2024 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN MrsSD

Deni_debt-free_dreamer

Hi declutterati chums

Thank you for the welcome back Mrs S_D 
I've been packing up my C-mas decs and had a small group of items I didn't want to keep - 5 x festive mugs, festive socks (still with tags on), 2 candles etc - I put them on a Fb site for free and they were all picked up this afternoon
I've also put all my recyclable wrapping paper in the paper bin along with other paper ready for collection on Saturday.
I've done some of my self employment work that has been hanging over me since mid December - glad it's out the way, now I need to submit an invoice for the work

Love Deni xx

Florafauna

Decluttered 6 tops and a book to the charity shop.
Recycled a big cardboard box. 
Got rid of some energy at the swimming pool.
Decluttered more of the Christmas cheese into a picnic lunch devoured by guests today 

TC77

Thanks @Floss, that's interesting. It's all the instructions and bits that make it daunting.

I'm at risk of sounding very flaky but decided to look out some old ipod stuff thinking will get rid and found a mobile phone in a box that I don't recall buying - clearly I must have but then why did I buy another???!

extra case for electric toothbrush and Xmas pressie for DD2 returned as didn't fit so given her £ instead. Picked up items ordered , don't fit so will be returned but won't count. Hoping for a large cabinet to be collected at the weekend. Very mystified by the electronics and find all the cables etc overwhelming. Also have spare TV which debating whether to just give to the donation hub - had thought DDs would want but no (not smart).

Read mention of people questioning whether they will every use somethings and for newbies resolving and acknowledging some parts of our fantasy selves may not materialise can be hard

Forgot new total 21

Brambling

I just got in my 24 mins today by sorting my car folder tonight whilst watch TV, not sure why I have so many old insurance papers I got rid of a lot of paperwork when I changed the car 18 months ago but for some reason not the old insurance details, I will be honest and admit it took me 10 minutes to remember where I put the folder 🫣 

I've had a bag sitting in the dining room for a couple of months with my old kettle and some old cables, one day I'll remember to put it in my car, the John Lewis near me has a recycling bin I remember when driving pass 🙄

shabbychic12

I must be doing something right it’s 2 extra bin bags at the side of the bin for pick up tomorrow. I’m in the zone so need to keep going while lm in the mood. I need to stick to 1 task at a time but one seems to lead into another room and then another 😂 it’s a vicious circle.

vulpix

 Hi everyone and welcome new people.

 Brie, I bet barley flakes would make a slug deterrent. I have heard of people putting a ring of oats round plants. Worth a try.

TC77, I can't help with the cooker but I sold my Kitchen aid a few years ago and have honestly never missed it. A stick blender does a lot of work at my house and takes up a lot less room, no lumpy soup unless I want it lumpy. I sold all my le creuset too as I don't cook for the masses nowadays and they are far too heavy for my arthritic hands to be safe. The only kitchen gadgets I now have are a kettle,toaster and stick blender.

 I am still in the tlc carriage, with head ache now, think it's sinus related. I did take the Christmas decorations down. Some will be going when they are unpacked again next Christmas. Under the stairs emptied and repacked with decorations in boxes. The under stairs is much smaller since the kitchen alterations but I am so happy to be able to get all my decorations in there plus a box of tools  a sewing machine and a large sewing box and the hoover. Nothing in there that isn't wanted on the journey as Paddington might say.A hamper basket will be included with a bag of things to the charity shop tomorrow. 

 Lots of laundry done. More items in the charity bag as they come through the wash.

 Finally used up all the Christmas veg in a lovely soup. Christmas cheese is next in my sights.

 Poor DD and bf made their way home on an extremely extended ferry journey in a force 9 gale. The journey in good weather takes 14 hours.I once went to Cherbourg in a force 9. It was grim and only for a few hours. I don't envy them.

 I am enjoying reading about your decluttering. The train is a run away at the moment.

 Vx

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, sun was out today so I had coffee over the fence with ln. I thought about popping in to see her but OH is still positive and didn't want to risk carrying it inside to her. 2 Christmas presents decluttered over the fence as well . They have been sitting wrapped up and untouched since before we tested positive. 1 LDFPA and kitchen recycling bin emptied. I went to the sm and got the needed stuff and OH has made a big pan of chicken chilli. OH had some for tea, I am veggie and allergic to chilli, and some has gone into the freezer. I am still not sure this is the way to go to empty the freezer but OH wanted to cook and some will go to OH's niece if we get to visit soon .

@TC77 if by a multi cooker you mean a microwave / oven I have had one for 2 years as the thermostat on my oven is very  dodgy and as I want a new kitchen I didn't want to get a new cooker until I get the kitchen. Bearing in mind we also have a working hob I have found no problem with the multi cooker. I have even managef christmas dinner but there is only 2 of us. The only issue I have is that sometimes the cooking times are a bit longer but this is probably because I don't pre heat the oven. You can do that but I don't . You can use your casserole dishes in it just like a normal oven . As for a hand blender I also only use this. I have never had a problem with lumpy soup, you just have to check to make sure you have got all of them plus it saves on washing up as you can use it straight in the pan, no need to transfer it into a bowl etc. I find it easy to clean and takes up very little storage space. The only thing I would say is get a mid price one if you plan on using it frequently. I got a very cheap one from the sm first and it lasted just over a year before it died whereas the one I have now is over 5 years old and still going strong and I probably use it for batch cooked soup at least once a month, sometimes more. Hope that helps

Right off to bed now, I think this train is up to warp 9 now . Hugs to everyone who would like one

16 + 17 presents delivered
18 kitchen recycling emptied
19 1 LDFPA
Take care everyone
19/2024

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks + a weekly Jettison Junk in January

2. Sort out sleep patterns - target bed by 2:00 a.m. & up by 9:00 a.m 

3. Deal with mail & email on a daily basis

4. Don’t put it down, put it away + deal with mini tasks as soon as they are noticed e.g. refill olive oil pourer or salt cellar, stitch up a hole in a garment etc

5. Commence ‘Operation Frog Tickling’ using the acronym - I.R.I.S. (Identify, Research, Implement, Sign Off) - One per quarter

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

The temperature has dropped markedly due to the very chilly wind 🥶 I have enjoyed watching several episodes of Countdown whilst knitting yet another feather & fan stitch scarf. DH & DSis have a choice for dinner as I have used up leftovers - there is a portion of pasta bake & 2 portions of cottage pie accompanied by green beans. The rain stopped for a while but it is now teeming down 😔 so pleased I had the gutters cleared 🥳 DH & DSis had the cottage pie & green beans, I had the pasta. Wudupa.

12 - 14 Kitchen recycling, magazine, drinks cans - recycled 

15 Kitchen detritus binned

thriftwizard, apologies for the tardiness of my welcome to the 2024 EDT 😔 Welcome back 👋 Your home sounds wonderful - full of lovely memories 😊 Firstly well done on keeping the kitchen & living room tidy even with 4 adults using both rooms 👏 Secondly, I think a plan & lists are the order of the day 😉 Hopefully the other 3 permanent residents are going to help & not leave it all to you 🤞🙏 It does sound like a major decluttering project BUT the word “Again” leads me to believe you have done it once already so You Do Have The Decluttering Skills To Do It 😊 We are all here willing you on 😊 just remember that the TLC Carriage is available if it all gets too much 😉

Money_Choices, welcome aboard the EDT 👋 You are already well on the way to being a good declutterer - my first thought would have been I need more storage rather than “I’ve too much stuff to be put away.” 🤣 I have made a note of your target & am looking forward to cheering you on as you declutter 😊 

Welcome back nannywindow 👋 Sorry to hear that your first order of business is to declutter yourself from the TLC Carriage 😔 Please don’t leave too early 🙏

Chocolatedrinker, Welcome aboard the 2024 EDT 👋 Talk about well organised - all 2024 Christmas presents bought already 🤩 The next thing you will telling us is that they are all wrapped 😉 Sorry to hear about your illness 😔 Wishing you success in all your decluttering endeavours but especially losing weight 😊 I am hoping that your husband will be helping out with the decluttering 🤞 Good luck 🍀

Welcome back Natty68 👋 I hope you are enjoying your new home regardless of whether or not the packing boxes have been emptied 😊 It will be lovely to see you posting more often 😊  I think you are slightly further on than you think you are as I noted (from last year) that at least 3 of your packing boxes were 60% empty 😉 As an encouragement to declutter, I would point out that last year I awarded you 2 medals🏅 (as well as a Gold Star ⭐️) 😊 which means  your signature needs updating 😉 Your challenge this year is to earn more awards 😊 Sorry to hear about your injured arm 😔 Fingers crossed that there is no fracture 🤞A new puppy 🐶, I am sure he/she will be happy to assist you in your decluttering 😂 Please leave any heavy lifting to others 🙏

Excellent decluttering TC77 👏 You have got off to a good start 😊 Hopefully you will have a quiet day at work which will give you the chance to completely catch up on reading posts 😉 Well done on the progress on your large frog 👏

And breathe 🧘‍♀️ I have caught up on the cheerleading up to & including page 18 + partway through p19 😊 So just the 10 pages behind 😉

MrsSD: I AM A ⭐️ - 🥇 🎖️ 

DH Awards:

Decluttering Target 2023: 15/2024

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £

TC77

Thanks for the thoughts on kitchen appliances. It's an instapot I bought 15 in 1. Didn't know there were 15 ways of cooking things I think 15 receipes  is enough. I went for this as said it can bake but can't see how a cake can fit in it! 
I did think about a combination microwave but dd1 has an airfryer and a friend raved about multicooker.
My dishwasher is not washing properly and i  find appliances often go wrong for me so wary of more . 
Weather looks good enough to take things to.cs and I'm  having a half day at work so may find more things. 
Vulpix I think you.must be in maintanxe mode. 
I am looking forward to being able to find things easier and clean easier! 

I am catching up on reading posts at odd times and enjoying reading about everyone's journeys and hugs to those in need.  

TC77

leather gloves and posh tights in box in CS bag - I have so many tights and never wear them but find if I get rid of one of a type can be easier to go back and cull esp as I wear trousers 19/20 times.
3 items to textile recycling 24 items and adding CS stash as definitely going out - 19 items , new total 43.