The Final Countdown...

black_cat

I'm on a roll! I spent less than 30 minutes in the loft but got rid of some big stuff - stereo, amplifier, 2 large speakers, digi-box, magazine rack, books, Christmas Village - and brought a side table down for the sitting room. Another trip to the tip and charity shop tomorrow. Just going to watch "Britain's Spending Secrets" before another early night. Today has been an NSD.

black_cat

Been up in the loft again - 7 photocopier paper boxes of videos for the tip, 1 box of recycling and 2 bags of books for the charity shop. I took back a jacket to Sainsbury's today and a pair of jeans to M&S. Still not started the PPI. Not at work tomorrow so no excuses...

black_cat

Videos and flattened boxes to tip/recycling, books to charity shop, coffee with OH and friend (friend insisted on paying), dinner being cooked from stores and film tonight from Amazon Prime. When I popped into the charity shop I saw a few things that I had donated and, after seeing the price stickers, I feel even better about clearing out the loft.

black_cat

Had some vouchers from Iceland so picked some things up earlier. Menu planning done for the week. Lunch from stores. Staying at home for the rest of the day - free film, finishing a jigsaw, reading, maybe some knitting, more loft clearing, a little bit of housework. Sounds very domesticated and I love it! We love coffee shops but this afternoon will be Nespresso with biscuits bought on holiday. We need to spend more time making use of and enjoying the things we have at home. I sorted the PPI paperwork yesterday so I must do some more on that too.

black_cat

We watched "The Love Punch" together then OH worked on his jigsaw and I went up into the loft. I'm finding it easier and easier to get rid of stuff - focussing on the present and the future rather than the past. Homemade chili for dinner. I went back into the loft this evening . The kitchen's now full of stuff for the tip (ready for tomorrow), and the spare bedroom's housing the charity shop stuff which won't be going until Tuesday. I'm proud of myself for getting rid of books as well as copious coathangers (?!), a old video camera and tripod, stationery and clothes. I've started going through the boxes of papers now. When that's done OH and I will go through the rest of the stuff and I have a feeling we'll get rid of a lot more.

Although this seems like a de-cluttering diary at the moment, it's definitely helping the DF journey. Clear space = clear head!

black_cat

We took yesterday's stuff to the tip - what a relief to get it out of the kitchen! I've been up in the loft again but most of the stuff I brought down is for the charity shop. Just one bag of rubbish and one bag of textiles recycling. I found a box with a dinner set we bought about 13 years ago and haven't used for at least 10 years. I can't believe that we kept it. It feels good to send it to the charity shop for someone else to use and to make money for the charity.

I got the blues half way through - I'm frustrated at the waste of money, space and time on stuff that we don't really want. I also found letters, photographs and diaries that brought on feelings of nostalgia. Seeing this de-cluttering process as a major step towards a more productive, secure and exciting future has kept me going.

I've got a couple of piles of empty cardboard boxes which I'll flatten and store when I'm sure I won't need them. They came from a removal firm so they're worth keeping. It's mainly paperwork to go through now. The end is in sight!

black_cat

On Tuesday we took a car load of bags and boxes to the charity shops - mainly crockery, books, clothes and coat hangers, So much stuff! I haven't been back in the loft since but I'll make time tomorrow, There's a box of wool I'm going to give to my mother and some books I think someone else might find useful.

I took some sale clothes back today - that's £27 back in the account - and M&D paid for lunch, 2 tops for OH, some tights for me and some petrol. We paid for coffee and gave them some vouchers. My parents are very generous but we like to give to them too.

We have been looking for a lampshade for ages - no one seems to sell just shades, unless you want white. We try to buy second hand where possible but I couldn't anything in the charity shops either. Found a lovely lamp base and a shade in Home Sense for a good price. It looks great in our sitting room so I'm pleased with it.

black_cat

Debt stands at less than £1000! Very excited

black_cat

Very busy at work at the moment but the de-clutttering and debt payments continue. BiL is staying overnight and it was so nice just to wash the spare bedlinen and spruce the room up a little, rather than the usual "move-everything-from-one-room-to-another" thing that has to happen. I had to put a few things into the loft out of the way but they'll be back out tomorrow - stuff for my mum, our winter duvet and some things for the charity shop. I'll have nothing left by Christmas!

black_cat

Only one carrier bag to the charity shop yesterday. I wanted a few more things for work so decided to see what I could find in the local charity shops. I bought a skirt, a top and two cardigans for under £18. I'd like to think that I could buy all my clothes like this but I'm not usually so lucky. Expecting some extra income in two weeks time so one debt will be paid off, leaving the final one to clear in November.