2025 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN MrsSD - The Joy of Decluttering

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks
2. Concerted effort to sort out sleep patterns - Realistic targets: bed by 2:00 a.m. & up by 10:00 a.m 
3. Continue dealing 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

Sunday: Good morning from a dark & wet East London 😞 I hope everyone slept well last night 🤞I had most of my sleep sitting up on the sofa before managing a couple of hours in bed 🙊 I have my first cuppa & will go straight into cheerleading before the EDT gets any further away 😉 Starting with Friday’s posts:

GrannyKate, yippee to windows finally being fitted 🥳 & hope the final bill isn’t too ouchy 😣 Sir Sox will be relieved to have the run of the house again 😅 Good work sorting out financial tasks 👏

redofromstart, great work decluttering books 👏 Sounds like you have a lot of books on Kindle especially as you cleared two shelves of your bookshelf 🤩

Florenceem, belated Happy Birthday to your friend at SA 🎂 I hope the craft room clearance went well 🤞

~FlowerPot~ This “I never made it back on after my last post, oops!” are you sure we aren’t twins 😉 as the last couple of days I have posted once & then got distracted & not come back 😂 Great decluttering 👏 Enjoy your meditation weekend 😊

Great decluttering scandimore 👏 Good luck disposing of your sharps bin 🍀 I do hope you are more successful than we have been 🤞 We have been trying for over 18 months - everyone we ask (including the council) is at pains to tell us the places we Cannot dispose of the sharps bin but seemingly reluctant to advise us where we can dispose of it 😠 Ours is still sitting in the garage 😞 

Dizzycap, great decluttering especially your neighbour’s shopping 👏 Babyface sounds very sensible not wanting to go out in the cold 😉 I hope you managed to wrap up very, very warm when you took babyface 2 out 🙏 None of us want to see you set back your recovery 🙏 Good luck with your listings 🍀

QueenJess, Belated Happy Birthday for yesterday 🎂 🥳 I do hope you were spoiled by your family & they at least brought you breakfast in bed ☺️

oceanspirit, naughty OH not dropping off the CS bag 😏 Bread & water for OH until the bag is dropped off 😉 

Perfect timing - one page caught up just as I need to refill my cup 😉

MrsSD Awards: 💐 🌟 ❤️ ❤️ 🏅 💐 💐 💐 🏅🥉🏅 🎂 🌟

DH Awards: 🏅 

DSis Awards:

Decluttering Target 2025: 303/2025

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £41.00

Moorviews

Hugs to those feeling poorly or having troubles xx 

Sounds like you had a lovely outing Mrs SD, even if it wasn’t quite up to last year’s performance. 

It has been a frustrating week of decluttering time to going to appointments, waiting in for deliveries, tradesmen and phone calls, return emails etc. The phone calls and emails don’t happen without chasing and the deliveries end up at someone else’s house anyway! Engineer made a mistake with the appointment so won’t be coming for a while now. I struggle to settle to a task when I am waiting around. 

We finally found a clothing bank that wasn’t rammed so I was able to rid my car of some bags of clothes. I went through my handbags which means that they no longer fall on my head when I open the cupboard door. That’s five gone and probably another two will go as I don’t really use them anymore. Any suggestions as to how to refresh the colour, nourish and feed leather handbags? I am worried about product ending up on my clothes!
I have had a big catch up with laundry while the weather has been dry. Wrapping up warm to go out to the washing line because it has been so cold. Most of our log pile has been decluttered into the stove!
@TC77 - there was an article on the news recently about rag not being very profitable to collect now. The poor quality of materials was mentioned as a factor. 

daisy_1571

Grannykate sending hugs re the relative no matter how removed its still upsetting 

Moorviews could you use boot polish ?  Use sparingly, make sure the bag is warm, let the polish sit, then buff it up to ensure there's nothing left on the bag to rub off?

Dxx

2Scratters

@Moorviews re the conditioning of leather bags - using a leather dye does stay on the product. My DH recently used a shoe cream that I gave  him to use to it colour and conditioned. He hadn't quite got all the polish off and a bit did get onto a pale blue pair of jeans. I simply went over the strap and the rest of the bag with a clean white cotton cloth. It has since washed out so no panic and there has been no further leaching. The bag looks and feels great. There is also Dubbin or saddle soap (pretty much the same) that can be used, it is colourless and conditions well. Again need to get residue off. Me -  being a tight wad if you have the shoe polish/cream in use that 

I have got some more paperwork decluttered and frogs marched on and filed away ready for the next communication. More small bits have been moved on too. I left a bundle of over 40 good pens and pencils with a friend to take into where I used to work for them to get used up. Some SABLE gone. She then gifted me a pair of slippers she got for Christmas as she was falling off them.(She has a floppy foot) They have a sole for going outside in which I tend to do too often. 
Decluttered a pair of Crocs excess gift that I would not wear and DS would not return them. They got sold and the funds were used against a new pair of boots that I needed. Also had a sale on t'bay so 2 boxes and packaging out. Then DH gets a delivery still, it's less stuff in. 

Have a good day Peeps

2 Scratters xx

Wednesday2000

Papa Roach (the American rock band we went to see at Wembley) were very good and I enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. The Premier Inn room we booked was much nicer we than when we stayed there to see Taylor Swift. I was going to have a bath in the hotel when we got back, but I was so tired I just went to bed. I did 23,000 steps on Friday. It was freezing in London on Friday and I had to wear a coat and not the smart jacket I bought! I had to go and buy a pair of gloves in Superdry as well when we were at the O2 for lunch.

The Virgin Experience afternoon tea was delicious on Saturday. There were four types of sandwiches, scones, jam and cream and four different types of little cakes. I had a fruity infusion tea and my husband had a hot chocolate. The hotel was really nice, opposite Green Park. The other people weren't as dressed up as I expected so I felt fine with what I was wearing.

I have to go and vacuum again before my dog gets dropped back, as she barks when I do it. I want to see if there is anything else to add to the bulky waste collection tomorrow. I am going to check the shed as well.

Nonnadiluca

@moorviews, I use Renapur on leather shoes, bags, sofas, no colour but brings them up a treat.

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks
2. Concerted effort to sort out sleep patterns - Realistic targets: bed by 2:00 a.m. & up by 10:00 a.m 
3. Continue dealing 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

Watched an episode of NCIS whilst my iPad was charging & now ready to get back to cheerleading with my third cuppa of the day 😉

Liverpool_Anne, well done passing on the union thing 👏 especially after all the work you did 😊 Fingers crossed you can get a ticket for the footy at Wembley🤞Hope you managed to get your washing done without overloading the maiden 😉

Excellent decluttering of the wardrobe Willowtree222 👏 Definitely merits a medal🏅 which is on its way 😊

Great work florianatwobob 👏

Dizzycap, This “I so wish I'd taken a video of her today! She went absolutely nuts……. but then it's her time and Dachshunds always need your full attention when they're under 3 years - curiosity killed the cat, so to speak” made me grin like a Cheshire Cat 😁

Excellent decluttering Florenceem 👏 One Gold Star ⭐️ on its way in recognition of such a quick turnaround on the 26 bags of donations 😊 Very pleased to hear that you managed to stay upright in the wind 😮‍💨 Pity the nurse turned up unannounced 😞 although pleased to hear that she is turning up on Saturday - hopefully at a more convenient time for you & MrF 🤞

vulpix, hopefully your new meds will ‘zap’ the cholesterol 🙏 Really looking forward to you & MrV starting your book 😊 as it sounds like you have lots of material, so might even be a series of books 🤞Also sending healing vibes that you can ‘see off’ your ‘grim cold’ 🙂

GrannyKate, we contacted our council & arranged for pick-up but after 3 failed attempts when no-one turned up we abandoned the idea 😞 Maybe it is time to try again 🤔 Sorry to hear that the windows are not quite finished although hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for the replacements 🤞 Sending cwtches 🤗 

short_bird, sorry to hear This “A combination of working and my thyroid meds needing adjusting means I haven't really had a huge amount of get up and go for other stuff, including posting on here.” 😞 Although I do have to say that you have managed a huge & eclectic amount of decluttering 👏 Over a fifth of the way to your annual target in just a month 🤩 So impressed with the amount of digital decluttering that you have managed, I am awarding you a medal 🏅 “……..may there be a little bit of sunshine and a pocket full of happiness.” is such a lovely sentiment 🥹

Excellent work Blue_Doggy, especially clearing the ironing pile 👏 even if it was only temporary ☹️ Something to be said for being a naturist 🤣

Deni_debt-free_dreamer, that sounds like an interesting way to declutter sweet tubs 😊

Another page caught up 🙂

MrsSD Awards: 💐 🌟 ❤️ ❤️ 🏅 💐 💐 💐 🏅🥉🏅 🎂 🌟

DH Awards: 🏅 

DSis Awards:

Decluttering Target 2025: 303/2025

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £41.00

vulpix

 What a lovely Birthday present Mrs SD, I would love to see the Cirque du Soleil. I would also like to see the Chinese state circus. I once went to see some Buddhist monks perform with drums. It was out of this world. Doesn't sound impressive but it was amazing.

 Top drawer of my bedside drawers tidied. Few bits binned, some hairdressing scissors to go. No little girls hair to trim these days. I will get a cutlery tray when I next go out to stop cans rolling around.

TC, Love your new unit. You work hard at decluttering, there must be a big difference since you started this journey.
 I don't keep much food in, I let the supermarkets go to the trouble of stock rotation etc for me. I don't do any where near as much cooking now all the children have left home. I have a broadly similar list to Granny Kate. I don't worry about use by dates on spices. The ones I use all the time I buy in bulk and decant into labelled jam jars. I batch cook and freeze. I prep and freeze veg such as mushrooms and peppers. I also have every type of frozen veg in stock. I got a Lidl veg box last year which was just red and white onions. They are in a box in the fridge, still going strong. I don't keep more than 2 tins of the same thing nor do I do bogof offers.I make all my sauces from scratch so I don't have any jars or packets . Oh I do keep a couple of UHT milk. Sorry for the ramble. I just think If I find I need an ingredient I am never far from a shop.

 I am feeling much better today, I may even have a bath, get dressed and go downstairs! I do still sound like Darth Vader whose voice is breaking occasionally into a high pitched squeak.

 Moorviews, I have used shoe polish and shoe dye on bags before to good effect.

I am struggling with donating a cross body bag. I don't know why. I got it when we went to visit my son in Canada. It was expensive etc, etc, etc. It can go! for goodness sake, someone will get a bargain. My bag collection has reduced massively over the last couple of years. I have realised a handbag doeth not a lady make!

I am sorry you have had bad news Granny Kate, life keeps throwing punches sadly. Take care.

Sending best wishes to everyone Vx

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Write a daily To Do list - only 3 tasks
2. Concerted effort to sort out sleep patterns - Realistic targets: bed by 2:00 a.m. & up by 10:00 a.m 
3. Continue dealing 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

Straight back to cheerleading 😉

Dizzycap, babyface sounds like she is an absolute joy 🥹 Here’s wishing that both you & she enjoy a happy, healthy & long life together 🥹 although it might be nice if she didn’t wake you up at 2:00 a.m. 😉

Excellent work completing your daily list Florenceem 👏 Fingers crossed that your missing parcel turned up 🤞

Dizzycap, what a very busy Saturday you had planned 🤩 I will forego ‘telling you off’ provided that you interspersed all that activity with plenty of rest sessions 😉 

TC77, pleased to hear that the decorating in DD2’s room is almost finished & that you have already returned the furniture 👏 Good luck with your visit to friend in Blackheath 🍀 Keep up the good work - remember you have proved time & again that you can declutter successfully 😊 What a lovely piece of furniture 🤩

Great cheerleading Dizzycap 👏

Nice to see you BlueJ94 👋 Congratulations on the successful Vinted sales 👏 & what a wonderful way to spend the funds raised 😊

Excellent decluttering CRANKY40 👏 Hope you managed to have a quiet Saturday & managed to make yourself a holiday shopping bag 🤞Just curious as to whether you are knitting or crocheting 😉

Another page caught up 🥳 iPad needs to go on charge again, so will be back later 🙂

MrsSD Awards: 💐 🌟 ❤️ ❤️ 🏅 💐 💐 💐 🏅🥉🏅 🎂 🌟

DH Awards: 🏅 

DSis Awards:

Decluttering Target 2025: 303/2025

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £41.00

Brie

a small declutter of a odd hoard of mine.....we get coffee pods from lidl and the newer style of boxes have a piece of card that divides the layer of pods.  My pea brain decided to save these, in case.  So I have about 40 of them.  I had used one to make a stencil of a bird of a card I was doing for a friend.  And then this coming week's art class involves printing and we were told to bring in things that can be used for this.  I decided this was the time to use some of my card up so have spent time today with a sharp blade making stencils so I now have some that are lattice work, more birds, stars and something that might be a rainbow.   Everything is now in a slim box along with more unused cards ready for next Saturday.  I also have a number of bottle stoppers that I hoped might be useful as they have crests and names carved in to them but I don't think they will work.  I do have some corks that I might slice to make more templates.  Anyways I'll take the lot with me and see what works and what doesn't.