February is 'use up' month

[Deleted User]

I must say that I have enjoyed the use it up theme but I have to carry on through march (and probably april and may and .....)

I haven`t been brave enough to be ruthless with my clothes yet but maybe when I do the change around from winter to summer. I like the idea of using the right hand side of the wardrobe (except I have my little used christmas sparklies on the left)

chardonnay_2

i plan to keep using up stuff (i've got that much lol)

anyway we've been doing loads of diy and finished 3 opened tubs of outdoor paint, 2 half tubs of varnish, + about 4 + open fence paint tins. painting outside at this time of year is mad i know but we're trying to put house up for sale in next couple of weeks.

still planning to use up as much stuff from freezer / cupboards etc and not spend very much on food this month.

tip for some. i went through my makeup boxes and have put loads of unopened goodies on ebay - i haven't used them and they might aswell make me some money.

nicki_2

I'm having a use it up month, but only for food stuffs as my cupboards are heaving so much that there's even stuff ontop of them and I try not to put stuff up there as I hate the way it looks and how sticky it can get if OH has a frying session :rolleyes: Plus I need to defrost my freezer desperately!

chardonnay_2

nikki, one of anthea turners tips was to put some newspaper on top of kitchen units and replace them every month - supposed to keep the tops clean.

nicki_2

I'd like to do that but I never seem to have the top cleared lately due to all my reduced bargins. BUT I will be doing that when I do my HUGE spring clean over the next couple of weeks (ready for DD's birthday April 5th!)

Also thanks for reminding me that Anthea is on tonight so I'll do the ironing while watching it

wishingonastar_3

Caixta wrote:

Not sure where I heard this tip but it worked for me:

Whenever you put something back in your wardrobe after wearing or washing it, put it in on the far right hand side of the rail. Therefore, with minimal effort, it soon becomes clear what you can get rid of. After the appointed time, just take out the things on the left that you haven't worn for ages. I like this one as it kind of does itself.

I've loved this thread and thought the timing was brilliant: a good time to use things up in a month that can often be a financially lean one, and from a tidiness point of view, just in time for a spring clean. (I know Flylady says we'll never need to spring clean again, but it's still been good to have a mini clear out.)

Please can we make this thread an annual event?

WHEN I NEED A CLEAR OUT OF MY CLOTHES, I TURN ALL THE HANGERS TO FACE THE SAME WAY, THEN WHEN I'VE WORN, WASHED AND IRONED SOMETHING I PUT IT BACK IN WITH THE HANGER FACING THE OTHER WAY. AFTER A WHILE I CAN TELL WHAT HASN'T BE WORN (AND SADLY ENOUGH IT DOESN'T MESS UP EVERYTHING BEING IN COLOUR GROUPS)

HOLsale

i've been so pleased with myself about using stuff up, so pleased in fact that i felt guilty for buying £30 in groceries today

course it was fresh fruit and veg, 4kgs of chicken from the butcher (at 99p/kg why not!) chicken liver, beans, honey etc

the only junk food i bought was 2 29p bars of chocolate from lidl one is for dd and i to share at a freebie movie this afternoon the other is for a dessert i'm making

got a lot for my money and most of it's fresh stuff and i had used up all my chicken in the freezer last night but i still feel guilty... what are we like eh? :rotfl:

couteaux

I feel just like that Holsale! I started a tesco order but cancelled it as it felt silly buying anything when I still have so much to use up! It would feel like cheating in a way. I am going to carry on with this 'challenge' as long as necessary. I am actually really enjoying it

wishingonastar_3

i'm enjoying it to, my shopping list for this week consists of fruit, veg and milk, cos still got lots to use up. i'm loving this challenge now i'm really into it.

greentomato

I'm not as strict as you lot, but I still managed to halve my grocery bill last week through doing this challenge, so really pleased. And I still have cupboards and the freezer full of stuff that I need to get creative with...