2020 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[chiver78]

Jan 12, 2020 10:55:36 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

It's raining? Huh. It's partly cloudy and windy as hell up here. And supposed to get to 70. Then right back to freezing our asses off tomorrow. Remind me again why I supposedly love New England?

it was this morning, badly. it cleared out here around noon or so.

[debthaven]

Could still use more cabinet space!

The other option would be getting rid of things you don't use. Just sayin' lol.

That doesn't work with DH, but it works with some people.

Like I said, you'll get there!

[laterbloomer]

Rukh O'Rorke flylady recommends 15 minutes at a time. When I'm really unmotivated that works for me.

[Sharon]

The wrapping paper mess is cleaned up at Mom's.   I also got the furnace filters changed while I was there

[wvugurl26]

DH got the new air filters put in the cars. Saved us a bunch of money to do them ourselves.

I sold a duplicate Hallmark Christmas ornament on eBay. I guess I priced it too low, as it sold the day I posted it. DH was complaining about that but I don't see him attempting to sell things. I wanted it gone and I'm still netting more than I originally paid for it. It's being shipped today.

I sorted the crap on the kitchen table. The piles are manageable now.

I saw more things I can easily get rid of in a few rooms. I'll try to get those things done this week.

[Wisconsin Beth]

The Christmas tree is down and most of the ornaments put away in the basement.  There's always a few stragglers. I fell on the front porch while we were getting it out.  I think I bruised my tailbone.  I'm going to be sore for a while. 

I did get a lot of laundry folded and put away.  Still got towels and bedding to deal with, then start more wash. 

[vetswife]

Donated some tins of cocoa mix that I can't use to the youth ministry at church.  Sadly, my grandkids don't like cocoa!

[Iggy aka IG]

Happy New Year!

My first post of the year here.  Saturday I "de-cluttered" about half a billion dust mites.    Much to my rebellious chagrin, I decided to set up a routine of cleaning house Saturday mornings.  IF we are in town, that is.  This way I will do as much as possible that day, and then try and relax the rest of the week.  Accomplished, week 1:

Cleaned the breakfast nook window sill, knick-knacks and picture frames, banquette seats, cushions, floor and windows before we put the table back (we moved it to put the Christmas tree up in it's place).  Dusted the table and put the runner and centerpiece back.

Trimmed the dead off of several plants

Emptied 3 trash cans

Did 5 loads of laundry

Vacuumed two rooms

Cleared off the bathroom vanity and wiped it down

Scrubbed two toilets

Dusted our bedroom and main room

Dusted and put the year-round knick knacks back in place now that Christmas decorations are downstairs

Did the usual boat load of dishes

Updated the grocery/HBA list

Added a few more items to the donation box

Planned this week's suppers

Tossed about half dozen small, random items

DH helped vacuum two light fixtures and organize electronic cords so it will be easier for me to clean the area in the future.

This year I want am going to finish purging my home office desk and closet, and the coat closet shelves. 

[debthaven]

You got so much done Iggy!

This week

- bottle bank (DH)/Mon

- bank (DH)/Tues

- pick up package
- stroller?

I finish late on Tuesdays but hope to get the package Wed after work.

[Iggy aka IG]

Thanks, debthaven.  What keeps me motivated is how um, ew? things were when we were prepping our previous house to sell.  Some of the things the professional stager, who specializes in Feng Shui, pointed out were mortifying.  NOT that we have any plans whatsoever to move (knock wood).  I realized we've been in our current home for closing in on 3 years, and it is time to address certain things. 

[TheOtherMe]

I've been here over 10 years now and my executor can clean out the total yuk.     Or hire it done with my money.

I hope my neighbor does my snow after work.  When I took the trash out, it needs it and our two houses seem to be the only two on the street that haven't been done.  Of course, the snow plow has covered the sidewalks again.  

It was still snowing when I got up but I didn't realize we had gotten that much snow.  

I organized my life by changing my voter registration to no party.  Won't change the way I vote and I am so sick of the phone calls and mail.  I keep telling various candidates to stop contacting me by text or phone and they still do.  

Every single day I get political mail that never makes sit in the house.  I have not and will not read a single piece of that stuff.  Bullet points on a mailer are not how I make decisions.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

I worked from home today and got to most of my undone weekend chores. Because - you know - I wasn't supposed to be doing it....I think I'll work from home more often....

I just did little 3-5 minutes here and there whenever I got up to get water, tea, or go to the bathroom -  maybe 2 or 3 10 minute stints. Got enough work done for my WFH day and really made a difference on the house. Was feeling a bit down yesterday about it all - but much better today. At least - now that things are in good order, and I can have a good evening without the long commute.

done today:

• Cleaned cat boxes
• washed dishes
• clean stove top/counters/sink (I didn't do it last night after all.... )
• washed out recycling containers
• swept floor
• cooked beans
• assisted garbage take out
• folded some linens

There is so much work at work, and since I was just coming off a dissertation while working FT, I think I've just been pushing way too hard from one deadline to the next. But I can't keep this up. I need some work/life balance.

On my list for the rest of the week:

• Laundry - 2-3 loads
• Tidy up DR
• Put away Christmas
• Try to have kitchen spotless before bed every day

Next weekend:

• Rip out and reorganize front closet
• Get started on basement declutter
•     make a plan to be done by end of February
  

[busymom]

Hi Kids!  I spent a bit too much time on the telephone today, dealing with different things, but I did spend some time going through my closet.  I decluttered a favorite pair of sandals, not because I'd worn them out, but I picked them up, and part of the sole snapped off.  When I turned them over, I discovered a bunch of cracks on the underside.  I haven't worn them in awhile, so I'm not sure if the tropical/humid weather did them in here, or what.  (We do have air conditioning, so it's not like I stored them in a hot attic...)  

[finnime]

I had grand plans of cleaning the house today but got waylaid by this pneumonia knocking me out. DH is also sick. I did take apart my mixer, have a big order coming up on Sunday and the mixer's worm gear is stripped. So I ordered a new gear and the grease to go with it. Hope it gets here in time. If not I'll have to borrow my DD's smaller mixer.

[hitenney]

Hi Nidena!  Yes, I'm just like a bad penny, only I'm a bad Tenney!  It's so sad that Extreme Couponing broke us up.  I still love ideas for saving money on groceries.  I used to do a lot of "No Beer Purchase Required" rebates, but that's has gotten to be way too much multi-tasking for me.

Thank you for the welcomes Blonde Granny and Treading Water Chloe!

Malarky - my whole front door area (it's not nice enough to call a foyer) seems to be covered in those darn bags, plus the paper ones I get because I have forgotten the darn bags in the entry or in my car.  Going to contemplate a plan for doing better in that area.  The current plan of "leave it by the front door" is not working.

Rukt - you might like to look at "A Slob Comes Clean" blog.  I tried Marie Kondo, and she had some great ideas, but I just felt no identification with her.  I do like her folding techniques.  And even if things don't always "Spark Joy" for me, sometimes they spark unhappiness or discomfort, so why keep them around?  On the other hand, a slob with piles of stuff all over her house - my kind of person.  Plus she has lots of practical techniques for de-cluttering.  

The Other Me - I hope things are improving each day for you.  

Everybody - thanks for the accountability!  I'm going home to count up my items, and see how I'm doing.

[moneysquirrel]

hitenney -- I want to add my welcome to the others you received from our little group.

Iggy aka IG  and Rukh O'Rorke -- both of you have made great strides in the process.

Today I managed to get a late start but still got a lot of things done.

• Laundry -- 1 load completely finished
• Gym  -- need to get there more often
• Tutoring -- 1 hour
• Home Insurance -- put on CC for points
• Errands -- picked up yarn and new battery for fitbit
• Organized several areas 
• Changed outdoor flag
• Craft -- 1 color done (may do something else tonight as well)
• Started Dishwasher

This week's goals:

• Handyman -- Tuesday afternoon
• Meeting -- Tuesday morning
• Tutoring -- Wednesday afternoon
• Organize several areas 
• Keep up with dishes and laundry
• Several loads of laundry
• Maintain the progress made
• Crochet -- Have 24 of 37 colors done to work on this
• Beading -- Finish at least one or two items
• Gym -- at least twice more
• Photos for Etsy
• Upload at least one new item to Etsy, renew expired item(s)
• Add several items to donation box
• Mail off summer retreat registration balance
• Reorganize bead room
• Pack away jigsaw puzzle -- into donation box
• Water plants -- outdoor and inside
• File the pile
• Plus about a thousand other things that I can't remember.

[TheOtherMe]

I hired a professional to do my snow removal.  Costs twice as much but it will get done.

Neighbor didn't do anything with yesterday's snow so I'm done.  Supposed to get snow overnight and again Friday in to Saturday.

I used this company when I worked since my neighbor doesn't do anything to the snow before work hours.  This guy is going to come over today to clean up the mess I have now, which is ice.

[snapdragon]

Jan 13, 2020 19:04:49 GMT -5 finnime said:

I had grand plans of cleaning the house today but got waylaid by this pneumonia knocking me out. DH is also sick. I did take apart my mixer, have a big order coming up on Sunday and the mixer's worm gear is stripped. So I ordered a new gear and the grease to go with it. Hope it gets here in time. If not I'll have to borrow my DD's smaller mixer.

Hope you and the Hubby feel better soon.

[snapdragon]

I have signed the proposal and sent my downpayment for my kitchen...things are starting to get real. I am really excited for the end of February! I also went on a buying spree and got my new faucet, over the stove microwave and dishwasher. Once everything is taken out and sent away the micro and DW will arrive the following day and be ready for installation by my contractor. 

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 14, 2020 10:04:21 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I hired a professional to do my snow removal.  Costs twice as much but it will get done.

Neighbor didn't do anything with yesterday's snow so I'm done.  Supposed to get snow overnight and again Friday in to Saturday.

I used this company when I worked since my neighbor doesn't do anything to the snow before work hours.  This guy is going to come over today to clean up the mess I have now, which is ice.

Maybe my neighbor fired me and didn't tell me.  

His driveway is clear but not his sidewalk.  City code requires the sidewalk be cleared.  

This was the right decision.  Check mailed to now former guy.  I do hope he will continue to do the lawn.  He does a great job with the lawn.

[startsmart]

I picked up the larger boxes I need for things which are too large for my small boxes. Thankfully it's not a large volume of stuff and most of it will be very light since those boxes are awkward to carry already. I have a few more people interested in the shelves but no confirmed purchases yet, I really need the space for the boxes so waiting impatiently.

It feels like ages until the house goes up on the market but it's only about a month and I know if I don't start cleaning and prep now I'm going to be kicking myself the day before photos and listing goes up. 

Today I would like to either paint the garage door (touch ups) or power wash the backyard patio and stones which really need cleaning. 

[mollyc]

I got an unexpected day off work today when the server died. We are still under an extreme cold warning so I guess it's a good day to work on my bedroom. Should be fun with 5 bored dogs trying to help.

[Chocolate Lover]

Jan 14, 2020 11:38:18 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Jan 14, 2020 10:04:21 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I hired a professional to do my snow removal.  Costs twice as much but it will get done.

Neighbor didn't do anything with yesterday's snow so I'm done.  Supposed to get snow overnight and again Friday in to Saturday.

I used this company when I worked since my neighbor doesn't do anything to the snow before work hours.  This guy is going to come over today to clean up the mess I have now, which is ice.

Maybe my neighbor fired me and didn't tell me.  

His driveway is clear but not his sidewalk.  City code requires the sidewalk be cleared.  

This was the right decision.  Check mailed to now former guy.  I do hope he will continue to do the lawn.  He does a great job with the lawn.

Is this the same neighbor you were talking so good about the other day?

[TheOtherMe]

Yes, it is.  I don't know what is going on, but I do know my drive and sidewalk need to be cleared.

I knew somebody was home because I have heard the dog barking after I go to bed.  It's just to get back in the house.  No big deal.

If he didn't want to do the snow any more, just tell me.  Don't be passive aggressive about it.

The guy I called spaced it.  It's a good thing I have too much time on my hands and know nothing has happened to the drive today.  Just talked to him.  He said he spaced it and he will be right over.  I actually hear him now.

[TheOtherMe]

What a lovely sound to hear snow being removed from my drive and sidewalk.

[Chocolate Lover]

Sorry your formerly helpful neighbor quit without notice TheOtherMe. Glad it's getting done now. 

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 14, 2020 17:14:47 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Sorry your formerly helpful neighbor quit without notice TheOtherMe . Glad it's getting done now. 

I did have to go out to make sure that none of his sidewalk got plowed on my dime.  It didn't.  

[tcu2003]

I’m behind, as usual, so catching up with the list...


Emily Ley 2020 Simplicity Challenge


www.facebook.com/emilyleypaper/


Our Annual Simplicity Challenge is HERE!#ASimplifiedLife #SimplicityChallenge2020. 1 step every day for 30 days. Each one takes 15 minutes or less.


Day 1 - Walk your home with a trash bag or five. Be ruthless. Papers. Receipts. Tags. Empty bottles. Go.

Day 2 - Clean out your fridge. Check expiration dates and throw things away.

Day 3 - Clear the clutter from your nightstand.

Day 4 - Simplify your phone. Delete old contacts and unused apps. Refresh your lock screen.

Day 5 - Make a list of anything that needs restocked in your bathroom. Restock what you can from items you already have in your house (if possible), or add to your next grocery list.

Day 6 - Make a list of anything that needs restocked in your pantry. Restock what you can from items you already have in your house (if possible), or add to your next grocery list.

Day 7 - Walk your house with a donate bag. Schedule a pick-up or drop it off as soon as the bag is full.

Day 8 - Don’t let all of your laundry pile up throughout the week. Find a laundry system that works for you stick with it.

Day 9 - The tone of your morning impacts the rest of your day. Set a recurring alarm for every weekday. If you’re letting your kids wake you, set it one hour earlier.

Day 10 - Make it a habit to clean out your car every time you fill it with gas.

Day 11 - Create a perpetual birthday list of friends you’d like to reach out to on their special day.

Day 12 - Put your number on the do not call list. While you’re at it, turn off the notifications on your phone, too.

Day 13 - Do something with all those precious photos and videos on your phone. Print. Back-up. Store.

Day 14 - out your purse. Throw away trash. Create a little bag of essentials. Make your bag work for you. And clean out your wallet while you’re at it.

Day 15 - Pull out all the formal dresses in your closet that you’ll never wear again and donate to charity.

[steph08]

I need to join this thread. DH and I are in serious internal battles over whether to stay in our current house or build a new house (or find one to buy, but there is never anything for sale that is remotely interesting to us). 

We want more space, but it would also be several hundred dollars more per month for a longer amount of time (about 8-10 years).

So, we are working on decluttering our current house to see if we can get it to work for us. If it does, cool. If it doesn't, at least we will have cleaned some stuff out before moving/selling.

The plan is to go through every room in the house. We have done about one-third of DD1's bedroom so far. We got rid of a ton of stuffed animals, some toys, and a toy box. 

[TheOtherMe]

Formal dresses in my closet?      I will get right on those.  Alright.  Finished.  None to donate.