April 9 Weekly Challenge: Spring Declutterfest!
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themedalist wrote: »my husband loves to go to secondhand shops and acquire the things that people have decluttered and discarded. Lovely.
I took some boxes home, but I have not had a chance to declutter. It's something I will definitely work on, even if I can't get it done this week. My main goal is to "just say no!" No! I won't find some use for it later. No! It won't come in handy someday. No! I don't need to hang onto it "just in case." No, no, no!
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themedalist wrote: »I’m making good progress on the upstairs bedroom and already thinking about decluttering past this week. My basement also needs attention. I can pitch things that I’ve acquired over the years and let them go if I no longer have a need or want for them, but it’s much harder for me to let go of the things that my parents and inlaws have given my husband and me. Such as china. My mother has given me two sets of her china and they’ve stayed in the basement for 20 years. For women in my mother’s generation, I think their china set was among their most prized possessions? It defined entertaining. If you were having a dinner party, you brought out the good china.
I certainly remember Thanksgiving and Christmas meals with these dishes, but I don’t have a strong attachment. And something that has stayed in boxes for 20 years isn’t likely going to have a starring role in my life anytime soon.
My husband and I are both in our 50s and are fortunate to have our parents still living. And both sets of parents are actively decluttering and giving their children their possessions. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but it does stress me out. And I’m trying to embrace the principle that just because someone gives me one of their cherished possessions, doesn’t mean I have to keep it in my life.
Is anyone else struggling with this issue?
I have the same struggle. I remember the china coming out for entertaining. It was a big event if the china and silver came out. I remember those days as being so exciting because of company coming, etc. But you're right. When will I ever use it? I have a ton of things like that. I have things the kids and grandkids have given me also. I hate to not keep it because it means something to them to come see it displayed proudly somewhere (even if it is the basement). I think what I will do when I start tackling that kind of stuff (packed away in boxes now because I have no place to put any of it), is I will take a picture of the item and put together a photo album of all the treasures I received from my kids/grandkids. Then I can still look at it, but it will literally only take up the space of a photo album.
Great insights everyone! Thanks!4 -
I also realized while sitting at my desk today thinking about my goals and challenges for the day that decluttering is not just useful at home! Why on earth have I not decluttered my desk and file drawers here so I can find my crap when I need it!? I started this job 4 months ago and the person before me left all her files in the file cabinets for me. I have not needed one single thing. Yet, I keep them in there and try to find other places for the stuff I "do" use!
So...between today and tomorrow, I will be decluttering my desk. Man, will THAT ever feel good!
Have I mentioned lately that this is my favorite challenge? LOL!
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themedalist wrote: »......
My husband and I are both in our 50s and are fortunate to have our parents still living. And both sets of parents are actively decluttering and giving their children their possessions. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but it does stress me out. And I’m trying to embrace the principle that just because someone gives me one of their cherished possessions, doesn’t mean I have to keep it in my life.
Is anyone else struggling with this issue?
My parent's were both from the depression era so they never really decluttered things. So I was never given things that I didn't want.
But what I did get from my parents was learning how to collect my own stuff and clutter.
However that all began to very, very slowly change after my experience of helping to clean out my childhood home after my folks passed away. That was also when I became determined that my children would not wait till I died to get things that held special memories for them, or that they always used while living here and would like to have when they left. I learned from my above experience that things rust or break or just get yuky and old if just left for years without being used or even stored properly. Then they were no longer the things that I held in my memories as "special" at one time.
When each one of my children moved out of the house I asked them what they wanted to take with them. What surprised me was that everything they considered special to them and wanted I could easily live without or wasn't using. There was only one kitchen item that I still used all the time, and my son that liked it could easily purchase a strainer for himself. So I kept our original. I still use that same old Tupperware strainer lol. And sometimes I remember my children using it to drain their macaroni for their mac and cheese, or the vegetables
I told my children that I wanted them to have things now to use or enjoy while I was still alive, and not to have to connect the receiving it to the fact that I had died. Even now when I'm at their homes it is nice to see that they still have, and use the things they asked for. And they also have had the freedom to declutter some of those things over time too.
Now, when I have something I think one of them wants I'll text pictures to them to see if they want it. If not I send the picture to the other three, if no one wants it then it goes into the give away box. I don't want to clutter up their lives because I know how hard it is to declutter my own.
:flowerforyou:
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@OConnell5483, I like your suggestion to take a photo of the item. Possessions evoke memories and that’s why they are hard to part with. But a photograph can also do the same thing. And take up much less space. And you’re right, decluttering our offices will make it much nicer to be in there.4
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@texasgardnr, great idea to give your children things it now rather than later. Things that they love and would enjoy having in their lives. When my daughter gets back this Sunday, I’m going to talk to her about this. She’s not quite ready to set up her own house, but I think that will happen in the next few years.
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Today’s decluttering project: the linen closet. Oh, it was so bad before! Hard to find anything, with more things that had been given to us that were not being used. Three more trash bags of things to throw or recycle.
And bonus: It was a solid hour of moving around and going up and down stairs. A good aerobic workout!
I have a question for you. Declutterfest really is one of our most popular challenges. I find it very cathartic and calming. Losing extra fat made my body lighter. Losing extra stuff makes my life lighter. So.....is twice a year for Declutterfest the right frequency? Or 3 times a year? Or even quarterly? What would you prefer? Thanks!
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@themedalist I would like to do it quarterly, but that's just because it's my favorite challenge, and I don't always remember to do it. But if nobody else wants it that often, I can put my big girl pants on and try to remind myself! LOL
I decluttered a file drawer today at work next to my desk. I've been in the job 4months now and it really had a lot of stuff I will never use, left from the previous employee. I left there tonight feeling so much better and so much more organized! Whoop Whoop! 3 -
I saw an article on a site I frequent that had this statement above the article. "Your kids don't want your stuff." Bald, but true.
"And I'm trying to embrace the principle that just because someone gives me one of their cherished possessions, doesn't mean I have to keep it in my life." Absolutely.
After my Mom died, my Step-Dad insisted on giving me my Mom's sterling silver flatware. We never used it. In fact, I don't remember it ever being used when I was a kid. So all this time, it's been in it's nice wooden box. And it's not going to see the light of day now in 2018 either. Ha-ha. I do still have it, but every time I look at the box, I think I could be using that space for something I like. I think that will be my mission today to let it go. It does bring back memories of my Mom and life back in the 50's and 60's. But it's still just a thing-the memories are in my head and aren't going anywhere, I hope.
Saw an idea that I'm using when I found something that is difficult to let go. Take a picture of it. (I haven't read all the post here yet, so forgive me if this idea has been mentioned already) It's easier to let go then.
@AnnofB, I imagine it’s even harder to part with things that were important to the people who we’ve lost in our lives. But you’re right. If it’s not of sentimental value and it’s not being used, it’s a good candidate for moving on.
Taking a picture is a great idea!2 -
@themedalist, I also would like for us to do the Declutterfest quarterly, because it is also my favorite challenge . It is a lot more fun to declutter together! And there is a lot of sharing of ideas, and what we are learning or experiencing that goes on also. And that is so helpful and important, as well as encouraging.
I am really enjoying reading and learning from the various posts you all have been writing. Thank you for sharing!
I'm taking a break from the yard and garden this weekend, and I'm back to my indoor Declutterfest project - my closet and part of my bedroom adjacent to the closet. I began the first round of sorting through books today.
I took a picture of two books about organic gardening/ attracting butterflies books that I thought one of my sons might like since they are planning to landscape and begin a garden in the near future. He texted back no thank you, he already has what he needs! Into the donation box they went. I like that they can say no, even when the books have such pretty pictures, and and the layout of information is well done! Why do you think I have kept them around this long :laugh: .
:flowerforyou:5 -
I did it! The quilt that's been hanging around is no longer. I finished it today and it's now ON my bed instead of IN my studio. It's the first quilt I finished for our own bed.
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I did it! The quilt that's been hanging around is no longer. I finished it today and it's now ON my bed instead of IN my studio. It's the first quilt I finished for our own bed.
It’s beautiful, @bcTRA! Congrats on finishing something that’s taken you many hours, and I’m sure sweat and tears, to complete. ON your bed is much more satisfying than IN your studio.
CONGRATULATIONS!!3 -
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Thanks for the compliments guys. Today has been a little purge. Got rid of those three boxes plus some other things.
before and then, after.
Still more to do in that room but it's a start and now I'm babysitting my granddaughter.
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That is one beautiful quilt!1
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@themedalist
“I have a question for you. Declutterfest really is one of our most popular challenges. I find it very cathartic and calming. Losing extra fat made my body lighter. Losing extra stuff makes my life lighter. So.....is twice a year for Declutterfest the right frequency? Or 3 times a year? Or even quarterly? What would you prefer? Thanks!”
Hi! I’d do the declutterfest at least every other month. Doing this can help us to 1) reduce our stress, 2) organize & prioritize things that need our attention, 3) provides opportunities for purposeful movement, 4) helps our homes be more nourishing and peaceful, 5) helps others through our donations & gifting of things we no longer need/love, 6) makes it easier to cook, shop for food, get dressed in the morning, have guests and extended family over, find financial items, locate almost anything, 7) deal gradually with our past, and the biggest reason for me: the cleared spaces enable us to identify & foster new interests!!4 -
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I’ve really enjoyed your thoughtful comments. D
Here’s what I’ve been up to since April 6.
* emptied, cleaned, and re-Marie Kondo’d my bathroom drawers, re-using some small containers I saved (as she insightfully recommends doing until you are all done). Got rid of 20 items (Gave to a friend..nail polish) & Goodwill I always find this SO relaxing.
* Got rid of 6 articles of clothing & a bag (Goodwill) DONE
* Got rid of 8 VHS (Goodwill) and several CD storage units that no one wanted DONE
* Moved all yoga & exercise equipment to a room I cleared about 8 months ago. Added some decorative, calming touches. Love it! DONE
* (Best part is when I was working in garage I found the handles that work with the weights I found when clearing guest room hutch LOL)!
* Cleared decorative objects from a desk/hutch into bins, in preparation for creating a functioning, pleasant guest room. DONE
* Moved books that had gravitated to our bedroom & the ones that were in new Guest Room to main bookshelf. Went through all. Gave away 6 books. Re-organized shelves by themes, tallest to shortest. DONE
* Organized prescriptions and blood pressure cuff etc in re-used pretty boxes, so they are more hidden & not in bathroom. DONE
*Dusted, purged, minimized items on bedroom bookshelf & items spilling off of it! DONE
Marie Kondo top drawer of bedroom dresser. DONE 4/11
Spent over an hour removing cobwebs, deeply cleaning both utility sinks, 1/2 filled a large garbage bag & got hubby to “add a few items” DONE
Found & got hubby to go through a bag that was mostly trash. Tossed 98%. DONE
Went through my microns to pitch the dried out ones and sorted my sticker supply by type DONE
By 4/15:
1. Declutter a catch-all small bookshelf at front door.
2. Finish thorough Decluttering of our bedroom. Goal: a Zen-like Space! The biggest job: Finish all papers/office gear. 4/10: made a lot of progress 4/11 still working on them 4/12-4/13 working on old & current medical 4/14: finishing up
3. Figure out how to store what I need out of sight.
4. Clear dresser top.
1/2 DONE 4/11
I was never like this until I read her book. It’s so easy now to put things away & just do these little “revisits” now. I’ve grown to REALLY like having everything organized!
Thanks again!!5 -
@bcTRAI Nice job! I struggle with decluttering books because I don't want to part with any of them! You did a great job with that area
@MadisonMolly2017 Holy cow! What a list! You took this challenge to a whole new level! I'm going to have to read this Marie Kondo book you speak of.
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@OConnell5483 yes, it truly is life-altering!2
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@bcTRAI, what an amazing transformation in that room! The before and after difference is stunning. You’ve had quite the successful week with finishing your beautiful quilt and decluttering that room. Congrats....lots of hard work, but I bet you feel great!2
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@MadisonMolly2017....WOW, that is quite the list of accomplishments. I also like how you’ve listed “DONE” after each item. That’s a mini celebration for accomplishing that activity, and celebrations and rewards are important.
Regarding Marie’s book, you, @77tes, and @nebslp have been so enthusiastic that I’m purchasing the Kindle version this morning. My goal is to have read it and be implementing her strategies before our Summer Declutterfest. BTW, you gave some wonderfully compelling reasons for decluttering more often. I’d like to get a little more feedback before deciding on a schedule, but we will be having this challenge more often!3 -
I purposefully chose to rerun 3 of our previous challenges in April to give me some extra time to work on enhancing what will be our focus in May: Sit Less Boot Camp! If you are unfamiliar with Boot Camp, it’s a 21 day Challenge to help us make sitting less and moving more part of our daily routine: a habit! If you’ve participated in previous Boot Camps, I’ve added some new challenges and have strengthened the links to make sitting less truly a habit change. I am very excited about Version 2.0 of Sit Less Boot Camp!
Next week, on April 23, I will be publishing a blog post promoting Boot Camp here on MFP. I would really appreciate a quick 15 second help from you to get the word out. I can’t get the word out by myself...I need your help please.
But for now, check out our brand new video promo!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RHNAynWku9I 2 -
Great video! I will be happy to help get the word out! I'm looking forward to the May Sitting Less challenge. 1
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It isn’t perfect and there’s still a lot to do, but I made a lot of headway on the upstairs bedroom this week and that makes me very happy!
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@themedalist That looks really nice! Isn't it a good feeling?
I thought of another declutter I need to do one of these challenges...I need to clean up my laptop! Always say I'm going to but never do.4 -
My bedroom and closet are clutter pits. I'm going to declutter them as I have time, with the reward of allowing myself to buy a new bedding set. The current one is falling apart:)5
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@themedalist Looks great!! And yes the DONE is my motivator/reward!!
@OConnell5483 Yes, laptops are tough. One idea I’ve seen is an “Amnesty” concept. You put everything in a folder. And then go zero inbox, ie, all emails deleted or filed each day. (You can always go back in to the Amnesty folder if there is something important.)
@littlebear0121 I hear you! I like doing this in categories, but I also do Flylady.net’s 27 Fling Boogie, 15 minute clutterbust, and/or start at one point in the room and move clockwise...this insures that you don’t skip the same spot each time! Good to have a reward.2 -
Wow! You are all doing amazing work! @bcTRA, your quilt is beautiful!! I think my decluttering week starts today. I’m still a little overwhelmed from getting back from my trip last weekend, attending 2 days of bluebird convention, and then my granddaughter’s birthday party yesterday. I’m still searching for the items I took out of my wallet and purse before going to Paris. They have just disappeared and I’m beginning to think I’m going a bit daffy in the head. Seriously!!! I’ve looked everywhere I can think of. I’m sure I’ll run across it if I keep decluttering. I just hope it didn’t go to Goodwill4
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Beautiful quilt! Thanks for posting.1
