Prosperous soul, mortgage neutrality & creativity Year 2

jwil

That's a massive reduction on the mortgage!

savingholmes

Thanks KK and Jwil

KK - when the student is ready the teacher will appear - but not until. Can you start with all your stuff before getting around to his? Perhaps do a drawer at a time. I think BC started with something small like a sock drawer. I used to blame Ex for a lot of the mess as I didn't want to work harder at resolving it than he did - all that happened was our house got more and more neglected. Now he's left the picture my house looks like I always dreamed of - or closer to it anyway. However, I would say I was the bigger hoarder between the two of us before. You have to believe it is possible to start.

Redecorating a room can be another great way to start - as you remove everything - decorate - and then only put back what enhances the room. That then allows you to question everything else. I genuinely didn't believe it was possible to manage with less stuff - but now wouldn't want to go back - and am currently stressed as because I'm in the process of sorting the garage some of that detritus is now sullying my organised spaces. I take lots of before, during and after photos as I find it motivating. 

I made up 2 hours today! Need to start early tomorrow too as lots to do. Hectic for work currently.

Just nipped to Mr T and bought some stuff for tea.

Need to change into painting clothes and touch up some paint! Wish me luck.

beanielou

Foodbanks always looking for carrier bags 

savingholmes

That's a good idea Beanie - thank you. I'm talking about the woven bags so probably even more useful to them.

One of DD's friends came over and exclaimed over the space. She went 'wow' spontaneously upstairs when she saw DD's room etc. She could also see the difference in the garage. I've reclaimed some more space tonight. A lot of it requires better organisation of what I have - and stacking empty crates I'm keeping for the move inside each other. 

I haven't done any painting. I have watched a movie kind of while sorting through stuff. I'll have to try and paint tomorrow. Today was full on for work so I need to stop beating myself up. I can only divide myself so many ways.

KajiKita

You’re right, there is only so much you can do without making yourself ill. I am conscious of this after full on gardening all weekend *and* doing 2.5 hours in the garden last night - ridiculous! 😉 I have achieved a massive step forward though, so I will be happy to rest and do nothing but watering until the weekend now. 

I would agree with the teacher appearing thing, but I have already done quite a lot of decluttering - books, clothes, household items (I had a lot to get rid of as I had been living away in the working week before buying here, so had duplicates of a lot!). Unfortunately, Mr KK is a serious collector and always sees the value and the rarity of the items he has. It is getting a bit silly though and I did at least manage to nudge him into getting rid of some uniforms that he will never wear again (he understands that old men with a bit of a pot, wearing military uniform does look a bit silly …. 😉) and some webbing. It’s all just so bulky! Why can’t it be postcards or somesuch! 😉😂

KK

Starlight_at_Sea

You are teaching me the clutter lesson and I am grateful @savingholmes. I don't yet have your urgency so am not seeing such rapid change, but as I gradually move into the new flat I am trying to consider whether it's the forever home for my 'stuff' or not. I had a night sleeping at my house the other day after 2 lodgers moved out (one is back in September, one was only ever short term) and both their bedrooms, empty of 'stuff' were relaxing to be in, almost like a hotel. I am aiming for similar in my living space, but recognise one also needs things like clothes! 

lucielle

You’re making huge progress!  

L

savingholmes

Thanks KK, Starlight and Lucielle

Yes - prepping the house for sale is very motivating - so trying to exploit that energy while it lasts. I'm trying to get down to a 'holiday cottage' level of stuff - enough for my needs but no excess. I'm already looking forward to the cleaner coming tomorrow and putting things back to rights. Still getting rid of the excess from a family of four living here over decades. As a single person - I don't want to move or pay to move that excess with me.

I need to fit a tip run in today. I think I'll start work early and then fit it in later. It feels like a full on week. I'm struggling just to keep some of my 'needier' outdoor pots watered. Ideally I want to nip out and buy fresh flowers. I'd rather prep my house for viewing as few times as possible - so want to go all out now so hopefully it won't hang around for too long. I live in hope.

savingholmes

I sorted my key drawer today - and binned a load of keys (like 20!) and then had a panic in case I'd thrown the ones for DD's bike lock. Checked - her key is with the lock - I did have to fish the spare out the bin though.

Laughing at myself....

Merlin's_Beard

I've got to laugh SH because I did that when I threw my old suitcase away at the tip.... as I was driving off I suddenly thought "I used to keep my spare car key in that..." Very uncomfortable half hour until I got home and confirmed that I'd moved the key months ago in preparation....!

Very validating reaction rom DDs friend as well!