KonMari 2016 - The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

PollyWollyDoodle

I have done my best to recycle, donate etc but occasionally I've ended up with things that I realised I was only hanging on to BECAUSE I couldn't work out how to recycle them. I hate waste, but I decided I wanted freedom from the items more than I wanted to recycle them. I can't even remember what they were, but I know a few items went in the bin - I reckon my recycling habits are better than those of most people (present company excepted!) judging by what I see when I go to the tip, I'm appalled at stuff that could well have been donated.

The tips on this thread are brilliant though, especially the used bras, wedding dresses etc.

I think the other side of this is that so many people won't consider used/pre loved/second-hand, some of my friends wouldn't be seen dead in a CS. I reckon 90% of my furniture is second-hand, much of it from family. My aim for this year is not to buy any new clothes - CS or home made if I can.

DawnW

greenbee wrote: »

It is - when I was working on an environmental project about waste disposal several years ago, Japan was one of the places we looked at as an example as there recycling rate was something like 85%. They have really good technology for separating and recycling different materials. And manufacturers are responsible for the cost of disposing of waste from products they made... which means they think more carefully about the way they manufacture them.

Thanks for this Greenbee

lollyfin

Polly I'm the same my challenge to myself this year is no new clothes, apart from undies, everything has to either be from a Cs or made myself. I actually haven't bought any new clothes since I started my konmarie journey it's all come from Cs and I love it all so much more than the stuff I got rid of. It was funny seeing my old stuff on the rails when I was looking for my new things.

VJsmum

lollyfin wrote: »

Polly I'm the same my challenge to myself this year is no new clothes, apart from undies, everything has to either be from a Cs or made myself. I actually haven't bought any new clothes since I started my konmarie journey it's all come from Cs and I love it all so much more than the stuff I got rid of. It was funny seeing my old stuff on the rails when I was looking for my new things.

Haha yes, iv'e done that - "Ooh that's a nice dress" "Oh it was MY dress, it never fitted right and i never wore it". Quite a salutary lesson.

I am doing the same, except for the making it bit. CS or ethically bought (unless i have a voucher as a gift - i have one for White Stuff and one for M&S, the money has been spent so i will use them. M&S might end up being on lunch and I will substitute the cash into an ethically bought whatever.)

GreyQueen

I was once in a small chazzer on a very quiet day, with the assistant at the till and me and two other ladies browsing. One of them suddenly burst out laughing from where she was browsing amongst the dresses.

She told us that she'd spotted something, thought Ohh, that's nice, then did a double-take before realising that she already had its twin at home.

I didn't make it to the chazzer as was exhausted after I finished work and did my essential errands and its an absolutely filthy day here. Never mind, it's only one bag atm and its hour will come.

It's almost unheard-of for me to buy new clothes, just undies and very occasionally trousers as I can't ususually get a good combination of my large size and leg-length secondhand. I wonder how long I could go without buying anything new? Perhaps I'll see if it will be the whole of 2016.

pollyanna_26

Hi to all .I need to find time to catch up on the posts I haven't read yet .I had a quick skim through but as a carer I don't get much time to be online My copy of SPARK JOY arrived today . I had the first book but I couldn't get inspired . I gave it to a happy recipient . Having joined this thread I ordered the new book and although much of the content is in the original I find the folding diagrams etc useful . It's a small , thick hardback and that alone gives me joy ! . As an utter bibliophile I feel it is less likely to get lost among my many books . Anyone care to guess my main hoard
Good vibes to all and well done to those facing their fears in whatever way and doing it anyway .

aliwali

Completed the kitchen cupboards today, which are now 5 bin bags lighter (4 rubbish, 1 recycling). They look a bit empty. I'm so used to mess it's going to take a while to get used to.

Igamogam

silvasava wrote: »

Igamogam you have hit the nail on the head for me. When I dispose of items is no longer like or need they need to go somewhere that sparks Joy for me too even if it does slow the process. The freegle I offered the mirror to after the no show mailed me last night to say thanks - how nice & good to know it will be appreciated. That's what it's all about for me.
Have a lovely day all x

I now have a few 'regulars' on fr**gle who I contact direct when I have similar things I know they will use/appreciate, before listing it on fr**gle. One is a person who takes packaging, another ODD store cupboard food and another is a a home educator so I off load lots of my old work resources and books that I turf out every now and then when I come across them ( or when the government decide to change policy or bring in yet another initiative:mad:

Igamogam

VJsmum wrote: »

I am doing the same, except for the making it bit. CS or ethically bought (unless i have a voucher as a gift - i have one for White Stuff and one for M&S, the money has been spent so i will use them. M&S might end up being on lunch and I will substitute the cash into an ethically bought whatever.)

GreyQueen wrote: »

It's almost unheard-of for me to buy new clothes, just undies and very occasionally trousers as I can't ususually get a good combination of my large size and leg-length secondhand. I wonder how long I could go without buying anything new? Perhaps I'll see if it will be the whole of 2016.

Big fan of the SH/pre loved stuff. My children where completely clothed in second hand clothes with the exception of underwear, socks,shoes and school uniform..which I was happy to spend a fortune on the best as the rest of their top quality stuff cost me pence:D As now young adults they are both bargain hunters, will never pay full price for anything and are keen vintage clothes wearers..........DD2 was soooo upset when she couldnt get into my size 10 dungarees and Dotty P boho skirt from my 1980's student days:rotfl: and she is a size 8:rotfl::rotfl: Mind you I was upset I couldnt get into them either now:(

lollyfin

Aliwali it's amazing how quickly you get used to space I get quite stressed out now when there's stuff about, it drives me mad