KonMari 2020 - The Life Changing Magic of Tidying

Hazelnutty

Hello everyone! Just checking in really as things have gone a little quiet on here. I don't have much decluttering to report - a lampshade went this week but that's my lot I did, however, finally get to grips with the chaotic downstairs (we can't properly settle as building work is about to happen to totally remodel the downstairs so it's been a case of living with low-level clutter and disruption since we moved in). So I now at least have a box for the dump and 2 large bags for the C/S for when they reopen. Which I am counting as progress!
Feeling a bit sad today though. XH and new partner have just got a new puppy and it's hard to feel it's not about extracting more attention from our DD, not as a primary factor but a useful by-product. DD's not been so keen on going over there for a while (lots of arguments, they're not v supportive of her interests, put her down occasionally, haven't been keen on extra visits even though we moved to be in the same city). She is an emotionally intelligent person and so I hope our relationship won't suffer (we've always been very close). But for today (the big reveal) I'm feeling a little down   Due to the puppy, she's staying over at theirs tonight so OH has suggested a long, cathartic walk and some wine to get through it. 

Igamogam

Hazelnutty I dont see the CS opening anytime soon. the restrictions and changes they have to put in place are huge and I would be surprised if it will be cost effective for smaller ones. Fingers crossed thought as I have bags and boxes of stuff to go!! I cannot just dump it it just does not sit well for me and my family. Have given lots away on fr**gle and have resurrected my eb*y account and recycled as much as possible. I went to the local recycle centre last week and it is shocking what people are throwing away. I could rant a bit here about the hype over opening of shops....but I wont! 

19dobby85

Hi everyone, not commented on here but thought it might be useful for anyone wanting to donate to their local charity shop to know that a lot of the donation banks in my area have been reopened recently and I've been able to get rid of a load of stuff!  The Salvation Army have a donation bank and also another nearby is for the Firefighters Charity.  I've had to be careful what to donate where as the Firefighters one doesn't accept bric-a-brac but the good old Sally Army take most items!  When my local bank was full last week I rang and spoke to a lovely lady who arranged for it to be emptied and the next day it had been sorted!  So for anyone who might be overrun with bags for donation it might be worth having a look locally for that type of donation point.

Siebrie

We had plans for large renovation works this year, but due to the coronalockdown, everything has been delayed: the Architect took longer to make a more detailed offer, the bank just plain missed our email, apologised, and then kept quiet again (2 weeks and counting....). I had planned to sell lots of our old stuff, but secondhand sales just wouldn't budge, and I had no time to take pictures, etc. WFH means 11-hour days for me, because dds are also home fulltime, and every time they interrupt me I have to tack on another 15 minutes to the end of my workday

Anyway, husband bought 2 secondhand vans to send to acquaintances in his home country (they asked him to, and have already paid. Husband will take about €500 'processing fee' per van), and we will fill the vans up with a lot of stuff from out attic and garage, to be passed on to his relatives. We've also asked people around is if they need to get rid of furniture, etc.

I'm tired of our house now, everything gets old, and nothing gets replaced yet. We were supposed to get rid of stuff this year, but it will probably have to last another.

Hazelnutty

Hi all. It's interesting how much variation there is by locality. The donation centre in my old town opened on limited hours a while back but I've seen only one charity shop in my new city open. I guess councils are taking decisions based on local conditions (and politics!) I have given a lot away via FB but it's a funny old world. Some things get snapped up straightaway then other, nicer things, not a sniff. I'm going to drive back to the old town later in the month for a haircut and to see some friends for a socially-distanced catch-up, so may just take a job lot to the donation centre then.

Sayschezza

if you are in Essex I believe the Hospice warehouse in Colchester are taking donations. best to check first though as i am in a different town.

Hazelnutty

Yes, that's exactly the one I was talking about - spooky!

suki1964

Just wanted to add my tuppence to this thread

I started decluttering about 3 years ago now - still a work in progress  

I did take a wee read of the original thread but didn't get the thing about feeling the love

However I can say I did fold my underwear and t's and jumpers and Ive stuck to it

My drawers are a thing of beauty

Siebrie

suki1964, maybe for you, it's better if you start with other objects than clothes? For instance, when you are cooking, do you have a favourite spatula or cutting knife? Than that is 'the love', and the others can go.

Igamogam

suki1964 said:

Just wanted to add my tuppence to this thread

I started decluttering about 3 years ago now - still a work in progress  

I did take a wee read of the original thread but didn't get the thing about feeling the love

However I can say I did fold my underwear and t's and jumpers and Ive stuck to it

My drawers are a thing of beauty

Folding my knickers and rolling my socks are the ONLY thing I took from MK I do often think 'does this spark joy?' and I do get it but dont really use it as a rule of thumb as for me its all about keeping it out of landfill - hence me picking out of a skip at work  4 perfectly good brass coat hooks fixed to a piece of wood! Haven't been looking for any but they now adorn the back of the bathroom door replacing the single one that was there which has been moved to inside the bathroom cupboard!! So if I can recycle  re use or re-purpose I will...rather than just throw away as ultimately there is no 'away'. The key is to just not acquire stuff and then MORE stuff in the first place.