2025 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN MrsSD - The Joy of Decluttering

Moorviews

A much overdue trip to the RC saw us getting rid of 4 golf bags and a selection of golf clubs. It all went to the resale area. We also dumped some wood that had woodworm and a few odds and ends from the garage. I finally took my full bag back for confidential waste disposal. Purchased another bag. They are ideal for people like us who have multiple generations of paperwork to dispose of. 

Unfortunately, there are things lurking in the fridge that shouldn’t be so I need to get on with that today. 

@vulpix - I understand the mixed feelings about your mum’s house. Good that you don’t ever have to look at that box of rocks again though! I hope that your own sale and purchase goes through soon so that you don’t have to keep living in limbo. 

@Brie - that sketch is lovely and was a great buy!
@StickyTheStickInsect - I am sorry to read of your mum’s diagnosis and hope that you are able to spend the time with her in the way that you would both like. Good luck with the new schools too. 

YBR

I thought having moved I'd quietly fade out but perhaps you'd like to see this decluttering effort - All I wanted was to put up a clothes drying line, but first find a tree!

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, busy couple of days but not much decluttered unfortunately. Thursday I went shopping for the birthday present I need and was eventually successful. Back home it was wrapped and bagged from stash and a card from stash was written. They will be leaving the house today 😁. After that I then had to chauffeur OH around for a few messages and a visit to the bank. While OH was in the bank I had a mooch in the cs next door. Bought nothing but noticed that they had a small section with Christmas decs and cards which surprised me as it's only August but people were buying them 😁. The only other thing I did was a session of ironing 😁
On Friday I left the house at 8 am to help with the mosaic and got home about 2 pm. OH had been trying to sort out car insurance renewal but was having a problem paying for it as there was an issue with the card so back to the bank. OH tried to get some money from the cashpoint and it ate the card 😲.  So a chat with the cashier and it transpired that the card had been compromised, no further information, and a new card has been dispatched but sent to OH's house so I think we will call in there on the way to the birthday party today to see if it has arrived. Luckily the insurance isn't due until September so time to sort that. The garage had also phoned and have said it is a problem with the alternator. OH is suspicious about this as a new battery had been fitted the week before and the alternator should have been checked then. However the garage have offered to fit a new one free of charge as a gesture of goodwill, would normally cost about £500, so OH is slightly mollified by this. It will be done on Monday and we should be able to pick the car up on Monday afternoon, we shall see 🙄. 
@Matty246 Thank you for the suggestion about the legal protection with the insurance. OH does have this but thinks it's only for use with accidents but also as the insurance is about to be renewed doesn't want to risk the renewal quote being hiked up. It is quite high anyway as it is a learner car so insured for any driver but as OH has a high no claims bonus is affordable. OH has heard of some instructors being quoted over £3,000 😲, and people wander why driving lessons are so expensive 🙄. 
Another session of ironing was done before I headed out for the football and I got home about 11.30 pm, so a long day and I managed to get to bed before I fell asleep on the couch 😂.
So far today all I have decluttered is a cup of tea 😂. Not sure what I will do but I need to process the cooking apples I picked up the other day so will probably start there and make some apple crumbles for the freezer 😁

@StickyTheStickInsect sorry to hear about your Mum, big hugs

@Brie I remember having a try of water soluble crayons on a training course and I thought they were fab so I can understand the attraction to someone who will actually use them and as for the sketch of Thomas, well a no brainer really 😁

@Willowtree222 steam cleaners are great fun 😁

@Mrs SD the union thing has been referred to HQ for a decision if we should proceed so may involve more work or may be a no further action, we shall see 😁. As for tyres I have no idea, when I get new ones the garage keep and dispose of the old ones, maybe they could help, though I have seen them stacked up and used as planters for things like potatoes and squash if you or Mr SD fancy doing that 😁

@TC77 I agree with Vulpix if you are using things then keep them but putting like with like does help to see how many you have. As for duvets I currently have 4 spare 😂 that I am reluctant to let go off as OH often feels cold so they can be dragged out when needed 😁. We also have 4 at OH's house 😂. I must say I have never had much luck with vacuum bags either. I have tried them and initially they worked but I found once they had been opened they wouldn't rework iyswim. If you find a brand that works please let me know as I do think they are a good idea in theory 😁.

@CRANKY40 my bedroom is also beyond help atm as when dniece was visiting lots of stuff was deposited in there and is still waiting to be sorted 🙄. Though anything that needs ironing is on the ironing pile and I only bring up what can be put straight away otherwise I wouldn't be able to use the bed 😂. I can relate to the fear of getting rid of clothes that are too big, would keeping them for a fixed time help, say 6 months or a year, and if you haven't needed them in that time see if you feel easier about moving them on, meanwhile put them away somewhere so you only have clothes in your wardrobe that fit now 😁.

@Vulpix you have done loads, be kind to yourself 😁. I know you are probably feeling unsettled with all the furniture for your new house being stored and packing for the move but not long now and you will be in your new house. Good news about your Mum's house going though I can understand the emotion. Last time I was in Kent I had to drive past my childhood home just to see it again, hugs.

@YBR good bush chopping 😁

Right I need another cuppa and then I will get cracking on the apple crumbles
Hugs to everyone who would like one

1141 & 1142 ironing
1142/2025

vulpix

O, YBR, you didn't think you would get away that easily did you? I am sure there will be more that you find you can release when you unpack, that's my plan.

You know, it never occurred to me to take photo's of Mum's house. I don't really do photos though.I am more of a feelings person iykwim.

You are right about being in limbo, I want to be organised but can't pack too much as we have another 4 weeks to go. I think I can safely pack the glasses cupboard today. I gave most of our glasses away in the past but the cupboard seems to be full and we only use the same couple of tumblers all the time. Mr V seems to have a water bottle and thermal mug collection. Everyone has a water bottle collection so sadly they have to be chucked. I will be interested to see what else is in there.

 Forgot to say, I bought myself a sweatshirt yesterday from Sains. Not tried it on yet but it is to go with some trousers I found in the wardrobe the other day. We are going away for a few days in 3 weeks. It might be a bit cooler by then, hopefully.

Mr SD is doing so well with his WLP. We all know the secret is eat a bit less and move about more but I find it so easy to use my arthritis as an excuse. I have got to stop talking about it and actually walk the walk. Literally

 Vx

CRANKY40

Thanks for the suggestions @Liverpool_Anne. They're only summer trousers so you're right, I can find a spot somewhere to squeeze them in. They're two sizes bigger than I am at the moment so wearing them doesn't do me any favours appearance wise. If my sister saw me wearing them she would confiscate them. The collection of things in my bedroom has also come from tidying other places so needs to be gone through in case there is anything important in there.

I did make a start yesterday morning. Following my "only 15 minutes" tidying rule I did a quick declutter job in one corner and then ds and I took a bag of 15 things to the charity shop before I could change my mind about any of it. Getting it out of the house straight away makes me feel more like I have accomplished something. Waiting until I have a black bag of items can't really be a thing for now as I don't have anywhere kitten proof to keep one. 

@YBR excellent garden decluttering 😁

@StickyTheStickInsect sorry to hear the news about your mum. 

I've promised my friend's daughter that I would make her a snake in colours that she has requested. It's going to look like no snake ever seen before but the girl knows what she wants so that's a peaceful sit down project for this afternoon. 

@Mrs_Salad_Dodger are you making Mr S_D a list of 15 minute jobs exercises? It's a good opportunity 😄

suzeesu2000

While making a cuppa this morning, I decluttered down the side of the tumble drier. Ours sits atop the dishwasher and there was a load of junk stuffed down the side.

Threw a pair of nasty gardening gloves out, Found my secateurs so I can cut the weeds this afternoon. Found 4 really nice overnight oats pots - they have the container that goes on top for fruite etc, nice long spoon and lids - they will be going on eBay as I dont need them. Corralled all the "fixings" together to go with DHs tools as well. Found a roll of Pak-X parcel wrap, with a handle, so the spare handle can go in the recycling as well.

Packed a parcel of stuff to go to mum on Monday including some A4 envelopes, a pack of small envelopes, various other bits plus a HUGE Matalan bag for life used as wrapping. 

DFriends hubby coming this weekend to collect some garden bits for her as I am clearing our yard. 

Not a bad few minutes work. 

Now to cook dinner - we eat main meal in the middle of the day - then off to the yard to start decluttering, quite looking forward to it as well.

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday xx

Muddy_Walker

Hellooooooo

YBR what a stunning blank canvas for a garden!!!!!!

Jab weekend am wiped out …… over 40 jabs now. NET cancer is stable (good) treatment has brought up other major things (bad) but mostly being looked after (good).

So the work thing…….we submitted a whole list of questions to the people who made this decision and decided to give them some time to respond rather than rush like a bull at a gate with the ethics people and union. And we have a meeting next week with various people (not going to say who for reasons) including HR. Our feelings and the practicalities are now known where it matters…….Im the sort of person who will take so much but once backed into a corner all hell is unleashed!!!!

Been stress eating and got a few more things coming up in the pipeline as well.

Decluttered lots of cwtches with Rogan ❤️

Thank you all for your support-you guys rock! Xxxx

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

Saturday is a warm & muggy day, currently overcast but sunshine is forecast as well as a high of 26°C, low 16°C & humidity 54%. DH is watching MotoGP qualifying & DSis is watching TV in her room. 

Excellent decluttering Moorviews 👏 Good news that the 4 golf bags & some golf clubs could go to the resale section 🥳 A medal 🏅 is on its way. Good luck with the fridge contents decluttering 🍀 hopefully you won’t need to throw away too much 🤞

YBR, that was a mammoth decluttering task in what looks like a rather large  garden  🤩👏 A medal 🏅is on its way. I did notice 2 trugs in the picture so am just wondering how many times you filled & emptied them 🤔

Liverpool_Anne, you have been busy 🤩 Especially impressed with the work on the mosaic - 6 hours out of the house & then having to go out again to sort out OH’s bank card issue 😱 which was the last thing OH needed on top of the issue with the car 😡 Hopefully both issues will be sorted by the close of play Monday 🙏 Hope you have a lovely time at today’s birthday party ☺️ Great cheerleading as usual 👏 The issue with the motorcycle tyres was that DH had bought them 10 years ago & forgot to take them to the garage when the tyres next needed changing. He then put them in the storage space above the garage door & promptly forgot about them completely ☹️ 

Lovely post vulpix ☺️ Re This “You know, it never occurred to me to take photo's of Mum's house. I don't really do photos though.I am more of a feelings person iykwim.” a bit of a shame But the silver lining is that as you “don’t really do photos” that is one less decluttering task 😉🤞Hopefully you will soon have a confirmed moving date & can plan the rest of your packing so that you feel less in Limbo 🤞 

Lovely post CRANKY40 😊 & I especially like This “I did make a start yesterday morning. Following my "only 15 minutes" tidying rule I did a quick declutter job in one corner and then ds and I took a bag of 15 things to the charity shop before I could change my mind about any of it. Getting it out of the house straight away makes me feel more like I have accomplished something…..” such a great idea 👏 Never even thought of This “Mrs_Salad_Dodger are you making Mr S_D a list of 15 minute jobs exercises? It's a good opportunity 😄” brilliant 🤩 I will have to get my thinking cap on 🤔 I am putting in my request for a picture of the ‘colourful’ snake 🙏

Wow you have been busy suzeesu2000 👏 Good luck with the yard decluttering this afternoon 🍀

Muddy_Walker, sorry to hear that you are ‘wiped out’ 😥 Hopefully you can get some rest over the coming days combined with lots of Rogan cwtches 🙏 Keeping everything crossed that the ‘work thing’ meeting resolves the situation 🤞🙏🤞

Now that I have caught up with the cheerleading I suppose I should really find something to do but first I will have a cuppa 😂 Hope everyone is having as good a day as possible ☺️ See you later 👋 

MrsSD Awards: 💐 🌟 ❤️ ❤️ 🏅 💐 💐 💐 🏅🥉🏅 🎂 🌟⭐️⭐️❤️ 🍫🐾 😍🥇🥇 💐 🏆 ⭐️🌟💐

DH Awards: 🏅 ‘Squirrel Whisperer’ ⭐️ 🏅 

DSis Awards: ⭐️ ⭐️ 🏅

Decluttering Target 2025: 1503/2025

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £379.00

Willowtree222

Thanks for all the lovely support. 
Hope everyone is ok this lovely Saturday. 

Borrowed my neighbours bins whilst she is away (got permission beforehand). Bought a storage container and loaded 9 nets of logs in it that I have been stocking up on for winter. They were taking up so much room in the garage so a huge space cleared. This enabled me to tidy up other areas and move things so.they look a lot better. 


Whilst I was in the garden, I tidied up. Lots of broken pegs, three popped footballs and various other bits of rubbish that had just accumulated. Also got rid of an old table I had in the conservatory and some old rusty garden decorations. I have almost filled her bin. It will be emptied before she arrives home though. An old huge paddling pool has also been disposed of. 

Went to home and bargains and was proud that I did not buy a ton of stuff. I usually come home with all sorts when I go there! 

Going to list some plant pots on a free cycle site. I dont need them and a keen gardener should hopefully make some use from them.

DD is at her dad's tomorrow so will make a start on her clothes. She is away for three days next week so this will help me to strat the packing process with her. 

QueenJess

Mrs_Salad_Dodger said:

QueenJess, you are a marvel 🤩 Working full time & still decluttering & tidying 👏 I hope you are enjoying your new job & have some nice colleagues & more importantly a good boss 🤞 Thanks for the chocolate marble cake 😋 & the flapjacks 👏

I'm blushing... I am not kidding myself I will have as much time anymore, but I am concentrating on not bringing things into the house.  This means things won't get worse and should get a little better as I use things up.  Trying to use up food stores is still a bit of a challenge for me as I do overbuy.

Digital:
5 - Emails deleted (from permanent folders)

Physical:
1 - plastic bag recycled
1 - packaging reused
2 - DS tat binned

New total 3,993
Use it up total 341
Big kitchen declutter challenge 113/150

Edit: I popped an apple and plum crumble in the tlc carriage along with some blackberry jam ripple ice cream.  All homemade