2021 MISSION DECLUTTER and CLEAN

patentgirl

Finally can report something cleared out bottom middle drawer of unit in lounge mostly straight to recycle bin mostly old cards old used Xmas tags general rubbish cluttered over years now have one empty drawer incentive to do next 3 drawers and 2 side cupboards cup of tea first.

newlywed

Tidied the spice rack. Only keep the most used out and the rest are in a large tub, so moved a few bits into that.

found my old ice cream tub of bits to recycle (greaseproof paper squares I was putting between slices of bread to then freeze the whole loaf) - haven’t bought a loaf since August so binned them and moved the now empty icecream tub into the place OH looks if he needs any for diy/paint etc.

I read An interesting comment about decluttering and keeping things “in case”... 
Do you think the world will run out of it and you will never be able to buy it if you need?

Whilst recycling things is good, it has made me wonder whether having less clutter and more space that’s easier to clean is worth just buying certain things a second time - if I do ever find I needed it!

moneyonmymindsam

SuperSavingD said:

Hi All
Can I join in please?  I have house and garage to sort.  Looking to raise some funds by selling as my emergency fund took a massive hit before Xmas with puntcture, broken guttering and vet fees so happy to declutter and sell unwanted items.  Going to make a start on my bedroom this evening.

When I had a lot to clear I sold some of  it advertised as ebay reseller or car boot bundles as there are people who buy and pick up in bulk to resell. Just incase you didn't want the hassle of listing lots yourself, this also works well for bags of clothes.
Sam x

pamsdish

I always keep boxes for a while, in case of having to return, also got a selection of Amazon packaging. Re phone packs, I donated all my old phones to C/S with the boxes.

bit_by_bit

newlywed said:

I read An interesting comment about decluttering and keeping things “in case”... 

Do you think the world will run out of it and you will never be able to buy it if you need?

Whilst recycling things is good, it has made me wonder whether having less clutter and more space that’s easier to clean is worth just buying certain things a second time - if I do ever find I needed it!

I was always keeping stuff because I didn't want it to go to landfill or 'could be' reused. I am finding places to take all sorts of stuff now so letting go is a lot easier than it used to be. 
Just dropped by to say I have got rid of my first large item, a fabric covered piano stool. I sold it on Gumptree and the person who bought it gave me the full amount AND collected it. 
Just packed away all the christmas decs. I have left some lights up as I feel my mood would plummet if I took them all down. I have put outside lights to one side as I wasnt to brighten my garden this spring and sit out in it more.
So 1/100 bags and 1 large item has left the house. Yay. 

moneyonmymindsam

Today's outs.. 
A box of the foamy wotsits (?) that come in packing boxes! A hot water bottle from what decade I do not know.

Usual kitchen rubbish and recycling. 

Decided we need a shoe rack!! But just leaving that as a thought for now. 

I just did a quick sort through my wardrobe and ear marked a few things that are excess - not sure if I will sell or give to a relative but currently bagged up to see if I miss/need/want anything in there and if not it can be on the road to a newlife soon. 

Just paying some bills later to get everything in order, then have to see about the vets next appointment and earmark some funds for that. Have purchased the birthday gifts due in Feb so that's covered and no others til June so all good on the budget front. 

Didn't really clean this afternoon as under the weather so settled on just a tidy as happy with progress and not looking for perfection. 
Sam x

Viking_mfw

bit_by_bit said:
I was always keeping stuff because I didn't want it to go to landfill or 'could be' reused. I am finding places to take all sorts of stuff now so letting go is a lot easier than it used to be. 

This is one of my issues too. The improvements in the circular economy are really helping this as is being much more conscious about what we buy/ gift in the first place. 

Predictably the Minimalists Challenge is getting harder and two of the same thing are now being counted separately! So, Day 7:
1) finished my replacement peg bag and decluttered the old one into its constituent parts for recycling
2) purple faux fur snood to CS bag
3) very well loved woollen skirt that has been unwearable for years due to the number of holes and which is too big has gone to fabric recycling and the bag is tied up ready to go out with our recycling bin tomorrow
4) old print outs to firelighter pile
5) broken plastic watch strap into the bin (have essentially just been holding on to this because I didn't like how quickly i was going through them but I have acquired a metal one as a longer lasting bet) 
6) piece of ornamental twig onto the fire
7) wooden puzzle from a long ago cracker, ditto. 
28/465 in January

short_bird

28-32: stuff that got lost at the back of the fridge...
33: bag of assorted rubbish.
34: 70 emails
Wow, everybody really is cracking on this month!

Marpau

Hi I'm back for my 3rd year on the declutter bandwagon.
After steady progress last year my tall bookcase had 3 empty shelves DH has kindly cut this down so now have a 3 shelf bookcase room looks bigger with lower level furniture. He has also fixed the drawer of the unit and I have a box containing the contents waiting for Earnest to visit.

1-4 magazines to neighbour
5-9 magazines recycled
10 7x newspapers recycled
11 receipts shredded
12 gifts unpacked and packaging recycled
13 makeup sorted into new bag and dried up ones binned
14 lo mince pies to the birds
15 500 emails deleted and unsubscribed from ones no longer needed
16-17 Sunday undies
18-20 3x tights binned (my mission during lockdown is to wear tights under my trousers to reduce the huge stash left over from working life.)
21 last year's calender recycled
22 wood from bookcase to son for woodburner 
23 Documentary and film watched and deleted from planner
24-25 shampoo and shower gel uu bottles recycled
26 Christmas crackers used up (they have been in cupboard for over 3 years)
27 candle uu
28 violin sold on faceache and collected
29 Christmas decorations packed away in loft
30 box file recycled contents filed or shredded
31-36 book skirt necklace and earring plus packaging sold on eBay and posted

I must try to post every week as this thread is moving so quickly with lots of great work going on.

EnergyShifter

EnergyShifter said:

66. power-washed bins
67. Repotted some succulents (for my little office) 

68. Broken scoop for litter tray