2020 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[Wisconsin Beth]

I dumped everything off at school.  The office lady basically said "leave it all, someone will want it"  I've labeled the laundry basket because I want it back on Monday when C goes back to school. 

[TheOtherMe]

I beat the the drum of my own drummer and do not follow programs.  

I cleaned off my bed and am going to try sleeping there for the first time since dad got so sick.  I think I will sleep better in bed instead of in a recliner.

I've also got to get the house ready for the cleaners.  They come next Friday.  

[moneysquirrel]

Slowly getting things done.  Laundry and dishes are up to date.  Not enough dirty to do a load ut will be back to those chores shortly.  Started slowly picking up and packing away Christmas linens, etc as I laundry them.  The big push will be next week to pick up the holiday items.  This week the goal is to get at least one or two handfuls back upstairs,  It does make me sad to see the house plainer instead of all decked out with Christmas.  I do decorate for other holidays just not as much.  Next up is Mardi Gras.  

Started going though items and will be adding items to the new donation box later this week.  I don't think I will get anywhere near the numbers I got in the last two years.  Most of the items were school related items -- teacher's manuals, supplementary teaching materials, and bulletin board items.  Only a few left of those items.  Kept a few of the manuals as I can use them when I tutor.  Also have donated many books to the public library for their fundraising book sale. Most of these were paperbacks that have been in boxes for over a decade.  Will continue to donate books as I come across them.  Just finish one that will be donated.   

I have taken a break from crafting for a few days but started back just before New Year's.  Trying to remake some items that have done well at the craft shows that I no longer have in stock.  Made a list of those and slowly have started working on them.  I will also attempt to add a few new items into the mix. The good thing is that I am working on using items I have on hand.  So far -- 1 necklace, 1 bracelet and 2 pairs of earrings (Halloween).  Need to make at least one more of those earrings.  Made two in the past and sold both so will start the craft show season off with three pairs and won't remake any until they are all gone.  It make take several years but Halloween comes around yearly so the work won't go to waste.  Also have one other style to make for Halloween later.

Also started crocheting a new scrap afghan -- this one is for my sister.  The last one went to my niece since sister mentioned that she didn't need one -- that is until she saw it.  I have a lot of yarn left from both my late DM and late DAunt  (both gifted me with their stash prior to their deaths) plus what I had and will not need to purchase much if any at all.   Will only purchase if I need a different color to spice things up with.  Really want to reduce the yarn stash.  Have given away four afghans within the last three years and still have yarn left.  

Texted my handyman about a small issue and expect him here on Monday.

Booked the hotel for the craft retreat this summer.  Registration deposit for retreat was made a while back.  Just need to book the flight later.  

Have started back to the gym.  Need to get back to it.  Not today -- weather is nasty -- rainy and windy.  Don't need to get sick while trying to be healthy.  Almost finished the cookies and candy.  Doing pretty well as I only allow myself a limited amount each day.  

I think I have a few weeks before the girls will need me for tutoring again.  So I hope to use the time wisely. 

Will post this before I lose it.

[ners]

3 more things out the door.

2 food items close to expiration date to food pantry 
1 box of paper to a recycle bin.

[startsmart]

tcu- I’ve never been a big fan of Peter Walsh’s January stuff, most because it doesn’t line up with what I need to focus on. I’m sure it’s helpful for people just starting out but doesn’t really do much for me.

I’m just getting home from a trip to the vet for my dog. We have 10 days of meds for his eye infection.

Today: finish the bathroom tiles and hang the new canvases.

[chiver78]

so much progress already today! I've moved two shelving units to the clear side and have started separating the sale/donate stuff. I listed a bunch of items on FB yard sale sites, and have to meet a guy tomorrow AM for one item already. I will need to sell the shelving units eventually, b/c I won't need them in an apartment. I figured that they will be a hard sell, so I listed them today as well. I actually ended up deleting the listing b/c I had so much interest. I still need them for now, but I could have unloaded all 7 of them this weekend. I just didn't answer anyone and pulled the post. here's hoping that doesn't bite me in the ass later. 

the most bizarre find of the day, though - a big Rubbermaid tote buried all the way under the stairs. it had a bunch of tshirts from 2008/9ish and three complete sets of queen sized white sheets. I can't even place the pillowcase stitching to remember where they came from. they have all yellowed a little with age, but they are in great condition otherwise. I ran all of them through the laundry and will be dropping them off at the MSPCA the next time I'm out that way. 

[nikiz628]

Jan 3, 2020 14:24:07 GMT -5 azucena said:

Jan 3, 2020 13:42:30 GMT -5 tcu2003 said:

Peter Walsh 31 Days to Get Organized Challenge



#31Days2GetOrganized2020



m.facebook.com/PeterWalsh/



Day 1 of #31Days2GetOrganized2020: Walk around your house and see where it is that clutter has built up - kitchen cabinets, closets, garages, whatever it is, make a list of those, and a mental note of the type of clutter that you see being your biggest stumbling block to being organized and clutter free.



Day 2 of #31Days2GetOrganized2020: Do you know what "Memory Clutter" is? It’s clutter we don’t want to get rid of because we’re worried we will lose the memory of we get rid of the thing. Walk around your house and make list of the memory clutter so you have a sense of how much memory clutter you have. #31Days2GetOrganized2020 #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

Day 3 of #31Days2GetOrganized2020: It's great to hold onto items that evoke strong positive memories - UNLESS there's so much of it that it's crowding out you living your best life today. Understanding ZONES and LIMITS is key. #31Days2GetOrganized #ItsAllTooMuch #LetItGo

This is the day 3 recap from the video: Focus on memory clutter.  You should have an idea of memory clutter in your home and what you would like to deal with it. Look at where you are going to store the memory clutter items and how much space you have to store the items, whether that is kids' photos or memorabilia or things you have inherited. Look at and designate an area or zone for storage, and how much space you have to store the items in that area/zone. Now you need to start whittling down the items to not just good but great items that bring great memories and great joy.


I'm going to throw out that so far, I don't love the 31 days challenge this year.  I'm feeling uninspired and unmotivated, which bums me out because usually I like his challenges, and they're simple enough that I can fit them in, or do 2 on a one day if I miss a day.

I agree.  They seem way more touchy feely than the action plans he used to give.  Maybe you could go back and redo last years from the beg of last year's thread?

No kidding, lets get to the ACTUAL de-cluttering already! 

[Wisconsin Beth]

Will you need the shelves for a storage unit at your apartment Chiver? 

[chiver78]

Jan 3, 2020 20:11:59 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Will you need the shelves for a storage unit at your apartment Chiver? 

no. there's a ton of closet space like my old condo, and these are currently mostly housing things that are going out one way or another. these are the heavy duty plastic resin shelving units that you get at Home Depot that can hold up to 250lbs. I was hoping to recoup some of the $50 apiece I had paid for them. I'll be fine listing for $30 apiece once I am under agreement, I think.

[laterbloomer]

I got my Christmas decorations down today. Tomorrow I finish the last little bits of a volunteer commitment and hand it off on Sunday. I have decided to quit my Sunday morning home group for AA and join the same group as ISO on Fridays. This lets me commit a whole weekend to projects rather than wipe out my Sundays.

[startsmart]

I feel like today was going so well and then mid-afternoon life yelled PLOT TWIST and everything upended. My back is still sore from the chiropractor this morning so I'll get to the bathroom floor in the morning. 

I had someone come by to give me a quote for cleaning up my yard (the biggest eyesore in the whole house and key to getting nice before listing) and after arguing with myself for an hour I just texted him to start Saturday. They'll do in 2 days what would have taken me weeks of whining and procrastination to finish and this plan gives me plenty of time to let the grass grow in. I knew I'd have to spend some money but that was helped by closing 2 new clients today and the amount I'll make in my business is 20x what it will cost to get the work done (not bragging here, just trying to put the expense into perspective). 

I plan to get some before and after pics in the morning before they get started. 

[nikiz628]

I never take our Christmas decor down this early (I usually wait until Epiphany), but we bought new living room furniture Monday and I just needed to get the room back in order. Somehow, in the process of taking the tree apart, I threw my back out/pulled or pinched something. I've been on a heating pad all evening. I had H hand me my drawers out of my closet so I can start going through my stuff. Trying to be productive while I am stuck on my butt. 

[debthaven]

This weekend
- call RE agent(s)/Fri
- call painter/Fri
- finish + send P's file/Fri
- bottle bank (DH)/Fri
- order DGS's bicycle/Fri
- wash DS1's +DGS's towels and bedding/Sat
- put out DS2's bedding/Sat

- take high chair/toys/crib to the basement/Sat

- shampoo DS2's yellow rug/Sat

- mend DS3's shirt/Sat

- mend 2 scarves/Sat

- put away Christmas/Sun

- bank

We're back from the airport. We decluttered DS1 and DGS.

Oh no nikiz628 ! I hope you feel better very soon.

[CCL]

Jan 3, 2020 23:41:49 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

I never take our Christmas decor down this early (I usually wait until Epiphany), but we bought new living room furniture Monday and I just needed to get the room back in order. Somehow, in the process of taking the tree apart, I threw my back out/pulled or pinched something. I've been on a heating pad all evening. I had H hand me my drawers out of my closet so I can start going through my stuff. Trying to be productive while I am stuck on my butt. 

Oh no! Hope you feel better quickly.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 4, 2020 7:41:00 GMT -5 debthaven said:

We're back from the airport. We decluttered DS1 and DGS.

Sorry  

[TheOtherMe]

I grew up in a house where the Christmas decorations went up on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  Once the presents were opened on Christmas Eve, mom wanted them gone.  We were lucky if they made it through Christmas Day.

Did not grow up in a religious household and knew nothing about leaving directions up until some religious day until about 15 years ago.

I did not put up a single decoration this year so have none to put away.

Today I have to get my spreadsheets for 2020 ready.  I'm just added another month for the time being, but that is not how I do things.

[empress of self-improvement]

Jan 3, 2020 20:23:04 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Jan 3, 2020 20:11:59 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

Will you need the shelves for a storage unit at your apartment Chiver? 

no. there's a ton of closet space like my old condo, and these are currently mostly housing things that are going out one way or another. these are the heavy duty plastic resin shelving units that you get at Home Depot that can hold up to 250lbs. I was hoping to recoup some of the $50 apiece I had paid for them. I'll be fine listing for $30 apiece once I am under agreement, I think.Hmmmmm, I need shelving in my basement. Would you take twenty bucks each?

[chiver78]

Jan 4, 2020 11:21:54 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

Jan 3, 2020 20:23:04 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

no. there's a ton of closet space like my old condo, and these are currently mostly housing things that are going out one way or another. these are the heavy duty plastic resin shelving units that you get at Home Depot that can hold up to 250lbs. I was hoping to recoup some of the $50 apiece I had paid for them. I'll be fine listing for $30 apiece once I am under agreement, I think.Hmmmmm, I need shelving in my basement. Would you take twenty bucks each?

$20 is what I had in the listing I had pulled.    the only thing is, these were a PITA to put together and I am not taking them apart. so you'd have to figure out how to pick them up. if that's not a problem, I'll totally take $20 apiece. 

[chiver78]

sheets are all folded and packed up for the MSPCA donation, and I unloaded a freestanding Holmes air purifier this morning. 

I'm going to put in a little more time downstairs today, at least while my laundry is going. it's shitty weather today, and my golden retriever is pouting that I won't let her go play in the mud. LD is passed out on my bed, so I guess I won't be washing the bedding today.      

[debthaven]

I cleaned out the wooden bench that holds scarves/hats/gloves. I have a full medium-sized garbage bag for the donation bin, plus 3 hats for a colleague's son.

ETA: I even went to the donation bin!

[Wisconsin Beth]

I'm debating taking the tree down this weekend.  My son, C (who's 10), doesn't want it to go down because he hasn't had a chance to use his squirt gun on the cat going for the tree... 

Mainly, I think today is grocery shopping, meal planning, laundry and trying to find the living room floor and the kitchen table. 

We've also got to go to BIL's house on Sunday to meet with his girlfriend to find paperwork, clean out the fridge, and set up a plan.  He's still in the hospital, it's the Christmas and Addiction thread if anyone wants to know more. 

[saveinla]

My DH wanted to get all the mortgage statements from the 3 times we have refinanced, so we spent an exciting Friday evening shredding old statements and collecting the required documents. Now we are filing them, so we accidentally decluttered a lot of paper 

[TheOtherMe]

DN3 put a new laptop desk together for me.  Trash day isn't until Monday but the broken one is in the garage now.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Jan 4, 2020 13:10:36 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

DN3 put a new laptop desk together for me.  Trash day isn't until Monday but the broken one is in the garage now.

Someone will want to recycle the laptop - there's small amounts of good and rare earth element type metals inside it. 

[debthaven]

Wisconsin Beth I think it's the DESK that TheO is recycling, not the laptop.

I've now moved on to the linen closet. I only keep 2 sets of sheets/bed (remember no small kids here anymore). Since I replaced a few sets in recent years, I now have 2 extra sets.

I wanted to donate them but DH said to keep them for summer rentals when we need to bring our own sheets. So I made space in the linen closet for them.

[finnime]

I've done no actual organizing or decluttering yet; this pneumonia still has me dragging badly.

I have made plans, though, and hope to get some executed in the next week. At least I'll have decided where and how to start. DH in the meantime has decluttered a couple of areas in the dining and living rooms. 

[debthaven]

I'm sorry finnime I missed that you had pneumonia! I hope you feel better soon.

ETA: Also, frankly, I'm just trying to keep busy. I'm rather down because DS1 and DGS left today, especially since we declutter DS3 tomorrow.

I planned to put Christmas away today but DH really wanted to wait till tomorrow. 

[WholeLottaNothin]

My random number picking thing picked 6 today, which is our bedroom. I did some errands and general picking up this morning. Just exercised and about to take a quick shower, then it'll be time to work on the bedroom.

[vetswife]

Goal for January is getting the kitchen more organized; will do cleaning as I go.  Did one of the drawers yesterday.  I also need to declutter my desk somewhat; I have a lot of stacks on it, although I know what they are.  However, I'd just like it to look neater.

[wvugurl26]

I sold one more item on Mercari today. It sold 30 minutes before the post office closed so that has been shipped out.

I emptied five of the eight big containers from the storage unit. A few items were trashed. I have 2 trash bags full of clothes to donate. DH offered to make a trip to Goodwill.

I need to wipe down the containers as they feel greasy on the outside.

I set aside 2 items to attempt to sell on Mercari. If they don't sell in a couple weeks, I will donate them.