2018 Get Organized & Declutter Your Stuff

[countrygirl2]

Oh yes, hubs and I will really miss that little baby. Hubs was

holding him, had him in bed with him last night and they were

playing. Little guy woke up really early and hubs was up so he

crawled on his lap and slept for hours yesterday'. Hubs is going

to miss him even more.  Son said dad was sure never like that with

me, hubs just didn't know how to express love, as his dad likely

did not in that manner. Son said oh well, this is good.

Sadly I will not miss DIL much, wanting me to do this, or find that, or

whatever all day long. I feel bad, but I am not anyones maid and

I'm tired. I will do whatever to keep peace though as I love our

son and its so wonderful to have him back. I have a feeling once

they are on their own he is going to give her a real talk. I'm sure

he just wanted to keep peace, as I cannot believe he has become

that easygoing. Maybe so.

Cabinets, hummm,kitchen 10 upper, most with 2 doors, lower,

7.  Laundry room next door, 2 above w/d.  Opposite, a nice sink

and countertop, with 3 upper, 3 lower, and a pantry cabinet, its

an extension of my kitchen or we would not have enough room.

We gave away stuff to son and more will go later.  I am getting

rid of more, believe me.

[TheOtherMe]

I have spent the evening going through the Christmas cards I received, sorting out the photos and letters to keep, tossing the cards that can't be recycled and the rest is now in the recycle bin.

I'm counting that as one item.

[countrygirl2]

Son said they will be down to visit and we will be up. It will be

fine when we aren't all living together. DIL did say she realized

we are not used to so many people living together. There they

did in small spaces. I doubt they had all that "stuff" though.

I can't wait to get home, get carpets and cloth furniture cleaned

and the place put back together.

This year need to paint, nothing to do with people being there,

just been 13 to 14 years since it was built and needs done.

[whoisjohngalt]

Jan 5, 2018 20:46:06 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Just out of curiousity, I counted my kitchen cupboards and drawers: 27 cupboards, four of which we only use to  display my grandmother's china. 
Nine drawers. That's an interesting thought to see how many I could empty. 

WholeLottaNothin , we have one of the adjustable bases for our bed with a Serta mattress that is designed for it. If you want the specifics, let me know. We went that route when DH had a fall off of an eight foot ladder onto a concrete slab. They are not cheap though, and we were in a fortunate financial position to be able to pay cash for one. It does help significantly with aches and pains. 


debthaven , absolutely feel free to post the challenges. I normally have time in the morning before I depart for work. However, DH's leg is in a walking cast, so he cannot drive. My chauffer-ing put a cramp in my morning routine. 

nikiz628 , welcome!

countrygirl2 , I'm sorry the grandbaby has left. I know you'll be less exhausted, but not being able to see him everyday will be hard. 


whoisjohngalt , Lena, where are you!!! 


busymom , I hope you feel better soon. 


Sharon , how've you been?

Thank you for thinking of me.  I actually got rid of two huge bags of books/curriculum that I know  I won't use with the kids.  But it seems like nothing compared to what I still have to go through!

[Sam_2.0]

Jan 4, 2018 14:55:40 GMT -5 nidena said:

The other thing that I succumbed to but have since remedied: I figured that since I had the cabinet space, I needed to fill it.  There are 23 cabinet doors in my kitchen.  Only 15 have stuff behind them; 11 out of 12 drawers have stuff in them.  I remind myself often: You don't need to fill it up just because it's there. 

This is kind of my philosophy. I refuse to buy more storage containers. We don't need more storage, we need fewer items. The things I know we need to purge get packed in cardboard. Only the things I want to keep get to stay in plastic.

[Sam_2.0]

This weekend is all about prepping plastic bags for mats, and organizing donations for the homeless outreach I am helping. It's bringing a lot more stuff into my house, which is good motivation for getting my own crap out or consolidated.

I need to organize the baby stuff that I will give SIL first pass on, and then keep the rest back for garage sale/donations. Thinking about taking it all to consignment and using the $$ to buy DS1s next wardrobe. May be my best bet.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 5, 2018 23:32:49 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

Jan 4, 2018 14:55:40 GMT -5 nidena said:

The other thing that I succumbed to but have since remedied: I figured that since I had the cabinet space, I needed to fill it.  There are 23 cabinet doors in my kitchen.  Only 15 have stuff behind them; 11 out of 12 drawers have stuff in them.  I remind myself often: You don't need to fill it up just because it's there. 

This is kind of my philosophy. I refuse to buy more storage containers. We don't need more storage, we need fewer items. The things I know we need to purge get packed in cardboard. Only the things I want to keep get to stay in plastic.

Oh! This conversation happened for us with Christmas crap! DH wanted to buy more tubs. I convinced him to wait until we took Christmas down so I could purge what I didn't love anymore. I did manage to create one empty tub. 

[startsmart]

Okay, tomorrow should be mostly sunny which is good news for the garage clean out! 

Garage Goals: 
Move out the Cadillac 
Stack up the boxes for my friend (remove labels)
Move everything for donation into Toyota 
Clean up the saw horses
Spot clean the floors 
Sand the 4 pieces of wood for kitchen trim
Paint the 4 pieces of wood for kitchen trim
Paint the quarter round trim piece for the built in 
Clear spot in front of the garage window
Add new privacy film to garage window
Cut new trim for garage window
Find at least 20 items to donate/throw away

If there's time:
Vacuum the Toyota
Take donation to Goodwill
Cut back rose bushes
Spend 30 min cleaning up the backyard 
Bring in ladder to remove canopy from bedroom

[Lizard Queen]

I've also stopped buying totes. We have a ton, and I don't want to store more stuff. I want less. Our kitchen is tiny, and we've been living without a couple cabinets since we bought the place. We have 5 drawers and 7 cabinets with doors. I'm so ready to get it redone so it's more usable.

I do have some bins in my Amazon shopping cart, waiting to pull the trigger. These are for my bedroom closet shelves that are so deep and narrow (13.5"x24.5") that storing clothes on them, and then trying to get them out, always results in their getting all over the place, spilling out of the closet.

[TheOtherMe]

Count me as another person who is no longer buying storage totes.  They only encourage me to store things, not get rid of the stuff I do not need.

[Sharon]

Today I hope to get the house back in order.  It isn't too bad but I need to keep on it.  My main goals today are a big stock up grocery run, laundry and general housework. 

I have some new software I need to be learning for work so I may need to spend some time today on tutorials.  

[nidena]

Jan 5, 2018 18:29:38 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Well, now I'm going backwards! I just picked up the items that didn't sell from the charity consignment shop so those are staying in my car so I can drop off at Goodwill this weekend. 

But the good news is that someone I know is moving and wants the huge stack of boxes and bags of packing material that I've got taking up room in my garage so WIN. I hope to get some cleaning done in the garage this weekend but it's going to depend on the weather. THere's a leak in the window seal of my convertible so I can't leave it outside in rainy weather for too long.

I need to box up or move the scrapbooks on my nightstand to make a little more room. I laid out the things I use every day (deodorant, toner, perfume, etc) on a nice little tray so it's all corralled but I also need to set up something similar in the bathroom for face cleaner and such. 

You're going backwards ONLY if they go back in the house.  

[nidena]

Jan 5, 2018 23:32:49 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

Jan 4, 2018 14:55:40 GMT -5 nidena said:

The other thing that I succumbed to but have since remedied: I figured that since I had the cabinet space, I needed to fill it.  There are 23 cabinet doors in my kitchen.  Only 15 have stuff behind them; 11 out of 12 drawers have stuff in them.  I remind myself often: You don't need to fill it up just because it's there. 

This is kind of my philosophy. I refuse to buy more storage containers. We don't need more storage, we need fewer items. The things I know we need to purge get packed in cardboard. Only the things I want to keep get to stay in plastic.

And this is why I'm kind of glad that I don't have a garage.  Yeah, it sucks that I have to park my vehicle outside but, when you think about it, how many folks park outside BECAUSE their garage is full?  Too many that I know. 

I had an aunt who had a storage unit for 10 years.  She had no job so she couldn't afford to get her own place and was living at my grandma's.  She paid $100/mo/10 years.  For that amount, she could have sold everything in the unit, saved that $100/mo, and bought newer stuff if she ever did find a place to live.  I mean, if it's been so long since you've been to the storage site, that you can't remember what's there, YOU DON'T NEED IT.

[ilovedolphins]

I also am not buying any more totes.  The more I can get empty and out of my house the happier I will be.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Peter Walsh's #31Days2Organized

Day 6

Put Away the Holiday Decorations

Don't be the person who has them up in March!

[tcu2003]

Jan 6, 2018 12:19:56 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Peter Walsh's #31Days2Organized

Day 6

Put Away the Holiday Decorations

Don't be the person who has them up in March!

Lol, this is in our list for today even before reading this one.

[ilovedolphins]

I just got my Christmas stuff put away.

[nidena]

Jan 6, 2018 12:19:56 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Peter Walsh's #31Days2Organized

Day 6

Put Away the Holiday Decorations

Don't be the person who has them up in March!

This is the easiest one for me 'cause I'm Buddhist.  

[CCL]

Jan 5, 2018 23:39:25 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

This weekend is all about prepping plastic bags for mats, and organizing donations for the homeless outreach I am helping. It's bringing a lot more stuff into my house, which is good motivation for getting my own crap out or consolidated.

I need to organize the baby stuff that I will give SIL first pass on, and then keep the rest back for garage sale/donations. Thinking about taking it all to consignment and using the $$ to buy DS1s next wardrobe. May be my best bet.

The "rule" I created for myself is, if I have a pretty good option to get it out of the house and be done with it, it's going, lol. If I think I can get some money for it, then it moves to the top of my to-do list.

[busymom]

Usually we take down the tree around January 1st, but since I've been sick DD & I have been working on that project today.  I really appreciate the help, as I'm still not feeling good.  I think I pushed myself too hard yesterday, as it was my first "good" day (that is, until I got sick in the middle of last night, & slept in late this morning).     But, we're going through things, & putting things away in an organized fashion in the new tote boxes.  

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 6, 2018 12:11:49 GMT -5 nidena said:

Jan 5, 2018 23:32:49 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

This is kind of my philosophy. I refuse to buy more storage containers. We don't need more storage, we need fewer items. The things I know we need to purge get packed in cardboard. Only the things I want to keep get to stay in plastic.

And this is why I'm kind of glad that I don't have a garage.  Yeah, it sucks that I have to park my vehicle outside but, when you think about it, how many folks park outside BECAUSE their garage is full?  Too many that I know. 

I had an aunt who had a storage unit for 10 years.  She had no job so she couldn't afford to get her own place and was living at my grandma's.  She paid $100/mo/10 years.  For that amount, she could have sold everything in the unit, saved that $100/mo, and bought newer stuff if she ever did find a place to live.  I mean, if it's been so long since you've been to the storage site, that you can't remember what's there, YOU DON'T NEED IT.

I have never understood people who keep so much stuff in their garage that a car won't fit in it.

That is something I have never done and don't think I ever will.  I was taught well by my parents.  

[startsmart]

Taking a lunch break from working in the garage. 25 items are gone (boxes and packing materials) so I'll update my total at the end of the day since I think I can find 20 more things for donation. 

I did get the window trim on the garage window installed (not painted) and the window film installed. Next up is getting rid of 4 closet doors that have been taking up room in my garage for way too long. 

[chapeau]

10 things out of the fridge, for a grand total of 10! so far in 2018. I need to create a signature line tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll have a few more things to add the total by then.

[nidena]

Got my new computer setup and all the passwords and bookmarks transferred over--thank you, Chrome!  The kitties have been having fun inspecting the empty box.  Tomorrow, there'll be another empty box when I unpack the second monitor and get it setup as well.  What a difference it is, going from 17" to 23".  Size matters!  lol.  I also love the fact that, since it's a desktop and not a laptop, the keyboard is independent of the screen.  Winning!  Now just need to get used to the new keyboard.


I also moved the empty lingerie chest into the spare bedroom.  I love that piece of furniture, so won't get rid of it, but it's not currently in use so it's out of my bedroom.  Went through the closet in the bathroom and emptied a few boxes.  One was a lotion and potion giftset so I dispersed those items to their respective baskets already in existence in the closet, another had three unused lipsticks and a unopened toothbrush in it.  The lipsticks got lumped in with the ones I already own and the toothbrush got put with the toothpaste.  For whatever reason, I still had the box that my straightener came in.  I've had the straightener for more than a decade and have never put it back in the box.  Smh.  It feels good to have that closet and my bedroom straightened up.

Once it gets out of the teens, during daylight hours, I'll get the donations over to the Goodwill.  That should be Monday or Tuesday.

[Deleted]

Been hard keeping up with regular cleaning the last few days so nothing super big. I did decide that I’m going to unsubscribe to several things a day. When I had to switch emails it was so nice not to have all that ad based email. 

Do people keep a second email just for crap? Anyway, I did do some of that toady. 

[nidena]

Want to save time on laundry?  Don't wash after only one wearing.  Put it back in the drawer/closet.  (Granted this is easier to enforce with just yourself but...)  My BFF has three kids and a hubby.  All of them are old enough to do their own laundry so she does only hers.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 6, 2018 22:11:29 GMT -5 oped said:

Been hard keeping up with regular cleaning the last few days so nothing super big. I did decide that I’m going to unsubscribe to several things a day. When I had to switch emails it was so nice not to have all that ad based email. 

Do people keep a second email just for crap? Anyway, I did do some of that toady. 

I'm one of those annoying people who has a DH'sname.Myname email. DH has no interest in managing his own email. He reads that email account daily, but he cannot be held responsible for anything requiring a response. That way, I don't feel like I'm lying to people when they email him and I respond. 

I also run a myname.DH'sname email. DH knows it exists, but he doesn't check it. I have most of the junk mail go there. 




I also use this site to keep junk mail out of my email accounts. 

[dee27]

I have wire shelves in the bathroom, linen closet, and I use the lidded, plastic boxes that lock in place to store toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrushes, and travel sized lotions. This way nothing falls through the shelves, and the bars of soap stored on the bottom shelf do not transfer scent to anything else. I use baskets to hold washcloths since they take up less room than stacking them.

[bean29]

Well, my DS decided he is moving out. Took the mattress from the garage, frame, comforter etc, the hedgehog, and miscl. Clothes. We want him to stay, but his mind is made up. DH came home with a puppy so, every item DS moved out was replaced by puppy toys, food, treats etc.

[bean29]

I use baskets in the bathroom too, but you can get plastic shelf liner from home depot to cover the shelves. I have it in pantry, I dont think I have it in the bathrooms. You might have to online order it. Closet Maid is brand name I think