Let it GO! Decluttering (simplifying) your life of (people, places or things) success stories?

LoveyChar

I have a TV that I need to recycle. It's ridiculous. I wish it was a free service. I'm in Texas. It's $35 to recycle a large TV at Best Buy, paying for labor, and I'm probably going to pay it and trust that it will get done properly. I've done it once before.

LoveyChar

@StayFITTer I love that you're trying to recycle the crayons!!! I was a long term substitute teacher in a kindergarten classroom last school year and five-year-olds love to throw away crayons for any reason to include even laziness, that's it easier to toss it in the trash can than it is to actually put it in its designated spot. I often dug things out of the trash. Sadly, older kids are not often much better.

My son's preschool teacher melted crayons into hearts last year as gifts to the kids. I'm sure she collected broken crayons, super cute idea and good use of "waste."

StayFITTer

@LoveyChar
Honestly—that’s why we had so many! I even bought a reverse alphabet mold because we did it once with a regular mold and some letters came out backwards. I swore my kids were going to do it again. It was so fun and rewarding. When the pandemic hit they were 3 & 6 at the time. So the PERFECT age to do that. Now my youngest is in 2nd grade and they are into all things video games and /YouTube—but he’s also artsy🤔. Keep you posted. We might have a Valentine’s Day project on our hands 😆

And sorry to hear about your TV situation. I have to deal with mine eventually. And the city doesn’t offer anything? I’m close to Detroit. I’m going to investigate—I know thrift stores only take flat screen.

StayFITTer

@Gisel2015 Thank you for sharing. I kept back a bag of jeans today for the hope that maybe—somebody can upcycle them—

@Sand_TIger
This might be high time for me to give freecycle a try. Thanks for sharing the idea and let’s keep the resource sharing coming 🙏🏾

Ugh! Today was a productive day in the land of Decluttering—I came to the realization that I came face- to-face with a book That was actually a sentimental item. As we were preparing to pull away from the library (I remembered ONE BOOK)…..ONE….an autographed copy of Winona LaDuke Last Woman Standing. I interviewed her in college for the school newspaper when she same to do a lecture. But…it’s been over 20 years and I have yet to read the dang on book and didn’t feel like I was going to 🤦🏾‍♀️


I forgot to take a picture of the 6 boxes and 2 bags of books I dropped off. But I took a picture of the 10 bags I took to the thrift store.

My only other regrets is that I didn’t seriously track the 2024 items tracker from Nourishing Minimalism—printed it. Don’t know where it is—but I think it would’ve been nice to see my progress—-and actually see how much stuff I had. I gave a way a LOT OF crap and just thought that the boxes and bags would feel rewarding?? It kinda doesn’t. I’m just celebrating that my home is slowly looking the way I want it to be. I’m hoping that it will be a noticeable and inspiring difference when my sisters come over for our annual Super Bowl party so Feb 11th is my deadline for at least the visible spaces (living room, kitchen, bathroom -minimum) but I got a plan—I really feel it will a noticeable difference in the bedrooms too.


Today I also tackled a portion of the entry/living room closet and managed to find a hat that my husband was looking for. He was happy to see it and I happy he didn’t have to try to buy another to replace it.

Found a jacket that belonged to my sister! didn’t know it was in there. AND I color coded the hangers for each family member—and found 6 coats/jackets and a pair of snow pants to get rid off.

I know that was a lot. Thank you for allowing me to rant/process the day!

Gisel2015

@StayFITTer
Wow, you did a lot! I got tired just reading your comments. Good job!
I am taking a break from declutering and organizing for a couple of weeks. My husband and I are taking a 12-day trip so I need to concentrate in that. I will make a list with my priorities when we get back. But, since it is tax season that will make the top of my list.
I have a closet in the office dedicated to papers (lots of them!), notebooks, pencils, envelopes, and all office stuff. Many things need to go so it may be a good time to address the mess. I will check the Stapler store that I have about 10 miles miles from my house to see if they recycle office items in my city. Maybe I will check on-line first.

StayFITTer

@Gisel2015

Traveling mercies to you and enjoy your time away! Look forward to your return. We’ll keep the light on for you

Gisel2015

StayFITTer
Thank you!
I did check Staple online and they do accept many office staplers. That is good.

StayFITTer

@Gisel2015 Awesome! Staples helping us “be great” and Win!

Ok, Decluttering Family! I’m pleased to report that I took items to church today to bless specific people with and I’m happy to report that they were well received and appreciated.
--2 bags of books and a bib to a family with young children
-3 Brand new decorative filling folders for the church secretary
-a canvas painting set and two books geared toward teenagers to a high school freshman
- brand new in box 2 piece Corning ware roaster to a newlywed couple
- Jewelry making supplies to a volunteer who enjoys making jewelry

I checked with everyone before giving to make sure it was something they wanted and needed and gave an out for them to donate to a thrift store if they don’t want or need it.

Today was a win—and just gotta get a game plan and work it for this week.

cory17

@loveychar regarding your TV - Where I'm at (Ca) there's a city place that takes hazardous waste (like paint cans, pesticide containers) and it also collects E waste. Check w/your sanitation, also Salvation Army - free.
@stayfitter Enjoyed reading all that you have done - it is inspiring!
@gisele2015 Enjoy your trip!!

I've got to get going on preparing for taxes too. Trying to use that to get my office cleaned up.

E43V15C

I donated some stuff to charity which I couldn't sell online- it's unlike me- I wanted to get some clothes altered- the place I normally go to where they don't charge much had shut down- everywhere else, when I asked it seems it's cheaper to buy new clothes I have no idea why the online market so slow at the moment/no one was interested- I also bought some clothes online and some of them didn't fit/were too big- it was an overseas label/brand, I didn't know what their sizing scheme was like- there is usually some variance- I am pretty worried about work/money and income at the moment- some of the fear/panic is triggering more unnecessary spending- I clean/sort through drawers/cabinets etc in bits and pieces so it's manageable- if you try to do everything at once it's overwhelming/you can't think clearly about what you want to keep and what you don't- the shoes/clothes etc I have remaining and have kept- everything looks/feels like it's been worn to death- I think for some reason you can get caught up in analysing/criticising everything you own and wanting to fix/replace stuff, and feeling directionless/confused- also you might not have time/money to go to the shops to replace it immediately- it might happen organically/over time- you'll be drawn to new things/stumble upon whatever you need- in terms of my body image/self esteem etc I feel like crap atm- on the positive side, I'm not tempted to spend money on clothes until I felt better/sorted my head out- but there's still food, random stuff/impulse buys- I've been over spending a bit lately/trying to cap it

Celesteme

Yay !!!!

I got rid of facebook connections that I didn't need so I could have deeper connections with people that I can actually see in person or we've developed a great connection. I took off coworkers and people that I would have edited myself for.

I got rid of my guitar. That hurt because my sweetheart was going to teach me to play. He played beautifully. After he passed away the guitar, a kind beautiful gift, felt like a guilt trip of never learning, just standing there in my closet. I gave it to his kind friend who played for the funeral. Great news he is using it to teach his girlfriend to play. I will never get rid of a photo of the guitar and memories of John. He was an amazing human.

I gave clothes to the local shelter. Many clothes also went to Goodwill.

Decluttering computer files. I don't need my work schedule from 2 years ago or so much info of things I might do someday that I can not go through them all. Interesting stories from 2020 will remain unread as I delete them.

I got rid of a school jacket that I had since high school. I never wore it after 1985

Sand_TIger

LoveyChar wrote: »

I have a TV that I need to recycle. It's ridiculous. I wish it was a free service. I'm in Texas. It's $35 to recycle a large TV at Best Buy, paying for labor, and I'm probably going to pay it and trust that it will get done properly. I've done it once before.

I've encountered that too! The really sad thing is, many times recycled electronics will go overseas where the metal is extracted by.... burning off all the plastic so the gold and such can be reclaimed. I really wish someone would find (and use) a better way than that.

Gisel2015

I am back!
Obviously not time to clean or organize much yet. However, a couple of days ago one of the drawers in the kitchen got off the track and my husband took it out to fix it. I noticed that the inside needed cleaning (cleaning the kitchen drawers is in my to-do list), so while he was fixing the problem I cleaned and wiped the bottom of the drawer and the lining and rearranged all the utensils. Not a big job, but something else that has been taken care of.
My desk is full of the snail mail that I got while we were out. I already shredded many envelopes and brochures and I am now going thru the rest. I hope to be done this weekend. My husband is already working on the taxes, so next week I will have more paperwork to do. Ugh!!!
Good job to everyone already taking care of donations and/or selling. I took a bag to the donation center last month, but if I decide to clean my closet more I will not have anything to wear. I am very small/petite so buying clothes online is a never-ending frustration followed by returns and going to the stores (sale racks!) is not fun either.
@Celesteme I am very sorry for your loss and it was very nice to donate the guitar to his friend. I am sure that your sweetheart would be very happy watching him play from above.
Happy Sunday everyone!
G.

SweetPeasMom55

In December I got rid of one large black bag of clothing. Last week I did another bag of the things I thought I couldn't give up. I'm allowing myself to purge slowly. It's not a race to get rid of everything. I am trying not to have any regrets. So far so good.

deepwoodslady

I am having my bedroom and bathroom redone which includes moving a closet. I've had to move all the furnishings (drawers) out of the room as well as everything in the closet. Let me tell you, NOBODY needs this many clothes. I don't care how many seasons you have or how many sizes you go up and down on a regular basis. It's the perfect time to buy some totes and go through it all. I will begin that soon. I hope I can let go of as much as I need to. You all are so inspiring to me and I know it will help.

SbetaK

deepwoodslady wrote: »

I am having my bedroom and bathroom redone which includes moving a closet. I've had to move all the furnishings (drawers) out of the room as well as everything in the closet. Let me tell you, NOBODY needs this many clothes. I don't care how many seasons you have or how many sizes you go up and down on a regular basis. It's the perfect time to buy some totes and go through it all. I will begin that soon. I hope I can let go of as much as I need to. You all are so inspiring to me and I know it will help.

I can relate to this! I have an embarrassing amount of clothes, of varying sizes. I finally woke up and looked at myself, that of all these clothes I've bought over the years, most of them are not really flattering. I was trying to "hide" in them and hopefully look less fat. I am now going through them as I lose weight and reshape my body, and it's like shopping in my own bedroom. "New" clothes that are free, hahaha. Not only reducing the clutter in my bedroom, but looking deep into myself and the negative habits I need to change for a happier, less stressful life.

StayFITTer

@LoveyChar I am happy to report that my home no longer contains broken crayons! I asked a stay-at-home mom if she knew of anyone in her school co-op who would like to do a project making melted crayons, she said her daughter would! So now they are the proud owner of the silicone molds and crayon.

@Gisel2015 Welcome back and glad you got back home safe!

@SweetPeasMom55 Glad you found a technique that works for you! And the fact you gave up things you believed you couldn't is awesome!

@Sand_TIger I'm struggling with my electronics. I found place within our county that accepts them and I think I'm going to have to spend a day just doing that. I have a container filled with electronic related stuff PLUS I have a large boom box that is heavy, but is still useful/sounds great, but I rarely use it....and did I mention it's kinda big? I also have a wired headset that I use to use for my classes. Just want to dispose of everything properly.

@Celesteme You are a very strong and generous person. To give way sentimental items can be very hard, but I know it feels good to release when the time and situation is right. Super cool the new owner will teach his girlfriend. It feels like kismet!


@E43V15C Thank you for reviving our Decluttering feed! But sorry about your challenges with selling items online. I hope you find healthy alternatives and ways to overcome those internal and external things that activate you.


Decluttering Report
Since my last post my decluttering came to a crawl it feels. But I've done/been doing the following

• I'm still reading books on decluttering AND applying the info or clean while I listen
• I am trying to stay on top of doing "Daily Stuff Daily" (i.e. do dishes/run dishwasher daily etc)
• I've had conversation about stuff I have and people showing interest then make sure they get it!
• I found a person who wants our nursing chair I PRAY it'll be gone by month's end.

I've given way

• (2) 20lb plastic kettlebells, punching mitts
• A never used 13' laminator with laminator sheets
• A large quantity of crayon and silicon molds
• 2 bags of kids clothes and 1 small bag of books with puzzle, (forgot to give bike maybe by 2/18)
  

I did have my family over for Super Bowl, I didn't make "goal" per se. A lot of "stash and dashing going on, but I felt like cleaning and preparing felt differently because thought things kind look chaotic, I know it's temporary and everything is grouped. I hope to have more progress to share within the next few weeks.

Also, the apt looks good and feels good when you first walk in and HOPEFULLY will show my husband that minimalism (visually simplicity and organizational abundance) IS POSSIBLE for us.

My Challenge:
I'm struggling with the old train table, but it might just find itself right by the dumpster. My goal is to glue one piece of plywood together and see if I can get away with dropping it off at the local thrift store. They typically don't take broken furniture, but I have a feeling I might be able to get away with it and some kid is gonna have a cool train table.

Rooting for us all!

Gisel2015

@StayFITTer
Thank you for acknowledging all the efforts and success of the people posting in this forum, and congratulations on your own progress.
One word of caution, if you are going to recycle electronics, make sure that the phones and laptops have a clean hard drive/sim-card and that no left-over-data can be used in a negative way since most of those items are sent oversea.
I had my oldest son and his family visiting last week just two days after I returned from vacation so my plans of organization, de-cluttering, and/or extra cleaning have been put on hold. I had two extra rooms and bathrooms to clean up after they left (besides doing tons of washes), and I didn't need to add extra work to my schedule; but I hope that next week I will catch up.
Have a nice and a productive week everyone. G.

Gisel2015

I haven't done too much organization yet, but I am slowly getting there.
I did find a couple of items of clothing inside my closet that I don't need/want any more so they are inside the donation box. I will wait until I get some more stuff before taking everything to the donation store.
In the last few days I found water on the floor next to the refrigerator every single morning. Besides calling the repair guy since this problem happened before, I decided to remove the bottom two binds from the freezer section and try to identify the root of the problem. I didn't solve the problem but I cleaned up the inside of those binds and even thru away frozen stuff that was way pass their expiration date. Since I was in the "clean refrigerator" mood, I also cleaned, organized, and changed the lining in the shelves in the fridge section too. One more thing accomplished this weekend and one less thing to worry about, at least for a few months.
I also decided to start making a list of all the cleaning and organizing that I would like to complete in each room of the house. I will start with the less time-consuming chores and progress to the more challenging ones, eventuality. Maybe this approach will allow me to procrastinate less.
I read that this is the best way to tackle de-cluttering and organizing and I had done it in the pass. Maybe success is in the horizon.
Wishing all of you a nice a productive week ahead. G.

StayFITTer

@Gisel2015 Thank you so much for the encouragement as well as sharing where you are in your journey!

You and I are on the same page as far as making plan to tackle the declutter, I was doing the same thing on Sunday night!

I feel as though the past 3 days has been productive for me in the cluttering department and I journaled about it--I'll share more hopefully by the end of the month.

Rooting for us all!