Community Chat

[debcakes]

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@Reba055 wrote:

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@hoosieroriginal wrote:

The older I get, the less I like to see "stuff" in my house.  Yesterday I spent all day pulling things off walls, going through closets and cupboards, getting rid of clothes and home items I haven't used in last six months.  For the new year I vow not to shop anymore shopping channels, save money, live frugally and spend money only on necessities!

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I tried the same thing last year. I didn't do so well, lol. I'm going to give it another go. I have way too much stuff and don't need to buy anything for awhile. 

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Ha Ha! This is my resolution every year. One of these years I am going to actually do it. I want to get rid of 50%  of the stuff in my house.

[CelticCrafter]

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@GinaV24 wrote:

@Bird mama yes, I know that feeling. I have 2 or 3 stuffed animals that my Mom had bought for my niece (her only grandchild).  I still have them in the house.  I keep thinking I should go ahead and donate them but somehow I never do and my niece is 35!

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Have you asked your niecce if she wants them?  If she doesn't I would donate them.

[gidgetgh]

I've been reading this thread because decluttering/purging/organizing is my favorite thing to do!

We've never been a "cluttery" family and I don't have emotional attachments to many material things.  And I've always done a good job at decluttering.  After I was laid off just 4 years ago, I did a full, go through the house, one room at a time thing and purged/sold/donated and then organized.  It took 3-4 months.  Some days I'd work on it alot.  Some days just 15 minutes or so.  

The key for me was that I didn't "flit" around.  I started in the kitchen and I slowly plowed my way through the kitchen and I didn't do anything in any other room till I finished the room I'd started.  I had great success that way.

Anyway, last year, a book was recommended to me that I really enjoyed.  It's called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo.  It's pretty short and easy to read and I'd highly recommend it if you're seriously interested in decluttering and downsizing.

The book didn't help me so much for the decluttering as I'd already done that, but it helped me tremendously with organization and storage tips.  Her basic premise is that rather than saying you're discarding or purging, etc., you are instead keeping the things that bring you joy.  After I read the book I realized that that had been MY approach as I'd done this, but I just didn't name it.  

Anyway, worth a read if you're interested.  My husband and I by no means have a bare bones house.  We still have alot of "stuff".  My husband doesn't embrace the journey like I do.  So I just did my things and the common things in the house.

[marlielou]

Downsizing is smart.

[just bee]

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@SunValley wrote:

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@brii wrote:

I'm organizing my pantry.  I am putting everything into clear food containers.

I started a few days ago.  As soon as I buy things from the store, they're going into a container. 

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@brii this is so smart. If you see it, you use it, and it's easier to know when it's time to restock. Do you label some of it or keep the mixing directions taped to the container? I would have to or I would mess up or mix up things!

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It's a good idea to have a Sharpie on hand and date your items, too.

[Mominohio]

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@Bird mama wrote:

@SunValley

I'm working on the office as we speak, lol.  I had so many hanging pendaflext folders I'd swear they reproduced themselves when I wasn't looking.  Some of them were old and warn so I removed the metal rods and will recycle the metal and the paper when I make a trip to the recycling center this weekend.  Mind you, I just made a trip last weekend.

My DH must have saved every corporate phonebook (we were employed at the same place) he ever received.  They haven't published a paper phone book in over 15 years, lol.

The phonebooks are going - they are not in the office, they are in the old china cabinet in the basement. 

All I can say is that it never seems to end.  Maybe it's me and I toss when it feels okay to do so, especially things he collected when he was alive.

My house is organized and that is the problem.  I have a place for everything and so nothing immediately jumps out at me.

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@Bird mama

This is me!

People come into my house, and think it is lovely, clean and organized, and it is, until you dig in deeper. 

Each year at this time, I clean out every closet, drawer and cupboard, but as this time rolls around again, they are stuffed and discouraging once more.

Near the end of the year, I cannot wait till January to begin the purge. It is always in the back of my mind during the Christmas holiday season. 

My problem is whether to donate or hold the stuff this year for a garage sale in the summer. I don't want to hold it, but we could use the money, so still figuring that one out.

[Mominohio]

I do find it interesting how we all find our 'clutter' in different places. Some of us have so much jewelry/clothing/shoes/handbags, other too much makeup/skincare, and still others too much home decor or kitchenware. 

So are we safe from the title 'hoarder' if we only are out of control in one of those areas? LOL!

[Mominohio]

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@Daisy wrote:

For those of you who have kids...It might be a good idea to ask them if they'd like any of the items you're thinking about donating. You'd hate to get rid of something and then learn that your kids had loved it and would have wanted it. Especially if it's something that had always been around the house as they were growing up...such as furniture, dishes, vases, lamps, etc.

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@Daisy Sunflower

This is exactly why my house is such a crowded and frustrating place. I have only one child (19) and enough things to pass down for 4  kids!!

We have tubs and tubs in the basement of his old toys  (excellent toys in excellent condition, and hundreds and hundreds of books too) ready for his kids. Tubs and tubs of household goods gathered over the years as a kind of 'hope chest' for him to furnish his home when he leaves. He participated in this process, and will be glad to have the things. Even my linen closet is too full because I have blankets, towels etc. saved for him.

I always say that when he moves out and takes all his stuff, the house might just collapse in on itself, as I think the tubs of his 'stuff' is all that is holding the place up!!LOL

[Blahblahvampemer]

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@hoosieroriginal wrote:

Next is my hall cupboard - full of makeup and creams - all going except for my Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough, my Paula's BHA, and my Josie Maran - I have things I haven't even opened yet - it's all going - going to simplify my routine also.  I just think of all the money I have spent on facial creams!

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I just threw away over $500 worth of various products, and there's more to go.  I wish I'd sold it on eBay when it was fresh.