2022 Declutter & Organize Your Life

[CCL]

Jan 2, 2022 17:18:51 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

So both closets are painted, my christmas decorations are packed up and my living room rug is washed. My 8 by 10 rug really did fit in my washing machine! It's Ruggables for me forevermore. 😁

I've been thinking of buying Ruggables. They've got some really cute Disney rugs I'd love to have!

[laterbloomer]

Jan 3, 2022 0:21:45 GMT -5 CCL said:

Jan 2, 2022 17:18:51 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

So both closets are painted, my christmas decorations are packed up and my living room rug is washed. My 8 by 10 rug really did fit in my washing machine! It's Ruggables for me forevermore. 😁

I've been thinking of buying Ruggables. They've got some really cute Disney rugs I'd love to have!

I've bought 2 so far and I love them. They cost more but they are going to last me forever so it will be cheaper in the long run.

[mourningcloak]

Dec 31, 2021 1:03:18 GMT -5 nikiz628 said:

Goals for 2022: 

Keep on keepin' on in regards to keeping clutter down/organization in place 
FINALLY get the basement and garage under control
Declutter about 40 lbs off my body
Prioritize myself and my needs. My mantra for 2022 is: "Put on your own oxygen mask first". I've really failed in this dept in 2021, and it snowballs in to so many aspects of my life (decluttering/cleaning included) 

"Put on your own oxygen mask first."  Why is it so hard to take care of ourselves first??  I mentioned something similar in my first podcast of this year - claiming the songs "Epiphany" and "Idol" (BTS) as my themes songs for this year because of the lyrics - "I'm the one I should love in this world" and "You can't stop me loving myself".  I'm with you on needing to make 2022 the year where I don't fail in prioritizing my needs so I can be more effective in all aspects of my life!

[mourningcloak]

Goals for 2022
-Finish setting up DS1's bedroom to store his stuff and use as a media room/guest room while he's gone
-Organize and reduce Thirty-One inventory
-Find/setup buffet/china cabinet to organize and declutter kitchen/picnic/seasonal items
-Find/setup game organization system to organize and declutter board/card games

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 2, 2022 21:31:40 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

So the package for Niece-in-law that was clothes for the Toddler is to be returned.  She doesn't want to pay the shipping on clothes that he will have outgrown by the time they got there.

Now Niece-in-law gets to figure out how to return it.  Package doesn't have the usual kind of receipt in it.  Just the kind of receipt you get at a store.  She can do the research to figure out how to return it.

[wvugurl26]

Jan 3, 2022 9:57:49 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Jan 2, 2022 21:31:40 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

So the package for Niece-in-law that was clothes for the Toddler is to be returned.  She doesn't want to pay the shipping on clothes that he will have outgrown by the time they got there.

Now Niece-in-law gets to figure out how to return it.  Package doesn't have the usual kind of receipt in it.  Just the kind of receipt you get at a store.  She can do the research to figure out how to return it.

Macy's does this to me sometimes. I just log in to my account and say return. Then I get a page with a bar code for returning that I can scan in store or put in the package and ship.

[TheOtherMe]

She has to do that as I don't have her log in.  There has been another instance of this and she had to email me the label.  I hope it's that simple.

I also know this particular store used to take returns forever.  It's a kid's clothing store.  That may be another option if it needs to be in person.  She also might be able to talk her MIL in to returning the package.  

When I saw the receipt, I realized why she said return it.  Everything was on sale and the shipping to Canada will cost more than she paid for the clothes.  

[startsmart]

Yesterday was auction day (we bid online, closing Sunday and pickup Monday) so while I was setting my timer to check on items I wanted, I used that time to finish my workout and then tackle my cleaning list. 

The kitchen looks really good and I got to chores like cleaning the top of the fridge and deep cleaning the microwave. I also cleaned the kitchen counters and stove, organized the sewing cabinet, took out trash, cleaned the bathroom sink and tidied up my coffee cart. My chart is in Notion for all the cleaning this week and it's making me look forward to Friday. 

Today I'll pick up the few things I bought at the auction, I'm most excited about the humidifier because I've been running heaters in my room at night and it's drying out my nose and throat. Considering it was $1 I think it was a great deal! 

The other big task for today is planning out the scripts for tomorrow's video shoot and for the first meeting back to work in 2 weeks. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Happy New Year, everyone!

startsmart , thank you for starting the new thread.  These past several weeks have been BUSY so I need to get caught up on the '21 thread.  I do want to follow up on my December goals which are copied from the old thread:

Iggy's December declutter goals:

Personal: My home office I posted about a few pages back. Right now, the room is full of year-round knickknacks, throw pillows, etc. to make room for the Christmas decor. However, I can still focus on clearing off the desk, filing, etc.

Office: It's our slow time of year here, so theoretically I'll have time to file, purge, and a few other things. I need to process the 2022 calendar mailing project first, however.

Well.....  At home I did put Christmas things back into storage, and year-round knickknacks have been put back, so at least I am able to walk through my home office.  Also, before family came over for Christmas, in order to clear up space in the living room, I finally scanned and boxed up 70 CDs and sent them off to Decluttr.  They offered $40.  I'll check back and let everyone know how much they end up sending.  Here at the office, I finished the calendar mailing, and had time to purge my main file drawer, though I still need to shred a stack.  I worked from home two extra days due to road conditions, so that set me back a bit.

I like the diversity of everyone's 2022 goals.  

Iggy's 2022 goals:
~Declutter some pounds
~Declutter some CC debt
~Organize the 25+ years' worth of photos
~Rearrange my home office to make space for the comfy reading chair I posted about not too long ago
~Repaint the powder room and replace the vanity...?

[debthaven]

Before he left DS3 cleared out a big bag of too-small clothing, which we took to the donation bin. DD had a bag too.

I think I mentioned that we got DS3 a double bed, so I took some of his old single bedding down to the basement. DS1 will look at it when they come (no plans for now unfortunately).

There was a pile of DH's tools on the basement landing. I took the tools down to the basement but DH still needs to put them away. 

I have completely given up on the basement. DS1 is bringing more things to store here, DD is using it for storage since she's between apartments, and now DS3's single beds are down there too. 

DS3 and I wrangled the single beds behind the convertible coach I want to get rid of. Once that happens (no time soon since I need two or 3 of the boys to carry it) there will be more room. I can live with the basement as long as the house itself is decluttered.

Everything is caught up except for DH's Quickbooks. I am WAY behind on that. I planned to catch up during my break but I didn't. I finally did my Shitepile though. 

Our cleaner couldn't come last week because we were sick. I'm really looking forward to her coming this Wednesday.

Also, we took DS2's wheelchair back to the pharmacy today, which freed up a LOT of space in the kitchen. (It was rented.)

We also finished our Christmas shopping today. Turns out DDIL received the gift we bought her from her family. DS3 returned it, we got a refund, so we bought DDIL something else from her wish list. I still need to wrap those gifts. Hopefully tomorrow. 

[debthaven]

I go back to work tomorrow but on Zoom. I go back to Job 2 on Wednesday, and to Job 1 on Monday. All regular/student classes are in person, but many of my professor/staff classes will continue to be on Zoom.

I have MUCH fewer hours this semester ... as of now I'm reducing by 22%, which is frankly too much. Staff classes start again in February. I'm really hoping for another 1 or 2 staff classes. That would be much better for me financially.  

I still have my 4 professors ... 1 wants only in-person classes, 2 are indifferent, and 1 is on the main campus 3 hours away.

I only have to go into school 3 days/week this semester (except for one week of 4 days when the semester and summer term overlap). I'm VERY happy about that. 

[Iggy aka IG]

debthaven , I hope everyone gets back to feeling 100% quickly.

I just reviewed my 2021 goals in the other thread:

2021 goals:
~Complete and delete the many random to do lists I have
~Diversify fun activities
~Paint the dang master bedroom and my office already!

I hadn't realized the latter was on my actual list, LOL.  The master was painted in September, though the walk-in closet is still a 90's shade of peach.  My home office is still on my radar, as it is a blue I don't care for from the previous owners.  I'd like to change it to more of a soothing shade of blue.  Random lists in my phone were probably reduced by half, and in December, I added coloring books and gel pens to my list of fun/relaxing things to do.  Haven't had time or space to start them, though.

[nidena]

Jan 3, 2022 1:07:53 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Jan 3, 2022 0:21:45 GMT -5 CCL said:

I've been thinking of buying Ruggables. They've got some really cute Disney rugs I'd love to have!

I've bought 2 so far and I love them. They cost more but they are going to last me forever so it will be cheaper in the long run.

How thick are they?

I'm thinking about getting one or two or a few once I get the new flooring but I'd like the option of being able to overlap, if necessary, at intersections within the house. 

[laterbloomer]

Jan 3, 2022 16:45:46 GMT -5 nidena said:

Jan 3, 2022 1:07:53 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

I've bought 2 so far and I love them. They cost more but they are going to last me forever so it will be cheaper in the long run.

How thick are they?

I'm thinking about getting one or two or a few once I get the new flooring but I'd like the option of being able to overlap, if necessary, at intersections within the house. 

The rugs themselves are very thin, that's how they fit in the washer. The padding is a separate piece. You can get it regular or thick. I have one of each and I will get the thick from now on. It's not really that thick but it has a nice padding when you walk on it. The regular thickness could do 2 layers easily.

[TheOtherMe]

I had a Ruggable when I had Lucy.  I thought it was too thin.  I didn't like walking on it.  Probably should have bought the thick and I would have been okay.

[debthaven]

Sorry to post again but I need to make a list.

This week
- pharmacy/Mon
- write check for cleaner/Mon
- wrap the last 3 gifts for DDIL and DGD
- write the last 2 Christmas cards
- go to ATM for gift for cleaner
- text L to set up a FaceTime
- DH's Quickbooks

Wednesdays are my hardest day this semester so I want to do as much as I can before then. 

[chiver78]

I've also got a Ruggable, a 2x10' hallway runner. it's intended to keep the dogs from blowing a tire running out to bark at passersby. 🙄 I don't love it as a rug for MY comfort, it's way too thin as others have said. but it serves its purpose here very well. I don't know that I would buy another, though. at least, not in this space.

today I was able to unload three more items out of the crate in my car. I thought the woman I was meeting only wanted two things, but she surprised me. getting there...

[TheOtherMe]

I don't plan to buy another Ruggable.  When Lucy died, I actually donated the one I had because I preferred the rug I had put away.  I won't buy another one.

[Iggy aka IG]

2022 space clearing thus far:

~2 magazines upcycled to neighbors
~Unopened holiday snacks to the neighbor kiddos
~8 egg cartons to one of DH's coworkers
~More unopened holiday snacks, homemade cookies, and white Lindor truffles gifted to me which I don't care for sent with DH to the shop for his coworkers to enjoy
~Packaged up a box of chocolates and shipped them to my home office support staff person as a thank you gift
~Scrubbed down the Crock Pot and put it into a cupboard in order to make room for the new Ninja air fryer
~Brought random receipts, etc. here to the office to plug in to my spreadsheet and then file for tax purposes
~Christmas cards received:  Saved some, tossed some

The main kitchen counter is nearly cleared off.  

[debthaven]

This week
- pharmacy/Mon
- write check for cleaner/Mon
- wrap the last 2 gifts for DDIL and DGD/Tues
- go to ATM/Tues
- go to post office/Tues
- write the last 2  3  Christmas cards
- text L to set up a FaceTime
- DH's Quickbooks

We took down the tree, but there are still 2 big bags of gifts behind the couch in the LR. 

[TheOtherMe]

I hope to get all of the unlit Christmas decorations in to their totes and to the garage by the end of the week.  The garage part depends on how cold it is.

The decorations with lights will stay up for a while because I think they are pretty.

[moneysquirrel]

I started taking down the Christmas decor slowly.  Some of the easy to put away items have been done.  The tree has started to be cleared of its ornaments.  Most are off the tree and packed away but I decided that I had done enough for today and the rest can wait until later to be removed.  Still have the Nutcracker/Smoker collection to put away as well as my Nativity collection.  The Nativity one will stay in place at least until after the 6th.  I put up Christmas over a period of days and I take it down the same way.

I also am going through some old files and managed to get three small bags of shredding done this morning.  As I am trying to consolidate my holiday totes I have also managed to donate/trash several items.  I updated my total since I started tracking and started my 2022 tracker.  Hoping to get more things out of the house this year.

This week goals:
*Dentist Appointment
*Bank
*Grocery
*Renewal 
*Take photos for Etsy 
*Repair Necklace
*File the pile
*Finish taking down Christmas 
*Maintain progress in house
*Organize at least two items




  

[tcu2003]

I’m back for 2022. My overall goal is to keep decluttering and getting rid of things we don’t need and use. The other one is to get the basement completely finished /decorated / storage areas in order. We have an unfinished basement that DH is finishing, so when he’s done with the construction part, I want to get it in complete working and organized order. We’re in the home stretch, but I know it’ll still take longer than I think to wrap everything up. DH is putting in flooring now, but still need to do trim, kitchen cabinets and fixtures, bathroom fixtures and cabinet, etc.

I think I’m also going to try to make smaller monthly or quarterly goals to help keep me motivated and on track. For January, my goal is the master bedroom closet.

[tcu2003]

I also posted some kid games, books, and stencils my kids don’t use anymore on my local Buy Nothing group, and got those out of the house today, so that was a win.

[TheOtherMe]

I am in very early talks about designing the tile shower.  I realized to get the fiberglass tub surround out, ceramic tiles will be broken.  Confirmed that yes, they will get broken.  Probably can't find matching tile and I have never liked the ceramic tile that is in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room.

I'm hoping to be able to find something I can afford to replace the ceramic tile everywhere.  It chips and it never looks clean to me.

[Malarky]

This year is not off to the great start I was anticipating.  My car is in the shop and it will cost a minimum of $1200 to fix it (not until next week) and I have covid.  

I feel pretty much like I have with any other cold or flu I've ever had: tired, achy, sore throat, cough and most notably ANNOYED!  I had goals this week.

Whining over...I've only been in contact with DH and two other people recently and I let them know.  So far they are fine.

I guess Netflix is in my foreseeable future.

[startsmart]

Jan 5, 2022 10:02:42 GMT -5 Malarky said:

This year is not off to the great start I was anticipating.  My car is in the shop and it will cost a minimum of $1200 to fix it (not until next week) and I have covid.  

I feel pretty much like I have with any other cold or flu I've ever had: tired, achy, sore throat, cough and most notably ANNOYED!  I had goals this week.

Whining over...I've only been in contact with DH and two other people recently and I let them know.  So far they are fine.

I guess Netflix is in my foreseeable future.



Oh NO Malarky! I hope you're feeling 100% again soon and your car is back up and running too. Surprise repair bills are never fun to get. 

[seriousthistime]

Dec 31, 2021 9:57:26 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

My goal for January will be to tame the paperwork monster. 

I'll be returning home to more than a month's worth of mail. Add to that the mail that accumulated during my November trip of 10 days, and stacks of shredding and filing that accumulated during my 6-month trip earlier this year. 

Heading to the post office this morning. 

Let the taming begin. 

[debthaven]

Oh no Malarky! Sorry to hear that.   I hope you have a mild case of it. 

[snapdragon]

Jan 3, 2022 16:42:02 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I go back to work tomorrow but on Zoom. I go back to Job 2 on Wednesday, and to Job 1 on Monday. All regular/student classes are in person, but many of my professor/staff classes will continue to be on Zoom.

I have MUCH fewer hours this semester ... as of now I'm reducing by 22%, which is frankly too much. Staff classes start again in February. I'm really hoping for another 1 or 2 staff classes. That would be much better for me financially.  

I still have my 4 professors ... 1 wants only in-person classes, 2 are indifferent, and 1 is on the main campus 3 hours away.

I only have to go into school 3 days/week this semester (except for one week of 4 days when the semester and summer term overlap). I'm VERY happy about that. 

I am here to remind you that we were to push back on you saying you need more classes/hours. You were beyond stressed and got worn down sooner than previous years. As you have said before you want to slow down before retiring. This is the perfect chance for you to do that.