2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[debthaven]

Sharon I had the feeling that the commute was really soul-sucking. But I think you're near your parents, and your DD and her family were not sure about staying where they are.

Given what you've just posted, I would take my time, and enjoy the upgrades you've made and are continuing to make. It's always better not to be in a rush. Maybe your DD will have made some decisions soon, and you can make a better choice for the long-term. I'm sure more people list in the spring.

I would continue to look though.

[debthaven]

Sharon given this change of heart and the fact that you may stay there for a while, would it be too late to install wood flooring instead of carpeting? ONLY if that's what YOU would prefer, of course (because you mentioned that recently).

[Sharon]

Nov 18, 2018 15:14:51 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Sharon given this change of heart and the fact that you may stay there for a while, would it be too late to install wood flooring instead of carpeting? ONLY if that's what YOU would prefer, of course (because you mentioned that recently).

I actually prefer carpet but was only thinking hardwood since I know that is what more people prefer.  This is also more of a I am putting any decision making on hold until after the first of the year thing.  I will probably move but I will take my time finding exactly what I want rather than I guess that house is okay.  This weekend while perusing the online listings I kept thinking well that is okay or it would be okay if x, y and z were changed.

I need to step back and calm down and not wind myself up into a frenzy over the whole thing which is what I had pretty much done.

debthaven you are correct in that my parents are close by.  Mom lives one mile away and Dad is also very near by.  DD and family live in the town I would probably move to.  Their plans are also uncertain.  For now I am going to finish up the projects that are started.  Try to get as much painting done as I can before the carpet is installed.  If I don't get done oh well, that is why they make tarps.  Then I am going to enjoy the holidays and make a mess decorating, baking and all the other things I enjoy doing. 

I always host Christmas day dinner and every one can come see what I have accomplished.  So far only Mom and DD have seen my house updates.

[debthaven]

That sounds like a good plan Sharon ! If YOU prefer carpeting that sounds perfect.

Between your long commute, babysitting, pet sitting, the new baby due soon and taking care of your mom and her house, I was frankly relieved that the house-that-requires-a-ton-of-work was under offer.

I know it's not NEARLY as important or time-consuming, but on some level your post made me chuckle because it's the exact same process I went through in regards to the new car. I still check the ads, but I don't plan to pull the trigger until the kitchen loan is paid off (hopefully next summer), unless the PERFECT car turns up, very close by.

[dannylion]

Four boxes went to Purple Heart on Friday!  And I have two more boxes of nicer things I'm giving to my neighbor whose family has adopted me.  Mostly cookbooks I will never use (she loves to read cookbooks) and some never-used kitchen utensils that need someone to love them.  So, a little bit more progress.  


The weekend has been spent trying to clear a path from the front door to the back of the kitchen so the haunted refrigerator can be taken away and the new (presumably not haunted) refrigerator can be delivered and installed.  Since I am perpetually in the "drag everything out into the middle of the floor or pile it up in the foyer" stage of decluttering, this has been a challenge.  Of course, I left it to the last few days, so the decluttering that could have accompanied the path clearing has had to take a back seat to just getting stuff out of the way.  Story of my life.  


The fact that I am 70 this year has been sort of hard to deal with.  How did this happen?  But I am finding my age to be an incentive when I am trying to decide what to do with something.   "You're 70.  You won't live long enough to use all of this stuff.  Get rid of it." or "You haven't used that in 20 years, you're probably never going to use it again.  Get rid of it."  "Who are you kidding?  That's never going to fit again."  So, silver linings.  

[debthaven]

dannylion my beloved sister is 72 so I get it. I think I might even enjoy a haunted refrigerator, if they weren't so hard to get rid of LOL.

A new car came up today!!! A 2016 with 20K kilometers at 12,900 euros, much closer than the 2017 car with 18K kilometers at 14,500 euros (but which has more bells and whistles).

DH SAYS he prefers the bells and whistles, but he has never made the effort to actually SEE it, so I don't believe him. *I* prefer this car for its proximity and price and for the fact that although this car is also black, it has red detailing.

Another private sale, so no trade in. I've emailed them asking to see it Wed or Sat but it's late here. I fear it will go before we get to see it, but I said that about the other car. So we'll see.

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 18, 2018 17:40:18 GMT -5 dannylion said:

  Since I am perpetually in the "drag everything out into the middle of the floor or pile it up in the foyer" stage of decluttering, this has been a challenge.  Of course, I left it to the last few days, so the decluttering that could have accompanied the path clearing has had to take a back seat to just getting stuff out of the way.  Story of my life.  


The fact that I am 70 this year has been sort of hard to deal with.  How did this happen?  But I am finding my age to be an incentive when I am trying to decide what to do with something.   "You're 70.  You won't live long enough to use all of this stuff.  Get rid of it." or "You haven't used that in 20 years, you're probably never going to use it again.  Get rid of it."  "Who are you kidding?  That's never going to fit again."  So, silver linings.  

This is where I have finally gotten at age 67.  I think the gallbladder surgery and feeling sick for about 2 years had a lot to do with it.

I also do the put everything in the middle of the floor or somewhere type of decluttering and then have to move it again.  I am trying very, very hard to not do that.  

[Iggy aka IG]

Congratulations, plugginaway22!!

startsmart, I'd also put up the tree before I left.  That way when you return and are catching up on things, you can relax at night with it.

Speaking of being out of town, I returned Saturday evening from a business trip, so had only yesterday to do things around the house.

Procrastination list:

Shook out the kitchen area rugs, then swept and Swiffered the floor. Yuck.

The usual:

Did just 4 loads of laundry (I can tell DH was off work last week-no uniforms to wash)

Our sheets were included in one of the loads

Emptied and partially refilled the dishwasher

Hand washed some dishes and 2 delicate clothing items

Prepped produce and eggs for the short work week

Compiled a list of baking I'll do next month

Compiled this week's dinner menu

Clipped coupons

Read 4 newspapers (mostly the comics)

Wiped down and organized the fridge interior

Watered the plants

Cleared out 3 hours of DVR shows

[wvugurl26]

I'm trying to keep up with the current stuff coming in. That's about all I have managed. I did unbury the kitchen table (dumping ground!) and put the Thanksgiving tablecloth on. Halloween was boxed up but DH has to put that away. It's massive I can't handle it.

I wanted to prep my Christmas decorations before we go to Florida but that's not probably happening now. As usual I had nice plans and life turned them upside down.

[lund]

Four full-size garbage bags of baby/tot clothing donated. There was only room for DH in the car; the smallest sack in the driver's seat, one very full sack laying in the back seat, and the two last ones in the boot.
Feeling a bit sad, but now they are out of here. I am still saving the OK hand-made items and a kit or two of baby bed linens though.

The previous donation run encompassed about three large moving boxes, so we are past 18 boxes now.

Just waiting for the next box to be a box with my clothing (some still is "missing"). That will be a bit embarrassing. I have to make sure that I have a kid distraction on hand for when that happens.

Oh, the joy of moving (over a year ago).

But the stuff not belonging to us is returned to the owners, nothing to sell so far,  the donated items are out of here, the kept items are sorted and sharing a few boxes, and the trash is trashed.

I will continue with the motto "reclaim the space!", one box at the time.

[nikiz628]

Congratulations plugginaway22! 

[debthaven]

Nice to "see" you lund ! I've missed you!

[lund]

Thank you, DH!

[dannylion]

The haunted refrigerator is gone.  The new refrigerator is humming away in its place, waiting to be of service.  It hasn't done anything scary yet, so fingers crossed.   


Boxed up some books to donate today, otherwise no decluttering progress was made.  Except for getting rid of whatever was haunting the old refrigerator.  

[debthaven]

This week
Home

- call boiler guy
Work

- mark 38 vocab tests/Tues?

- mark 1 third-year report/Wed?

I called the OLD boiler guy who sold his company to the CURRENT boiler guy, to see if CURRENT boiler guy is still alive. He is. I told OLD boiler guy, in that case we wish him well but never mind, I'll find somebody new. OLD boiler guy said please don't, he's seeing CURRENT boiler guy this week and he'll ask him to call us. So DH asked me to hold off on calling a new boiler guy. At this point I won't have time to call anybody else before Fri, so we'll see. I'm pissed off and would rather not continue to use CURRENT boiler guy but he's always been a total star until now.

I've told DH he needs to do the Thanksgiving grocery shopping (just 4 of us and our guests are bringing the starter and a side).

Exceptionally I'm off Wed afternoon, but working Fri afternoon and evening, stupid PT conferences for university students! Ridiculous!!!

[TheOtherMe]

Can't believe you are still waiting on boiler guy.

[moneysquirrel]

Sharon -- I think that you must be comfortable with your decision.  Take your time to get exactly what you love.  You have been working hard in several areas.  Take the holidays off and relax a bit.

lund -- Welcome back
dannylion -- I'm 68 and I am trying to get rid of items that I am no longer using and will not be needing in the foreseeable future.  One item at a time is still one items no one else with have to make a decision about
debthaven -- Hope everything works out with the boiler guy.  I know that it is frustrating but if he realizes that he may lose a longtime client you may find that the service will be over the top.
startsmart -- Have a great vacation.  Put the tree up early so that you will have less to do upon your return and continue to feel relax.

Going to end this post now.  Will be back in a few to add a list.

[moneysquirrel]

I have been trying to get things in order so that I can spend most of Wednesday on food prep.  I have dishes and laundry as up to date as possible.  Last night I spent some time getting the closet straighten out again.  It is a small one and has a tendency to explode.  I did find several items to add to the donation box that is slowly getting filled.  Today I deep cleaned the bedroom as it is the one area that I tend to things in.  

Goals for the rest of the week:
-Clean and mop the Bath
-Clean and mop the Kitchen 
-Grocery run for last minute items
-Chop, Stir, Cook, Bake (working with a smaller oven so no idea how Thursday will fare.)  Much of the prep will be done Wednesday. As will the desserts.
-Workman -- Tuesday
-Bead Room -- reorganize after the workman finish Tuesday.  Had to pull everything out of the closet and into the middle of the room for this procedure.  Want to at least get things out of view before company comes.
-Laundry and dishes as needed
-Last minute dusting, swiffering, laundry, etc.
-If time --craft
-Whatever I forgot from the above list.

[dannylion]

So far, I like my new fridgerbox.  I replaced a haunted French door, bottom freezer model with a single-door bottom-freezer model that appears (so far) not to be haunted at all.  The new one is a tad smaller than the old one, but the interior configuration is better for easy access, so I think I will like it much better.  


This evening, I am culling books.  Hoping to maintain the small amount of momentum I have developed.  

[stillmovingforward]

I'm cheating. I purchased everything in gramma's shipping list. She'll cook a full Thanksgiving dinner except the Turkey. She always asks me to do that. I happily agree. ALL the kids plus a few lost souls are coming. It will be entertaining.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Nov 16, 2018 19:14:30 GMT -5 busymom said:

Well, this doesn't count as decluttering, but I completed most of my grocery shopping for Thanksgiving today, including the bird.     Everything I need for baking, side dishes, etc., except for the fresh produce that I'll buy at the last minute.  I will be back to working on boxes either later tonight, or tomorrow.  Unfortunately, my new pantry is officially overflowing with food.  

I’m pretty sure it counts as being organized. 😀

[startsmart]

Had another power outage tonight so I didn’t get much done around the house. Having all those candles and backup lights did come in handy though! Since PG&E is rumored to be the cause of fires and they’ll shut down a grid if there’s risk now a power outage just freaks me out thinking it could be followed by fire. Of course it’s pitch black by 7pm so a pretty boring night until the power returns.

I did get 100 photos done earlier today and have 200 more loose photos to scan before I move on to the albums. Oh and a boxes of newspaper clippings and papers.

[countrygirl2]

Hubs brought up the tree from the basement and I decorated it.  We are leaving Wed morning for New York to visit, son, GS, and DIL.

I did Christmas shopping for them, have it all wrapped and we are taking their gifts up for Christmas as I don't know if we will all get together at Christmas.


I have a bit done for us, not much yet.  I got DD a flamingo that sings the macarena while swiveling its neck, its funny. A 3 ft tall nutcracker, she loves them.  A pack of bath bombs, and a shave set.  I need to find her other things, don't know what.


Hubs I'm getting 1 of the big stack on tool boxes for his garage.  Also 2 shirts, socks, new suspenders.  The tool boxes will run at least $500 so he doesn't get much else.


He said he has no idea what to get me, I have no idea either.  I generally buy myself a few clothes for Christmas.  But here Macys closed, Sears is going too, Pennys is so so, and Walmart is good for sweats, so where can I buy clothes this year.  I've been sewing again, made DD 3 pair of pajamas. I cannot believe a city of about 80000 and they have a Steinmart, TJ Maxx, Burlington, but not much I like.  There is a Kohls but I never go there.  The other 3 stores are good for linens, bathroom things, and decorative items.  Not much classic clothes I like.  So since Macys closed haven't bought clothes.  We have to drive 100 miles to Indianapolis or Evansville now to get clothing.  We order tons of stuff online.


After Thanksgiving and I get paperwork for LLC and guardianships caught up, going to pull stuff out again to get rid of.

Oh and we bought a tenant a set of tires, so she is cleaning for me everyother week for 5 weeks to pay us back.  She has cleaned for people before.  My house isn't real dirty good thing as I'm not sure how much she is doing.

[Iggy aka IG]

I love reading about how everyone is getting organized preparing for the holidays!

DH and I are going to my mom's for Thanksgiving and I'm in charge of pies as usual.  I bought pumpkin pie ingredients last night, and I'll also make a Crock Pot apple crisp for the first time.  I'll use one of three of the HUGE bags given to us by a friend from their tree this summer.

This morning I went to Wally World and bought Christmas cards which we'll do in a few weeks, as well as 3 Christmas themed throw pillows that caught my eye.  The latter was an internal struggle, since we have been purging the past few years, but they will look nice when our family comes for Christmas.

DH said he didn't want anything for Christmas, but I did buy him this really pretty geode he pointed out in the hotel gift shop window last weekend.  It will be a nice surprise.  We'll do stockings as well that morning.

[ohmomto2boys]

A few weeks ago, I increased my hours at work to 30 hrs per week.  It's weird, but I am so much more motivated now that I have less time at home to get things done.  
Tree is up and decorated. Friday I will get the outside decorations out and done.  
Put a table to the curb that held our TV, DVD and cable box.  Someone took it yesterday.  I was so excited.
We mounted our TV over the fireplace and refaced the fireplace to the ceiling with stone.  One project complete.  The next project is the 1/2 bath which will begin mid-December.  It will only take the contractor about 4 days to complete.  
Taking a drive to amish country to look for a new desk for the office.  The one in the office now is huge and has served its purpose, but now we don't need something so big.  We have looked locally and just can't seem to find what we want.  Everything is so cheaply made.  Whatever we buy - this will be the last desk - we want something good/nice.
Laundry is daily.
Cleaning is daily.
Still plugging away at the basement.

[debthaven]

TheOtherMe frankly on some level waiting for Boiler Guy suits me financially. We have the third and last 250 euro payment on the new dishwasher in Dec ...

Good news on the rental building reno. The new roof is finished, they're doing the facades now, and there should be just enough to cover both. The building management situation is still a mess but at least the building itself will finally be renovated after many years of waiting. There are still a few small things that will need doing, but that's by far the lion's share.

 

I had planned to mark my 38 vocabulary tests today but exceptionally I'm off tomorrow afternoon, so tomorrow is another day.

Kitchen loan went down from 16 to 14 months today.

The car seller wrote back and suggested meeting on the ring road around Paris at rush hour, or coming to our house with the car on Sun. I'm sure they meant well but DH said H.ELL NO.

So I told them this week was not convenient in the end, we'll try for the first week of Dec, and that we realize the car may be sold by then.

[moneysquirrel]

Got quite a bit done t his morning.  I made the last (I hope) trip to the grocery for the fresh produce needed for Thanksgiving dinner.  

I deep cleaned and mopped the bath.  Will need to do a quick last minute touch up Thursday morning.

Expected workman came earlier than expected so was able to get the bead room somewhat presentable again.  Running the Roomba in it now.  Ran it in the other rooms yesterday and will if time permits run one more time in there before company comes.

I may even start with some of the chopping later today but first lunch. 

[bean29]

Saturday I fixed a pillow sham for DD, ( I wanted/needed to do this before I put my sewing machine away).  Then, DH and I went to grocery store and Sam's club and  did most of our Thanksgiving Shopping. Sunday I did laundry and started the cleaning.  I cleaned the fridge in the basement, and the bathroom. 

Last night I picked up new rugs I bought at Kohl's then ran into Menards to get a foil pan, and found some rugs I liked better.  I could not get everything I wanted at one store, so bright and early this am, I ran clear across town to get the runners I needed.  So now on my way home, I have to return the rugs I bought at Kohl's.  The Kohl's rugs were much cheaper, but the colors are more dated, and the quality difference is noticeable.  I was trying to decide on a coordinating sofa throw pillow, and realized the best thing may be to take down my valances.  DH is mad that I bought new rugs, b/c we have to move the dining room table out.  He informed me I will need to Mop the floors before I do this.  I started the dusting in the living room.  Dining room table is mostly cleaned off.  My computer and a few miscellaneous things are there.  We still have the China Cabinet, mostly empty - DH will not get rid of it before the party.  I have to vacuum tonight or tomorrow.  DH is changing out the toilet in the guest bath - there is something wrong with it, he has it disconnected and needed parts...he was going to buy a new one today.  He also wants to wash the carpets - Not sure if we will get that done. 

I got bitched at last night b/c I am too slow and DH has to "Help" me clean.  I told him I was not planning to have people over for Thanksgiving, he decided to do it.  I don't want to do every holiday every year.  He said well you won't go to anyone else's house.  I told him, well no, that it you that won't go to other people's houses.  Then he said well why do you have such a big house if you are not going to entertain.  I just told him we do not need to do every holiday, and I should not have to take vacation days to clean my house to have a party for every holiday.

We would not spend more money if we took our kids their SO's and the parent's out to dinner for the holidays.  I don't need to have (28 DH's side) + 20 (my side) for every holiday.  There are 3 of us on my side that rotate the holidays.  DH has 5 brothers in town, 4 are married.  none of them has ever hosted a holiday.

Honestly I would rather shrink the size of my house and not have to entertain.  DH does not share my feelings on this though.  I am planning to stay planted for close to 10 years - until current house is paid off.

I did more stuff at goodwill yesterday.  I also consolidated 2 laundry baskets that were holding blankets to one, and told DH to take the empty basket to my MIL (It is a small square one, and she has steep stairs she carries her laundry up and down).

[debthaven]

Wow bean29 that is a LOT of people to host! Your DH seems to be pretty set in his ways. Maybe you could hire a cleaner to help you out, at least occasionally? I would NOT have appreciated hearing that. You work FT too AND do your DH's books. It's not like you sit around all day doing nothing, far from it! 

This week
Home
- call (whichever) boiler guy
Work
- mark 38 vocab tests/Tues
- mark 1 third-year report/Wed?

I had a sudden burst of energy this evening and decided to do the vocab tests. I even input the marks! Yay me!!!

DH will shop for Thanksgiving tomorrow morning. So tomorrow afternoon I will probably take a nap, make cornbread and work on my lines before rehearsal.

I'm not thrilled about cheating on my diet (although I do sometimes now) so I'm going to make the cornbread with corn meal and almond flour (instead of wheat flour). Any advice on that Iggy aka IG ?

[bean29]

Nov 20, 2018 15:59:03 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Wow bean29 that is a LOT of people to host! Your DH seems to be pretty set in his ways. Maybe you could hire a cleaner to help you out, at least occasionally? I would NOT have appreciated hearing that. You work FT too AND do your DH's books. It's not like you sit around all day doing nothing, far from it! 

This week
Home
- call (whichever) boiler guy
Work
- mark 38 vocab tests/Tues
- mark 1 third-year report/Wed?

I had a sudden burst of energy this evening and decided to do the vocab tests. I even input the marks! Yay me!!!

DH will shop for Thanksgiving tomorrow morning. So tomorrow afternoon I will probably take a nap, make cornbread and work on my lines before rehearsal.

In his defense, he helps clean, and he keeps up our rental properties too.  My MIL had all her teeth pulled, and she is still in recovery mode.  I am actually cleaning the house, then leaving to go to my Mom's b/c I had already been told Thanksgiving was at my Mom's when he decided to host Thanksgiving.  I agree with the need, but would rather have both sides the family at my house at the same time.  This is why I look forward to the day when some family members peel off to do their own thing.  I think it will be soon.  We were expressing frustration, not really fighting...but he was mad that I even brought it up.

He is cooking, not me. But he makes it more difficult than it needs to be, b.c he is a narcissist and nobody can do anything as good as him (except his mother), so he wants to do everything.  Which means he leans on me hard to help him.  This is the first year, I will not be around to help. 

My in-laws have always been really great, so I don't want to be a b about it, it just is what it is.  But, if someone is hosting, it is either them or us.  I could totally get into downsizing.  2 Bathrooms instead of 3 (one less to clean).  3 bedrooms instead of 4.  No finished basement, less yard to mow (DH wants more).  Which is why staying put is a good plan.  Our taxes are high, but otherwise, we built the house to be our possible retirement home.  We now have a fenced back yard, and we have sidewalks in this neighborhood for walking the dogs.