HELLO From New Zealand

HeadAboveWater

Just tackle one pile of things at a time, and work your way then round each room. But it sure does make you feel good seeing it all done in the end!

I was at mums a couple of weeks ago, and was going through all my old stuff in the attic. Mum kept a handful of things (she's a bit of a hoarder ), brought a few bits for the girls, and had a boot load of stuff for charity. I could've spent time/effort etc selling it on ebay or wherever, but for one I couldn't be bothered, second I don't need the money, and thirdly it felt really good dropping it off to charity

(Have to admit, I did take a few photos of my teddies from when I was wee. Not sure if mum will part with them or not, but I've the photos now to remember them by )

*Robin*

Hello Chev, :Hello:

chevalier wrote: »

So my question is, does decluttering REALLY help with mood and stress? And how do you get started? And how do you motivate an OH that seems to want to sleep all the time when not at work?:(

1. Yes.
2. Approach the pile which most annoys you. Be brutal..
3. Don't bother, unless you suspect a physical problem - in which case chivvy him towards his GP.
3b. He may join in of his own volition once you can demonstrate a cleared area or two. If not, you will be justified in feeling virtuous - on the other side of the task.

brizzledfw

Robin speaks words of wisdom ( as always,;))

Eating the Frog is the thing...just get started and do it one step at a time..

How's the weather? Spring like??!:) maybe OH will feel chirpier soon

Brizzle

chevalier

*Robin* wrote: »

Hello Chev, :Hello:



1. Yes.
2. Approach the pile which most annoys you. Be brutal..
3. Don't bother, unless you suspect a physical problem - in which case chivvy him towards his GP.
3b. He may join in of his own volition once you can demonstrate a cleared area or two. If not, you will be justified in feeling virtuous - on the other side of the task.

The problem is Robin, that alot of the stuff in, for example our downstairs bedroom, is computer stuff. I don't have a clue if any of it is worth keeping but it takes up loads of space. I have grumped about it before now, but he didn't do anything about it. And I can't be doing with the major row that would happen if I just took it ALL along to the next e waste event.

*Robin*

chevalier wrote: »

The problem is Robin, that alot of the stuff in, for example our downstairs bedroom, is computer stuff. I don't have a clue if any of it is worth keeping but it takes up loads of space. I have grumped about it before now, but he didn't do anything about it. And I can't be doing with the major row that would happen if I just took it ALL along to the next e waste event.

DH is responsible for the majority of the mess in that room, as 'computer stuff' is obviously his department.
Shut the door on it all for now.

Start with the kids' outgrown clothes and books - your department; just keep a very few favourite bits on the off-chance that another baby joins your clan. Most of it will not be required again or could be replaced easily if needed; sell the best, give away what you can, recycle the rest. If possible do something towards the task every day, even if it's just boxing up the different categories as you tidy up small areas - it's much easier if you've got a destination ready for each type of item.
(Maybe squeeze enough space to put the boxes in that crowded downstairs room, then they'll be out of the way while you're filling them up).

Buy yourself a bottle of wine as a reward - when the first full box leaves the house you can drink it.

chevalier

http://www.boredpanda.org/guide-to-procrastination-angela-liao/

oh yes very true, which one are you?
chev

brizzledfw

I am currently fixated with eBay to drive my decluttering. Sometimes stuff goes and sometimes it doesn't. I would give him say a month, be v clear and give strict timescales. If he hasn't sorted by the then get listing and you will see by the watchers whether you have priced it right. As I say some might go some might not. But the main thing is you are taking control and ....It's therapeutic!:)

PS I would also suggest that during the period you are giving OH to sort it you deal with your 'department' as Robin says . Lead by example;)

*Robin*

chevalier wrote: »

http://www.boredpanda.org/guide-to-procrastination-angela-liao/

oh yes very true, which one are you?
chev

Very good, Chev! :rotfl:
..Me, am definitely a List Maker, with Cleaner-ish elements (in that I have to make a place to clear up things into, before starting - maybe that's why I like the box method for items which no longer have a purpose in my home, ie. outgrown clothes?).

After posting my previous comment and reflecting on one of my personal 'blocks' in this area, you will be pleased to hear that I finally gathered up the leads, collars, harnesses, brushes and medication which belonged to Daft Dogs now at Rainbow Bridge. There's even a doggy back-pack (Blind Dog used to carry refreshments on day-long hill walks. Before he became blind, of course, lol).
The collection hasn't left the house yet. Next job is to finish filling another box with brickabrack [sp?] for the refuge to sell in their charity shop. Then it will be worth making a special journey to move two full boxes onward.
..My bedroom is full of such half-complete 'projects'. <sigh>

Ps. Is there an active Bay community in NZ?

HeadAboveWater

lol I'm definitely a 'snacker' with a big hint of 'cleaner'

Have a great weekend

kissjenn

Great link Chev. I'm a sidetracked cleaner who list makes. No hope for me.

Also loved the dog who hadn't seen her owner for 6 months (only a small side track) :rotfl::rotfl: