2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[debthaven]

Today's oops two ... DH was digging around in his basement Stuff and found a bag he didn't recognize ... this time it's DD's Stuff that she got rid of several years ago.

CLEARLY my kids need to be reminded that we don't just stuff we don't want anymore in the basement without telling me about it.

It's in my car now, I'll drop it at the donation bin tomorrow.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 27, 2018 19:54:42 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Today's oops two ... DH was digging around in his basement Stuff and found a bag he didn't recognize ... this time it's DD's Stuff that she got rid of several years ago.

CLEARLY my kids need to be reminded that we don't just stuff we don't want anymore in the basement without telling me about it.

It's in my car now, I'll drop it at the donation bin tomorrow.

[nidena]

I want to say thank you for how helpful it's been to participate on this board.  Before school started, it helped me to list and prioritize the various tasks and errands that needed to be done around the house.  Now that school has begun, and I'm having to keep track of six classes, it's been an even larger asset in my (nearly) daily life.  The challenge of keeping classes straight is made more difficult by the fact that two of my instructors each teach two of my classes so, where before I could track homework not only by the class but by who the instructor was, I can't do that now.  The lists that I began making when I first joined the board have helped "see" just what is do and better plan for when I can do it.
Outside of that, I really enjoy reading all the things that everyone is tackling in their own lives.  Keep up the determination and good work!  

[ambellamy]

Jan 27, 2018 17:58:40 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Jan 27, 2018 11:42:21 GMT -5 ambellamy said:

Is there a website you can use to estimate your taxes with the new tables... compare apples with apples? (I use Turbo Tax)

I use Turbo Tax.  Will not need to buy in future.

I did it by a spreadsheet as my situation is extremely simple with no itemized deductions.  I took my income (pension, state tax refund and interest), subtracted standard deduction.  Used that amount to look up tax rate.  Did calculation.  Withholding the way it was using tables will not cover it.  

I am keeping track of itemized expenses just in case.  I don't see how I will go over the standard deduction.

My state uses federal AGI.  So far, they have not made any changes.  For the state, I just made sure I am paying in as much as I do this year.  If I owe, I don't want any penalty.

Dang... I"m in California and I can't figure out how to do my state return, which is why I pay for turbo tax. The year I tried to do my state and federal without the software, I couldn't get the numbers to match what turbo tax was giving me... they kept saving me SOOOOO much more then when I was doing it by hand that I just gave up years ago and went the turbo tax route. Next year, since we will only have two W2, plus interest and probably taking the standard deductions, I might try to free file online... but who knows... 

[ambellamy]

Well, we got the other giant wardrobe built today with doors and everything. We forgot to buy hinges at Ikea the first time... so we had to go back today. The store clerk saved us $20 buy having us buy 3 4 packs instead of 4 three packs for hinges... and then since we bought a knight stand and some organizers, the sales clerk at check out was like, do you have this coupon?

Hubs without missing a beat say, "well yes we do, it's in your hand..." and with a smile, she scanned it saving us another $25. 

But the cool thing, we emptied 6 bankers boxes and tossed out a lot of junk. I keep thinking to myself... why, why did we pack this Hubs tossed out his Tartus cookie jar.... we weeded through some knick nacks... and organized... It was a great day for cleaning out and trashing drawers.

Tomorrow after church, we are going to build the final 1/2 wardrobe, put the shelves in and unload the last 6 bankers boxes... then everything from the move will be unpacked except for the Wii and some stuff that will be going in the living room, when we build the living room entertainment center.

[countrygirl2]

Our bedroom is so neat and clean as is the bathroom, painting helps you go through things

and organize and delete.

Took a few clothes items and a book or 2 to the drop off place today, not much.  Bought

more paint, frogtape, and roller covers.

Found the one sheer I bought for MIL's old house, had the wrong size for one, so will get

those up tomorrow and the topper in the laundry room, only leaves one panel I'm waiting

on for the kitchen.

Got my truck and cleared stuff out of it, but need to clean the inside good, after this

weather, its dirty inside.

[debthaven]

Now that school has begun, and I'm having to keep track of six classes, it's been an even larger asset in my (nearly) daily life.

nidena I'm an adjunct at two business schools. I teach a bunch of different classes at my main job. I keep track by color-coding EVERYTHING for that school: my binders, folders, transparent files, highlighters, even my post-it notes. Could that help you? For example EVERYTHING for my first-year classes is green, my second-year classes are blue, my MSc classes are yellow, my public speaking class is red, etc.

I only teach one class at the second school so I don't need to use that level of detail, but that binder is pink.

[nidena]

Jan 28, 2018 5:14:36 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Now that school has begun, and I'm having to keep track of six classes, it's been an even larger asset in my (nearly) daily life.

nidena I'm an adjunct at two business schools. I teach a bunch of different classes at my main job. I keep track by color-coding EVERYTHING for that school: my binders, folders, transparent files, highlighters, even my post-it notes. Could that help you? For example EVERYTHING for my first-year classes is green, my second-year classes are blue, my MSc classes are yellow, my public speaking class is red, etc.

I only teach one class at the second school so I don't need to use that level of detail, but that binder is pink.

I don't need to employ color coding but I do have a lot of separation: every class gets a different notebook, all the books and notepads for M/W/F are stacked together in one pile and the T/Th are in another and I swap those out each day.  Last term, I used two different bags but I haven't been able to find a second bag, that I like, for this term.  I have only one "keeper" that I use for all the classes.  I can't think of what it is actually called.  It's a leather book that is intended to hold one pad of letter-size paper.  It holds my pen, pencil, and large eraser.  

The biggest help will be for me to find a second bag.  Then I won't have to worry about swapping anything 'cause it will hold the utensils needed for those classes.

[Lizard Queen]

That's exactly what I did, with the different bags for MWF and T-Th classes. I also made up a spreadsheet in excel with all the due dates put into a sort of calendar format. Each weekday was a row, and the columns were the different classes. I would put whatever thing was due in the corresponding cell. This worked extremely well for me, and it had been something I've always struggled with previously.

[debthaven]

I have two school bags too: one for Mon, one for Tues/Wed/Thurs.

Went to see A, went to the donation bin, went to the bottle bank.

The basement might not look great but it definitely looks better. There's not much more I can do down there until DS3 and I sort through his old school stuff. I'm going to build the 3 boxes and put them on the shelves so no one else uses that shelf space.  

[dogmom]

Yesterday I did get through a box of old paperwork.  So, down one, a few more to go.  (Old married people seem to save everything).

Did change slipcovers in the living room.  (want one more year out of the couch and loveseat).  Did some dusting.  Got RID of the old slipcovers (years old and really did need to go after multiple cleanings)  Looks nicer.  I have another box of old files, staged and ready to go thru next.  Sorted the pantry and will menu plan for the oldest things.  Nothing expired.  Some meals should be pretty interesting.

A couple of weeks ago, I had changed the shower curtain and curtain in the bathroom.  I got the shower curtain (new) at a garage sale.  You get what you pay for.  It was really flimsy.  Didn't like the look, had washed the old one (that I did like), so, yep, swapped it back.  Washed the newer one, but it's now in donation.

Paid a bunch of bills. 

Been keeping occupied.  Congratulations on all of your hard work.  It's nice to hear about people keeping with their goals.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 27, 2018 23:40:49 GMT -5 ambellamy said:

Jan 27, 2018 17:58:40 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I use Turbo Tax.  Will not need to buy in future.

I did it by a spreadsheet as my situation is extremely simple with no itemized deductions.  I took my income (pension, state tax refund and interest), subtracted standard deduction.  Used that amount to look up tax rate.  Did calculation.  Withholding the way it was using tables will not cover it.  

I am keeping track of itemized expenses just in case.  I don't see how I will go over the standard deduction.

My state uses federal AGI.  So far, they have not made any changes.  For the state, I just made sure I am paying in as much as I do this year.  If I owe, I don't want any penalty.

Dang... I"m in California and I can't figure out how to do my state return, which is why I pay for turbo tax. The year I tried to do my state and federal without the software, I couldn't get the numbers to match what turbo tax was giving me... they kept saving me SOOOOO much more then when I was doing it by hand that I just gave up years ago and went the turbo tax route. Next year, since we will only have two W2, plus interest and probably taking the standard deductions, I might try to free file online... but who knows... 

I'm not in California.  When I prepared tax returns, myself and my co-workers dreaded when we had to prepare a California return.  

I am happy I won't have the cost of Turbo tax.  I think I will have to pay to get the state e-filed like I do now.

[seriousthistime]

Jan 27, 2018 23:40:49 GMT -5 ambellamy said:

Jan 27, 2018 17:58:40 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I use Turbo Tax.  Will not need to buy in future.

I did it by a spreadsheet as my situation is extremely simple with no itemized deductions.  I took my income (pension, state tax refund and interest), subtracted standard deduction.  Used that amount to look up tax rate.  Did calculation.  Withholding the way it was using tables will not cover it.  

I am keeping track of itemized expenses just in case.  I don't see how I will go over the standard deduction.

My state uses federal AGI.  So far, they have not made any changes.  For the state, I just made sure I am paying in as much as I do this year.  If I owe, I don't want any penalty.

Dang... I"m in California and I can't figure out how to do my state return, which is why I pay for turbo tax. The year I tried to do my state and federal without the software, I couldn't get the numbers to match what turbo tax was giving me... they kept saving me SOOOOO much more then when I was doing it by hand that I just gave up years ago and went the turbo tax route. Next year, since we will only have two W2, plus interest and probably taking the standard deductions, I might try to free file online... but who knows... 

I use TaxAct.  It said I couldn't file my California return yet because the State has not finalized a form yet (or something like that).  Just get your federal return filed now, and keep checking in with Turbo Tax. 

[moneysquirrel]

Good morning all.  You have been very busy indeed.  I hit somewhat of a slump and need to get back on track.  I have been keeping busy but it seems as if I am spinning my wheels because I see so much I want to do.  The dank dreary weather doesn't help because then I just want to curl up with a book and read or nap.

This week I did get back into exercise and managed to get a few things done in the house.  Not much but a few.  I am working on maintaining the progress already made and trying to slowly work up a routine to add a new thing every now and then.  I also started my volunteer work -- teaching a computer class one hour a week at a program of enrichment activities for seniors.  I am allowed to take classes there as well and will take one with a possibility of a second one later.

I am continuing to work my way through the pantry/freezer for meals as a way to work out the items there. Plus it keeps me out of the grocery except for needed items.  It is beginning to get bare so I know I will have a large trip coming soon.  It will be better once the oven is repaired (scheduled for Tuesday) as I have a few things I would like to bake.  Have been without it for almost a month so I have been using the stove top, crock pot, microwave, etc and picking up things at the grocery or eating out.  

I am continuing to work my way through the list of items to make for the craft shows as well as adding items to the list.  My first show of the season is in the beginning of April and I need to add a few more spring items and colors to the items I have.  I picked up some nice stones with a touch of coral and beige in them -- trying to decide how I want to design them.

I have not add to the items out of the house this week except for adding a few items into the box.  I hope to get to school this week and then will get the four totes emptied and ready for a refill.  At this point I can't add more to this drop off because that amount is the most I can carry.

Have a good week. 

[gooddecisions]

On January 1, I started my toy room transformation. This room is 9.5'x 20' and is right off the kitchen. I've been using it as an off stage excuse for 4 years and just shut the door on the toy mess.

I emptied it out, painted it, replaced the carpet, hired an electrician, bought a 10 ft counter, 2 18" base cabinets, a new sofa, a 65" tv, 3 counter height stools and now the room is amazing. My girls have a homework/craft counter and a nice place to play. The closet holds all their toys and the drawers hold all their craft supplies. Plus I put up 3 cork boards above the counter and key hooks to hang small galvanized buckets for supplies and now they have their own customized work space.

I finally don't have to close the door!

[debthaven]

That sounds amazing gooddecisions!

[hopetoberich]

I will be cleaning out the car today. I hand wash it and that's due to its warm enough outside.
Inside im treading water.

[chapeau]

Jan 27, 2018 17:00:49 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 26, 2018 22:19:56 GMT -5 chapeau said:

In preparation for taxes, I went through several folders of bills, papers, etc and shredded 2 bags today. Still have more to do. DH hasn’t even given me his business receipts yet. I usually find a grocery bag Rory’s ofvthings he wants to deduct that are just wishful thinking.

Just out of curiosity, what happened typing-wise here? I only ask because that's DD#2's name! 

Darned autocorrect. I fixed it eventually. DH is very optimistic about what all can be deducted tax-wise.

I like Rory as a name, though. Not one you hear all the tone!

[debthaven]

My marking starts up again as of Tues, so that's it for the house projects for now. I'm happy to help DH organize his basement Stuff but that's it.

I built the 3 boxes for DS3's school stuff and placed them on the new shelves to "save" the space. DS3 will be home again in March. We'll go through his 5 boxes of school Stuff then, to get it down to 2 or 3 boxes.

They are starting the work on the house tomorrow. That's 2-3 weeks of digging up the garden, then 2 days for the resin injections. Please wish me luck people. Of course I'm very happy it's finally getting repaired but I'm also dreading the disruption and the muddy mess until the lawn grows back. So I also need to save my time/energy to deal with that.

One day at a time. 

DS2 and his GF are going into town tomorrow, and coming back here on Tues.

[startsmart]

I got home about 1am this morning, slept for a couple hours and then stocked up on groceries and picked up the dogs at the kennel. Two weeks away from home and it's SO GOOD to be back! 

So far today I've emptied the car, put away about half my things from the trip, started meal prep (done: chicken sausages, brussel sprouts, potatoes, butternut squash) and emptied half the dishwasher. 

My lawn is looking amazing in the front so I just need to pull a few weeds and mow it once we have a couple days of sunshine. The back yard is starting to recover but I have a lot more work to do out there. 

Sunday tasks to complete: 
finish meal prep 
-lettuce for salads
-chicken meatballs
-carrots
Meal plan for the week
Finish putting away clothes
Do 2 loads of laundry
Start going through paperwork
Pack up belated xmas gift for LL to mail
Update my books read 

[moneysquirrel]

gooddecisions -- I want a room like that for my craft room. Your girls are going to love working in there.


startsmart -- Welcome back.

nidena -- sounds like you have an organizational system that works for you.  Keeping your list here is a good way to keep track of things.  I do it often.

debthaven -- Will be thinking of you as the work begins on your house and as you begin the grading ordeals again.  Good job on creating place holders (boxes) for the shelves for your DS3. 

[TheOtherMe]

debthaven   Will be thinking of you with the house.  I am like you when it comes to disruptions.

[dee27]

Jan 28, 2018 13:24:14 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

On January 1, I started my toy room transformation. This room is 9.5'x 20' and is right off the kitchen. I've been using it as an off stage excuse for 4 years and just shut the door on the toy mess.

I emptied it out, painted it, replaced the carpet, hired an electrician, bought a 10 ft counter, 2 18" base cabinets, a new sofa, a 65" tv, 3 counter height stools and now the room is amazing. My girls have a homework/craft counter and a nice place to play. The closet holds all their toys and the drawers hold all their craft supplies. Plus I put up 3 cork boards above the counter and key hooks to hang small galvanized buckets for supplies and now they have their own customized work space.

I finally don't have to close the door!

Can you post a picture?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 28, 2018 13:24:14 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

On January 1, I started my toy room transformation. This room is 9.5'x 20' and is right off the kitchen. I've been using it as an off stage excuse for 4 years and just shut the door on the toy mess.

I emptied it out, painted it, replaced the carpet, hired an electrician, bought a 10 ft counter, 2 18" base cabinets, a new sofa, a 65" tv, 3 counter height stools and now the room is amazing. My girls have a homework/craft counter and a nice place to play. The closet holds all their toys and the drawers hold all their craft supplies. Plus I put up 3 cork boards above the counter and key hooks to hang small galvanized buckets for supplies and now they have their own customized work space.

I finally don't have to close the door!

Pictures!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 28, 2018 19:21:55 GMT -5 dee27 said:

Jan 28, 2018 13:24:14 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

On January 1, I started my toy room transformation. This room is 9.5'x 20' and is right off the kitchen. I've been using it as an off stage excuse for 4 years and just shut the door on the toy mess.

I emptied it out, painted it, replaced the carpet, hired an electrician, bought a 10 ft counter, 2 18" base cabinets, a new sofa, a 65" tv, 3 counter height stools and now the room is amazing. My girls have a homework/craft counter and a nice place to play. The closet holds all their toys and the drawers hold all their craft supplies. Plus I put up 3 cork boards above the counter and key hooks to hang small galvanized buckets for supplies and now they have their own customized work space.

I finally don't have to close the door!

Can you post a picture?

Hah! Jinx!

[nidena]

Jan 24, 2018 14:37:48 GMT -5 nidena said:

Jan 22, 2018 15:31:50 GMT -5 nidena said:

Combo for today and tomorrow:

Get recorded copy of shared driveway to refi company ASAP
Macro homework due Tues
Bus Comm homework due Wed
Branding homework due Thurs
Gym
Book Club
Ship Stitch Fix rejects by 25th
Ship flour to PA friend
Re-Ship pkg to IN
Ship niece's toys
Review slides for Bus Ethics presentation on Friday

Carrying the remainder over to the next couple days. 

I think I skipped this update

[nidena]

Jan 25, 2018 21:38:30 GMT -5 nidena said:

For this weekend:

Ship niece's toys (though this might just have to wait until after the 1st)
Timeline for Env Ethics project/paper
Macro hw
Review case study for Branding
Complete Branding hw
Review Prod/Oper Mgmt topics for Tuesday
Write incident report

With working both days this weekend, I didn't get to much from this list.  BUT...I can add that I DID complete my tutor reports for all my tutees last week.  Yay!

[gooddecisions]

Jan 28, 2018 19:21:57 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 28, 2018 13:24:14 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

On January 1, I started my toy room transformation. This room is 9.5'x 20' and is right off the kitchen. I've been using it as an off stage excuse for 4 years and just shut the door on the toy mess.

I emptied it out, painted it, replaced the carpet, hired an electrician, bought a 10 ft counter, 2 18" base cabinets, a new sofa, a 65" tv, 3 counter height stools and now the room is amazing. My girls have a homework/craft counter and a nice place to play. The closet holds all their toys and the drawers hold all their craft supplies. Plus I put up 3 cork boards above the counter and key hooks to hang small galvanized buckets for supplies and now they have their own customized work space.

I finally don't have to close the door!

Pictures!

Do you still need to do that through Photobucket or has photo posting gotten easier?

I'm super proud of this successful pinterest outcome. I must have looked at hundreds of toy room/tv room/homework rooms. I also installed shallow book ledges for a reading nook and a low mirror for their dress up clothes.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 28, 2018 20:33:37 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

Jan 28, 2018 19:21:57 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Pictures!

Do you still need to do that through Photobucket or has photo posting gotten easier?

I'm super proud of this successful pinterest outcome. I must have looked at hundreds of toy room/tv room/homework rooms. I also installed shallow book ledges for a reading nook and a low mirror for their dress up clothes.

Put the Tapatalk app on your phone. It’s tricky to navigate the board, but the picture upload is the easiest one I’ve ever had.

[Jaguar]

Jan 28, 2018 20:33:37 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

Jan 28, 2018 19:21:57 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Pictures!

Do you still need to do that through Photobucket or has photo posting gotten easier?

I'm super proud of this successful pinterest outcome. I must have looked at hundreds of toy room/tv room/homework rooms. I also installed shallow book ledges for a reading nook and a low mirror for their dress up clothes.

Photobucket now charges $400us a year for what used to be the free account, ProBoards recommends hosting your images on village.photos/ or following Knee Deep in Water Chloe post above.