I have been reading de-clutter posts on various sites and have decided to YET AGAIN, challenge myself to a major de-clutter. I seem to work on it all the time - but I am going to do a major clean-out this late summer/fall. Almost 35 years here and a basement full of stuff (not even mentioning the garage), and something has to give.
I sure don't want relatives to come in some day and have to do this. I don't want to worry about it as I get older and maybe less able. Someday I MAY have to move, and I sure don't want to worry about this stuff then.
NOW IS MY TIME!!!!!
My plan is AT LEAST 5 things a day to go in donate box or trash. I am working on getting things caught up right now for the first 9 days of the month! Through today - I should have at least 50 items to go! (easy peasy).
Now this sounds daunting - but not really so much. Think about it - it could be a book, stack of magazines, an old handbag, items of clothes or shoes, maybe a knick-knack......it can anything.
Cleaning out old paperwork as well.
I truly have so much stuff in the basement, that has been stored for ages. I haven't needed it to date - therefore I don't plan on needing it. I still have all of hubs clothes. I have thought of doing a quilt with some of them - but sure don't need them all.
I feel I can bless a lot of other people with items that maybe they can't afford to buy at a regular store.
I truly feel the urge to downsize and I am going to make a donation each week. This will make sure it gets out of the house.
Anybody want to join in the fun?????
Time to get things in order before winter. These hot dog days of summer can be useful for something!
What say you?
I am bad at a lot of things, but my super power is constantly getting things out of the house so they don't pile up. In fact I nag hubby a lot to get rid of tools he no longer uses. For instance he no longer works on our cars for various reasons. I hate clutter and I always have a bag going to take to the thrift store when it is full, so I don't really have any place that needs a lot of work. My big failure is that I buy too many clothes, so pretty much most of the donations now are clothes.
ReplyDeleteI try to work on my all along - but over the years the accumulations have really grown!
DeleteOnce I get it where I want it - I need to do one thing in and one thing out!
Glad you have kept up with things - that is wonderful.
Hi, I am like Anne, I am very good at streamlining my stuff, alas my husband keeps everything, down to screws and bolts…just in case. And now that we are older and he isn’t fixing things like cars, all that clutter is stressful for me. I agree to your challenge! I have an area in the garage where I move unused items, time to do a big fall clean out! Thanks for the motivation, it was on my things to do list, just not a real commitment Maybe all my decluttering will cause him to get inspired to go through his stuff ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the attitude about getting rid of stuff you gals have. My hubs was the same - as the reason the garage is not even on my radar at this time.
DeleteGlad to motivate you. Hope this works for us all!
I have done this numerous times over the last ten years. After husband passed. After my Mom came to live with me, we cleaned out her house and much came to mine. After Mom went into care, cleaned out again. After my son and DIL bought their home but some of their things they still need to take care of. And after the death of a dear friend. He left his estate to my son, some of his things are here in my garage that I need to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThen I just seem to keep adding from being frugal. Did a big shop at Macys clearance sale just yesterday. All things I needed but at great prices, got a bunch of new shirts for less than 5$ each. Got new sheets, queen 950 thread count less than 20.00 each set, won't need sheets again this lifetime, new steak knives, set for less than $6 and finally nice underthings for great price. I thing I am set forever on things like this I have needed.
I will still keep building my pantry, right now good on food but need to get more dog food and paper products.
Thanks for showing me how to save even more!
You did get some great deals! I am not much of a shopper unless it is groceries. I like to buy gifts.
DeleteYou have gone through a lot of transformations over the years. Goodness.
I will always keep working on the pantry - no getting rid of that stuff. I will keep other things I may need - but so much must go.
So happy you have gained info you can use here.
Texas, I was also shopping that Macy's sale, it was fantastic, wasn't it. The funny thing is I throw lots of stuff in a cart and then I slowly go back through and disregard most of it. I couldn't even finish my shopping when I kept getting notices that "this" and "that" were no longer available. Apparently all of American womanhood was shopping the same sale and snapping things up. I did end up with four new tops and only lost one that I really wanted. (See above note about my worst weakness. :D )
DeleteAnne - it sounds like it was some sale. I have never even been in a Macy's, so wouldn't know about it. The Macy's here is at the mall - and I don't go there.
DeleteHope you got lots of neat frugal finds.
Good morning! I can't relate to losing my husband/life's love, and I applaud you for being ready to part with his wardrobe. May I suggest: get 3 boxes and fill them, setting aside anything you might want to cut up for a quilt.
ReplyDeleteHere is a 7 shirt pattern: http://thethriftyquilter.blogspot.com/2009/06/seven-shirts-seven-steps-one-thrifty.html
Step 2. Put those boxes in your trunk. In 1 week, take them to the thrift store or to where you prefer to donate. This gives you a 7d grace period to be sure you're ready.
I suggest this because, my Mom told me to empty Dad's closet. I called my brother who lives near her to bring his pickup. I piled all the clothes in the backseat. Mom called me a week later, angry that Dad's clothes were gone. I told her where they were, called my brother and asked him to drive over so Mom could take back what she needed for a bit.
I sense that you are fully ready for another serious declutter session and I wish you joy while you do it! :-)
Actually good advise for anyone dealing with a loss. I have most of hubs things bagged - but have just held on to it all. It has been over 2 years - so some needs to go. I will keep what I want for a quilt of pillows, etc. I THINK I am ready - we will see!
DeleteI ready for all other decluttering for sure. Thanks - I hope I get a since of relief from it all.
I did the big clean out last year but am still rooting out unnecessary items in hidden places. I don't shop much, so not much comes in, either. I keep two boxes on the mud porch: one for books, music cds, etc. that goes to the library and the other for everything else that Salvation Army or Goodwill might take. Other things that charities won't take are left at our mail station. An old Craftsman electric chainsaw that needed a part was snapped up in less than an hour.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered letting your neighbor who fixed your car go through Glen's old tools and parts and taking what he can use? My mother let my sister's son, a newly minted auto mechanic, take my father's tools, saving the young man hundreds of dollars. Donating Glen's clothing is a blessing, especially since thrift stores don't get very much men's clothing.
I'll be rooting for everyone who is participating in the challenge. Here's a cheer: Throw it out! Throw it out! Waaaay Out!! LOL!
You are doing great! LOVE the cheer!!!!! LOL
DeleteI could do yard sale - but that is too much for me now days.
He borrows what he needs - whenever he needs to. I have given him a few items. There is soooooo much out there!
Glen was a big man as well - and big men's clothing is really hard to come by at thrift stores, especially in good shape and much like new. So yes, it will bless someone.
Keep the cheers coming!!!!
Sounds like a plan! I have been going through some things in the garage since the great washing machine debacle. Actually the Urban Farmer has even gotten rid of some things. The filing cabinet in my computer desk is next. It's hard to let go of a loved one's belongings. Miss Frances had an excellent idea about letting the neighbor see if he can wear anything. Working on cars is dirty work.
ReplyDeleteGot a dab of rain and back to hot and sticky.
Oh the file cabinets! LOL - G kept so much paper work. I did get rid of some - I guess I am very guilty of it too!!!
DeleteWe got a little rain - it sure was appreciated. Not a lot - but beggars can't be choosy! So muggy!
I like the idea of getting rid of five things a day. I want to clean out a section in the kitchen under the counter, so I can keep things I use regularly there so I can get to them easily rather than ask my daughter. Keep8ng a home clutter free is a work in progress for sure.
ReplyDeleteYes mam, it sure is a work in progress. It really is work! Period!
DeleteWhether you do it for a week or a month or two - it gets things cleared out. Win - win.
A few years ago we cleaned out our packed attic and also donated 15 van loads to the thrift store. It was such a relief to be rid of all those things! We did the attic 4 boxes a week and the night that we finished it up I felt like our whole house was lighter and more spacious. But, we need to go through everything again. We will be starting with our huge linen closet because we have to empty it to repair a plumbing leak. We never use that bathroom shower so we have been putting it off. The next project after that is Christmas decor. Even going through one box a week would be a huge thing because we have been putting that off. My sister and I are really struggling with what to do with Mom and Dad's Christmas decorations. There is a huge amount of really precious things and we cannot just throw them out or donate them. They need to go to family members. This is what I would like to avoid for our kids.
ReplyDeleteI am soooooo happy we never put even one thing in the attic!!!! The basement, is another story. Then there is the shed (I can handle that) and then the garage.
DeleteThose decorations accumulate over the years. I don't do much decorating any more and have so many decorations of all sorts. They need to go - none are super special.
Your parents decorations should be shared with family (or kept). Maybe make them a special Christmas gift this year. I have a few of Mom & Dads tree ornaments and they are so special (old). Maybe if you have tree ornaments make a special tree for them or make a wreath adding them.
I have been through the house 'purge' with Mom & Dad's place and oh, it wasn't fun. I don't want anyone to have to do that for me.
Been working on this exact thing! Have numerous things I need to haul to the thrift store. Although, I haven't set an exact amount daily. I seem to do better to just do it when I "get a wild hair"...ha! And, it seems I do quite often. I also have been using up more odds and ends since the start of the pandemic. I am not nearly as inclined to run to the store when a need arises. First, I look around home and often find something I have will work just fine.
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest Memory Pillows for a shirt or two Glenn's shirts? I made several after my father passed...one for myself, my kids, my siblings and their children. There is a sweet poem you either embroider or write on a card and place in the pocket. I think you can Google it. My friend's daughter in law made reddy bears for the grandchildren when their grandfather passed. Those are all nice winter projects. I found it made me feel close to Dad while being able to share his memory. Everyone said they were a treasure.
Good for you. SO much stuff.....
DeleteI like you try to figure uses for things.
Yes, I have thought of pillows or teddy bears as well. Several nieces and nephews would like something.
Thanks for that idea.
Correction...Teddy Bears...not reddy bears....oops!
ReplyDeletefunny we read what is supposed to be!!!!!!!!
DeleteA quick suggestion about the tools, that may be useful to all -- As I was preparing to put my house up for sale, about 2 years after my hubs passed away, my brother-in-law went through all the tools in our garage. They were both electricians, as was their Dad, so he knew what I would need, what I wouldn't have a clue how to use or have any use for, what had been handed down from their Dad, etc., and set me up with a basic tool bag, with pretty much every tool I'd ever need, and ones that were in the best condition. Some tools he took, others were offered to family and friends, some put on Marketplace, and other went to Habitat for Humanity. For those without a husband, perhaps a family member could set you up with a tool kit and advise you on what to eliminate. Those whose spouse is still with you, but tool use is becoming more limited, have him go thru and build you one for future use "just in case." Tomorrow is never given.
ReplyDeleteGood ideas. I have my own tool bag inside. I have my own power tools too!
DeleteGlen was a mechanic and worked on everything from cars to big trucks. His trainee was supposed to get his stuff - but he has since retired and moved out of state. Now the city he worked for - pays for big truck repairs. They don't do in house any more.
I will find a place and a person that is a good fit.
No tomorrow is never given. Good reminder for folks!
We have lived here for a year now and I feel like I need to go through my place and if I haven't used it in a year it goes. Some thing to do when I get home from my trip. Because I have nothing to do usually.:)
ReplyDeleteLOL - no you are idle all the time!!!! LOL
DeleteI wish I had just a years worth of accumulation. Slow and steady.
When I retired, I spent two full months going through my house and doing a heavy duty declutter. Boy, it felt good to get rid of so much stuff! I'm due for another but I'll likely wait for the cooler weather because I want to be outside as much as possible before winter arrives...it will happen too soon.
ReplyDeleteI'll be cheering you on from the sidelines. Enjoy!
You were smart! Isn't it amazing how fast things stack up? Too hot to be out much here at the moment - so I can do this.
DeleteThanks - keep cheering!
The first time I challenged myself it was for 1000 items and I beat that by a long shot. The second time it was a bit harder to do, but I did make the 1000 items.
ReplyDeleteThird time I tried for 500 and barely made it. Now I just try to get rid of things as I come across them, or use up what I have in my craft supply (though yarn and fabric seem to jump into my cart on some shopping trips).
God bless.
WOW - that is great 1000 is a lot! Bless your heart to do that 2X and then more. I hope to get rid of so much - I will be happy. I do give regularly - it just doesn't make a dint. (and I am not a big shopper). Hoping I am successful.
DeleteWhen I first started working from home, I broke every room down by month & decluttered top to bottom. There are still a few things (the garage, my husband's stuff,etc). Now it's mostly just upkeep, but it still takes work.
ReplyDeleteYou can totally do this! I've promised my mom that I'll come & help her do something similar once I quit my job. She's super excited & needs someone else to help her organize & declutter. She's fit & healthy, but just needs that extra person to say, "are you really going to use this?" :-)
Great job. That really was a good plan. Nice of you to go help Mom. I hear her - I think maybe I am that way. Need a push!
DeleteToo look at the storage in basement gets over whelming - where to start!
She sounds like she will be in good hands!
I started my de-cluttering when the pandemic first hit so our house is majorly de-cluttered. I went through every closet, drawer and cupboard. We have no basement or attic so that wasn't a concern. Our garage is good and so is our shed. I have a huge pile going to the Goodwill and another huge pile and that will be for the garage sale we will be having in September. So that is all done. It was a lot of work but kinda fun to put things in a Goodwill pile and a yard sale pile. It was a huge sense of accomplishment. I wish you luck with your de-cluttering. You can do this and we will be cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteI just love all the encouragement!!! You guys have all done so well. I love it.
DeleteI am past garage sale days - just too much work and being alone it is kind of scary. Back in the day - that would have motivated me big time.
Thanks for the good wishes.
We are doing this right now for an up coming community sale. If that doesn't happen will probably donate or put on the free site for our area. My one hold up is books. I adore books. lol. I told my husband - if the power grid ever goes down I can read and read and read. lol.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Good for you - your items will bless someone else. I did give some books away back in the spring, but they had been read and I knew I wouldn't re-read. I have a ton of books as well. We can always be entertained!
DeleteWhat is Swedish Death Cleaning? ... Magnusson, a Swede, writes about the Swedish idea of döstädning, which translates to death cleaning. Dö means death in Swedish and städning means cleaning. The thrust of the book is to slowly begin decluttering so your death isn't such a burden for those you leave behind.
DeleteAlison that is very interesting. Thanks
DeleteDefinitely don't want others to have to sort through my junk after I'm gone. My folks passed a couple years ago only a month a part and we had to clean and sort the home they lived in for 35yrs. To say it was overwhelming was an understatement. You mentioned your husbands clothes. I took one of my Dad's favorite flannel shirts and made it into a pillow. Nothing fancy. I used a travel size pillow for the insert. I did the same with one of my Mom's shirts. They are in my living room and they are actually complementary colors and a wonderful reminder every time I look at them. If you sew that might be an option.
ReplyDeleteSorry I am so late in responding. Just saw this. Yes, I think that is a good option for some of his clothes. I have thought about adding to a quilt or making a pillow - just something I will always have.
DeleteOh how sad for your family. Sorry you had to go through that.
Just today I noticed the top shelf above the dishwasher has some old goose-decorated salt&pepper shakers. I can't even remember using those so they must be a wedding gift that got stuff up there. I will be going through all the drawers and cupboards in the kitchen this month, filling a box at a time for the local thrift store. I have one from the pantry that will go out on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI need to do my kitchen drawers again. How in the world they become such a mess is beyond me. It is amazing how much we have and it could bless someone else.
Delete