Enough is enough - the great declutter

tranquil_2

Hi can I join you? We've sold our house, in process of buying another and just realised that that means packing!:eek: Some of it I've managed to do already (part sorted out understairs cupboard so could show viewers that it is actually quite big, not just that it holds vast amounts of stuff), and part cleared the garage ( for when our buyer came back for 2nd viewing- he didn't think it was big enough so came back with his tape measure, by which time you could physically get in there!) but now there is....THE ATTIC :eek: :eek: :eek: I have a blind spot to all my normal hidey holes, due to the large amount of rubbish I know is hiding up there.

So before I can even think about normal decluttering I need to
-empty attic
-finish garage (being ruthless)
-sort and clear understairs (rather than clear top layer and make it look tidy)

However I have already
-got rid of loads on freecycle
-given 4 boxes to friend who car boots (it would be more MS to do it myself but I would put it off then decide I needed to keep everything in the boxes myself)
-returned pram that I was loaned
-taken several big bags to local charity shop (and came back with a dolly highchair and rag dolly to go with it- note to self, don't take children when doing drop off!)
- started sorting for local NCT nearly new sale.

Now it's written down I actually feel like I've achieved something! Feel inspired to do and do 10 minutes in attic (baby steps).

Sorry it's been such a long first post. Hopefully I'll manage to post short updates to keep motivated.

nodwah

onredbull well done for persevering with Sky , it just shows if you complain enough you'll get somewhere - consumer revenge!

Firehorse

Just popping in to say hi, and well done everyone, sounds like some progress is being made. I will admit one of my biggest problems is that I'm so addicted to MSE I spend far too much time here reading all the threads!!!!

Anyway, today was a bit of a waste, because dd1 had a hospital appointment which I expected to last 2 hours tops, but actually took the entire day!!

I will say though, that what I've already done is still looking good. Some stuff has found new homes through freecycle, did my weekly visit to the tip today and tonight I'm putting some things on ebay (still a bit of a virgin with this).

The other thing I've managed this week, is to go through dd3's wardrobe, including repairing two drawers, (so love flat-pack!). Just need to finalise this with her. Am still knee-deep in bin bags (stored clothes), this will now have to wait until Monday as the kids are with their dad for weekend, so can't offer an opinion or try stuff on. Which brings me to tomorrow's declutter session - dd3's bedroom - can't wait....she so won't recognise it! Then, if time permits, ds' bedroom, including putting shelves up.

Ebay is calling, so I'm going to start listing. Have a super weekend everyone.

charlies_mum

Was going to de-clutter again today, but failed miserably. I was pootling around Aldi when my phone rang - it was work asking where I was :eek:

tranquil_2

After posting last night, I did feel inspired to go and start on the attic. When DD1 was born someone told me it would be a good idea to keep the boxes her toys came in. I did, religiously; last night I discovered boxes for toys that we've got rid off. Having spent an hour dismantling and flat packing some of them, ready to get rid of, I can't see any difference.

Still not at the stage where I can have labelled boxes to keep, throw and recycle. (I'd never find them under the junk I have) Still, it's something to aim for!

nodwah

tranquil wrote: »

After posting last night, I did feel inspired to go and start on the attic. When DD1 was born someone told me it would be a good idea to keep the boxes her toys came in. I did, religiously; last night I discovered boxes for toys that we've got rid off. Having spent an hour dismantling and flat packing some of them, ready to get rid of, I can't see any difference.

Still not at the stage where I can have labelled boxes to keep, throw and recycle. (I'd never find them under the junk I have) Still, it's something to aim for!

that must be someone like my DH, since watching the antiques roadshow he thinks all toys are potentially vauable and so keeps all the packaging ( I go around behind him and throw it all out!)

I just spent 1 1/2 hours trying to list someting on ebay, anyone else found it slow and hanging up all the time? Or is it my computer?
I've just decided to try to list 2 items every day until it's all gone, we'll see how it goes.

nearlyrich

I have had another weekend at my mum's place, we have done 4 car loads to the tip mainly from the kitchen this week, I have never seen so many plastic containers in one place LOL.

nodwah

COR she must have a big kitchen!

nearlyrich

nodwah wrote: »

COR she must have a big kitchen!

LOL sadly not there isn't a clear surface in the house, (or wasn't;) ) I bet she won't miss anything I have decluttered LOL.:rotfl:

onredbull

MOTIVATION !!!

We all know that we have got loads of sorting out that needs done :mad: and trust me when i say that my hoarding of items is way out of control - similar to all of you reading this and just as others have previously discussed their own.

Today i rang my friend who is brillent :T as she just throws my stuff in the bin - asking me first, but it helps me so much as i cant bear to throw any of it away.:eek:

Today we nearly completed a small box :T and she threw quite a bit away :T including:-
1 x A4 piece of paper with failed driving test info on
1 x A4 piece of paper with passed driving test info on
1 x alton towers ticket from 1997 - (Written on this ticket was printed "Please Retain Ticket" - :rolleyes: So i did until today !!
Some school exersize books from 13 years ago
Some school work and art pictures from 13 years ago
Some old newspapers dating back to 1997 (Still got to keep about 12 papers including sun,independent with memeroble front covers dating back to 1992)
Loads of flyers from when i used to go clubbing in Plymouth Ritzy and when i went to ibiza.:T

Still got the following that i managed to persuade her that i needed to keep...............JUST IN CASE !!!!

2 x tops/shirts with 'Bubble' from Big Brother signature on.
Diarys that i have written in dating back to 1992.
Loads of badges and keyrings.
Some used phone cards.
1 x blonde & 1 x Ultra-violet wigs that i have worn years ago when went out clubbing about 10 years ago.


Should i keep any of the above ????