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

Indee19

I haven't read all 113 pages so I apologize if this has already been mentioned. When I'm feeling the itch to do a quick declutter I make it a game. I set a number then every day for one week I have to purge that many items. A range between 5 and 10 seems to work well and is doable. I do count some items together so purging my sock drawer only counts as one. Give it a try! It's a fun challenge with a reward.

KeriA

I just got back from one of our family ‘camping’ trips that we haven’t done since COVID. It is with those on my side of the family. Family being my siblings, nieces nephews, their spouses and grand nieces and nephews. I had forgotten we had already declutterd our camping supplies. In the process of getting rid of an old tent that wasn’t working for us the poles of the tent we decided to save got thrown out so we will be getting rid of that. Otherwise we did a good job. We need to put in some dishwashing supplies.

@Gisel2015 I am so sorry to hear about your car accident. Last fall another motorist neglected to clear himself making an unprotected left and shot out in front of my husband who had the right of way since he was going straight through the green light and his view of this other motorist was blocked by the cars in the left lane until it was too late to stop in time. He still has whip-lash. As a result we didn’t tent it on the family camping trip. We had to get a room in a nearby inn. Hence the quotation marks on the camping trip above. After many months the nerve damage is getting better and he still has heart issues he didn’t have before. Part of the issues was related to increased pain medications to deal with the whip-lash and other pains from the accident. We did go to the emergency room the 1st night but I am so sorry that you had to be hospitalized and go to a rehab center. Recovery takes time. Take care.

@Indee19 I love your game. Right now my youngest has a plan. So I just go with it. But I may need your game later or with my personal agenda for organizing my stuff.

I read all other posts about de-cluttering. I need to up my NEAT (non-exercise activity) so de-cluttering has that extra benefit for me too.

iradi8

@Gisel2015 Oh, my! I'm so sorry. I'm glad to hear you are home and recovering. I can't imagine how traumatic that must be. Take care.

Gisel2015

@RubyRed427; @iradi8; @KeriA
Thank you for your kinds words and get well wishes. I am doing the best I can but this is a lengthy and painful process since I have open wounds in both legs. The shock of the trauma is acting up and I have lots of body aches, and I am very tired and sleepy all the time; but happy to be alive. Of course, being 80 years old and sleeping in a recliner for several days, doesn't help either. Except for a 500mg acetaminophen capsule at night, I don't take any other pain medication so I am dealing with the pain with will power.
I read all the posts once in a while and I will join all of you once my body has healed. According to the trauma surgeon it may take up to three months for the lacerations on my legs to look "almost" normal. So I still have several more weeks to go.

cory17

@Gisel2015 Sending you prayers and healing thoughts for recovery.

@KeriA Still have my camping equipment from when I used to take my kids to Kings Cyn (20 yrs ago and would still like to go again). Hope you enjoyed lots of family bonding and interaction. Those are best memories.

Took bags of clothes and books and dvds and stuff to donation site. Finding OLD papers to shred and toss. Should have started this a long time ago.

StayFITTer

I hope we can revive the thread this month since we have 3 months left in 2024!


I pray that you all are taking good care of yourselves. Be encouraged and make it a great day.



The 3️⃣0️⃣ Day Declutter Challenge! 🧹


For the next 30 days, value your space over stuff!

Make an effort to get rid of things that no longer serve you.

Make this challenge work for you! Do you place items in a box each day and drop off for donations at week’s end?

Do you make it a point to toss something in the trash?

Share your tips, tricks and progress along the way.


30 day Declutter Challenge Starts on Wednesday, Oct 2nd

https://link.stridekick.com/join?groupCode=JVQYY3

I only have 3 slots left on this platform
But if you’re not interested, no worries!

Crochetluvr

I have a spare room in my apartment that has been a disaster area for over a year....you could barely walk inside and my anxiety over it was terrible. I was determined to do something about it before the holidays. So over the past two weeks I pulled stuff out into the living room until everything was off the floor. Then I used my new vacuum to do the carpet....hadn't run one in there in over a year. The dust cup had to be emptied a few times. Then I started rearranging the stuff on shelves and going through bins. And I found several things to donate including 4 Barbie dolls I collected years ago....they aren't worth what I though they would be so it's no great loss. And I found a few other things in the closet that my son's partner said the kids would like (they're too old for Barbie dolls now). And some knick knacks I no longer have any desire to keep. I still have a little more reorganizing to do, but now there is plenty of room to walk around in there and I feel very accomplished as a result.

Next, my bedroom needs attention....too much clutter. But it's not anywhere near as bad as the spare room. I will keep on.

Gisel2015

Hi everyone,
My wounds have finally healed. After 12 weeks of misery I am almost done, except for the nasty scars that will probably be a permanent reminder of what I went thru, but also of my survival and resilience. I wish I could "de-clutter" the scars. They don't make my happy so maybe Ms. Kondo has a trick up her sleeve.
I will post more as I gain strength and more interest in organizing and giving away things that I no longer need. Glad that this thread is still alive, and less keep the good work.
G.

RubyRed427

I can do the 30 day challenge.
I will remove one item per day and donate it. (Probably more)

This weekend, I plan on switching my wardrobe clothes- putting summer clothes away and getting out my fall clothes.
I am really happy because over the last year I lost 30 pounds and I will not be able to fit in some of my old, nice quality clothes that I saved.

Julieann404

It felt so good (warm and fuzzy feelings) to find a friend who was losing weight and could use some of my shirts that were really much too big. So I shipped 26 of them to her with a note that if they weren't her style or size, to pass them on. I kept my (now baggy) capri pants and wore them but next spring I'll have to buy a smaller size. Oh. But it's been interesting that I can even wear the same pants when I've lost 40 pounds. I don't remember them being tight...but.....!!!!! LOL

"STUFF": I generally donate it to either the church rummage sale (best year they ever had was when there was a move involved and we got rid of LOTS and LOTS and LOTS. LOL OR I find someone else who might want it. OR I make baskets out of similiar items and do a theme basket and donate it to a charity looking for items for their silent or ticket auction. That's fun:-)

RubyRed427

Julieann404 wrote: »

It felt so good (warm and fuzzy feelings) to find a friend who was losing weight and could use some of my shirts that were really much too big. So I shipped 26 of them to her with a note that if they weren't her style or size, to pass them on. I kept my (now baggy) capri pants and wore them but next spring I'll have to buy a smaller size. Oh. But it's been interesting that I can even wear the same pants when I've lost 40 pounds. I don't remember them being tight...but.....!!!!! LOL

"STUFF": I generally donate it to either the church rummage sale (best year they ever had was when there was a move involved and we got rid of LOTS and LOTS and LOTS. LOL OR I find someone else who might want it. OR I make baskets out of similiar items and do a theme basket and donate it to a charity looking for items for their silent or ticket auction. That's fun:-)

Nice! Pass it forward!

My post should have said now I CAN wear some of my old, lovely clothes from a few years ago.
I chuckled when you said "I don't remember them being tight." Same here.

Blueberries59

I've just stumbled over this discussion and it is inspiring! I have been avoiding the elephant in the house for some time. Minding my diet is my priority and takes a great deal of time, what with planning, cooking, and exercising, but surely I can find time to clear out one or two spots with weekend. I'll be back.

AdahPotatah2024

I found this book "Lose 200 pound this Weekend-It's time to declutter your life" by Don Aslett at the thrift store. I've got a box in my hallway I'm going to try to fill up this month..at least one item per day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaGK3fRA9n8
Quicker Cleaning With Don Aslett (VHS)

AdahPotatah2024

RubyRed427

@AdahPotatah2024 I'm loving watching Don's cleaning tips!
I just watched him clean his window; he uses Dawn dish soap in a bucket.
I can't wait to watch more later- and he's funny.

titus2cat

Happy to find this group. You all inspire me. I am 71 years old and moving from a bid house to a small townhome. Have been in the house 22 years and inherited a hoarder gene from my parents. Have to get this mess reduced by half amd be ready to move in one month. Yikes!!!
Today I started on my craft room. I donated10 big trashbags of yarn and 7 of fabric. I am still keeping way too much.
I have taken at least 20 boxes of books to the library. I am surprised by how happy it is making me to let go of stuff.

AdahPotatah2024

@RubyRed427 I wish I had a guy like that at my house!😄

Gisel2015

I need to watch that UT video!
A little bit at the time, and as I start feeling better and more motivated, I am doing more organization and cleanup..
1) I took more books to the library last week either as a donation or for recycling since some of them were outdated. They were in my list to do and on the backseat of my car when I had the accident, and my husband transferred them to his car and after three months begged me to "do something" about it. I did. Out of sight, out of mind.
2) I took to the donation center a small box with clothing items that are too worn out to donate/sell but that could be recycled. It is called “textile recycling.”
3) I also reorganized all the snail mail piling up on my desk, and I shredded what I didn't need or wanted.
4) On my to do list I added the organization of all the birthdays and greeting cards, and mailing labels that I get from organizations that I support. I also called several of these organizations and asked them to remove my name from their list. Some of them probably got my information from other sources. I am overwhelmed by the request of contributions, and by all the calendars, pens, cards, and other gifts that I keep receiving without my request. This is going to be a time-consuming chore but it has to be done.
5) During the summer I also did a lot of "deletions" of the e-files that were overloading my PC, and I cleaned up and organized my office drawers too.
Let's see how much I can accomplish before the holidays. I will keep all of you posted. And thank you to all of you posting in this thread and keeping it alive.
G.

RubyRed427

I had a productive weekend. After watching that cleaning video, I ordered the duster he advertised. The one that attracts dust due to static; it was fun dusting with it. I work top down- dust corners in the ceilings, dust the lights, blinds, furniture and then vacuum.

I also switched out my summer/spring clothes from my closet and put in my fall clothes. I also hate hanging sweaters because the hangers give the shoulder bumps. So, I hung my sweaters a different way. I made a donation bag with items I didn't wear at all this summer.

I made a list of other small projects to do this week like putting "sealer" on my granite counters including my bathroom counters that look like they need some sealant.
Wishing all a productive week!

AdahPotatah2024

I went through all my DVD movies, and put about 10 in the box...it is about full, 7 more items to go!😅

Gisel2015

I sold and donated a lot of old DVDs last year. I kept some that were important to me and my husband but I think that eventually they will have to go. The new cars don't have DVDs players and the player that I have at home than "used to" handle up to 5 at the time, is not working well and I can only play one at the time. So sad, that we have to give away or discard things that make us happy, just because new technology doesn't allow us to enjoy them.
G.

Ronnie_happy2ranch

@AdahPotatah2024 Don looks like he's from the Mister Roger's era! I can't imagine washing walls (or doing any housework) in a long sleeve sweater over a shirt and a tie!

Gisel2015

I finally watched Don's video. He does look and dresses like Mr. Roger, but the video may be from the last century. Just looking at the appliances and house decor tells me that it has been filmed probably in the late 70s or early 80s. I haven't heard of Spic and Span in a very long time; I thought that it was not available anymore.
I love the duster (he is using a very old type, the new ones are better), and I use it all the time. I got the one with a pole that stretches up to 6 feet and makes it easy to clean up baseboard, pictures, and even blinds. I got it in Home Depot. But since I have very high ceilings and my husband and I are very old, we let somebody else clean the vents and ceiling fans. He is younger and taller, but he still has to use a ladder.
My windows are too large for me or my husband to clean. We have a family-owned window cleaning service and they do a great job and are reasonable. They are much younger and I spare my twice operated shoulders letting them do the work. But I also noticed that the cleaners use soapy water to clean the windows so maybe they use Dawn. I will ask them.
I think that the video was fun, and some ideas and suggestion still apply. I will try to send it to some friends because I know that they will get a nice laugh watching it.
Thank you for posting it.

AdahPotatah2024

I'm glad you all enjoyed it, too! 🤗

Gisel2015

OK ladies, I will be posting some interesting websites to help us with our cleaning, organizing, de-clutering, etc.. plans. I am sure that most of us are already following the healthier steps; however, it is always good to be reminder of better ways to do things. Enjoy.

10 Old-School Housekeeping Habits That You Need To Break (https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/10-old-school-housekeeping-habits-that-you-need-to-break/ar-AA1sWA78?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=293077fe520546ba9ccb5212332b2cec&ei=19)

Gisel2015

These are secondhand clothing and house items for buying, donating and/or re-selling websites. I got this information from one of the local realtors monthly news letter.
I checked them online and the first one seems to have controversial reviews, but one can never trust all the posted comments. So just do your own research if you are interested. Most of them accept items for donation and for re-selling.
1) thredUP.com
2) GoodTwice.com This online store limited to women's clothing, shoes and accesories is run by Goodwill.
3) ebth.com (everything but the house)

AdahPotatah2024

I sold a few shoes and a jacket on Poshmark, but unfortunately I received more scammers than people interested in buying. It seemed to me, unless you really make it a job and are on there all the time, your items get lost in the abyss and not seen by many people. I like Etsy for vintage items or anything over 20 years old, though!

AdahPotatah2024

I'm just donating this month to Habitat for Humanity!

RubyRed427

Just cleaned out my sock drawer.
Dusted my bedroom. In the daylight, you see all the dust in the house, that I normally wouldn't see because I'm at work.
Time to get rid of dust collectors: shells from a favorite vacation, fake flowers in a vase.... It makes dusting so difficult when you have little things on your surface that you have to pick up.

Gisel2015

RubyRed427 wrote: »

Just cleaned out my sock drawer.
Dusted my bedroom. In the daylight, you see all the dust in the house, that I normally wouldn't see because I'm at work.
Time to get rid of dust collectors: shells from a favorite vacation, fake flowers in a vase.... It makes dusting so difficult when you have little things on your surface that you have to pick up.

@RubyRed427
I agree with you, keeping furniture and the rooms/house free of clutter makes it easier to clean.
I got my new car so I am going to clean up the garage today and put in the new auto the things that I took from the old one, but many things will go to Habitat for Humanity next week.
Now that I have a car, and I can drive myself everywhere, I am planning to stop by one of the clothing donation place to drop shorts and dresses that I will not be wearing in the future. The scars in my legs are really ugly, so I will only wear long pants from now on. I wish I could convince my husband to donate clothing that he is no wearing anymore. But that is a lost cause...
Have a nice Sunday everyone! G.