Simplifying Life

JoJoB

Ok, I have decided everyday to learn one new (old style) thing, whether it be a recipe or cleaning method or handy hint. And put one thing in a freecycle box.

Thus acquire one non-material thing and get rid of one material item - thus sublimating hoarding habits into something slightly more healthy.

Today: I will learn to play Mah-Jong
I will freecycle... a bag of books.

Caterina

I know a woman who, for every item she acquires, she gives away two items (not the same thing, though), for example if she gets a new shirt she might give away, say, a book and a pan - wonder how long it would take me to get rid of all my clutter!

Caterina

Penny-Pincher!!

Hi!

Reading through this thread it has made me realise that we have sooooo much stuff we dont need or use. I am seriously considering getting rid of everything and doing a severe de-clutter. Freecycle will probably love me in January:D

I need a more simpler life!

PP
xx

miserly_mum

Caterina wrote: »

I know a woman who, for every item she acquires, she gives away two items (not the same thing, though), for example if she gets a new shirt she might give away, say, a book and a pan - wonder how long it would take me to get rid of all my clutter!

Caterina

I'm trying to work on the "one in one out" theme for 2008 when buying anything for the house.

However Caterinas friends idea sounds much more efficient

[Deleted User]

one in and one out works for me. I am expecting my new utilitarian crockery today, 36 pieces and I will be getting rid of 44 pieces of old, fancy crockery to the local community shop or oxfam

I think I will do a wardrobe mini-sort later today. Not getting rid, because I have done that but hanging in ready-to wear sets. It makes getting dressed in the morning much simpler

rosieben

I decluittered my wardrobe yesterday, got it down from two double wardrobes to one. Stacked christmas decs (already thoroughly decluttered!) and my box of precious china wall plates (not putting on wall here, rented property!) into the empty wardrobe so have also tidied up two other clutter spots.

Even though I had a major declutter session a few months ago I still dumped one black bag full of clothes, 4 bags and 2 laptop cases. Still have my shoes to do but I dont have many so just a case of tidying and storing properly. Feel really pleased that this is done. I only buy (ebay) when I need, so not likely to add to this clutter in the future. Feels really good to know that I like and wear everything in my wardrobe!! :j

Hardup_Hester

I've decluttered my kitchen, but now can't get rid of the stuff, no one wants it on freecycle & none of out 3 charity shops will take it, I don't know what else to try.

rosieben

Thats really discouraging Hester.

do you know anyone who raises funds for charity? I give most of my stuff to a friend who raises money for cancer charities; is there a women's refuge anywhere near you? or any charity that helps homeless people make a new start?

I can believe that charity shops dont want it - a few years ago when I took a bootfull of stuff to a Sue Ryder shop I was 'interrogated' most unpleasantly by the manageress and she made me feel a real nuisance for taking it to them!! :mad:

edited to say, my friend has jumble sales throughout the year, is there anyone who holds jumble sales in your area - church, school? dont know what else to suggest, sorry

a charity in this area puts bags through our door to fill and they collect a few days later, sorry, cant remember the name offhand. Something trust I think?

meanmarie

Really need to declutter my wardrobe....told everyone that I just wanted vouchers for Christmas (books and garden stuff) but got three outfits, so need to get rid of at least three outfits that I already have...have had the same problem as you Hester?Rosieben...strangely in a Sue Ryder shop too, but there are clothes banks around which are fine, just in small bags though, as opening is not very big. have had bags from time to time left by charities but they never came back for them so don't bother with them now.

Have lots of space for books but need to get them organised better than at present...another item to be done in 2008.

Marie

annie123

annie123 wrote: »

just taken me 1/2 hour to read this thread.

my mind, body and home all need a good clear out.

Just looked up at my bookcase ...books stacked laying down to fit more on double deep so hanging over the edges, and noticed an unread book

clear you clutter by karen kingston. :rotfl:

Dont know where it came from or how long its been there, a quick read then out it goes!

just finished reading the book

full of good ideas as to how clutter builds, why some people are worse than others and how and where to start getting rid of it.
not just items/stuff in the home but also clothes, and your mind.

wish I had read it when I got it........whenever that was, could have been there for years:eek:

No excuse now.... except one more cup of tea needed and a quick browse around this forum whilst I drink it.

Then the book case gets it. I will be able to see shelves by midnight!:D