The Great Declutter Part 3 - 2011

Claire_Bear

Callisto wrote: »

He even has one cupboard containing just computer and tv cables and wires! Aagh!

This made me laugh as every single man that I know has a box of wires. OH has about 3 :eek: And they never let you sort them out because they 'might come in useful one day'. Even old phone chargers, and about 10 scart leads, and wires for stuff you threw out yonks ago It's just one of those weird 'man' things I think, they're always really protective of the box of wires! :rotfl:

topgranny

I just found this thread yesterday and would like to join in. I really need some motivation, although I did make a start even before Christmas. I used to keep a box of wrapping paper (for Christmas and birthdays) in a corner and decided that it was time for it all to go. And it did!! I couldn't believe how old and tatty it was so just binned it. I bought new and used the lot, except for the "leftovers" from cutting to fit parcels. I'd normally have added these to my hoard but binned them straight away. I've now bought some at 3 rolls for £1 ready for next year.

After Christmas I also sorted the decorations out, binned some and took a load to the CS, together with other things I had sorted out earlier.

I like the tips about putting 1 or 2 bits on e-bay at a time. I'll definitely try that one as I get so fed-up doing it and then just don't bother. Even the free listing week-end didn't fire me up.

We downsized to our bungalow 6 years ago and still have boxes in the loft that we haven't unpacked. As we so obviously don't need any of it, it's time it went.

topgranny

LJFreeman wrote: »

Create a working filing system

I would just like a tidier house and to be able to find something I'm looking for...not much to ask for

When I worked, I was introduced to a system called a "tickler file" - don't ask me why it had such a daft name but at least I remembered it!

This was made up of 12 hanging files, one for each month of the year. Then there were 31 files, labelled 1 - 31, for the days of the month. The idea was that all the "date" files went behind the tab for the current month to hold papers you would need for that day. At the end of the day the file was moved behind the next month's tab and so on. (I hope that makes sense!)

Since I retired I've slimmed the system down to just a file for each month and now put the paperwork I will need for things like hospital appointments, insurance reminders, receipts or whatever into the relevant monthly folder so that I can put my hand on them straight away.

If you don't have a filing cabinet or drawer, one of those concertina type files would do provided it has at least 12 pockets.

Another thing I have done for a few years is to keep a shoe box each year to hold bits and bobs I want to keep, such as cards my grandsons have made for Christmas and birthdays, reminders of lovely days out or holidays, etc. I know it's still hoarding, but it's only one shoe box so I can't hoard large items.

2boysmum

Callisto wrote: »

He even has one cupboard containing just computer and tv cables and wires!

Mine too, he even cuts plugs off of electrical things, I keep reminding him that everything comes with a plug theses days but he still does it!
So far today, I have binned 2 black bags from our bedroom, trying to clear it out so it can be decorated, since before christmas it has become a bit of dumping ground to keep the rest of the house tidy.

Mumof2_2

Here's my update on 30 mins decluttering/sorting:

OUT - BINNED:
Old broken globe stand
Mini hot air balloon set (very tiny - found at the back covered in dust!)
3 sticker story books - all used
Broken Thomas the Tank Engine toy
5 old magazines
Old tax disc from 2001 :eek:
5 broken coat hangers
Bits of Barbie cards

OUT - TO CS:
Playstation steering wheel (we have PS2, not 1 so doesn't work)
2 books
1 cardigan (too small for DS)
1 pair of princess shoes (far too small for DD!)

shellysue

I am having a good try at this declutter thingy, but I think I do too many different crafts, so,

I promise not to buy anymore wool until I have used what I have.
I promise not to buy anymore fabric unless its something special for a project and in that case I have to use it right away.
I am going to make a list of the unfinished projects and try to fix a time for finishing them.
Get a bin bag in the craft room and throw away the true rubbish so I can see the good stuff - which will satisfy the 'buying' bit of my brain.
Go through all the magazines and then turn them into logs for the wood burner.

Well, thats a start.:)

phizzimum

Yorkielass wrote: »

I find posting what has gone in and out the house really helps too.

I haven't been posting my ins and outs...but reading other people's makes me more aware of what I'm bringing in to the house...don't want to undo all my hard work!

mfwin2019 wrote: »

I love reading everyone else's efforts on here & hope that this year I will just keep going until it is done

just how I feel!

tattycath wrote: »

I'm reluctant to charity shop all of it because i know i could sell some of it and make some money, but at the same time i know that we need to get rid asap... help!!!

I find myself feeling the same way...but then I'm v good at procrastinating. I'll look at something - think that it's too good for the charity shop and decide I'll sell it, but then never get round to it. I've got a couple of things ending this weekend on ebay - so if they don't sell I'll know that it's not worth the bother and send them to the charity shop.

phizzimum

Mumof2 wrote: »

Do you mind if I join in here more regularly please?

Oh please do! the more the merrier and I'm starting to flag!

shellysue wrote: »

My name is Sue and I am a horder:o
I want to declutter, I really do, and being a horder I really really need to but I am finding it really really hard:(

I hear you girl! I love crafting too, and for the last few years we've been home educating the little phizzies - and I realise I've been using that as an excuse to hoard masses of useless stuff! I can't find the things we actually need because there's so much rubbish.

shellysue

Thanks phizzimum, I have been trying to cut back for a couple of years, but the basic stuff is still here, I need to get ruthless with some of it, like the candle making stuff, most of the rubber moulds will be seriously perished by now, but the rigid ones will still be ok, I might try ebay for those, although I don't have much luck selling things on there.

boultdj

shellysue wrote: »

I am having a good try at this declutter thingy, but I think I do too many different crafts, so,

I promise not to buy anymore wool until I have used what I have.
I promise not to buy anymore fabric unless its something special for a project and in that case I have to use it right away.
I am going to make a list of the unfinished projects and try to fix a time for finishing them.
Get a bin bag in the craft room and throw away the true rubbish so I can see the good stuff - which will satisfy the 'buying' bit of my brain.
Go through all the magazines and then turn them into logs for the wood burner.

Well, thats a start.:)

Good Luck with the highlighted 1, taken me 3 year's to use up my wool:eek::o,only got 6 400g ball's of aran left to use now:)
IN
Post
OUT -bin
dryed up hand cream
brocken mug
OUT -recycled
Post
cerele box and toilet roll middle
foil from the chocolate orange:D