2021 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[TheOtherMe]

I read an article about her in the local paper.  One of my extravagant expenditures if the paper online.  

Decided I would give her a try and she has helped me immensely.

I didn't get to pick out what I got from my parents' things.  I got what my sister decided I could have.  That's why I don't know what is in there.  Of the things we went through when my parents' moved here, she wanted everything back that I didn't want. So that's what I did.

This time, I'm not even asking if she wants things back.  She picked out what I can have.

I know I got the two photos I wanted so bad.  I did check for that.

I found out that the quicker I make a decision, even if it's I have to think about it, the more I get though with someone I am paying for.

[toomuchreality]

Oct 26, 2021 17:48:32 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I read an article about her in the local paper.  One of my extravagant expenditures if the paper online.  

Decided I would give her a try and she has helped me immensely.

I didn't get to pick out what I got from my parents' things.  I got what my sister decided I could have.  That's why I don't know what is in there.  Of the things we went through when my parents' moved here, she wanted everything back that I didn't want. So that's what I did.

This time, I'm not even asking if she wants things back.  She picked out what I can have.

I know I got the two photos I wanted so bad.  I did check for that.

I found out that the quicker I make a decision, even if it's I have to think about it, the more I get though with someone I am paying for.

Doesn't she take the stuff you're not keeping with her? I want someone that does that!

I like the Buy Nothing group I'm part of. But it would be so nice to not have to deal with stuff once I decide to get rid of it. Especially when I'm sorting though a lot. I just want it gone.
I gave away 30 pair of jeans a few months ago. And over 40 summer tops. I need to do that again, but I don't want to have to deal with it all afterward.
I've had a bag outside my door for 2 days, with 2 brand new (still have tags on them) golf shirts in it, waiting for someone to pick it up. Annoying!

[TheOtherMe]

She takes all donations and things to be recycled.  She breaks down boxes for me.  Best part of paying her is I don't have to deal with that stuff.

This town is too small so putting stuff on the curb does not work and I have given up on Buy Nothing groups because of no shows.  I'd rather donate it and have it gone.  

All I have to get rid of is trash.  She doesn't take trash.  She also leaves shredding for me.  Since I have so much right now, I'm bagging it up and will take it to Staples to be done with it.  Once it's caught up, I can keep up with it.

There is still 4 years of paperwork in my 4 drawer file cabinet.

[debthaven]

Taught 2h yesterday and 6h today (online). Just 1h tomorrow and another work week will be over!

I've been working on my lines too.

Thurs
- pharmacy
- file DH's papers
- 1 Zoom class

[dannylion]

Oct 26, 2021 17:25:22 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Oct 26, 2021 9:10:29 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Scheduled the organizer for November.  There's much to still be done--especially since I added the boxes of my mom and dad's stuff.  I haven't been through those to see how much of it I want to keep let alone figure out where it goes.

I was surprised how much of my parents stuff I brought home, then decided I didn't want/need it. Luckily I had neighbors who wanted the stuff I didn't.

Having someone there with you, when you go through stuff is so helpful. Your organizer sounds fabulous!
How did you find them?

I had the same experience with stuff form my parents' house.  I brought way too much stuff home when I cleared the house after my dad passed away (mom had passed away 3 years earlier).  I already had too much of my own stuff.  Fortunately, I, too, have neighbors who needed the stuff I didn't want.  I was happy to find good homes for my folks' nice patio furniture and room-size rugs (I've got a gimpy leg and should not have loose rugs underfoot to trip on) and several other items.  

This afternoon, 10 boxes went to Purple Heart.  Tomorrow a handybeing is coming to replace all the overhead light bulbs in the house (which are all currently nonfunctional) so I can see what I'm doing as I clear stuff out and clean the space I'm gaining.  (I am not able to climb ladders to change the bulbs myself).  I didn't feel comfortable having too many random people in the house while the pandemic was stalking the land pre-vaccine, and of course the lights all decided to die during that time. 

Next week (or the week after that at the latest) I will be calling the junk-hauling folks to take away the stuff that is of no use to me or anyone I know.  I'm going to use a company that donates usable items and recycles as much of the rest as possible, so at least it will be less of a burden on the landfill.  Sadly I experienced my own mouse infestation and discovered they had made a big nest in a corner of the love seat in the basement, so that will have to go to the landfill (I cleaned out the mouse nest and disinfected it thoroughly, though).  Once the stuff is all hauled away, I will have room to put the stuff I really want to keep in nice sealed plastic boxes in just one corner of the basement and bring some order back into the main floor of the house.  The upstairs is another story altogether, but for now I'm just focusing on the main floor.  I'm gaining so much space in the basement that I can move my exercise bike and free weights into a nice open space where I have a TV set up and make them easier to access and use.  

It is always encouraging to read about everyone's progress; it helps to keep me motivated and working on my decluttering project.  

[toomuchreality]

Oct 27, 2021 19:35:57 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Oct 26, 2021 17:25:22 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

I was surprised how much of my parents stuff I brought home, then decided I didn't want/need it. Luckily I had neighbors who wanted the stuff I didn't.

Having someone there with you, when you go through stuff is so helpful. Your organizer sounds fabulous!
How did you find them?

I had the same experience with stuff form my parents' house.  I brought way too much stuff home when I cleared the house after my dad passed away (mom had passed away 3 years earlier).  I already had too much of my own stuff.  Fortunately, I, too, have neighbors who needed the stuff I didn't want.  I was happy to find good homes for my folks' nice patio furniture and room-size rugs (I've got a gimpy leg and should not have loose rugs underfoot to trip on) and several other items.  

This afternoon, 10 boxes went to Purple Heart.  Tomorrow a handybeing is coming to replace all the overhead light bulbs in the house (which are all currently nonfunctional) so I can see what I'm doing as I clear stuff out and clean the space I'm gaining.  (I am not able to climb ladders to change the bulbs myself).  I didn't feel comfortable having too many random people in the house while the pandemic was stalking the land pre-vaccine, and of course the lights all decided to die during that time. 

Next week (or the week after that at the latest) I will be calling the junk-hauling folks to take away the stuff that is of no use to me or anyone I know.  I'm going to use a company that donates usable items and recycles as much of the rest as possible, so at least it will be less of a burden on the landfill.  Sadly I experienced my own mouse infestation and discovered they had made a big nest in a corner of the love seat in the basement, so that will have to go to the landfill (I cleaned out the mouse nest and disinfected it thoroughly, though).  Once the stuff is all hauled away, I will have room to put the stuff I really want to keep in nice sealed plastic boxes in just one corner of the basement and bring some order back into the main floor of the house.  The upstairs is another story altogether, but for now I'm just focusing on the main floor.  I'm gaining so much space in the basement that I can move my exercise bike and free weights into a nice open space where I have a TV set up and make them easier to access and use.  

It is always encouraging to read about everyone's progress; it helps to keep me motivated and working on my decluttering project.  

It sounds like you are making some great progress. I'm happy for you.

I agree, it's nice to read about how others are doing things and their progress.

I have way too much stuff too. And I'm realizing more and more that I will no longer be able to use things, as I get older.

[debthaven]

Sounds like fabulous progress dannylion ! I love the "handybeing" lol. 

[finnime]

Good for you, dannylion. I like your work plan. It should bear great results.

[wvugurl26]

The basement fridge is finally empty of all the beer my sister in law left when she moved out of state.

I still have a huge shred pile but I've been keeping up daily with the junk mail that comes in.

[TheOtherMe]

Maddow had his first hair ball this morning in the time since I've had the cats.  Luckily it all landed on a rug, that now needs to be moved to the dryer.

Going to take it easy today after the Shingrix vaccine yesterday.

[debthaven]

Thurs
- pharmacy X 2
- 1 Zoom class
- file DH's papers

Semester countdown: 10/15 weeks done!!! Just 5 weeks left! 

I hope you don't have a strong reaction TheOtherMe . You're right to take it easy.

[bean29]

Oct 26, 2021 18:48:22 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Oct 26, 2021 17:48:32 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I read an article about her in the local paper.  One of my extravagant expenditures if the paper online.  

Decided I would give her a try and she has helped me immensely.

I didn't get to pick out what I got from my parents' things.  I got what my sister decided I could have.  That's why I don't know what is in there.  Of the things we went through when my parents' moved here, she wanted everything back that I didn't want. So that's what I did.

This time, I'm not even asking if she wants things back.  She picked out what I can have.

I know I got the two photos I wanted so bad.  I did check for that.

I found out that the quicker I make a decision, even if it's I have to think about it, the more I get though with someone I am paying for.

Doesn't she take the stuff you're not keeping with her? I want someone that does that!

I like the Buy Nothing group I'm part of. But it would be so nice to not have to deal with stuff once I decide to get rid of it. Especially when I'm sorting though a lot. I just want it gone.
I gave away 30 pair of jeans a few months ago. And over 40 summer tops. I need to do that again, but I don't want to have to deal with it all afterward.
I've had a bag outside my door for 2 days, with 2 brand new (still have tags on them) golf shirts in it, waiting for someone to pick it up. Annoying!

That's why I like to just take stuff to goodwill.  Once I decide to get rid of something, I like it gone.  I have a (new) TV stand in the garage I was thinking about posting on Freecycle, but I don't think I want to deal with people.  It was left in an apartment DD rented.  Better to just donate it and it is gone.

I agree that the organizer would be very helpful - I have a hard time deciding what to do with stuff.  Keep/Get rid of, if I keep, what to do with it, etc.  I think I posted that I saw an app that you can get for your phone where you can scan your receipts and documents with your phone.  I have boxes of receipts to deal with.  It is like $2/month.  I decided I am going to buy it and scan all the boxes of receipts I have and shred or toss the originals.  I will try to attack in about 2 weeks. I have other projects right now, but doing it before Turkey day would be good.

[startsmart]

I am very glad I did all the outdoor work 2 weekends ago because we've had several days of rain and most of my stuff is nicely put away. Of course I still need to finish emptying the pool but it should warm up enough over the weekend to get that done (if everything dries out enough).

Keeping cozy and warm indoors with the gas heaters fired up and my dogs love to lie in front of the one in my office while I work. 

I decided for the rest of the year I'm going on a strict no buying budget so I can use up a lot of the stock at home and have more time to get work done for my business. So far so good and I am hoping I can get in 60 NSD by the end of the year (ignoring the fact that I'll have necessary spending in NYC). 

[seriousthistime]

On schedule for today:

--switch items in a couple of cabinets to make better use of space and move frequently used items to a more convenient location
--cook a real dinner for myself
--finish the laundry
--trip to Home Depot and Soma

[debthaven]

I haven't posted this because I was too worried and upset ... the surgeon told me before surgery I'd have a one-inch incision. I could feel it was bigger, but when the nurse took the bandage off and I saw a 1 inch incision AND a 3.5 inch incision, I freaked out.

I left several messages, he didn't call me back.

The nurse guessed that when he told me that, he forgot that he also had to remove the plate he put in last summer when I broke my wrist. She was right!

He called me back early today, very apologetic. He said he meant to call yesterday but it got too late. He said when I told you you'd have a 1 inch incision, I had indeed forgotten that I also had to remove the plate. Thank Gd he took it out!!! 

He gave me his cell number and told me to call or text him anytime. He also said that the "pins and needles" is normal, and would diminish soon.   

Before he called I had decided that he had totally botched up my wrist, knew it, and was avoiding me. I've known him for over 15 years. 

SO WHAT A RELIEF!!! I need to do the right (dominant) wrist too, sooner rather than later (but only carpal tunnel, no plate to remove).

[Iggy aka IG]

Great job, dannylion!

And, speaking of mice, I heard it in the wall/ceiling last night after supper while I was "on the can."     So, I went and got DH, who grabbed a step stool and some of the new mouse attractant and put it up in the attic crawl space.  Which, of course, happens to be in our walk-in closet along with our clothes.  I am so over it.

Started sneezing here at the office Tuesday afternoon, and woke up with a full on head cold yesterday.  I triple checked symptoms to ensure they don't coincide with The Virus.  I'm thankful I had already planned on taking tomorrow off.

Have a fantastic weekend, friends.

[toomuchreality]

Oct 28, 2021 10:01:25 GMT -5 bean29 said:

Oct 26, 2021 18:48:22 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Doesn't she take the stuff you're not keeping with her? I want someone that does that!

I like the Buy Nothing group I'm part of. But it would be so nice to not have to deal with stuff once I decide to get rid of it. Especially when I'm sorting though a lot. I just want it gone.
I gave away 30 pair of jeans a few months ago. And over 40 summer tops. I need to do that again, but I don't want to have to deal with it all afterward.
I've had a bag outside my door for 2 days, with 2 brand new (still have tags on them) golf shirts in it, waiting for someone to pick it up. Annoying!

That's why I like to just take stuff to goodwill.  Once I decide to get rid of something, I like it gone.  I have a (new) TV stand in the garage I was thinking about posting on Freecycle, but I don't think I want to deal with people.  It was left in an apartment DD rented.  Better to just donate it and it is gone.

I agree that the organizer would be very helpful - I have a hard time deciding what to do with stuff.  Keep/Get rid of, if I keep, what to do with it, etc.  I think I posted that I saw an app that you can get for your phone where you can scan your receipts and documents with your phone.  I have boxes of receipts to deal with.  It is like $2/month.  I decided I am going to buy it and scan all the boxes of receipts I have and shred or toss the originals.  I will try to attack in about 2 weeks. I have other projects right now, but doing it before Turkey day would be good.

That scan thing sounds cool. Do you pay $2month for them to store your receipts? How do you find one, if you need it? If I had to come up with a name and enter the info for each receipt, I'd be sunk.
I hope you'll either post what you do and don't like about it, or send me a DM, with this info.
Can you only scan receipts?
Interesting.

[toomuchreality]

Oct 28, 2021 15:41:05 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I haven't posted this because I was too worried and upset ... the surgeon told me before surgery I'd have a one-inch incision. I could feel it was bigger, but when the nurse took the bandage off and I saw a 1 inch incision AND a 3.5 inch incision, I freaked out.

I left several messages, he didn't call me back.

The nurse guessed that when he told me that, he forgot that he also had to remove the plate he put in last summer when I broke my wrist. She was right!

He called me back early today, very apologetic. He said he meant to call yesterday but it got too late. He said when I told you you'd have a 1 inch incision, I had indeed forgotten that I also had to remove the plate. Thank Gd he took it out!!! 

He gave me his cell number and told me to call or text him anytime. He also said that the "pins and needles" is normal, and would diminish soon.   

Before he called I had decided that he had totally botched up my wrist, knew it, and was avoiding me. I've known him for over 15 years. 

SO WHAT A RELIEF!!! I need to do the right (dominant) wrist too, sooner rather than later (but only carpal tunnel, no plate to remove).

What a relief! I'm glad you got good news about it and that your doctor wasn't avoiding you! Nice that he even gave you his number.

I had nerve damage when my wisdom teeth were pulled. I had numbness for years in the lower right side of my face. Eventually, it became like pins and needles. Now it's almost normal.
I also have nerve damage in my hands, caused by severe burns. It's taking time, but they also seem to be getting better.

Good luck!

[laterbloomer]

So the van went into storage today 😪

[toomuchreality]

Oct 28, 2021 21:12:47 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

So the van went into storage today 😪

Bummer! But at least you got it done, so you can use it next year.

[seriousthistime]

Oct 28, 2021 12:54:32 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

On schedule for today:

--switch items in a couple of cabinets to make better use of space and move frequently used items to a more convenient location
--cook a real dinner for myself
--finish the laundry (not quite finished)
--trip to Home Depot and Soma

I got sidetracked yesterday.  The kitchen cabinet switch worked out very well!  I moved my Christmas china to the cabinet above the fridge and moved the small appliances (crock pots, Instant pot, George Foreman grill, Cuisinart food processor, etc., to the corner cabinet.  I don't need to get out the step ladder to use those appliances now, and I use them much more frequently than I do the Christmas china.  Since I won't be here for Christmas this year, the next time I'll need to use the china is next year -- if then. I generally start to use it around Thanksgiving to get maximum use out of it. 

The kitchen reorganization extended to some of the drawers.  I realized I needed more drawer organizers and the new spice organization I did a month or two ago is not the best, so I wanted to get one more drawer spice organizer at IKEA.  I went online and the local store had "low stock" so I went there right away and found that meant "maybe one spice organizer" and "who knows?  It could be in someone's cart."  So basically they didn't have even one they could find. BUT... I did get another organizer for one of the other drawers, fits perfectly, and now that drawer is well organized. And because I could organize that drawer, my silverware drawer is cleaned up and organized. I feel happy with the kitchen.  I just need to think about what to do with the spices.  I posted a request on the FB BuyNothing page to see if someone has one they don't want.  There are also some on eBay if I need to get some.  I just hate to pay what is basically 4 times the original cost when postage is factored in. 

So today's tasks are (in progress):

--finish the laundry
--install towel hooks (the reason for yesterday's trip to Home Depot)
--trip to Soma
--dining room shitepile/filing and recycling
--post a few items on the FB BuyNothing page
--bake some cookies

I've been meaning to bake the cookies for weeks. 

[laterbloomer]

I cleared out a lot of empty plastic containers from sour cream, cottage cheese, potato salad etc. They went out with the recycling this week. It is crazy how fast that stuff builds up!

[bean29]

Oct 28, 2021 20:36:33 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Oct 28, 2021 10:01:25 GMT -5 bean29 said:

That's why I like to just take stuff to goodwill.  Once I decide to get rid of something, I like it gone.  I have a (new) TV stand in the garage I was thinking about posting on Freecycle, but I don't think I want to deal with people.  It was left in an apartment DD rented.  Better to just donate it and it is gone.

I agree that the organizer would be very helpful - I have a hard time deciding what to do with stuff.  Keep/Get rid of, if I keep, what to do with it, etc.  I think I posted that I saw an app that you can get for your phone where you can scan your receipts and documents with your phone.  I have boxes of receipts to deal with.  It is like $2/month.  I decided I am going to buy it and scan all the boxes of receipts I have and shred or toss the originals.  I will try to attack in about 2 weeks. I have other projects right now, but doing it before Turkey day would be good.

That scan thing sounds cool. Do you pay $2month for them to store your receipts? How do you find one, if you need it? If I had to come up with a name and enter the info for each receipt, I'd be sunk.
I hope you'll either post what you do and don't like about it, or send me a DM, with this info.
Can you only scan receipts?
Interesting.

Well, the receipt scanner keeps popping up on my facebook feed.  I went to the app store, saw it was about $2.00/month and never downloaded it.  Now I went to the App store and started looking through the "Receipt Scanners" and the one I think I will try first is free from Adobe- Adobe Scan"PDF Scanner.  I downloaded it, but there are numerous options, and like you, the one that makes it easiest to organize the files would be worth paying $2.00/month for.  As I said, I don't think I will get to it for a few weeks.  Looks like most of them do documents too.

[startsmart]

I need to devote at least half my weekend to work because I have 2 sessions to record before Tuesday for an event (got the slides today) and three clients who need me to write series of emails by Monday.

Once it warms up outside I’ll go finish up the work I need to do before NY.

[Ava]

I no longer participate in this thread, but I wanted to give a positive update.

During the summer I tackled my bedroom, which was a mess and a disaster zone.
Reasons for that; mainly depression, but also a couple of issues with the room itself. The condo was built in the 80s and for a while there was a trend not to put a central light in bedrooms.
And my bedroom is dark, so I basically couldn't see in there with just the night stand lamp.
Then the closet is huge but had no light, and the door was not running properly, it would get stuck.
So basically, for years, I just dumped things in the closet and it was a mess.

This summer I started to empty the closet and classify things into donation, keeping and throwing away piles. Did the same with the night stand and the chest closet.
Then took everything out, cleaned the whole bedroom, organized what I was keeping.
My handyman came last Sunday and put a central light in the room and a light inside the closet.
He's coming back tomorrow to repair the closet door.
I can't tell you how happy, accomplished, relieved and yes, free, I feel having a clean, organized, and functional bedroom.

As for why I no longer participate in this thread, it's simply because for some reason it doesn't work for me. I'm the kind of person that needs face to face interaction for support. 
But I have to say everybody here is great and I keep reading the thread and enjoying your accomplishments.

[seriousthistime]

Tasks in progress:

--finish the laundry
--install towel hooks (the reason for yesterday's trip to Home Depot)
--trip to Soma
--dining room shitepile/filing and recycling
--post a few items on the FB BuyNothing page
--bake some cookies

Nothing new to be added for today. I'm planning to socialize for a few hours midday so it's not the day to add new tasks.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

We’ve been gone for a week with DH in the hospital for pancreatitis. We got home yesterday afternoon.
Here’s the start of today’s list. I’ve not even written down work tasks at all.

[finnime]

Glad he's home, Knee Deep in Water Chloe. He must have been very sick. Hope recovery goes smoothly and you are able to rest, too.

[TheOtherMe]

Hope you DH is on the mend Knee Deep in Water Chloe

Did you end up in Boise or where?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Oct 30, 2021 14:18:39 GMT -5 finnime said:

Glad he's home, Knee Deep in Water Chloe . He must have been very sick. Hope recovery goes smoothly and you are able to rest, too.

Oct 30, 2021 14:20:51 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Hope you DH is on the mend Knee Deep in Water Chloe

Did you end up in Boise or where?

Thank you!
He has pancreatitis; we're quite grateful that's not life-threatening. 
In a funny/not funny side bar, each of the three hospital staffs assumed he was an alcoholic. We barely drink socially!

I was not up for my first trip to Boise to be for. a hospital room; we managed to get one about 2.5 hours from our house. 

He is still in pain, but he's not had pain meds since Wednesday evening. 
Eating adjustments will be interesting.