mop the floors.  We got the outdoor lights that were in the living center moved back to the garage.  I have a box of bad net lights that I told DH I was going to see if I have a purchase receipt for - they are usually guaranteed for 3 years.  If not I am going to pitch them.  I have a few things in my car for goodwill.

Many stores are no longer giving out boxes - glad I did not pitch them earlier this year in my cleaning spree. 

Country Girl - I thought you sold all your Texas Properties.  Is the one you still have up for sale?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Decent productivity yesterday.

[busymom]

Well, my contractor DID show up today.     He finished one small project (mostly) that we've been working on for awhile.  He's going to move onto the next thing, since both projects require some wood staining to complete.  


I tried to pick up one of DS's prescriptions today, but even though they've known about this since last week, they didn't have enough pills, even though I called ahead.  Which means, I'll have to make a 2nd trip this week.  This new pharmacy is NOT trying to get on my good side.  Hopefully, things will get better.

[debthaven]

We had a fantastic time in London! Spent all our time with DS1/DDIL and baby except for Sat night when we babysat . And we got to see DH's aunt and all his cousins too. It was so wonderful to spend time with them, and to take a few days off worrying about money and the house.  

We just got home because the Eurostar took over 5h instead of 2h10min. So we will be entitled to compensation, although we have to wait 24h to find out how much. Given how late it was, I'm hoping it will be enough for one free ticket.

We spent one night at DH's aunt's house, and left an extra set of sheets there (as always, she's thrilled to have us stay over but she's too old to do extra bedding). We spent the other two nights in a chain hotel a short walk from DS1's apartment.

I managed to mark the 24 finals I brought. I'm doing laundry now.

Last weekend
- 24 MSc finals

This week
Home
- call plumber/Tues (he is supposed to replace a boiler part tomorrow but he hasn't called back )
- call pipe guy/Tues
- Shitepile?
School
- teach Tues morning + pick up Job 2 Finals
- mark 20 Job 2 finals/Tues
- mark 17 Job 2 finals/Wed
- out-of-town meeting all day Thurs + pick up 3rd set of finals
- meeting all day Fri for Job 2

I'm going to have non-stop marking for the next two weeks. I also have to go Christmas shopping but that will probably wait till next week which will be much less busy. I'll still have marking, but I won't be gone 3 days out of 5.

[debthaven]

DS2 found an online sale on the boxing shoes and gloves he wants for Christmas! So he ordered it with my CC info, and it's being delivered to a pick-up point near me.

DH's cousin also brought us the spoons we ordered to (re)complete our cutlery set (UK delivery is much cheaper.)  

[TheOtherMe]

No decluttering, to do lists, etc. for me until after Christmas.  

I tend to get depressed this time of year.  I have as far back as I remember (junior high) and, with the help of therapists, have determined it's the way I am and I have to use my coping mechanisms a lot. 

Did clothing laundry yesterday. Doing sheets tomorrow.  Have to clean before cleaning lady comes on Wednesday.  

I must have gotten dyslexic when addressing a Christmas card.  It was returned as no such address and it is a combination of two addresses.  It will go back in the mail tomorrow.

I sold an Amazon Fire that I bought in July on Prime Day on FB.  Met with the woman today so it is gone. 

If I can get myself to do it, I would like to make one more trip to Goodwill this month.  

[debthaven]

I hope this year is a bit easier for you TheOtherMe.

[TheOtherMe]

Thank you.  I am just giving myself freedom to be me.  I enjoy the cards I receive but that is about it.  I've finally learned to say no to my sister's over the top consumerism Christmas and not feel bad.  

If my nephew and his wife come over, I would like to see them.

[NastyWoman]

Dec 9, 2017 13:58:03 GMT -5 busymom said:

Well, we're going to be stuck doing our Christmas decorating at the last minute this year.  I got a call back from the company that's supposed to replace our siding.  There's still a few people ahead of us, and the outside temperature determines when the work gets done.  If my siding isn't replaced by December 22nd, it won't be done until after the New Year.  But, just on the chance they get it done before Christmas, I can't hang anything on my wall, so, here I sit.      Oh well, I'm just going to focus on what I CAN get done, & worry about the rest later.


We got copies made today of a family pic including the kids.  That'll be going in the cards to our closest friends & relatives.  I'd better get back to working on those cards.

Why not hang everything now and, should they get to your siding before Xmas, take is down again and stick it behind the sofa (or whatever). Since the hooks and stuff will still be there, rehanging everthing will just be minutes. I am a big believer in out of sight out of mind

(BTW: don't look behind my sofa at this time of the year, unless DGS1/2 are coming in which case I HAVE to clean up)

[Sharon]

I dropped 2 paper sacks of stuff at the Union Gospel Mission store today.  That is my go to place for donations. 

My kitchen table is cleaned off.  I had some donation items sitting there so I could get them recorded first- gone.  The Christmas stocking that I was knitting for DGD was completed this weekend and has been sent home.  I put away the tote that hold everything for that project.  Knitting needles put away.  Newspaper reading has been caught up so the unread papers are off the table.

Now I need to sit down at the nice clean table and start my Christmas cards.  I was going to start them tonight but I am too tired.

[busymom]

Dec 11, 2017 20:41:14 GMT -5 NastyWoman said:

Dec 9, 2017 13:58:03 GMT -5 busymom said:

Well, we're going to be stuck doing our Christmas decorating at the last minute this year.  I got a call back from the company that's supposed to replace our siding.  There's still a few people ahead of us, and the outside temperature determines when the work gets done.  If my siding isn't replaced by December 22nd, it won't be done until after the New Year.  But, just on the chance they get it done before Christmas, I can't hang anything on my wall, so, here I sit.      Oh well, I'm just going to focus on what I CAN get done, & worry about the rest later.


We got copies made today of a family pic including the kids.  That'll be going in the cards to our closest friends & relatives.  I'd better get back to working on those cards.

Why not hang everything now and, should they get to your siding before Xmas, take is down again and stick it behind the sofa (or whatever). Since the hooks and stuff will still be there, rehanging everthing will just be minutes. I am a big believer in out of sight out of mind

(BTW: don't look behind my sofa at this time of the year, unless DGS1/2 are coming in which case I HAVE to clean up)

   Normally, I would say that sounds like a good plan.  However, I've already got all of my pictures off the wall & on the floor, plus, I took apart my china cabinet (it's a 2-piece style), & of course I took everything out of it, so I've got too much clutter as it is.  

    My contractor messaged me tonight, & won't be back until at least Wednesday.  So, I'll most likely work on Christmas cards again tomorrow...

[debthaven]

This week
Home
- call plumber/Tues (he replaced a boiler part)
- call pipe guy/Wed
- resend papers for resin injections/Wed
- Shitepile?
School
- teach Tues morning + pick up Job 2 Finals
- mark 18 Job 2 finals/Tues
- mark 17 Job 2 finals/Wed
- out-of-town meeting all day Thurs + pick up 3rd set of finals
- meeting all day Fri for Job 2
Finals done: 42/150

Not much marking done so far today ... I spent 2 hours online today (and several hours last night) trying to find the perfect portable crib. Much more fun than marking.