2019 - Organize Your Life & Declutter Your Stuff

[countrygirl2]

It may not be a lot but like yesterday, I got rid of a purse, couple pair of shoes, a sweater.  Some toys of DD's

I got rid of a big pile of kitchen stuff to the folks whose house burned. As time goes on more will go.  there will be a day I will offer all my canning goods to someone on our canning forum. I doubt I will be doing it many more years, but will use it long as I can.  I hate to think about it, that in time I will no longer be able to do this or that.  I want to be realistic and downsize over time and not leave everything till to late.  I guess I will find out, LOL!

[tcu2003]

Peter Walsh’s 31 Days to Get Organized Challenge:


Day 1 -Set up a donation bin. And, everyone in your house finds 5 items to place in the bin.

Day 2 - Shoes. Gather all of your shoes up from your closet. If they have dust on them, don’t fit, etc, put them in your donate bin. Only keep shoes you love, wear, and that fit you well.

Day 3 - Home Safety. Being organized is not just about closets and files, it's also about ensuring the best life for you and your family. The New Year is a great time to check smoke detectors in your home. Make this your 10 minute challenge for the day and make your family a little safer in the process!

Day 4 - This year’s challenge Mantra is “No more later” aka stop procrastinating. Today's challenge is to contact someone, preferably by phone, that you’ve been putting off. It could be a friend, family member, for more coworker, etc, but do it today!

Day 5 - The Junk Drawer.

Day 6 - Holiday Decorations. The holidays are over and it's time for the decorations to come down.

Day 7 - Bathroom cabinets! Pick one bathroom cabinet, and get rid of anything too old, expired or you don’t use, and put everything away in its proper space.

Day 8 - Plastic Food Storage Containers.

Day 9 - Hanging Clothes. In his video, he says that anything that has dust on it needs to go.

Day 10 - the mail. If you have mail pretty much all over your house then today's the day we're going to get that sorted out.

Day 11 - under the sink.

Day 12 - Clear out old magazines, catalogs, flyers, etc.

Day 13 - Gift wrap

Day 14 - space underneath your bed

Day 15 - Getting the fridge & freezer organized.

Day 16 - "The Lower Third Technique"! (For those notmwatchint the videos on Facebook, it’s basically to take a stack or pile of clothing and focus on the bottom 1/3 of the stack, as you’ll likely find you can donate most of that part of the pile).

Day 17 - Bills & Receipts.

Day 18 - back in the kitchen dealing with the cupboard that holds your cups and mugs.

Day 19 - Today I challenge you to tackle just one small area of your garage... it's all about just getting started!

Day 20 - has us back in the kitchen with a challenge about keeping flat surfaces clear.

Day 21 - Books (Don't start screaming yet)! This is always an emotional topic! I love books too but if your books are never going to be read and are covered in dust, perhaps today's the day to deal with them.

Day 22 - Linen Cupboard. Towels, sheets, blankets and more!

Day 23 - all about your "unmentionables"... and your socks too! Let's go where no other organizer will go... ten minutes and you'll be amazed at the result!

Day 24 of #31Days2GetOrganized has us dealing with cleaning products. If cleaning products are your thing, today's challenge is the one for you! This challenge is all about taming those cleaning products that are hiding deep in the recesses of your laundry cupboards. #Laundry #CleaningProducts #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

#31Days2GetOrganized

[startsmart]

I've got a few hours to decide whether I am staying home this weekend or going to see my grandma. She's not doing well (has been on hospice since October) and it's uncertain if she'll make it to her birthday which is 19 days away (when I planned to visit her). I would like to see her again but the only difficulty is driving 6-7 hours in one day and leaving my dogs at my parent's place (where I would likely spend the night). Lots of stress if that's what I decide. Grandma will be 99 in February and is my last living grandparent which is all the more reason to go. 

I'm going to sleep on the decision. 

[nidena]

startsmart, everyone has their way for all of it so I totally get it.

I also have no children so there is literally no point for me to keep anything beyond my own use.  The circa 1950s books that I had--that were my mom's--have already been passed on to my brother for my toddler niece.  She's a little young for softback chapter books.  I'm sure there is some stuff in my hope(less) chest that I will also pass on to them but there is no point for me to keep anything that I don't get current enjoyment out of.  Plus, my move will take me from the East Coast (Dela-where?) to the Midwest (Iowa or Indiana; or Iowa then Indiana) and I'm not lugging hundreds of pounds of books--that are easily replaced--with me.  Like you, though, I will keep the ones I love and the ones that may be hard to replace.

[debthaven]

This weekend
- mark 25 essays/Fri
- mark 12 essays/Sat+Sun
- afternoon rehearsal/Sat

I marked 2/3 of the essays. I'm relieved because I'll be out tomorrow afternoon and evening. 

Dishwasher run and emptied. Laundry done and folded.

DH went to a concert tonight. I opted out so I asked A to have dinner. She said she wasn't feeling well. So I WON'T get up early tomorrow to see her before rehearsal, I'll do more marking instead. DH has rehearsal all day next Sun (NEXT weekend) so I'll see her then.

[ohmomto2boys]

The dumpster was hauled away this morning.  We got rid of some stuff in the basement and it feels great!
Bathroom will be done today - they need to grout, set toilet, hang mirror, change light switches and outlet, and add handles to cabinet.  It looks amazing so far.  I'm not sure how to post a picture, but I will try on Monday.

[countrygirl2]

I got my office straightened.  I still have some papers to create files for. I need to go through my file cabinet and purge too. Yesterday I threw away a bunch of emptied boxes from the basement.

Today going to go through drawers in my dresser and a couple of boxes.  I will look through by closet and cull out some things.  Just a bit at a time will work.

[TheOtherMe]

It's cleaning day!  The 3 women are to be here in the next 90 minutes.  

I have learned with having 1 cleaning person in my house for 3 hours, I really don't like them here that long.  With the three women, they were not here an hour last time.  That's easier on me, too.  

By the end of the 3rd hour, I would tell them they didn't need to do anything else.  I just wanted my house back.  #IntrovertProblems

[countrygirl2]

If someone cleaned mine they could clean long as they wanted.  I would be thrilled.

[Iggy aka IG]

startsmart and anyone else needing one.

[sheilaincali]

I haven't updated lately because we haven't done a ton of work on the house/decluttering thing this week.

I have a friend coming by tomorrow to pick up the Boy's old bedroom furniture for her son. The Boy decided he didn't want a queen sized bed in the new house- he wanted a twin so he'd have more room for his computer. SO he had a twin bed shoved in the corner and a HUGE desk/table for his system. Granted he was in college already when we moved and has now given me the OK to turn his room into a guest room. He'll most likely be in Ohio this summer and only return for a visit next Christmas. (we'll see him before then but he won't be living with us again).

Anyhoo- I'll be able to get rid of bed frame, mattress, nightstand, dresser and the bedding since we will no longer need twin sized bedding. The new bed frame, mattress, etc is ready to be put in place as soon as she picks up the old stuff.

The Hubs is traveling for work next week so he's promised to get a couple of projects done around the house this weekend. We need to install the new kitchen countertops and FINALLY finish the guest bathroom. He's a month into that particular project. Grrrrr

[TheOtherMe]

My house is clean and it feels so good.  They did tell me it wasn't nearly as dirty as last time.  

I am doing some weekly chores and I think that is helping, along with the decluttering.

It's snowing again, as well as being -2

[tcu2003]

Peter Walsh’s 31 Days to Get Organized Challenge:


Day 1 -Set up a donation bin. And, everyone in your house finds 5 items to place in the bin.

Day 2 - Shoes. Gather all of your shoes up from your closet. If they have dust on them, don’t fit, etc, put them in your donate bin. Only keep shoes you love, wear, and that fit you well.

Day 3 - Home Safety. Being organized is not just about closets and files, it's also about ensuring the best life for you and your family. The New Year is a great time to check smoke detectors in your home. Make this your 10 minute challenge for the day and make your family a little safer in the process!

Day 4 - This year’s challenge Mantra is “No more later” aka stop procrastinating. Today's challenge is to contact someone, preferably by phone, that you’ve been putting off. It could be a friend, family member, for more coworker, etc, but do it today!

Day 5 - The Junk Drawer.

Day 6 - Holiday Decorations. The holidays are over and it's time for the decorations to come down.

Day 7 - Bathroom cabinets! Pick one bathroom cabinet, and get rid of anything too old, expired or you don’t use, and put everything away in its proper space.

Day 8 - Plastic Food Storage Containers.

Day 9 - Hanging Clothes. In his video, he says that anything that has dust on it needs to go.

Day 10 - the mail. If you have mail pretty much all over your house then today's the day we're going to get that sorted out.

Day 11 - under the sink.

Day 12 - Clear out old magazines, catalogs, flyers, etc.

Day 13 - Gift wrap

Day 14 - space underneath your bed

Day 15 - Getting the fridge & freezer organized.

Day 16 - "The Lower Third Technique"! (For those notmwatchint the videos on Facebook, it’s basically to take a stack or pile of clothing and focus on the bottom 1/3 of the stack, as you’ll likely find you can donate most of that part of the pile).

Day 17 - Bills & Receipts.

Day 18 - back in the kitchen dealing with the cupboard that holds your cups and mugs.

Day 19 - Today I challenge you to tackle just one small area of your garage... it's all about just getting started!

Day 20 - has us back in the kitchen with a challenge about keeping flat surfaces clear.

Day 21 - Books (Don't start screaming yet)! This is always an emotional topic! I love books too but if your books are never going to be read and are covered in dust, perhaps today's the day to deal with them.

Day 22 - Linen Cupboard. Towels, sheets, blankets and more!

Day 23 - all about your "unmentionables"... and your socks too! Let's go where no other organizer will go... ten minutes and you'll be amazed at the result!

Day 24 - cleaning products.

Day 25 of #31Days2GetOrganized is all about that drawer (or container) in your kitchen where you keep your kitchen utensils. No - you haven't used that melon baller since 2002 and you know it! Today it's about the kitchen utensil and gizmos area. I'd love to hear what makes the cut and what ends up in your donation box. #KitchenOrganization #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

#31Days2GetOrganized

[mollyanna58]

Day 25 of #31Days2GetOrganized is all about that drawer (or container) in your kitchen where you keep your kitchen utensils. No - you haven't used that melon baller since 2002 and you know it! Today it's about the kitchen utensil and gizmos area. I'd love to hear what makes the cut and what ends up in your donation box. #KitchenOrganization #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

Maybe I will do that tonight. I did poke through the drawer recently and threw out a couple of things, but I should take everything out and consider each item.

Things that are rarely used, like the pastry cutter and pizza cutter, are in a small container in a cabinet.

[debthaven]

sheilaincali we turned DS2's room into DH's office/a guest room last fall. DS2 (30) hasn't really lived here since he left for college, but it was a mission to get him to go through his things. He bought an apartment last year but he/his GF still sleep here sometimes. I said he could keep anything he wants (including his drum set) but he had to go through everything. He finally did, and got rid of about 75%. I was happy.  

Hurray ohmomto2boys ! I'd love to see photos.

TheOtherMe I think having 3 strangers in my house for 1 hour would bother me more than having 1 stranger for 3 hours LOL. But I know we are all different.   I'm so glad your house is clean and you're happy with them! How often will they come? I think it's once a month?

[countrygirl2]

I am just chipping away, no big plans just keeping at it.  I just went through all my dresser drawers and took out half a trash bag, there is more needs to go but I just can't seem to let go all at once.  It was bras, brace type stuff.  I took a bunch of bras out, donated some but am going to take some I put in the box and try them on.  

I have removed so much stuff, I guess I had it stuffed everywhere and I still have way to much. My office is neatened but I need to remove lots in there and organize better too.  And I think cookbooks need to go, got some from MIL.

Just get rid of on a daily basis.  I'm not adding but a few things, I'm working VERY hard not to buy stuff.  I did get some socks online today, the Soft socks 3 pair of calf length so they will go up under the brace, almost $30, but they are very comfortable..  I have a hard time with them as most anything hurts my feet so bad, they are so sensitive on my feet.  Ordered 2 patterns, $14.  That's it.


You guys were talking about scarves, I started gathering them up, going to press them and put together in a box, I imagine I have about 20.  I wear them with coats to try and keep makeup off the necks so I don't have to launder them so often.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 25, 2019 15:19:20 GMT -5 debthaven said:

TheOtherMe I think having 3 strangers in my house for 1 hour would bother me more than having 1 stranger for 3 hours LOL. But I know we are all different.   I'm so glad your house is clean and you're happy with them! How often will they come? I think it's once a month?

They walk in bringing their equipment and supplies and are working as soon as coats are off.  They do not stop.  Exchange pleasantries but work the entire time they are here.  

They scrubbed the floor while on hands and knees.  It's been years and years since anyone has done that.  

Told me I was the easiest house they did in November/December because I wasn't stressed over holding a big holiday get together like every other house they cleaned.  

Choices are weekly, every other week or every 4 weeks.  So they are coming every four weeks.  

[debthaven]

That's great! I'm so glad you found a company you're happy with.

[TheOtherMe]

A woman who lives where dad does called bright and early this morning.  She used to go the church where I worked.  Even my sister said it was strange that she called me and not her since they went to church together for many, many years.

Since dad wasn't getting his meal delivered today and the church that does the Friday meals (that his woman attends and brings to dad), she was worried about dad.  She suggested he eat in the dining room with her.  I knew he wouldn't do that.  So she said she would be happy to bring lunch to him when she was done with hers.  She said she thought he would tell staff he didn't order lunch if they delivered it but since she usually takes him lunch on Friday, he wouldn't think anything of it.

Quick call to sister and we decided that was a good idea.  Called the kitchen to order lunch and called friend back so she could pick up and deliver lunch.  Now I have to get a check to them because meals can't cost more than $5 and this costs $7.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 25, 2019 17:01:44 GMT -5 debthaven said:

That's great! I'm so glad you found a company you're happy with.

And is located in this town, has been in business for several years, has a long waiting list, etc.  

This morning they had been in the larger city and then were here for the rest of the day.

The day it sleeted all day, they canceled a couple of appointments.  Said an appointment like me is easy to reschedule since I am where they start and end the day (if bad weather causes a cancellation).  I don't want them in danger and that icy day was terrible.

[finnime]

I'm glad you have something for your dad today, TheOtherMe.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 25, 2019 17:06:19 GMT -5 finnime said:

I'm glad you have something for your dad today, TheOtherMe .

Since weather predictions for early next week are not good, sister (she cooks) was going to fix him some meals and will take them when she takes him to lunch at Dairy Queen tomorrow.

[debthaven]

I hope it also shows your sister that other people are worried about him, since she seems to shrug your worries off.

[countrygirl2]

I pressed a bunch of my scarves, need to wash all I'm currently using.  I have one I kept and used it for years and years.  My great aunt and uncle bought it for me for my birthday in the 8th grade.  I'm 72, its still useable, I'm going to launder it and sort of block it to dry.  I keep way to much stuff, sigh.

[countrygirl2]

I didn't know you could find anyone to mop on hands and knees anymore.  I do, once in awhile I use a mop but even after vaccing I don't get all the crud up.  I just can't get it clean.  I mopped the kitchen, getting ready to do DD's bathroom while I'm cooking veggies.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 25, 2019 17:13:05 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I hope it also shows your sister that other people are worried about him, since she seems to shrug your worries off.

She actually told me "he doesn't think as well as he used to".  What does she think I've been trying to tell her.

[laterbloomer]

So this weekend I need to;

- get a bunch of AP done for work
- get my report done for a volunteer gig I do
- get a second report done for another volunteer gig
- vacuum and mop the floors
- do my laundry
- get my nails done
- grocery shop

[Lizard Queen]

Jan 25, 2019 13:31:33 GMT -5 tcu2003 said:

Peter Walsh’s 31 Days to Get Organized Challenge:


Day 1 -Set up a donation bin. And, everyone in your house finds 5 items to place in the bin.

Day 2 - Shoes. Gather all of your shoes up from your closet. If they have dust on them, don’t fit, etc, put them in your donate bin. Only keep shoes you love, wear, and that fit you well.

Day 3 - Home Safety. Being organized is not just about closets and files, it's also about ensuring the best life for you and your family. The New Year is a great time to check smoke detectors in your home. Make this your 10 minute challenge for the day and make your family a little safer in the process!

Day 4 - This year’s challenge Mantra is “No more later” aka stop procrastinating. Today's challenge is to contact someone, preferably by phone, that you’ve been putting off. It could be a friend, family member, for more coworker, etc, but do it today!

Day 5 - The Junk Drawer.

Day 6 - Holiday Decorations. The holidays are over and it's time for the decorations to come down.

Day 7 - Bathroom cabinets! Pick one bathroom cabinet, and get rid of anything too old, expired or you don’t use, and put everything away in its proper space.

Day 8 - Plastic Food Storage Containers.

Day 9 - Hanging Clothes. In his video, he says that anything that has dust on it needs to go.

Day 10 - the mail. If you have mail pretty much all over your house then today's the day we're going to get that sorted out.

Day 11 - under the sink.

Day 12 - Clear out old magazines, catalogs, flyers, etc.

Day 13 - Gift wrap

Day 14 - space underneath your bed

Day 15 - Getting the fridge & freezer organized.

Day 16 - "The Lower Third Technique"! (For those notmwatchint the videos on Facebook, it’s basically to take a stack or pile of clothing and focus on the bottom 1/3 of the stack, as you’ll likely find you can donate most of that part of the pile).

Day 17 - Bills & Receipts.

Day 18 - back in the kitchen dealing with the cupboard that holds your cups and mugs.

Day 19 - Today I challenge you to tackle just one small area of your garage... it's all about just getting started!

Day 20 - has us back in the kitchen with a challenge about keeping flat surfaces clear.

Day 21 - Books (Don't start screaming yet)! This is always an emotional topic! I love books too but if your books are never going to be read and are covered in dust, perhaps today's the day to deal with them.

Day 22 - Linen Cupboard. Towels, sheets, blankets and more!

Day 23 - all about your "unmentionables"... and your socks too! Let's go where no other organizer will go... ten minutes and you'll be amazed at the result!

Day 24 - cleaning products.

Day 25 of #31Days2GetOrganized is all about that drawer (or container) in your kitchen where you keep your kitchen utensils. No - you haven't used that melon baller since 2002 and you know it! Today it's about the kitchen utensil and gizmos area. I'd love to hear what makes the cut and what ends up in your donation box. #KitchenOrganization #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

#31Days2GetOrganized

Melon ballers are good for making cookies. Just saying. 😉

[startsmart]

Visiting with my grandma tomorrow and hoping she is cognizant of her surroundings and able to talk. Usually she sleeps a lot so I’m bringing along a book and some pictures.

I haven’t decided what day to go home, I want to assess her condition first.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 25, 2019 9:20:17 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

The dumpster was hauled away this morning.  We got rid of some stuff in the basement and it feels great!
Bathroom will be done today - they need to grout, set toilet, hang mirror, change light switches and outlet, and add handles to cabinet.  It looks amazing so far.  I'm not sure how to post a picture, but I will try on Monday.

Yay for the basement, and yes, post pictures!

Jan 25, 2019 14:49:24 GMT -5 mollyanna58 said:

Day 25 of #31Days2GetOrganized is all about that drawer (or container) in your kitchen where you keep your kitchen utensils. No - you haven't used that melon baller since 2002 and you know it! Today it's about the kitchen utensil and gizmos area. I'd love to hear what makes the cut and what ends up in your donation box. #KitchenOrganization #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

Maybe I will do that tonight. I did poke through the drawer recently and threw out a couple of things, but I should take everything out and consider each item.

Things that are rarely used, like the pastry cutter and pizza cutter, are in a small container in a cabinet.

Lol, we actually use our pizza cutters all the time. We have three--an arc knife, the circle cutter, and pizza scissors. The pizza scissors were a gift, and we use those the least. 

Jan 25, 2019 22:05:19 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Visiting with my grandma tomorrow and hoping she is cognizant of her surroundings and able to talk. Usually she sleeps a lot so I’m bringing along a book and some pictures.

I haven’t decided what day to go home, I want to assess her condition first.

I'm glad you're going. During my adulthood, I also lived six-ish hours away from my grandmother. My children were ages 2 & 4 when my grandmother was passing, and I was at the beginning of being a single parent. I missed seeing her one last time.