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

Sand_TIger

Gisel2015 wrote: »

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.

I'm glad you are healed! Good luck in continuing to meet your organization and strength goals. Scars may look unsightly but they are an important reminder - not of the trauma we went through but the fact that we are still here, we survived. At least, that's how I see it. Be well!

Gisel2015

Did any of you read the article below (link) claiming that black kitchen utensils should be discarded? What should be use in non-stick pans?

https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/news/throw-away-black-takeout-container-kitchen-utensils

Gisel2015

@Sand_TIger
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.
I am still dealing with flash backs of the accident and the problems that caused. The wounds have healed, but emotionally I am sometimes riding a roller coaster.

Sand_TIger

Gisel2015 wrote: »

Did any of you read the article below (link) claiming that black kitchen utensils should be discarded? What should be use in non-stick pans?

https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/news/throw-away-black-takeout-container-kitchen-utensils

I just now read it and it's good to know. I don't think any of my black utensils were made with recycled materials, usually if they are the fact is trumpeted to the heavens and made into a big selling point.

In regards to what I'd use for nonstick pans, I'd use plastic utensils of another color, wood, or silicone. There are some pretty good tools out there these days. :-)

Ronnie_happy2ranch

@Gisel2015 There are also many Facebook pages that are specifically for selling and/or donating items; there is one for the town I live in that is specifically for giving - I like that one because whoever wants an item has to come pick it up versus going to meet someone somewhere, so it makes it really easy to just leave it on your front porch or driveway for whoever wants it and you don't even have to be home at the time.

Gisel2015

@Ronnie_happy2ranch
Thank you for the information Ronnie. However, I am not in FB or any other type of social media, with the exception of MFP , so I can't use any of those services.
I have several places in my area that accept all type of donations. Many of them like Habitat for Humanity, will do pick up of heavy items and we have used that service several times.
I may have to call them again soon because we are changing the TV this week and the old one would be too heavy for my husband to lift it inside my SUV.

Lady_Magenta

I am so glad I found the original post today.

I have lost 23 pounds (still heavy as a whale 323 lbs) and the weight loss and my new very disciplined lifestyle (I don't take weight loss meds) seem to transform our home now.

I have started to declutter even though the MOTH (=Man of the house) is not on board (yet).
We have too much stuff and it's everywhere. Yes, it's clean but also overstuffed. Every drawer is full, every closet is full, and let's not talk about the garage or the attic, please.

Why do I hang on to clothes from 10 years ago? They don't fit anymore and if they will fit again, then I know I will have lost so much weight that I will buy new ones.

It's almost like I need everything around me in order now as well. Everything needs a home. I just finished Marie Kondo's book and while I will not do everything her way, so much has made sense.

"Does it bring me joy?" My new lifestyle feels good and it brings me joy. Overeating and binge eating, as well as emotional eating never brought me joy. Just a short high and one hour later I felt guilty and very low.

I made a long "I want to" list and went through every room in my mind. Today I tackled the laundry room and our coats. Wow, who needs so many jackets and coats? A nearby shelter has a coat drive, guess where I am going?

I hope the original poster is still around and she or he can see how much impact the post made. I needed it and it was there! Thank you for that.

SurferGirl1982

I'm holding on to the clothes that I have that are too small (and I still like). I only have about 35 lbs to lose right now. But, as the clothes become too big for me, I will put them in the donation bag!

AdahPotatah2024

Isn't it strange how clothes can become sentimental items? I gave away a lot of clothes that were Ill fitting or worn out this year. I have a little box, though, of jeans/tees from 25 years ago, a few of my ex husband's tee shirts, and a little bag of my daughter's baby clothes in the closet that I guess will be in my closet indefinately!
I saw at an antique store, recently, one mom probably in the 1940s, put her baby's crochet jumper in a glass case with her name on it to display on the wall.

Gisel2015

@Lady_Magenta
The last time that the OP was active in MFP was in December 2020, and her profile is not accessible anymore.

Gisel2015

Happy November everyone but darn the change of our clocks one hour back.
The weather has been nice and cooler, a great relief from the scorching summer heat that we had this year. Last week I decided to work in the garden instead of inside the house. It was a smart decision because when the winds start blowing working outside is out of the question.
I worked mostly with potted plants because the gardener takes care of the bulk of the garden. It is a big garden, and I am not.
I removed dry, wilted, dead summer plants, including some that were supposed to be perennials but changed their mind when the temperature got to 120F. Everything looks neat and seasonal now. I am not done yet, but I am happy and pleased with my accomplishments. I even got my husband to help me (his decision ), and that is a big plus!!!
I am in the process of selecting clothing that for whatever reason I will not be wearing anymore. But I have to make sure that I have new clothes to replace them. I am not a shopper, but I will have to visit some stores even if it kills me. Shopping online is not an option for me.
To my list to do I also added to re-organize the kitchen pantry. That will be quite a chore, but it has to be done a little bit at the time. I am feeling a little better lately and after three months of slow recovery it is a blessing. Working in the garden has been soothing and invigorating at the same time.
What have you completed already or what new chores have you added to your list?
Cheers to all, G.

titus2cat

I don’t buy clothes online either. I have to try things on. I think for every 10 things I try on, maybe one thing will be something I buy. Same with shoes. Try them on, walk around, make sure they are comfortable.

I admire an organized pantry. My d-i-l bought special clear jars and containers and her pantry looks like something you see in a magazine about organizing. My pantry is a jumble of cans and boxes and bags. I don’t even know where to start. When you do yours, please share before and after pictures.

Gisel2015

@titus2cat
I don't think that my pantry will ever look like your daughter in law's . I prefer to keep food items in their original containers, with some exceptions, because I like to have the name, cooking recommendation, and the nutritional information always available. Besides, I think that it is too much work cleaning up clear containers once they are empty before filling them up again. Cans, boxes, and bags can be disposed in the recycling bin.
I am also very short so all the items that I use very often are stored at the bottom shelves for easy access, so those shelves tend to be overcrowded. Besides, I can organize things but hubby and I have different interpretation about the meaning of "organizing..."
My goal is to have an organized and clean, messy pantry where I can find things easily. I know I am weird...

cory17

@gisele2015 Regarding your black plastic article - that is news to me - wondering about all my black p lastic utensils? have had them a long time and no clue if they contain or not. The thought of those types of chemicals leaching into my food though, ack. Going to discard and look for something else to use. I got rid of all the candles and artificially scented products years ago. Something else I don't want to worry about. Thank you for posting the link.

titus2cat

As I continue to fill boxes for donations as I unpack, I am pondering the question: How many winter coats and/or jackets does a person need?????

Gisel2015

titus2cat wrote: »

As I continue to fill boxes for donations as I unpack, I am pondering the question: How many winter coats and/or jackets does a person need?????

It depends where you live... ? I live in the desert area of S. California, so we don't need very heavy clothing during the winter, but I still keep a couple of winter coats for the very rare occasion of visiting the mountains or other colder states. Besides, I like the coats, I got them on sale and they fit me nicely which with my size is a blessing, so I will keep them for now.
But if you are planning to donate them, I think that other ladies would be very happy to have them. And, you will have more room in your closet.
Can you sell them online?

titus2cat

I am in the Virginia Blue Ridge mountains. Winters are cold, but only a few bitter days. Usually 2-4 snow events but not too heavy. You make me yhink I can justify keeping 2 favorite jackets and a long coat for church.

Ronnie_happy2ranch

titus2cat wrote: »

As I continue to fill boxes for donations as I unpack, I am pondering the question: How many winter coats and/or jackets does a person need?????

Thanks for this reminder; I'm in Colorado and I rarely wear a winter coat (can't say the same for previous years) but I still have several hanging in the closet. We have many organizations here that do annual coat drives for those less fortunate. I have at least 2-3 winter coats that I will be donating this week along with a multitude of various jackets and sweaters for less cold temperatures that I no longer wear but are like brand new (gifts).

titus2cat

I love pondering how our donations can bless other people. Like new sweaters and jackets are going to make new owners very happy!

I was looking at a used book site and saw a book called The House That Cleans Itself. I thought IF ONLY 😂