2024 Organize & Declutter

[soupandstew]

You folks here are a constant inspiration to keep after it and not let the clutter/paper/stuff monster catch me again.  Happy weekend to all.

[snapdragon]

I did several things yesterday but I can't be bothered to remember - I just know I was out there about 3 hours and I did manage to get in 2 bike rides. 


Today I took 2 loads of yard debris to the recycle center I also managed to vacuum the trunk when I finally got home.

recycled empty glass

took a nice walk along the beach - it was cool and interesting- mist was coming off the water and so it looked almost like a version of the old movie "The Fog" 

got a Azn order going and expect it next week.


Still need to do the following - 

strip and remake the bed

do laundry

put away clean clothes

vacuum the busy areas in the house

[finnime]

DH is sick again after having been sick the other day. He recovered, then ate too much last evening before his gut was ready. So here I sit, keeping an ear out. He is Covid negative.

Need to throw some laundry in and fill up my tires before I go have brunch with old high school friends. Hoping DH will be better then.

Also need to work on my website, organize framed or matted photos and sort to be ready for show this weekend. And vacuum. Franklin the Dog is shedding.

[debthaven]

I hope your DH feels better soon finnime .

Yesterday we went to the garden center and DH repotted two plants that needed it. He also replaced a small wooden border which had rotted. 

[startsmart]

It's crazy hot here so I've been a lot slower on the cleaning than I would like. 


- sweep the front porch
- power wash or hose off the siding at front of house
- mop the office, entry, living room, bedroom, bath and kitchen
- wash the windows in the living room and office
- put away the misc fabric on the dresser
- put away garden seeds
- move stuff on stairs fully upstairs
- vacuum the living room chairs
- tidy up the coffee / tea cart
- do all the dishes
- clean the kitchen counters
- do laundry and put it away
- clean off table
- Fabreeze everything

Now I've either got to do the dishes, boil water for the mop or go outside and work on the porch, none of which sound like fun! 

[snapdragon]

bed was stripped and remade this morning

3 loads of laundry have been put away

laundry is still going on I have 1 in wash, 1 in dryer and 1 waiting. 

getting ready to vacuum

[Sharon]

I got quite a bit of yard work done this weekend in spite of the heat.  It was over 100 degrees both days.  I have almost 2 pickup loads of yard debris in the front yard.  Usually I haul it to the transfer station in my car but this is just too much and some of the pieces are too big.  I have asked DD if I could borrow one of their pickups and all I got back in reply was yes.  She didn't let me know when, but hopefully soon.

This afternoon I worked on the shite pile and got some things filed, and other things sorted.  Right now I have so many papers relating to the well project, initial bids, change orders, updated bids.  I finally have everything in one place.  The well drillers have said they will be done tomorrow and the well pump people said they should be able to be in right behind them.  I have lost so much landscaping because of not being able to water.  I'm not sure if some of the trees will recover or not.

[debthaven]

I hope it all goes well Sharon  and that you don't lose any trees. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Nice job, everyone!  finnime I hope your DH is feeling better.

After several days of 100+ it's "cooled down" to the mid-90's.  Yuck.

This weekend:
-Did 5 loads of laundry, including the sheets
-Emptied and refilled the dishwasher twice
-Handwashed a bunch of dishes
-Set out fresh towels in the kitchen and bathroom 
-Refilled the ice trays and Keurig
-Put away 4th of July decorations
-From Sam's Club, divided large packages of pork items into smaller ones and put them in the freezer
-Also from Sam's, I restocked fridge beverages and put away canned items
-In the downstairs basement, I took cleaning and paper product inventory, scrubbed the toilet and emptied the garbage.
-Swept the kitchen and back stairs.  One can tell L hasn't been to our house yet this month due to DH and my previous illness.
-Prepared this week's grocery list, planned suppers, and food prepped.
-Reviewed our social calendar with DH.

[startsmart]

I wrote a post that got swallowed by the internets. Boo!

I did finish most of my list and had the people over Monday to do some work. We got a bit sidetracked resetting a password because when I asked “what’s the password?” the person who set it said “24” instead of “2024” which obviously didn’t work. I know not everyone is a techy but REALLY?! Anyway, that wasted 30 minutes.

We were up over 100° yesterday but this morning it’s raining and cooling off. By tomorrow our highs will be in the 80s.

Work is going well, I have to travel again next week but am looking forward to our meeting. Plus, the expenses check from June covered the cost of demo of my porch entirely! I’m saving up the next few months to afford the rebuild. And a new water heater. Cold showers are great now but when the weather turns cool I will want a hot bath again.

[Iggy aka IG]

This morning:
-Took out the trash
-Submitted a grocery order
-Scheduled the vet appointment
-Met a client for brunch

This afternoon/evening:
-Another appointment
-Pickup groceries
-Prepare for L

[finnime]

Yesterday we took all the pictures we used in the last show and spread them out on the sofa. Then we grouped them according to theme. At future shows, including this weekend, we'll hang them in thematic cohorts. I repacked them in their groups, which will make it much easier to set up.

Today I vacuum the entire house. Franklin the Dog is in shedding mode. Can't afford to have his fur wind up on pictures.

[Iggy aka IG]

I successfully finished yesterday's list.

This morning:
-Finished preparing for L.  In the future, I must do more of it the night before to avoid the morning scramble.
-Showed L the kitten (one already "disappeared"-they are barn cats, and it happens) since she is the one from whom we adopted.  L is pleased with Tiger's new digs.
-Lined L out
-Took out the garbage
-Picked up the mail

Today:
-Zoom meeting
-Lunch appointment

This evening:
-Prep the fresh produce from last night's purchase
-At home pedicure I've put off for a few weeks

[TheOtherMe]

Third load of laundry is in the dryer.  

It got delayed by a nap.  I woke up at 4 AM and couldn't get back to sleep so it was very much needed.

[moneysquirrel]

Quick check in -- 

Unexpected errand today as I noticed that my tire indicator light came yesterday when I was meeting a friend for lunch.  This was the second time in weeks that this happened.  Last time I had someone check the pressure and air was added.  Since it happened so soon after that I figured that I needed a more detailed check.  Sure enought, I had a nail in the tire. Took several hours to get it fixed as there were several people ahead of me.  Since I had already filled out the paperwork and I knew that if would be a while before they got to me I ran home quickly, stripped the bed, started that load of laundry, picked up a book, my kindle and water and returned to wait for several more hours. Came home and finished that first load and got a second one done as well. 

I did order that dress I was debating about and it came in today.  Will be washing it and a few other items tomorrow. Also have a service appointment tomorrow so I will be home most if not all of the day.  I have been making progress on the craft project and should have it finished completely by the end of the month.  I find that I am having some issues seeing late at night or in certain kinds of lighting so my progress is not as fast as before. But I have no deadlines other than the ones I set for myself.

Take care all!

  

[finnime]

All pictures repacked for 2 day show this weekend. Floors vacuumed. About to bring Franklin the Dog to the groomer. Then, sort through the miscellaneous supplies we'll need on the weekend, such as masking tape and stickers.

Tomorrow we'll set up after dropping DD off at work at 3:00, then pick her up at 9:00.

Show starts at 9:30 Saturday. It's in a Cape beach town. Should be good.

[Iggy aka IG]

moneysquirrel sorry to hear about your tire!  I also do the same thing by either working on my laptop or playing the game in my phone when waiting in the lounge area.

Have a wonderful show, finnime .

I didn't get to the produce or my toes the other night.  Kitten time has been a priority.    Speaking of, Tiger the cat had her "appointment" yesterday and it is confirmed she is a female.  While at the shelter, DH adopted a calico kitten sister for her named Asia.  (Earlier this week we discussed he would do this.)  She's still settling in, and I was on the road all day yesterday, so we haven't had much time to bond.

Ah, regarding organizing, I keep forgetting to mention I relocated toaster storage.  It used to be in the cupboard above the fridge, so I'd have to either have DH retrieve it or tippy toe it.  I moved it to the cabinet under the counter where we plug it in to use it.  Logical.  

Hugs and have a fantastic weekend, everyone.

[moneysquirrel]

Iggy aka IG -- Thankful for the tire fix.  I also store my toaster under the counter.  I keep it in a plastic tote from WM to catch any crumbs.  Easier to clean that container then to round up crumbs in the cabinet.  My trusty toaster oven also has a place under the counter.  I like having the counters clear as much as possible.

Moving a little slowly this morning.  Making some progress but not a lot.  

[startsmart]

Next week is my busiest with work and volunteering so I’m staying home and cleaning this weekend. Since I’ll be close to a goodwill for some work travel I am tackling the garage and clearing out as much as I can.

Then tomorrow I’m going to tackle the fridge and freeze and get them cleaned up so I can do grocery shopping in Wichita when I’m there.

Laundry is caught up but needs to be put away and I need to sort my recycling. The city stopped collecting our recycling on trash day and now we have to take it to the recycling center which is a pain to do.

ETA:

In 2 hours I got so much done and then took a shower because I was sweaty and covered in dirt and cobwebs. The back of the truck is just about full with donations, I have 2 large bags of trash, I found the second ice cream maker I had(!) and brought a ton of rags and blankets inside to wash.

It also rained which cooled things off and made it so much nicer to work outdoors! Last week it was 102° and now it’s 82° and everything feels much easier to do.

[snapdragon]

The dinner play was fun - we had no clue what we were doing and since our captain is the one who was killed we really sucked as a pirate crew. I completely blanked on any questions. The play and dinner were almost 3 hours but enjoyable just the same. 

one of my dearest friends stayed overnite and gave good reviews on the mattress with the topper so I am happy about that.

I finally managed to get the closet rod cut to size and into the guest closet today. It only took me several measurements and 9 cuts with a electric saw but it's done.   I had my friend measure with me, we did it twice and her measurement was off by about 30 inches.   I even started sweating! Hormones are such a bitch. 

Luckily, she headed home before the sawing commenced and I sent her back home with my portable AC unit and a HP printer which was not compatible with my computer but probably is with hers.   

Another friend is coming next weekend with her son overnight so I am looking forward to that. 

[startsmart]

I was planning to do this Monday but I had space today and did a first pass through my closet and filled 4 paper sacks with clothes to donate.

I’m planning to try on a dozen shirts tomorrow and see if I can find more that are not my favorites. Then I need to pull out the hanging jackets and sweaters because it’s currently too dark to see well enough in there.

Now that I’ve washed linens from the garage I have a large comforter and a set of sheets to donate too. The whole back of my truck is filling up and I can’t wait to get that stuff dropped off.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

We were supposed to camping this weekend, but there a wildfire started there on WEdnesday. We took advantage of the "free" weekend and got lots of chores done. Miss Grandbaby was with us also as we were supposed to take her camping. 

Weekend chores I accomplished: 
deep cleaned entire laundry room
made spaghetti sauce from scratch
cleaned up my desk
six loads of laundry rotated all the way through
eight articles of clothing ironed (10 still in the to iron pile)
fixed a frame that I broke a few weeks ago when crashing into a wall while stepping over Bill the Dog's gate 
fertilized the flowers on the front porch and in the outdoor room
weeded the cutting beds
restocked the drink fridge
changed our sheets
completed another lantern string for casino night, which is coming up really quickly! 
re-staked my dahlias; they're officially a disaster. I'll be much more proactive next year with the staking instead of this year's reactive approach
ran my car through the car wash
reconciled accounts
took Miss Grandbaby to buy a bday present for DS#2 (her uncle)

[soupandstew]

This sounds so pathetically small, but I deep cleaned one shelf of my pantry this morning.  It wasn't cringe-level bad, but it made me flinch every time I looked at it.  I pulled everything out, tossed the odd 1/4 cup of orzo, 2 T of flour, antique herring filets, etc., scrubbed the shelf, and restocked it with the keepers in the right containers.  I'm going to hit up another shelf later this week and see what's lurking in there.  Thanks, guys, for keeping me inspired and motivated!

[moneysquirrel]

Update:
*Project 2 from Retreat -- Is finished
*Met P for lunch today
*House is basically in order
*Custom design for former student done, messaged her and waiting for pickup whenever she is ready for them
*Small grocery run
*Texted DS birthday greetings


New Goals and some repeats (July 23 - 31):
*Sand pumping is scheduled for tomorrow -- $$$ leaving acct as well
*Projects -- Earring - MG 1, MG2
*Project 3 from Retreat
*Meeting -- Tuesday PM
*Snacks for Meeting 
*Maintain flat areas, keep things organized, and make progress in letting go of items that I don't need. 
*Keep up with laundry and dishes
*Continue to eat out of freezer -- hurricane season is upon us.
*Work on presentation for future meeting

Til later.

[Iggy aka IG]

moneysquirrel I also like to keep the counters as clear as possible.  It's interesting how much space small appliances take up.  As always, nice list!

Good job with the donations, startsmart!

Nicely done, Knee Deep in Water Chloe and soupandstew!

We went camping over the weekend, and I took yesterday off:
-1 load of laundry on Sunday, 3 yesterday
-1 dishwasher load on Friday prior to leaving, another this morning
-Refilled the Keurig and ice trays
-Food prepped for the week including boiled eggs and fresh produce.  Vegetable remnants will go to the neighbor's chickens and goats.
-Put leftover pasta salad into the freezer.  I read mayonnaise-based salads don't thaw well, but I dislike throwing away food.  We'll see.
-Played with the kittens for hours
-Made coffee ice cubes for the first time.  I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, because how do they turn to liquid for ice coffee?  In the future I'll continue to make overnight cold brew.

It's fair week here, so lots of socializing.  Yay.  

[TheOtherMe]

My favorite part of your time, Iggy, is that you played with kittens for hours. 

[startsmart]

The back of my suv is absolutely filled with donations! There’s a door I didn’t use, 2 paintings, a dozen vases, a shelf, 4 bags of clothes, a king comforter, and lots of odds and ends. I have client work tomorrow but will get it dropped off.

I’ve also been slowly restocking my pantry and backstock now that I have steady paychecks. Not so much that I need to declutter but as a secondary savings account. I put cash into my online bank and then spend ~$100 to have backup toothpaste and deodorant and shampoo. I also have about $500 a month for medical reimbursements so I have been getting medical items too. Next month I’ll get an eye exam and new glasses (after 4 years!).

[Rukh O'Rorke]

having a tough time in organizing and decluttering, friends! My mother has run out of funds for her assisted living facility, her cost is about 5k more than her monthly income (pension and soc sec.) So we are selling the old family homestead to pay for her continuing expenses. There is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much stuff to go through, and I've been working on it for 2 weeks with the rest of the family.

DD wants a lot of stuff - which is great! But she is in california so it is up to me to go through, pack and store it for her. Which I am happy to do but....so far about 3-4 boxes of glassware, old china, etc. DD also wants the DR furniture, so I am trying to make that happen. plus there is a piano that my mother insists I take. I had to remind her it is technically mine anyway! a 16th bday present. But yeah - moving a piano. 

SPOILER: Click to show

I already have a piano in my house!

Not looking for advice really, just venting I guess. It is a bit of a releif to be doing this while she is still with us, as it would be much more emotional going through all of this if she wasn't!

Closing is in a few weeks and at some point, it will be done.

TLDR: I'm doing massive amounts of organizing, reorganizing, purging, and decluttering. Unfortunately, not for my house!

[Iggy aka IG]

Thank you, TheOtherMe.  They sure make time slow down and light up a person's life!  Because of socializing, DH and I were late getting home last night.  We did play with the kittens, but in the future will corral them before it gets dark.  I had a panic moment when they weren't coming when called.  I did learn shaking the treat container helps.  

This morning:
-Pharmacy
-Gas station

This evening:
-Fair and rodeo events continue

[startsmart]

I got the donation dropped off today and the back of my SUV is so empty! I also got groceries and a few things in town so tomorrow I’ll get everything fully sorted.

My friend comes over when I have to be out all day to see the dog and take him out to potty. Well today the dog outsmarted the friend and hid under the bed and wouldn’t come out. Luckily he had food and water and didn’t destroy the house in the 3 hrs before I returned. 10 mo and the puppy is as mischievous as ever!

Today was long and tiring so my goal is to finish the dishes, start some laundry and go to bed early!