2019 - Organize Your Life & Declutter Your Stuff

[imanangel]

Today I cleaned and organized the clothes in my dresser. I took out things I don’t wear anymore because they are either too small, stretched out, holes... etc. The stuff in good condition will go to the thrift shop. The other stuff will be tossed.

[countrygirl2]

I need to go through my drawers again and sort and get rid of.


I need to look over kitchen stuff, we had some people whose home burned need to see if we have anything to contribute to them. My clothes won't fit, to big, hubs too.

[chiver78]

mixed bag of progress today. one of the two women I was supposed to meet for FB yard sales bailed. but I was able to unload the big Corningware set. I had a full sushi serving set for 4 in the same bin, and the woman was like well, I wish I brought more cash! so I may be unloading that soon, too. I told her it was also listed, and to just hit me up if she decided she wanted it.

I pitched all leftovers in the fridge older than the rest of last night's dinner. when I hit the grocery store this morning, the only meat that came home was fresh split chicken breast for the pups. we hoomans will be clearing out the freezer. it's long overdue. pups will help, there's some ground stuff that's been in there awhile, too.

[mollyanna58]

I poked around in the basement while doing laundry down there. I found a box of items left over from a fund-raiser in Dec. 2017. They were clear ornaments filled with hot chocolate mix and either mini marshmallows, M&Ms, sprinkles, etc. The idea was you poured the contents into hot water and had a festive mug of hot chocolate. I thought they were adorable, but they didn't actually sell that well; and I never got around to using the leftovers that wound up with me.  Into the trash they went.  I also got rid of a few empty boxes that I was saving for Ebay sales, and some plastic grocery bags; all went to be recycled.

I have also been working on the piles of paper all over my desk.

[startsmart]

Quick update before the coffee shop closes, I clearly need to work on those book quotes! 


Goals for this week:
1. Deep clean the kitchen countertops + microwave
2. Take the Christmas bins + tree to the storage unit
3. Write down quotes from last year's books
4. Catch up on laundry
5. Make another batch of cinnamon rolls
6. Tidy up backyard before it rains (Saturday)
7. Finish chapters 1-3 of my book

It's raining a bunch here but I suppose we need the water to refill lakes and reservoirs. I love the rain if I'm not out in it getting wet 

[TheOtherMe]

Monday goals:   t-shirt closet
                           Rest of cups I never use to trash tomorrow (they are on top shelf and I have to use the ladder)
                           Vacuum 

It's supposed to rain tomorrow so I won't be tempted to go outside.  

[debthaven]

Lots of progress being made!

Apologies in advance, because I know my NY resolution was NOT to mention that car again. DH told me today he really regretted not having gone to see it last week. I told him it was still for sale. I gave DH the seller's contact info, and I gave the seller DH's contact info. They are elderly so no cell number, and they are slow to respond to emails.

I think DH prefers a "brand new car" to a "gently used car", and that's why he has been hesitating. I just want an affordable recent car with low mileage (AND a sunroof) to get me from A to B reliably for the next 9 or 10 years.

DH knows that once I go back to a regular schedule on 14 Jan, I will NOT have time to deal with buying a used car private party. I said, you're the one who brought it up again, not me. If you want to see it, go ahead, I'm all for it! But it's up to you. So we'll see.

The kitchen loan is down to 6 months. We could manage two payments (kitchen loan and car loan) for 6 months, although I wouldn't want to commit to that long-term.

[3catslady]

I have 3 bags of plastic that will go in my car when the weather permits.  I don't like mud.  I also have 2 boxes of dishcloth sets to get rid of.

[debthaven]

Just curious 3catslady, why are you thinking of selling your home?

[Lizard Queen]

Taking a break from purging, and I went shopping today.  I have a ton of clothes, and nothing I want to wear to work!  I bought a few things that I think will work, and I think it will help me let go of some other stuff I've been hanging onto.  i didn't declutter any old baby /kidclothes to the church pantry today.  I'm tired of it--I want to go through my own clothes again after watching a bunch of episodes of that Netflix show.  I think I'm ready to get rid of more now.  I shopped with that in mind as well.

[debthaven]

I have REALLY mixed feelings about that show! I watched 3 episodes today.

On some level I feel like all Marie Kondo does is arrive, jump around and be (very) cute. On the other hand, she is very accepting. I like the fact that there is no judgement and no pressure.

It also amused me to no end to know that I fold things EXACTLY like she does, except for baby clothes (which I fold in thirds rather than halves). But, I keep everything flat, not upright. I probably have fewer clothes than most people.

Lizard Queen I'm so glad you went shopping and found some items for your new job! Personally, I don't think anyone needs a "ton" of clothes. In my experience, people tend to wear their most recent acquisitions. DH (62) still has clothes from HS, and he only wears his most recent clothes.

I have always been VERY good about decluttering clothes. I have a small hanging closet and a small set of shelves, I switch from left to right, but I do NOT have ANY other clothing storage (except the coat closet). 

This time around I'm struggling because of my recent weight loss. I've chucked out all my "fat pants". But I have a TON of really long cardigans and I'm having a lot of trouble getting rid of those. I think I need to plan to replace them gradually with smaller, regular cardigans, or replacements in smaller sizes. 

I also have two pants suits I've NEVER worn. I'm planning to ask a friend to alter those pants to one size smaller once I hit my goal weight/stabilize (even though I'm currently two sizes smaller).

[chiver78]

Jan 6, 2019 18:33:21 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Monday goals:   t-shirt closet
                           Rest of cups I never use to trash tomorrow (they are on top shelf and I have to use the ladder)
                           Vacuum 

It's supposed to rain tomorrow so I won't be tempted to go outside.  

the only question I have to raise, can any of those unwanted glasses (of whatever material) be recycled instead of trashed? otherwise, carry on. 😁

[Lizard Queen]

Jan 6, 2019 19:14:27 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I have REALLY mixed feelings about that show! I watched 3 episodes today.

On some level I feel like all Marie Kondo does is arrive, jump around and be (very) cute. On the other hand, she is very accepting. I like the fact that there is no judgement and no pressure.

It also amused me to no end to know that I fold things EXACTLY like she does, except for baby clothes (which I fold in thirds rather than halves). But, I keep everything flat, not upright. I probably have fewer clothes than most people.

Lizard Queen I'm so glad you went shopping and found some items for your new job! Personally, I don't think anyone needs a "ton" of clothes. In my experience, people tend to wear their most recent acquisitions.

I have always been really good about decluttering clothes. I have a small hanging closet and a small set of shelves, and ALL the seasons are there.

This time around I'm struggling with it because of my weight loss. I've chucked out all my "fat pants". But I have a TON of really long cardigans and I'm having a lot of trouble getting rid of those.

I think I need to plan to replace them gradually with smaller, regular cardigans.

I am disappointed with the show, until the last episode I watched, which I think may be the 5th? I read both of her books, and I've got to say, the show lacks a lot.  I was hoping for more nuts and bolts, getting into the nitty gritty.  It mostly reads more like an infomercial to me, but this last episode that I watched did inspire me a bit.  It's so interesting that you fold the same way she does!  I did learn how to fold somethings from my mother, but I don't think it was ever so small.

 Anyway, my relationship with clothes is complicated.  My mom often bought me clothes that she thought I should wear. She sewed, and knitted, and was very particular about styles and materials.  And now, sometimes I buy myself clothes I think I should wear.  They aren't clothes I particularly enjoy wearing, but I feel like I should be different than how I am, if that makes sense.  Like I said, very complicated relationship with the clothing, my mother trying to make me into a certain image, and my own feelings of inadequacy.  And I used to love fashion!  She just never gave me space or acceptance to develop my own much.  So anyway, some of the clothes I have are for this other person.  I need to find my clothes in there.

The clothes I bought today, I'm pretty happy with because they can be worn to the office, and they feel comfortable to me.  One top in particular is super cozy, and it seems to go decently with come comfortable dress pants I have.  I feel like it's a huge win.

[debthaven]

This said, I am more interested in clothes now than I have been in 20 years. For 2 decades, I generally only bought clothes in the US or the UK, because I couldn't find anything that fit in the French stores.

That has changed now. It is an AMAZING feeling! There will probably be more shopping in my future.

[debthaven]

the show lacks a lot. I was hoping for more nuts and bolts, getting into the nitty gritty.

I have read a lot ABOUT her books, but I never read the books themselves because I have never had problems decluttering, I am a natural declutterer. But what I quoted from you is EXACTLY how I felt! She came into a mess ... she came in again to less of a mess ... she kept coming in and it was yet less messy. And then magically the last time she came in, it wasn't messy at all (to them, it was still messy to me.)

And the people went ON and ON and ON ... I get it, it's hard for some people to declutter if it's not in your nature. But it's not rocket science!

I'm so glad you're happy with the clothes you bought! See if there are items you have that will go well with them. And if not, let those items go.

[debthaven]

Also my late mother was a shopping addict. Both my sister and I are allergic to clothes shopping because of her. She used to tip the saleswomen to tell her when something would go on sale.

My sister is 13Y older than me. So she was out of the house by then. I was still at home. My mother used to wake me up to tell me "Oh I have such a great surprise for you!!!" The surprise was going to Alexander's or Macy's, sitting for HOURS while my mom tried on clothes, and getting an ice cream at the end.

My mom used to "gamble" at clothes shopping ... should she buy it now, or might it be discounted more tomorrow ... or the next day?

This is why my sister and I have both been allergic to clothes shopping for many decades.

ETA: All this to say, you were a wonderful and attentive daughter to your mom for many years Lizard Queen . But now it's time to do YOU. 

[startsmart]

I think Tidying Up is going to be good motivation for most people and I did appreciate that the “after” never looked like an HGTV styled photo shoot. Sometimes the after is just marginally better, hopefully it continues to progress. I know they don’t have time to show us every minute of every meeting but I do wish they could show more with the families. The weakest part, to me, was the cutaways of Marie folding something on a set. I know they must edit a lot out because of the translations but I wanted to see more of the thought process behind the choices. I think watchers would appreciate when they recognize their own excuses.

For example, the family who was pregnant and the father had saved a mailbox because it signified his pride in being able to afford a home. He let it go and said the mailbox they have now is enough. Same with the woman who loved Christmas and then realized it looked like she had a store, not a home, and didn’t need 25 nutcrackers to make Christmas magical. I wanted 20x more of THAT and zero staged tips that look like a YouTube video clip.

Still, most people in America have homes like the ones in this show instead of hoarders. Gotta resolve the issue before it becomes a hoarders home.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 6, 2019 19:23:22 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Jan 6, 2019 18:33:21 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Monday goals:   t-shirt closet
                           Rest of cups I never use to trash tomorrow (they are on top shelf and I have to use the ladder)
                           Vacuum 

It's supposed to rain tomorrow so I won't be tempted to go outside.  

the only question I have to raise, can any of those unwanted glasses (of whatever material) be recycled instead of trashed? otherwise, carry on. 😁

Actually, the cups could go to Goodwill.  Better idea.

[Lizard Queen]

Aw, thanks debt. And I can relate to being allergic to clothes shopping. My mom wasn't that bad, but dragged me along what felt like hours, and I was literally allergic to clothing stores. I'm allergic to dust, and I don't know if it was just that or something in the clothing fibers, but I would start sneezing from it after a while.


Startsmart, I didn't see all the episodes yet, but I know what you mean about they're improved but not done. It seemed like they have all the people only 30 days to complete their homes. I thought the book said most took 6 months to a year, so I'm not surprised they couldn't really finish. I mean, it's one thing to go through a small apartment, and quite another to go through a large house with decades of accumulation inside, and you see that from the results.
As far as the asides with MK go, I liked them, but they felt really out of place. I think the YouTube videos were much better done overall. Maybe because of the time issue.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Today we accomplished
~hanging a piece of artwork 
~deep cleaning the fridge
~deep cleaning the pantry

[nidena]

Jan 6, 2019 19:39:53 GMT -5 debthaven said:

the show lacks a lot. I was hoping for more nuts and bolts, getting into the nitty gritty.

I have read a lot ABOUT her books, but I never read the books themselves because I have never had problems decluttering, I am a natural declutterer. But what I quoted from you is EXACTLY how I felt! She came into a mess ... she came in again to less of a mess ... she kept coming in and it was yet less messy. And then magically the last time she came in, it wasn't messy at all (to them, it was still messy to me.)

And the people went ON and ON and ON ... I get it, it's hard for some people to declutter if it's not in your nature. But it's not rocket science!

I'm so glad you're happy with the clothes you bought! See if there are items you have that will go well with them. And if not, let those items go.

I think of it more like sculpting.  First, you hack off large chunks so that the very general shape is there; then, you cut out pieces with more precision; repeat that last step until, finally, the most delicate of instruments is used to add in the nuance of expression.  I got rid of a ton of stuff last year so I was surprised there was still so much to cull.  I think we just get more ruthless the more we get rid of.  Hell, I got rid of two pairs of shoes that I LOVE but they hurt my feet after just a few minutes so...off they went.

[nikiz628]

Jan 4, 2019 21:59:21 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

Jan 3, 2019 1:01:01 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

My decluttering and organizing goals for 2019: 

* Declutter 2,019 items. Last year I lost count, I hope to do a better job tracking this year. 
* Complete our attic conversion (to a bonus room). This will allow for better organization of the boys' toys/games/etc. 
* Work my way around each room of the house, organizing/purging as I do. I find when I break it down to a room at a time, I get more done. 
*Add me to the "purging pounds" club. Idk how many I need to purge because I haven't stepped foot on a scale since....thanksgiving. I'm afraid to see the damage. 

TO DO LIST for the next 2 weeks (Because I am WAY behind- it was nice taking time off  from my to do list while my oldest was on break, but I am paying for it now)

*this is a mix of my general to do list and extra tasks

- Clean up the master bedroom
- Do a quick go through of the clothing in the closet and dresser (I did my side a few months ago, H hasn't touched his in awhile) 
- Go through our bedside tables (3 drawers each) and purge/organize
- Deep clean the master shower, clean the entire master bath
- Clean up and organize/purge vanity drawers and wall cabinet
- Go through bill organizer box and pull all 2018 items out for shredding
- Clean off my desk
- Find a new printer stand (preferably on wheels)
- Completely go through each of the boys' bedrooms and purge/organize/find homes for Christmas presents
- Clean up both boys' dresser drawers and DS1's closet ---
- Take down the indoor Christmas decorations   BONUS: It was unseasonably warm this weekend, so we got all of the outdoor decorations taken down, packed up, and back into the basement! 
- Move LR chair back to its spot (currently hanging out in our bedroom)
- Shampoo couches 
- Go through cabinet in our dining room (it holds the boys' games/coloring supplies/etc). Toss out all the dried up markers and filled up coloring books, put away new coloring stuff from Christmas
- Take more of our recycling to center
- Put the kitchen back together from the holidays
- Clean out the fridge
- Go through DS1's first semester papers and toss what I don't plan to save
- Clean the oven
- Install the last few pieces of trim in our old bathroom. 
- Install the vanity in the old bathroom (how many times has that been on my to do list now? too many!) 
- Install the door on the old bathroom 
- Celebrate that the OLD BATHROOM IS FINALLY FINISHED
- Dust/Vacuum/Mop the whole house 
- Return a few items to Wal-Mart
- Call my bank re: confusing billing statement
- Make hair appointment for myself
- Return shirt to Kohl's 
- Finalize our vacation budget/plans 

I've been cleaning for 2 days straight...I am not finished but I am seeing a faint light at the end of the tunnel. I felt like virtually marking off what I've accomplished so far. 

I haven't marked off everything off this massive list, but I feel like I am caught back up enough to resume my regular cleaning schedule now. Phew.  My word for the year is balance, so I am making a conscious effort to balance several aspects in my life- including how much/often I focus on house tasks (vs. spending time with my kids, etc). I am hoping to find that happy middle ground between immaculate homemaker and attentive & doting mother.  (I laugh because I am not sure it exists...but it's worth a shot!) 


I also made a nice dent in my purge goal for the year: 573/2,019!!!! 

[sheilaincali]

Watching Tidying Up finally got the Hubs motivated. He was all "I'm not doing that". Then while I was folding my t-shirt drawer to see if everything fit better (hint it totally did) he got on board and we ended up with 10 garbage bags full of clothes we brought to MRCI (local thrift store). I'm guessing it was about 100 items (probably more but I'll go with 100)

After we got back home we moved into the kitchen. Went through the left side cabinets- spice, baking/pantry) and the drawers. I have the next small load for MRCI in my car- two bags and one box of knives, towels, measuring cups etc. Another 42 items permanently out of the house. Plus we now have three empty drawers in the kitchen and a couple of well organized cupboards. We had re-arranged the rest of the kitchen a couple of months ago so that all is sitting really good.

The Hubs is a huge board game collector- he has hundreds. He told me while we were at Home Depot that he was going to go through them in the coming weeks and narrow way down. This is huge! He's agreed in the past and gotten rid of a dozen or so but he's giving himself just the one small closet in his mancave for his board games and claims that they will all have to fit in there. Right now they are in that closet, the large built in wardrobe, stacked on the table in the basement, on the floor of his mancave, in his car's trunk, etc.  I am pretty shocked at his willingness to do this.

So as it stands were are at 142/2019 items.

[snapdragon]

I managed to get 3 sets of beat up blinds and a old camping chair from the '70's into the trash over the weekend. I also replaced my old patio drapes with a new set and the old ones are going away when I get home tonight. It felt really good getting those few things gone so I am happy with that! 

[countrygirl2]

I am trying to make sure I DO NOT add more junk back as I get rid of things. I try to remind myself of how many hours hubs had to work to buy such and such.  It has helped even though he is retired.  I need some incentive to just STOP buying sh** on a whim.


I ended up doing it again, bought DD and I 2 tshirts that were cute online this morning, $25 each.  Will we wear them, yes but we just don't need the damn things.  Why do I do that?  


I credit it to boredom on my part and that is sad. Spending money and getting junk because I'm bored.


I have kept myself from buying quite a few things of late.  Going to make myself look in the boxes in the basement.  I'm pretty sure I have nice full size sheets down there put away.

[ohmomto2boys]

Productive weekend:
All Christmas decorations are boxed and stored in the basement. 
Took clothes to the resale shop - earned $52.98.  The remainder will go to Goodwill.
Helped - clean DS#2 room.  It was a hot mess.
Since the Christmas tree is down - moved a shelf from the office to beside the fireplace.  Now I need to decorate.  
Took cardboard in garage to recycling bin.  

[debthaven]

Wow you guys are on fire!!!

nidena I really liked your thoughts on the show!

This week
- prep for Job 1/Mon

- pick up coat/Mon

- donation bin

- bottle bank

- call about wheel
- lines (ongoing)
- prep for Job 2
- Quickbooks

[Iggy aka IG]

My first post this year.  Been out with the flu and subsequent asthma issues.  Y'all are doing great!

Regarding my goals this year:

1.  Tackle more procrastination items

2.  Focus on education:  First CE for my insurance license renewal, then a Spanish class, then obtain more insurance designations

3.  Keep up with the effin' dishes.  I swear they reproduce at night.....

4.  Start walking/hiking our property when weather permits

Despite illness, I also had a productive weekend:

5 loads of laundry, including bedding

Because it's the beginning of the quarter, rotated the mattress with DH's help

Christmas decorations and tree down and put into the guest room.  Need to compile the loose items then stash the totes into the closet.

Vacuumed and dusted the living room

Scrubbed 2 toilets

Straightened up my side of the master closet

Boiled eggs for breakfasts, prepped produce for lunches

Made snacks and had our neighbor's over for a belated Christmas gathering.  The kiddos are so entertaining!

Now, back to work.  I'm 2 weeks behind. 

[debthaven]

I hope you're feeling better now Iggy aka IG

[nidena]

My today, so far:

Took a light fixture to the electric/lighting shop to get it fixed--it's been broken for about 11 years now.  No joke.  Well, now, it works and I can put a bulb in it and use it.
While there, I found out they sell 48" LED lights so I bought them.  Saved me a trip to Lowes.
Took the "still nice" clothes to Style Encore to sell them; 80% successful; got $37
Took a pair of desert-tan boots to the Army Navy store to see if they would buy them.  Success!  Got $10
Took a whole bunch of "old, well-loved" clothes to the Goodwill.  "Earned" a deduction receipt that I will probably just give to my neighbor because I don't think I'll have enough deductions to itemize for 2019.
Stopped by Habitat for Humanity to drop off a carpet remnant that I've had for damn near a decade.  They're closed on Mondays.     I left the remnant in my car because I'll be damned if I bring it back in the house.

Came home and ordered Dominos pizza.  Going to nosh and watch John Wick.  I have tomorrow and Wednesday off, too, so there's ample time to find more shit to do around the house.  lol.