2026 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN Mrs SD - our Year of Redistribution

GrannyKate

Hi all - went out to lunch and it sat very heavily - meat pie - so nothing much done at all. I went on yet another 'hunt the open post office' trip - first one was shut (no idea why) and box outside was all taped up so I couldn't even post thing with stamps. New box I drove to was taped up as well. Third time lucky then this afternoon as I drove to another post office. They are changing post boxes for new ones.

233 Plastics to SM

234 March cards all written and early ones posted

235 I decided to post April anniversary and Easter card to my sister in USA - will see how long they take

236 Filing done

237 Some banking sorted but all types of frogs kept encountering 'computer says no'. Will crack on tomorrow once school runs done.

238 Returned sample for a research project

239 A few more things planted out.

The story about getting workmen to open the bottle made me laugh. I needed to put something (coolant I think) in the car engine a few years ago. I was up for having a go and brought the stuff in Mr Hal - problem was although I got the bonnet open I couldn't undo the bottle. Elderly workman leaning on his van and I approached to see if he would open the bottle - he looked at me and the car and banged on his passenger window. Young lad jumped out and was dispatched to sort the lady's car out. All filled up done and dusted with a smile. There are nice people about.

I have been staring at my back garden trying to get inspiration. I have got fed up with waiting for the indoor trades to get back to me as promised. I may post some pictures of garden for ideas and inspiration. Still pleased with the small bits which I did last year. Meanwhile here is the Head Gardener looking a bit grumpy.

florianatwobob

My plumbers got nabbed by one of my neighbours to give her car a push in hopes of jumpstarting it. Being the nice strapping local men that they are they succeed…… I was left wondering where they’d disappeared to. They’d only popped out to the van for a part and to continue their directors meeting…….(the directors meeting was mostly being held in my kitchen).

oceanspirit

A slow week so far. A few more papers from reading pile and empty jars out. Books taken back to library. Was very good and didn’t take out any more as I still have two plus some that I own which can be read and let go.

dND

Thank you Mrs SD. Today has definitely been a softly, softly day; I have the feeling that I might be getting another round of whatever it was that floored me for the first 6 months of last year. Doctors couldn't find anything specific and it got better. I personally think it might be RA as there is a family history and the symptoms sort of match but then the symptoms are so general they could match just about anything. 🤣 I guess the fear of not being able to do stuff is why I overdo stuff when I can do stuff IYSWIW.

And thank you @Yorkie1. It's the first time that area has looked like someone cares about it again.

I mentioned the kidney vetch and as luck would have it the local wildflower nursery just put out a social media post about having some and they also have a pink variety that's local to Anglesey. I'm going to pop over in the next week and get some although I need to ask about it's suitability for that actual flowerbed as it might not be dry enough.

Decluttering of general detritus is slowly continuing although I think I left an envelope out downstairs that I must recycle tomorrow. I'm slowly getting better at the don't put it down, deal with it regime I've been trying to install in myself. I just get so distracted by other things!

Knit and natter tomorrow. I've unravelled a partially unravelled granny blanket that was left behind in the summerhouse when I moved in. It was being made with cotton and I can understand why it wasn't being continued. I looked at the yarn and went "dishcloths". 😁 Rather than making my usual crochet ones I've decided to knit some and use the process to teach myself to knit continental style with the yard held in my left hand. It's weird, I have no problem using the yarn in my left hand when crocheting but when I pick up a knitting needle the yarn goes straight to my right hand. 🤣 I'm getting the hang of it I think and at least with the cotton yarn, it is a faster method mainly because I'm not forever picking up or letting go of the needle in my right hand in order to wind the yarn around.

Well done to all who are making inroads into their clutter, hugs to those who want/need them and a glass of whatever you need to those enduring the long 'not knowing when it's going to be done' building work. Dxx

Florenceem

I kept putting the officers off as I didn't want to talk. I can talk to my bestie about anything - we are that close.

Decluttered today - shaver, paper x 2, glass x 10, notebook, jar of wax cleaner, luggage labels, drinking glass, folder, string, glass dish, salad servers plus forks, travel clock, razor, measure, book x 2, silver pot & spoon, programme, decanter & stopper, cheque book cover, box of photography bits, writing set, plastic insert, camera, box/lid, staple remover.

vulpix

TC, I don't go to work like you so have loads of time to do stuff. I think I over compensate for being very slow to get up in a morning due to arthritis. I rarely start anything before lunch. I treat the house like my job, which is great for getting stuff done then when it is done I will want to move again! I have to be strict with myself to do one job at a time.I love when a job or room is finished with that attention to detail. I have so many "tabs" open in my brain all the time with how to move things on and what part of the puzzle needs doing to enable the next part iykwim. Lists are my friend. I have a page per room and list EVERYTHING that needs doing, big and tiny jobs. Can we have a pic of your sofa please?

My builder, another J has messaged saying he will be delayed coming to us. Fine, no rush. Gives me more time to save up.

I have a carpenter coming next week to see about refinnishing the oak door I have moved with me for a decade and fitting it in a new frame. It is the right age for this house. Currently the UVPC front door is so warped you can see daylight through it.

dND, you are wrestling the garden into shape, here's hoping for some dry weather to make the most of it.

Florenceem, I hope the air was cleared a bit at your meeting today. I imagine it's just been crossed wires at such an emotional time.xx

Sox has a look of a Maine Coon about him in his head gardener photo. It's his ears and expressive face.

Blinds for the front bedroom and our bedroom bought. More paint and filler bought. Went to the chazzer and bought a 50p frame. I am thinking of putting some Indian newspaper in it to go on the shelf above the spare bed. The paper was wrapped around some chilli chutney my son bought me. I gave it my daughter, it was dissolving my teeth!There is a box of decorative stuff in a kitchen cupboard. I must have a look through and see what I can use on the shelf. I bought Mr V an old microphone and mounted it in a dome years ago. Not seen that since the move.

Vx

Florenceem

vulpix - we sound alike with our lists. I too list every little job in a room. I really need to get the kitchen back in shape tomorrow to make some space in my craft room.

I keep looking at how much stuff I have in my craft room and then the space in the garage - will it all fit in there

I sorted one box of stuff from Mil's flat tonight - still more to do.

I am going to do my water bottle and toddle off to bed soon - feel very tired tonight.

Brambling

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81899375#Comment_81899375

I like to be asked a couple of years ago I watched a new neighbour from further in the close, look around furtively before putting a large bag in mine, I resisted banging on my window! I had to go and press it down as our bin men wouldn't collect if the lid isn't shut.

I agreed with a previous neighbour who had three children, two in nappies that if there was room in mine they could fill it, always in a black bin bag and the agreement that if for some reason the bins weren't done he would take it out, there was never any issues.

We have ours collected every two weeks it will be interesting to see what happens when we get our food waste bins in a couple of months.

TC77

@BlueJ94 in my street people are always asking each other if there is space in their bins. If once off and you have too much the night before or the morning I think ok to add and maybe say you did and hope it was ok or ideally asking explain if its ok if now and then you add if they have space and can check with them in case they have a sudden declutter.

@@vulpix I write lists but too often don't then look at then but have things like repairing furniture on my list for later in the year when I have time.

I'll post a pic of the sofa tomorrow and also a dressing table stool with some fab fabric..really pleased and makes me want to get rid of more things that I don't really like but some are functional :(

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

1. Daily To Do List - written the night before
2. Sort out sleep patterns - initial targets: bed by 03:00, up by 10:30
3. Don’t put it down, put it away + deal with mini tasks as soon as they are noticed e.g. refill olive pourer or salt cellar, stitch up a hole in a garment etc.
4. Commence ‘Operation Financial Frog Tickling’ using the acronym - I.R.I.S. (Identify, Research, Implement, Sign Off) - One per quarter
5. Continue to keep kitchen clean & tidy - before going to bed
6. Plan & Execute ONE Major Project - 2026 New Bathroom
7. Target 2026 items out
   

Wednesday has been a bright sunny day with clear blue skies. The forecast was for a high of 17°C (light SSW wind had no effect on the temperature 👏) & a low of 9°C. The HH waste wheelie bin has been emptied but not the recycling wheelie bin - everything crossed for tomorrow 🤞as it has been 4 weeks since it was last emptied 😖 I have finished another hat & cleared down a few more programmes from the planner. Dinner was fried chicken pieces, boiled new potatoes & peas. Wudupa.

382 - 383 Kitchen recycling, drinks cans - recycled 

384 Kitchen detritus - binned 

TC77, hope you are enjoying your newly reupholstered furniture 😊A pity that DD1 has been unable to visit 😞 but hopefully your cousin will help you get a lot decluttered on Saturday 🤞

Foofoopuppy, fingers crossed that you get the relevant information on the potential new house quickly 🤞

Deb4, sorry to hear that you have so unwell 😔 Excellent work sorting out your wills 👏 & good luck selling DS’s toys 🍀

Wednesday2000, good luck with the decluttering to keep your surfaces clear 🍀Lovely photo 😊

Willowtree222, now I want an Easter egg 😉

oceandreamer, sorry to hear that you have been so unwell 😔 I will keep my fingers crossed that the building work is completed soon & that you can get the furniture moved back to its proper positions 🤞 Great work sorting out your wardrobe 👏 & well done getting so many clothes decluttered 👏 a medal 🏅 is on its way.

Green_hopeful, what a serendipitous piece of decluttering 👏 A medal 🏅 is on its way.

BlueJ94, as long as you ask, I would imagine your neighbour would have no objections 🤔 

Florenceem, loved the ‘tale of Shloe’ 😊 Pleased to hear that you have finally received a meal from SA 😊 I hope that the meeting with the 2 leaders of your corps was not too stressful & upsetting 🙏

Yorkie1, if I was your Mum I would return the green waste to the neighbours or perhaps ask for a fee 😉

Florenceem, sorry to hear that you got upset at the meeting 🥺 

Well said Floss 🥹

GrannyKate, well done on persevering in finding an open post office 👏 Excellent decluttering 👏 Hopefully inspiration will strike when it comes to working in your back garden 🤞Head Gardener definitely looks grumpy 😉

florianatwobob, how nice of your plumbers 😊 I do hope they came back to you 😉

oceanspirit, well done on resisting the temptation to get more books from the library 👏

Just noticed the time so will finish the cheerleading later today. Sleep tight 😴 

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Decluttering Target 2026: 384/2026

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £41.00