2023 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN Mrs SD

ajmoney

This week I have been doing a different kind of decluttering. I have been lining up tradespeople to come and do some of the jobs that I can't do. I have a potential damp problem and a company are booked in for a few weeks time and today I have a landscaper doing some gardening jobs that I don't have the tools to do, nevermind the time around work etc.  It is freeing my mind which is giving me the capacity to focus on other things.

I will get back to some more cost-effective decluttering soon!

oceanspirit

Had a lovely but busy week. 4 more DVDs to go and OH thinking about a couple of books.  Broke a shoe horn that we use every day so that will need to be replaced.  Paid some bills this morning and replied to a couple of emails.  A couple more to do.

Made soup for lunch with 2 portions going in freezer.  Will see how much energy I have tonight as to whether a meal from scratch or heat up something else.

QueenJess

Everything feels completely out of control at the moment and not helped by me feeling rubbish with a sore throat/cold thing.  I am desperately trying to catch up with the millions of things that need to be done in the house after working full time for 4 weeks (so obviously no one else did anything in that time).  I worked from 19:30 until 00:30 last night just trying to get through stuff and it feels like I've barely touched the sides.  The post would be epic if I wrote everything I did last night, so I won't write it all down!

DS's room

Although there is always decluttering that can happen, there is still too much stuff just around.  So I am now channeling my inner Stacey and finding ways to store things without changing furniture.  For example, I have some material hung up where DS can put his badge collection onto.  I feel these little things should make a big difference.  I've just ordered some cheap self adhesive hooks I can put onto the side of his bookcase to hang up a few medals he has.  Other solutions to continue the improvement are ongoing and I'm on the lookout for inspiration.

Kitchen

The freezer is still too full and I am unimpressed with myself.  I also had to chip a load of ice off on Wednesday as it wasn't shutting properly.  We really need to empty it and then defrost it.  I told DH who said "Oh yes, I noticed that.".  Oh right, but then he didn't do anything about it 😡.  This is why I'm permanently stressed out and considering quitting my job as I have to do everything.  Very unhappy about it.

Anyway, I am planning on doing something everyday with the freezer.  Yesterday I cleaned out a drawer in the teeny kitchen freezer and I have two more to do (will do 1 a day) and then I'll have to start tackling the big monster freezer somehow.  I am also trying to get something out of the freezer for pretty much every meal now.  It's amazing the stuff you find even when you think it is pretty organised (the kitchen one anyway).  I found 3 baby teethers that DD has grown out of and so can go.  A whole drawer was dedicated to ice cubes, so the trays have been removed now it's no longer summer and can live in a kitchen drawer instead.

DD's room

I've ordered a couple of baskets to clear it up a bit.  In the meantime I've started to take out the summer clothes and pack the winter stuff in.  I need to keep the summer ones (in a box in her wardrobe) just in case it is hot earlier in the year next summer as DD may still fit in it at that point.  I've not yet finished, but am sorting out the clothes my mum brought up a few weeks ago at the same time.  If I've got too much of something (probably long sleeved tops) I will get rid of some.  I do keep slightly more than I think I need (but in a box in the wardrobe) as she's at the age where everything gets utterly destroyed (or it's just my kids that do that!).

Other than this, I am trying to get on top of the cleaning, tidying and all the random stuff lying around that needs to get sorted (I have a lot of stuff that needs to be rehung on the wall for example).  As long as I can see progress with this and it's going the right way, I'll be happy with that.  The three areas above (plus my library) are the worst rooms at the moment.

Lots of stuff out as a result of the above and hopefully more to go later.  DH will soon have a big pile to stuff to take to the charity.  Maybe I should see if I can hit 35,000 items this year!

33,557-33,558 - kids clothes beyond repair (recycling)
33,559-33,561 - paper (reused, then recycled)
33,562 - kids books (charity bag)
33,563 - cupboard overstock used up
33,564-33,568 - freezer overstock used up
33,569-33,571 - baby teethers (Buy Nothing)
33,572-33,574 - craft supplies (used up)
33,575 - cuddly toys (charity bag)
33,576 - nice pen that’s uncomfortable to write with (Buy Nothing)
33,577-33,578 - packaging (recycled)
33,579 - cleaning products used up
33,580 - broken comb (bin)
33,581-33,588 - kids clothes grown out of (charity bag)

flamingo747

Groceries done. +1 foodbak bits dropped in, +1 old batteries dropped in. Suitcase pretty much packed +1, need to sort spare bed for mum who is looking after dog. 

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks to include MMiM - do this before I go to bed

2. Commence ‘Operation Frog Tickling’ I have an acronym - I.R.I.S. being Identify, Research, Implement, Sign Off 

3. Implement a new sleep/wake up regime - start going to bed earlier (target before 2:00 a.m.) get up earlier (target by 9:00 a.m.)

4. Deal with ‘Urgent’ daily mail immediately & the rest at the weekend

5. Don’t put it down, put it away

6. If I spot a mini task deal with it immediately e.g. refill olive oil pourer or salt cellar, stitch up a hole in a garment etc

7. Continue to keep kitchen clean & tidy - before going to bed 

The sun is still out & the clouds are white not dark grey 🙂 so energy restored enough for another session of cheerleading 😉

Excellent decluttering daisy1571 👏 As you only have 199 left to declutter, I owe you a Gold Star ⭐️which is on its way 😊

Excellent decluttering on your second pass through of the kitchen flamingo747 👏 It looks like you have been rather ruthless 😉

Florenceem, it sounds like you have had a busy week 🤩 Sorry to hear that you are still feeling unwell 🤒 I am hoping that you will be able to rest a little on Friday 🤞 I am also sending positive thoughts that MrF’s procedure goes well & that the results show there are no further health issues 🙏

TC77, that is an appalling way for your DD1’s school to act 😖 The old adage “sticks & stones etc” is way off the mark 😔 Words are so damaging especially if it is a constant stream 😡 Well done on going through fabrics & releasing some to DD1 & CS 👏

Excellent decluttering GrannyKate 👏

TC77 slow & steady will get you to where you want to be 😊 You now have very specific goals - 1. tidy the dining room table so you can work & eat 2. tidy the kitchen 3. clear the hallway. Then you will be able to have friends round to visit 😊 Please remember to take quick snaps on your phone of the before & after 🙏 

Siebrie, thanks for the reminder of the acronym 👏 

flamingo747, sounds intriguing 🤨 electric blue highlights 😊 such a lovely colour 👏

Now back to watching more episodes of Silent Witness 😉

MrsSD (a superwoman) 😇 🎖💐🤩🏅🦸🏅💐🏆 💐🍰🍾🌟⭐️🌟 💐🏅💐🏅💐💐💐🏅💐 ⭐️ ❤️🏅🍾🏅 📣🦸‍♀️💐 ⭐️ 🏅 💐 (✨✨ aka platinum stars) 😇 🏅 💐💐 💐 ⭐️ 🏅 🏆

DH Awards: 🥇🏅⭐️💐,  perseverance medal 🎖️, 🥇 🏅🏅 😇

Decluttering Target 2023: 2143/2023

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £469.00

Florenceem

We went to SA last night to take in a delivery - there were boxes and boxes of stuff from 2 supermarkets. I sorted it and crammed the fridge as much as possible - Friday is food bank day so surplus food would soon be taken.
Mr F was up until the early hours after drinking the liquid medication. 
Couldn't use our bus passes to go to the hospital - when we got on the bus - a schoolgirl was sitting in the priory seats for those with reduced mobility - can youngsters not read now - she moved when I asked her to shift so Mr F could sit down.
We were 4 hours at the hospital - apparently Mr F has an awkward bowel - not surprised there as most of him is. No sign of cancer but a polyps has been sent for biopsy.
I popped to see the captain when I got home but he was rushing off - meant to phone me but hasn't yet - I have a couple of sensitive things to tell him. This happened at my previous Church - members would ask me to tell/discuss an issue with the Vicar.

Muddy_Walker

Helloooooo!!! Mrs SD I am always up for a cwtch! Thank you 😊
Very busy week which I knew it would be but in free time I made some red glitter snowflakes and started off 3 toadstools (for charity), walked both dogs most days, kept up to date with the washing and planted stuff in the garden. Result!!
Today though - and I usually enjoy a Fri 13th, had some tricky work stuff and then had to go to the local hospital for blood tests as 2 of them had to be with pathology within 30 mins. Well I lost it completely in the car park - it has an automated barrier where one car goes out and let’s in another bit they weeent syncing properly and after several people just nabbed spaces and one girl almost ran into me getting a space - I lost it. She didn’t even apologise even though she could see I was trying to get a parking space. Luckily I got one, stomped off to outpatients then stomped back as I’d left the paperwork in the car.
Blood all taken with the usual “oooo that’s a lot you’re giving today!!!! 8 phials!!!!!” I wanted to respond with “yeah it’s a hobby” but bit my tongue. 🤨🤣
back home in foul weather and broken traffic lights to my jab - slept for a bit and am now hot then cold repeat.    Sigh
Hubby saw the dr again yesterday and is now on his 3rd lot of tablets and a nose thing. He will be referred to ENT.
So this weeks decluttering is - chocolate, coffee, usual detritus of a household, my temper.
Hugs to all especially Siebrie and mini Siebrei (apologies for spelling). I was bullied as a teenager and in all honesty if it had been online/WhatsApp bullying I don’t think I’d have been here now. Social media and keyboard warriors have a lot to answer for and is one of the most hateful things going. I hate bullying with a passion as you can tell! Glad it looks to be resolved xxxxx

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks to include MMiM - do this before I go to bed

2. Commence ‘Operation Frog Tickling’ I have an acronym - I.R.I.S. being Identify, Research, Implement, Sign Off 

3. Implement a new sleep/wake up regime - start going to bed earlier (target before 2:00 a.m.) get up earlier (target by 9:00 a.m.)

4. Deal with ‘Urgent’ daily mail immediately & the rest at the weekend

5. Don’t put it down, put it away

6. If I spot a mini task deal with it immediately e.g. refill olive oil pourer or salt cellar, stitch up a hole in a garment etc

7. Continue to keep kitchen clean & tidy - before going to bed 

DH has been quite busy this afternoon - he has fed the worms, filled the bird feeders, done some work in the garage, made a pan of soup & cooked dinner - cheesy pasta 😋 (I did do some of the prep work for dinner 😉) Wudupa

2144 - 2145 Kitchen recycling, drinks cans - recycled 

2146 Kitchen detritus binned

vulpix, sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed yourself on Wednesday 😊 Well done to your Mum for sorting out each box of stuff that you give her 👏 Sorry to hear that the basket of ufo’s “remains stubbornly full” 😔 However, as long as you don’t add/find any more, I have every confidence that you will see the bottom of the basket 😊

charlies_tribe, very pleased to hear that dog1 is enjoying his treats & using soulful staring at DD2 to get even more treats 😊 Clever dog 👏 So very sad that technology seems to have made bullying so much worse 😔 Sorry to hear that all your plans for the last couple of days have gone AWOL 😔 although I would say that you don’t need excuses 😉 Sometimes you just need to relax & go with the flow 😊 Fingers crossed you can replace your dishwasher soon 🤞

flamingo747, thank you for the timely reminder to use our ‘treats’ rather than saving them for ‘special occasions’ 😊

TC77, noooooo 😱 please start using your nice things 🙏 Do remember, one step at a time will still get you to your destination 😊

Liverpool_Anne, a very busy Thursday - well done on getting all your laundry done 👏 I am rather enamoured of the idea of wearing perfume to go to the sm😍 although my DH might get a bit suspicious 😂 Fingers crossed that you had no adverse reaction to your Covid booster 🤞

flamingo747, I hope you managed to find the items that JF requested 🤞even if he did leave it to the very last minute to ask 🙊 Fingers crossed that you found time to finish the banner 🤞

vulpix, no need to apologise for not having time to reply/comment on posts 😉 after all you are always busy 😊 What lovely reminiscences re your year twos 😊 

Good decluttering GrannyKate 👏

wort, we are definitely worth it 😊 Hope you have a lovely weekend 🙂

ajmoney, well done on lining up tradespeople for various tasks 👏 Remember, mental decluttering is just as important as physical decluttering 😊

Great work this week oceanspirit 👏 

Gradually catching up & hopefully a final push tomorrow will see me back on track. 

MrsSD (a superwoman) 😇 🎖💐🤩🏅🦸🏅💐🏆 💐🍰🍾🌟⭐️🌟 💐🏅💐🏅💐💐💐🏅💐 ⭐️ ❤️🏅🍾🏅 📣🦸‍♀️💐 ⭐️ 🏅 💐 (✨✨ aka platinum stars) 😇 🏅 💐💐 💐 ⭐️ 🏅 🏆

DH Awards: 🥇🏅⭐️💐,  perseverance medal 🎖️, 🥇 🏅🏅 😇

Decluttering Target 2023: 2146/2023

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £469.00

flamingo747

Morning all

+1 banner finished not going to have much to report this weekend as I'm not going to be home to declutter, but I will check in at some point. Have a nice weekend folks

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, not much done yesterday, the fates were against me. I had my covid booster and as they told me not to drive for 10 - 15 mins I popped into Smith's and picked up 3 books for the baby for xmas. They were 3 for 2 . OH said he is a bit young but I said you are never too young for a book even if all he does is chew it 1 is called this isn't my Dragon and has different sensory bits in it, 1 is Elmer the elephant and the last is the tiger who came to tea. OH then proceeded to read all 3 of them . 
I had received an email from ACAS and tried to phone them but it went to messages so I did what it said. No call back so I will have to try again on Monday.
Then I went out between the showers to clear the outside drain as ln said it was overflowing. It does get blocked sometimes with leaves being washed down from the roof gutters but it wasn't too bad this time.
I went to collect the currency but they hadn't got it in as apparently it's out of stock. There must be a lot of people going to the Caribbean this year . They are going to keep trying to get it and I will call in again on Thursday.
OH had asked me to change a top for a different size but they didn't have one so that came back home with me so OH can choose something different. 
The rain stopped and we had a quick coffee over the fence with ln.
OH then took over the kitchen to batch cook some Scouse as visiting the baby on Monday and some will go there along with some lemon possit, yet to be made. As the scouse has meat in and I was starving so I had some soup from the freezer. I started to feel a bit heady and tired then after the jab and dozed for a while, eventually heading to bed. Now I am awake but headache has returned, painkillers and a cuppa and I will probably head back to bed, at least until it gets light
Haven't caught up yet so hugs to anybody who would like one
1377 covid booster
1378 drain unblocked
Take care everyone
1378/2023