2021 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[vetswife]

Spent a lot of the day yesterday decluttering and cleaning the garage-Everything is in better order now.  Put some good stuff on the curb which was taken by a local yard man.  It was trash day anyway so that made it easier to discard things.

[Iggy aka IG]

I've been MIA the past few days, and will catch up during a break.  During said few days, I:

~Moved a plant, removed dead leaves from several plants

~Dusted the dining room table and banquette window sills

~Put out placemats and a centerpiece onto the dining room table, because, by golly, DH and I will begin to eat at the table like civilized adults.  Really we will...

~Swept the main floor

~Vacuumed the storage closet, put Christmas things back into totes, and maneuvered said totes into the closet

~Pulled out and displayed the one Valentine decoration we have

~Washed the guest room bedding and mattress cover

~Vacuumed the entire basement

~Refilled hand and dish soaps

~Organized the pantry canned goods, took inventory, and added items to next month's grocery list

~Meal planned

~Read about half a book.  Yay me!

~Emptied two trash cans

~Semi-dusted 3 rooms

[startsmart]

Okay this is more on the organizing side of things but I really want to make the trash can box tomorrow when the weather is good. 

I just need to pull out the 2x4 I bought, my miter saw and an extension cord. The rest of the wood is out and the trash cans are empty so I can make the box the right size without spilling any trash. 

Once that is done I can set it in place behind the fence and my trash cans won't end up in a parking lot because of the wind here.

I have enough wood to also make a compost bin so that'll come next, I would love to start taking out my kitchen scraps and let them make me rich compost for the garden. 

[chiver78]

bar contents have been mostly returned to where they belong. I want to find a new home for some glassware that was being displayed in the bar, that's still TBD. also, I was able to get four paper grocery bags' worth of shredded paper into the recycle bin as well as empty and remove one huge tote bin from the office today. I didn't get the filing done, but at least I can move in there now! in spite of being glued to the TV a lot of the day, I still got a bunch done. back to work tomorrow. 

[nikiz628]

Jan 20, 2021 7:41:12 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

So I finally called and got my internet/tv bill reduced by $45. That meant getting new equipment. I managed to get the remotes properly programmed and we are now a one remote per tv family 😁

My husband is working on this too. Our satellite and internet is bundled, and it went up $76 last month! 

[nikiz628]

All kitchen cabinets have been degreased. If you have never completed this chore, tread lightly. I clean my cabinets several times a year with soap and water to keep them clean. Or so I thought. The water in the bucket when I was finished....ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. But at least now everything is ready for paint. 

[countrygirl2]

I am going to clean my cabinet fronts with Murphys oil soap. But they are looking a bit rough, some stain is wearing off they are 17 years old now.

Today I cleaned out the hutch in the kitchen I store food and all kinds of stuff in. Got a trash bag and a half out of it.

Then I moved my grain grinder, and food processor in. Was then able to put all the cereal and items like that in the corner cubby with the slide down door. I had a couple of pans I could put in the bottom drawer, likely need to donate them. So I was able to clean off the countertops and put items away. I do need to go through the lower cabinets again. I need to get my Food Saver or sealer out and see the brand, I have a bunch of bags I bought and it won't seal them. Need to see the brand.

I washed and sealed up my Christmas bedspread and Xmas hand towels, ready to go to the basement. I have trash to haul up from there.

It's getting better around here, I'm thrilled. I just let stuff go in drawers, had half used boxes of crackers, dabs of rice, crackers from carry out, just bunches of stuff. I found more packages of macaroni then I knew I had plus spaghetti and tons of rice. I get that stuff and can't find it so end up with too much.

Also need to go through my pantry up here and throw canned goods away that are more then a year out of date.

Right now I'm about done, took meds but the pain in the bottom of my right heel is a bit much. Going to go read a bit, received a new book.

[TheOtherMe]

I have way too many unopened boxes and packages from Amazon.  I brought all of the ones in my bedroom to the living room.  I have no idea of why I ordered most of this stuff.      Some I do know and have been "looking" for.  I didn't find the one thing I was looking for so I must have already opened it.  

Now to get a box ready for donating.  

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 20, 2021 14:21:48 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

I've been MIA the past few days, and will catch up during a break.  During said few days, I:

~Moved a plant, removed dead leaves from several plants

~Dusted the dining room table and banquette window sills

~Put out placemats and a centerpiece onto the dining room table, because, by golly, DH and I will begin to eat at the table like civilized adults.  Really we will...

~Swept the main floor

~Vacuumed the storage closet, put Christmas things back into totes, and maneuvered said totes into the closet

~Pulled out and displayed the one Valentine decoration we have

~Washed the guest room bedding and mattress cover

~Vacuumed the entire basement

~Refilled hand and dish soaps

~Organized the pantry canned goods, took inventory, and added items to next month's grocery list

~Meal planned

~Read about half a book.  Yay me!

~Emptied two trash cans

~Semi-dusted 3 rooms

Do you hire out? Heck, I’ll pay airfare. 

[hitenney]

Sister-in-law and I are congratulating ourselves this evening.  We have been working in the garages.  She is able to get most of her car in on her side.  I have removed and thinned out about 3-4 feet (of stuff!) deep from my side, and then today cut up all the boxes, and recycling is out on the curb for tomorrow pick-up.  Sure hope that big black bag balanced on the top doesn't fall off on it's way into the truck.  Nephew helped us get out the fridge behind her side of the house, and the dryer from my garage, which needed to be on the curb by 6 am Saturday.  Now we are working to get a run set up, and also a trip to Goodwill, and we are really starting to see an impact.  When I think back, I realize I lost control of big stuff in November 2016 when I seriously hurt my back, and it's been overwhelming ever since.  Of course, I've always had issues with paper, but it's wonderful to feel like if someone came to the door they could come in now.  Masked, of course...

Now back to the garden and my cement blocks and flower beds.  Once I can reach them, I have to add sorting and purging my craft stuff to the to-do list.  Collected way too much (paper, rubber stamps, accessories, albums) back when I did scrapbooking and my son was younger.  Time to let others have fun with it.  

Heard from my boss today, she said she was counting on my return.  That was a relief, since nothing has been said for quite awhile so I was worried maybe I wasn't going to be brought back.  I also found out 2 middle managers have found better positions so they won't be returning.  I'm starting to think I should learn how to write their reports.  I'll have to review the job requirements.  My unemployment (1st extension) finally got processed, so I got 4 weeks worth.  Another big sigh of relief.

Thanks for listening!  It really helps me to see some progress in black and white.  Debt - so glad you got the doctor's note.  We are waiting to hear about getting vaccinated - husband is 71, SIL is 70, and I'm 66, but they are still working on the 75+ group here.  Stay well, all!

[debthaven]

Fantastic progress hitenney ! No vaccines for us for a while ... DH is 64, I'm 61 and they just opened it up to 75+, but there's a shortage.  

Great jobs startsmart , chiver78 , nikiz628 , Iggy aka IG !

I'm behind now that I'm back to a full schedule. So catching up before the marking starts next week. No midterms this semester either, which means a lot less marking! 

This weekend
- email school/Fri
- email lawyer/Fri
- pay M/Fri
- send papers to MG/Fri
- sign bank papers
- do fireplace insert paperwork  

[ohmomto2boys]

I actually did what I said I was going to do - work in the basement. 
Packed up and organized all the Christmas decorations - that is 100% done. 

Put out a couple Valentines decorations.

Organized and boxed up (plastic containers) toys in the basement.  These are items our kids will take with them when they are married and have kids (Lego, Imaginext, John Deere tractors and accessories, action figures, Mr. Potato Head, etc.).

Swept cobwebs and floor in 1/2 of the basement.

Organized rafts and floats that we use on vacations (we typically rent a house with a private pool).  

Made a pile to take to Goodwill. 

Still have more to work on in the basement, but it was a day of great progress.  

[chiver78]

I think I found something to shop for (I know, buying something is the opposite of decluttering) but this is kind of perfect, just not that color. I just saw it as a local yard sale listing and 💡 I had never thought of a piece like this for my space. also included is the dining room pic finally, even with some glassware still on the table. I would put the accent cabinet where the table is on the left, and there is my storage of plates/glasses/serveware I won't use often but still need for when I'll actually host a holiday again someday.

[Iggy aka IG]

Jan 21, 2021 19:06:56 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jan 20, 2021 14:21:48 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

I've been MIA the past few days, and will catch up during a break.  During said few days, I:

~Moved a plant, removed dead leaves from several plants

~Dusted the dining room table and banquette window sills

~Put out placemats and a centerpiece onto the dining room table, because, by golly, DH and I will begin to eat at the table like civilized adults.  Really we will...

~Swept the main floor

~Vacuumed the storage closet, put Christmas things back into totes, and maneuvered said totes into the closet

~Pulled out and displayed the one Valentine decoration we have

~Washed the guest room bedding and mattress cover

~Vacuumed the entire basement

~Refilled hand and dish soaps

~Organized the pantry canned goods, took inventory, and added items to next month's grocery list

~Meal planned

~Read about half a book.  Yay me!

~Emptied two trash cans

~Semi-dusted 3 rooms

Do you hire out? Heck, I’ll pay airfare. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Took another personal day yesterday.  This is a habit I quickly need to kibosh.

~Walked two bags of trash out to the can closet

~Did dishes, emptied used cooking oil into an empty bottle, wiped down the stove top

~Organized food stock in the back pantry alphabetically:  Baking, Cans, Condiments, Starches

~Added a few more items to next month's grocery list

~Moved several things from the back pantry floor into various cabinets

~Laundered the blanket I bought w/ my Amazon gift card.  It is the softest blanket I've ever felt. 

~Organized the fridge and freezer

~Meal planned for next week

~Had a friend over for drinks, music, book thoughts, and laughter

~Began the initial stages of party planning for my birthday month, including a co-party with the above friend

We're supposed to go to a small gathering for food tomorrow night, but a snow storm is apparently on it's way.  If it does hit, we'll have another weekend of hibernation. 

Have a fantastic weekend, friends.

[debthaven]

I love the cabinet chiver78 but not sure it goes with the red (can't identify what it is. chest? table?) the lamp is on. The table looks great there.

PS Just realized you didn't mean that exact one. I really like it though!

[chiver78]

the red thing is a Rubbermaid tote that is serving as the lamp's home until I figure out where the lamp is going. 🤣 it is mostly empty, just some hockey jerseys I can easily find a home for.

I think the lamp is ultimately going to the basement, with the rest of my living room stuff. I'll need to figure out lighting up here some other way. there are 6 recessed lights over the table, and I hate them for that space. but idk where I would put a lamp of any style, aside from in the reading nook on the short table, maybe.

[debthaven]

What about a standing lamp chiver78 ?

ETA: A friend recently got a really cool one that uses Edison bulbs.



Took another personal day yesterday. This is a habit I quickly need to kibosh.

Iggy aka IG I think it's great if you can afford to take the time off. But maybe a good compromise would be to take Fri afternoons off? Or WFH on Fridays?

[chiver78]

yeah, I just need to figure out where it would go. I don't love the light over near the wall like that, but the rest of the room is all open with the reading nook at the very right edge of the pic. I'll have to take one from the opposite direction for better visuals. cafe table is still here with a pile of stuff on it, though. had I kept this space as a small living room, I was going to put a small end table at about the close corner of the DR table and run an extension cord over to the lamp sitting on that table, if you can visualize that.

this is a weirdly laid out space that I'm trying to populate, for sure. I'll just apologize now for all the thinking out loud that I'm going to do while I'm getting settled. 🙃

[CCL]

Chiver I've got a similar cabinet, except mine also has 2 drawers at the top. It's been great. I like that it is multi-purpose. I've used it in various room for different purposes. In my dining room it was a buffet. In my office it was a printer stand/storage cabinet. When I had my apartment it was a countertop/coffee bar/microwave stand. Right now it's an entertainment center in the bedroom.

I bought it at Sam's Club for $400. It's similar to this one, but has more of a weathered-gray finish:

www.samsclub.com/p/members-mark-cecil-70in-multi-use-console/prod22750704?xid=plp_product_17

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 19, 2021 10:44:22 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

I cleaned out my clothes this past weekend.  There were about 15 items that I just don't wear and don't look nice any more - these will go to Goodwill.  Then I went out and bought about 8 new items!  Just had a birthday so I had birthday money and left over Christmas money I haven't spent.  Need to save the rest of the money and get a new swimsuit for the summer, but I will wait a while on that purchase.  

I am off work on Thursday. DS1 has an orthodontist appointment at 9:00 am.  Since I only work part-time, it didn't make sense to go in the office for a couple hours.  I plan to work in our basement, getting things organized.  We purchased some new plastic totes for storage and I need to organize what we are keeping and what is going to Goodwill.

 

Nice on purging before you bought! 

Jan 19, 2021 16:53:18 GMT -5 moneysquirrel said:

debthaven -- So glad that you got the papers for distant teaching.  

TheOtherMe -- At least the decision to reclaim was taken out of your control by the dog.

Not much progress going on here but on the whole the house is in good order.  I will get to the chore of going through things again but not today as I am fading and any energy was used up earlier today

Well, keeping the house in good order is about all I have time for these days. So, go us!

Jan 19, 2021 17:04:54 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Hoping to get Lucy's toys together tomorrow so I can give them and her cat litter away on Freecycle.  I have too many that have not been opened.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 20, 2021 21:14:44 GMT -5 startsmart said:

Okay this is more on the organizing side of things but I really want to make the trash can box tomorrow when the weather is good. 

I just need to pull out the 2x4 I bought, my miter saw and an extension cord. The rest of the wood is out and the trash cans are empty so I can make the box the right size without spilling any trash. 

Once that is done I can set it in place behind the fence and my trash cans won't end up in a parking lot because of the wind here.

I have enough wood to also make a compost bin so that'll come next, I would love to start taking out my kitchen scraps and let them make me rich compost for the garden. 

Um, yes, that is fantastic organization! 

Jan 20, 2021 23:29:29 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

All kitchen cabinets have been degreased. If you have never completed this chore, tread lightly. I clean my cabinets several times a year with soap and water to keep them clean. Or so I thought. The water in the bucket when I was finished....ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. But at least now everything is ready for paint. 

Well, now I'm worried about mine. I wipe my down almost every month.

Jan 22, 2021 15:30:53 GMT -5 Iggy aka IG said:

Took another personal day yesterday.  This is a habit I quickly need to kibosh.

Why

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Instead of doing anything I was supposed to be doing, I decorated 20 jars for vases for an outdoor, socially distanced, very private event today. I had been told the whole thing was taken care of, and found out yesterday afternoon it is not being prepared to my standards. Sigh. I have to go set up for the even in about an hour. THen I have to come home and dress for it. This will bump stuff off what my weekend-to do list. I'm annoyed, but it's fine. Everything is fine. 

[countrygirl2]

I'm going to fix me bacon and eggs for lunch. Then DD and I are going downstairs to use our exercycles. 

After that going to haul junk up stairs and work on some decluttering down there again. Also get something out of the freezer for dinner.

[empress of self-improvement]

Decided to turnthe front bedroom, aka DH's junk room/dressing room, into a guest room. Moved some stuff out and upstairs where I can spread it out. Then brought the trundle back downstairs and stuck it in there. Now to see how long anything stays free of litter. That damn cat is tracking it EVERYWHERE lately and it's driving me nuts! It also lets me know that she's been on the kitchen coumter.

[Empire the P.A.]

I don’t have a plan for decluttering but just do things as I feel like it. So, I started on my kitchen utensil drawer. Pulled everything out and washed everything that I was keeping. I had multiples, triplicates and quadruplets of items I barely use. I had 4 cork screws, 3 can openers and what seemed liked hundreds of shish kebab skewers. Some of the items were so old they were made in the USA. I will never have to buy spoons, forks and dinner knives again.

[countrygirl2]

If you have a Burlington Coat store sometimes they have nice floor lamps. I got one with shade for $40.  Nothing wrong with it, I'm upset my stained glass shade got ruined though.

Hubs brought some stuff upstairs, I took jars down and brought some up. Going to have to sit down for a bit.

[startsmart]

Working to declutter my old truck and buy a new car this week. Not super happy with that development but it is what it is.

[moneysquirrel]

Realized that I haven't posted in a while.  I have been trying to get things accomplished.  This week I have been going through the kitchen cabinets again.  Doing some rearrangement and finding several items to add to the donation box.  Making an effort to be honest with myself as to the items I have stored.  Still have way too many things but am making progress on the elimination of several items.  I will take several days break before starting another area of the house.

My classes started this week.  I signed up for two exercise classes and one craft related one plus the class that I teach.  Three of these are on the same day and I am beat at the end of the day.

I have been working on a few small craft projects as I make the adjustment back to classes.  Also after completing the last one I need some quick ones.    

[debthaven]

This weekend (updated)
- sign bank papers/Sun
- do fireplace insert paperwork

Getting there ...

ETA: That paperwork will go on next weekend's list. I have another very full week so I won't have time.