2025 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN MrsSD - The Joy of Decluttering

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, sorry I have been missing. I had a bit of a break from decluttering, completely lost my mojo, not that it's that good at the best of times but it went seriously missing for a while and I am not convinced it's back yet 😁. I think having half the kitchen in the lr is definitely not helping and keeping the small remaining kitchen worktop useable is proving a challenge not helped by OH having very untidy tendancies. I have tried to explain I want a completely clear worksurface except for the kettle but it's a battle I have not yet won and it's taking it's toll. Meanwhile Christmas is approaching and the house is filling up with bought gifts so there is even less space to move around. I currently have a massive bag of stuff in the hallway full of bottles and bits OH has bought as gifts waiting to be wrapped along with 3 bags of wrapped gifts and 3 bags of plaster type stuff left by the builder. I optimistically got the hoover out but couldn't use it as there was no space so that depressed me but I am working on a plan 😁, today I will try to implement is as it is really annoying me. Meanwhile things continue to arrive in the house, OH had 3 parcels delivered yesterday. I have also been shopping of course but I have coralled most of it in one corner and even managed to get one parcel in the post for my dnephew who is currently visiting my dsis but is going to India to watch some cricket on Friday and will be away over Christmas. I have not had to buy any wrapping paper or gift bags so the stash is decreasing at least. I even found a stash of cellotape and gift labels which are being used up 😁.
I have also instigated a use up of the stuff from the kitchen cupboard clear out, found 4 part used jars of honey which have been lurking at the back of a cupboard and have now been used and the jars recycled. Also several jars of olives have been finished. Neither of these were a hardship as I love honey and olives, just kept forgetting they were there 😂. A couple of things have been taken to the food bank as OH has finally admitted they are not going to be used and they were still in date, there may be more once I get the energy to push it 😁 and some out of date stuff has had to be binned unfortunately. I blame stupidly built cupboards with hidden corners that were too high for me to see in to 😁.
A couple of birthday gifts have been delivered / posted so more stash used although I have very little birthday wrapping left. 
I have just about kept on top of the washing despite the mainly miserable weather making the use of the maiden essential, another thing cluttering up the house but we have not yet had to resort to the bag wash to use the tumble dryer 😁. 
As this is already a long ramble I won't list everything decluttered but just update my numbers and apologise for not yet catching up with everyone's posts. I will have a read through for some inspiration and try to get something done today 😁.
Hugs to everyone who would like one, hope you are all well 😁.
Take care everyone
1640/2025

Organizing_Home

One thing that helps me stay organized is giving everything a ‘home’—even small things. When I stick to that rule, the clutter doesn’t pile up as fast. It’s not perfect, but it really keeps me sane.

vulpix

Welcome canvascamper, you are off to a great start, looking forward to hearing all about your decluttering.

Bon voyage Granny Kate.

Missed you Liverpool Anne, i was going to ask about you today.

 Put my jewellery away from the cruise. 3 pairs of earrings to give to DD1. Binned jewellers jewellery box as it wouldn't stay shut. In the New year I need to asses my wardrobe as in how things are stored. I have more storage than I ever had but seem to be stuck for room. Same in the kitchen too.

Found myself looking at slippers in the shops. Realised I bought a new pair ages ago. They must be with my dressing gown. All our Christmas shopping done, £30 each spent on the Grandchildren. As a family we are only buying children from now on. We will just enjoy spending time together instead of "stuff".

Feeling a bit down today. Had an unpleasant experience with an assistant in the pharmacy yesterday. There's just no need.

 As it's dry Mr V has been re organising the sheds. He found some things that don't need to be in a shed but not what he was looking for.

 I have the hospital this afternoon. First appointment, I seem to be a bit anxious about it. I always feel like a time waster.

 I shall be so glad to not have to be rushing off some where all the time. I am so looking forward to sitting at home just knitting. Another Christmas meal out tomorrow then hair cut Friday and I can relax. Not for Mr V,his silly season begins on Saturday and continues till NYE.

 Take care folks Vx

florianatwobob

Welcome aboard @canvascamper!

Only a tiny but of decluttering completed, one CD and two baubles to a collection at work. The Christmas decorations at one of the day centres are past their best so they were asking for donations. As we haven’t got our tree up yet we didn’t have the chance to sift through for anything else that could be donated but every little out of the house (and where it will be appreciated) helps. 

The Ziffit box has started to fill again. I lent a book to a friend at work. She’s read it and it’s now back with me to send off. I’ve returned two books of hers and now another friend of ours at work has borrowed one of them. It’s a right old lending library. 

MadamMim2013

Welcome @canvascamper 👋🏼 

@Liverpool_Anne, it’s hard to keep motivated when frustrated by stuff being upside down or not as you’d like it.

I’ve noticed lately that I procrastinate and avoid the thing that’s bothering me then get more frustrated it’s not done 🤯 Have been reminding myself this week that one job at a time works best, not flitting between 4 things. 
Have also given myself a pat on the back for persevering with the change of details done on Ma’s POA and new wills for all! 😮‍💨 
Lots of difficult health news for various friends and family members this week.. that takes the shine off things..

A small bag off to the charity shop (with a selection of Xmas decs no longer needed) as I go to the Drs for my appointment.. so that’s 7 items out..

@vulpix, I’m sorry to hear you had an unpleasant experience with the assistant in the Pharmacy, not to make it worse for yourself but have you thought to email/speak to the manager/pharmacist if it was rude/poor behaviour?
I had to do this for my mum’s neighbour, they were very good in response and said the person in particular would be spoken with/more training would be given.
Hope your low mood eases quickly.. sending a gentle hug (if you do hugs.. ) 🤗 

vulpix

Thank you MadaMim, Thank you, I am feeling much better about it now. The pharmacist /manager was party to the second half of our exchange, though not the bit where she was very abrupt and rude. He is a lovely bloke and very much appreciated in the village for his caring manner and dedication to his job. I decided to not do anything about it as I live in a small place and it's awkward when everyone knows everyone. I made Mr V go in today to collect my outstanding medicines. An extremely nice and helpful Drs receptionist has moved my repeat prescription to the next village pharmacy so I never have to darken their doors again!

 I can also say that I feel very much relieved after seeing a new to me consultant today. I have 3 procedures to look forward to, 2 of camera down the throat type. I have had this before and lived to tell the tale. The problem is I need a responsible adult to collect me afterwards, that rules Mr V out then! The consultant thinks I have some debris in my bile duct which gives similar pain to gall stones and pancreatitis. Dyno rod for me then. I am just pleased to know that I am not a time waster.

 We have bought a tiny vanity unit for the down stairs loo off FB. You have to grab these bargains when you see them.

  The plumber messaged, he is coming in the new year to move and install some new radiators. I don't dislike the window seat in the sitting room but the bay window is the only sensible place to have a radiator in the room. At the moment the radiator is behind a sofa.

Another Christmas meal to go to tomorrow with craft club. A visit to a nearby mill shop too. I am on  the look out for some fabric to make curtains for the little spare room. DD1 has given me a blue velvet curtain which I will make into 2 with strips of fabric down the side to make them wide enough.

Only the hairdresser to go on Friday and then I don't have to be up, dressed and out the door at an unnatural hour.

 I am enjoying playing house at our new home. Trying to make the place homely with stuff we already have. I will have to buy a new to me Christmas tree and maybe some tree decorations as I took ours to the charity shop when we moved to the doll's house. No point in having a bay window if you don't have a big Christmas tree in it! hahaha.

 Laters Vx

suzeesu2000

Been a busy few days doing general jobs.
Got all DHs DVDs into the two new units, they look lovely and tidy - at last! Was able to put a shelf thingy in the recycling. 
Did DFriends washing for her today as her machine has broken. Dried it for her too. 

Wrapped all the Christmas gifts for mums helpers plus gifts for mum. All packed in a box (one that used to live in the stairwell). Collection booked for tomorrow, yippee. Also wrapped gifts for neighbours and they are in their bags ready to go.
Just got cards to write and post then all is done.
Tesco have the better than half price on legs of lamb now, got 3 - hopefully, coming tomorrow. Great bargains.
Dinner was totally freezer.
Has been raining off and on all week but got much colder today.
currently have a lovely furry boy snuggled next to me, simple pleasures.🐈‍⬛
Hope everyone is okay and not over stressing on this Christmas thing. Have a good night, sleep tight xx

TC77

Vulpix sorry you've got so many procedures to have but sounds like you've opted for some sedation to make it easier.  
@Liverpool_Anne hope your mojo  is back but I think we all have times when we're either in survival mode or other issues are paramount. 
Had 3 weeks off with just my backpack and home Monday and there seems to be so much stuff!  Straight back to work only for major restructuring to be launched and all abit unknown for my team ( and many others).
Will.try and catch up on the thread and will.be back hopefully to report progress..

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

Wednesday another bright sunny day with a high of 11°C & low of 5°C A very lazy day - knitting & napping. Dinner was chicken pie, mash, cauliflower & broccoli. Wudupa. Rained from about 21:00

2230 - 2236 Kitchen & office recycling, 3 newspapers, cardboard box, drinks cans - recycled 

2237 - 2238 Kitchen & lr detritus - binned 

No cheerleading again but I will try harder tomorrow 😉 Sleep tight 😴 

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

DH Awards: 🏅 ‘Squirrel Whisperer’ ⭐️🏅🏅⭐️😇🏅🥇 

DSis Awards: ⭐️ ⭐️ 🏅

Decluttering Target 2025: 2238/2025

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £569.00

BlueJ94

Morning all, sorry I've been away I've been busy and I've managed to get myself into a tangle and into more debt! This morning started the MSE budget spreadsheet and going from there.. ive also caught the cold and ive got my works christmas do on the weekend!