BiWeekly Declutter Thread May 2-May 15/16- *New* and *Improved*(like us!)
 

Hello To all the Cleaner-up-ers, the Re-Decorators and Re-Locators of things. Welcome to the decluttering thread where we aim to make our spaces including cars, drawers, under the beds, closets, apartments, patios, garages, houses-in-whole-or-in-part, laundry rooms, basements and backyards livable, enjoyable want-to-be-in-able spaces. Our environments contribute to how we feel. Let's make positive changes for ourselves.

This is a new 2 week thread. Let's see if that's a good fit for us! Post your decluttering goals and update as you wish. Welcome.

Hello.

I am *almost* back to "normal". My schedule is almost settled down and will be once the farmers' market is underway this weekend coming.

BUT... we've been having a cool Spring so the landlord hasn't been close to coming by to turn off the heat so I still need to declutter in here and wow it has totally gotten away from me. I have several piles in all the usual places: in front of the tv, on the chaise, in the hall, in the dining room. About the only place I don't have anything is in the kitchen! And the dishes are getting washed and put away regularly and the sink is always accessible. YAY for PROGRESS.

Other areas that need attention: the bathroom, all parts of it. Bedroom with the pile of clothes in front of the dresser drawer again! My friend passed on clothes to me a month ago and these are in that pile. Argh. On the plus side, DH fixed the bed and now we can have under the bed storage for blankets and comforters. Our tiny closet can't handle much.

I guess the tiny bathroom closet also could use a makeover.

This list will in no way be done in two weeks. BUT it's good for me to be conscious of it.

My priority this week and next is to "make my apartment look normal for when the landlord comes in" so he doesn't get on my case. I'll figure out what that means and post a detailed to-do list by the end of the day.

Micro step: I'm bringing one book to a local mini-library today. "A journey of 5280 books begins with a single book."

Excellent Billblueeyes. I look forward to your updates on that!

Today, I got a monkey off my back!! I was working on invitations (print, labels, return labels, postage) for an event in two weeks. I woke up at 5am and thought, let's tackle it and get it in the mail. So, merged, printed, labeled, posted, licked, mailed - 96 invites ... all by 830AM! yee haw!!

Like you, onebyone, I want to tackle the bedroom and purge the clothes too big (such a great sound to that) and find a home for the ones that fit (for now). I also need to keep up on the dishes. SO! These are my two areas for this week! I CAN DO THIS!!

onebyone: farmers market? do you garden? or do you administrate the FM? A bi-weekly thread --- let's give it a go!

BillieBlueEyes: are those "mini-libraries" the little glass house outside people's homes? If yes -- how do those work?

:goodluck: to ALL!

Hi there! I want to join in with ya'll! My house is a wreck and full of clutter. I keep telling myself that I'm going to spend like 10 mins a day decluttering, but it just doesn't happen. I did get our "bonus" room cleaned this weekend and threw away two bags of trash/old toys out of there. It looks so nice! I keep going in there, and looking around because it looks better than the rest of my house.

I've been waiting for the new thread to join! I find my clutter and my binging tend to hold hands.

I was doing well the last couple weeks in picking a very very small area to declutter - but starting each day with going back and making sure the areas I had done before were still clear and cleaned. That fell apart a bit last week so this week I will get the stuff i did before back and then each day pick a small area to declutter

Welcome ennay and workinghardatlosing!

Thanks for the new thread, onebyone!

Yesterday I got home from work. Was sitting on the porch looking at how tall the lawn was. Finally, the snow had melted on it. I read BelovedWarriors post and got up, fired up the mower and just "got it done". I just let the pup out it looks so nice. Work continues in the house as I would like to have all accomplished before sunrise tomorrow morning so I can spend the day in the yard. Yesterday I scrubbed the shower/tub while showering. Got out and did the bathroom sink. Downstairs bathroom clean I did it last week.

I had a bonus while mowing the lawn. I was having a time getting mower restarted after gassing it and a high school student asked if I needed help. I said sometimes and we were going to exchange phone numbers. He kept asking and the lightbulb went on. I asked if he'd like to make $10 hauling some stuff out of my vehicles. Sure. He hauled all 6 giant bags of soil for me and brought all my vacuums/project stuff to the front porch. I happily let go of my $$ and crossed that off my list!

Have a great day everyone! I'm headed off to chores!

In our area they're made of wood with a clear front door - about a cubic foot in size.

The rules are simple: take what you'd like; leave what you'd like. It's more like a FREE box than a 'library' where you're required to return the same book that you borrowed. Yesterday I dropped off a book. In this case I had originally taken it from this mini-library, read, and was returning. Yay!

But I picked up three books appropriate for my 7 month old DGD. The good news is that they go to a different place that the bookcase that I'm trying to reduce.

As I was reading this I said out loud, "ah, isn't that awesome!" I'm so happy that the high school student just happened to stop by. Awesome work in the house too! WTG! :bravo:

Thanks for the two-week thread ... This will allow me to feel I'm making a bit more progress. I'll leave town at the end of this one and join back in for the June one. My goals:
- STILL to drop off the Goodwill but it's been moved to my trunk, but I forget it there. Need to jot a note and get that out. Credit that I keep adding to it, though.
- Deep clean of LR and DR - did vacuuming and clutter pickup (mainly mine - magazines, hair band, shoes) ... but left the dusting for toward this weekend when in-laws come for Mother's Day.
- Keep kitchen cleaned each day.
- Weed more of side garden. Ground is wet (raining for three days), so when it lets up, will be primetime.
- NEED to get the mulch and get that down. Most likely toward weekend. My drop dead date for this is before I leave for my work trip.
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Mine always seem the same.

This morning I arose to too much "stuff". I felt a bit overwhelmed because I couldn't do one thing until I did the next. This pattern surfaced in several different areas. I sat and finally decided to deal with the kitchen first which did require plants being moved back to the greenhouse. My original chore was to declutter the refrigerator and attached freezer. It turned into a bigger project because there was freezer stuff upstairs that needed to go to the basement freezer and vice versa. I just did it. My sis is on a trip and left me a bag of veggies. When I opened it I was reminded why I, personally, don't take clothing items from others. Much of what she gave me was "stuff" I didn't need/use or already had. Kind of like when I take clothes from others. Then it becomes "mine" and my responsibility to deal with it. I will make a plan to use the food items. Credit.

Today I will work in the yard a bit. I took the shovel with me and walked around digging on weeds I'd like to take out. I think it will make it easier when I go back out to just pull and bin them. We shall see.

The greenhouse fared well during our cold spell but I still don't have a watering or shading system in place. I did purchase some shadecloth last week and am waiting for some hooks to arrive in the mail to attach with. In the meantime I moved some starts back inside which were getting too much sun. It's all a learning process. I bought cucumber seeds last week, too, but they are floating around the house somewhere. I will find them today.

When I'm overwhelmed I just "do something". Every step moves me forward.

Best wishes all!

Okay -- so, I filled a box of clothes and a bunch of old mismatched socks. I set aside the clothes that fit now and have a few that will fit later. I was away from the house most of the day

So -- tomorrow:
Dishes
Pick up clothes and sort to wash
11:30 church (National Day of Prayer)
01:00 pickup friend drive 40 miles west to taste test a cheesecake for and event next week
Wash clothes
Head to Laundromat to dry & fold clothes
Purge more clothing - organize and put clothes away in dresser

I'm looking forward to Friday. It's suppose to be 81 here. I'm planning to get the weed weasel out and dig up the front and maybe plant some flowers.

I did purge one other thing today. I say this with somewhat of a heavy heart ... but it needed to be done. There was a friendship that was not very healthy for me --- and I put a stop to it! Decluttering is not just about papers and stuff, it can also be about emotional baggage... and I unloaded a crapload today! It will take some adjusting -- but :) I will be the better for it.

:hug: to all and have a great day!

Reporting in
 

So the car is getting its summer tires put on and I am home for the day. Tomorrow I start at the farmers' market for the market season and I cannot find the metal box that has all my sales stuff in it, including my beloved "square" used to make credit card sales via my phone. Yikes! IMPORTANT for the start of the market which also happens to be Mother's Day weekend. (I am an artist who sells ceramics, greeting cards, jewelry and paintings at the market.)

Since I need to find that box, which could be in my studio but I think I saw it here at home, I am calling this a decluttering day. I will move and search boxes, bins and bags looking for it and I will toss what is trash and put aside for donation what I no longer need or use. I am going to try to condense items and keep in mind that I want the living room area to look "normal". The weather is warming up and probably by next weekend the landlord will want in the apartment to turn off the heat and turn on the air conditioning.

I am starting now. Will report in as to my progress in an hour.

11:50 to 3:30:
Chaise is now clear of stuff
The floor in front of the tv is now clear
I have opened and looked in all but 5 boxes/bags for my square reader. So far, it's not here.
Dismantled/sorted/tossed from 5 bags and 3 boxes
Found more things to sell tomorrow (yay!)
Pulled out some supplies that were missing
Found all my printmaking tools that I replaced cause I couldn't find them and needed them. Now I have two good sets. That's not a bad thing.
Found all my brushes in their carry case. Yay. I have been using my second best brushes which are still good but my favorites are in the case.
Looked for my square reader in the boxes in the entry way and boxes under the kitchen table (not there)
sort through clothes pile in front of dresser and choose: toss/donate/keep Done, but will need to do again
Pulled out market stuff
Found my square credit card reader(yay)
TO DO: put away the good clothes

onebyone, I hope you find your credit card swiper. At least you move forward in the process.

I've shifted to yard work vs housework. I still commit to keeping laundry and dishes kept up daily.

This morning I couldn't figure out where to start. So much to do. DH has decided to help me for one short project a day on my days off. We dug out a bed filled with grass. He dug I hauled. I timed it 30 minutes. Done. Got him to help me move a staircase and I dug out the weeds under it along with a stray rhubarb plant. Weed cloth put down and stairs back in place. Found a home for raspberry plants that need to go. They are in pots waiting for a pickup later. Installed my automatic vent in the greenhouse. Cant decide if its working right yet. The test will be if it closes come evening. Picked up all my tools. That's hard for me to do. I just want to walk away. I think I'm done for today. Took a shower and got cleaned up.

Altogether I spent 5 hours in the yard. That has to be enough for today.

Feel like i'm just trying to keep my head above water this month. But got the LR dusted and laundry kept up and kitchen was cleaned each night except last night - I only had a couple of plates and a dish and put them in the sink and we sat outside for a little bit before wrapping up the night.

Today - prep for Mother's Day ... Pick up gift cards to wrap up gift... Wrap gift ... Marketing for meal/week ... Deep clean kitchen ... Laundry/Sheets/Fresh bed ...Reset table for tomorrow ...Lowe's - hanging flower baskets and mulch ...That dang goodwill dropoff (BUT by forgetting it, I'm keeping one add'l work shirt that I was donating, but now realize i need for event) ...Make fresh tea ...Clear off tops of a few spots- it always starts out clean on Sunday but then by Saturday, I need to take a few minutes and get it all put up again. I'm the clutterbug - DH is the neater one....Kohls - look for well-fitting capris and a few summery tops but capris are the priority...vacuum ... clean pooh pits ...clean front bathroom. DH is working until late afternoon and dinner is going to be our little pizza spot. Instead of going this evening, I'll see if he wants to roll there soon after he gets off and gets cleaned up. I will skip lunch and just wait for that (hoping he does want to do that) ...
Better get back onto it!

I've been slipping on this. My focus has been so much on the diet, but I am coming up on 2 weeks on the diet and need to expand my behavior reinforcement.

WTG onebyone! And thanks for the blow by blow report. Sounds like you found some missing treasures. I love that when that happens. Nothing like being FORCED to go thru things so to find the THING you NEED. I hope that the FMkt went well and you made a boatload of $$. Do you have a web page to sell your stuff? (I may have asked this before.) I love to see the things others create! I lol’d when I read “Chaise is now clear of stuff” because what I pictured in my mind is … “and now I’m sitting in it … in the sun!” Great success and SOOOO happy you found the square!

Debbie – great job maintain the laundry & dishes! Great to have DH dedicate the time to you for your projects! Only 30 minutes for something I would have put off because I would have thought it’s going to take ALL DAY!! I am time challenged when it comes to projects/chores! And :bravo: for picking up the tools (oh how I wish I didn’t understand what a great accomplishment this is ;) ) My loseit.com ap says you burned 1686 calories today doing 5 hrs of yardwork! :high:

Nationalparker – I’m exhausted reading your “today” list. :dust: to get it all done and still have time to “sit outside for a little bit!” :hug:

So, yesterday I got one flower bed cleaned out of the weeds. I have half of the other done. I washed 3 loads of laundry. Nearly have the dishes completed (I don’t know why I can’t finish them, must be psychological because there aren’t that many to begin with!!) Cleaned off the island and table. Wrote a letter of explanation as to why I parted ways with my friend and realized I’m actually dealing with feelings – which is rare but good for me. I’m very happy that I’m actually beginning to get emotionally healthier. Today I took the laundry to the laundromat – folded and put away ALL of the items (exciting). Soon I’ll be showering to get ready for a dinner out. Looking forward to CRAB! I need to get some groceries purchased too!

ENJOY the weekend! The weather is beautiful here yesterday (84) and today (63 presently).

HAPPY MOTHERS's DAY too all that it pertains to :hug:

Checking in because I'm wrapping up the "to do's" for today with the exception of marketing. Got everything done (!) that I aimed to do and will pick up the gift cards this afternoon when out to dinner with DH and will wrap it up this evening. I guess I'll hit the market tomorrow morning or get much of it in a super quick run while he picks out his ribs. My motto is always "in and out in under 10" and my younger step daughter used to time us. We'd make it to the checkout in under 10 but then all bets would be off.

Also still have to do the Goodwill dropoff. Bought mulch and it's laying in front of the garden, apparently waiting for the mulch fairy to meander by. Bought four hanging pots of pink begonias and they're out in the backyard already. Picked up two scotch broom - different flower style than I've had the last times I've bought it... but pretty. Not sure why I didn't get three of them ... I might go back for one more tomorrow if time. House is ready for company so mission is accomplished. Food will get done in time.

OK, I got one thing that has been on the list done. dd brought home some mystery beans from her garden club at school a couple weeks ago. Even the teacher couldn't tell me what kind they were except "kind of like pinto but for the northwest". I built a small raised bed to put a pole bean trellis in and big enough for me to plant pumpkins around the base that can spill out over the edges. Will plant on Monday after school (they have to soak first) and see what we get.

With the latest rental project and Vegas next week I am making great effort to keep the house organized and move forward on small projects. Last night I sent another message to the gal that was interested in the baby cart and she came and got it. I boxed up the wedding gift and will mail it before I head to work today. I'm using the chore box to keep DH helping me. It works great. Chores are generic and keeps me from "nagging". I'm also using the shoe box in the kitchen for all the stuff he leaves out. Much less emotional for me to move to box than pick up after him or "nag". Dug a few weeds last night and a few more this morning. Repotted my baby bok choys. Just a little bit here and there keeps me moving forward. Credit.

I want to join this group. I know there are only a few days left in the two weeks but it can be a kick start for me. Ennay - I also find not dealing with my clutter and night time eating/grazing go together for me. This week I want to continue on the piles of paper in my craft room so I can either get them in files or the trash. My donation basket in the library is full so I need to type up the list of what I am going to donate and then decide where it is going to this time. Saturday I am working on a project with a non-profit where we go through donated clothing to get them sorted into sizes. My shoes that are too big (who knew you lose weight in your feet!!) will go there on Saturday morning. Tonight I have a meeting but want to get 10 minutes of paper sorting done. Will check in tomorrow as accountability for that. Thanks

Staying focused on a little bit of progress every day. This morning I went out and dug a few dandelions in the area of grass bordering the front walkway. It's what's most visible from the street (and for me when I come and go.) That led to walking around the yard a bit and doing a bit more....then a bit more. All at a leisurely pace. Earlier I put up the shade cloth in my little greenhouse and it looks quite nice. I was just ready to head out the door at 9 then my coworker called to say she wouldn't be ready until 930. That means a little extra time. I will haul the rolling weed bin to my moms and empty it in the big dumpster she never fills. That means I'll be empty to start tomorrow morning. I won't start my curbside pickup for another week or two. Once the lawn needs regular mowing I'll get onboard.

My DH emptied our hot tub so we need to get the cleaning products to give it a good scrub down before we refill it. This morning I took a garbage bag and filled it with all the old chemicals that were nasty so my DH could take it to dispose of it today while I am at work. Feels so good to get rid of the clutter BEFORE we go buy the new stuff so we have a fresh start for this season of hot tub enjoyment. Threw away a few handfuls of papers not a lot but I did continue to work on the pile. Tonight I am going to write an inventory of what I want to acquire at the clothing exchange so I don't end up with an overabundance of stuff. So many of my clothes don't fit (I have gone from size 22 to 12-14!!!!! Yeah me!!!!). I need to replace expensive things like a winter coat etc. so hope I can find them at this sale which will benefit a non-profit in our area.

OK, I finally got some traction, cleared out a stack of paperwork and bills that had piled up.

I leave for my wedding on Tuesday several hours after I get off work. I also have to work tomorrow. A task I've been procrastinating is coloring my hair. The house got a little cluttered while I worked on this rental project during my days off so I am committing to doing my hair and decluttering quickly while it does it's wonders. As fly lady suggests, I'm going to put my shoes and socks on. My feet are still a little tired and I can get more done if I speed things up.

My reward will be packing for my trip in a D cluttered house and not feeling like I have to go crazy getting things done Tuesday afternoon. Credit.

Nothing more was accomplished this last week as I wasn't home very much. BUT!! This coming week - I am home everyday but Wednesday!! Yeehaw! I will post my goals in the new thread. See you on the new week~~