2026 DECLUTTERING CAMPAIGN Mrs SD - our Year of Redistribution

suzeesu2000

Afternoon all, thank you again to all for kind words - it is very much appreciated. Sending hugs to everyone who would like one too.

Kitchen mats are in the w/machine waiting on me setting it going for a quick wash.
Kitchen floor is finally mopped - we were in danger of banging our heads on the ceiling it was that mucky!

Dinner is Jacket potato with yesterdays chicken salad. Will finish the chicken salad off for tea as well.

Just got to put all the clean laundry away and we're reset for the weekend. Will be a nice, quiet restful day tomorrow as I am jiggered. Its all catching up with me so I am going to spend the weekend on the family tree.

Safe travels to those venturing on holibobs, have a great time away. Have a good Friday all xx

Florenceem

My J was here for 2 hours. He had enough paint for the second coat on the window wall. He put masking tape in place and painted 3 sides of the room's skirting board. The doors are rubbed down ready to paint. J is coming here tomorrow. If he paints the remaining skirting board and the 2 doors - we will be ready to assemble the last Ike. unit.

Then I start the task of what is going in that storage room. I want it to be yarn mainly. I will also store my wedding dresses in there - I have 10! I intend to make angels this year so will use some of the fabric and bead motifs.

The yarn I am using to knit fingerless gloves is all odd balls of variegated yarn - I didn't buy it but can't remember exactly where it came from. The only thing I can think of to use it is gloves.

Another pair complete - that is 3 pairs of age 8 - 12 years. They will go to the SA charity shop in the Autumn or may be sold at the Christmas fair that the corps hold.

Moorviews

@Liverpool_Anne - it is good to see you but I am very sorry to hear that you have a lot of stresses and health issues going on. Please take care of yourself and try to enjoy your break xx

@suzeesu2000 - My condolences at the loss of your cousin. I hope May does indeed prove to be a very restorative month for you after all the sadness that April has delivered. I am glad that you feel that you have done the best for your mum and that things went well xx

@Yorkie1 - the moon has been really lovely lately. Well done on getting the broadband sorted.

@TC77 - congratulations on your retirement! I hope you enjoy your sewing class. Sewing is something that I have returned to in my retirement.

@Florenceem - I hope you have a lovely day on Sunday. Thinking of you as you collect Mr F's ashes later today xx I am glad that you have such a good friend to support you. The gloves that you are making are absolutely lovely.

@Dizzycap - I am very sorry that you are in so much pain. I hope that you do have a quieter day and can get some rest xx

@vulpix - Fluffy really ought to have a mug of strong tea with two sugars if she is taking a break! I love to hear how you are restoring features in sympathy with the era of your house.

My underwear drawer has been sorted and the net result is that more has gone out than has been brought in, phew! I have also taken out my woollen tights as I haven't worn them in years now. Also, pyjamas that are too snug. I decluttered a bottle of drain cleaner into the bath waste pipe. It is too shallow a pipe run I think as I am very careful about hair not going down. All is running smoothly now.

Some leftovers from Christmas have come out of the freezer to be used up tonight. I have been going through my seeds as I really need to get sowing now. Going to use compost from last year as they shouldn't be in it too long before planting out happens. I would love to sow directly but germinating seedlings get mown off by molluscs fairly swiftly here.

I hope the long weekend is a good one for everyone here and that you all get some leisure time and sunshine. Safe travels Mrs SD xx

ionafan

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81983121#Comment_81983121

So do I, but I can't take credit for it - it was already being used on this thread when I joined.

Going through a bad patch atm, with DH in and out of hospital (out too soon, if you ask me, but I know there is tremendous pressure on beds) and me trying to cope despite all my own aches and pains. This too shall pass… probably after the sunshine has gone on holiday. I wish I could say that I have sat and sorted more photos and slides, but I can't - too many interruptions from the sick bay. So here I am, cheering you all on from the sidelines, and watching the blue tits feeding their young in the birdbox which my DS attached to the big ash tree at exactly the right height to see it from my office chair.

xxx

Brie

All the cardboard that had accumulated has gone off to the tip along with our old and shattered recycling bin. Not the proper one from the council, just a bin we had at the kitchen door to put tins etc in rather than have to go all the way to the proper one all the time. The people working at the tip were as lovely as always - I knew someone who worked there years back and he said it was a great job.

And sadly I've had to declutter a blue tit. We rarely see any in our garden so I was surprised to spot one on the decking. I think the poor thing must have hit a window. I'm hoping that as it was a very brightly coloured individual it was a male and not the one sitting on a nest somewhere.

Florenceem

Bestie went with me to collect Mr F's ashes. She carried them - very heavy.

On our way home we popped in a shop that opened in October - sells very different clothing - African fabrics and cotton garments made in India. We both tried on robes - so pretty. I bought a green one - just had the right amount of money tucked in my phone. They were cash only. Bestie delved in her pocket where she puts money from cleaning at a friend's house - she had the exact amount needed - we were God sent to go in there after going to the funeral directors.

I will take a photo of my robe tomorrow. I love it.

Bestie said where are you going to put Mr F's ashes - I had thought on my sewing machine cabinet next to his photo. Bestie said that is homage and we know Mr F isn't in the carton. So Bestie got down and slid the carton under my computer desk. Bestie still has some of her late son's ashes - they are in the electric cupboard. We are going to go out together with our cartons and sprinkle ashes in certain places.

I have a pair of adult size fingerless gloves knitted but not sewn up. I have started on a yarn that is so bright - fortunately there is only one ball.

My heavy red bag of paper/card was not collected and rain is forecast so I dragged it down the drive and put it in the garage.

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

Friday continued: We set off at 08:45 & apart from having to stop at all the zebra crossings on the Isle of Dogs due to children being walked to school, we had an incident free ride to the Chunnel arriving at check-in about 10:05. Unfortunately it was busy so we just made it through check-in by 10:37. We stopped at the terminal for me to use the facilities & purchase a couple of sandwiches. Then headed to border control, took about 20 minutes & we were sent straight through to the train. Trains were running late although we were put on earlier train which then left at our booked time of 11:37 😉 Beautiful weather - clear blue skies & sunshine 22°C. Two stops on peage - one for petrol & coffee the 2nd for coffee & a bun. Due to road resurfacing our turn off was shut so had a detour which meant we arrived at the hotel in Sedan at 18:05. DH had a shower & we both got changed & headed off to look for our group. No sign of them so we stopped in a bar & had a half pint each then walked back to the hotel. It transpired that everyone was in the restaurant 🤭 Lots of hugs & hellos - it was lovely to know that we had been missed 🥹 Lots of lively chatter & catching up accompanied by a leisurely & delicious 4 course meal - light salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber & coleslaw with a light vinaigrette, followed by slices of pork in a creamy mushroom sauce with croquette potatoes & a tomato. Cheese course next followed by a dessert - pastry base with a custard layer topped with gooseberries & pieces of plum. DH & I had a couple of beers rather than wine. Lots more chat & as there are many of us in our 60’s people started retiring to their rooms from about 21:45. I returned to our about 22:10 & left DH chatting (instructions to have only one more beer 😉) He was as good as gold & back in our room by 23:00. Apparently a few of the younger/more energetic people were heading off to find a karaoke bar 😂 DH’s idea of hell 😈

Florenceem, love the 2nd pair of fingerless gloves - bright & cheerful 😍 

Excellent decluttering Deb4 👏 Lovely crafting & a great use of buttons 🤩

Soontobeoap, excellent work getting ready for the car-boot sale 👏 Hope you have a lovely weekend at your son’s house ☺️

Moorviews, we have had a lovely first evening - thank you ☺️ You have been busy 👏 I agree completely that too much choice makes shopping unenjoyable 😉 & that doesn’t just apply to clothes shopping as food shopping is just as bad 😞 

Excellent decluttering TC77 especially the job 👏☺️ Enjoy your retirement 🥹

suzeesu2000, I really have no words other than what a horrible April 🥺 Please accept gentle cwtches 🤗 

Apologies for falling behind with the cheerleading, but will probably fall further behind 😉 Hope everyone has had a lovely Friday & that you all have a great weekend 🥹 Sleep tight 😴 

MrsSD Awards: 💐 🙏💐💐🌟⭐️❤️💐💐⭐️💐❤️ ⭐️🎖️🥇 

DH Awards: 🏅🏅🏅🏅

DSis Awards:

Decluttering Target 2026: 789/2026

1p Savings Challenge Running Total: £165.11

vulpix

Ionafan, I'm sorry to hear that times are tough atm. Lets hope as the seasons change life gets easier for you.

Declutterati was I think coined by Retired in France's husband.

Moorviews, Thank you. I try not to be too boring about house stuff but I know some people like to hear what's happening. I will do a photo of the new fire surround, will probably have to be Sunday now.

Had a stroll around the back garden with Mr V and explained my plans for it. We have listed some stuff left by previous owners on thrift and earmarked some stuff for Mr V to take to the tip tomorrow whilst I am out. He says he is going to empty the small plastic shed and move it onto the drive and refill before the rain tomorrow.

Vx

Dizzycap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81983212#Comment_81983212

Love it! Well done Fluffy with all your great gardening work 😂🤣.

@suzeesu2000 - I'm so sorry that you've having such a tough month (((BIG HUGS))).

@ Florenceem - Enjoy your new TV. I love a good old black & white late night film on a wide screen TV. Not that I really watch much TV at all these days, but it's lovely to have for any iPlayer catch-ups etc😉.

Great decluttering going on folks, which is always great to hear about & see. Loving all the garden project pics, and especially if animals are invloved 🤗😂. @ vulpix - I'd love a go with that there mean looking digger of yours 😂🤣. Nothing like a good digging out of the old ready for the new xx

@ TC77 - Enjoy your retirement 🤗 and most of all, don't feel guilty about having time for yourself and all the things in life that bring you pleasure. Enjoy the sunshine and new found time 🤗😉.

Nothing much exciting happening here 😂 HH wheelie decluttered today, garden bin cluttered up again. Gardner coming to cut the lawn tomorrow at 11am before it rains in the afternoon - Pigs might fly with the rain. More like light drizzle, at best 😂. Usual HH bin decluttering and HH cleaning; including hoovering. A load of washing just finished and pegged out on the washing lines overnight. Babyface is making good progress and seems to be loving life to it's fullest at the moment. May that indeed continue xxxx She's had her usual morning buttons up snoring and grunting swing chair sunbathe - The neighbours must think I've decided to get some pigs by the amount of noise babyface makes when she hits full snoring and grunting capacity - It certainly makes me laugh 😂😂. I just hope they don't think it's me having a morning nap 😂🤣. My sleep has been all over the place, but I had a burn out sleep this afternoon which seems to have knocked my body clock around to where it should be? It sounds as though I've had a lazy day, but trust me, I haven't. There's always something to do and unfortunately, I have to pace myself which makes chores frustratingly longer to complete🤨, but at least I complete most things each day. I've decided to have a resty weekend as my body is screaming for it & drs orders as I'm experiencing numbness in both arms and especially in my hands; which isn't good news 😣😕, so we're doing nothing over the weekend other than the absolute basics, pottering out for a walk or 2 each day, if babyface wants too, and snuggling up and watching the iPlayer in bed - babyface is into dog agility competitions at the moment 😂🤣 and she falls asleep exhausted after watching events for half an hour - Minks. Not that I can really get a look in, as she hogs the iPad screen 😂🤣 - It keeps her happy and tail waggy. The best is when she starts talking, not barking, she talks to the screen 'umm mum uuuummmm' 😂🤣.

Anyway, time to finish my usual mug of coffee before we potter off to bed, although babyface has already gone and no doubt hogging the bed, just for a change. Night night all, sleep well & sweet dreams xxxxxx Ta-ta for now xx Have a lovely weekend xxx

weenancyinAmerica

@Dizzycap - I'm being treated for the tingling and numbness in my arms and hands finally. It took two years for them to do a MRI on my neck and discover that I have bone on bone and pinched nerves in my neck. Took three years before they decided that the lower back numbness is from the lower vertebrae - so I am hoping for surgery later this summer. I feel I have "lost" the last few years as I have been unable to work on a book I have wanted to get done for many years now. I have it on the computer but need to edit it again - and I can only work on it for a short time each day. Almost as bad as the year I lost to a bleeding ulcer - I can't even remember what I was doing that year, but I missed several things I should have done (funerals where I should have been there) and can't remember the classes I took at all. Had to re-do them after the surgery.