2023 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN Mrs SD

Brie

It's started!! 

I discovered the jeans I've worn over the Christmas period are completely worn through on one inner thigh so in the bin they go!!  I've got another 2 identical pairs which I've been wearing for a number of years and another new 2 that I recently purchased but haven't yet worn.  (panic purchase and now I'm not sure - but for £18 for both I won't be much fussed if they get recycled)

PurpleJay

I have put a microwave with a faulty dial on a local facebook group this morning and someone is collecting later today all being well. I have had it on the floor of my office for at least 6 months so will be glad to see the back of it 😊

debtfreedarling

I have been reading these forums on MSE for years but this is my first post I will join the declutter challenge I am a self confessed hoarder and I need to sort my life out !

Wednesday2000

I put the xmas decorations away and have been decluttering for the days after by placing stuff in one room in carrier bags. I then got it all out of the bags and put them in each group, eg: pictures, clothes etc... to look at exactly what I'm getting rid of.

One thing I have noticed is that I really feel better if there is less visual clutter in my home. I did genuinely like the pictures I am donating, but I think the walls look better being less busy.

It made me think that I am generally a person who prefers minimalism. I went through an extreme minimalist phase at my old house almost to the point where I felt I went too far! Since moving this year I have been buying a lot of stuff for my new house as it isn't much bigger in terms of square footage, but feels much bigger as we have an extra room, a bigger garden and also higher ceilings.

I was musing at how much more relaxed I feel paring down my house and I was also thinking how there is a link between being more minimalist and me saving money. I don't mean just by buying less stuff, but having a less cluttered home makes me think more clearly. I am not sure if it is because I have OCD or it is just my personality, but I have noticed that since we have moved in April I have been filling up my new house, spending like crazy and not saving money at all really!

There are some really good charity shops around here, but I need to consider if I really need what I want to buy.

We are living in an area that has a lot of vegan friendly restaurants (we are both vegan) and we have been spending an obscene amount on takeaways. Damn you Deliveroo. That needs to be cut down drastically!

My long term goal is for my husband to retire in 2026 so I need to start taking that seriously again and start working on our saving goals for each year as it is 2023 very soon.

All the stuff I'm getting rid of now I am counting as 2022, obviously.

My 2023 goals are:

1. Reduce visual clutter.

2. We need to get our house redecorated as we are living with the previous owner's taste - preferably decorate my house in white or magnolia.

3. Save for next Xmas with £1 a day - I'm at £30 already!

4. Remind myself daily of the long term goal of early retirement.

5. We need to have far less takeaways! Cook more at home.

6. Drastically reduce my charity shop habit. Think about the 50 times rule. Will I wear this item 50 times? If not then don't buy it.

debtfreedarling

I love your 2023 goals Wednesday2000 I have also read recently that reduces clutter in turn reduces cortisol therefore making you feel less stressed …..here goes I know this will be tough for me but I am determined ! 

Beshki

This is exactly the thread I have been looking for! I am so invested in simple living, no clutter etc - but my house does not run in line with either of those sentiments. Disorganised chaos and so much mess. Having dabbled in the past, I am going hard at it this time, and have made a good start today. Lots of bin bags of rubbish collected up, I’ve made a start on a couple of kitchen cupboards, and intend to work my way around my (tiny) home. Looking forward to reading back over the last few pages of this thread  

vulpix

 Wednesday 2000 I am with you with having less clutter and the  thinking more clearly link. Years ago I was management at an emergency placement children's home.It was a very busy place day and night but before I started my shift I always cleared the desk of other workers detritus,coffee cups,paper work etc,etc. It helped me feel much calmer and more capable for the unknown that was to come. Nowadays I still feel calmer and more capable if the house is tidy.
Vx

-taff

I wouldn't worry about slipping off page 1 @Mrs_Salad_Dodger.. You're kind of like Cheers, everyone knows your name....

florianatwobob

After much consideration I have decided my inspirational word for 2023 is (cue drumroll)………. STREAMLINE. 

Streamline includes, streamlining me and the house! 

Post Christmas I am now well stocked up on smellies etc so I won’t even need to think about buying any for the foreseeable!

This year I have removed 13 books from the TBR pile (let’s not talk about the number that have been added). 

Areas to tackle this year are 

1) The Storage Shed which is closely tied to……

2) The Front Room (which needs to be replastered as the plaster there is also 90 years old and standing up from habit). 

3) The cupboard under the stairs (a mini room of doom).

I’m also on a mission to keep on top of the kitchen stock rotation. Reduce food waste (again) and continue to minimise waste to landfill. 

Back to my Reduce, Reuse, Recycle mantra from pre pandemic times and reminding myself to Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without. That said I’ve got a T-shirt that needs cutting up for rags! 

x_raphael_xx

Brie said:

or pass anything on to a ukrainian group who will be celebrating their Christmas on 6th Jan rather than 25th Dec????

@Brie I want to go through my xmas decs and throw out most of them. Do you have any links on how I can find a group to donate to?

5 & 6 - Two tatty shower scrub brushes binned.