The Great Declutter - 18 months on

fabulous_girl

I need to start decluttering. I live in a huge rented house with my boyfriend. we are southerners living in the north so we're still marvelling about how much more you can get for your money! the problem is, we have just expanded the amount of stuff we have to adjust to all the extra space, and we know that when we come to buy a place, we will have to downsize to be able to afford it.
We are currently back in the south for an xmas break where we have collected a lot of xmas pressies, all of which are lovely, but mean that its just more to add to the pile. i am going to have a huuuuge spring clean when i get back to sheffield! this is very motivating, i like the one in-one out mentality!

Edit, update: just checked my email and ive won an embroidery hoop, which means another thing i have to get rid of....i think ill start with the boyfriends stuff! Actually he has a drawer of tat which contains a couple of old disposable cameras, how much does it cost to get them developed these days?

pavlovs_dog

im really struggling to get going with decluttering again.

im currently doing a teacher training course, and the tidal wave of paper is unbelievable. i cant even begin to think about the rest of the house until i have tackeld that. i feel too overwhelmed to start just sorted paper into various piles, i hope to sort, shred or file my way through one pile by the end of the day. its going to take an awful lot of baby steps to get through this lot!

pavlovs_dog

pavlovs_dog wrote: »

just sorted paper into various piles, i hope to sort, shred or file my way through one pile by the end of the day.

well it was a very stop/procrastinate on MSE/start process but i did it! one pile sorted, with all relevant paperwork filed or shredded.

ive also written a list of what i ideally need to achieve between now and the 6th Jan. there are 9 things on the list, but i reckon i'm only going to average one a day. still, that would at least be progress.

ive also fished out my poor, much neglected diary , which is going to get some tlc in the hope that it will keep me on the straight and narrow next year

EssexHebridean

fabulous_girl wrote: »

I need to start decluttering. I live in a huge rented house with my boyfriend. we are southerners living in the north so we're still marvelling about how much more you can get for your money! the problem is, we have just expanded the amount of stuff we have to adjust to all the extra space, and we know that when we come to buy a place, we will have to downsize to be able to afford it.
We are currently back in the south for an xmas break where we have collected a lot of xmas pressies, all of which are lovely, but mean that its just more to add to the pile. i am going to have a huuuuge spring clean when i get back to sheffield! this is very motivating, i like the one in-one out mentality!

Edit, update: just checked my email and ive won an embroidery hoop, which means another thing i have to get rid of....i think ill start with the boyfriends stuff! Actually he has a drawer of tat which contains a couple of old disposable cameras, how much does it cost to get them developed these days?

On your way back up North, stop at a Motorway services - usually there is a rack in the service area somewhere with lots of photo processing envelopes. Most companies will do small prints from disposable cameras quite cheaply - look for a "standard print" size of about 5" x 3". HTH

mummy_dumpling

where does everyone keep their paperwork? I really need to work out some sort of storage system for mine as it takes over my life but we don't have anywhere out of sight to keep it

also how much/what paperwork do I need to keep for any length of time? my DH has bank statements and pay slips going back to when he left school 20yrs ago!

thanks

skint_chick

mummydumpling - I think your OH needs to have a clearout. Once you have your P60 there's no need to keep payslips unless you are planning to change your mortgage and he has overtime/bonuses then keep a year's worth just in case. Bank statements should be the same - if he hasn't got charges to claim back then/any additional taxable income then there's no need to keep them at all unless you are tracking your spending. I got an expandable file from Tesco -it's pink plastic and has lots of sections with little headers and cards to write each section's name on. So I have sections for bank/insurance/car/household bills etc. You can get fireproof ones too if you have lots of important docs.

I sorted all my paperwork out thoroughly first though before I bought anything - no point spending lots of money on fancy boxes etc and then not having anything to put it them. Try Ikea for boxes, Tesco/WH Smith for files or office supplies if you need something a little bigger - you can get mini filing cabinets for under desks from Argos etc

HTH

tiny_courageous

You guys are really inspiring. We've got a spare room full of 'boot sale' stuff but the chances of us doing a boot sale soon are slim at best. You've inspired me to actually tackle the room, one thing at a time. Thanks!

nodwah

mummy_dumpling wrote: »

where does everyone keep their paperwork? I really need to work out some sort of storage system for mine as it takes over my life but we don't have anywhere out of sight to keep it

also how much/what paperwork do I need to keep for any length of time? my DH has bank statements and pay slips going back to when he left school 20yrs ago!

thanks

I have this problem too - despite asking for advice on here before!!

My Oh has every payslip he's ever had and when I had a flakey and started shredding old documents from 3 houses ago ( and 12 years ago) he went mental!!

where do other people keep their paperwork coz I never see any in other houses?

charlies_mum

nodwah wrote: »

where do other people keep their paperwork coz I never see any in other houses?

probably shoved in cupboards, with the doors firmly closed in case it all falls out :rotfl:

We are fitting a new kitchen, and I am really having to declutter, trouble is, I keep finding old documents and photographs, so it takes twice as long

It is such a great feeling though, especially flinging stuff that you haven't used for years :T

essexgal

nodwah wrote: »

where do other people keep their paperwork coz I never see any in other houses?

er....loft, cupboards, drawers, garage and if people coming round - behind the sofa in carrier bags......:o

However, am working through a boxload at a time and gradually clearing it, and am going to try and keep more on top of it from now on....

essexgal

must add - we do have 2 filing cabinets which should be enough - the aim is to get it all in there....:D