The Great Declutter Part 2

*Jellie*

Set limits on the amount of space for certain categories such as games e.g. 1 shelf (think how much space do you really need for games that are regularly played etc and cut down to this limit.
Then use a one in one out system- every new item that comes in means an old one needs to go out e.g. Kids want new game, first they choose a game they're prepared to get rid of). That way you stay within the limit!

TheDoolallyDilly

I agree with the others about the video games. My 15 year old trades in or sells his used Xbox games at CEX or Gamestation - you can get quite good prices for relatively new ones, and it funds the next one he wants to buy. For older games, it's sometimes worth selling them on Amazon, I recently managed to sell an old Gamecube game.

I would say that the best thing to do if you want to declutter your whole house is to start small - just a drawer, or a shelf. Anymore than this and it's overwhelming. And remember, during the process of decluttering, it often looks much worse before it gets better (for example, when you've emptied a cupboard full of stuff out all over the floor :eek:). Work through it methodically, using the four box/bag method someone else mentioned and then move the unwanted stuff out of the house as soon as possible. And try not to actually add to landfill - most things can be recycled via freecycle, charity shops, friends/family etc.

I am an aspiring professional declutterer and hope one day to have my own business helping people do this.

Good luck!

supa-girl

Thanks everyone - some great ideas and lots of support. Much appreciated

I have started with the older boys bedroom and have got rid of a few things. I took the advice given and have 4 boxes - one is good stuff that I think I can sell, 1 is for a good friend with a younger boy, 1 is for the charity shop and 1 is for rubbish (this is the biggest one! )

I am going to TRY to get the saleable stuff listed today, and the stuff to the charity shop tomorrow (I don't have my car today). My friend is away until Christmas eve, but I will drop it in with their gifts and the rubbish is in the garage ready for a run to the tip after Christmas. I hate chucking stuf fbut there were quite a few things that have been "loved to death" and a plasticy type things which are broken and no good for anything.

I did find it hard, being honest, BUT it feels GREAT now!! They have 2 whole shelves and an entire storage box empty, ready for their Christmas things, which I am really happy about.

I also did the wardrobe of the younger kids and have got a few old baby toys for the charity shop. Not much, but it's a start eh.

Having a well earned cuppa now!!

SG

tara747

I am so with you OP! I am a dreadful hoarder. OH hates clutter so I have been trying to deal with it. I am eBaying anything worth selling and freecycling/giving to charity shops anything useable which would not sell for much... and I still have too much junk! I try so hard to part with things but it is very difficult. Mind you, I have made almost £470 in the past month on eBay so that is easing the pain lol. I am going to keep at it in the New Year and hopefully make some more cash.

One thing I never do it bin anything useful, no matter what. It would kill me to do that, I'd feel so guilty. I always give things away rather than bin them.

SwipernoSwiping

So glad i found this thread. I thought it was just me and mine that had clutter issues!
This thread should keep me motivated, de-clutter and re-organise! While Christmas is going to cause a delay, I am purging the eldest daughters room of toys/clothes and ransacking the DVD/Game stash. Plenty of newborn sized baby clothes too... ( one of the main reasons for this clear out is the baby)
Some i plan to ebay, some for the charity shops. lots for the tip/recycling too..
Keep me going guys.. have to get on top of this place!

TheDoolallyDilly

Wow supa-girl you've done brilliantly in less than four hours since your original post! Don't give up, that's a brilliant start!

tara747

I agree, really well done! Can you come and help me next I am feeling inspired now, going to try and emulate you and be ruthless about getting rid of stuff.

whiteguineapig

i ebay everything. what doesn't sell i give to the charity shop or bin
we have also given away things on freecycle that are too difficult to ebay or are broken, someone always seems to want them

supa-girl

TheDoolallyDilly wrote: »

Wow supa-girl you've done brilliantly in less than four hours since your original post! Don't give up, that's a brilliant start!

Thanks - my older 3 are elsewhere today and a friend agreed to watch DD2 for a couple of hours so I just cracked on with it while DS3 had a nap. It's much harder when they are all around, but if I can use this holiday time to get on top of, then I'm hoping I can maintain it on an ongoing basis and not let it get this bad again.....

I'm glad others are feeling inspired too. As I said before I do find it really tough but it's a good feeling to have made a good start. I had hoped to do my chest drawers as well but the kids are starting to arrive home and I have tea to make so I will probably have to leave it there for today......

Thanks for all the tips, I really do appreciate it. I think what I needed the most was a great big kick up the backside!!!

SG

mlz1413

I have a rule that if I can't remember the last time I used / wore it then its time for it to go.

Also if I come across something and think, wow I forgot I had that then its also time for that to go!

I remember a long time ago now I was running really late for work and I pulled out the only shirt left in the cupboard and thought to myself I'd rather ring in sick! So I then thought why do I keep this and the answer was that it was nearly new, but the vicious circle is it was going to stay nearly new as I never wore it!! This was my light bulb moment for clearing out.

I tend to have blitzs, can't bring myself to do it at a set time of year, but every so often when I can't find something I want and know I have will be my trigger.

Well done for getting started, that is always the hardest bit.