2021 Declutter Stuff & Organize Your Life

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 17, 2021 10:37:58 GMT -5 empress of self-improvement said:

Jan 17, 2021 9:02:45 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Tomorrow I am putting a Lucy cat tree out with the trash.  I'm ready to let it go.

<<hugs>> I still have my Zeus cat's bed but his and Tortue's ashes are in it.

I still have some Lucy things but this can go.  I got a beautiful urn for her yesterday and will be ordering the same one for Benjamin, my first cat.

[startsmart]

FINALLY got to the laundry mat and finished 5 loads of laundry. I did not do the sheets but will do them next time.

Now I’m sorting, hanging and folding all my clothes and towels. Which might take all week lol

[laterbloomer]

I felt like crap all weekend so I got nothing done. Oh well, there's always next weekend. As long as you guys don't blow up the world on Wednesday.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 17, 2021 5:10:45 GMT -5 hitenney said:

Hi all - I know it's been ages.  My procrastination has been in full force, but lately I seemed to have turned a corner and dabbled in lots of projects in the last few weeks. None seem actually finished, but I  feel like I am headed in the right direction.  I just thought I'd mention my desk solution - had an old DIY tall bookcase that was really sagging, so saved various  pieces that were still OK.  Used the long side panel and stretched it over 2 spread-apart lateral 2-drawer file cabinets.  It's worked pretty well.  Since I'm trying to do something similar while working at home, I bought 2 3-drawer file cabinets from WalMart - they are not very big (letter-size wide, legal-size deep), but each has 2 drawers of filing space, and then a small drawer at the top for desk supplies.  No more bookshelf wood left, but a Pier One store was closing nearby.  2 entire walls worth of built in shelves, and they were selling the shelves for $5 each, so I ended up with 2 of them.  I think they are about 24" x 50" so one is the new desk top.

Other projects include working my way through 30 years of paperwork.  I am not good at throwing things away, but am really trying.  I finally decluttered the Toyota Highlander (hurrah!), and now working on the garage clean out.  Our city does bulk pick-up trash appointments, so I am scheduled next Saturday to remove broken dryer and fridge.  Also working on replacing a plastic border in the side yard with a cement block one, and slowly planting flowers in the border beds.  

Speaking of paperwork I am afraid to throw away, my Mom passed away in 2010, and we (my 2 sisters and I) sold her house in 2011.  Can I shred that paperwork?  I need permission... 

I am still not back at work, and as our agency is mostly still shut down, I don't have access to a good scanner.  I am 4 weeks into the first 13-week extension (because I was back at work from May 15 to end of August, but only from home), and haven't gotten paid since Dec. 19th.  It will come, but it's a little scary.  I can't imagine what others are going through.  Luckily I am old enough to get Medicare, as COBRA would have been $$$$$.  But anyway, debt - trust your own feelings - if you don't feel safe, it's just not worth it.  The O - it's great you found something beautiful for your Lucy and other kitty.  Our pets give us so much love and companionship.  My dog Sadie is coughing a lot, but vet has her on pain and cough medicine.  

Happy New Year to all - your adventures in decluttering and organizing are inspirational!  Now I just need to get going again...

I give you permission to shred the 2010 paperwork!

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 17, 2021 17:55:55 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

I felt like crap all weekend so I got nothing done. Oh well, there's always next weekend. As long as you guys don't blow up the world on Wednesday.

Right?!?!?!


I do hope you’re feeling better.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Hello to all!
FYI: I’m typing on my phone.
Today is a US federal holiday, so I don’t have to go into work. DH and I took the long weekend to hide in our camping trailer. We will be heading home soon. Last week was disastrous regarding getting anything useful done. We did reopen school though on a bigger but still limited basis. That’s really what took most of my time—which is good.

I’ve started mapping out this week, and, hopefully, I’ll be back here later to share some house stuff and organizational stuff that’s happened the last few weeks.

Happy Monday!

[debthaven]

I'm glad you were able to get away Knee Deep in Water Chloe !

Job 1 started today, so I'm back on a full teaching schedule. Which means my only goal is to keep up with kitchen/laundry/Shitepile.  

I caught up on laundry today and made DH straighten up his side of the desk. The desk is behind the DR table and I don't want the desk to be messy when I Zoom. 

I'm very anxious for my doctor's appt tomorrow afternoon.

[tcu2003]

Popping in to say hi and awesome work everyone! I traveled last week and have been swamped, so not a ton getting done at home, but actually at least mostly keeping up with the normal mail/laundry/dishes (well, DH does those)/cooking/grocery stuff.

We plan to finish our basement this year, and DH is ready to go now (he's doing the bulk of the work), so he's been on a roll going through our basement and getting rid of stuff (empty boxes, misc toys the kids don't use, etc), and nagging me to list what we can give away or sell on FB. I've gotten a few things posted, but have more to do, so hoping to get through all of that this week.

[nikiz628]

New floor and cabinet paint has been purchased for the kitchen face lift. I just need to pick a wall color, which I have narrowed down to a few that we have used in other rooms in the house. Now, I need to start tackling the cabinet clean out. This will take a few days I am sure. 

[chiver78]

slow progress today, but still some progress. tomorrow will be big. I'll be moving the bar down to the basement space, and moving around the other large pieces of furniture to where they will live. I can move the barrel chair to the new reading nook, and figure out how to finish the rest of that small space. another chair, or a small bench? idk just yet.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jan 18, 2021 13:44:39 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I'm glad you were able to get away Knee Deep in Water Chloe !

Job 1 started today, so I'm back on a full teaching schedule. Which means my only goal is to keep up with kitchen/laundry/Shitepile.  

I caught up on laundry today and made DH straighten up his side of the desk. The desk is behind the DR table and I don't want the desk to be messy when I Zoom. 

I'm very anxious for my doctor's appt tomorrow afternoon.

wishing you the best, as are we all I am sure!!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Still trying to get Christmas put away... I didn't think we did a whole lot, but it does take time and not half as fun as putting it up. No music and cheer and hot cocoa and all.

Did not accomplish my extremely modest weekend goals, but I am feeling pretty good today, and inclined to be generous with myself. She really did try hard this weekend. 


Already counting down to next weekend, lol.

And spring!

And vacinations!

so much to look forward to. 

[moneysquirrel]

Rukh O'Rorke -- Check your messages.  Ist link didn't work but the one in the second PM should. 

debthaven -- hoping that you can get the exemption so that you can be safe from the students who are partygoers.

hitenney -- Welcome back!

Knee Deep in Water Chloe -- Glad you had a chance to relax some. 

I am keeping busy but don't seem to be achieving a lot.  Beginning to go through things in the effort to eliminate more items from the house.  Baby steps.

Hope all are keeping well.  My classes start up again this week.  Beginning to look forward to a schedule even if it is only one or two days a week.  

[debthaven]

We have a monthly "big garbage" pickup ... we have missed it for several months. Tonight I finally brought those 2 items upstairs: a dead printer and a half-dead espresso machine. It feels great to finally get them out of the basement! The pick-up is on Friday so I'm early, but at least I won't miss another month!

I also plan to break down a box or two. We used to burn boxes in the fireplace, but we're not supposed to burn them in the new wood stove insert. So DH wants to keep them. I plan to make half of them disappear.

ETA: Beginning to look forward to a schedule even if it is only one or two days a week.
I really envy you moneysquirrel ! That sounds like the perfect retirement schedule to me! 

[startsmart]

Rukh - who says you can't have music and hot chocolate while you pack up Christmas?! Make it fun  

I'm getting more done on quilt #2, it's more than halfway done already. 

My older dog has been in pain today, I'm guessing it's the on-going back issues, so he's on crate rest and will only be happy when I'm sitting near him. I'll keep him calm and quiet for the remainder of the week and see how he's doing.

It would be great to clean up the living room a bit but right now I'm content with the slightly messy home I've got while I focus on work projects. 

[saveinla]

@smartstart I agree - I have found that I can do a lot more if my music is on. 

Tried a new thing today - Unpacked the imperfect foods box along with another one that came in and left them near the door next to my shoes. On my way to walk later in the morning, I dropped them off in the garbage chute - so no more empty boxes cluttering my patio anymore. 

I have had 5 days off and all I did was eat , sleep and spent time on the couch watching old shows. I needed this and hope I can go back with a lot more energy for tomorrow. 

[hitenney]

Thank you, Treading Water Chloe!  First I have to get through the pile in front of that old file cabinet in the closet.  A recurring theme I guess, I keep thinking file cabinets will organize me.

I got 5 more border stones placed, leveled, filled with gravel, and capped. Today I bought some more.  Tomorrow I need to get them out of the car and over to the side yard!  Plus need to clear more from the garage.  Also need to get a replacement tire for the wheelbarrow - they don't roll very well on a flat tire!

[TheOtherMe]

10 items are on the curb to go out with either trash or recycling.  

[laterbloomer]

I didn't do it but it's a HUGE purge for me. I live in a semi detached house, both my neighbour and I have trees in our front yards that were put in when the houses were built 40 years ago. They block the sunlight to the house all day. Technically they are on City property, and my City makes a big deal of greening because of our mining history, so we aren't allowed to cut them down. Hers had some kind of infestation and she has been after them for years to cut it down. Yesterday they did!!!! I can't tell you how much this has brightened everything up!! Happy dance!

[bean29]

The ornaments came off the tree New Year's Day.  The tree came down that week, and I put away all the boxes.  DH wants to get rid of the tree and buy a new one next year.    It is in my living room in the bag.  I just want it out of the house.  I do have other stuff for goodwill - so I guess we will take it all together.  I purged some stuff from my closet last weekend.  This morning a read an article about someone who purged her closet and she talked about duplicate items.

I purged some more stuff from my closet, not necessary duplicates, but stuff that I don't like as much as other stuff and some T-shirts from Eddie Bauer that are made to look like the fabric is rippled? Like a seersucker.  I never wear them, and if I do I feel like I need to iron them.  I tossed some more pants on the floor of the closet for me to try on, and purge.  One I had out before and put back.  I think I just need to get rid of them, I have not worn in several years.  I definitely have about 15 pairs of black pants.  Some are dress pants and some are jeans.  i can get rid of some of them.  

[ohmomto2boys]

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.

 

[debthaven]

I am still shaking ... but with relief! My GP said "No way are you teaching university students face-to-face now!" and gave me a certificate saying I need to stay remote for now.  

So relieved!!!

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 19, 2021 8:50:28 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

10 items are on the curb to go out with either trash or recycling.  

When I got home from grocery pick up, the recycling was gone.  I went to bring in the bin.  The trash was still there.

I had to laugh because a dog (I assume) had peed on Lucy's cat tree.  That meant there was no changing my mind.  

[finnime]

Jan 19, 2021 11:08:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I am still shaking ... but with relief! My GP said "No way are you teaching university students face-to-face now!" and gave me a certificate saying I need to stay remote for now.  

So relieved!!!

Yeah!

[moneysquirrel]

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

[TheOtherMe]

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.

[chiver78]

yay, debthaven! that's gotta be a huge weight off your shoulders now. 

OK, I *love* the space with the bar moved downstairs. it feels a lot more open, more than just one fewer piece of furniture. I'll take/post pics after I move the bar contents back into it and off my dining room table, and clear off the cafe table. it looks like a tornado has gone through rn. 

I'm now debating whether I want another barrel chair, for the reading nook or if I order a small storage bench from my woodworker friend. I'll think about that a few more days, he said orders needed to be placed soon. but I also know from talking to him off public FB that he's staying awhile and plans to work here a bit, too. so maybe I can wait to finalize until he's here, and sees the space. as far as table, I now know that I want something no more than about 30" round and ~18" tall. short, waiting room kind of little table. 

[debthaven]

Glad the space is working out chiver78 ! Would love to see pix when you're ready! 
I would wait to decide. You'll be there for a while, so take it slowly. 

Thanks everyone!!! I knew I was very worried, but I didn't realize just how worried I was until I got that dispensation.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jan 18, 2021 17:18:52 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Still trying to get Christmas put away... I didn't think we did a whole lot, but it does take time and not half as fun as putting it up. No music and cheer and hot cocoa and all.

Did not accomplish my extremely modest weekend goals, but I am feeling pretty good today, and inclined to be generous with myself. She really did try hard this weekend. 


Already counting down to next weekend, lol.

And spring!

And vacinations!

so much to look forward to. 

wow - look how happy I was yesterday....


Had to work past 10 tonight, 9 a.m. meeting tomorrow morning, and have to work full day saturday to boot. 

nothing got accomplished for my personal goals today....barely got enought water and just grabbing food in passing here and there for dinner......

[laterbloomer]

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 😁